Mavis locked herself in one of the cubicles in the washroom, holding her chest with both hands. She still could feel how hard her heart was thumping as if it wanted to jump out of her chest at that very moment. It was not like she was scared that she angered Grayson, but it was her body belatedly reacting after showing such a brave front.
As she recalled the words she said, a sense of guilt slowly shrouded her. Holding her belly, she let out a sigh.
"Your mother is selfish, isn't she?" she muttered, talking to her unborn child. "She just does not know when to let go of your father."
At that moment, her marriage of five years came flashing back. It was loveless. Empty. Fragile. What was worse than that was the fact that no matter how hard she tried, nothing had changed. She suppressed a sob. She shut her eyes tight and took several deep breaths to hold back her tears.
She wanted to be brave, not just for her sake, but for her baby as well.
"It
The very next day, Mavis did her usual routine and left the apartment. In the blink of an eye, a crowd of reporters came and surrounded her. Flashes of cameras made her wince, but what caught her off-guard was the very first question she heard from a reporter."Mavis Charter, when did you divorce Grayson Briar?" she asked before almost shoving her microphone on Mavis' face."What are your thoughts on your sister's upcoming wedding with your ex-husband?" another reporter asked.Those questions baffled her because they were speaking as if she and Grayson had already parted ways."And is it true that you were the person behind your sister's accident five years ago?"Before she could speak another single word, a man wearing a hooded jacket, a mask, and a cap swooped into the crowd, carried Mavis over his shoulder and ran away from the nosy reporters. They managed to get away after 10 minutes of trying to lose their pursuers. When Jackson put Mavi
Mavis woke up earlier than usual that day. Even though her scheduled meeting with Hestia Fiore was in the afternoon, her nerves were already on edge and keeping her on her toes. At any moment, she might just burst out of anxiousness. Her bed was littered with only a few dresses and none of them really appealed to her. She felt like the dresses she brought with her were not good enough to make a good impression on the best designer.She then shifted her gaze to the wall clock."Nine o'clock... Around this time, Grayson wouldn't be at home," she muttered to herself. She grabbed her coat and headed to the door. "Might as well go and get more clothes."Taking a cab, she reached the house and carefully observed first if there were any people there. Upon making sure that no one else was around, she stepped out of the cab and got inside.The house looked pretty much the same when she left, except for the mountain of boxes on the corner. Her guess? They were Venice's. Biting her lower lip, s
Mavis waited at the rooftop of Grayson's company, the very place where she first met him. It was a place designed for the employees of Laurasia to spend their break times. Since it was still working hours and everyone was pretty much busy with the ongoing large-scale project of the company, no one was around.She walked towards the table at the farthest corner, where she could clearly see the cloudless sky. It was a table for two only. Even after years had passed, Mavis could not forget how she met Grayson in that very spot. Sitting on one of the chairs, she recalled that one fateful day.It was her day off yet Venice came stomping into her room while panicking and screaming. Mavis immediately woke up after her stepsister pulled her blanket away."You have to go to Laurasia right now!" Venice demanded with puffy red eyes."What? I thought you were going," Mavis replied, confused."Do you think I can go there with these?!" Venice pointed at her face.Looking at her closely, she finally
After the incident at the Laurasia rooftop, Mavis Charter-Briar disappeared in Sephis City. Her disappearance became the talk of the town with the public speculating that she ran away to avoid getting arrested for almost killing her stepsister. Others argued that she left the city because of her failed marriage with Grayson Briar. No one really tried to look for her, not even the Charter couple since they thought she was a good riddance after staining the reputation of their family. Venice did not bother knowing what happened after she left Mavis on the rooftop because what mattered to her more was the proceedings for the finalization of Grayson's divorce."Hey, Jackson..."Turning on his heels, Jackson faced his manager who seemed to be troubled."Do you really not have any contact with Mavis?" his manager asked.He shook his head."I tried calling her and even went to the temporary apartment she was staying, but she is gone. Why?" Jackson questioned."Well... She had been the one m
The next day, Venice made the proper preparations for their scheduled lunch meeting with this Mavis Crawford. She was not able to get a good sleep the other night since she saw no record of what the designer looked like, making her more anxious with each hour that passed."Are you sure you want to hold the meeting here?" Grayson questioned, wondering why Venice chose Laurasia's rooftop as the venue for their scheduled lunch.Not to mention, she had returned the former internal design of the break room from three years ago."Of course. I actually contacted Diana last night and she said that Mavis did not like going to expensive restaurants. She wanted things simple so this place is the perfect one for our lunch," Venice replied, which was a complete lie.She did not actually contact Diana. In truth, she hired a private investigator the other night and came to know that Mavis Crawford was indeed her stepsister. It infuriated her, however, she wanted the wedding dress so until she got ah
Upon reaching her house, Hestia immediately removed her summer dress and threw it on the floor. She changed into her nightgown after a quick hot shower and headed to the small cellar just near her kitchen. Walking down the aisle, she stopped and grabbed her favorite wine, the DRC Grand Cru 1945 that she bought in an auction. She poured a glass for herself, watching the velvet liquid fill the container while tempting her to taste it as soon as possible.She breathed in its flora scent, making her smile and feel more relaxed after sharing a not-so-appetizing meal with the couple who destroyed her sister's life.As soon as she sat on the couch overlooking the pool, she dialled Karylle's number."How is she doing?" she asked the moment Karylle answered."She is doing fine. For the past few days, she finally started to spend time with Kyler," she reported. "Her psychiatrist had visited twice ever since you left and she said that Mavis is doing a bit better than before."Hestia smiled upon
"What kind of ridiculous claim is that, Venice?" Mrs. Charter said while watching her daughter pace back and forth in front of her. "How can Mavis suddenly appear out of nowhere?"Venice shook her head as she listened to her mother, who obviously thought that she was going crazy. She faced her and looked at her with a sharp gaze."I do not know, Mom! All I know is that she is back. She returned to ruin my life again! We have to do something!" The crease on her forehead when an idea crossed her mind immediately vanished. "That's it! Since she is now back, it is time to reopen the case and have her imprisoned as soon as possible!"Mrs. Charter remained unconvinced so she simply let out a heavy sigh and left her daughter's room. She was already stressed out because of work so she did not want her supposed break time to be occupied with nonsense. She went to her husband's study room and found him putting down the telephone before taking a seat behind his wooden desk."Is there something w
"Mavis! There is nowhere to run!"Karylle's voice drowned as another flash of lightning crossed the dark sky followed by a loud thunder. The rain poured harder that day yet it did not stop Mavis from running away from the cottage where she was actually being held captive.Mavis kept her mouth shut as she hid under the bush. She could not clearly see where Karylle was, but she was sure she was near. She had to wait for her pursuer to leave before she attempted to run again or else, there might just be no other chance for her to escape. "Damn it," Karylle cursed under her breath upon seeing no sign of Mavis anywhere.She did not want to report to Hestia until she found Mavis or she might just bring herself into serious trouble. As she continued to venture deeper into the woods, Mavis got out of her hiding spot and ran in a different direction."I'm so sorry, Kyler," she thought as tears fell on her cheeks. "I will come back and take you. For sure."Mavis had been walking and running fo
"W-What condition?" Mavis stuttered as her heart pounded against her chest.Even though Maximillian had not spoken yet, a shiver made her hair stand on their ends as if warning her that she was entering a trap."Let's make our engagement public," he responded without a hint of jest in his tone of voice.Mavis choked on her food in no time since she never once thought that he would ask something so huge like that. She immediately grabbed the glass of water being handed to her and drank almost half of it. When she got a grip of herself, she glared at Maximillian."Are you out of your mind?" she half-shouted. "I... I can barely remember who you are and the people around me yet you are asking such a thing? How heartless can you be?"The mafia boss's expression did not change. Neither did his mind waver despite Mavis's valid point. He set down his knife and fork before looking her straight in the eyes."That is the very reason I want our relationship to be public. I do not want anyone else
Grayson's kiss was possessive. His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her closer towards him and feeling her warmth that he seemed to have been hungry for. With his other hand, he held the back of her neck to deepen the kiss, however, Hestia pulled away. Pain tugged at her heart and disgust started to boil at the pit of her stomach. "We... We should not be doing this," she muttered, putting her hand over his chest to push him away."You're right. My apologies."After saying those words, Grayson turned his back on her and strutted out of the gazebo, leaving her all by herself. He ran his fingers over his hair with a frustrated sigh upon realizing what he had done. He already divorced her and was now preparing to marry the woman who saved him and who was supposedly his bride years ago, but he hated himself for having contradicting feelings. He could only remind himself to get his senses together so as not to make another mistake that he might regret later on.Not to mention, he did n
Hestia sat on the side while enjoying her glass of champagne. Her eyes scanned the room and she pretty much could name every businessmen who attended the party. Heaving a sigh, she could only wait for Mrs. Charter's next move since she was surely to play Cupid that evening. It was probably to make sure that Hestia won't try to get Grayson back from Venice and keep her occupied until the wedding.Shifting her gaze to the right side of the room, just two tables away from her was the group where Venice and Grayson were. According to the information Hestia gathered, they were the elite friends of the up-and-coming bride who visited from overseas."Oh, Mavis... Don't just sit there and watch everyone get along," Mrs. Charter said as she approached Hestia with a rather exaggerated smile.Along with her was a man, probably in his early 30s. He stood at almost six feet with his hair slicked back and only a few strands fell on his forehead. The moment their gazes met, the man smiled and nodded
Early in the morning, Hestia was already awake to prepare for her interview at the Star Magazine. Wearing a simple blue dress with a ribbon tied behind her revealing back, she paired it with two-inch high heels. She grabbed her small bag and headed downstairs, where she found Venice and Grayson surrounded by several bags and luggage. Before any of them could speak, Mrs. Charter came in and greeted them with a kiss on the cheek. "Mavis, dear. It's still early in the morning. Where are you headed to?" Mrs. Charter asked. "If your errand isn't that important, then you should cancel it for now and help your sister unpack.""Unpack?" Hestia questioned since she thought that Venice just packed her stuff and was more than ready to leave the family home. But it seemed like it was the total opposite."Yes. Since it is just a matter of time before their wedding, she decided to live here because she wanted to reconcile with you. Isn't that much better so once she gets married, you two would st
"You really are shameless," Venice hissed. "Stop being desperate and leave me and Grayson alone!"Hestia looked at her with wide eyes. Within a few seconds, her eyes teared up."I... I did not do anything," she said before a tear finally escaped her eye. "Venice!" Mrs. Charter's voice filled the room as she stomped her way towards the two. She pulled Venice's hand and forced her to keep her distance from Hestia. "What kind of attitude is this, Venice? Your sister has finally come home after three years of being missing, yet this is what you do?"Venice scoffed at the sudden change of her mother. She looked at her while pointing at Hestia, who was still looking down and wiping away her tears."Really, Mom? You are taking her side?" She let out a forced laugh. "Are you forgetting that she posted that article blaming me for the death of her baby and her disappearance? Mom, why are you suddenly welcoming her into our home?!""I am not siding with anyone here," Mrs. Charter said with a fi
"No!" Hestia insisted as she held onto her chair. "I do not want to go home just yet! I wanna drink! I wanna go all-out!""Enough already. I'm driving you back to your house," Grayson said before turning to Noah. "Let's meet up some other time. I will call you."After saying that, he managed to force Hestia to let go of the chair. He immediately carried her over his shoulder despite her attempts to get away from him. Reaching the parking lot, he had her occupy the front seat and put on her seatbelt. Just when he was about to move away from her, Hestia leaned against his shoulder."What did I do?" she asked. Her voice sounded like it would break at any moment. "Why did you leave me, Grayson? Did I do something wrong?""No... You did nothing wrong, Mavis."After he said those words, Hestia did not respond or move. It was only that time did Grayson realize that she had been knocked out so he carefully adjusted her seat so she would be more comfortable. It took them only several minutes t
Grayson was done preparing dinner and it puzzled him when Venice still did not come downstairs. Usually, she would be in the kitchen with him, watching him cook and prepare dinner. Just when he was about to head to her room, he received a message from Noah, his friend and the private investigator he hired to look into Hestia. "I don't know if you already saw it, but you should take a look at this." Along with the message, there was a link attached. Grayson clicked on it and it immediately led him to the anonymous that was still being feasted upon by the public. Reading through it, Venice was the very first person who crossed his mind. It probably had reached his fiance so he rushed to her room and, indeed, he saw her all wrapped in her thick blanket. Her small sniffles reached her ears. "I... I did not do it," she mumbled. "Why are you blaming me?" She repeated those words like she was chanting a spell. Grayson sat on the edge of the bed.
Maximillian was confused since he had no idea who this Karylle or Kyler was. Even then, he still kept himself together and squeezed Mavis' hand."Hes... Who are they?" he questioned before lightly shaking his head. "More importantly, are you okay?""Karylle is the babysitter of my son, Kyler," Mavis replied as she took her hand away from Maximillian's touch. "And... I am not Hestia. I am Mavis."Before the mafia boss could speak, the doctor entered the room and checked on Mavis. The nurse with him started to put ointment on the cigarette burns on her skin to lessen the chances of it scarring. Meanwhile, Maximillian stood and led the doctor outside the room."You said before that Hestia's CT scan came out okay. Are you sure about that?" he questioned."Yes, sir. Here it is." The doctor handed him a copy of the CT scan. "Everything looks okay. There is no bleeding, fracture, or any kind of abnormalities so there is no need to worry about it."Maximillian stared at the doctor with a cold
Trigger Warning: Depiction of slightly detailed violence ahead. Viewer's discretion is advised.For some reason, Grayson felt something off with Hestia."What kind of favor is it?" he asked."Maybe you should get inside first." Hestia opened the door for him to enter. "It's raining."When the two of them settled in the living room, the first thing that Grayson noticed was the wedding dress displayed on the side. "You still have the blank check I gave you, right?" he asked, shifting his gaze to Hestia who just prepared him some snacks.She sat on the chair across from him and smiled."No," she replied, earning a confused look from Grayson. "I threw it away since that dress will never be for sale.""I see. As for the favor you mentioned before, what is it?"Hestia held her mug of chocolate drink with both of her hands. She stared at it for some time."When Mrs. Charter visited me the other day at the hospital, she showed me the DNA test result between me and her other daughter, Mavis C