A Few Hours Earlier…“I can't believe he wasn't going to wait for me to get dressed and give me a ride to the meeting,” Olivia said with a frown before coming out of the bathroom. She picked up her phone and texted one of her favorite makeup artists. She put on a simple casual gown before heading downstairs. “You are awake? I heard you aren't feeling well; are you fine now?”She smiled at Grandma Katherine's words, reminded of how her father used to ask her a ton of questions each time she was sick. “I am fine now. I was just stressed out,” she replied sweetly. “I am glad you are. I personally prepared lobster and rice porridge for you,” Grandma Katherine said before she led her to the dining room. She drew out a chair for Olivia, which she sat on shyly. “Make sure to finish everything. You have to eat healthy foods and make sure you rest frequently.”Olivia smiled at her words before she began eating. No doubt, she had never tasted a lobster as delicious as this one. She ate eve
“Mr. Jaden, I am sorry, I can't offer you the amount of money you want. Maybe if I talk to my husband, he might help out.”Seeing so many gazes on them including reporters, she decided to put up a little act. “Ol—”“I am sorry, my husband hates seeing me with another man. He is a jealous man,” Olivia interrupted him with a childish smile. Alden, who had been watching them, seized the opportunity to act like a doting husband. He walked away from where he parked his car and walked up to Olivia. With a cute smile, he asked, “Honey, who is this man and why is he kneeling down here?”“I don't really know. I don't know if he wants my help or the crowd's attention,” she replied with a pretty smile. “I will take it as he wants nothing,” Alden said and hold Olivia's hand before they headed to the spot he parked his car. “Don't worry, I will drive by myself. I will drive back home with grandma's car,” she said after she pulled her hand away from his. “Sure.” Alden replied and got into his
“What if I say yes?” Alden leaned closer before he asked with a faint smile. “You killed Brandon… So you really did that?” Olivia's voice trailed off as she questioned sadly, tears streaming down her face. Alden chuckled at her words, his eyes piercing into hers. “Do you have any proof that I killed him?”She clenched her fist, trying to stay calm. “I will look for the evidence!”"Why are you stressing yourself over him? Have you forgotten that he almost killed you? Have you forgotten how he took everything from you? Isn't it a good thing that he is gone?” He asked with a faint smile on his face, yet a serious tone. Unable to believe his reaction, she asked, “Alden, are you human?” “I can't believe you are comfortable saying such words,” she added as she cleaned her face, trying her best not to allow her emotions to control her. “You don't want to believe you hate him, do you?”“What are you? What gives you the damn right to think you can kill anyone?” She asked with tears welled
“Clarify what? All we have to do is stick to our initial agreement, isn't it?” She asked, sounding persuasive. He frowned at her words. He couldn't believe she was trying to change the topic of conversation. “I want to clarify the fact that you were the one who first approached me! You proposed a fake union first, and now you are trying to use my secret against me!”“I am sorry.”Staring into her brown eyes, his heart skipped a beat as he heard her apologize. Apologies always provoked him, but it was different when it came from her. “That aside, how did you know I was a sadist?” He asked, curious about how she found out what others didn't know. “I can't tell you my source just as I can't tell anyone about this,” she said and began walking away, but halted at his words. “If that is the case, I hope you don't think about your dead ex-husband. You can feel sad because of the past moments you shared together, but just know it was part of his scamming scheme. It was all lies.”“You w
“I guess you must be happy after ruining everything,” Chloe's voice echoed sadly after she found Layla. She spent about five hours looking for Layla, but she was not around— not at home or where they used to hang around. Layla's eyes widened as she raised her gaze to look Chloe in the eyes. She opened her mouth to speak but was lost for words. “Is this what you have under control? I trusted you, but you disappointed me when I least expected it!” She half-yelled at Layla. “And so? I can't believe you are yelling at me when I actually tried my best to make this work!” Layla yelled back at her, hiding the fear lingering in her. Chloe ruffled her hair before she spoke up, “You try to make this work? Anyway, I did not blame you; I blamed myself for trusting an incompetent idiot like you! At first, you ruined my party, ruined your father's reputation, now you ruined my plan.”“I hope not to ever see your face again. Go live the life of a loser with your dead boyfriend,” she paused brief
‘I can't believe Uncle Ryan would stoop so low as to use his only child. What a greedy man he is,’ Alden muttered to himself before he walked inside. Olivia, who overheard their conversation, approached him the moment he entered the living room. “Alden, what was that about?” She inquired.“I prefer you to be straightforward, Olivia,” Alden replied with a faint smile. She exhaled deeply before she began. “I heard everything. But why would you chase her away like that? She isn't her father, you know?”“Olivia, every child follows in the footsteps of their parents,” he replied coldly. “You have never been wrong about anything, except this,” she said calmly. “Okay, let's take for instance, are any of your parents a sadist? No, but—”“Olivia, I will take it as a death wish if you ever bring up my parents in any of our conversations,” Alden cut her off before heading to his room. She felt every hair on her skin raise as she heard his words. His gaze was serious, leaving her no room for
Seeing how adamant Olivia was and the truth about her words, he decided to give in. “I am not sure if I will be able to meet your expectations, but I will do my best,” Dante said calmly, a guilty look on his face. “Uncle, is that a yes?” She asked sweetly. “Of course, Olivia,” he replied with a faint smile. He couldn't believe Olivia hadn't changed. She still acts this way to get whatever she wants. Just when she was about to leave, she remembered she hadn't seen Layla. “Uncle, where is Layla? Has she not come back home?” She inquired worriedly. Before Dante could reply, Layla walked up to them, holding a container. “I am at home. I just decided to give you and your uncle some moments,” she said with a pale look on her face. “Layla, you have to change. Choose a path that you will be proud of, and not try to steal from others. I am not saying this because we are related, but because your father is a good man,” Olivia replied calmly, trying not to show her resentment towards Lay
“I like him. I proposed this marriage because I don't want to regret it for the second time,” she replied with sincerity laced in her voice, tears clustered in her eyes. “Olivia, that isn't enough reason to make a fool of everyone!” Dante yelled as he found her words unbelievable. He knew how far Olivia could go to have what she wanted, but allowing a man to use her because of her feelings? Olivia is too intelligent to be fooled. Olivia turned to look at Alden before she began, “I missed him. I love him, but I can't deny the fact that we were both using each other.”Alden, who didn't know what to do—either act along or play dumb to her words, was staring intensely at her. Given the look on his face, Olivia could tell that Alden is curious about what she was up to. “Even if you love him, this marriage is still fake! I give you both a week to end whatever relationship between you and him,” he declared, about to go, but halted upon hearing Alden's words. “What gives you the right t
“What the hell are you doing here?” Atlas's voice finally broke the silence in the hall.Alden chuckled before he walked up to Atlas. His usual smile on, he asked calmly. “Is that a question I should expect my brother to ask me after escaping death?”“Or are you not happy that I am here, Atlas?” His question made everyone gasp.“Haha, I was just surprised that you came back. Grandma and I had looked for you everywhere, but couldn't find you. We thought you were kidnapped and killed,” Atlas said, sounding worried even when his gaze stated otherwise.“I was actually kidnapped. Thanks to that, I was able to live—”“That doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that you are back. I believe everyone would be over the moon to hear this good news, especially your wife,” Atlas was quick to interrupt Alden.Hearing his words, his face turned pale. The thought of how he stressed and kept making Olivia worried made him hate himself.Not only does she pretend not to know his whereabouts after kid
Today is the day. The day I get what is rightfully mine,” Atlas said, his voice barely audible.Layla, who slept next to him, raised her gaze to meet his eyes, her hands firmly holding the blanket to cover her naked body.“Congratulations, Mr. Kendrick,” she muttered, a faint smile on her face.Atlas chuckled at her words before leaning closer to kiss her forehead. If it weren't for her help, he wouldn't have dreamed of this day.“Just Atlas,” he corrected her. “I can't continue to hear the woman I share the same bed with call me 'Mr. Kendrick'. Also, thank you. If it wasn't for you—”Layla placed her index finger on his lips, silencing him, followed by a soft whisper. “Shhh. Just focus on this day.”This is the reason he was always happy when he was with her. When others wanted to take from him, didn't believe in him, it was the opposite for her. Layla always helped him and believed in him. She was the only one who trusted him without him trying.“I should go take my bath,” Atlas mut
“Yes, I am,” Alden replied, his voice barely audible.Olivia hurried out to look for Davison. “Mr. Davison, please contact the doctor. My husband is awake.”“Okay, ma,” Mr. Davison replied.She left after giving her orders. The fact that Alden woke up felt like a dream to her. She returned to Alden's room.She walked up to him with a bright smile on her face and tears clustered in her eyes. “Alden, thank you for waking up. I am sorry you have to go through this because of me.”“I should be the one being sorry, Olivia,” Alden forced out those words.“No need—”“Ma, if you don't mind, I want to examine him,” the doctor's voice cut her off.She nodded without uttering a word. She walked to the corner of the room, giving him the chance to examine Alden.After a thorough examination, the doctor turned to face Olivia. “I think he needs rest. Don't stress him too much. Aside from that, he is fine.”“Thank you so much, doctor. I don't know how to reward you,” she said with tears streaming dow
‘Alden, I know you would be happy to find out that I finally have my revenge on the man who raped me. The sweetest revenge I ever had,’ she said inwardly with a bright smile after hearing the judge's verdict.Thanks to other victims who were at the court as witnesses, Aziel was sentenced to ten years in prison for rape, illegal activities, drug, and attempted murder.“Thank you, Ms. Clara,” her face brightened with a smile as she appreciated her lawyer who made this possible.“You are welcome,” Clara replied.Olivia smiled faintly before heading out of the court. She can't wait to share this news with Alden. Even though he is still in a coma, Olivia always reports to him whatever happens to her daily. She believes he could hear her, even though she knew that was just all her imagination.About to get into her car, Jane rushed up to her, making her pause. She turned to face Jane before speaking, “If you are here because of the guilt you are feeling, just go. I already forgave you. Afte
“I came to visit the doctor. I am sorry for disturbing you both,” Olivia replied without fear in her eyes.“Well, here he is,” Atlas said, his gaze fixated on the doctor who was equally wondering what was going on in his mind just like Olivia.Olivia chuckled at Atlas's words before entering the office. She walked up to the doctor before saying, “Thank you for saving my husband. I brought you pasta I bought from a nearby restaurant, but unfortunately, it slipped off my hand.”“Haha, no need to bother about that. I am glad I was able to save him,” the doctor muttered, still focused on Atlas.He knew if he makes any mistake, his reputation and family will be gone. Not only is he a bad son who was behind his mother's death, but because of him, his wife and sons would end up dying. He has to act perfectly without any mistakes.“Oh, doctor, I have a proposal to go through. I have to submit it before I go to bed,” Olivia, who couldn't find any reasonable excuse to give, lied.Even though it
It's been days since Alden was unconscious. Olivia kept blaming herself, while Jane kept coming to the hospital, hoping Olivia would forgive her.“Alden, it's been a week. If you don't wake up, I can't help but replace you with Atlas. I am sorry,” Grandma Katherine said, holding Alden's hand.The day she was informed Alden had an accident, she thought it was a nightmare. She found it hard to believe until this moment.“Good day, Madam Crawford,” the doctor greeted after he walked into the hospital to check up on Alden.“Doctor, are you sure he will wake up?” Grandma Katherine asked, sounding like all hope is lost.“Don't worry, Madam, we will make sure he wakes up. Though I can't assure. But the longest coma patient in this hospital was two years. So be rest assured,” the doctor reassured her before checking on Alden.Grandma Katherine heaved a sigh before she stood up. She walked up to Olivia, who acted like she didn't exist.“Thank you for being by his side, Olivia,” she said softly
Thank you for saving me. I owe you one,” Olivia said with a faint smile after drinking the tea that calmed her. The tea was prepared by Dario, his acclaimed special recipe.Dario chuckled before speaking, “There is no need to thank me. If I can't save my brother's wife, or rather, the woman my brother loves, why am I alive?”“No need to exaggerate. You sure know how to sweet-talk people,” Olivia teased.“Haha, I am not exaggerating. I know your marriage was a fake one. The marriage certificate was a bit different from the authentic one,” Dario replied calmly. “Also, when we were in Italy, Alden told me he loves and misses you a lot.”Before Olivia could laugh at Dario's words and tag it as a joke, her phone rang. She hesitated before picking up.“Are you Mrs. Kendrick?”“Yes, I am. Olivia Kendrick, Alden's wife,” she replied hastily, wondering what the call might be about.“Your husband had an accident and has been rushed to Alfred Hospital. The doctor needs your approval before he ca
Aziel's fingers trailed down her left nipple, right under her bra, his hand pinning her down.“Let me go, you monster! I know nothing about the shit you just said!” Knowing Jane couldn't betray her since there isn't any reason for that, Olivia yelled, trying her best to push him off her.Seeing how adamant Olivia was, he decided to reveal the truth to her. “Newsflash; I used Jane to get to you. I told her to do this, and the foolish lady did exactly so. It must be true, Love makes you foolish.”“She didn't even know the words I told her to tell you were true. Please do tell her to come visit me, there are clients asking for the video,” he added shamelessly.If there was anything Olivia wished right now, it should be the freedom to move her hands. She knew if she could, she could slap Aziel so hard that her fingers would create a red scar on his face.“You are a beast!” Olivia cried out.Aziel burst into laughter, actually enjoying the misery Olivia was in. “No one is saving you now!”
A Few Days Later…Alden, who had been away to avoid thinking about Olivia or confusing her, finally returned.He headed to her room. At the entrance, he knocked faintly on the door until a faint voice echoed, 'I am coming.'“Alden?” Olivia, who thought she wouldn't see his face until their deal ended, called out in a questioning tone.“I came for the document I forgot,” he informed her, avoiding eye contact.“You came here for a document or because you miss me? Also, aren't you going to tell me about your inauguration? Or do you think I won't be aware of that?” Olivia asked with a faint smile.Alden did not bother replying to her question before he left for his room. He got the document he needed and left the house without caring about Olivia, who was staring at him with sadness reflected in her eyes.‘Why am I acting like a fool? This sh!t is going to end today,’ Olivia said inwardly as she watched him leave.She walked into her room, took her bath, and dressed up. After she was done