“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
Thaddeus was caught off guard by the question. It was indeed his weak spot. His face had a layer of frost on it. The man glared at his mother and said, “Mother, your marriage with Father was not based on feelings either, but that did not affect you two from staying under one roof and giving birth to me.” Jennifer’s eyes widened. She pointed at Thaddeus grudgingly and bellowed, “What is wrong with you? Are you trying to follow in our footsteps?” She was so loud that it startled the others around them. Thaddeus stood on the spot with a frosty look. It was not the first time the mother and son had a confrontation in front of others, especially the servants. The servants had gotten used to the arguments that happened now and then. To the outsiders, Thaddeus was a cold-hearted monster who did things with an iron fist. Everyone respected him, revered him, and assumed him as a God. However, that was not the case to the servants who had worked for the family for more than a few