Faith convinced Anthony to let her stay in the company. She liked working, and the thought of staying home and not doing anything made her feel useless. She wanted to keep earning money whether she needed it or not. Anthony was reluctant at first but agreed eventually. He didn't want to make her feel like he was trying to control her.
There was going to be a charity ball where Faith was invited to. She hadn't told anyone about her and Anthony's marriage, so it was nerve-wracking to walk around with that secret. She avoided talking to most of her coworkers, especially Mark, who occasionally tried to ask her out again.
"Of course you are going," Anthony said after seeing her hesitation.
"But Anthony, it's uncomfortable for me to talk to everyone! I feel like I am deceiving them," Faith winced.
"So? You don't owe them anything. Just act normal like you always do. I am your boss, and you are my employee. What's there to be uncomfortable about?" Anthony raised
Anthony stood there and watched Mark approaching Faith. Jealousy burned through his brain, and he could hardly contain himself, but he couldn't have an outburst in the middle of a company event. He was the owner of the company, and it wouldn't look good for his reputation. Besides, Mark hadn't done anything other than being flirtatious. But that was enough to enrage Anthony. Mark doesn't get to look at Faith that way. She was his, whether she admitted it or not. It seems like it was time to stop playing this pretend game and claim what's his. Anthony stormed toward them and interrupted their conversation. Mark was already on guard as he saw the big boss approaching. At least he knew his place, Anthony thought. "Mr. DeMarco, good evening," Mark let out a nervous laugh. "Mr. Paterson," Anthony cleared his throat. "I see you have been keeping my wife company. That's nice of you," he said. Faith looked like the whole world came crashing on her. He
Faith refused to speak or look at Anthony the next day. Anthony took her home right after, just as Faith told him. She hopped in the shower and tried to wash off the humiliation Anthony made her feel. He knew there was no point in asking for her forgiveness yet as she was too angry. He messed things up again."What's with you two?" Mary asked in the morning after watching them for several minutes. They were not looking at each other or talking."Nothing. Finish your breakfast and get ready for school," Faith said curtly.Mary didn't say anything else. She knew better than to get involved.Faith didn't speak to him during the car ride to work. She almost told him not to worry about taking her to work, and she'd instead find her own ride. But she stopped since Anthony never listened to her anyway."Faith, I apologize for my behavior last night. I was out of line," Anthony broke the silence and reached for her hand, but she snatched it away."I
Anthony looked at Faith's pale face as she absent-mindedly painted on her canvas. His heart clenched. He didn't mean to make her feel like she was a prisoner at his house. He intended to make her happy. He cleared his throat to get her attention. Faith looked up and set her brush down but didn't say anything. She hasn't been speaking to him properly, and it drove Anthony crazy. "I just...I wanted to see if you'd go to dinner with me tonight," Anthony asked. "Sure, whatever you say," Faith replied absent-mindedly. Anthony moved closer and put his hand on her back. "How long will you stay mad at me?" he leaned down and whispered into her neck. "I'm not mad at you," Faith said. She softly moaned as he traced the waistband of her jeans and trailed his fingers up to her stomach. "Liar. You hate me, and I can't stand it," he hugged her from behind and kissed her neck. Faith trembled but didn't push him off. "I don't hate you," she wh
Anthony cleared his throat. "Faith, I would like you to meet my older brother, Phillip DeMarco Jr.," he said. Phil looked at the woman in front of him. At first glance, she didn't seem anything special. She was not a remarkable beauty like Anthony's previous Fiancée. "Hello," Faith said and smiled shyly. A sweet melodious voice, Phil thought. He looked at her closely. She may not be a conventional beauty, but there was something pure and organic about her. She had these big, expressive eyes and dark, long hair that reached down to her waist. Her lips looked soft and delicate. There was a certain softness about her presence. The longer you look at her, the more beautiful she seems. She almost seemed very...maternal. This must be what attracted Tony, Phil thought. Anthony had always craved their mother's attention, but for some reason, she never gave him the time of day. She hired several nannies and left him to them. Phil couldn't remember the
Faith tied her hair in a messy bun and put on a robe, then sat at the edge of the bed. Then she patiently waited for Anthony to finish what he was doing in the bathroom. She wasn't used to someone pampering her, so she didn't know how to feel about it. She had always been the caretaker, not the other way around. And she was still mad about Anthony's possessive and jealous attitude earlier. He couldn't even trust his own brother! That wasn't even the main problem. The problem is that he didn't trusther, but she decided to give him a chance to make it up to her anyway. Anthony came back to the bedroom and smiled at her. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked into his deep blue eyes, and she forgave him already. Dammit. He suddenly scooped her off the bed and proceeded to carry her to the bathroom. "What are you doing? I have legs." Faith threw her head back and laughed. "Those beautiful legs aren't touching the gro
Anthony watched Faith stiffen. She was still sitting on the bed. He washed his hand and quickly got back to his wife. "Hey, what's the matter? Did I offend you?" he placed his hand on the back of her head and stroked her wet hair. Faith shook her head. "No, I'm okay." "Good, because I'm not done with you yet," Anthony smirked and picked her up in his arms. Faith's cheeks turned red in response and she buried her face in his shoulder. He lay her in bed and removed her towel. Faith's face and neck were flushed red. She still wasn't used to Anthony staring at her naked. "I wasn't going to do anything other than pampering you, but you've fanned the flame now, Faith." He placed his hand between her legs and stroked her. She shivered slightly. So sensitive, this girl. He positioned himself between her legs. He knew he shouldn't be making love to her without protection, but he wanted to feel everything inside her. It was like an addiction. An
Faith couldn't stop thinking about what Phil said earlier. Why did he tell her to watch her back from Anthony? Was he just being vindictive? Faith wondered. But it didn't make much sense. If Phil was the one who did Anthony wrong, then he should be apologetic, not vindictive. Guess he wasn't a nice man. But then again, neither was Anthony some days. He was sweet and kind to her but, at the same time, overbearing and controlling. He gave her everything she wanted and more, but at what cost? She couldn't sit by and wait. She has to ask because she had every right to as his wife. Time to pay her husband a visit, Faith thought to herself. She went to the kitchen and prepared to make him lunch. If she was going to interrogate Anthony, the least she could do was to bring him a nice lunch. She didn't want to seem like she was trying to attack him. She made a sandwich because it was quick and easy and some side salad. Then headed to hi
Anthony watched Faith's reaction as he finally told her about his dark past. Her eyes were dark and her face twisted into a frown. He didn't even tell her everything yet. He didn't know if he should or not."Say something," he said grimly as she wasn't speaking."How...who killed her?" Faith asked.She was trembling slightly. She must be shaken up after hearing his story."Her death was ruled as suicide, but I knew she was murdered. She would never kill herself. She wasn't that kind of person," Anthony said. "Though everyone claimed she did it because I got in the way of her and Phil."Faith cleared her throat. "You don't know if she was murdered. Maybe she did kill herself. What if she was depressed about Phil and...""NO!" Anthony cried out. He braced himself as he saw Faith get startled at his outburst. He quickly softened his tone. "She was murdered. I am sure of it. And I think Phil had something to do with it."Faith gasped. "Yo
Phil squeezed Jodie's hand reassuringly as they walked into the adoption agency, both of their hearts beating fast with anticipation.The receptionist smiled at them. "Ah, you must be Lisa's two o' clock. Please have a seat."Jodie and Phil sat down, their eyes scanning the room, taking in the various brochure and adoption pamphlets.After a few minutes, a woman appeared from a door at the back of the room "Mr. and Mrs. DeMarco? Please follow me. I'm your adoption specialist." She led them into a private room.Jodie and Phil were nervous, but they answered all her questions as honestly as possible, telling Lisa about their backgrounds, jobs, and home life. Lisa listened carefully, taking notes as they spoke."It sounds like you two would make excellent parents," she said. "I think we can find a child who would be a great fit for your family.""Really?" Jodie's eyes lit up."Yes, there's an orphanage I'd like you both to visit. I'm sure they'd be thrilled to have you there," Lisa said.
Two years later,Phil nearly groaned as Jodie presented yet another ridiculous home decor in front of him."What the heck is this?"He demanded.Jodie smiled proudly. "It's a wall hanging made entirely out of recycled bottle caps! Isn't it amazing?"Phil rolled his eyes. "It's a bunch of garbage glued together. How is that amazing?"Jodie's pouted. "You just don't understand art."Phil laughed. "Oh really? Is that what it is?"Jodie narrowed her eyes, sensing Phil's sarcasm. "Yes, it is. And it's also environmentally friendly. I think it's a great addition to our home."Phil shook his head. "I'm all for being eco-friendly, but that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice style and taste.""Stop being so grouchy all the time," Jodie snapped."I'm not grouchy.""Yes, you are!" Jodie argued."No, I'm not." Phil shook his head."Yes, you are."Phil sighed. He could never win an argument against Jodie. "Fine, maybe I am a little grouchy. But can you blame me when you keep bringing home these...u
"OH MY GOD!" Jodie screamed as soon as Phil carried her inside his loft."What?" Phil scowled and put her down."This is the ugliest place I've ever seen! No wonder you wanted to hire me as your interior decorator."Phil groaned. "Jodie, I was joking when I said that and this place isn't the bad.""Oh no? Then why does it look like a dungeon?" Jodie gestured to the dark walls and minimal furniture. "And what is with that couch?""It's comfortable," Phil defended."Comfortable? It looks like a block of ice!" Jodie shook her head. "We need to start from scratch. New paint, new furniture, new everything."Phil sighed. "Fine, but we are not making the place look like a unicorn threw up on it."Jodie grinned. "I was joking about that too. Trust me, Phil. I'll make this place look like a palace." "Alright, my queen. You can do all that later. Now can we get on with our wedding night?" He smirked.Jodie rolled her eyes playfully. "Patience, my king. Let me just light some candles and put on
Phil and Jodie stood at the altar, holding hands as they exchanged vows."I, Phil, take you, Jodie, to be my lawfully wedded wife," Phil said, looking deeply into Jodie's eyes. "I promise to love, cherish, and support you in all you do. I promise to be there for you in good times and in bad, and to always be your partner and best friend."Jodie's eyes filled with tears as she repeated the same words back to him. They exchanged rings and sealed their love with a kiss, surrounded by their family and friends.After the ceremony, they walked hand in hand to the reception, where a live band was playing and everyone was dancing and having a good time. Jodie's vision for the décor had come to life, with elegant white and gold accents throughout the room.As they sat down for dinner, Jodie leaned over to Phil and whispered, "I can't believe we're actually married.""I know," Phil said, beaming at her. "I'm already regretting my decision," he joked.Jodie playfully punched his arm. "Too late n
"So, what did Phil say?" Faith asked Jodie later that day. "He said he would be my sugar daddy," Jodie said in a daze. Faith's eyes turned wide, but then she laughed. "What? I meant, what did he say about your illness?" Jodie blushed. "Oh, right. He was really sweet and understanding about it. He said he wanted to be there for me and that we'll face it together if it came to that. It was actually really nice to hear," Jodie said, a small smile appearing on her face. Faith smiled back. "I'm glad he's being supportive. You deserve someone who will be there for you, no matter what." Jodie nodded. "Yeah, I know. And I'm starting to think that maybe Phil could be that person." Faith raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're considering him as a serious option?" Jodie shrugged. "I don't know. It's just...he always pushed me away before but..." "But now he's showing a different side of himself," Faith finished for her. "I get it. Just be careful, okay? Don't let yourself get too swept up at
Phil's heart jumped when he saw it was Jodie calling him. Fucking finally."What's going on, Jodie? Why are you avoiding me?" He demanded."I'm not!" Jodie whined."Yes, you are."Jodie sighed. "Alright, yes. But I have a good reason for it.""And what would that be?"He could hear her taking a deep breath as if to brace herself."Phil...I'm sick," she said.Phil's heart dropped as he heard Jodie's words. "What do you mean, sick? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with concern."I went for a check-up the other day, and they found a small tumor in my brain," Jodie said, her voice trembling.Phil was stunned. He didn't know what to say. "I...I don't even know what to say, Jodie. I'm so sorry," he finally managed to get out.Jodie sniffled. "It's okay, Phil. I just wanted you to know. I don't want to hold back anything from you, especially if we're going to be together. I don't want to waste any time pretending things are okay when they're not. I just needed some time to process e
Phil paced back and forth in his room the next day."Lisa!" he yelled."Yes, sir?" Lisa poked her head in."Did you send the flowers?" he growled."Yes, sir, and they sent me a confirmation email saying that the flowers were received.""I see," Phil said grimly. Jodie hadn't said anything about it. Not even a simple text saying thank you. Was she really going to make him work this hard?Phil paced back and forth in his room the next day."Lisa!" he yelled."Yes, sir?" Lisa poked her head in."Did you send the flowers?" he growled."Yes, sir, and they sent me a confirmation email saying that the flowers were received.""I see," Phil said grimly. Jodie hadn't said anything about it. Not even a simple text saying thank you. Was she really going to make him work this hard?Phil thought for a moment before turning to Lisa. "Send her a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries." "Right away, sir," Lisa replied, taking note of the request before leaving the room.Phil couldn't help but feel frus
Jodie knew she couldn't keep her cancer a secret. She had to tell Faith, so she decided to book a flight to visit her again.Jodie spent the next few days making arrangements for her trip to see Faith. She didn't want to tell anyone else about her cancer yet, not even Phil. She was still trying to come to terms with the news herself and didn't want to burden anyone else with it.Finally, the day of her flight arrived, and Jodie made her way to the airport. She felt nervous and scared but also relieved to be getting away for a while. She needed time to think and process everything that was happening.She took a taxi to Faith's home. But as she arrived at the front door, she was scared to knock on the door.Jodie took a deep breath and raised her hand to knock on the door. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She could feel sweat beading on her forehead as she waited for someone to answer.After a few moments, the door opened, and Faith stood before her with a surprised expression on he
Phil surveyed his loft carefully.He had hired an interior decorator to decorate the entire place because he didn't have the time or desire to do it himself.The decorator had chosen a modern, minimalist style with sleek furniture and clean lines. Everything looked nice and expensive. But for the first time since he moved in here, Phil realized it didn't feel like home at all.It didn't have the same feeling as Anthony's house. Anthony's house had the kind of warmth Phil had never felt in his own home, and now he knew why. It was because of Faith. Anthony had Faith, and Phil had no one.Phil had been so focused on his career that he had neglected his personal life. He had always thought that material possessions would bring him happiness. But they never did. And when he saw how happy Anthony was with Mayra, he decided to steal her from him, thinking she'd make him feel loved. And when that fell apart, he gave up on love altogether.But now, standing in his loft, he realized that love