Mona sighed a breath of relief. She tiptoed to the bed and laid down beside him. She switched off the lamp next to the bed and turned away from Thaddeus, showing her back to him. Then, a strong and warm palm was placed on her waist, holding her in with just the right strength. A deep and soft voice tickled her ear. “Mona…” Chills ran down Mona’s spine. She had never felt so strange hearing her own name. Not only her name but even the man’s tone was unusual. It was like he was calling someone else with the same name. She opened her eyes in the dark. The anger in her boiled, and she could no longer hold it back. She bolted up all of a sudden. Thaddeus was half asleep when Mona sat up. The thoughts in his mind scattered as he rubbed his head and sat up. He switched on the lamp and saw the angry look on the woman’s face. She was like a startled kitten. “What’s wrong?” The man hugged her waist and wanted to hold her in his arms. “Is it because of what I said just now
“I have never cheated on you or betrayed you as you claim,” Thaddeus stared into Mona’s eyes and said seriously. He sounded firm and assuring. Mona bit her lips and said, “What about the woman you visited at the hospital, then? Is she staying at Dragon’s Bay? Is she the real Mona Ortega?” Thaddeus got up and walked to the window. The moon’s brilliance highlighted his towering figure. He was a man constantly troubled by thoughts and did not know how to express them to the people around him. However, he looked extremely fragile and soft on this particular night as he decided to open up to the woman he loved. He turned around and looked at Mona with probably the most sincere eyes. “Mona Ortega and I were friends from college, and our families have been close for generations. The Ortegas once helped the Fontaines overcome a financial crisis, hence the close relationship. Mona was always a sister to me, and since we used to study together, I took good care of her. That is all I wa
“So, how did you find her?” Thaddeus walked to her side of the bed and lifted the blanket. He stroked her tender cheeks and looked into her eyes affectionately. “She’s been through a lot in France, both physically and mentally. She was sold to an estate owner’s disabled son, who is abusive. She was tortured and forced to take drugs. She lived through hell. “I went to France because I got news of her and brought her back. She’s still mentally unstable and is currently going through treatment to cure her addiction. That’s why I have to go see her often.” Mona nodded. She finally got an answer to Thaddeus’ recent impromptu schedule. “Is that why you’re always in the white sports jersey lately? For her?” The moment the words escaped her mouth, Mona regretted it. It was obvious. Asking it would only embarrass herself. Thaddeus rarely changed for anyone. She once told him to dress more casually after work because his formal attire made him look like a stoic boss. It gave her
The next day, Mona woke up early. It was a Saturday. The day she would return to Fontaine Residence with the children. After cleaning up, she went downstairs and found Thaddeus sitting at the dining table, which was rare. He was having a video conference while taking bites of his breakfast. Maria came over and held her hand, looking heavy. “Child, I’m going to miss you and the kids. I woke up this morning feeling empty. I’ve gotten used to the kids running around. Now that things are going back to the way they were, I can’t help but feel lonely.” Mona tapped Maria’s hand and consoled her, “Maria, why don’t you come to Fontaine Residence with us? With either of us gone, there’s nothing left here for you to do. So why don’t you follow us there? You can help me take care of the kids.” Maria’s eyes gleamed upon hearing Mona’s offer. “Can I really come with you?” Mona noticed the glint of hope in Maria’s eyes. She nodded and said, “Of course. Why not?” Then, she looked at
“Dr. Huer, AB blood is running low at the bank. What should we do?” “Do a broadcast and see if there’s a donor around the hospital.” “Right away.” Mona held the doctor’s arm and asked, “Doctor, how is my father? Please save him.” The doctor had a quick glance at Mona and said in a rather heavy tone. “We’ll do our best.” He then returned to the operating room. The door swung shut before the noises from inside sounded again. Mona’s heart clenched tightly. Fear rose in her. She was afraid it might be the last time she would see her father. Thaddeus was not in a good mood either. He went over and put his hand on her shoulder to offer some comfort. “It’s going to be okay.” Mona pushed his hand away and bellowed with teary eyes, “If my father doesn’t make it, I will never forgive you.” Thaddeus frowned. “He’s more important than me?” Mona scoffed and found the question ridiculously amusing. The man was too arrogant. What made him think he was more important than her f
Thaddeus lifted his wrist to look at his watch. He grabbed Mona’s hand and headed outside. “What are you doing? Let go of me!” Mona was furious and confused, but she could not break free of the man’s grip. Thaddeus turned around to see a confused and angry Mona. He said, “Mona, listen to me. Whether that man is dead or alive has nothing to do with you. He’s not important to you.” “Are you insane?!” Mona shook Thaddeus’ hand off. “My father is inside there, fighting for his life, and you’re here being like a cold-hearted monster.” Thaddeus took a deep breath and said strongly, "Someone will stay here and keep me informed of his condition. You are to return with me to Fontaine Residence and pay our respects in the ancestral hall."“Thaddeus Fontaine, are you out of your mind? Where’s your humanity?” Mona was furious. How could some tradition be more important than her father’s life? “I’ve told you he’s not important to you. Don’t waste your time on him.” Thaddeus grabb
Makeup was all over the floor, startling the servants and the makeup artists. It was an important day with many guests waiting, yet the mother-in-law showed no respect for the daughter-in-law and attempted to exert her dominance. Mona was a lot calmer, or rather, cold. She grabbed Jennifer's fingers pointed at her face, and shook them away. Then, she said coldly, "Mrs. Fontaine, just cancel this ceremony if you’re unhappy with me. I don't want to waste my time putting on makeup here either." Jennifer was infuriated by Mona’s attitude. She trembled in disbelief. “You!” She flattered and fell on the couch behind her, breathing heavily. Mona took a deep breath to calm herself down. She glanced at the servants and makeup artists at the window and sighed. No matter how rude Jennifer was, she was her mother-in-law. Family affairs should be settled behind doors, not in front of others. “Can I have the room, please? Come back in half an hour.” The servants and makeup artists
Jennifer narrowed her eyes in disbelief at Mona. Like a deflated balloon, she suddenly forgot what made her so angry. “Since I’m already here, I’ll follow the rules. From now on, you are my mother-in-law, and I am your daughter-in-law. I will adhere to your thoughts and opinions. You find me disgraceful for being in the entertainment industry? Cancel the ceremony, then.” “The ancestral ceremony can not be canceled.” As soon as Mona’s voice subsided, Thaddeus’ voice came from the door. The man had changed into a set of formal attire. He overheard the servants and makeup artists gossiping about an incident. Only then did he know what had just happened. When Thaddeus stepped in, he sized up Mona from top to bottom to look for any obvious signs of injury. He only sighed a breath of relief when he confirmed she was fine. He walked to his mother and frowned. “Mother, I thought I told you not to cause trouble.” Jennifer was furious. “What did you say?” She bolted up instantl
The couple was tired after a time of bonding, and they lay on the wicker chair, closing their eyes before slipping into dreamland. Sometime later, Thaddeus felt a chill and opened his eyes. His T-shirt was wet, and Bobby and Millie were spraying water at him with water guns. The youngest child was nearby too in her stroller. She suckled on a pacifier and watched the bustle. “Where’s your mommy?” Thaddeus shuffled his hair and looked around, searching for Mona. “Freeze, Daddy. We have held Mommy captive. Surrender yourself to us.” Acting like the boss, Millie pointed her massive water gun at her daddy. Thaddeus had indulged his eldest daughter so much that the girl would only have things her way. Nevertheless, Thaddeus played along since it was only a game. He knew his children well. Millie took after Mona and was shrewd. Still, Millie would be on her best behavior when in public. “Hurry up and surrender, Daddy. Put your hands up, and we will release Mommy.” Millie poked
It was a cooling breeze for the Summer as flowers bloomed in the garden of Fontaine Residence. Mona rested on a wicker chair under the wine arbor, holding in hand the latest issue of the weekly design magazine, with her face on the cover. In the photo, she held a trophy up on the stage of a design competition, standing out amidst the radiant background. Since the birth of her youngest, Mona took a month off for rest before picking up her passion again and returning to the world of design. Recently, she won first place in an international design competition and found fame. Mona was happy with her life and enjoyed the rich and peaceful state of things. She had time to herself for once during the weekend, so she found a quiet spot to enjoy time alone while the kids had a nap. The sunlight shone over Mona through the leaves, basking her in warmth. She let out a yawn and closed her eyes for a nap. Thaddeus walked out of the house and saw the woman enjoying the moment of bliss. The t
“Mommy, did the baby kick you today?” Millie wobbled her way over and placed her hand on Mona’s belly. She could feel the baby stirring inside her mommy’s stomach. Millie was pleasantly surprised. “The baby kicked me! Mommy, is the baby swimming inside your belly?” “Yeah. The baby is kicking.” Mona affectionately caressed her belly. The fetus had been kicking and rolling a lot more lately, so she could not get much sleep. The tall and strong man drew near and looked tenderly at Mona. His husky voice lingered in Mona’s ear. “Weren’t you craving strawberries? I placed an order, and the fruit is being airlifted here as we speak. It’ll arrive tonight.” “Yay.” Mona was gleeful. Since the beginning of her pregnancy, she had become quite fussy and craved the strangest food. She wanted caviar from Japan, cookies from France, and strawberries from the highlands. Anything she asked for would be transported fresh to the house the next day.The man had taken good care of her during her en
“No. I won’t let myself go.” The man huffed heavily after finishing his sit-ups. Then, he rolled out of bed and got changed in the walk-in closet. Mona stared at the man’s well-toned back, gasping at his body upkeep. People would probably have a hard time believing he was a father of three. With that in mind, Mona became aware of a potential threat. She got up and drew close to the man. “You’re responsible for taking care of the baby once the child is born.” Thaddeus straightened his tie. “Alright. I can do that. I want to be present in the baby’s life and your pregnancy. You should rest at home once your belly gets bigger. I’ll handle Bobby and Millie’s school run, okay?” The man pinched Mona’s face dotingly. “Now you’re talking. Are you heading out?” Mona got up on her tiptoes to brush off the dust from his shoulders. “Yeah. I need to sort out a lot of paperwork.” “I wrote down notes of the meeting I attended on your behalf a few days ago.” Mona walked out to retrieve a
Thaddeus was in the hospital for a week before he was discharged. The election day for the successor of the Fontaine Group was two weeks later, but Thaddeus had not made a full recovery in his legs. He remained in a wheelchair and persisted in his daily physiotherapy. Mona had a room freed up in Fontaine Residence for Thaddeus’ rehabilitation. A specialized doctor would come around the house every day to help Thaddeus with his recovery. Thaddeus was a strong man to fight through the pain in his physiotherapy sessions. That day, Mona watched as the workers hung a decorative painting on the wall in the hallway. She ordered paintings of her preference and had them shipped from abroad. Mona instructed the workers to put it up, not paying attention to the wobbly painting that had been hung behind her. The painting was about to hit her from the back. Thaddeus was exiting the rehabilitation room when he caught sight of the danger. Getting up from his wheelchair, Thaddeus took large stri
The few pictures of Mona and Victor at the height of a tussle gave the impression that they were having an intimate moment. Thaddeus went through the photos with a look of disdain. “So you stood there and pretended to take pictures of me to show me these? You set my wife up with another man to tell me she was cheating on me?” It was not hard to guess the game the paparazzi were playing, but who was he trying to fool? The man was dumbstruck, as it never occurred to him that Thaddeus could see through him. It had taken the three of them to come up with the idea. However, it had not taken much for Thaddeus to foil their plan. Mona let out a relieved smile. She thought that Thaddeus would be furious at the look of the pictures and had prepared herself to give a long explanation. She was surprised that Thaddeus quickly saw through the attempt to drive them apart. Their relationship was solid, and no one could come between them. Mona thought to herself with glee when she took
Mona stood in front of Thaddeus, blocking his face as she confronted the paparazzi who took their picture. “Hand over the camera!” “There’s nothing in the camera. Besides, it’s my personal property. Why should I give it to you?” “You clearly took a picture of my husband. You have some nerve to say there’s nothing.” Mona grabbed the man by the wrist and lifted her foot to kick. Thaddeus grabbed her wrist to stop her. “You’re pregnant. Think about the child.” Thaddeus pulled Mona back, leaving himself exposed to the paparazzi. “Why do you want to photograph me? Do you want to see me in a wheelchair? Take a picture then.” Thaddeus pulled a straight face. His nonchalant gaze spoke of intimidation. Dumbstruck, the paparazzi looked at Thaddeus’ legs and smiled dryly. “What happened to your legs, Mr. Fontaine?” Thaddeus did not answer. However, his dark eyes flicked chillingly as he looked murderously at the paparazzi. Even in a wheelchair, Thaddeus did not have to say anythi
With the help of the two caretakers, Thaddeus sat in the wheelchair. He had overcome his emotions and pulled himself together. His mind was clear as he sorted out what he should do next. Thaddeus called the assistant into the room and laid out the following plan. “I won’t attend any media interviews before the election, but I won’t disappear from the public eye either. I don’t want to give the press something to talk about. My wife will represent me. Going forward, whatever she says or does will be considered my own. She has the authority to attend all corporate conferences, big or small.” Mona dropped her jaw in shock. She was to attend company meetings and speak on his behalf. It was trying to make the impossible happen. On second thought, Thaddeus must have his reasons to do so. She had the confidence to do a good job anyway. The assistant took note of everything Thaddeus said. The Fontaine Group was about to choose its next leader, and with Thaddeus still in recovery, the
“It’s okay. That’s normal after surgery. The doctor gave me a heads-up. Since it’s a brain operation, you might have damage to the motor nerve. With the help of physiotherapy, you’ll be back to running in no time.” Mona consoled Thaddeus. Thaddeus lifted his hands and gave Mona a gentle push. “Leave.” Mona froze. She looked at the man who was fine a second ago, not knowing what to do. “Can you leave? I need some time alone,” Fixing his gaze on Mona, Thaddeus spoke callously. “Okay. I’ll be right outside if you need me.” It dawned on Mona why the man was persistent in driving her away. He did not want her to see him at his worst. In a way, he was trying to protect his pride and dignity as a man. However, they were a married couple. Mona would never turn her back on him. Mona could understand the man’s vulnerability and his feelings at the moment. Hence, she said nothing and quietly left the ward to give Thaddeus the time and space to sort his emotions. Instead of doing n