PAINS Celine's POVIt's been a few weeks since I uncovered the true identity of my dad, and ever since then, it's been almost impossible to meet with him one-on-one. The day of the meeting, when I realized who he was, I quickly ran back to the elevator, but it was already too late. Even if I had reached him, his bodyguards would have made sure I couldn’t approach him.I’ve been left with no clues or options on how to speak with him directly. Remembering my mother's warning only made things more difficult. How could I secure an appointment with such a powerful man if I don't explain the reason for it, not to mention disclosing where he stays, which was out of the question?I knew my chances of speaking with the boss would be slim if I tried to follow him home which was just impossible. I imagined how large his estate would be, with countless guards, which would only make it a futile effort and may expose me to danger . These thoughts had clouded my mind for the past few weeks, making
Where am i?The scent of disinfectant, the rattling sounds of movement, and the bright light made my head throb as I slowly opened my eyes in pain. I could still feel the ache in my abdomen. I remembered calling out to Evelyn in the room, but after that, I had no idea what happened.I sensed the tension in the room as my eyes fully opened."Thank goodness, you're awake," a voice surged from behind, and I gradually turned my gaze to see the doctor and nurses staring at me.I searched for Evelyn, but she was nowhere in sight, leaving me to wonder where she was and why I was alone."Doctor, where is my friend, the one who brought me here?" I inquired, my tone weak and voice strained."She's out in the waiting room. Visitors aren't allowed in here," he replied."Visitors aren't allowed in here?" Those words echoed in my mind as I wondered why and where I was."Why isn't she allowed here?" I asked."Madam, calm down. This isn't the time for that. You need all the strength you can gather to
GuiltThe moment I realized what I had just done, guilt washed over me, and I felt sorry for myself. My mom wouldn’t be pleased wherever she is, but none of that was relevant. I had to do what I had to do, to ease the burden on my heart, even though I hadn’t even realized when I let it all out.I turned my gaze to Evelyn, whose eyes were widened in disbelief, her lips parted as though she was gasping. I bit the inner layer of my lips, sensing how betrayed she felt for hiding such a delicate issue from her. Was I to blame? No, matters like this were just too complicated.I let out a sigh, took a deep breath, shrugged my shoulders, and straightened my spine."That was what I was about to tell you the other day," I expressed, my tone a mix of pain and guilt.A moment of silence filled the room, then little Henry’s voice broke it.“Ahh, he's finally awake.” I reached forward to pick him up, placing him across my lap and giggling at his tiny little face.“He's hungry, get his food,” I turn
Denied hope"What's that look for?" her voice surged with a sting of sarcasm when she noticed my intense stare of uncertainty."Who was that on the call?" I inquired, my tone unreadable."Oh, that?" She reached for her phone, unlocked it, and handed it over to me. "Take a look for yourself."I shrugged with little hesitation but took the phone from her hands to satisfy my curiosity and odd feelings."Becky?" I snapped."Yes, Becky," she blurted, giving me a staggering look that sent a shiver down my spine. The HR at Williams Corporation—what was she up to? I wondered, giving Evelyn that look that silently demanded an explanation."Well, if it may interest you, Becky's brother is Sir Williams' PA," she paused, as though expecting a wow from me, which only earned a disapproving stare as I anticipated the full story and pondered how the events would unfold."Okay?""Aren't you seeing the connection?" she teased. I was still numb as to where everything was heading. I couldn't yet comprehe
No resemblanceHarry's POVMy heart was full of delight when my gaze was fixed on him. He was growing rapidly every day, and I bet he took after me. His curly blonde hair was a replica of his mother's, the shining grey eyes were unmatched by mine, and his cute cheeks blushed whenever he smiled.He had all the features of my father, as my mum complimented the moment we entered the mansion, not even giving a watchful gaze at me.“Derick, dear,” she lowered herself to maintain the same eye contact as his, opening her arms, and Derick hopped into them in an embrace.“Nice to meet you, Grandma,” he greeted with a grin on his face, his dimples visibly making their way.“Oh dear, what an adorable child,” Mum leaned forward and planted a kiss on his forehead, smiles plastered all over her face, and her heart merry.I loved seeing her happy and would do anything within my power to always keep that smile on her face. Being the only parent I had growing up, she had always gone out of her way to
BeneathHe was truly right. “If he looks like my dad, then he should look like me, or is there something Mum was hiding from me?” I thought to myself. As frustration built, I narrowed my eyes at my mum.“Mum, do I really look like Father?” I asked, my gaze fixed on her. She seemed a little uncomfortable with my question and turned her gaze to Derick.“Derick, take your chips upstairs,” she said, and with that, he left, leaving the three of us alone.“Son, why ask such questions?” she said, her gaze fixed on mine and a frown creasing her forehead.“Don't you have his pictures? You can confirm your doubts with them,” she replied, raising my brows.I felt a little uneasy. “Sorry, Mum,” I apologized, but my mind was still clouded with uncertainty. “But if Derick truly looks like Dad, then he should also resemble me,” I said, prompting an immediate gasp from Lily, who almost choked.“Darling, are you alright?” I leaned towards her. She nodded, picking up the glass of water and gulping it d
CoincidenceThe light from my phone, indicating an incoming call, suddenly illuminated the room. Who could be calling at this hour? I wondered. I quickly reached to pick up the phone, rolling off Lily, who was still basking in the afterglow of our recent intimacy. After we made out, we continued for a while longer, enjoying each other's company. Derick was left in my mum's care because she insisted he sleep with her in her room instead of the vacant one. I never had the time or energy to argue with mum, who was always bent on doing what pleased her without considering others. It's an aspect of her I despise, and I prefer not to clash with her over it.I picked up the call and was immediately taken aback by what I heard.“Boss, I think there's a situation,” Louis snapped over the phone.My heart suddenly quickened. “What’s the situation, Louis?” My voice was a mix of uncertainty and anger.“Boss, we... we got to the mansion only to find the gatekeeper in a pool of his own blood,” his v
Worst NightmareCeline's POVSo it's true that William Wood is actually gone. When I suddenly had the opportunity to tell him I was his child, I thought I finally had the chance to have a father figure and the love I never had while growing up. They knew I would find peace at last and decided to cut it short. Why is life so cruel to me? Am I meant to live a life without peace, joy, or happiness? The tears that were already clouding my eyes streamed down my cheeks seamlessly.I was beginning to think I was meant for this. Maybe somehow, that's how life has designed it for me—a life of misery. The only parent I had left was gone just like that. Couldn't he have spared me the opportunity to identify who I was before embracing death? Couldn't he have held me in a warm embrace, looked straight into my eyes, and called me "daughter"? Something I have longed and prayed for. Now my efforts were in vain, with nothing left. I sobbed even more.“Celine, everything will be fine,” Evelyn consoled,
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