However, the men looked at Thaddeus with understanding. Thaddeus was in the midst of a power struggle to win the company, so he knew the importance of projecting a positive image to the public. Women in powerful and wealthy families were often seen as mere tools. Even Mrs. Fontaine before them had no distinguished background, and she only acquired her title due to her physical appearance. “Mr. and Mrs. Fontaine really love each other.” The men spoke insincerely with fake smiles on their faces. Mona saw the ridicule in their eyes and knew immediately what the realistic and intelligent men were thinking. For men in the business world, there were many women who would flock to them like birds, making it easy and natural for them to objectify women. Mona knew it clearly, but no matter what people thought, she was a woman with dignity and self-respect. She would never allow others to look down on her. “Of course. We love each other.” Thaddeus tightened his arm to hug Mona int
Halfway through the dinner, Mona got tired and sat down. As she watched the businessmen and influential figures mingle around, she felt calm despite being one of them. “Are you feeling okay?” Thaddeus came over with a chair and sat beside Mona. “Just a little tired.” “We shouldn't have come.” Thaddeus bent over and held Mona’s slender ankle with his strong palms, massaging her softly. “Stop it. People are watching.” Mona patted Thaddeus’ back. “Go get me a drink. I’m thirsty.” “Alright. Wait for me here.” Thaddeus got up and went back into the hall. He shuttled through the guests and headed to the table filled with food. He went to the drinks corner and wanted to grab a glass, but a slender and fair hand reached for the drink before him. He looked to the side and saw a woman smiling at him. “Hello, Mr. Fontaine. What a coincidence running into you here.” Thaddeus looked at the woman whom he did not know. He nodded and greeted her before he left with the glass of dri
Mona took the glass and drank it. Thaddeus was thinking if he should go to room 1108 to look for Ginny. He wanted to go, but he could not let Mona know. He had to act alone, so he had to come up with an excuse and send Mona home first. “You’re tired. I’ll tell the driver to drive you home later so that you can rest.” “What about you? Aren’t you coming with me?” “No.” Thaddeus’ gaze looked evasive. “I have another social gathering to attend later.” Mona looked at the man in surprise. A while ago, he was complaining about how boring the dinner was and how he wanted to go home with her, but now he wanted to stay and attend another social gathering. “Hey, are you up to something mischievous?” “No way. I’m not the other guy who will hurt you and do things behind your back.” Mona pointed and narrowed her eyes. She warned him, “You’d better not. If you do anything that hurts me, you’re dead.” “Yes, ma’am. Why would I do something to hurt you? I don’t even have enough time
When Thaddeus woke up again, he found himself naked on the bed with a barely dressed Ginny beside him. The scene messed up his thoughts, and before he could say a word, a group of reporters and paparazzi came in with cameras, snapping pictures of them. “Mr. Fontaine, Ms. Kimball, is there anything either of you wants to say about this affair?” Thaddeus grabbed the landline from beside the bed and tossed it at the paparazzi. “Get out!” “Come on, you are the heir to a big company and you are abusing reporters? How shallow! I’ll expose you!” “Yeah! Take his picture!” The camera shutters flickered ceaselessly as the paparazzi and reporters took pictures of Thaddeus and Ginny. Thaddeus wanted to get on his feet but realized that he was left with only underpants. How ridiculous! He clearly remembered passing out at the hospital but could not remember what happened after that. What had happened while he was out cold? How did he end up in bed with a woman that was not his wif
“I didn’t do anything.” Ginny swallowed. The gears in her mind were spinning rapidly, thinking of a way to handle the meticulous man. “You came up yourself.”"Impossible. Why would I come up here for no reason?" Thaddeus warned, his voice low and threatening. "Tell me the truth, or..." “You came up by yourself! It was your second personality who did it! He's foolish and perverted. I outwitted him, and he sent Mona home before coming to my room.” Thaddeus held Ginny’s neck after listening to her explanation. He narrowed his eyes and questioned her coldly, “My second personality… How did you know about that?” He tightened his grip on her neck, causing her to gasp for air and struggle to break free. “I…I found it out on my own…” Thaddeus released her but did not believe what she said. “Speak the truth!” Ginny shook her head. “It is the truth! If you don’t believe it, forget it.” “The reporters and paparazzi are here because you called them. It must be a trap. Ginny, don’t
Tim frowned. “Don’t let Mona know about this.” Ginny shrugged. “I’ve already called the reporters and paparazzis, and you are telling me not to let Mona know?” “Who told you you could act on your own?” Tim bellowed. “Who told you to get the paparazzi?” “Come on, Mr. Graves. Don’t be so selfish. I sacrificed my body to help you get Thaddeus’ medicine. Now that you’ve achieved your goal, can’t you let me have my way?” “You want to hurt Mona?” “Yeah. I want her to see me and Thaddeus on the same bed.” “I can not allow you to do that.” Tim pulled his phone out and informed his men to deal with the reporters and paparazzi. He could not let Mona know about this. Ginny crossed her arms and sneered, “Mr. Graves, I see you cared a lot about Mona. However, if you really did, why destroy her family? Can’t you just let her live her life?” Tim put his phone away and looked askance at Ginny. He explained with disdain, “Thaddeus is not someone you can spend your life with. Sooner or
Tim wanted to say he felt bad for her. However, it felt inappropriate, so he changed it to something more formal. Mona flickered her eyes. She found Tim’s troubled look amusing. “I’m okay. Thank you for your help.” Tim was intoxicated by her gentle gaze. He stared at her face for so long that even Mona felt embarrassed. “Is there something on my face?” Tim regained his composure and realized he was being impolite. He said, “1108. Thaddeus is in that room. Go.” Mona smiled at him. “Thank you, Tim.” She then headed to the elevator and went upstairs. When she got to the suite, she knocked on the door. The man opened the door to his wife, and his reaction was somewhat evasive. “What are you doing here?” “I should be asking you that question,” Mona said angrily. “You checked into a hotel and didn't come home last night, yet you question why I’m here? Thaddeus, what did you do last night?” Thaddeus combed his hair with his fingers. His head was still a mess and could
“Calm down.” The man looked at Mona, and she returned his gaze coldly with expressionless less. It was as though Thaddeus’ heart was being pounded by a hammer. He wanted to hold her hand, but she avoided him. “Am I not calm enough?” Mona’s eyes turned red and teary, and her vision blurred. “Thaddeus, you disappoint me.” Thaddeus was drowned in frustration, but he kept his calm and talked to Mona, “Mona, I promised I didn’t cheat on you, nor will I ever do so.” Mona pushed the man away. “How can you promise me? With that mouth of yours?” Thaddeus took a few steps back, his mood turning terrible. Why must the woman be so stubborn and unreasonable? Why could she not talk properly and communicate with him? Thaddeus felt helpless, as he had no evidence to clear his name. All he could do was watch Mona leave the room. He collapsed on the couch, his mind racing with thoughts on how to solve the problem and clean up the mess his second personality had left behind. What a pi
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