"No!"Maya screamed in anger as she threw down objects on the table.Sophia rushed to her, holding her hands to prevent her from further destroying things."Leave me alone!" She yelled, pushing Sophia hard to the ground."What is wrong with you Maya? Why are you so mad? Will you kill yourself over someone who does not care about your plot towards her and wants to avoid you at all cost?""Is that the best you can say now? Are you going to be on Emma's side or my side?""That is not what I mean and I know you understand. I am not supporting her. I am your friend so I am on your side.""So why are you stopping me. Let me vent my frustration.""You can but please don't do it in my house. You just broke some of my precious babies.""Gosh! You're unbelievable, Sophia.""I don't have a rich second father that will foot my bills so please don't ruin the things in my house." Sophia put on a pleading look, begging Maya to stop destroying things and to quench her anger."I will pay for the damag
Emma pushed open the door to Adriel's study, intending to discuss some urgent matters with him.She met his personal assistant standing in the study and discussing with Adriel.He turned to see who would just walk in and was about to scold the person.He knew nobody had the nerves to open the door to his boss study when he was in. They had to knock first so who was just going to push the door open without knocking?His eyes widened in shock as Emma entered, his gaze darting between her and Adriel, who was not sitting in his wheelchair."Ma'am, wait!" He exclaimed, his voice laced with panic. "You should not be here right now!""It's not what you think about him. He is actually just relying on a support fixed on his legs to stand.""Oh really? I can see his legs are fine." Emma chuckled when she saw him try so hard to cover for his boss.Adriel, however, remained calm, a hint of a smile on his face. "It is okay, Alex. She knows the truth.""How did...?" stuttered, he looked from Adrie
Emma woke up the next morning to prepare for work. She took a morning bathe and slipped into a knee length gown before going downstairs.The light in the kitchen was turned on and she wondered who was inside. Was it the housekeeper? But she never woke up this early. Emma's curiosity got the better of her, and she slowly approached the kitchen, wondering who could be up so early. She did not even think it was Adriel. Adriel never woke up so early. He could stay up late to do his stuff but not waking up so early.As she entered, she was surprised to see Adriel sitting at the table, sipping a cup of tea. He looked up and caught her gaze, a hint of a smile on his face."Good morning," he said, his voice low and husky. "You're here so early today."Emma felt a flutter in her chest, taken aback by his unexpected presence. "Good morning," she replied, trying to sound casual. "I could say the same about you. What brings you here so early?""I just couldn't sleep and decided to come down fo
Adriel's voice was laced with worry as he spoke to Emma, who was lying limp in his arms. "Hold on, dear. We'll be there soon."Mark, the driver, sped through the streets, weaving in and out of traffic. Adriel's eyes were fixed on Emma's pale face, her eyes closed as she struggled to breathe.After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the hospital. Adriel felt he should just leap out of the car, carrying Emma into the emergency room but he could not, he was lame and everyone believed that. So he waited for the driver to open the door and carry Emma out. He helped himself on his electronic wheelchair through the other door.The medical staff rushed to attend to her, ushering Adriel into a waiting room.He paced back and forth, his mind racing with thoughts of what could be wrong with Emma. He couldn't shake off the feeling that this was more than just a coincidence."I haven't seen her this way before and she didn't look sick this morning or when I met at her home this evening."
"Good morning.""Good morning, Adriel. Thank you for yesterday."Emma walked in to the living room to meet Adriel seated on the sofa."You don't have to thank me for it. It is what I should do.""Oh, aren't you going to work today?" She asked when she looked at her watch to see it was past the time he left for work."I don't think I would go today. I would just stay behind and watch you.""But I am fine now.""I didn't say you aren't fine. I just want to make sure you don't go to work and do anything stressful.""You can have your staff watch over me. You shouldn't mix business with pleasure."There was a glint of sadness in Adriel's eyes for a while but he covered it quickly with a smile."Besides, you still need to find out who is behind your troubles. Shouldn't you?""Of course, I should." "I will get my assistant to come over to help you with anything you need.""I am absolutely fine and I can handle myself so you don't have to worry about anything."Adriel nodded and left off to
Adriel sat in his office, staring out the window as his mind was filled with the growing emotions churning inside him. Emma had been on his mind nonstop, her captivating smile and piercing eyes haunting him like a ghost. He could not deny the strong attraction he felt towards her, but a nagging voice in his head questioned if it was true.Was it genuine, or was he simply blown and taken away by her outward appearance and then her brilliance?As he pondered this, his phone buzzed, breaking the spell. It was an unknown number. He did not pick it up the first time as it had no caller ID. It rang the second time and while he wanted to pick it, his door opened.He looked up to see who had opened the door.There was a sharp click clock of a lady heels. She walked directly towards Adriel on his chair."Long time no see, Adriel baby."It was Harper Smith, Adriel's good friend."I was wondering who had the right to walk into my office without knocking or going through my secretary but it tu
"I just thought the name sounded familiar.""Really? There are a lot of people who bear the same name as her. And come to think of it, you are a star, star Harper so you must have met someone who bears the same name as my wife.""That's true." Harper nodded, agreeing with Adriel."Can I see her? I mean, I want to pay a visit to your home and say hi to your wife.""You can come see her anytime you want to. I will be glad to introduce her to you."Adriel returned back to his work on his desk. Harper would not give up and drew close to his side."Aren't you going to introduce me to her?""Didn't you hear me just say you can come see her and I would introduce her to you?""You said I can come see her anytime and my anytime is today. I want to see her today."Adriel raised a brow, looking at her suspiciously."Oh please, I won't make trouble for her. I just want to see her in person.""Okay but you can see I am busy with work right now.""It's fine, I would wait until you are done with wor
"We have a date tomorrow. Martha is going to help you get ready."Adriel's word kept ringing in Emma's head. Ever since he told her about it, Emma had not been too settled.She had gotten the dress and everything she needed."I just don't like a gathering of too many people. Why must I go with Adriel?"Emma's hands trembled slightly as she applied her lipstick. She was getting ready for her first formal date with Adriel, and her nerves were on edge. She took a deep breath and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was styled perfectly, and her red gown hugged her curves in all the right places. She felt like a princess, and she could not wait to see Adriel's reaction.Just then, the doorbell rang. Emma's heart skipped a beat as she made her way to the door. She opened it to find Adriel sitting there, looking dashing in his tuxedo. His eyes widened as he took in her appearance, and Emma felt a flutter in her chest."You look stunning, Emma," Adriel said, his voice low and h
The room went silent and a took a long while before someone may as small as the sound of tapping the finger. “Errm…erm…we don't have to bring that up now.” Mr Carlos coughed, “I am sorry but I had to. I had to bring it up to explain my condition to everyone.” Adriel had a half sinister apologetic look on his face. Darwin's parent mother and stepdad were seated there.“Don't think you can put my son in jail after coming up with some stupid pile of evidence against him.” Maria, Darwin's mother spat out.Adriel had expected this. She was as evil as her son and would not back down easily. But in all, Adriel had the victory. Mr Carlos cleared his throat, making every other whisper in the dinning hall stop. “It is a beautiful evening to enjoy a beautiful dinner so let us enjoy it as a united family should. What has happened has happened. It is already in the past. One has to pay for his crime and bear the weight of the consequence of his actions.” He paused for some kind of effect,
“Don't keep me waiting, Harper. Just tell me now.” Harper grinned mischievously, enjoying the suspense. "Oh, Emma, you're so impatient! Can't you just savor the moment?" Emma rolled her eyes, laughing. "Savor the moment? You're killing me, Harper! Just spill the beans already!" Harper chuckled, taking a seat next to Emma on the couch. "Okay, okay. But first, let me ask you... how's married life treating you?" Emma's face lit up with a radiant smile. "It's amazing! Adriel is an incredible husband. I'm so grateful to have him." Harper's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That's so wonderful! I'm thrilled for you both. And speaking of thrilling news..." Emma's eyes narrowed, her voice playful. "Harper, don't tease me! Tell me already!" Harper giggled, stalling for a moment longer. "Okay, fine. But you have to promise not to freak out." Emma's hands flew up in exasperation. "I promise, I promise! Just tell me!" Harper took a deep breath, a sly grin spreading across her face. "I am
“Oops! My bad! I shouldn't be here.” Harper turned around, closing the door slightly. Adriel’s growling voice called her back. “Harper, stop right there.” “What do you want me to do? You shouldn't call me back in, just continue with whatever you were doing.” Emma kept nudging Adriel to stop as she was dying of embarrassment. “You already ruined the moment, Harper. Why did you have to rush in here?” “But it's Emma's room, not yours? I thought she would be the only one in. I didn't expect to see that scene.” The three stood awkwardly in the room. After a moment, Harper coughed, breaking the silence. “Alright, I am sorry about rushing in. I didn't expect to see you in.” “Well, I heard the news that happened in my absence and I rushed over to come see Emma. I haven't seen or spoken to her in a while after my impromptu trip outside the country.” Emma broke free from Adriel and drew Harper into a hug. “Thank you, Adriel.” “For what, Emma?” Harper asked, smiling and embracing he
“You look startled, babe.” Adriel whispered in Emma's ear as they were almost outside the hospital doors. “It is taking a while for me to take in everything that has just happened. It is quite ridiculous, isn't it?” “Do you feel well?” Adriel asked when he saw her scrunch up her nose in disgust. “I am fine, babe. I am just a little tired from all the happenings recently.” She yawned, covering her hand with her palm. “It is all over now and so you don't have to worry.” “Are you saying Darwin is not going to escape again?” “You can't trust me on that, babe. I have got the detective and his men around. He can't escape. Since he is not remorseful or repentant, he has to face the consequences of his actions and the law.” “Are you going to press charges, babe?” “Don't you want me to?” “I do but I just thought when I looked at you, you still have a little feeling for him and hoped he would change.” “Well, he is never going to change. That's the kind of person my brother is and I c
Emma sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on the TV as she flipped through channels. Adriel had been gone for a while, and she was getting anxious. She needed a distraction. Suddenly, a breaking news headline caught her attention: "Breaking News: Carlos's Son Involved in Fatal Accident" Emma's heart skipped a beat as she turned up the volume. "...Details are still coming in, but sources close to the investigation confirm that Darwin, the son of wealthy businessman Carlos, was involved in a severe car accident earlier today," the news anchor said, her voice grave. Emma's eyes widened as she listened, her mind racing with thoughts of Adriel and the danger he might be in. "The accident occurred on Highway 12, where Darwin's car lost control and crashed into a tree. Witnesses report that the car was traveling at high speeds before the accident." Emma felt a chill run down her spine as she watched the footage of the wreckage on TV. It was a miracle anyone had survived. "Darwin is curr
Adriel's fingers traced gentle circles on Emma's bare skin, his touch sending shivers down her spine. They lay together in bed, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow on their relaxed faces. Emma's eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting Adriel's, and she smiled lazily. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice husky from sleep. Adriel's lips curved into a tender smile. "Good morning, my love." Emma's hand drifted up to his cheek, her fingers tracing the sharp jawline. Adriel's eyes closed, his face tilting into her touch. They lay there for a moment, basking in the warmth of each other's presence. Slowly, Adriel's eyes opened, his gaze burning with intensity. Emma's heart skipped a beat as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of love. As they deepened the kiss, Emma's arms wrapped around Adriel's neck, pulling him cl
“Mom! How can you let dad arrest me alongside that man? I don't know anything about his grudges with dad.” "I don't anything and why he keeps dragging me into all of this. We only met a few times and not to plot anything evil. Please mom, listen to me. Mr Lucas had come to see Maya. She was the only one who was willing to see Maya now. She could not just abandon her as she was the daughter she raised from childhood so it was not easy. She had a pitiful look on her face. “He doesn't want to believe anything you have to say. The fact that he saw you with him was enough to tell him everything. You know how hard your father can be right?” “That is still not enough reason, mom.” She pouted, showing teary eyes. She had been in detention and now it seemed like her stay in the correctional center will be more than just detention now. “Oh, okay! I get it now! It is because I am not his real daughter and neither am I your real daughter. That is why it feels so easy to throw me into the
With newfound determination, he sprang into action.Mr. Lucas called his trusted assistant, Thompson, and instructed him to track down Miguel's whereabouts.Thompson quickly got to work, using his resources to locate Miguel. He soon discovered that Miguel was at a private meeting room in a downtown high-rise, accompanied by Maya.The room was enclosed, with no windows, making it difficult to gather more information without being detected. Mr. Lucas's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications of Miguel and Maya's secret meeting.“He is together with Maya and it is quite a heavily guarded place.”“So what are you waiting for? I want you to storm in there. I don't care if the place is heavily guarded. We have some solid evidence from Maya’s call recording in this house so nothing can go wrong.”“Alright, sir. I will get to work now.”“You had better do so. Don't come back to me without the news of his arrest or detainment.” He said and hung up on the call.Mr Lucas was already
Adriel turned as he watched her walk in.“She is not ready to go down without a fight. I am going to give it to her too.”Adriel's hands moved quickly as he picked his phone to dial a familiar number, his mind still reeling from the encounter with Darwin. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered long after he left the prison."Lawrence, it's Adriel. I need to see you now," he said, his voice firm and urgent."Adriel, what's wrong? You sound like you've seen a ghost.” his lawyer replied, concern etched in his voice."It's Darwin. I just got back from visiting him in prison, and I am more convinced than ever that he is a menace. I want to press charges, Lawrence. I want to make sure he pays for what he has done."There was a pause on the other end of the line before Lawrence spoke up. "Adriel, we have been over this. We need to be careful. I have my advice as a legal practitioner for us to tread carefully.“Your stepmother, I mean, Darwin's mother is a powerful woman, a