October 2, 2024. One Chapter only.
Everyone’s eyes were on Anthony at that point. Renee was particularly confused with his actions. But eventually, Anthony responded to Michael with a laugh, saying, “Ask me? I’m not Renee. Why don’t you ask her?”“I was— I was helping her out. It’s the first time you have met, and Renee tends to be reserved around new people,” Anthony suggested.The commissioner leaned back. He crossed his arms against his chest and said, “Okay, well. Let’s try that again, shall we?”“Renee?” Michael asked. “Go ahead, ask me anything,” Renee politely responded.“Yes, Michael, you can ask Renee anything,” Abner encouraged. While all this was happening, Renee noticed Adrian giving Anthony a strange look. Once Anthony became aware, he turned his attention to his food and simply listened. “Are you married, Renee?” Michael asked. “No, I am single. I have never been married,” Renee answered with a smile. “Well, I am a divorced man. So, I have been single for five years,” the commissioner said in a joking
At first, Anthony simply felt sorry for Renee and what she had been through. She was often left out because of her condition, unable to join Riley and Adrian in their quest for the truth about Raelyn.While living under Adrian’s roof, he got to know Renee’s personality. Her motherly qualities shone, reminding Anthony of Freya. This remained true even after learning that Raelyn was alive. Despite her struggle to walk properly, Renee tried to get involved in preparing Riley and Adrian’s breakfast. Together with Linda, she was often the first one at the dining table with a big smile on her face. “Good morning! A healthy breakfast to start everyone’s day!”“I made smoothies! With Linda’s help, of course. This will be great for the baby, Riley.”“Adrian, are you sure you are going to work? How about taking a break? You look like you could use some.”“Anthony? Are you leaving without breakfast? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, plus you get to spend it with family. Why don’t
Anthony was in his bed, back at the old mansion. He was sleeping, yet smiling. He was in a dream, and in that dream, he saw Freya chasing after butterflies. Freya loved butterflies. Then, Anthony’s dream shifted to a scene when Freya was still pregnant with Adrian. In the garden, Freya found a caterpillar pupa. She had watched the pupa for days, and when it became fully transparent, and the shape of the butterfly became obvious, Freya stayed by the plant for two hours. Anthony participated in the observation, bringing his laptop to the chrysalis’ location. Then, the most magical thing happened: the pupa’s front opened, and the butterfly came out. It flew away; its wings were a bright yellow and orange!“Metamorphosis, isn’t it great?” Freya said. “It symbolizes many things, like freedom, personal growth, renewal, or simply a beautiful change.”Anthony awoke from the dream with tears brimming in his eyes. He never expected to have that dream of Freya. In fact, he had not dreamed of
“Renee,” Anthony said after taking a deep breath. “This is for you.”Renee gasped, abandoning her walking stick since there was only a meter of distance between them. She graciously accepted the flowers with a warm smile.“Thank you, they are beautiful,” Renee answered. All of a sudden, Anthony forced himself up from his wheelchair. It alarmed Renee that she unwillingly opened her arms, ready to catch him. Before Renee knew it, Anthony embraced her tightly. He leaned into her head as if taking in her scent. He said, “God, I missed you.”“You have a strange way of showing it,” Renee answered. While holding the flowers, she hugged him back with the same passion. Together, they created a balance that allowed Anthony to keep his stance. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I just wanted to make sure about which direction to take.”“And what is it?” Renee softly asked while tears brimmed in her eyes. “I decided I did not like the idea of you being with another man; I mean, I should be your man, not M
The soft hum of a piano echoed inside the Grand Cathedral of Dowel City, and Raelyn thought the melodies immediately brought her to a dreamlike state. Smoke machines quickly sent delicate clouds of mist across the floor, partly concealing her from the eager crowd of guests. As the piano’s melody deepened, a female singer began to voice the song’s lyrics, stirring emotions within her.~ “Remember the day our lips touched in the rain Fireworks through my veins, into my heart Remember the nights, dancing under the sky I got lost in the moonlight Found in your dark eyes” ~Dressed in white, Raelyn walked down the aisle, envisioning her young self and her dates with Charles. Yes, she remembered the fireworks, and even after reconnecting with Charles, those exciting feelings were still there.To Raelyn, Charles quickly captured her heart. Despite Calvin’s deception and her loss of memory, she still gave her love to only one person, the man standing meters away: Charles Eros. There was
“Please help us welcome, officially, Mr. and Mrs. Eros!” the host loudly announced from the stage of the Dowel Hotel Plus’ grand ballroom, and immediately, the lights dimmed. Behind the host, a live orchestra played a classical piece as the venue’s double doors opened. Charles and Raelyn entered with their arms linked, walking through a series of grand floral archways adorned with delicate fairy lights. As they strolled past each row of tables, they waved at friends, business partners, and colleagues, blowing kisses to their families. Raelyn saw many familiar faces. Most were Dowel Landmasters employees and Charles and Adrian’s business partners. The Bradfords and Zia were also present. Charles’ doctor attended while Ben and his men secured the venue. Of course, their honored guest, Kyle Wright, and his son were present. Kyle’s wife did not make it due to the risk of preterm labor. The Kings were at the frontmost tables. Riley kept blowing kisses their way, and the same could be sa
"Gentlemen, you are not allowed to use your actual voices. If you do, you will get disqualified," the emcee instructed the participating men. "Is that understood? Just nod your heads in agreement."Renee was extremely nervous. What would Anthony think if she ever dated another man? How could Raelyn put her in this situation?Sadly, Renee had not seen Anthony come forward because the host had covered her eyes. However, she heard the sound of his wheelchair's hydraulic system. So, she knew he came forward, but how could she choose him if they were asked to fake their voices?To Renee's dismay, she had been moved forward in a separate chair. She couldn't ask for Raelyn's help either. Renee could only pray and hope that her connection with Anthony was deep enough for her to recognize him quickly. "This is how it will go," the host instructed. Gentlemen, you will be given questions to answer and a special task. Miss Renee will choose the lucky man based on your responses and performance. A
Loverboy # 3 was none other than Anthony! Anthony was already holding a bouquet of roses. He was smiling at her, and his eyes were sparkling. It was clear that he was as relieved as Renee. “Congratulations!” Raelyn exclaimed. Charles applauded while declaring, “It was meant to be.”“Well done, Aunt. You chose well,” Riley said.Adrian and Abner were laughing in their seats, both clapping their hands. At another table, Zia and Clint were cheering them on. “Way to go, Aunt Renee!” Zia exclaimed. “You are the man, Mr. King!” Clint remarked. “I’m telling you, Anthony, you got lucky!” Michael said, and his words granted him a glare from Anthony. Soon, Anthony approached Renee and gave her the flowers, which she happily accepted. Thereafter, the host asked the photographer to photograph them and the newlyweds. They stayed at the front while Charles removed Raelyn’s garter. Afterward, it was Anthony’s turn to put the garter on Renee. Adrian assisted Anthony as he knelt down on one kn