The following day, Marianne woke up with a heavy headache. She slowly got up from her bed and roamed her eyes around. She went outside and found out that Felix cooked something for her before he left the house. The scent of breakfast wafted through the air as Marianne stumbled into the kitchen. There, on the table, was a simple spread prepared by Felix – scrambled eggs, toast, and a cup of coffee. The guilt-laden gesture spoke volumes, a silent acknowledgment of the emotional storm that had transpired the night before. Marianne hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on the carefully arranged meal. The silence in the room echoed the remnants of their argument, and the weight of unspoken apologies hung in the air. She picked up the cup of coffee, the warmth seeping into her hands providing a brief respite. As she took a tentative sip, the bitterness of the brew mirrored the lingering taste of regret. The events of the previous night played in her mind like a relentless loop, and
The following days became a silent battleground within the confines of the house. Marianne and Felix moved around each other like strangers, their interactions reduced to the bare minimum. The tension in the air was palpable, and the once-shared spaces now felt like distant territories. Marianne tried to maintain a semblance of normalcy, going about her daily routine with a heavy heart. Every encounter with Felix was laden with unspoken words, and the air seemed to crackle with the unresolved tension between them. As the days passed, Marianne found solace in the routine of her work, throwing herself into tasks as a way to escape the emotional turmoil within the house. The walls seemed to echo with the memories of laughter and shared moments, now replaced by an awkward silence that weighed heavily on her shoulders. One evening, as Marianne sat alone in the living room, she heard a knock on the door. Startled, she opened it to find Nate standing on the doorstep. Nate, with a composed
Back at the Anderson mansion, Felix father, Ramon, seethed with anger as he paced back and forth in his study. The news of Marianne's refusal to comply with his wishes had stirred a storm within him. He couldn't fathom the audacity of this woman who dared to challenge the longstanding traditions of the Anderson family.Ramon's frustration escalated as he contemplated the potential consequences of Marianne's defiance. His mind raced with thoughts of family reputation, the future of the Anderson legacy, and the disdainful whispers that might circulate within their elite social circles.Unable to contain his anger, Ramon decided to take matters into his own hands. He reached for his phone and dialed a number he knew all too well."Anthony," he spoke sternly into the phone. "I need you to come to the mansion immediately. We have an urgent matter to discuss."Within the hour, Anthony, Ramon's secret detective, arrived at the mansion. Ramon wasted no time, his frustration evident in the dee
Marianne was blindfolded once again as she was ushered out of the mysterious location and back into the van. The drive back felt like an eternity, with Marianne's mind in turmoil, grappling with the impossible choices forced upon her. As the van came to a stop, the blindfold was removed once more, and Marianne found herself alone on a deserted street.Her thoughts were a chaotic swirl of emotions. Anger, fear, and desperation clashed within her as she considered the options laid out by Anthony. She couldn't fathom the depths of cruelty that Felix's father was willing to sink to achieve his goals.When she came back to the house, she found Felix was already there at the kitchen as he was eating the food that he just cooked. It was burn and tasteless, a stark contrast to the turmoil boiling within Marianne. Felix looked up, concern etched on his face as he noticed her disheveled appearance."Oh, you're home," Felix said, setting aside his barely touched meal.Marianne forced a weak smil
Marianne took a deep breath and looked at him with teary eyes, "You're so selfish, Felix."Felix, taken aback by Marianne's accusation, felt a pang of hurt in his chest. He hadn't expected her to use such harsh words, especially considering the emotional turmoil she was clearly experiencing. He sighed deeply, his brows furrowing in a mix of frustration and sadness."I'm not trying to be selfish, Marianne. I have my reasons, and I wish you could understand, and I am just following the contract," Felix responded, his voice tinged with a hint of regret.Marianne, her emotions running high, couldn't bear the weight of the situation any longer. She turned away from Felix, wiping away a stray tear that escaped her eye. "I don't want to understand. I just want to be free from all of this.""Why are you doing this to me, Marianne? It's really clear that what we had was all an act, and agreement. But, why are making things so complicated now? And wanted to end things like this all of a sudden?
The following day, Felix just let Marianne to take her time to think and tell him what's going on. Marianne, grateful for Felix's unexpected support, spent the following day wrestling with her inner turmoil. The echoes of their emotional confrontation still resonated in her mind, but Felix's willingness to listen and his genuine concern planted a seed of hope within her. As she paced the living room, her thoughts raced, considering the risks and potential consequences of revealing the truth to Felix. She knew that opening up meant exposing him to the dangerous world orchestrated by Ramon Anderson, but the weight of secrecy was becoming unbearable. Felix, respecting Marianne's need for space, gave her the time and distance she required. He busied himself with household chores, occasionally glancing at the closed door of the room where Marianne was deep in thought. The atmosphere in the house felt heavy, laden with unspoken words and unresolved tension. In the evening, Felix called N
He paced back and forth in the dimly lit room, his hands clenched into fists. The gravity of the situation demanded a decision, one that could alter the course of their lives. Nate watched Felix closely, understanding the internal struggle. "Felix, I know it's not easy, but we can't ignore the threat Marianne is facing. We need to put an end to this, for her safety and yours as well." "So, you want me to marry Charlotte?" he asked him. "Yes, it that's what it takes," he answered. He didn't want to do the marriage with Charlotte as he would know that this would led to a serious complication of him and his father afterwards. He knew that his life would be controlled again by his dad. Felix took a moment to absorb Nate's words. The weight of the decision pressed down on him, and he felt the burden of responsibility for Marianne's safety. The idea of marrying Charlotte to protect Marianne seemed like an unimaginable sacrifice, but he couldn't ignore the reality of the danger they we
As Felix went back to their house, he then saw Marianne on the living room, and it seemed like she had been waiting for him all day long. "Felix? Did something happen? I've been calling you a few times, but-" she didn't finish what she was about to say when Felix suddenly hugged her. Her eyes widened in surprise, but slowly, she's giving in, she gently tap his back. Marianne felt a mixture of relief and concern as Felix enveloped her in a tight embrace. His grip was firm, as if he was holding onto her for dear life. She could sense the tension in his body, the residual stress from the challenging decisions he had to make. As Felix held her, Marianne's initial confusion turned into a gentle understanding. She could feel the weight of his emotions, and without the need for words, she knew that something significant had transpired during his visit to the Anderson mansion. The subtle tremor in his voice and the way his fingers pressed into her back spoke volumes. Felix buried his fa
A month later... Marianne and Felix's daily routine included sleepless nights and shared parenting challenges. Despite their tiredness, their home was filled with the soothing sounds of baby coos and Zoey's laughing. "I could never been happier. I couldn't wish for more, Marianne. This family we had build together? This is perfect. This is what I am dreaming of." When the evening arrived, Felix and Marianne had been thinking about taking a family photo together to post on the wall for display and memories. "Felix, what do you think about having a family photo? Something we can hang in the living room, a snapshot of our life together despite all the challenges?" Marianne said, her eyes bright with joy. Felix grinned warmly, since he had always been supportive of Marianne's ideas. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. Let's capture these precious moments." He smiled as he gazed at his wife and two children. "Thank God for giving me these beautiful souls. I couldn't ask for more."
In the hospital room, the air was filled with a gentle warmth as Marianne cradled their newborn son. Felix, still beaming with pride, leaned down to place another tender kiss on her forehead. The soft melody of their baby's first cries echoed in the room, a sweet symphony of new beginnings. Just as the new parents were settling into the quiet joy of their family, the door softly creaked open. Zoey, Felix and Marianne's eldest daughter, burst into the room, her eyes wide with excitement. She had just turned six, and her anticipation to meet her baby brother had been palpable. "Mommy! Daddy! Where's my baby brother?" Zoey exclaimed, bouncing on her toes with uncontainable enthusiasm. Felix, with a warm smile, gestured towards Marianne, who was still nestled in the hospital bed. "Zoey, meet your little brother." Zoey's eyes widened with awe as she approached, her gaze fixated on the tiny bundle in Marianne's arms. "He's so tiny! Can I hold him?" Marianne nodded, her heart swelling w
Five months had passed since that memorable family outing, and the Anderson household was brimming with anticipation as Marianne's due date approached. The journey of Marianne's pregnancy had been a mix of joy, excitement, and challenges, making each day a testament to their unwavering love and support for each other. On the morning of the day that would forever change their lives, Felix and Marianne stood in the soft glow of the sunrise, the city gradually awakening outside their window. Marianne, her radiant glow juxtaposed against the delicate hues of dawn, took careful steps while Felix walked by her side. "How are you feeling?" Felix inquired, his eyes filled with concern and love. Marianne offered a tired but genuine smile. "I don't know, Felix. It's a mix of everything. But I can't wait to meet our little one." The journey had indeed been challenging for Marianne. The sleepless nights, the physical changes, and the emotional roller coaster were all part of the intricate tap
The following day dawned with a sense of anticipation in the Anderson household. Felix's plan for a family picnic, featuring Ramon and his two sisters, Crystal and Daisy, was met with enthusiastic agreement from everyone. Marianne, fully supportive of the idea, smiled as Felix shared the details of their day. "Make it the happiest day for him. Enjoy your day," Marianne encouraged, her eyes reflecting the love she felt for Felix and the entire family. Felix grinned, his heart warmed by Marianne's support. "Thank you, love. I love you." With Marianne's blessing, Felix set the wheels in motion for a memorable family outing. The Andersons gathered their picnic essentials – a checkered blanket, a basket filled with sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, and a sense of excitement that permeated the air. As they arrived at the chosen park, a picturesque haven with sprawling greenery and the gentle murmur of a nearby stream, Felix couldn't help but marvel at the perfect setting for their family
The following month proved to be challenging for Marianne. The demands of pregnancy, coupled with the absence of Felix during long working hours, left her feeling weary and alone. With Zoey and Emma at school, the once lively house now echoed with a sense of solitude that weighed heavily on Marianne's shoulders. As she moved through the rooms, each filled with memories of laughter and shared moments, Marianne couldn't shake off the pangs of loneliness. The pregnancy, though a joyful occasion, had taken a toll on her energy, leaving her more susceptible to emotional waves. One quiet afternoon, the house seemed particularly empty. Marianne stood in the living room, gazing out of the window at the swaying trees. The gentle rustle of leaves seemed to underscore the stillness around her, intensifying the feeling of solitude. A wave of emotion washed over Marianne, and she found herself sitting on the couch, her hands resting on her growing belly. The silence pressed in, and she longed f
As the day unfolded, the sun painted the sky with hues of warmth, casting a golden glow over the family picnic. Marianne, Felix, Zoey, and Emma found themselves surrounded by nature's embrace, enjoying the simple pleasures of each other's company. A checkered picnic blanket adorned with an array of delicious treats lay spread out beneath the shade of a towering oak tree. Zoey, her laughter echoing in the air, chased butterflies and picked wildflowers, her enthusiasm adding a touch of joy to the scene. Felix, ever the attentive father, set up a small grill for a spontaneous barbecue, filling the air with the tempting aroma of sizzling delicacies. Emma, sitting on the blanket, couldn't help but marvel at the picture-perfect moment unfolding before her. As Marianne leaned back, taking in the beauty of the day, she felt a gentle squeeze on her hand. Felix, his eyes filled with warmth, whispered, "Are you feeling okay, my love?" Marianne nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I'm
As the stars twinkled above, casting a soft glow over the small family gathered at the cemetery, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating an atmosphere of serenity. Marianne, despite the emotional richness of the day, began to feel a dull ache in her head. She discreetly rubbed her temples, trying not to draw attention to the discomfort. Felix, attuned to Marianne's subtle signs of distress, noticed the furrow forming on her brow. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay, Marianne?" She offered a small smile, trying to dismiss the growing pain. "I'm fine, just a little headache. It'll pass." Emma, ever perceptive, observed Marianne's discomfort. "Sweetheart, if you're not feeling well, we can head back. We've had a beautiful time here." Zoey, still full of the innocence of a child, chimed in, "Mommy, you should tell Grandpa about your headache. He'll help you feel better." Marianne's heart swelled with both gratitude and warmth at Zoey's concern. "Thank you,
A few weeks after the joyous beach wedding, Marianne, Felix, Zoey, and Emma found themselves standing in front of Marianne's father's grave. The cemetery was peaceful, with the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds adding a gentle melody to the air. Zoey, their vivacious five-year-old daughter, clutched a small bouquet of wildflowers in her tiny hands. Her eyes sparkled with innocence as she looked at the headstone, adorned with fresh flowers. "Hi, Grandpa," Zoey chirped, her smile illuminating the somber surroundings. Emma, who had played the role of both mother and grandmother to Marianne and Zoey, felt tears welling up in her eyes. She gently placed a hand on Zoey's shoulder, her voice filled with a mix of love and longing, "I missed you so much, my love." Marianne, holding back her own tears, managed a tender smile. "I missed you too, Father." Felix, ever supportive, greeted the grave with a gentle smile, "Hello, Father. It's nice to see you again." The a
After spending some time at the hospital, Felix, Marianne, and Zoey made their way back home. The drive was quiet, filled with a sense of relief now that they knew Marianne and the baby were going to be okay. Zoey, nestled in the back seat, held onto a small stuffed animal, finding comfort in its familiar presence. As they entered their home, the atmosphere seemed to shift. The living room, once bustling with wedding plans, now felt serene and welcoming. Felix, still carrying Zoey in his arms, glanced at Marianne, his eyes reflecting a mix of love and concern. "Let's get you settled, Marianne," Felix suggested, guiding her towards the sofa. Ethel, who had been waiting at their home, stood up, her eyes filled with worry and guilt. "I'm so sorry, Marianne. I didn't mean for any of this to happen." Marianne offered a tired but genuine smile. "Ethel, it's not your fault. These things happen. And I already told you that it's not your fault."Ethel nodded, her eyes still reflecting the