A hint of the unknownA moment of silence from the bosses ended, and an unreadable expression increased the unease settling in my heart as he finally groaned, clearing his throat before proceeding.“My team and I have considered everything that has gone down the drain so far, and after much thought, we came to a concrete agreement to invest once more in your company.” He paused, adjusting the file laid neatly before him and passing it across to me. “Inside, you’ll find all the details you need to know about this partnership.” He waited for a response, watching my perplexed face alongside his board members, who all had their gazes fixed on me delightedly.“Congratulations, and welcome on board,” he announced, rising from his seat, followed by the other board directors. Some wore grins, while others had more neutral expressions. He stepped forward, extending his hand for a firm handshake, which I reciprocated.Still perplexed and frozen in place, I watched them leave the conference room
Plan CCeline's POVWaiting all day for his call was just devastating. I couldn't understand why he chose to remain calm over something as delicate as this. Since when did he think it was okay to gamble with my reputation? I had tried calling but his lines were not connecting which had led to the increase in the frustration and anger building in my heart.The urge to use the video recording I had made in Anderson's office sprang up, but a thousand conflicting thoughts held me back. I knew I couldn't make these decisions without being properly guided and fully informed on the next step. These people were too dubious and could go all out to destroy me, just as they already had.I've now stayed indoors, unable to go outside, nor my company for nearly two days, shielding myself from the media and threatening clients while sorting out proof to vindicate myself. Evidence wasn’t coming fast, and the longer I waited, the more fury and pain seethed within me. The memory of that fabricated vide
Dangerous endUncertainty crept in, sending shivers down my spine as I clutched my heart, reaffirming my resolve to fight; a desire for justice, to reclaim my place, and ensure everything was going according to plan."Ma'am, I don't think things are fine around here," he chimed in. "From my observation, I suggest we leave immediately." He explained and I huffed, trailing my gaze around the area to observe what might be amiss, though activities seemed to be going on as usual. Every corner seemed to be active with people going about their businesses."I don't see anything out of the ordinary," I replied. He groaned, pointing a slender finger toward a nearby aisle where two men in black jeans, with a rough appearance, stood."Look, those guys over there are keeping an eye on the surroundings. And those ones over there," he added, drawing my attention to the opposite direction. Despite his warning, no sense of compression settled in my heart as I watched carefully. The awaited beep final
Unexpected turnMoments later, we were inside the large building that I doubted was this big from the outside. It looked extraordinarily secluded from the rest of the surrounding buildings.“What are you doing? Let me go!” I barked once again. This time, they carefully released my hands and stepped back as Jack moved forward, sitting on a couch beside him.“I know you must be thinking a lot right now, but before you do, I’d like to show you someone who might interest you,” he sneered, lifting his hand. Immediately, three men approached from the other end of the room, which I assumed was the living room based on the arrangement of the furniture.“Harry!” I snapped as he was dragged in and thrown to the other side. He looked weak, with minor bruises on his face, likely from several punches.“Yes, Harry,” Jack repeated mockingly, his hand clutched to his jaw as he glared at me intensely.“You know,” he stood up, “I thought you were smarter, but then you brought in someone as dumb as you
Unsettling turnsHarry's POVFrom the moment he walked in, I knew he wasn’t alone. However, what puzzled me was why he chose to show up in the living room without anyone by his side; it seemed a bit odd.I watched in despair and pain as Jack walked away from Celine, who barked at him. I gasped immediately. It hurt deep down to see him treat her so ruthlessly. My thoughts tormented me every second as I watched. It felt like a thousand drumsticks pounding loudly in my eardrums. I struggled against the wire binding my hands to break free. A small shard of tin still coated with rust tore through my skin, causing unbearable pain as I stumbled over the floor, praying to break free from its hold.Celine rushed over to pick up her torn clothes and partially covered her cleavage. Her gaze shifted in my direction, and I flinched. I felt guilty in that instant, even though I didn’t know how the information leaked to Jack or how he managed to track me down despite my careful planning. “I'm so sor
Eerie emotionsCeline's POVI felt sorry for him, seeing him in pain and in this condition. It seemed like he was going through all of this because of me, even though I never knew how everything we planned got messed up. I still think he deserves care and attention, not necessarily out of love, but from a desire to see him relieved.My heartbeat quickened as I noticed the sudden surge of emotion I felt towards him. It ran like a spark down my spine, jolting me out of my hardened, emotionless state.I was about to break the rules I had so carefully upheld all these years, unknowingly, when Levi showed up, interrupting the moment."Oh, Jess," I muttered in my heart."Alright, I will be joining you soon," I replied, and he turned on his heels, leaving the room."I'm sorry, but I have to go now. All you need is rest, and soon everything will be fine," I assured him, standing up."Thank you once again for your concern," he said, and I gave him a warm smile as a response. I turned to leave
Passionate moment“You never told me you were going to spend the night here. When did you make this sudden change?” I asked, a bit concerned.She hissed, “That's because Aaron isn't in town, and the house is just too big for me to stay alone,” she spat out, and I simmered, narrowing my gaze at the expression on her face.“You seem to change your mood so easily. Just a simple question, and you get all worked up,” I teased, and she winced.“That’s because you chose to ignore my earlier inquiry.”“What inquiry?”“That you should give Harry a chance once again,” she articulated, and I fumed.“Alright, I’ll think about it and get back to you,” I replied, placing my hands on her shoulders as she smiled warmly.*****Two days after, I was seated in the living room after a long day of activities and meetings. I was elated that everything was finally in place. The scandals had been successfully taken off the internet as fake, and most of the blogs vanished as a result.It was my most memorable
A distinct momentHarry's POVI felt a pang in my heart when he interrupted. Deep down, I cursed him at that instant, even though I knew how desperately I had longed for her acceptance and the moment we would share our first passionate time together.That creepy feeling set in once more as I narrowed my gaze at Levi. He always had his way of interrupting, didn't he? Still feeling utterly lost, I thought he was just interrupting on purpose. He surely harbored feelings from his gaze and stare; that much I was certain of, which I wouldn’t give in to or allow.He had a side that was still unclear to me as I watched his face locked in an intense stare while Celine collected the phone and moved to the other end of the room to take the call.I had the urge to confront him, and after a moment of hesitation, I made up my mind to do so.“What are you up to?” I inquired, looking intensely into his gaze.“Pardon? What do you mean?” he asked as though he had no clue what I was saying.“Your plans,
A Blissful ForeverHarry's POVWe drove out of the mansion toward the most renowned resort in the city. My heart surged with joy and gratitude for the journey and the battles fought to reach this glorious moment of peace with Celine and my son, Henry.It was a dream come true. Deep down, I vowed never to let this opportunity slip away. This was the moment I had always envisioned, and now that it was manifesting, I was more than ready to cherish it. I resolved to make amends for all my past mistakes, creating and nurturing beautiful, lasting memories, even amidst any struggles that might come our way.“Dad, can we stop at Moore’s? I want to get my favorite candy,” Henry said, pointing toward the store on the left side of the street.“Alright, anything for you, son,” I replied, and he grinned, biting his hand playfully.“Thank you, Dad!” he cheered. I smiled and turned the car toward Moore’s parking lot.Soon, we were back in the car, Henry happily clutching his bag of candies and snack
The expectedA grin spread across his face as he held my hands, planting a loving kiss on them before crouching low on his knees. My heart soared once more, and this time, I was determined to give this tireless man a "yes" for his relentless efforts to win me over.“Please, my lady, will you be mine again?” he asked, his hands dipping into his pant pockets to retrieve the ring. To my amazement, his gaze remained fixed on mine.“Please, girl, forgive him and accept him back; for my sake and Henry's,” Evelyn's voice surged from behind almost immediately, and I winced.“Yes, he deserves one more chance,” Aaron added.I stayed still, determined in my thoughts, my face adorned with a grin. Finally, I whimpered,“Yes, I’ll give you another chance, to be yours again.”With a relieved smile, he hastily slid the ring onto my finger and rose to his feet.“Thank you. I promise I’ll never hurt you again,” he said, his eyes widening with sincerity.“Are you sure?” I asked, my voice trembling sligh
Sorrowful momentWithout hesitation, I tapped to receive the call, my head lowered and my heart racing. By now, the applause had stopped, but Harry still remained kneeling with the ring in his hands, his face showing a mix of disappointment and uncertainty.“Hel…” I started, but his voice cut me off almost immediately.“Please, you need to come. The report is bad, and Evelyn needs you,” he asserted, and my heart sank.“Okay, I’ll be right there,” I responded. The call ended almost immediately from his end. I hurriedly lowered the phone from my ear, casting a sorry gaze at Harry.“Please, I need to leave. It’s about Evelyn,” I announced. Without glancing around at the murmurs that arose once more, I hastily addressed the team, then stormed to the car and drove off almost immediately to the hospital.Once at the hospital, I hurriedly made my way through the lobby and down the hallway leading to the maternity section. I knew she would be there. As I had suspected, I spotted Aaron speakin
Two Weeks LaterCeline’s POVA lone tear dropped from my eye as I walked along the aisle toward the pavilion. My heart couldn’t stop wondering how I got here; a pathway filled with endless struggles and challenges. A path where evil loomed, but amidst the overwhelming obstacles and chaos, I succeeded, alongside the great team that stood firm with me. It felt like a dry bone coming back to life.The roaring applause of the crowd and the overwhelming feeling of having everything under control struck me with a sense of fulfillment—the kind that comes when one keeps a promise. That, I had lived to remember for seven years, ever since Dad was buried."I wish I could see him again and tell him everything is now fine and under control," I whispered in my heart, never stopping to wander through the familiar thoughts crowding my mind.The media buzzed around the hall, fixing and focusing their cameras on me. The grin on my face widened as a surge of joy erupted through me. As I climbed the pa
Rising Tension"Why can't I go inside?""That's the instruction, sir. I'm so sorry if it doesn't sit well with you, but please, you can't go in," he explained."I see. Is your madam at home?""Not really. She stepped out a few minutes ago. I thought you might have driven past her on your way here.""Not at all," I replied, feeling a pang of devastation. My eyes fell on the drink I held in my hands, and all the carefully rehearsed words I had practiced in the car suddenly felt meaningless."Can I leave this for her?""Not at all, sir. I think you should give it to her yourself; it would be much better," he replied. I sighed and turned to leave, my feet dragging sluggishly against the ground.Just then, a voice called out from behind."What are you doing here? I thought I told you last time not to come near us! Why are you still bent on bringing us more trouble?"I turned to meet his angry gaze. His words were far too harsh for a child his age, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that
Bad OccurrenceHarry's POVIt's been a heck of an experience for me. The shock and the stigma felt increasingly heavy, almost suffocating the life out of me. I still felt as though the chains of the forbidden were caging me, weighing me down like an unbearable burden.“Boss, you need to do something before everything escalates beyond what we can handle,” Louis, who had come over, suggested with a concerned expression.I sat still, lost in thought, struggling to figure out what to do. It was fortunate that the news hadn’t picked up on this yet, but I needed Celine's help to navigate through this mess before it did. Otherwise, it would tarnish the company’s reputation irreparably. This disaster, which I had been grappling with for the past twenty-four hours, left me filled with regret. I doubted it would ever leave my mind; not now, not ever. Mom’s face still appeared before me repeatedly. The moments when she smiled, the happy times we shared; all of them taunted my heart relentlessly.
The Unforseen I held her hands in pain as the other corps members rushed toward us. My gaze became blurry from the tears that clouded my eyes.“Ma'am, step aside,” the officer instructed, but I remained unmoved. I couldn't let go of her hands. Watching her lying motionless pricked a deep part of my heart, and I didn’t even notice if the guy was caught or not. Everything else felt irrelevant at that moment.He leaned in, turning her over slowly and placing his ear on her chest.“I think she’s still alive,” he muttered, and a sudden wave of relief washed over me.Soon, she was wheeled into the ambulance, and I followed suit. Once at the hospital, she was rushed into the emergency room while I waited impatiently in the waiting area, praying earnestly that nothing would happen to her.I stood there, lost in my thoughts of grief and anguish, when a hand rested on my shoulder, jolting me almost immediately. I turned to find Alloy standing close by.“Ma'am, I think you should calm down. She
Moment of AgonyOnce freed, I ran as fast as I could while they pursued me. I knew the risk was higher now, but it was the least of my concerns at that moment. My heartbeat raced as I stumbled upon a door. Hurriedly, I opened it, only to find myself at the back of the suite where the cops were stationed. Just as one of the men chasing me fired a shot, the bullet struck the doorframe, creating a sharp cracking sound as I scrambled to the other side.“Drop your weapons!” the police announced. Oblivious to the ambush, the men chasing me ran straight into police custody. I heaved a sigh of relief, clutching my chest in an attempt to ease the tension building within me.“Damn, that was a freaky risk,” I muttered under my breath. I had no idea I could run as fast or as boldly as I just had. Once settled, I glanced around, only to realize something was amiss. I distinctly remembered hearing the leader give orders as I fled. He had been following me, but now he was nowhere to be seen. Somethi
A Turn for The WorstMy heart raced drastically as I lifted my head to meet his gaze. Did he already sense that I had my eyes fixed on the dark-haired guy, apparently the leader who had just walked in? I thought to myself, but then the realization hit me hard: What if he’s part of the gang? I mean, judging from his appearance.I felt my stomach churn as I finally mustered the courage to reply.“What are you doing here?” I inquired, trying to mask my unease, which was clearly written on my features.He smirked. “Looking out for you,” he replied. I felt a little relieved and then a surge of anger.“Why can't you mind your business?” I asserted.“I can't mind my business while you’re still sitting here. Besides, I kept wondering why your supposed partner is taking so long to appear. Or were you just playing a fast one on me?” he questioned, smiling sheepishly.I tried so hard to hold back my anger, which was seething beneath the surface. It was glaringly obvious that he wasn’t part of th