Kaufmann Mansion.Three women of different ages were gathered in the front pavilion. Right next to a small garden filled with roses and orchids.Sharlynn could be seen repeatedly looking at the watch on her left wrist. Her expression was worried. Also, her eye was already showing the exact number five. It was as if her body and mind were out of focus.Yolanda, chatting happily, looked at Sharlynn, who looked worried. The little girl suddenly smiled nosily."Mommy, it looks like someone's restless," Yolanda chirped, making Adriana and Sharlynn look at her. "Who, honey?" asked Adriana. "Mommy's not fidgeting from earlier."Sharlynn was silent, wondering if Yolanda was talking to Adriana about her. Of course, it was because she was the worried one."Who else is scared? My beautiful aunt, of course, whose husband hasn't come to pick her up yet." Yolanda made a curious face as she crossed her arms over her chest. Meanwhile, Sharlynn's face instantly turned red when Adriana looked at her.
Sharlynn reflexively tried to push away Richie's two hands that suddenly cupped her face. Somehow, her heartbeat was beating abnormally at that moment. This made Sharlynn feel weak in both knees. Also, Richie's breath was warm as it hit her face."How dare you contradict me?" asked Richie sternly."I wasn't going to contradict you. I'm the one who doesn't understand why you forbid me to wear such clothes," Sharlynn replied boldly. "Are you afraid that I will force you to break our contractual agreement?"Richie's eyes began to scan the beautiful face of the woman in front of him again. He ignored the words that came out of Sharlynn's mouth.This look coincided with Richie cursing himself. Remembering Heinz's treatment of him, he wanted to make hell for Sharlynn. But his thoughts soon changed when Heinz also threw away his daughter like old garbage."Richie, let me go!" pleaded Sharlynn, trying to keep Richie's hands away from her face. Richie gasped when he heard Sharlynn's voice, wh
"Dinner is ready. I'll meet you in the kitchen." Sharlynn left the two men and headed for the kitchen.Dante breathed a sigh of relief, but the man next to him gave him a stern look. Feeling the attention, Dante turned his head and looked at Richie."If you dare mess with him, I'll have you out of here right now!" Richie threatened."Young master, don't you just love this woman? Why do you get mad when I stare and admire the beautiful and kind Sharlynn?" Dante's question made Richie stare at him even harder.Richie's nimble hands tugged at Dante's shirt collar. His eyes flashed. This made Dante a little surprised, and his goosebumps bristled."Right now Sharlynn's status is my wife! You know what I mean? A wife belongs to her husband, which means Sharlynn is mine and if you dare touch mine, I don't care who it is, even if it's you. I will still throw you into hell right now!" The emphatic tone was accompanied by Richie's piercing stare like an eagle ready to tear its enemy to pieces.
Sharlynn looked so excited as she started to look through several women's clothing stores. She stopped when she saw a blouse with a large bow accenting the belly. It was sleeveless, white, and looked elegant.The blouse was displayed on a mannequin in a store. Richie approached Sharlynn and saw that she seemed interested."Do you want the blouse?" Richie asked. Sharlynn turned her head, a sweet smile on her beautiful face. The beautiful woman nodded firmly. "But it's still too sexy. Look for a plain t-shirt or blouse with less transparent material," Richie snapped.Sharlynn's smile immediately disappeared from her pretty face. She was really disappointed. However, she complied and didn't want to argue. She left the place disappointed.Richie did not move from his seat. He was still staring at Sharlynn's staggering back. "Sharlynn." The owner of the name turned to the owner of the baritone voice calling her."What? Shouldn't we look somewhere else? You decide, I'll just obey," Sharly
Sharlynn's eyes were starting to look dull, but her feet still wanted to walk down every aisle of the Mall of Berlin. Just like she did almost every day, and for nearly a whole day to avoid seeing Odette's crocodile tears when she asked for something."Are you still hungry?" The baritone voice seemed to wake Sharlynn, who was walking while remembering her past."You're like a psychic; indeed, my stomach is still hungry after walking around the mall," Sharlynn answered honestly. "But I haven't found what I'm looking for yet."What item do you mean?" Richie wrinkled his brow in curiosity.Sharlynn stopped walking and turned ninety degrees to face Richie, who was walking on her right side."Don't worry, it's not a big item that can fill your apartment. I just want to buy some work supplies to get my project done quickly," Sharlynn replied. "We'd better get going." The two of them got moving again. After going to the stationery store, Richie accompanied Sharlynn to Hashir Burger to fill
The alarm clock read seven minutes past five. Richie was already awake that early and had just opened the bedroom door.His dark brown hair was still wet, showing the glitter of water droplets between his close-cropped hair. This morning, a white press body t-shirt and light blue jeans wrapped his body.As he entered the kitchen, his eyes fell on the beautiful woman still sleeping."Looks like you need to learn to wake up earlier," Richie muttered, undoing his steps to the kitchen.The man sat crouched, balancing his position to be lower and more in line with Sharlynn.Richie's hand itched when it wasn't touching that beautiful face. He gently rubbed Sharlynn's cheek, trying to wake her up.Sharlynn's nose slowly began to move. But she seemed reluctant to open her eyes."Sharlynn wake up, don't you want to make me some coffee or tea?" hearing Richie's baritone voice, the woman immediately opened her eyes. She blinked a few times and rubbed her eyes.Her nose didn't want to miss the a
"Richie, what did you get from Heinz's corporate database?" asked Keenan.The four of them were already in Keenan's office. They were sitting on the round sofa—Mr—Madison, Richie, Keenan, and Sharlynn, who were still listening to their conversation.Sharlynn knitted her eyebrows when Keenan asked Richie. She had never seen her contract man fiddle with the laptop or ask him about the company database. She had almost forgotten about it and had lost hope in Richie."I found a lot of irregularities here." Sharlyn's brow furrowed further at Richie's answer. The man fiddled with his eleven-inch tablet computer device for a few seconds, then showed it to Keenan.Keenan took the sleek, flat object and examined each document Richie had managed to retrieve and secure. Then Keenan showed it to Mr. Madison.The older man looked puzzled; it turned out that the problem was not just embezzlement of company funds."Looking at this, it looks like Heinz doesn't know anything about embezzlement," Richie
"Are you going back to the apartment, or are you staying here?" Richie's figure suddenly appeared in the doorway of Yolanda's room, which was slightly open then.Sharlynn and Yolanda both turned their heads toward the source of the voice. There was an unacceptable look on little Yolanda's face when Richie asked like that."Uncle, don't take Auntie back to the apartment. Let Auntie stay here at the mansion with Yolanda," the little girl begged pleadingly."Auntie has to go back to the apartment first. There's a lot of work to be done as soon as possible. Maybe we can meet again tomorrow or the day after, dear," Sharlynn cajoled, making little Yolanda pursed her lips. "I'll wait downstairs," Richie said as he closed the door and left Yolanda's room. Sharlynn started to close the laptop and put it in her bag. Then she quickly went downstairs, accompanied by Yolanda, who sounded like she wanted the woman to take the time.Yolanda, accompanied by Adriana, escorted Sharlynn out of the man
“DAMMIT!” cursed Aurora as she slammed the cell phone in her hand until it split and its parts scattered to the floor. Romeo, who was surprised by her impulsive behavior, frowned in surprise and went to her. “Aurora, what happened?” he asked. “We've underestimated that little bitch too much!” she swore as her breath hitched in anger. Romeo narrowed his eyes, not knowing what she meant. “What does she mean?” he asked. Aurora replied that Sharlynn had paralyzed her men. Meanwhile, the car used to take Sharlynn and Andriano was now at the police station. Romeo was completely shocked and couldn't believe it. “We have to leave immediately. Sevariano must have known about this kidnapping. Especially since we dared to kidnap that old fart!” Aurora said frantically.Romeo nodded his head in understanding, “We have to go. Prepare everything, we'll take Danny first and then we'll go escape to a safe place until Sevariano gives up searching.”“I agree,” Aurora said with a small nod.Not wan
Sharlynn, who was still awake in the captivity, tried to wake up Grandpa Andriano. “Grandpa, wake up!” she shouted at the old man beside her three meters away, in the same position as her, both hands tied. Aurora forgot that Sharlynn was clever enough for that. Her unbound legs struggling to move, the woman bent over while her hands were tied to the wooden chair and approached Andriano's grandfather. Sharlynn was forced to step on the old man's foot after getting close to him. Grandpa Andriano was startled and instantly woke up from his stupor, his eyes blinking, trying to figure out what was going on. “Where are we?” grandpa Andriano asked. “Grandpa, we're being held by Aurora. We need to get out of here and contact Richie,” hearing the name Sharlynn mentioned, made Grandpa Andriano's expression instantly furious. “That woman, I knew it,” he said. But as he scanned the two of them, the old man seemed unsure if he could get out of there. Soon, the door creaked and a burly man w
The sound of banging outside the car could still be heard repeatedly. Sharlynn and Andriano's grandfather were getting more and more panicked, the driver of the car still stayed in place without opening the car window. The pounding of the heart inside Sharlynn's chest grew louder as she saw the mysterious men brandishing firearms and shooting at their bulletproof car. “I feel more and more guilty, I shouldn't have forbidden my men from escorting us,” grandfather Andriano said in between his panic. Meanwhile, Sharlynn, who still looked timid, was still trying to contact Richie. The dial tone began to be heard, almost she could contact Richie but something made her even more surprised until her cellphone once again fell when the car from behind deliberately hit the car she was riding in. Sharlynn suddenly screamed, now their car was being pushed forward until it moved. “Tell them we're giving up!” exclaimed Grandpa Andriano who couldn't bear to see Sharlynn so tense and scared. “Bu
During the ride in the car, Sharlynn seemed to be just speechless sitting next to Andriano's grandfather. I remember what Richie said this morning. Her heart began to doubt and falter, she really wanted to usurp her rights as Richie's wife, but she was reminded of the boy's existence. Sharlynn feels like the worst person to separate a child from his father.Sharlynn sat quietly next to grandfather Andriano, her eyes occasionally drifting out the window, staring at the passing scene without a clear focus. His mind continued to drift into unresolved inner struggles.'With Aurora and her son among us, what should I do?'his mind, trying to find answers in the midst of indecision.'Do I have to give up' his inner rage. 'I couldn't have lived apart, Richie would have preferred Aurora and her son.'His hands clasped, reflecting the anxiety that crept into his heart. In his mind, questions and doubts raged against each other, creating a chaotic mess that was difficult to unravel.Grandfather
It was a hot afternoon when Richie entered his headquarters, an old building located on the outskirts of the city, hidden from the crowds and public view. The man looked tense, his jaw set, signaling the importance of the purpose of his arrival this time. With quick, decisive steps, Richie approached one of his men, a stocky man with short hair who looked alert.“Show me where they are,” Richie said in a tone that didn't allow for any rebuttal. The man nodded, understanding that the situation was critical, and led Richie to a room at the back of the headquarters.When the door to the room was opened, the atmosphere was tense. Inside the room, there was a long and tall aquarium in which several venomous snakes were swimming. The hissing sound of the snakes was accompanied by the weak screams of three men who were suspended above the aquarium. Their hands hung above their heads while their feet hung just above the surface of the water, making them look extremely vulnerable to the bit
Sharlynn looked at Richie with sad eyes. It made Richie even more heartbroken by the expression on the woman's face who was in his arms. “Richie, do I hurt all over? What happened last night after we had dinner?” Sharlynn asked innocently. Richie swallowed his saliva roughly, he wanted to explain everything to Sharlynn, but he still decided against it. Richie was sure Sharlynn would be completely shocked by that. He led her into the bathroom and put Sharlynn's body into the bathtub without removing the blanket that was still wrapped around her body. “Richie, why are you silent?” repeated Sharlynn, while Richie was still busy opening the faucet and pouring water into the bath.Richie gently adjusted the temperature of the water, making sure it wasn't too hot or cold, trying to provide comfort for Sharlynn who looked in desperate need. He stole a glance at Sharlynn who looked weak, her sweet eyes holding confusion and fatigue.“Richie, please, I really don't understand what's going
Richie clenched his fists, feeling a deep sense of frustration as he faced Andriano's grandfather who chuckled in a mocking tone. His face showed disappointment and his gaze sharpened.“But it's not like this, Grandpa,” Richie protested in an emphatic tone, clearly rejecting what he felt was unfair treatment.“Everything's already happened, no matter how much you want to protest, Sharlynn is already your wife. You didn't do anything to hurt her, did you?” asked Grandpa Andriano in a tone that seemed to seek justification for his actions.Grandpa Andriano's loud, cynical laugh made the situation even more tense. Richie could only shake his head in disbelief, feeling abused and betrayed by the man who was supposed to protect him.“Grandpa, what you're doing is not right. What happens if Sharlynn or I can't accept this situation? What you're doing is manipulation, not help,” Richie said, his voice filled with unstoppable disappointment and anger.Grandfather Andriano sighed, observing hi
Richie could not stop the uncomfortable feeling in his body. He decided to get out of the bathroom after splashing his body with cold water. He walked past Sharlynn's body lying on the bed writhing. When he arrived at the door of the room, Richie did not waste any time trying to force open the door handle repeatedly. “Shit!” cursed Richie. As he looked confused by his failed attempt to open the door, he heard Sharlynn's hoarse voice. “Richie, why does my body feel weird...hot...I want some water,” Sharlynn whispered, forcing Richie to turn around. Unfortunately, he saw Sharlynn's hips moving so beautifully, bending her knees and her thighs rubbing together. Seeing that very erotic scene, Richie began to feel something arousing. He tried to get closer to Sharlynn, seeing that the dress attached to the woman's body looked even more messy, revealing a long neck and smooth shoulders that looked sweaty. “Sharlynn, what are you feeling?” The stupid question suddenly came out of Richi
That night, the dining room of Andriano's mansion was filled with sparkling crystal chandeliers, creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere in one corner of the mansion. The long dining table was spread with a crisp white tablecloth and tableware neatly arranged, waiting to be used for the dinner that was about to take place.Sharlynn, in her elegant dress, stepped gently into the dining room, a sweet smile gracing her face. “Good evening, Grandpa,” greeted Sharlynn in a soft, warm voice. She gracefully pulled out a chair and sat down, her demeanor full of elegance and politeness.Grandpa Andriano, who was already seated at the end of the table, returned the greeting with a heavy but loving voice. “Good evening, Sharlynn,” he said. His sharp eyes momentarily searched for someone else behind Sharlynn's figure. “Where is Sevariano? I heard his voice on the way to the dining room?”Sharlynn, who was already quite familiar with her grandfather's concern for Richie, gave a wry smile. Her