Our parents excused themselves from the living room. They ran away and didn't help me to explain the sentence to Camari. I swallowed and saw them smiling meaningfully. Didn't they know I was terrified?After the door closed and it was just the two of us, Camari cleared her throat. "Otis?"I swallowed hard. "Don't worry about the money. I have a personal stash that I've set aside for my wedding. So, I'm not taking the company's operating money."She smiled. "Are you afraid I'll laugh at your feelings?" she cooed. Camari squeezed my hand. "Thank you for loving me, but I can't say the same." She bowed her head."Camari, I—" I muttered, feeling bad."Please don't get me wrong," she cut in. "Give me time. Our marriage was unplanned. The baby came unexpectedly, followed by the blessing and the reception... I didn't have time to digest all the significant events I experienced in quick succession."You are a kind and gentle man. I'll have no trouble loving you. Therefore, I need time. I won't
Bella had just given birth. Following Father's instructions, we checked the baby and Farrell for a DNA match. The lab technician called to tell us the results were up for collection. Dorothy flew straight from her town to take care of it with me.Camari was twenty-eight weeks pregnant. I didn't want anything to happen to her if she met Bella in prison. She should be in a high-security place. The office had bodyguards and building security. I could rest easy if she were there."Otis!" Dorothy called.I waved the envelope of test results at her. "The results are here.""Come on, open it quickly," she said impatiently.I opened the envelope and took out the paper inside. I sighed when I saw the results. The question that had been bothering us was answered. For safety reasons, Dorothy and I headed to the prison in our respective cars.Ever since Bella attacked my car, I hadn't been in the same car with my family. Camari and I also didn't share a car when we went anywhere. She still drove
[Camari]'I'm on my way home.'I smiled as I read the message from my husband. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My blonde hair was neatly combed, and my face was clean without makeup. I wore a transparent nightgown, leaving nothing to the imagination. I couldn't afford to waste my chance tonight.I sprayed his favorite perfume on my neck and wrists. The delicate scent of red roses entered my nostrils. My cheeks flushed at the thought of our activities tonight. I chuckled, embarrassed by my wild imagination.I walked out of the walk-in closet to the bedroom and smiled at the red rose petals decorating the bed. My heart beat with happiness. Finally, after three years together, we had the perfect time for our first night.Hearing the door knock, I stood in front of it and smiled. "Come in." My heart was pounding excitedly."Good evening, Madam," the maid greeted, her eyes fixed downward. "Master awaits you in the reading room."I was disappointed to see it wasn't Farrell who knock
It was suddenly quiet on the other side, but I knew he was there and listening to me. We were still together. How dare he flaunt their relationship in public. I saw them, so I was sure our acquaintances might have witnessed the incident, too."Good, you know everything. Things will be easier now. Yes. Bella and I are getting married soon," he declared arrogantly. "We've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. So, stop ruining my plans. Sign the divorce papers and come to the court tomorrow.""Ruining your plans? Have you gone mad? You've ruined our marriage by cheating on my best friend!" I protested.He laughed. "Bella and I knew each other before we met, Camari. She was my first love, the one I wanted to marry. Listen. I never loved you."His words pierced my heart like a sharp sword. The pain made me unable to speak for a while. I even had to lean against the wall, realizing my legs failed to support my body."Y-your first love?" I stammered. "Th-then what am I?""Do you
Arriving at the hospital, I headed for the emergency room. Seeing that Mom wasn't there, I looked at my phone and found a new message from her. Dad was taken to the ICU. I rushed to meet her there. I was worried for my dad, causing my heart to beat rapidly."Camari!" called Mom frantically.I approached her and let her hug me tightly. "What happened, Mom?""The doctor said your dad had a heart attack. They've managed to help, but the critical period hasn't passed. He needs surgery immediately." She released her embrace and then looked at me with wet eyes. "Camari, the cost is huge.""What about insurance? Don't you have one?" I asked."Not with this type of surgery. I called the agent. He said they don't cover this surgery. You'd better call Farrell so he can help us," Mom urged.What surgery did Dad need that wasn't covered by health insurance? I was so angry. That insurance agent I knew well. He was so persistent in offering his product. Why would he throw up his hands when my parent
[Otis]The media massively reported Farrell's coronation as CEO of Haworth Incorporation. Relentless praise was heaped on the thirty-two-year-old man. Finally, Father could retire in peace.The big celebration was held on the third anniversary of his marriage to Camari. Father didn't hesitate to dig deep into his pockets to invite and entertain thousands of guests at a luxury hotel. I was the only one not invited.I turned off the television and walked to my bedroom. After bathing in the shower room, I headed for the sink. I climbed the small ladder provided to brush my teeth and shave. After getting dressed, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. If only I could choose the shape of my body.I looked away, unable to bear staring at myself for too long. After breakfast, I walked out of the apartment. Jasper was waiting and walked with me to the elevator. He was my driver, bodyguard, friend, and informant."Are we going to the office, sir?" he asked after buckling up."No. To my father
Haworth Incorporation had suffered many setbacks since it fell into Farrell's hands. That foolish boy was blind to business. He did as he pleased and made many haphazard decisions. He ignored complaints from shareholders.The most painful surprise was that he didn't pay taxes regularly. My head throbbed at the figures listed that the company should have paid, but that stupid kid bribed the officials to manipulate the amount.He had been lucky for the past three years. No one suspected his foul play. However, how long could he keep their mouths shut? Someone would discover and investigate. It could ruin the company Father worked so hard to build."Good morning, sir," Jasper greeted me politely that morning."Good morning," I replied. I closed the door and walked to the elevator."Regarding the man last night, I asked a friend to find information about the car owner. Nothing was unusual about his activity throughout the day, but I found answers on his phone." He gave his gadget to me.I
No wonder when we arrived, he wasn't at his desk. He always came before Jasper and I did. I thought he was on his way to work. I was surprised to find him in my office."Bruce? What are you doing there?" Jasper asked in surprise.I entered my office and found my assistant sitting in my chair. He looked at me and Jasper in turn. "Bruce? What's going on?""I should be asking. What are you guys doing in my office?" he retorted fiercely. "Stop calling me like we're old friends. My name is Bruce Murphy, CEO of Precious Fund Corporation. You should call me Mr. Murphy.""What did you say!?" Jasper approached him without hesitation.A man came out of the room behind Bruce, followed by not one but three other big, sturdy men. I took a deep breath as the security guards stood before Bruce to protect him."What is this!?" Jasper protested."You choose. Get out of my office now, or my four men will drag you out," Bruce threatened without flinching.I didn't expect the day to come so soon. I though