~Gunther~[Flashback, twenty minutes earlier]"You are scheduled for a lunch meeting with Mr. Dupont, a contract signing with Mr. Thompson, and a wine-tasting event with your father, Sir Clermont.”“Lastly, the head engineer has requested your final approval on the latest construction project of S.G.C., and you will be visiting the site for that.”I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the extensive list of tasks I had to accomplish today, all thanks to my new secretary, Wesley.I stood there, hands in the pockets of my slacks, watching the elevator buttons blink one by one. "So, when can I finally head home?”We are currently heading to the ground floor because, as Wesley mentioned, I still have fucking lunch meetings, wine tasting, and site visits to do.God damn it. I can't wait to return home and see Agathe and my daughter.I could tell that Wesley was taken aback by my question, as he seemed to lose his composure and even stuttered a bit. "Um, it should be around seven in the evenin
~Agathe~"Are you alright, Agathe?” Thaddeus asked after a long period of silence between us. We just got into his car a few minutes ago, and I was seated in the passenger seat next to him.“You know, you could follow Gunther to that bar right now and stop him from whatever nonsense he wants to do. I can deliver the teacup to Dr. Wright by myself. I will inform you when the results are ready."He must have noticed the tears that kept threatening to fall from my eyes.It took me a while before I let out a sigh and shook my head in response. “No, I have to see this through. Besides, I was the one who asked for your help. I need to finish it with you.”Thaddeus sincerely smiled and nodded at me. "Alright. Then, I will make sure to bring you back to Gunther's mansion as quickly as possible." He assured me.A sense of relief washed over me, grateful that Thaddeus seemed to understand my desire to talk to Gunther later and offer my apologies once this was over.He finally started the engine
~Agathe~I felt a lump in my throat as I witnessed him become vulnerable in front of me. But, why should I apologize for something I don't even understand?"I swear, Gunther. I have no idea what you're talking about. I can't remember anything. The last memory I have is having breakfast with you and Carlyle at the breakfast nook." I explained and gasped, desperately pleading for him to understand and trust me.“I can't remember anything.” I repeated, making sure to emphasize my words in case he failed to hear them the first time. “I can't remember anything!”Tears welled up in my eyes once again, but I fought hard to prevent them from cascading down my cheeks.I locked my gaze with him, refusing to blink, hoping that he would see and understand the sincerity in my eyes, knowing that I was speaking the truth.After a few seconds, Gunther seemed to finally calm down. He was able to prevent his tears from cascading down his cheeks as well, although he still wiped the corners of his eyes.
~Agathe~I just finished eating dinner with Gunther and Carlyle when Yesenia unexpectedly tugged me to the side, catching me off guard.“What’s the matter, Yen?” I asked her, a bit annoyed at the sudden pulling.However, as I caught sight of the urgency in her eyes, any trace of annoyance I had felt instantly dissipated in the air.Yesenia motioned for me to be quiet and glanced around discreetly. She patiently waited until Gunther and Carlyle ascended the stairs, heading towards the entertainment room.We all planned to watch a movie together that night.“I need to tell you something, young lady. This won't take long, or else the young master might notice and become suspicious.” She whispered.Afterward, when nobody was looking, Yesenia discreetly guided me into the maid's quarters.I squinted my eyes, a slight throbbing sensation pulsating in my head. It felt as though I had already entered those quarters before, but I can't remember when or how.Once we entered the quarters, Yeseni
~Agathe~"I was wondering what took you so long, love.” Gunther's voice was cold and threatening, sending an instant shiver down my spine.“Carlyle and I were waiting for you in the entertainment room. She had already fallen asleep while waiting. While here you are, talking with some motherfucking bastard behind my back once again.”Gunther stressed the final words, his tone clearly laced with sarcasm. I noticed Thaddeus let out a deep sigh as if he was growing weary of his cousin's drama."You mentioned it yourself, dear cousin. We were just talking. When did having a conversation with someone become a criminal offense?”I turned to Thaddeus, feeling the urge to scold him. "Goodness gracious, don't provoke him. He might end up hitting you again." I whispered, recalling the incident that occurred at his boutique.However, Thaddeus smirked at me, showing no signs of being affected in the slightest. I clenched my teeth in pure annoyance towards him.I suddenly gasped so loud as I felt G
~Agathe~It was lunchtime when I noticed something peculiar. I was having lunch with Carlyle as Gunther had left for the office earlier in the morning."Belv." I called Belvedere's name, who was standing beside the dining table.I had invited them to join me and Carlyle on the table, but as usual, they strongly declined. I had already given up on persuading them, as they are deeply committed to their job."Where is Yesenia? I don't recall seeing her all morning." I remarked, even noticing Carlyle furrowing her eyebrows at me."I checked her room, Mommy. Yennie is still fast asleep." Carlyle mentioned casually and then continued to devour her food.I noticed something on the corner of her lips and gently wiped it away with my finger. "Be careful, sweetheart."Afterward, I turned to Belvedere with a worried expression in my eyes. "Is she still sleeping, Belv? In all the days I've been here, I've never known Yesenia to sleep in. Is everything alright? Could she be unwell?”"I'll have a h
~Agathe~Being in Stonewood City for almost a week has made me realize that I can also love this kind of life, with Gunther and Carlyle.And, when I finally accepted that Gunther had managed to sneak into my heart, I never anticipated the pain of repeatedly witnessing his mother's disdain towards me.Seeing her eyes full of disgust and hatred directed towards me made me feel hurt, beyond my understanding.Deep within my heart, I longed for her acceptance of me, perhaps echoing the desire of every daughter-in-law out there.I was about to turn around and walked away from there as quietly as possible but I was taken aback to see both Peter and Calixto standing behind me.As if it wasn't enough, both of them moved and stood on my left and right side. It was as if they were silently telling everyone that they are going to protect me no matter what.And, it didn't matter to them that it was their boss's mother they might have to confront. I was even astonished by how quickly Calixto had fo
~Agathe~I could hear Gunther's screams ripping through the air. He sounded so desperate and nearly begging.It was so heartbreaking to hear him like that. I wanted to open my eyes and comfort him, but I couldn't.Then, out of nowhere, I felt powerful hands gently lift my body onto something. Afterwards, I was hoisted into the air and was transported somewhere.I could hear the sirens of the ambulance nearby. I could hear everyone shouting and barking commands.But, Gunther's desperate voice stood out to me the most.I knew that I was fighting for my dear life. But, somehow, everything felt surreal that I felt like I was merely dreaming.Then, from the absolute darkness that surrounded me, I heard a faint voice. "Agathe.”It sounded so familiar and soothing, I suddenly yearned to hear it again. I looked around the darkness that surrounded me, but I saw nothing.As I wandered around, tears began to form in my eyes. “Who is that?” I asked in a loud voice, without opening my mouth."Swee
~Agathe~[Present Time]I could hear faint voices talking around me. I looked around the darkness that surrounded me but saw no one.I felt like I was floating, but my feet remained on the ground. I felt hopeless.I want to go back to my mother because she still needs me. My father just died, and I am the only one she has left.“Her finger moved, Doctor Wright!” I heard someone say something beside me, but when I looked to my side, I saw no one.“Hello? Who are you? Where exactly am I? Where is my mother?" I asked in a loud voice, without even opening my mouth.“She's regaining consciousness. Quickly, call Gunther.”“But, Doctor. He is downstairs, discussing something important with his family. What are we supposed to do?”“Check her pulse. Check everything.” Before I could respond, I felt something powerful catapult me through the air.“Arghhhhhhhhh!”Before I knew it, I opened my eyes again to see a bright light aimed directly at my eyes. “She is awake! The patient is awake, doctor!
~Agathe~[Flashback, fifteen years ago]It has been a week since the incident happened and my mother has never been the same. She tried so many times to end her life and I will always be the one to witness it all.I haven't slept a wink since last night, and my stomach is growling for food. The food in our fridge and pantry were already gone by the third day.I had been begging my mother for food, but she would always kick me out of her room and lock herself in there for the whole day.To ease my hunger, I would curl up and hug my knees on my bed while crying myself to sleep. This is the fourth day that I can't tolerate my hunger anymore, I am beyond starving.My legs wobbled when I got out of my bed. My vision was blurry, and my head felt as if a hammer was constantly pounding on it.I feel so sick and helpless but I refuse to take this nonsense any longer. If my mother is unable to provide for me, I will have to do it myself from now on.My father did not sacrifice his life for me o
~Agathe~[Flashback, fifteen years ago]What I saw next in front of me wasn't what I expected, as everything happened so suddenly.Three strong, consecutive punches landed directly on the tall boy's face, and I was too stunned to even react."Do you think you can fool me, dumbass? How many more beatings do you need to understand? I can see right through your idiotic mind!”The tall boy collapsed to the ground, but the old man continued to assault him, kicking his stomach and his back numerous times.My mouth dropped open as I watched the horrifying scene in front of me in sheer terror. It was like I could feel every painful hit and kick from the old man in my own body.But, I couldn't understand why the tall boy never cried or shouted for help. He only kept his eyes closed and silently endured the pain.I stood there quietly, rooted to the spot where I was standing, not knowing what to do. Once the old man was satisfied, he lifted the tall boy's body from the ground and forced him to
~Agathe~[Flashback, fifteen years ago]I tried to calm my racing heart by tapping my chest a few times and taking a deep breath. I almost got caught!But, why is my heart racing so much?Perhaps, my heart was racing from the pain of witnessing the wild boars being killed by my father and his comrades.Perhaps, it was beating fast out of nervousness because some strangers had appeared, and they seemed very intimidating.“A pleasant morning. I am Clermont Silvestri, current chief executive officer of Silvestri Group of Companies.” I heard someone say in a deep, scary voice.All of a sudden, I could hear curious whispers from my father's comrades. I frowned because I don't know what a chief executive officer is all about.“We are from Stonewood City.” Gasps from my father's comrades suddenly echoed through the air once again. Stonewood City?I am not quite sure where that is. I have only known our village my entire life."I have recently bought this entire village, including all its es
~Agathe~I could hear Gunther's screams ripping through the air. He sounded so desperate and nearly begging.It was so heartbreaking to hear him like that. I wanted to open my eyes and comfort him, but I couldn't.Then, out of nowhere, I felt powerful hands gently lift my body onto something. Afterwards, I was hoisted into the air and was transported somewhere.I could hear the sirens of the ambulance nearby. I could hear everyone shouting and barking commands.But, Gunther's desperate voice stood out to me the most.I knew that I was fighting for my dear life. But, somehow, everything felt surreal that I felt like I was merely dreaming.Then, from the absolute darkness that surrounded me, I heard a faint voice. "Agathe.”It sounded so familiar and soothing, I suddenly yearned to hear it again. I looked around the darkness that surrounded me, but I saw nothing.As I wandered around, tears began to form in my eyes. “Who is that?” I asked in a loud voice, without opening my mouth."Swee
~Agathe~Being in Stonewood City for almost a week has made me realize that I can also love this kind of life, with Gunther and Carlyle.And, when I finally accepted that Gunther had managed to sneak into my heart, I never anticipated the pain of repeatedly witnessing his mother's disdain towards me.Seeing her eyes full of disgust and hatred directed towards me made me feel hurt, beyond my understanding.Deep within my heart, I longed for her acceptance of me, perhaps echoing the desire of every daughter-in-law out there.I was about to turn around and walked away from there as quietly as possible but I was taken aback to see both Peter and Calixto standing behind me.As if it wasn't enough, both of them moved and stood on my left and right side. It was as if they were silently telling everyone that they are going to protect me no matter what.And, it didn't matter to them that it was their boss's mother they might have to confront. I was even astonished by how quickly Calixto had fo
~Agathe~It was lunchtime when I noticed something peculiar. I was having lunch with Carlyle as Gunther had left for the office earlier in the morning."Belv." I called Belvedere's name, who was standing beside the dining table.I had invited them to join me and Carlyle on the table, but as usual, they strongly declined. I had already given up on persuading them, as they are deeply committed to their job."Where is Yesenia? I don't recall seeing her all morning." I remarked, even noticing Carlyle furrowing her eyebrows at me."I checked her room, Mommy. Yennie is still fast asleep." Carlyle mentioned casually and then continued to devour her food.I noticed something on the corner of her lips and gently wiped it away with my finger. "Be careful, sweetheart."Afterward, I turned to Belvedere with a worried expression in my eyes. "Is she still sleeping, Belv? In all the days I've been here, I've never known Yesenia to sleep in. Is everything alright? Could she be unwell?”"I'll have a h
~Agathe~"I was wondering what took you so long, love.” Gunther's voice was cold and threatening, sending an instant shiver down my spine.“Carlyle and I were waiting for you in the entertainment room. She had already fallen asleep while waiting. While here you are, talking with some motherfucking bastard behind my back once again.”Gunther stressed the final words, his tone clearly laced with sarcasm. I noticed Thaddeus let out a deep sigh as if he was growing weary of his cousin's drama."You mentioned it yourself, dear cousin. We were just talking. When did having a conversation with someone become a criminal offense?”I turned to Thaddeus, feeling the urge to scold him. "Goodness gracious, don't provoke him. He might end up hitting you again." I whispered, recalling the incident that occurred at his boutique.However, Thaddeus smirked at me, showing no signs of being affected in the slightest. I clenched my teeth in pure annoyance towards him.I suddenly gasped so loud as I felt G
~Agathe~I just finished eating dinner with Gunther and Carlyle when Yesenia unexpectedly tugged me to the side, catching me off guard.“What’s the matter, Yen?” I asked her, a bit annoyed at the sudden pulling.However, as I caught sight of the urgency in her eyes, any trace of annoyance I had felt instantly dissipated in the air.Yesenia motioned for me to be quiet and glanced around discreetly. She patiently waited until Gunther and Carlyle ascended the stairs, heading towards the entertainment room.We all planned to watch a movie together that night.“I need to tell you something, young lady. This won't take long, or else the young master might notice and become suspicious.” She whispered.Afterward, when nobody was looking, Yesenia discreetly guided me into the maid's quarters.I squinted my eyes, a slight throbbing sensation pulsating in my head. It felt as though I had already entered those quarters before, but I can't remember when or how.Once we entered the quarters, Yeseni