“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
“What the fuck!” Olivia screamed at the sight of her husband and her cousin in their bedroom. She moved closer, doubting whether or not she was seeing things. Verifying that this was really happening, her purse fell from her hand, and her legs weakened. Her husband got away from the woman he was with. He adjusted his trousers before he walked up to her without an ounce of shame or guilt. “Bradford,” she tried to speak, but was at a loss for words. Not only was she disappointed, but she was equally shocked. “Olivia, i–”Before Bradford could finish his statement, Olivia summoned the courage to slap him, silencing him. Olivia wasn't just sad, but angry at her husband, who had the guts to bring a woman into their bedroom. She thought he was a different man and trusted him, but he failed her like every other man she had encountered. All they wanted was what she had to offer, not her love. “Olivia, I don't care if you slap me a hundred times. It is what it is.” His words left her spe
“Olivia, are you really fine?” Her friend, Annabelle, asked worriedly. After the night that she got divorced, she couldn't think of anywhere to go aside from her friend's place. She caught a cold and wouldn't tell her friend what happened. “I am,” she managed to reply, as if those two words were forced out of her mouth. Annabelle placed her hand on Olivia's forehead to feel her temperature. Her temperature was warm compared to two days ago when she came knocking on her door, looking soaked. “Olivia, you aren't okay. Stop pretending to yourself,” Annabelle said. She knew her friend would never share her problem with anyone except she was at the verge of dying. Unable to keep lying, Olivia decided to tell everything to Annabelle. She explained how she caught Bradford, how shameless he was, and everything that transpired between them. Annabelle ruffled her long black hair as if she were the one treated that way. “Fuck! Girl, how could you keep such a thing to yourself?”“What can I
“Grandma, what is this family dinner about?” Dario, the youngest grandson of old Grandma Katherine, asked curiously, interrupting the silent dinner. It was unusual for their family to dine together unless there was an announcement to make. Atlas, the eldest grandson, paused to hear his mother's response. He knew there was no important announcement to make aside from announcing who she was going to hand over the company to. “I called everyone, including your brother, Alden, who just returned from Country D, to announce who I was going to hand over the company to,” the old woman replied before she continued eating. Atlas chuckled at his grandma's words. Every action she took was unpredictable. Wasn't it obvious that he was the one she was going to hand over the company to? Was there any need to inform his brothers instead of announcing it to the press?“Atlas, why did you laugh? What is so funny about my words?” She asked with a serious look on her face. Atlas hesitated before he r
His question caught her off guard. He sounded cold, yet he smiled as if she was joking. “Why did you want to marry me?” He repeated the same question, making her snap out of her thoughts. She drifted back and sat upright. “I want your help. I want you to help me take revenge on my ex-husband,” she said, finding it unbelievable that Bradford was now her ex-husband. “You are so funny. You are a perfect fit for a comedy role,” he said, staring at her brown eyes. “For real, how does your revenge have anything to do with me marrying you?”“I learned your grandma wants to hand over the company to you if you get married. Won't it be a win-win for the both of us? I get revenge on my ex-husband, and you get the company, then we get divorced after some months,” she proposed. Amused by her words, he smiled darkly. He had never seen a lady propose a contract marriage. It was always men doing it. This was his first time. “Why are you not straightforward with your words?” He asked before he mo
“Annabelle, I messed up,” Olivia said, blaming herself. She couldn't overcome the feeling of stupidity that overwhelmed her. She forgot the dialogues she had learned from movies and dramas and the ones Annabelle had taught her. She remembered everything the moment she arrived at Annabelle's apartment. Annabelle chuckled at Olivia's reaction. Somehow, she felt happy about the fact that Olivia was recovering from the heartbreak. “You sounded more like yourself, girl,” Annabelle paused. “There is no need to beat yourself up over it. If it doesn't go well, we can look for another man,” she assured Olivia. “No. I prefer Alden. He is a simple guy, unlike other men I have met,” she protested against Annabelle's words. “Okay, no problem. You can try—”Annabelle's statement was cut off by the sudden ringing of Olivia's phone. Olivia hesitated before picking up the call, wondering who the caller might be. “I am Mr. Kendrick's secretary. I am calling to inform you that my boss would like t
“Why did you do that, Layla?” Her father, Dante, asked disappointedly. He knew how ambitious his daughter was, but stealing his niece's husband? It was a no-no for him. Even though he had his eyes on that company, he would never do anything that would hurt Olivia. Layla burst into laughter at her father's question. She let go of her phone and walked up to him. “Dad, what did I do wrong? Why are you questioning me like I killed someone?” She asked sarcastically. Dante ruffled his dark brown hair at Layla's words. “Layla! Don't you dare play with me! I asked, Why did you steal your cousin's man?”She bit her lips at how frustrating her father was becoming. “If you are going to be the angel or the devil, choose one and stop confusing me! You want that damn company, don't you?” Her question came as a harsh truth to her father. He wanted that company more than anyone else. He had worked so hard for the past two decades to impress his brother, hoping his brother would hand over the com
“Why the hell are you all taking photos and videos of my friend? Do you all have a death wish?” Chloe barked at everyone taking videos and pictures of Layla. This was her first time. Layla had never been embarrassed or framed before, she was always the one doing those things. She finally had a taste of how it felt to be in that position. She desperately wished the ground could open and swallow her. Not only was her reputation at stake, but so was the company she finally got from Olivia. Of course, the BOD would never support or accept the father of a whore, a liar, and a she-devil as their CEO. She regretted ever attending the party when she knew there were now a lot of things to protect. “Chloe, you don't have to waste your strength because they will publish everything that happened here the moment they all stepped out of this party hall,” Layla said weakly after everyone left, excluding Chloe, Olivia, and herself. Olivia, who was watching Layla with a bright smile on her face 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