Alden hesitated before he replied, “I am sorry. I shouldn't have started this. If you are mistaken by my action, I am sorry.”“What are you really sorry about?” Olivia's voice echoed, barely audible. “The kiss? The fact that I gave you my consent? Leaving me turned on? Why the hell did you even kiss me in the first place?”“I am sorry,” Alden apologized once more before he walked out of her ward. With the look on his face, she knew he meant his apology. ‘Fuck! Why did I give him my consent? Why did I kiss him? Why did I enjoy the kiss? Why is my head blank?’ She ruffled her hair as what happened minutes ago replayed in her head. This was one of the silliest moments she ever experienced. She put on her bra and top before sleeping, hoping everything would be a dream when she wakes up. …. Alden, couldn't sleep until 8:00am. He kept blaming himself and cussing. Since today was another family dinner, he knew he must be there with Olivia. He climbed down from his bed before he took
“You don't have to worry about that. I always stick to my word, unlike someone I know,” Atlas said reassuringly, his gaze fixed on Alden.“Atlas, sister-in-law, could you both allow everyone to eat peacefully? This isn't a place for banter, please,” Dario, who couldn't eat because of the way Atlas, Alden, and Olivia were staring at each other, half-yelled.Atlas returned his gaze to his food before he began eating. Others did the same, except for Grandma Katherine, who was lost in her own thoughts.Olivia reminded her of Alden's mother. She was outspoken and always defended her husband.“Dear sister-in-law, make sure you bring your husband to the hospital tomorrow, or I would take it as me winning the bet,” Atlas said, distracting everyone.“Too bad, I thought we were going to the hospital today,” Olivia replied, staring coldly at him.Atlas chuckled at her words before letting go of his cutlery.“I hate rushing things,” with that said, he stood up and walked out of the dining room.“
“Holy cow!”The sound of someone's exclamation made Olivia push Alden away instantly, as if she had just come to her senses.Alden, who was already angry, turned to see who the person was.“Dario, haven't I warned you several times not to barge into my room without my permission?” he asked angrily.“I am sorry. I will make sure this doesn't happen again,” Dario apologized.If Dario were a stranger, he would have taught him a lesson he would remember forever.Not only was he angry that Dario came in at the wrong time, but also because he was feeling horny.“I'll take your word for it,” he said before turning his gaze to Olivia, who was trying to avoid eye contact with him. “Olivia, excuse me. I want to have a conversation with my brother.”“S–sure,” she replied, stressing out the single word before she walked out.Alden hesitated before he began speaking. “Dario, what do you want to tell me that can't wait until later?”“I found out I… I...”“You are what? Is something wrong with you?”
The Next Day…“Alden, aren't you aware that you are going to the hospital today? Or are you going to stay back in this room and let him win the bet?”Alden woke up to Olivia's nagging. He sat up, his gaze fixed on Olivia who was already dressed up. “What time is it, Olivia?” He asked coldly, still feeling sleepy. Olivia roughed her hair annoyingly at his question. “It's 10:00am!” She shouted. He chuckled at the way she was acting before he climbed down his bed. He walked up to her, while she walked backward. It continued until her back was against the wall. “If you are going to kiss me, you better not try that,” she muttered, trying her best to avoid eye contact. “Why would I kiss you? Don't tell me you are expecting an early morning kiss,” he teased with a devilish smile on the corner of his lip. “Tch!” She gritted her teeth at his words. “Instead of an early morning kiss, would you get yourself ready for the test?”Again, Alden chuckled at her question. “Why should I? Who sai
“Why are you here, Alden?” Olivia questioned in a low tone.Alden chuckled at her words, unable to understand her. She was the one who begged him to come, but here she is acting coldly towards him.Alden leaned closely before whispering, “I don't want you to lose your father's company.”His sincerity made her heart flutter. She thought he was going to say otherwise since he warned her not to get involved in this mess.“Mr. Kendrick, the blood test would be carried out—”“Lead me to the diagnostic center,” Alden's cold voice interrupted Doctor Xavier.Without uttering any word, Doctor Xavier led the way. They walked out and headed to the diagnostic center.Doctor Xavier opened the door and walked in with Alden before drawing out Alden's blood. He placed a cotton wool on the spot where he inserted the needle.“Why did you insist on carrying out the test and scanning when you know it would reveal nothing but the truth?” Doctor Xavier asked curiously, staring at Alden in anticipation of w
“The result from the test and evaluation shows that Alden doesn't have any personality disorder. You can go to any other hospital to confirm,” Doctor Xavier said before he handed the result to Grandma Katherine.Atlas's smiling face turned pale upon hearing his friend's words. He thought he was going to win the bet, but too bad he didn't.Alden smiled darkly before walking up to Atlas. Given the look on Atlas's face, he knew Atlas expected the opposite of what Doctor Xavier just said.“My wife won the bet, Atlas,” he giggled as if he won a trophy. “I hope you really don't get back at your words.”Atlas gritted his teeth before storming out of the waiting room without saying anything.“Sweetheart, you won the bet. There is no need to be afraid of losing your company.”Alden's voice made Olivia snap out of her thoughts.Her brow narrowed trying to understand what he meant. “What do you mean?” She inquired, staring at him in awe.“Don't tell me you didn't hear what the doctor said, Sweet
“Tell her to wait for me. I will be there in ten minutes,” Atlas said before hanging up.He did not hesitate as he got into his car and drove off to the gambling house.Unlike usual, it took him less than an hour to arrive. He got out of his car before making his way into the gambling house.“Boss—”“Not now,” his cold voice cut the security men off before they could speak.After entering the main gambling house, one of his men rushed up to him.“Boss, she is waiting for you over there,” the man said, pointing towards the direction where Layla was seated.Atlas smirked darkly upon seeing Layla. He slowed down his steps as he reached the spot where Layla was seated.“Good afternoon, Mr. Kend—”“I prefer being called just Atlas,” he corrected before sitting next to Layla.He moved his face closer to hers before asking, “What do you want to tell me about?”“Hmm, I guess you are in a haste to hear what I have to say,” she said with a naughty smile. “I watched a clip from the video—”“Wher
“I thought Atlas could do better, but he is still the imbecile I had known him to be,” Chloe said, trembling in her seat.With the look on her father's face, she knew he was furious.“If you knew that, you shouldn't have persuaded me to go to the hospital. You have never done anything right!” He hissed at her words. “If you were a man, I would have made sure you went up against Alden. Now, he is going to be the CEO of the company with ease.”“But dad, you kept talking about a video. Even though I don't know anything about it, I know you would never keep something unimportant in your possession,” Chloe inquired curiously.Ryan exhaled deeply before raising his gaze to stare at his daughter, revealing the secret only he and Grandma Katherine knew.“The video is about Alden's parents' death. If I bring out this video, it will destroy me, Alden, and Olivia.”“And yet you are keeping it?”“Yes. I have to bring down Alden in order to rise. I have to use his weakness to destroy him. That is w
“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