Nicole's POVI felt an overwhelming tension throughout my body, seeing a figure I didn't expect to meet in person at all, together with a woman who was younger than me but ignorant and foolish. I unconsciously clenched my hands into fists, not expecting to meet the old man after only watching him on my laptop screen.He still looked the same. Adeline looked at us, more precisely at Chris. "Chris! Mom!" She exclaimed with a smile before turning to look at me without giving any expression.The woman and the father walked closer and closer. My gaze focused on the old man who hadn't said anything but followed Adeline, who walked first.My heartbeat seemed to slow down when I saw him walking towards us. I remembered him as someone who didn't deserve to be missed for the rest of my life. He never doted on or loved me like a father would his child.I never remembered my happy childhood with him. There was only Mom and a few servants who accompanied me to play. He would just be busy with his
Nicole's POVI had just arrived at the front of the house, but my feelings were still a mess. Many things filled my mind, especially after simultaneously meeting the people I hated.I forgot what I said when I met them, but this messy feeling remained. Mainly, when my mind was focused on Chris, that man still affected me when I no longer had the same feelings.He made me feel all sorts of things but forced me to pay more attention to her than anyone else.While still preoccupied with my thoughts, I saw Richard, who was walking in the park. His hand was holding a rope around the neck of a robotic dog similar to a herder. Looking at its shape, it seemed like my son made the robot.Richard looked at me with a bright gaze, noticing my presence when he was previously paying more attention to his robot. "Mom!""Hi, Richard." I was slightly startled by his exclamation but automatically smiled when I saw him walk over to me with his robot that could walk smoothly. "You're doing tests on your
Adeline's POVI exhaled, feeling increasingly agitated after the long wait from earlier. I had been fiddling with my hands a while ago, counting the seconds and touching my fingers with each one, but now my feet were also twitching with the increasing impatience I felt.Still, my patience had its limits. I gritted my teeth, looking around while muttering under my breath. "Where is he? What's taking so long? I do not have much time to waste anymore."Nicole Duncan, who I'm sure is the same person as my useless stepsister, will be on top if I leave it at that. With that person around, I was sure I could shake her attitude, which always seemed confident and expensive.I never wanted to admit it, but I could see many changes in that woman's demeanor that turned a hundred and eighty degrees, especially from the wealth she shamelessly displayed every time we met. Nicole was wearing all those things I wanted but never got until now. Especially with the Martinez Family's bankruptcy.I tapped
Adeline's POVI tried to please myself by walking around. There wasn't much to look at as some of the dresses reminded me of that bitch, while others didn't look interesting enough to buy.I finally walked into one of the boutiques that looked promising. A staff member greeted me politely, and another immediately accompanied me to each clothing section. section of dresses that had recently been released and immediately caught my eye. None of the dresses were similar to that woman's, so I chose the prettiest one.I looked at the staff carrying my chosen dress with a satisfied smile. "I'm glad I still have the diamond necklace I haven't sold from the jewellery collection in my house. I'll be able to buy a fancy new dress."I couldn't stop feeling excited when I received the paper bag containing the dress that the boutique staff had prepared. I already imagined wearing it to a party or an important event where many people would notice me.I muttered under my breath as I walked around aft
Adeline's POVI felt scared, alone in the police station that seemed to be busy with their work, as well as several other people who seemed to be arrested like me. I fiddled with my fingers with an uneasy feeling, looking for a delicate part that I could pick off my fingernails and remove to distract myself.This was the first time I had ever been to a police station. In my entire life, I've never been in a place like this for as long as I can remember. I looked at the policeman who had come to arrest me earlier, pretending to be brave despite feeling uneasy. "Sir, I... I want to call my parents. You guys are wrongly arrested. This is slander!" I asserted in a loud tone.The policeman looked at me calmly before turning to his computer screen. "We are not making arrests based on slander, as you say, Ms. Adeline. All the evidence regarding this murder case has been obtained, and you are included in it."I shook my head, furrowing my brow as I thought that it was impossible. It had been
Chris'bPOVI read the news about the case involving Adeline and her mother. A photo of the two was displayed, as well as a headline stating that Adeline allegedly killed her step-sister with the help of her mother.'Their case is still under our investigation', read a statement from one of the police. 'They have been arrested, and we will investigate the case to the best of our ability to achieve justice for the late Nicole Martinez.'Many people commented on the late handling of a long-over case. Still, some found it interesting because they were curious about what was behind the opening of a murder case that was initially thought to be just an accident.After searching, there was finally another article that said that the police also had evidence that could reveal the crime of the mother and son. There was only one line of the article that caught my attention.'The evidence is so clear that they can already be confirmed guilty.' Another party from the police stated. The rest were a
Chris' POVI heard the sound of Adeline's small laughter, which immediately brought me to my senses after thinking about her words. She looked happy to see me affected by her words, but I didn't let her be for too long.I still held her hand tightly, looking at her sharply. "You and I are different, Adeline. You are a demon. How could you kill the woman you've lived with for so long so easily.""Huh, are you replying to me now?" She looked at me in surprise. "You think you're a saint, Chris? We're all the same for ruining someone's life. Why do you think Nicole ended up dead like that? It's because of you too!"Adeline came closer, staring at me fearlessly despite the grimace of her hand that I had re-tightened. She smiled with raised eyebrows. "You have to let me out of here, Chris. The sooner, the better. You don't want me to remind you of what you did to Nicole, do you?"I was getting angry at this shameless woman in front of me. How could I be married to a woman who was the devil
Nicole's POVThe news about Adeline committing a crime a few years ago spread. Many media outlets aired and publicised it on various websites, but I didn't read any news about it.Instead of checking the news as usual, I was now pouring one of my finest collections of drinks into a glass, watching how the almost dark brown liquid filled my glass halfway before I gulped it down in one searing gulp.The strong scent of alcohol pierced my nose, as did the taste sensation that was much stronger than my usual drink, but one that I desperately needed at this moment. I don't know what happened to me, and I didn't feel anything after my plan finally went through."Is something wrong with me?" I muttered to myself, not understanding the strange feeling I was having.There was no joy, satisfaction or euphoria when I heard about it. Rather, it was empty and made me feel gloomy and unpleasant. I went to my private bar after finishing my work, alone and without any music to accompany me to drink.
Nicole's POVChris was silent. I could see that he seemed to be processing my words, but I wasn't done talking. There was still something I wanted to tell him."Until now, I've been confused by the feelings I have for you, Mr. Grant."I clasped my hands together tightly. "If I were to accept your proposal without thinking, it would not only make me look like I'm playing you, but also betray my own uncertain feelings."As I said, I felt very mixed after hearing and seeing his attitude during his proposal.There were feelings of joy, sadness, hatred, and hope, all in equal measure, that confused me.On the one hand, I liked this proposal in the deepest part, which I buried deeply. Still, I also couldn't let go of the thing that had kept me alive all these years after his betrayal by leaving me and the evil deeds of my old family.I didn't want revenge, but the residual feelings were still there, as were my feelings for the man in front of me.Both had the same deep impression on me duri
Nicole's POVAs I walked in, I could see the restaurant's decor, which looked like a very romantic place. Like I saw outside, no one was inside except me and my assistant.We walked in together, he walking behind me, but I was busy with my thoughts. My brain seemed to be spinning rapidly, and I was thinking about this strange thing as best I could.My father had deliberately directed me to this restaurant for dinner. Still, that man was nowhere to be seen, nor was Richard and whoever was supposed to be in this restaurant to serve us. The deserted atmosphere added to the aggravation of my thoughts and the additional fear of the unusual situation.I swallowed, wondering, even as I followed the lit candles still guiding our path. Why is the restaurant in this state? Shouldn't we have gathered and enjoyed dinner by now?I already felt that my father, my son, and everything that happened today were acting strangely. I have absolutely no idea what's going on. It really felt like I was walki
Nicole's POVI looked at my father, who had been watching me since earlier. I ignored it at first, but after a while, I got curious and finally asked him. "Is there something you want to talk to me about, Father?"He shook his head, smiling slightly with eyes that seemed to sparkle. "No, no. I'm just happy to see that you've been in good spirits lately."I smiled back at him, although I also thought that my father's attitude was quite strange. I didn't feel as excited as he said, just as usual. The things my father said were even more applicable to him, who somehow looked radiant.Of course, I felt happy about whatever my father went through because I knew he could behave like that now. After the betrayal of his old friend, I felt that my father became much more reserved and only focused on his work, but now he's become better than that.I finally changed the subject. "Is Richard with that man, Father?"He nodded.Lately, my son has been spending a lot of time with Chris. It was usual
Nicole's POVI was already in my study, realizing that the thing that happened a moment ago was really happening.The things I felt and the attitude I showed the man... I touched my chest, feeling the pounding of my heart that always became unusual whenever I couldn't control myself, especially when it came to that man. Chris.I didn't know what was wrong with me anymore, feeling messed up and not knowing what to do to fix what had happened."No," I said, with a complementary slap to snap myself out of my current situation. "I need to focus."It wasn't time for me to dwell on whatever feelings were surrounding me and dwell on them. Work was waiting for me, and I couldn't put it off any longer for any reason.I slapped my cheeks repeatedly. Only then could I take my work seriously.I spent most of my days staying out of that man's reach. Sometimes, Chris was at my house for some business, but I still avoided him and didn't show myself to him as much as I could. When I came home, I aske
Chris' POV"Chris!"A shouting voice rang in my ears. I turned my head and saw a woman running towards me. She immediately hugged me tightly. Smelling the fragrance of her body so close to me and catching a glimpse of her face, I felt certain that the woman in this embrace was Nicole.I looked in the direction the woman had previously run and found several people scattered around the streets, shouting and moving away from each other. This was paving the way for a tree snake that seemed to have escaped from one of the shops in this row of streets.Not far from the snake, two staff members who seemed to be from the shop could be seen chasing the escaping animal with nets and ropes. They looked tense, following the slithering animal's movements on the hot street.The atmosphere was definitely noisy, but I could only feel the fear of the woman who was in my arms and was giving me a tight hug without any warning as if I was her life preserver and didn't want to be let go by her anytime soo
Chris' POVI felt that my relationship with Nicole was fine, even better than a few weeks ago, even though she sometimes tried to ignore my presence around her.She was becoming more talkative with me about some mundane things that I didn't know would happen so soon. She didn't kick me out anymore, even if I went over her limit, which would usually make her upset and follow her emotions.I still remember when she acted shy when receiving my cheek kiss and her anger at the charity event when I kissed her on the lips. My reactions to those two things were quite different. One was closer to negative because I was in a hurry, while the other was closer to positive, even though they were close in time.Perhaps my thoughts on our current situation were correct.She probably doesn't hate me as much as she used to, and I can also do things that I could never do even if I wanted to. For now, I won't do anything more than the usual touching of a young couple, but even that already makes me happ
Chris' POVI returned Nicole's widened gaze, feeling a little pleased and proud of myself. "I know, you must be admiring me, right, Nicole?""Are you showing yourself off?" She snorted, changing her previously unseen gaze to what it was now, slightly sharp. "Why would I admire you sitting down?"I noticed the woman who looked a little sullen. I still don't know the reason, but she seemed to be annoyed that I accidentally made her emotional with my out-of-context words.Anyway, I was happy with her attention and unconsciously said whatever came to my mind.I cleared my throat softly, returning the conversation. "If you try, you can do it too, Nicole. Cooperation with Mr. Divo." The woman was still looking sulky. "You might be able to get this deal done first.""I can't." The woman's father suddenly spoke up, looking serious. "If Nicole does that, it will be dangerous for her."The woman seemed to turn her attention to her father, frowning as she asked. "What makes it dangerous for me,
Nicole's POVI knew what he meant when he dropped me off after our accidental lunch. My gaze was drawn to the scene in front of me, inside my house, which should have consisted of my father, Richard, Key, and the servants, but this time it was different.The man and my two and only family were in the living room. My son looked relaxed while my father chatted smoothly with the man. The three seemed familiar, even to the point of not noticing my presence, and had already been welcomed by the servants in our house.Perhaps I stared too long. My father turned to me, as did the other two. They had quite similar happy expressions, which made me frown."Nicole, you just arrived?" My father asked by way of greeting. "I thought you'd be home a little later because of the work you've been piling up. Key told me."I ignored my father's words, paying more attention to the calm-looking man mingling among them. He noticed my gaze and smiled politely, but I could feel slightly annoyed by his natural
Nicole's POVI paused to look at the man's face, especially his smile, which made me feel like I was about to lose focus. I didn't let that go on for too long and pushed the bouquet of flowers at him, waking him up to something.His eyes widened slightly. He put a little distance between us, letting me stand evenly, though his hands were still on my waist, and said casually. "Oh yes, I wanted to give you this bouquet of flowers."I gazed at the bouquet of flowers she handed to me. The arrangement was pretty, consisting of only three flowers, but the colors of the flowers were well integrated and complemented each other. The skill of the bouquet arranger could be recognized. I could also smell the fragrance of the bouquet he gave me.At this point, my focus completely disappeared, especially as I tried to deal with the predicament right in front of me.It's been too long since I've experienced this, and it felt so different when I was with Matthew. After all, this man in front of me di