Kristel followed the voice that called out her name. Soon, a dazzling red Ferrari stopped before her, and a handsome driver spoke.“Do you want to follow them?”Kristel was hesitant about whether she would accept the offer.Catching the reluctance in her eyes, the man smiled and persuaded her. “Don’t worry. I’m going there to visit my parents. So we have the same destination.”Just then, Kristel remembered who the man was. He was Dave, one of Galvin’s best friends, whose real estate industry known him as Director David Claymore.Just recently, he had phoned her to pick up the drunk Galvin at the Bar, and he indeed mentioned the accident his parents had encountered.Since they were going to the same place, Kristel opened the car door and sat in the passenger seat. After she buckled up, Dave drove the car out of the Hudson mansion.As Dave drove to the hospital, he kept looking at his passenger. He had come across the rumors online and felt empathy toward Kristel.Galvin knew Kristel ha
Seeing how Kristel cried, Gloria squeezed the former’s hand.“Kristel, this is all my fault. I should not have forced my grandson to marry you just because I like you so much. I did hope Galvin would forget that bitch and fall in love with you. But my grandson is too blind!”Kristel, flabbergasted, stared at the older lady, not knowing if she should laugh or cry. She sniffed, wiping her eyes dry, saying, “Grandma, please don’t stress yourself because of us, okay? Galvin and I were both adults. We will end things in peace.”Gloria felt a pang of sadness upon hearing this. She asked, “Are you not happy staying with him? This is only a minor incident. I believe it is only a misunderstanding. If you talk this over, maybe the two of you don’t need to get a divorce.”Kristel beheld the older lady with a warm look. “Grandma, to be honest, it would not make me and Galvin happy to remain married when his heart doesn’t belong to me….”Gloria understood what Kristel wanted to convey. Staying in
Galvin remained motionless before the elevator, although its doors had already shut. Kristel had left long ago, but her scornful voice still echoed in his ears, bringing discomfort to his heart.“Mr. Hudson, please be reminded that most of those images posted online were the private property of Hudson Enterprise. They were records and proof of your negotiations with them. From what I am seeing, you must hold a meeting with your IT team and discuss why someone released those photos, which were edited to use for malicious reasons. Should you give them an earful scolding for not giving you a satisfying job of providing you with the best security system in your company? It looks like you better improve your system or hire new ones!”Galvin clenched his jaw, and his gray eyes narrowed when Kristel pursed her lips and tugged the corner. Those red lips are always inviting him to claim them.The atmosphere is tense. He swallowed, then averted his eyes, pretending something caught his attentio
That night, Kristel had a peaceful rest that she had never had for a long time after she was constantly tormented by Galvin almost every night. And while she found solace in her best friend’s apartment—On the other side of the city, one particular building is still bustling with work.The IT team continues working on their computer to search for the attacker in their system. They were finding a solution to satisfy their boss’s orders since some photos posted online were from their archives.Tonight, they must upgrade or build an even more effective security system that immediately prevents hackers from snooping in their system. May the rumors online be taken care of instantly; however, the internal effect would be enormous if they would not trace the used IP address.HUDSON ENTERPRISE had just been able to come back. Although the company sailed for several decades, it almost went bankrupt a year ago.Several of its rivals in the industry were thrilled to raise their glasses and decla
Right after she graduated from a prestigious school of Arts and Fashion Design, she was preparing to look for a company to work on when her friends arranged a blind date, and the man she met was Galvin.Then, in a flash, he proposed and introduced her to his family. She was happy that his parents and grandmother approved of her.Delaying nothing, the two families reached an agreement. Although the wedding is very private, that doesn’t matter to her as long as she gets married to the man she loved for so many years already.But her life is far from a fairytale. Although she married her Prince Charming, it wasn’t the Happily Ever After. Instead, her real-life battle begins.Suppose two people have to work on the marriage, and both have to make adjustments and invest time together until their hearts beat as one.However, her marriage to Galvin is only for business collaboration and a fun time for him to pass. It was crystal clear initially that she was only a replacement, a companion to
“Indeed. I would feel safe when I have a policeman in the neighborhood.” Kristel ignored Noah’s statement. She is not dense enough not to understand the double meaning in his words. But she hopes it's only a superficial statement with a bit of truth—and it’s not something to be misunderstood when others hear it. Thus, she changes the topic. She asked, “How long have you been living out here?”Noah replied with a smile, “Ah, that... I’ve been living here since college.”“Oh…” Kristel pondered. ‘Isn’t the time this apartment was newly built?’The apartment building boasts advanced technology, which was initially costly but became reasonable given the beautiful community and exclusive parks available.“The neighborhood is kind and doesn’t put their noses to others’ business. So, you will feel at ease living here,” said Noah with pride in his eyes, seemingly convincing her.Kristel could come again to Noah’s meaningful words. By stating that, she wondered if he saw the malicious rumor onl
She chuckled and shook her head. She had that smile when Noah returned to the living room.“What?” He found Kristel charming, with that playful smile across her face. Yet, her eyes remain sad, which makes him want to replace them with joy. “Kristel…”“How were you more familiar with my house? I almost forgot that you were living next door.” She spoke before Noah could express himself.Noah chuckled and confirmed it. “You are right. I am familiar with the floor plans, which were the same as mine.”“I realized that, yeah. That’s why I shouldn’t be surprised if you knew every room in my suite better than me.” The two of them laughed at that.Then Kristel was in awe, hardly believing how she felt close to Noah, probably after Leila mentioned that Noah also attended the same academy they attended. Thus, she is confident about him.“Well, since you just moved in and have had no groceries in your pantry and fridge, let me lend you some of my stocks.”“Oh, you don’t need to do that. How about
“Wait! I’m the one who purchased them. It was only right that I pay for them.”‘Is he serious about paying for them?’ She wondered how much a police officer earns annually. But if Noah can attend Brooke Academy. The school required not only admitting smart kids but also wealth and connections, not to mention this pricey apartment. ‘Then his family must be well off too.’Kristel is not concerned about whether Noah can afford it. What worried her was that if he paid for her purchase, these people would conclude that they thought they were a couple who just moved in together.Kristel let out a breath of relief when the delivery was done. She admired the potted plants nicely arranged on her balcony. She could tell they were professional in this aspect, as they were not only delivering the items to your doorsteps.As she was satisfied, she gave them generous tips.“It looks so much better than my suite,” Noah commented behind her.She turned around with a smile, then snapped when she remem
“Honey…” Galvin knocked on the door at Kristel’s studio.Four years ago, he built an extension building where Kristel could design and make wedding gown samples to distribute here and abroad.After what had happened in France, Kristel’s pregnancy has become difficult. They advised her to take it easy and not risk the baby.Thus, he prohibited her from working. But Kristel was strong-willed. She accepts Henri’s offer of collaboration to work in the historical drama he invested in.Therefore, he purchased a villa near the filming site so that Kristel would not need to leave the house but she could work at home.The drama was successful. It received many awards and was nominated for many TV awards.After five years, they finally reach the final volume of the story. But in these past years, Kristel has also received several offers to design wedding gowns for celebrities and famous public figures.Thus,
Three days later…“Kristel—”“Leila? Is that you?”“Yes, Kristel. How do you feel?”“Why are you here?” She’s trying to figure out where she is.“Silly. I am not just a doctor. I was your best friend and your child’s godmother!”“So we are, too!”At the door, her two friends named Lorraine entered the ward and rushed toward her, circling her bed.“Then my baby was alive.” Kristel caresses her belly. She was relieved that her child was safe. She stifled, then said, “You guys... Am I back in Brooke City now?”“I haven’t permitted you to travel home yet. You need a few more days of rest. Otherwise, you might have a sign of miscarriage.”“Oh, then I’m still in Paris… How about the competition? How many days have I been in a coma?” Kristel looked around. She
“What do you mean by that?” asked Fiona. “Wait, you are…”Fiona hadn’t recognized Henri because he always wore glasses and a black wig when he appeared to the public. But around Kristel, he hides nothing; instead, he casually shows his appearance.“I have long known that you were my cousin’s puppet,” said Henri. “It appears you had no idea of my family’s conflict.”“I don’t care! That doesn’t matter anymore.”Fiona is stubborn. Henri could see that.“You should be careful what you wish for, Fiona.” He grinned, then his smile disappeared as he added, “My patience with you is wearing thin.”Fiona is such a wicked woman. She had done so many tricks to frame Kristel. Fiona would have succeeded if he hadn’t assigned someone to watch over her. And he hates Galvin for how dumb he is. He never approves of him as Kristel&rsqu
“Don’t move! Stay where you are!” the man warned when Henri took a few steps closer. “I said do not move!”The man spoke in a foreign language. But Henri didn’t listen to him. He could understand him and spoke the same language.“Dare to shoot me?” Henri challenges him. Thus, the man was forced to pull the trigger and make a warning shot. He aimed the gun at the ground.Kristel sank her body and hid behind Galvin when the loud bang from a handgun echoed. She subconsciously placed her arms around her belly—her way of protecting the child in her womb.The man couldn’t dare to aim the handgun at Henri.“Mr. Laurent, please move aside.”“My cousin sent you here, right?”“Sir, you don’t want to be involved in this incident.”Henri sneers. “You almost killed me!”“Sir, we didn’t know you were here as we
Kristel cannot jump from the second floor down to the first floor. She would not think twice about doing that if she weren’t pregnant. However, she doesn’t want to harm the fetus in her belly.“Henri, I won’t jump!”“Don’t worry, Kristel. We don’t need to do that.”“But who are we supposed to get down—” Kristel coughed after inhaling the smoke from the door. The fire is slowly coming into the bedroom. Seeing this, Kristel was in fright. “Henri!”“Calm down, Kristel, and just cover your nose, okay? I’ll go down first, then jump when I’m on the ground.”“What?”“I’ll catch you.”“No!” She doubted Henri’s strength. Although he is pretty fit for a designer, she worries she is too heavy now. It will be difficult for Henri to keep her from the ground.“Trust me, Kristel!&rdq
Somewhere in the province of France…The following day, Kristel worked on her entry. She finished drafting her designs; now, she is sewing the white gown.It didn’t take long for her to finish working on the upper dress. She followed to work on the skirt using floral embroidery lace fabric when a car pulled over at the entrance.Kristel took only a little care of who it was. She need not be concerned if it was the chauffeur Galvin sent for her. The chauffeur can wait until she finishes and returns to Paris.She was immersed in drafting the veil, inspired by the flowers and leaves she picked out in the meadow. Hence, she didn’t hear the door creak when someone pushed it open.“Hello, Miss Pearson.”Kristel looked up and distinguished the person who came into her bedroom.“You are…” Her eyes widened upon recognizing the man. “Mr. Laurent!”“I’m here not to
Fiona’s mouth agape. For a moment, she stared at her phone screen blankly. She already posted the photos she snapped of her and Galvin. Thus, she was debating whether to delete it before everyone saw it.But with the wicked thought brewing in her head, she just let it become public, hoping it would reach Kristel; thus, she would think Galvin chose her.Therefore, she must stop the illusion of getting back together with him.“Galvin...”“I said I am driving Fiona.”There’s firmness in his voice this time. Fiona’s persistence somehow disgusts him.On the contrary, it didn’t make Fiona happy when he kept rejecting her attempts to seduce him. Even so, the woman fails to notice his disgust.“You can continue driving while I can give you a head... How’s that?”Fiona smiled sweetly, ignoring the warning in Galvin’s tone.Galvin, on the other hand, felt disg
“Galvin, what is the meaning of this?”The person, none other than Fiona, asked with tears in her eyes and an accusing tone. Galvin was taken aback for a moment but then heaved a long sigh.Kristel, who heard this, looked at the man with anticipation of his reply to Fiona. She tried to read the emotion flashing in his eyes but could not fathom it.She honestly hoped that Galvin would choose her. She still has this stupid desire in her heart, thinking she can love Galvin more than Fiona, who does nothing but betray him.Fiona has never been faithful to Galvin. All Fiona did is to become the center of attention. And because she is the most popular girl in the Academy, it is a man’s pride to have such a girl by his side, and Galvin is the most outstanding male student in that same school.Everyone would tell them how perfect a couple they were and the two were a match made in heaven.Every male and female had that jealousy in
Kristel placed her hand on Galvin’s broad chest, pushing him to no avail.Instead, Galvin gathered her wrists and pinned them above her head. He used his body to prevent her from struggling. Despite the difference in their strength, Kristel put up a fight. However, he didn’t let her free from his grasp.“Galvin!” Kristel screamed. Feeling conflicted, she couldn’t control the beat in her heart when Galvin’s lips brushed her ear and the side of her face while his hands explored her body. “What are you doing? Let me go! Hmmm…”All the words that formed in her tongue could not be expressed but disappeared without a trace under his passionate kiss.His lips are like wine, intoxicating and addicting, while he thinks of hers like honey: sweet and delicious. He wants more. He wants to devour her right there, at that very moment.She felt like he was sucking her strength. He didn’t allow her to pr