A Week Later…“Olivia, are you going to attend my grandma's birthday party tonight?” Alden's voice made her turn to face him, diverting her attention from the pancakes she was preparing. Her eyes widened at his words, amused by the fact that she wasn't aware of the party. She walked up to Alden with a frown. “Why are you just telling me?” She asked sadly. Alden chuckled at her childish behavior. He leaned closer to stare at her. “What difference will it make? Besides, you were too busy setting up our new home,” he hesitated before he could come up with an excuse. “Busy setting up our new home or living with you?” She asked angrily. “Now that you are just informing me, what am I to do? I can't even think of a birthday present that your grandma will love,” she added worriedly. He lifted his gaze up a bit before he replied. “Why worry when you have me here?”Olivia, who knew this was going to be another season of flirting for Alden, decided to return her attention to her pancakes.
“Sure. I will go to the restaurant of your choice,” Alden replied with a never-ending smile. She chuckled at how he sounded, as if he were allowing her to win this time. Without complaining, she headed into her room and dressed up. After she was done dressing, she walked back to the living room. “Alden, let's go.”Her voice made him take his gaze away from his phone to stare at her. His lips parted, lost for words at how beautiful she looked in the pink sarong gown paired with black strappy heels. “Alden, why are you staring at me? Did I look—”Before she could complete her words, he cut her off. “There isn't time to ask how the dress looks on you. It will be 8:00PM soon; let's have our dinner and go for the gift.”She smiled faintly before nodding her head. She walked out of the mansion with him. After they got into the car, Alden started the car and drove off to the restaurant Olivia wanted. “Honey, I don't think I will like their pizza, why not try having seafood?” She asked
‘Why the hell did Alden refuse to come and insist on Kenny attending the party with me?’ She kept asking herself that question but couldn't find an answer. “Madam, aren't you going to meet your grandmother-in-law?” Kenny whispered. She snapped out of her thoughts, summoning the courage to take a step further even though all eyes were on her. She walked up to where Grandma Katherine stood, ignoring Aziel's presence. “Happy birthday, Grandma,” she said sweetly after handing her the gift she brought over. Grandma Katherine smiled faintly as she received the gift. Her smile was replaced with a frown when she remembered Alden didn't attend the party. “Why is Alden not here yet?”“He has some things to take care of. That is why he sent his secretary here to represent him,” she said warmly, trying her best not to piss her off. “That is so sweet of him. But I can't imagine my boy being represented at my birthday party when he isn't a president,” Grandma Katherine chuckled at her words.
“Where the hell did she go?” Kenny, who was busy looking for Olivia everywhere in the living room but couldn't find her, spoke frustratingly. Since she wasn't in the living room, he decided to check the rooms upstairs; maybe she got drunk and decided to rest. He checked Alden's room, but she wasn't there. He let out a deep breath before he began checking the other rooms. He checked the rooms but couldn't find her. When he arrived at Aziel's room, he asked himself inwardly, ‘She can't be in Aziel's room, right?” Without an answer, he decided to check. His lips parted, and a gasp erupted from his lips the moment he opened the door. He couldn't believe what he was seeing: Olivia kissing Aziel hungrily with her arms wrapped around his neck. It took him a few minutes before he could come back to his senses. He walked into the room and forcefully pushed Aziel off her. His punch landed on his face as if it was his wife who was making out with Aziel. “Aziel, how could you be this shame
Alden, who was busy researching the company directors in order to find their weaknesses, was distracted by an incoming call. He set aside his laptop before answering the call. Before he could say anything, the caller spoke up, “Sir, please come quickly. Your wife is–”“I will be there in a few minutes,” Alden interrupted Kenny before he could finish his statement. Alden didn't bother to put on his suit jacket before leaving his room. He walked to the parking lot, got into his car, and drove off. As promised, he arrived at Grandma Katherine's house earlier than usual. He drove at the highest speed without caring about the consequences. He didn't bother to greet his grandmother or pay attention to those staring at him. He took out his phone and dialed Kenny's number. “Sir, she is in your room.”He ended the call before it could go through after he heard Kenny's voice. He turned to face Kenny before asking, “What is wrong with her?”“Her drink was spiked. She is high and—” “Invite
Kenny's heart sank as he suddenly became overwhelmed with fear. He knew that whatever Atlas would say would determine Alden's reaction towards him. “What do you mean?” Alden, who was taken aback by Atlas's words, questioned curiously. Atlas smiled faintly at her brother's question before he replied, “I spiked the drink Olivia drank.”“Why? Do you think such a petty trick will make you the CEO of the company overnight?” Alden asked, his jaw clenched. Atlas chuckled at his words before he walked closer. “My little brother, I don't need to play dirty to win the directors over.”His eyes narrowed as he stared at Atlas, who was trying to provoke him. “Then why did you do that?” He asked, his angry eyes piercing through Atlas's. “The drink was meant for my girlfriend, who came to celebrate grandma's birthday with me, but unfortunately your wife drank it,” Atlas explained with a straight face. Alden burst into laughter at Atlas's words, wondering if he thought he was talking to a fool.
“Were you able to find out who the major shareholder was?” Chloe asked with a pale face. Today is D-day. Layla has to become the CEO so as to be her biggest supporter. “I couldn't. I informed my attorney about that, and he told me not to bother. Maybe the person who bought the shares isn't in the company. He might want to sell it back when the share price rises,” Layla explained. Her explanation makes no sense to Chloe. No one in their right state of mind will purchase shares with one million dollars just to sell them right back. “Layla, wake up. I am sure you wouldn't buy shares of a company with that amount just to sell them. It is 47% of the shares of a whole company and you expect that?” “Jeez, what is wrong with you? You are overly sensitive today. Do you know how much he will gain if he sells it when our share price returns to how it used to be? He will gain fifty million dollars!” Layla half-yelled. Chloe ruffled her hair. She couldn't believe Layla was not seeing the viv
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
“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