(Karis's pov) It felt like forever for the receptionist to be over with the call. My eyes kept darting around the room to keep myself busy. My hands were clutching my bag cause the wait was nerve-wracking. "Ma'am, sorry for the wait. Someone will be here shortly to take you to the president's office." The receptionist said very politely. I subconsciously nodded at her and went back to where I was seated earlier. "Excuse me, you must be Miss Karis Reynolds." A guy in his twenties approached me with a polite smile. My brows furrowed hearing him address me by my maiden surname, but then again, it must be Skyler's wish. "Yeah, that's me," I replied, returning the smile. "I am Bryan, Mr Crest's assistant. I am here to escort you to the president's office. He has been expecting." Bryan introduced himself, giving me his hand for a handshake, which I accepted. "It's nice meeting you." I rose from my seat. Bryan mentioned Skyler has been waiting for me, ' did he deli
(Karis's pov) I slowly averted my eyes from him, not wanting to fall for his words. I wanted to make Xander pay and regret but conniving with his rival seemed to be too low for me. "I am not hurt, you have no idea what you are talking about." I refused to agree with Skyler. There was a reason why Xander and Camilla had an adverse reaction to him. There was a possibility he wanted to use me against Xander. I was not going to be someone's pawn in a death game. "I know exactly what I am talking about. Your eyes say it all. They lack the lustrous glow they should have, no matter how you deny it, there is something deep inside you that knows I am right." The way Skyler spoke was as if he knew me better than anyone; he knew of my darkest desires. "I simply came here to return the pendant. The actual worth is just a little bit over 600 thousand, but the person who sold it to the auction has no idea of its worth." I mentioned trying to get back to the topic we were primarily
(Karis's pov) Skyler called to cancel the order, he had to pay for damages fees because the flower company was already working on his ridiculous order. "Don't be so nervous. You are just going to a public event; it's not like you are cheating on your husband, although that will not be a bad idea." Skyler's voice got into my ears. I was playing with my fingers trying to control my nervousness. We were seated in Skyler's car's backseat. He had insisted we leave in the same car. When he said I would be attending an event, he didn't mention it was this afternoon, so it came as a surprise when he added we had to leave immediately. I ignored Skyler and continued glancing at the busy street outside. The car drove into what looked like a gallery. My eyes sparkled, remembering it was a famous art gallery, and immediately, my brain recalled there was an important event that was to be held here today according to my past life memories. It was a fashion event. "Why are you brin
(Karis's pov) My hands clenched, seeing Emma smiling like a fool at Xander, and I quickly looked away. Skyler was still holding my hand but it didn't matter to me anymore. Why was I nervous about attending a simple fashion event with Skyler when Xander was going to attend with Emma? I felt like laughing at myself. Xander's cold gaze didn't leave me until he made his way to a reserved seat for him and Emma. His eyes were cold but there was a wicked smile on his lips that sent chills down my spine. The Reynolds family were one of the De Marco's partners although their wealth was nothing close to the De Marco. Xander was sitting on the runway opposite me. Despite me being in the back his eyes still found me. He was just mad because I was with Skyler; he never cared about who I hung out with, although it was not my personality to socialize much. "Karis focus," I muttered to myself, trying to focus on the runway models. "Are you sure you will be able to focus?" Skyle
(Karis's pov) I was supporting Bertha's weight which restricted my movements. It was certain Emma wanted to slap me but I could not avoid the hit. Her right palm struck across my left cheek, leaving her palm imprinted on it. The stinking feelings on my cheeks were a wake-up call. Since my actions had changed it also affected others. In my past life, Emma was a white lotus who hid her intentions well and never directly attacked me. More like she saw no reason to since I was not even considered an obstacle to her. "You slapped me," I said, my eyes watery due to the slap that struck it. Bertha was too dizzy to realize what was happening, and it made me panic, knowing I could not waste my time with Emma. Emma humphed and clicked her tongue. "And I will do it again. " I tried to ignore her but Emma blocked every path out of the restroom. "Emma, please can you move aside? I don't have time for this." I said through my gritted teeth. Emma ignored my words and s
(Karis's pov) For a short moment, my resolve crumbled. It was not a love confession, but I wavered. This was the nicest thing Xander had said to me and it made my eyes stink. "Ehem, sorry to interrupt but I thought you were heading to the hospital with your friend." Skyler's words broke the reverie. I glanced away from Xander's grey eyes that held emotions too complicated for me to fathom to Skyler's teasing smile. ' I can't back down now; Karis, don't forget who he is. Don't be deceived by his sweet words.' a sharp reminder echoed in my mind disappointed I got swayed by Xander's words. They both came to help me; how did they sense I was in danger? "I have to send Bertha to the hospital," I mentioned trying to break out of Xander's hold. My legs got off the ground and my eyes went wide to realize Xander was carrying me. "Where do you think you are going? Do you think you can help Bertha in your condition?" Xander commented carrying me in his hands. A pout formed
(Karis's pov) My leg was on Xander's thigh which he was applying ice on to prevent it from swelling. I don't know why he was still bothering to put on this fake appearance of caring about me. It was even more embarrassing, I almost fell for his act, forgetting it was his fault I was in this situation. "You fell in love with a random guy on your wedding day," Xander emphasized every word he said. He was mad, but for whatever reason he had, Xander was restraining himself from unleashing his anger. "Yes, what did you expect Xander? For years, I chased after you. Even though we are married now, you never reciprocated my feelings or even mentioned you love me once." I barked at Xander, thinking back at my sad love story. Xander was taken aback by my outburst, "What else do you want, Karis? You wanted us to get married and I did that. Now you want to go on and on about a divorce." Xander was getting more furious; the chills he was giving me were even more than what I fel
(Karis's pov) He agreed just like that despite how his entire body was against the idea. It stunned me because I had more to say to argue but he easily agreed. Maybe he also wanted the same thing but just wanted to keep a front. "If we are going to have an open marriage, the last thing I want is my mum to find out. No matter what you do, Karis, keep my mother out of it." Xander added which was a bit surprising. "Why do you want to keep her in the dark? She has no idea what her son is like." I scoffed at him folding my hands under my bosom. "It was her dream for us to get together, plus she threatened if things didn't work between us, she would come after me," Xander explained and my fury spiked up. So this was the reason he kept me despite hating me. It was because of his mother. "You have to find a way to fix that because I am not staying with you forever." I snickered; if he didn't find a way to fix whatever the problem was, it was going to be his headache beca
(Karis's pov) My mind was spaced as I glanced out the window; the car was driving the streets of Frankfurt, which was known as the financial hub of Germany. It was 8:45 am so traffic was a bit hectic since it was rush hour. Skyler also has some business here, and not so shockingly, Xander, but the chances of us running into each other were very low since this was a sizable city and the second most populous metropolitan German city. There were a lot of things going through my head. The fashion line I did with Skyler and Blue Secret was a hit, and the question was what next. I didn't want to rely on Skyler forever, and the money I transferred out of Xander's account would not sustain me forever. A baby was coming and I had to make sure she was well provided for. "We are here." I heard the driver say. My eyes were drawn from the window to Skyler who was busy on his phone. Recently, he has been super busy with business, which has been growing rapidly. He and
(Karis's pov) These past few months have been a breeze so fleeting that I couldn't believe that I would be meeting her soon. Rubbing my swollen belly a soft smile was etched on my face. My tummy was so big that Skyler and I thought they were twins or triplets but it was just a fat baby girl. I have been eating so much that my baby was already very chubby even in my stomach. I could not wait to hold her in my arms and kiss her cheeks. I wondered if she would look like me or a feminine version of the devil. It was early spring, the snow had melted, and green plants were showing up. I will be having my baby in March. My pregnancy has been a bit challenging but he was by my side all the way. At times, when I think of how supportive Skyler has been, I don't have any idea how to repay him. He was always travelling to and fro to be able to keep up with his business and assist me throughout my pregnancy. Skyler never missed a check-up where the father was meant to be.
(Xander's Pov) Life felt meaningless; Skyler was right; I killed her. After that day, I confronted him, I had investigated what happened the eve of Karis birthday between Emma and I. There were video footages from the hotel showing everything that happened in the hallway. Due to privacy issues there were no cameras in the room but from what I saw from the hallway my life was over. I had willingly followed Emma to the room, but I couldn't understand why I did something so stupid. I had ruined my marriage with my hands and my jealousy was to be blamed. If I hadn't been enraged by jealousy and stayed in the house waiting for Karis to return none of this would have happened. Karis had been at the hotel that morning with Bertha and most likely saw me in with Emma. That was what made her lose it completely. It turned out a friend of Bertha saw Emma and I leaving the club and secretly trailed behind us, that was why everything got revealed. But none of that matter
(Karis's pov)Loud alarm sounds started to ring in my ears. My whole body was in pain, and I kept hearing incoherent voices like they were panicking. "The patient's condition is not stable, her heartbeat is dropping.." someone seemed to have screamed. Is this another dream? They were speaking a strange language which I recognized but was still finding it a bit difficult to translate because my head was killing me My eyes fluttered open, and I could see faces; they had face masks on, and I was being pushed somewhere. My eyes were still blurry, but this sharp pain in my head made it hard to keep it open. A lady who was wearing a different colour of scrubs grabbed my hands, she spoke English to me because she wanted to communicate with me. She probably realized I was awake. "Relax, ma'am, you are going to be fine." She assured me. I wanted to stay awake, but it was hard to stay awake; I wanted to relax like my body was tired. The dream, yes, it was Mother. Maybe if I di
(Karis's pov) Summer, I always loved it not because of the warmth or its beauty but because of my birthday. "Karis, what are you waiting for? Your mother is waiting for you in the garden." I heard someone say and my eyes fluttered open. I was hiding behind the stairs, but what was I doing here? My eyes looked up to see a middle-aged woman dressed in former attire. I immediately recognized her “ Madam Deborah." I altered. "Yes, dear, we can't keep your mum waiting longer." Deborah stretched out her hand for me which I accepted. Deborah was my governess who retired after mum's death what was she doing here? No, rather, what was I doing here? My eyes darted around the room and immediately went wide as I recognized where this was. It was the Reynolds mansion when Mum was still alive; my eyes could spot an old picture of her hanging on the wall. "Dear child, what were you doing there?" I didn't know what I was doing there. My brain could not remember but my lips see
(Xander's Pov) She was dead; no, that was not possible. I watched her sleep last night and she snuggled up to me in her sleep. I could still remember the sheepish smile I had on my face seeing her subconscious actions. The A 587 flight had crashed a few hours after take-off near the coast of Europe. The authorities were still finding the crash site, but it was bleak. The chances of surviving a plane crash were very low, and my mind could not stop wondering what had happened that made Karis so desperate to leave me that she might be dead... That entire day, I didn't get any sleep as I exhausted every resource I had to investigate the plane crash. If not for the fact mum stopped me from travelling, I would have gone myself. She was traumatized by the news of Karis probably dying and had a breakdown worse than mine. Hours ticked by and all I could do was grip her wedding rings as I started to trace everything Karis did this past week.. Benji was already looking in
(Xander's Pov) Smile. That was what Father whispered into my ears when he shook my hand as camera lights flashed on us. I should be happy that the entire De Marco business empire was under my absolute control, but yet there was this hollow feeling in my heart I could not ignore. She left; I don't know why, but after my eyes caught sight of Karis sneaking off when her guards were distracted, it felt like a piece of my heart was taken away. I wanted to go after her or at least warn the guards she was gone, but the annoying paparazzi kept asking annoying questions about Karis's infidelity. Luckily, Ethan sensed my distress, and I was able to send a message to him, but since then, there has been no news from him. Dad and I were still standing in front of the crowd as the camera continued flashing lights at us. I tried my best to smile like my father said I should but my face just couldn't smile. My entire life, my mum taught me how to smile in front of the came
(Karis's pov) The clouds suddenly darkened, and a storm started, just like what happened in my past life; this flight had mistakenly gotten on a different route and ran into a storm that struck it from the skies. It made major headlines and I was crying the entire day in my room because Xander had travelled to Germany that day. I was scared that his jet had gotten involved in the same storm, but luckily, he didn't leave that day again. From outside the window, I could see thick clouds with lightning flashing in them. An ominous feeling was already hanging over my shoulders. The pilot's voice in the intercom tried to assure the passengers that everything was fine, but it was hard to fool people when we could see with our eyes that we were in trouble. "Please try to stay in your seat. Everything will be alright." The air hostess tried to get everyone to relax and stay in their seats. The plane shook again, and my hands clutched the bag as terror struck me. A scream rang from
(Karis's pov) My hands on the large box were clammy with cold sweats around it. Xander's office was large and beautiful but I cared less about the intricacy of the interior decorations and focused on my mission. My eyes darted around the large space until I spotted a small sitting area like a lounge and walked towards it. I placed the box on the coffee table. A sharp inhale entered my lips as I uncovered the box to make sure the cake was still in place. A weak smile graced my lips, seeing that the letters were still there. The words read, "Happy divorce Dear Ex husband." There was a wine in it for Xander to celebrate with. I checked my bag to pull out the document he signed yesterday. They were the transfer documents for the vineyard, which I mixed the divorce documents with. Xander had no idea he willingly signed our divorce. Even if it was not yet two months, by the time the document would be processed completely, the time frame would be complete. Th