June 27, 2024. Chapter 1-2. The second chapter will be after two hours.
"William?" Mara repeated. "Y-yes, I know him.""Ma, I've been telling Brian he is my godfather," Claire said while rushing beside her mother. "Mr. William?" Carrie had a puzzled look on her face. Brian saw varied reactions. Mara was shocked. Carrie was confused, but one thing was sure: They all knew William Barlowe. "Ma," Claire stood beside Mara and confessed, "I'm sorry. I did not tell you. Uncle William came to see me last Monday."Claire narrated what happened during her two meetings with William. Then, Mara said, "Oh, my goodness!" She held Claire's arms and defended, "Claire, you must understand. Your godfather is only watching out for you. He was probably shocked that you are suddenly getting married.""Oh," Carrie said with a sad face. "So, William is Claire's godfather? How did that happen?" Brian asked. Mara explained to him that she used to work with William Barlowe's family. She said, "When I got pregnant, William promised to be Claire's godfather. He looks after Clair
At Halliport Mega Mall's newly rented space, elegant flowers and large white ribbons decorated the area. Cocktail tables stood evenly outside the store, and attendants served expensive champagne and canapes. "Today, we gather to witness a special moment: the grand opening of Adley & Co. Ladies and gentlemen, honorable guests, dear shoppers, we embark on this exciting journey together in three two one!" a host announced as she stood before the store's entrance. Adrian and Riley cut the long ribbon at the front, and the host declared, "Congratulations, Adley & Co.! And for everyone who celebrated with us, Adley & Co. is giving away a 20% discount on all items until tomorrow! So, come on and shop now!"Riley still could not believe this was real. Her dreams were crushed not long ago, but now, she was back to chasing them again. She had a big smile, and her eyes were brimming with tears as she turned to Adrian. He hugged him and said, "Thank you, Hun. Thank you so much. I love you."Fro
Brian and his manager-employee arrived at the Mega Mall at about 1 p.m. Although they knew the opening ceremony was in the morning, they avoided the crowd. Anyone could quickly identify them. Brian did not want their new competitor to discover how they were checking their items. Also, Brian was uncertain if he was ready to see Riley again. He hid in one mall area with a perfect view of the store. In his mind, he read, 'Adley.'From afar, he saw Riley walking in the direction of the store. The sight of her made Brian's heart gallop. 'Was this Riley?' To his surprise, Riley looked very happy and confident. It reminded him of the Riley he once fell in love with. Her beauty radiated, and she looked refined in her white business attire. The men around her stared at her in awe. Brian felt his throat become dry. For a fleeting moment, he felt jealous. He wanted to punch the men who were eyeing Riley! "Fuck, what am I doing?" When he realized what he was thinking, Brian closed his eyes an
"I'm going to kill him," Adrian declared."Adrian? Brian is not worth our time," Riley scolded. She put her hands on her waist and suggested, "What would happen to our children if their father is locked up in jail for murder."The two were discussing Brian's unexpected visit inside the store's mini-office. Clint was with them, listening to their discussion. "Why would I go to prison?" Adrian turned to his assistant and suggested, "Clint will do it for me."Hearing that, Clint choked on his spew. He coughed violently before proposing, "Ah, Mr. King, me? It doesn't have to be me. I know a guy who knows a guy that definitely knows someone who has connections with the mafia."Riley narrowed her eyes at Clint before a laugh escaped her lips. She commented, "Clint is so funny.""I did not think it was funny," Adrian said. "Big secrets should only be kept within people we trust. In any case, Brian needs to learn his lesson. He is going to ask about Adley for sure."He instructed Clint, "Tell
"How did we overlook this, Clint?" Adrian demanded. They were inside Adrian's study, discussing Brian at eight in the evening. "Sir, I apologize. We focused on your stepfamily," Clint said regretfully. "But I'll have someone follow Brian from now on.""Do that and monitor the entire Martin's," Adrian instructed. And how are Brian and Claire? How did they progress to getting married? Haven't you tipped off Mr. Barlowe about Claire's location?"Initially, Adrian intended to let Brian believe he had struck gold with Claire. He planned to make Brian suffer longer by making him marry Claire and raise his debatable child. Why? Because Adrian was still trying to win Riley's love and didn't want Brian to come running back to her.However, things had changed. Adrian was now confident of Riley's love. Consequently, he could accelerate his plans to ruin Claire, Brian, and his family."Yes, Sir. Mr. Barlowe already knows about Claire's location. One of my contacts is the security guard at Mr. Mar
"Next Friday?" Brian repeated. That was the day of the Halliport University's homecoming. Brian intended to use that event to market Brey Jewelry amongst his friends, professors, and other affluent alumni. He certainly hoped that Mr. Ace intended to meet him in the morning so he could still attend the homecoming together with Claire. He tried calling Mr. Ace's assistant back, but the latter would not answer. So, all Brian could do was wait."Who was that, Brian?" Beatrice asked. "That was—um, Mr. Ace's assistant. We are going to meet next Friday," Brian answered. "Really? When?" Mara asked. "You should bring Claire with you."Brian was confused. He stared at Claire, who sipped her milkshake innocently. He shook his head and replied, "Claire's presence may only ignite Mr. Ace's anger. We don't know what Riley had told Mr. Ace about our separation.""Right, I agree," Darwin, Brian's father, commented. "It's better that Brian talk alone to this, Mr. Ace.""Oh. Okay," Mara smiled and
Hearing Mara and Claire's exchange, Brian felt guilty. He remembered how everything was his fault. Brian pursued Claire and took her virginity. He got her pregnant but was now doubting her because of the godfather.'How selfish of me to doubt Claire,' Brian muttered. He walked in and interrupted, "Mother is right. Everything would have been for nothing if you would leave me."He embraced Claire and said, "I'm sorry for troubling you with my worries, but don't worry. I can handle this situation with Riley. Claire, we are getting married this Saturday. Stop saying things like these. I want to raise my child. You know that I have always wanted to be a father.""I'm sorry, Babe. I'm sorry," Claire said while still crying in his arms. "I don't know what came over me.""It's the pregnancy hormones, Brian. We, women, are like that. Don't take what Claire said to heart. She really loves you," Mara said. "Talk to her for a while. I'll go to the kitchen and help the maids prepare breakfast."I
What would happen if the legal wife confronted her husband’s mistress? Riley imagined she would remain composed. After all, she was in the right, and she had every reason to fight, but her body unknowingly shook from anger. It was challenging to contain the hatred she harbored for this woman before her. “What are you doing here?” Claire Monet, the young mistress, asked.Riley Allen Martin, twenty-seven, the legal wife and accomplished jewelry designer, responded fiercely, “I decided to fight for my marriage.”“But you've already agreed to the divorce,” Claire reacted, her big blue eyes narrowing and her face darkening.Ignoring Claire, Riley attempted to walk past her, but Claire grabbed her wrist and pointed out, “I’m pregnant with Brian’s child.”Pulling her arm away, Riley curtly said, “I need to talk to—”"Ahhh! Miss Riley? What did I do to you?” Before Riley knew it, Claire was sprawled on the floor, calling, “Brian, she pushed me! Help! Our baby!"Stupefied, Riley was shocked