CONTRACT MARRIAGE:03:
'Climbing the social ladder?'
When Miranda heard these words, she thought that they were nothing but a bunch of cranky jokes,Which doesn't bring a smile to anyone's face.
They were jokes and nothing else.
However, Mirabda couldn't bring herself to process and accept the insult hauled at her so casually. When reality, she has been doing everything to make sure that her sister lives. How could he address her as a social climber just like that?
Miranda's chest rose and fell back instantly .“If I really was just busy doing that. Then , how could the Quentin Corporation end up in a state like this?” The pain in her chest could be felt in the tone of her voice as she stared up at Lucas, who was determined to humiliate her. However, she didn't want to hold back anymore.She wanted to yell out her grievances with a loud voice without minding what anybody thinks. She wanted to speak with a loud, carefree voice and the world will be forced to listen to the pain in her voice.
Her drooping eyes were filled with unshed tears which has also grown to become an ocean of endless abyss–The hollow in her sockets gawked at the young man and woman with so much hatred that could not be described with reference.
She hated them and she wants them to know how much she does!
She hadn't had the chance to yell out grievance as someone from outside of the door was calling for the bride and groom to hurry up since everyone was waiting for them.She raised her pale, painful eyes to look at the disgusting couple , who look like they were made for each other.
Lucas hugged Maya's waist and said in a low ,gentle voice.“Honey ,let's go”
After saying this , Lucas held Maya tightly and turned around in an attempt to go out of the room. However, they were suddenly forced to stop in their tracks when they heard the voice of the woman calling out to them from behind.
“Wait!” Miranda held her torn clothes together in one hand ,and stretch out her other hand.“You haven't paid yet” The tone of her voice was firm and the look in her eyes were filled with determination.
At this moment, it looks as if she had lost all sense of dignity and respect. It seems like she had finally accepted the identity forced down on her by society.
Seeing the looks in her eyes and the tone of her voice. Lucas was infuriated.
At that moment, the murderous glimmer in Lucas's darkened eyes almost made Miranda lose her composure. However, she was determined to the money from him.After shooting her a few dangerous look. He groggily walked to a table. He couksnt get his eyes off the most disgusting woman in his sight. However, he still took out a cheque and a pen from his pocket. He quickly signed it and tossed it over.“Its only half done. Twenty-five thousand dollars for you”
Miranda picked up the cheque on the floor and looked at the man , who had just left.She used to love and adore this man like he was everything to her. She even took responsibility for his short comings and helped him out of his crisis. She has never imagined that he would end up repaying her this way. All that doesn't matter any more.
Her pale eyes became blurry...
Her clothes were already torn beyond repair , and she could only find a tablecloth in the lounge to wrap around herself.Fortunately, the guests were up at the center stage. Therefore, nobody noticed her. Because of this, it was easy for her to sneak out without being noticed.As she went out of the place, she heard the groom say gently , “I do”
Even though, she didn't want to witness the union of the most horrible couple in the world, she was still forced to hear them exchanging vows and promises just like real couples do.
Looking at Lucas at this moment, no one would believe that he was just about to get indulged with her a few minutes back.
The way he said it was so firm as if he was taking a solemn oath. Miranda couldn't help but feel bitter inside, but she only lowered her head and quickly left in large strides.The thought of what Lucas and Maya did to her left her mind wondering in the shadows of darkness and she couldn't bring herself to let go of it.
She rushed all the way to the hospital. However, her mind was too preoccupied that she didn't realize anything, when someone , who was riding a motorcycle passed by and managed to snatch her bag from her grip.
Only then did she jumped out of her trance.
Miranda was stunned and hurriedly chased after him, but how could she catch up with someone who was riding on a motorcycle?
She watched helplessly as the motorcycle disappeared with the bag that contains the twenty five thousand dollars which could save her sister's life.
Her voice was choked within her lungs and she couldn't bring herself to shout either.
Unable to get a grip over her wobbling little legs, Miranda fell to the ground in despair. She could only stand up when someone pass by to help her call the police.
It was already afternoon by the time, she was done with the process of reporting the incident to the police.Only then , she hurriedly returned to the hospital , but she was only at the door of the intensive care unit ward when she saw the doctor coming over in a hurry.“Why didn't you take your call? Your sister's surgery just required a signature , and none of her family members were there to sign for her...”“How is my sister doing , doctor?” Miranda met the doctor half way down the corridor and asked.“We can only treat her cautiously ” The doctor sighed.“ Fortunately she has recovered now. Anyway, have you paid your follow up fees?” He turned his gaze toward her before asking with a knowing look.
“I–” Miranda lowered her pale eyes and summoned the courage to answer.“Im still thinking of a way out” She said.
Under the complicated gaze of the doctor , she walked out of the hospital building and headed to a nearby store to buy a cheap phone for a few hundred dollars. She transferred her sim card and waited anxiously for a call from the police station.
She waited for a long Time but she still didn't receive any information about about the whereabouts of her bag or the thief. She waited unto it was already night time when she was finally notified that the thief has been caught, but the money has already been transferred into a bank account, so it would a take a little while longer for her to get it back.Miranda felt numb in her scalp upon hearing this news.She held her head tightly , trying her very best to stay calm .Her sister's life was at stake. If she could not pay up the follow-up fees, then she would have to hold herself responsible for the outcome...Sighing, she made a quick decision and went home to pack all of her things. It was said to be everything , but in fact , it was only two boxes.
She called the landlord that night and even knelt down to beg him for a long time before he finally agrees to refund her the remaining five thousand dollars from her advance rent and deposit.
Then she dragged her luggage all the way across the streets.She didn't even know where she was supposed to go from here. When finally came up to the bridge, she stopped and sat along the lines. She watched the bright moon hanging in the sky, illuminating the dark abyss.A glimmer of thought suddenly flashed into her mind, as she thought “At this time Lucas and Maya should be having their honeymoon, right?”
Thinking of this, she felt the pang of pain in her chest growing bigger and more painful. She didn't even realize when a thin line of tear dropped down her cheek.
She looked very pitiful.
Miranda woke up with an unbearable body pain and a headache early in the morning of the next day. She didn't realized that she had fallen asleep and ended up spending her entire night on the side of the bridge.Upon waking up , she looked around the place. Then, she bent over and cleaned herself.
After tidying up herself as best as she could , she bent over and picked up her luggage and continue her endless walk. While walking along the street, her gaze soon fell on a pawn shop nearby. She looked down at the glittering ring in her palm.
It was something her mother had told her never to lose sight of ,but she was already at her wit's end to care about such sentiments. She didn't have any right to act cheeky and neither does she have the rights to be choosy.The Pawn shop clerk couldn't see the value of the ring, however, he asked Miranda to wait for a while , and he walked inside.Coincidentally, the pawn shop owner who rarely ever come to the shop, was here today. When he saw the clerk holding something , he casually asked, “What is it? What is that in your hand?”.The clerk's eyes grew wide when realized that it was the big boss. Since this was his first time meeting him in person, he was trembling slightly as he said.“ Sir, I was just about to let Max have a look at it”“Let me have a look at it” The man stretch his hand and requested for the item.
He took the ring handed over by the young man, and when he saw the patterns and inscriptions on the ring, he suddenly raised his head.
“Who's the owner? Take him to the reception room, I want to see him right now! ” The man ordered with an authoritative tone. The expression on his face has suddenly changed.With that, he quickly made a phone call.CONTRACT MARRIAGE:04:Outside, Miranda was anxiously waiting for the pawn shop clerk to return and give her the news.She desperately wished that the ring was valuable enough to fetch sufficient money, but her conscience was also reluctant about selling the last possession, belonging to her mother. It was the only memory left of her.Just as she was indulging in series of battles within her heart, the pawn shop clerk returned.When she saw him, she prayed in her heart that he was back with a good news for her. However, she didn't expect that she would be invited by the big boss.When she heard that their boss wanted to see her, she immediately followed him inside.Miranda's heart was in a turmoil. She had a vague guess that the ring might have some background..The pawn shop own, who seems to be in his forties , came in with the ring in his
The loud echo from his cold voice rang in her ears as she tries to look up at him with uncertainty. Even though the man had said these words in a very low tone, she could clearly hear the reverberation of his words echoing in the room–It was as if he had shouted at the top of his lungs which in turn has been dribbling in the darkness.Miranda was shocked and she immediately froze in astonishment. It felt as though, she had heard the wrong thing by mistake.Perhaps, she was mistaken. This is because she has seen many lustful men, who only care about getting into her pants. She has never been asked to give birth to a child in exchange for her desires like this.This was the first and she was determined not to believe it.Miranda's eyes widened, but she thoughtthat she had just heard wrongly. She tried to look at the man for confirmation, but it was too dark to even make out his face."Did you hear my conditions? Or should I repeat it once more for you?"The man asked, this time with a
CONTRACT MARRIAGE:06: Miranda stared at her phone for amoment. She was simply dumbfounded after seeing the pictures, she felt like her entire world was going to crumble at this point and that too right before her very own eyes, she felt helpless and weakness sprang all over her body–She felt a heavy weight pulling her body and soul down. It felt as if there was a log of wood tied to her legs since they became so heavy that she could barely lift them. She didn't move an inch after seeing thepictures on her sister's phone, But, theintention of the message was clear. Hersister, Amanda, had been manipulated bysomeone she knew, and she wouldn't let itpass. The first purpose of the message was to disclose the details of her dealing to her sister and they must have already perceived the fact that she would definitely react by coming out in search of her–Thinking of this, Miranda felt like she was the reason why Amanda was in this position. She wouldn't have left if she didn't see t
CONTRACT MARRIAGE:07: "Sister, don't leave me. You're the only oneI Have. Can you not leave me?" Then, shecried desperately, "Will you accompany me, please? You said you would? You promised to accompany me to work and stay by my side. You're my twin, how could you even think of leaving me behind like this? Answer me! How will I survive this work without the three of you? Didn't you even think of me once before giving up on life?” “You can't leave me all alone Mandy!, you hear me! You promised that you will get better and work alongside me. You won't leave me, right? You won't !” Miranda dragged the motionless body of her sister close to her body and cried bitterly. Tears fell freely from her eyes and she didn't bother stopping them. She never planned to anyways. Bitter tears flow down her cheeks and she wouldn't be consoled. Not even the sympathetic gaze of the onlookers could help with the immense pain that she was feeling. Her heart clenched tightly and more bitter tears fell f
CONTRACT MARRIAGE:08: Miranda's eyes instantly widened in shockas her entire body trembled in guilt, "Yousaid what? What did you say!" She became agitated as she thought that she might hear the wrong thing. She couldn't bring her mind to believe that she had actually heard the right thing in the first place. How could she think that Maya would be so vicious as to punish her sister so harshly? No way, right? "Unfortunately, she was cremated soquickly that even the traces of itdisappeared. But, do you have the moneyand ability to sue me? Even if you know the truth about what happened to be loved twin sister, you won't be able to do anything about it. All you have to do is sit down in a God-forsaken corner and cry your eyes out. I mean that's what you are so good at, right elder sister?” Maya asked in a mocking tone. "Oh, I forgot to tell you! I was very generous in giving my husband to your sister. It was a pity that my husband fell asleep and called her by your name." Her
10 Month later Miranda was standing in the front garden of a mansion with her protruding stomach. She took a can and went around watering the flowers. This had become the new life that she was used to now, and it even gives her so much joy doing all of this. She believes that she was helping in cultivating a life. She was so bored of doing nothing all day long. The only thing she was to eat, sleep and carry the baby of the mysterious man she had a deal with. It was a routine for her but she was determined to change the routine, so she decided to be useful by doing this. She kept going around, watering the plants. Then suddenly, she felt a huge pain in her abdomen. The pain was like a heavy lift of metal crack and soon enough, she felt a warm liquid trailing down her thigh and fell to the floor in front of her as soon as hit the floor, Miranda widen her eyes in shock. Her water broke. It was time for the baby to come out. Miranda held her waist as the pain from her aching
“Apologize!” “Apologize to Maya right now!” Miranda suddenly heard a voice from the side. Without being told, she already knew who the voice belong. Its voice stuck to her head like a stubborn leech. Miranda turned her head to look at the man, who was still holding and comforting the distressed woman in his embrace. Hearing his words, Miranda thought that she had just heard the biggest joke of her life, so she pretended to have been deaf to his words. “I will apologize to her for nothing absolutely nothing only in your dreams! Your daydreams to be precise. I won't apologize to her!” Miranda then prepared to leave the scene– She was too weak to continue arguing with these people. After all, she had just given birth not long ago. However, just as she took a few steps away from the scene. Someone suddenly grabs her from the crowd with a force that she felt pain running through her veins. “Didn't you hear what young master Lucas said? Apologize to Miss Grant for the wrongs you
Three years later..... A young woman in her twenties emerged from the Braton International Airport's arrival passage along with some men in black suits. Her long, wavy hair Cascades her shoulders and fell to the back. she wore the latest version of the Royal dream dress and her eyes were hidden under the glass that she wore– Without seeing the eyes hiding underneath the glass, one could still tell how beautiful those eyes were. She Was very conspicuous with her blue dress and designer bag paired together. Her lips were pressed together under her brown sunglasses, giving her an unwelcoming aura that stirs people away from them. Seeing that, she emerged from the passage, and her assistant, who looks as young as a shim, rushed over to her And took the bag from her. She has been waiting for the last few hours. Then she asked courteously, “president Quentin, are we going to the mansion or will you visit the site and see to the partnership first?” Ivy Haddock asked and waited upon t
"Shit!" Miranda hissed and immediately got up from the bed when she felt a familiar feeling after she woke up. She rushed to their bathroom sink andpuked. She was puking but there was nothing that was coming out of her mouth. She even used her finger to let it out but there was none. She washed her face and gripped the edge of the sink. Then she looked at her face in the mirror panting. She had been like this for almost a weekalready. And she was familiar with this scene already. Because she had experienced this in the past. She went back to their bedroom andchecked the pregnancy test kit in the pouch. She just bought that yesterday when she went shopping with Brian. “Found ya!" She already found the pregnancy kit. When she returned to the bathroom and did what she must. She laid the kit on the sink then she walked back and forth to kill time. Her hands were sweaty and she could feel her heartbeat race. And after three minutes had passed, Miranda stopped walking and picked u
Time ticked forward slower than it usuallyseemed. At this moment, Isaiah felt like one of hisfeet was buried in the grave. He knew how complex their situation was, so he had the faintest idea about how Miranda would react. His face turned pale as nervousness crept into his bones. Anxious, he clenched both of his hands into fists. Just when anxiety was about to get thebetter of him, warm and soft lips brushed against his lips, calming his body in a heartbeat. In a seemingly endless night, their lipsentwined.“Don't be sorry, I'm glad that it was you because I couldn't be more thankful that it's not somebody else," Miranda reassured as she held Isaiah's face. The overpowering flames had finally subsided, the ashes had turned into soil, the flowers had suddenly bloomed, and the tunnel finally ended. Enchanting as it might sound, everythingjust fell into its rightful place. Isaiah wrapped Miranda in his arms, unwilling to let go. With hungry desires, he kissed her deeply, someh
Their curious eyes followed the older manas he entered this heated stage of familydrama. The man looked at Maya withextreme displeasure and lambasted hermercilessly. "To think that young lady like you could besuch a vixen. How dare you spout lies andsmear someone's innocence with yourslanderous accusations! Stop making rumors out of nothing! I examined Ms. Miranda and Brian myself, and they matched by a ninety-nine point nine percent! Brian was her flesh and blood. If anyone has any doubts, they can come to me" The older man was Richard Newton. He was the previous directorate in the Imperial Military Hospital, and his words alone were enough to discard Maya's claims down the drain. As soon as they saw him, Richard instantly dispelled everyone's doubts. What more could his words have done? It's slapped those who bear evil in their minds hard. The whispers of these vultures preying onthe Kenton family's situation buzzed through Maya's deafening silence. "So it's true!” "De
Time flew by with days painted withdifferent colors. Some days were grim butbrighter on other occasions, and today might be just one of those days. And today was a special day. It wasIsaiah's birthday. People gathered around the garden of theKenton family villa. The guests' faces gleamed with smiles as they sang along to the melodious happy birthday song. A towering ten-layered birthday cake sat on a cart, slowly getting pushed by Jake toward the celebrant. Series of applause clasp to the song's melody as they greet Isaiah and his family auspiciously. Miranda, Brian, and Isaiah were standingbeside each other, dressed in similar colors. The joy reflected in their eyes rubbed on their guests as they watched with them, the strips of their memories on the ED screen. Seeing their harmonious display of familial love, the guests found them pleasing to the eye. Most of those photos put on display weresecretly taken by Jake. Miranda glanced at Isaiah and his brother in surprise and
A week later, The Entertainment City held an official press conference where they released an official video of the evidencethey'd gathered. Isaiah found the video inthe surveillance camera at the company'sfront door and intercepted the video of Lucas and Miranda's conversation, but the sound was not recorded. Fortunately, Miranda had the audiorecording with her. Because the video was taken at night, thethe image was very dark, and only two peoplecould be seen in the distance: a woman and a slightly taller man. Miranda's voice was Heard, so who was the other person? Just say whatever you are going to say,"Miranda's voice said. The man then stammered before asking,"Miranda, could we... Could we start over?"When everyone was at a loss for words, the man continued to speak, "Miranda, I am well aware that I am far from perfect and that I have made a plethora of decisions that I am not proud of. However, I regretted it all. Although it took me a long time to realize my mistake
Meanwhile at Kenton's Group. As soon as Martin heard that Miranda was coming. he hurriedly went to the lobby to greet and fetch her in person. Seeing him, Miranda followed behind and took the direct elevator to the top floor. After accompanying her to Isaiah's officeMartin left immediately. Miranda, who had maintained a seriousexpression upon arriving at the company.immediately changed her temperament after closing Isaiah's office door. She dashed toward him as she happily said "I'm here, honey” “0f course, you are!” Isaiah said andautomatically raised his head from the pile of documents to review on his tableAs soon as his eyes fell on her, his expression froze. His eyes darkened and he pursed his lips. It was the same school uniform. With her short skirt, hair tied in ponytails,bare face, and rosy lips, she looked nothing like an artist who had been working in the entertainment industry for so long. Instead, she looked like a carefree and innocent college student. Mira
After a heartfelt conversation, Emily andMiranda went home together. As soon as Brian saw the latter, heimmediately dashed toward her. of course, Miranda welcomed the little kid with a big tight hug. However, her face was full of faint traces of distress. Emily's story kept replaying in her mind, so she couldn't help but wonder how hard it must've been for Brian to lose up and open his heart again after being betrayed by the person he trusted so much. Having known everything that hadhappened, Miranda found Brian's trust and dependence on her in a different light. She was suddenly enlightened about how much weight they possessed. Isaiah approached not long after, so Emilylooked at him in all seriousness. Then, she said, "Isaiah, come with me first. I have something to tell you” Isaiah glanced at Miranda first before going after his mother. After ensuring that they were far enoughfrom the two, Emily faced her son and said, “I told Miranda that someone pretended to be Brian's
“Don't mind that guy, sweetheart. You're only lowering yourself to that trash's level if you do," Miranda reminded. Her eyes carried an ominous stillness behind. 'Is it possible? Miranda scornfully repeated in her mind. Where did he even get the courage to askthis question?' she scoffed internally. The following day, Miranda unexpectedlyreceived a call from Brian's grandmotherEmily. She asked to meet with her at a cafe over the phone, saying she had something important to tell her. Although a little confused, Miranda agreed, and the two met up at the designated location. When Miranda got to the cafe, she instantly felt something heavy might fall. Emily sat before Miranda in rooted silence, carrying a truckload of emotions on her shoulders. “Thanks for seeing me today, Miranda," Emily said breaking the ice. “It's my pleasure." Miranda smiled which Emily returned. “ I came to see you today for two reasons. I wanted to thank you for everything you did for Brian and Isaiah. And,
Hearing Floral and Victor's anger forMiranda, Maya smirked. Then she dramatically cried again "Dad, Mom, I did not really suffer because of her. This is a good thing. Because l can finally concentrate on helping you run the company. I know that there are a lot of things to do in the company right now” she uttered. "Maya, it's fine. If you really thought of this well, then we will support you. Everything will pass, too. Just remember that mom and dad will always be by your side," Floral softly said. The couple spent more time comfortingtheir supposed daughter inside Victor'sstudy room. Soon, Maya decided to leave the room.Only Victor and Maya were left inside.Victor was furious about what had happenedto Maya. He grimaced after reading anewspaper headline. It was about Maya and Kate again.Their pictures together just reminded him of the truth. ....... Maya decided to conduct her pressConference at Newton Hotel. After the incident, she never showed upagain except for Jane