…Geneva, Switzerland.Olivia's POV First things first. To avoid a storm, one has to change the direction of the boat. Dave must be lacking the basic things kids do at their age, and that must be the reason why he's acting more than his age. His school teacher reported that he rarely made any friends and did not engage in any fun activities.He'd mostly preferred to hang out in the computer room. And the Nanny told me that he never played with the toys I bought him, which was more disturbing. Dave is a smart kid, however, that was dangerous. Not only did he get himself into trouble, but also us. So to prevent the same thing from ever occurring again, I must start finding ways to make him act his age. While Ethan helped us install the new TV in the living room with an expert, I went to find Dave in his room.Ever since I told him that we're not using Theo’s money, he'd been grumpy. Even now, we're looking for safe ways to transfer the money back without alerting anyone.Of co
…Los Angeles, USA.Theo's POV Locking myself up in the Villa, and switching off my phone was all I needed to get myself back together.No need to see a Doctor to cure the constant headaches,Or a therapist to end the constant distraction. Yet, it turned out that the thing I was running from would always hunt me. Even now as I sat in the living room, every news channel I switched to was airing the same event.The charity gala and the interview. I could surf the Internet to kill time if only my walls weren't bombarded by Jessica's fans’ comments. Mountains of gifts were piled up in front of the Villa and I heard it's the same at Jessica's residence.There were one or two Paparazzi always lurking outside my home. The more the days approached, the more overwhelmingly suffocating things got. I need to breathe.I just want this to be over with as soon as possible. I turned off the TV and tossed the remote aside. I should probably be in my study room.So I stood up to go upstairs. B
I didn't just stop at the living room.Grabbing my car keys, I took the most low-key car and left the Villa.Nobody would be able to recognize me and no paparazzi would even take notice.I drove aimlessly around the city for several minutes, wishing it could somehow help calm my thoughts.My heart is unsettled, and so is my mind and I couldn't help but compare the past and the present.Jessica would always follow my instructions, but now she seemed to be forcing things to go her way.With my mother's backing, she does everything she wants.But, my mother has always supported her, and she was always obedient.Is this caused by Grandpa's approval?Why can't she take things slowly? After driving for hours, I pulled over in front of a place I'd promised never to come back to.But I could do with any kind of distraction at the moment. All I want is to just get rid of these frustrating thoughts.Luckily it was already evening and the sky was dark.Nobody would see me enter or exit the bar.
Funny how I could not reply to the question.I'd finally resigned to my fate, to marry Jessica. The whole world is aware that our wedding is happening. She'd hyped it up so much that everyone believed I was madly in love with her. What's more better than acting along?Besides, my mother is right. I'm not getting any younger.And Grandpa's desire for an heir is still strong.I couldn't clearly state what I saw in Jessica. I couldn't form a lie either. “Dude, we're waiting….”All their eyes were on me, eager to hear my response. “Come on, Buddy.” Xander grinned. “Don't say she makes you speechless. It can be crazy when you're in love, but at least there has to be one or two things that got you attached.”“Don't tell me it's only because of her beauty,” Ryan exclaimed. “That's impossible. By the way, I'd heard about her obsession with plastic surgery-”“Hey, that's a lie! Is Theo Wellington blind to go for a plastic doll?” Mike stepped in to defend me.However, Ryan was right. Jess
Did I hear the old man correctly?Why?How?“But, Master…” The Butler looked confused. “What about the Young Master’s future family? Jessica will surely give birth to an heir.”“That's my dumb grandson's business and not mine.” Grandpa Victor dismissed the Butler's name. And then he turned to the lawyer and continued, “This mansion… I, Victor Wellington, hereby declare that its ownership should be written in David Lawson’s name. He'll be the future patriarch of this family and not Theo Wellington.”Why is Grandpa doing this?It appears the old man is already writing his Will. Did he favor Olivia and her son that much? Would he disregard his own family members for them?Dave…David Lawson…Wait… why does that surname sound familiar?Lawson.Dr. Lawson.“Also write this down,” Grandpa Victor continued… “Olivia's son should inherit the Wellingtons' Group of Companies. Unless he chooses a different career path in the future, ensure that he becomes the Chairman of the Group in the future
…Geneva, Switzerland Olivia's POV Hope Ethan is right this time.I can't help but get anxious after our phone call last night. His friend, who was supposed to do the transaction for us, suddenly decided to back out when he found out we were sending the money to Theo's account.As it turned out, Theo's influence doesn't only stop in the United States and nobody would dare mess with him. This shady transaction is definitely risky, and not even Ethan's loyal friend is willing to help us. “We'll find another way. I'm very sure of it,” Ethan assured me but my mind is still restless.Dave doesn't realize how much trouble he'd gotten us into as he still insists we use that money. “How about this, Mommy? I want to attend the best astronaut school in the world and you might not be able to afford it. Can we keep the money and use it later as my tuition fees?”“No!” I tried to remain calm, yet I still ended up pulling my air and groaning loudly. “Theo might come for us. Don't you underst
…Jessica's POV Finally! It's better late than never, they'd say. I'd always hated that phrase with all my heart, but now it seemed to work in my favor.Today, I'll finally get what I've always wanted.Too good to be true, too realistic that my excitement knew no bounds. At the Golden Pearls Estate, the vast area of land was decorated with my favorite flowers, roses. Every wall, every lamppost, and every roofing wasn't left out. The altar, down to the aisle was decorated to perfection.It's such a spectacular view that would take everyone's breath away. Never have I felt this kind of joy in my whole life. Never have I felt so satisfied, seeing the jealous looks on my friends’ faces and some of my family members.Well, they're not actually my real family. Mum and Dad adopted me from an orphanage when I was six. A middle-class family wasn't something I would have gone for if I had a choice, but now, everything's gonna change.Today, I'll become Mrs. Wellington, Theo's wife. As
…Theo's POV Standing in front of the mirror as the stylist put the finishing touches to my tuxedo, I glanced at my wristwatch.It's almost time!Why did that word sound like a death sentence?Why am I being anxious?I thought I could calm down eventually.I thought those were just the wedding jitters happening to me in these past few days. Am I ready?In the next thirty minutes, Jessica and I will officially be husband and wife. There'll be no going back after that. Is this what I really want? “Almost done, Mr. Wellington. Oh, you look so perfect!” The stylish smiled. “Ma’am Jessica is the luckiest bride ever. You're both perfect for each other.”I couldn't even force a smile at her compliment.Not that I planned to.I glanced at the window, my gaze traveling to the decorations and the streams of people flooding into the Estate.It's like the whole U.S. citizens have come to witness our wedding day. If it was up to me, I wouldn't have invited so many guests.Not only did Jessica
It's a kind of feeling that's accompanied by irritation and a sense of loss.It's as if something valuable has been snatched from me.My hand inched forward, following my first instinct to pull her out of his embrace. But then, I managed to control myself.“What took you so long?” She pulled away, pouting as she spoke to him.Smiling, the man stroked her hair. “Sorry for keeping you waiting, Dear. What's for dinner?”“Your favorite! Wait until you see the special recipe I made tonight.” Excitedly, Olivia pulled him inside and shut the door in my face.I stood in the same spot for a minute, dazed and heartbroken.They're indeed a happy family.If I'd forced myself to treat her this way despite not loving her at that time, would our marriage have worked?I left the apartment building, devastated as well as disappointed.I would have insisted on seeing Dave until Olivia brought him out, but I couldn't stand seeing her smiling at another man.I booked a hotel nearby and lodged there.Wha
PRESENTTheo's POV If only the hug would last forever.If only she'd remain in my embrace from now on.Inhaling her soft floral scent, my rapid heartbeat eased down, and my tense nerves relaxed. “Olivia…” I whispered. “Please tell me the truth. Five years ago, you were pregnant when you left. Tell me Dave is our son, please.”She shifted. “Please answer me, Olivia,” I added, wondering why she was so silent.But her silence might not be because she was nervous to answer me. She was probably shocked and frozen, and when she returned to her senses, she pushed me away. What I felt next was the hot sensation on my cheek as her palm connected with it. The nostalgia went away. My heartbeat was frantic again, and now it's my turn to be shocked.“Theo Wellington, are you crazy?” She glared at me, lowering her voice as if afraid someone would hear us. “Leave this place immediately!”That's an impossible request. “I came all the way here from L.A. because of you, Olivia…”“So what!? Have
FLASHBACKTheo's POV My intuition has to be correct.I couldn't put the pieces together until the last moment.What would have happened if I'd taken the leap?My determination shocked me as well as I left Jessica alone at the altar. The news would spread everywhere.It could affect my reputation and the company's stocks.It could cause a lot of unforeseen damage, inciting many more rumors- so what? Jessica's fans would be enraged and might even boycott my company's products, but that didn't matter now… All that matters is the strong intuition I have.The only thing that matters is my real family. While leaving the estates, I brought out my phone and dialed Jake.“Sir, what's happening? Why did you leave the bride? Is there an emergency?”“Get out of there! Get my private jet ready!” I yelled out the instructions, but the assistant didn't seem to be in his right mind. Frantically, he said, “Please come back, Sir. It's not too late. Ma’am Jessica is still at the altar- she is spee
…Geneva, Switzerland.Olivia's POV This time I have to get it right.I won't give up trying until my son becomes perfectly innocent and less dangerous to himself or the people around him.Even if it involves bringing in a child's psychology. “Dr. Lawton, what you complained about is rare among kids his age. But it's not something new,” She explained to me. “Could it be that one of his parents was like this when they were young?”Theo sure definitely was. “There's a way to reverse it, right?” I asked, hoping her answer would be positive. If there could at least be a single way. The technology is advanced. Genetics could definitely be altered.“We can reverse it. But we wouldn't wanna tamper with the little boy's brain.” Dr. Sara chuckled. “Come on, Dr. Olivia. You might be a bit worried as the kid's mother, but Dave is perfectly fine. Many parents would give anything to have a kid as smart as him.”“My advice is…” she continued. “Let him mingle with his agemates and engage in kid
…Theo's POV Standing in front of the mirror as the stylist put the finishing touches to my tuxedo, I glanced at my wristwatch.It's almost time!Why did that word sound like a death sentence?Why am I being anxious?I thought I could calm down eventually.I thought those were just the wedding jitters happening to me in these past few days. Am I ready?In the next thirty minutes, Jessica and I will officially be husband and wife. There'll be no going back after that. Is this what I really want? “Almost done, Mr. Wellington. Oh, you look so perfect!” The stylish smiled. “Ma’am Jessica is the luckiest bride ever. You're both perfect for each other.”I couldn't even force a smile at her compliment.Not that I planned to.I glanced at the window, my gaze traveling to the decorations and the streams of people flooding into the Estate.It's like the whole U.S. citizens have come to witness our wedding day. If it was up to me, I wouldn't have invited so many guests.Not only did Jessica
…Jessica's POV Finally! It's better late than never, they'd say. I'd always hated that phrase with all my heart, but now it seemed to work in my favor.Today, I'll finally get what I've always wanted.Too good to be true, too realistic that my excitement knew no bounds. At the Golden Pearls Estate, the vast area of land was decorated with my favorite flowers, roses. Every wall, every lamppost, and every roofing wasn't left out. The altar, down to the aisle was decorated to perfection.It's such a spectacular view that would take everyone's breath away. Never have I felt this kind of joy in my whole life. Never have I felt so satisfied, seeing the jealous looks on my friends’ faces and some of my family members.Well, they're not actually my real family. Mum and Dad adopted me from an orphanage when I was six. A middle-class family wasn't something I would have gone for if I had a choice, but now, everything's gonna change.Today, I'll become Mrs. Wellington, Theo's wife. As
…Geneva, Switzerland Olivia's POV Hope Ethan is right this time.I can't help but get anxious after our phone call last night. His friend, who was supposed to do the transaction for us, suddenly decided to back out when he found out we were sending the money to Theo's account.As it turned out, Theo's influence doesn't only stop in the United States and nobody would dare mess with him. This shady transaction is definitely risky, and not even Ethan's loyal friend is willing to help us. “We'll find another way. I'm very sure of it,” Ethan assured me but my mind is still restless.Dave doesn't realize how much trouble he'd gotten us into as he still insists we use that money. “How about this, Mommy? I want to attend the best astronaut school in the world and you might not be able to afford it. Can we keep the money and use it later as my tuition fees?”“No!” I tried to remain calm, yet I still ended up pulling my air and groaning loudly. “Theo might come for us. Don't you underst
Did I hear the old man correctly?Why?How?“But, Master…” The Butler looked confused. “What about the Young Master’s future family? Jessica will surely give birth to an heir.”“That's my dumb grandson's business and not mine.” Grandpa Victor dismissed the Butler's name. And then he turned to the lawyer and continued, “This mansion… I, Victor Wellington, hereby declare that its ownership should be written in David Lawson’s name. He'll be the future patriarch of this family and not Theo Wellington.”Why is Grandpa doing this?It appears the old man is already writing his Will. Did he favor Olivia and her son that much? Would he disregard his own family members for them?Dave…David Lawson…Wait… why does that surname sound familiar?Lawson.Dr. Lawson.“Also write this down,” Grandpa Victor continued… “Olivia's son should inherit the Wellingtons' Group of Companies. Unless he chooses a different career path in the future, ensure that he becomes the Chairman of the Group in the future
Funny how I could not reply to the question.I'd finally resigned to my fate, to marry Jessica. The whole world is aware that our wedding is happening. She'd hyped it up so much that everyone believed I was madly in love with her. What's more better than acting along?Besides, my mother is right. I'm not getting any younger.And Grandpa's desire for an heir is still strong.I couldn't clearly state what I saw in Jessica. I couldn't form a lie either. “Dude, we're waiting….”All their eyes were on me, eager to hear my response. “Come on, Buddy.” Xander grinned. “Don't say she makes you speechless. It can be crazy when you're in love, but at least there has to be one or two things that got you attached.”“Don't tell me it's only because of her beauty,” Ryan exclaimed. “That's impossible. By the way, I'd heard about her obsession with plastic surgery-”“Hey, that's a lie! Is Theo Wellington blind to go for a plastic doll?” Mike stepped in to defend me.However, Ryan was right. Jess