After Desiree and her mother finally broke the hug, they went back to her father’s bed and sat on either side of him, each taking his hand. “My two most precious treasures,” her father said, kissing each of their hands. “From now on, I’m always going to be there for you, Dad. I’m going to take suc
“Oh, yeah. He’s about to have a press conference which is starting in about a minute from now.” “A press conference? What for?” A surge of anxiety went through her. Had he called the press to double down on his accusations against her company? Mark shrugged. “I don’t know. He didn’t tell me anyth
For several seconds, Gerald stared at Desiree, wondering what was going through her mind. It felt like they were the only ones in the room, even as cameras flashed at her. But suddenly, they were transported back to the real world when several reporters rushed towards her, firing several questions.
Desiree hesitated. If she told him that she hadn’t believed that it was him, he would take it as her still having confidence in him. “That’s what everyone thought.” She said instead. Gerald pursed his lips, knowing he couldn’t fault her. Somehow, someone had started these rumors and fake reports t
True to Gerald’s words, the reporters were still around, waiting to barrage Desiree with questions. Thankfully, Hugo was there to ward them off until she was securely in the car. She spent the ride to the hospital lost in thought, recalling everything that had happened in the past thirty minutes or
‘Are you really sure they’re bullshit?’ a mocking voice in her head asked, and it sounded eerily like Gerald’s voice. Desiree scowled. ‘Of course, they are.’ She responded to the voice in her head, convincing herself that that moment where Gerald and she had stared into each other’s eyes for too lo
Two weeks later: "Dad, what are you doing?" Desiree questioned in disbelief as she watched her father approach with a board game of Go in his left hand while his right hand held onto his walking stick. Her father had been released a little over a week ago after spending five days in the hospital.
“Should we go, sir?” Jose Luiz asked after his boss entered the backseat of the car. “Yes, Luiz. Please drive,” Gerald answered, and Jose began doing as told. Gerald was giddy with both excitement and uncertainty; excitement because he was finally going to see Desiree again after two weeks, and un
What a journey this has been, no? Looking back from the time this book started to now, I'm like “Wow, these readers have a lot of patience.”I know it mustn't have been easy sticking with this book, especially with my inconsistent update schedule, and so I want to say a very big thank you to you tha
SIX YEARS LATER:“You should come one day, darling. The people here are so wonderful! Everyone is so kind. And they have such genuine gratitude for whoever helps them in any way.”Hearing the excitement in her mother's voice as they spoke over a video call, Desiree chuckled warmly. It truly amazed h
Four Months Later:“You may now kiss the bride,” the officiant announced.The guests rose to their feet, the whole chapel erupting into applause as Damian cupped his wife's face and delivered a passionate kiss. Afterwards, with beaming smiles on their faces, he went down on his knees and kissed his
“Gerald Butler, how many times must I tell you that it would be rude to just leave our own reception before it's over?”*“Ugh, but I'm dying to make love to you,”* Gerald groaned again. “I can't wait for our wedding night. The things I plan to do to you.”His eyes brightened with lust. “Do you want
A Month Later"The bride has arrived!" a female guest shouted.Immediately, all the guests who had been outside and not seated rushed into the chapel. The reporters, despite clear warnings to keep off, were not allowed into the church, but they were more than happy to capture the bride’s entrance.O
They hugged, and as her mother continued to cry, Desiree couldn't help her own tears.“Okay, let me call Hugo in now,” Desiree said after wiping her tears when they pulled back from the hug.Her mother smiled nervously as Desiree opened the door and ushered a now fully dressed Hugo into the room.“D
The clicking sound of the opening door jolted her mother and Hugo out of their passionate moment. They broke apart from each other, spinning to look at Desiree like two deer caught in the headlights.Staring at their appearance, her mother's hair tousled and her clothes creased, while Hugo was shirt
Moments after their lovemaking, once they'd caught their breath for a bit, Desiree burst out laughing, the sound vibrating through Gerald.Just like that, he also began laughing. He didn't know why she was laughing, but he couldn't help himself because her laughter was infectious.“Okay, so why are
“Desiree Hamilton, would you like to be my wife once again?" Desiree felt like her heart was going to explode. With tears burning her eyes, she answered, "No."Gerald’s eyes widened as panic flashed through them. “No? As in you don't want to marry me? But why? Did I do something wrong? I…”“I’m onl