Sheila's POV “My brothers said the same thing. ""You deserve someone better."I took a sip of coconut juice, and when I looked up, our eyes met. His deep gray eyes had transformed into a dark blue ocean in the night, with unseen currents swirling beneath the surface. Suddenly, the atmosphere grew uncomfortably intimate, and I quickly changed the subject."What time is your performance tomorrow?""10 AM.""It's late now, you should get some rest." I gave him a quick hug and turned to return to my room. For some reason, I felt a burning gaze on my back, making the cool night air feel a bit too hot.Maybe I was overthinking. I shook my head. Gregory felt like a brother to me. There was no way he had feelings for me.They say time is like a healing river that washes away all pain. Traveling can have a similar effect, creating distance between you and your memories. That night, I peacefully slept in the unfamiliar hotel bed until Gregory knocked on my balcony door the next morning."I did
Hugh’s POV After Shelia and I kissed that night, we didn't contact each other for a week. During that time, I had to deal with work and face Susan, Sam's older sister, who naturally hired top lawyers for him. The Middleton family, while not as powerful as Thornton Aviation or Warner Pharmaceuticals, had their own food and agriculture businesses and still held significant economic strength. They wouldn't sit back when it came to Sam's case.Once Sam was sent to prison, Susan, being the largest investor in Flegmin Pharmaceuticals, was also investigated. However, there was no evidence connecting her to the illegal drug production, so she faced no penalties.David may have privately helped Susan. Despite their marriage being a business alliance, he always pampered her. Over 20 years ago, when Thornton Aviation was in crisis, Susan sold her assets in the Middleton family business to help David. That's why she now holds 15% of the shares in Thornton Aviation.As for my mother, David only m
Esther's POV This week, Hugh has been consumed by Shelia's kidnapping, which infuriates me. Just now, without even asking for an explanation, he accused me of leaking those news stories. But I had no knowledge of Shelia's scandal.Why was Hugh so angry? Was it because of Susan's rumors? Or was he jealous that Shelia might have a new boyfriend? I couldn't find answers in Hugh's face. He didn't come into my room, he didn't even give me a goodnight kiss, he simply turned and left.I never considered Shelia a threat before. I believed that the 11 years of companionship and support between Hugh and me couldn't be compared to their 3-year marriage. But now, he seems to be losing control over Shelia. It makes me wonder if he has truly fallen in love with her.All of a sudden, anger, disappointment, and deep-seated jealousy overwhelmed me. We've been back for a month, and I've made multiple advances, but Hugh still refuses to have sex with me. He continually comes up with excuses - the divorc
Hugh's POV The next morning, I checked my phone and found that Shelia's gossip had disappeared. However, news of my engagement to Esther still dominated the headlines.During the company's executive meeting, Susan suddenly brought up the engagement, stating, "The announcement of Hugh and Esther's engagement has boosted Thornton Aviation's stock. It seems Esther's reputation as a peacekeeping doctor is very popular. I think we should have a grand engagement ceremony and invite all major media outlets.""I don't want to turn my personal marriage into a publicity stunt," I responded coldly."As board members, we all have a responsibility to contribute to the group. You've been on the board for almost a month, and we haven't seen any accomplishments from you yet." Susan, who had been the PR director for years, quickly gained everyone's approval for her suggestion."Hugh, it's settled then," David made the final decision for me.Too tired to argue any further, I reluctantly agreed.Near
Shelia's POV We didn't actually go to a lingerie store, but went straight home instead.I had originally planned to buy watercolors with Zia tonight. Hugh's grandmother's birthday is this Friday, and I wanted to paint her a watercolor picture as a gift. But Lucas was waiting for Zia early outside the company, inviting her to dinner."I'm sorry for using you to provoke him earlier," I said to Gregory in the car."I don't mind. That Esther is too much, stealing your husband and then inviting you to watch their show? What does your ex-husband see in her?"I smiled bitterly, not knowing how to answer."I quite like your ex-husband though. I should thank him for sponsoring our housing fund," Grey joked while driving, mocking Hugh for being tricked into buying expensive earrings.I took out my phone and sent Hugh a message: "Let's finalize the divorce at the court this Friday afternoon." This time, I won't miss it.It's been over a month since Hugh proposed divorce. I thought after everyth
Hugh's POV On the way back to the estate with Esther, it started to rain. The image of Gregory embracing Shelia as they left wouldn't leave my mind. Would they spend the night together? Why should I care if they did? I pissed off. "Hugh," Esther called out, "you're driving too fast."I suddenly realized I was speeding."Are you angry with me, or with Shelia? You haven't said a word this whole trip," Esther asked."I'm not angry. I just wish you'd consult me before making so many decisions. You didn't tell me about the August 13th engagement, or about holding a ceremony, let alone inviting Shelia.""I promise I won't do it again," Esther didn't argue, instead placing her hand on my thigh, caressing it, "I have another piece of news. A medical school in Europe has invited me to participate in a research project. After our engagement ceremony, I'll be working there for two months.""What kind of project?" I asked, somewhat surprised."It's about emergency care for battlefield injuries
"But she denies knowing the terrorists or being aware that she was a target. We can't convict someone based on speculation alone," Travis said.He lit a cigarette and offered me one."No thanks, I don't smoke," I declined."Right, I almost forgot you used to be a firefighter.""You want me to get Esther to talk, don't you?" I guessed."Yes. I looked into her background. Single-parent family, father died early, adopted at 10, raised by others. Growing up like that, you might be the only person she trusts."I laughed and shook my head. "You don't know her at all. The only person Esther truly trusts is herself."I remembered how she suddenly left for France to study three years ago, then just as suddenly returned to me a year ago. She never consults me about anything, always seeming sure of herself. She's never shown the typical impulsiveness or confusion of youth. Perhaps those of us who grow up in broken homes skip childhood and adolescence too quickly."Last time, you told me t
As usual, Grey came to pick me up for work in the morning."Did... did you stay here last night?" Grey was startled to see Gregory coming out of the bathroom, brushing his teeth."Morning!" Gregory greeted Grey cheerfully."Stay away from me, you're spraying toothpaste everywhere. How could you spend the night here? I'm telling Will about this.""Do you get a bonus for tattling to Will or something? Why do you have to tell him everything? It rained heavily last night, so Gregory slept on the couch. Don't get any weird ideas," I said, coming out of the kitchen with freshly made avocado sandwiches. I handed one to Grey. "Sit down and have breakfast with us.""How did you know I get a bonus for snitching? And how did you know I hadn't eaten breakfast?" Grey asked, helping me set the table for three."I always see you going to the convenience store after dropping me off at work. You must not have time for breakfast before coming to pick me up.""Trying to bribe me with breakfast, hu