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Jasper and I met Camari in the elevator. She looked different in her blue formal dress. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, showing off her long neck. She covered up the redness on her cheeks with her makeup perfectly.She looked a few inches taller in her high heels. However, I didn't feel inferior or intimidated by the increase in height. The woman's appearance was enhanced by her sweet smile.“Good morning,” she greeted as she entered the elevator.“Good morning,” Jasper and I replied in unison.“You're gorgeous, Miss Gastrell,” Jasper complimented, making me roll my eyes.“Thank you. You are very handsome, Jasper.” Camari smiled at him.“How does Mr. Haworth look?” Jasper glanced at me. Seriously?Before Camari could answer, the elevator doors opened. A man and a woman entered. Fortunately, they interrupted in time. So, Camari didn't have to awkwardly answer my assistant's stupid question. In a moment, the elevator was full of other residents heading to the parking lot.Jasper and I e
[Camari]My name was cleared, and my reputation restored. However, I didn't betray Otis by turning down his job offer. Mr. Bloom wouldn't have investigated the theft case if no one had pushed him. I believed Otis had forced him to investigate.I wouldn't have a better ally than him. Even though he was a Haworth, he agreed to take everything from Farrell. In return, I willingly became his pawn. I had no idea what he was planning to propose to me, but I would do anything for him.I couldn't wait to see Farrell and Bella pay for all their evil deeds to me and my parents. Bella wanted to make my life miserable for eight years. Seriously. I was the one suffering.I met Jasper and Otis in the elevator. We greeted each other, but not for long. Since other residents filled the small space, we couldn't chat further. Otis and Jasper exited the elevator first. I had a parking space on the ground floor, so I came out later.The distance from the apartment to Otis' office was very close. The differ
Hearing the doorbell ring, I opened it. Otis arrived with Jasper and Isaac. I invited them in. We couldn't discuss personal matters at the office. So, we signed a prenuptial agreement outside of work hours.Farrell and I had a similar agreement in a similar thickness to the one Isaac had prepared. I read every sentence carefully. Otis was generous. He gave me a large monthly allowance. I couldn't believe the zeros behind the numbers.“What's wrong?” Otis asked.“Didn't you write the amount of my monthly allowance wrong?” I looked at him in confusion.“All the numbers on there are correct. I transferred your monthly allowance earlier,” he said.I took my phone from the table and opened the screen. He was right. There was a statement from my bank stating that some money had been transferred to my account. Crazy. I didn't need that much money to fulfill my monthly needs.“I can top it up if it's not enough,” Otis said.“Oh. No,” I quickly refused. “This amount is just too much.”Isaac chu
[Otis]I couldn't sleep because I was getting married to Camari. It was a big decision, and I was so worried about repeating the same mistake. What if she changed her mind? What if she met a better man and betrayed me?Camari wasn't Cattleya, but she was also very sweet. Cattleya assured me she would be faithful and with me until death do us part. She knew Haworth held true to their vows. Yet every word out of her mouth was a lie.Remembering what Farrell had done, I calmed down. Camari and I were in the same position. We were betrayed by our partners with people close to us. I wouldn't betray someone I cared about because of that pain. So, I believed Camari would be faithful to me.Step by step the marriage went smoothly. Camari put her signature on the prenuptial agreement with confidence. I admired her relationship with her parents. They approved of our marriage without drama.Jasper looked at me intently once we were in my office. “Are you worried about Mrs. Haworth? You must have
Camari guided my hand to her face. I was sure she could feel my hand trembling, but she said nothing. Her lips touched mine. Oh, my God. I was kissing the woman who had graced my dreams for the past few nights.I even touched her soft and delicate face. I suddenly felt unworthy of touching her. Camari held my hand again and placed it on her chest. I gasped. She took advantage of it by deepening our kiss.“Camari,” I said reluctantly."I'm your wife, Otis. I’m completely yours. You can do whatever you want." She unbuttoned my pajamas and stroked my chest. “Just as you're completely mine.”Camari led me to do as she wished. She didn't laugh or mock me whenever I misunderstood her instructions. She patiently guided me and asked me to say what I wanted.I just knew the relationship between a man and a woman could be this beautiful. I was amazed at my body and Camari's reactions whenever our hands touched different body parts. I let tears fall from my eyes as we became one.I couldn't expla
On Saturday morning, I started my day with a swim. After lunch, I went to the boutique and picked up the suit I ordered. Satisfied with the results, I ordered several different colors and designs. It was time to have a formal outfit.I showered thoroughly, applied face and body cream, smeared oil on my hair, and sprayed cologne on my neck and wrists. When I was done, I walked out of the bathroom to the walk-in closet.Fitting in with the invitation, I wore a white shirt, black trousers, a black and dark gray striped tie, a black jacket, and dark brown shoes. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror and was satisfied with the result.'You and Otis are so handsome this morning.'My face heated up, reminding her words. No one had ever mentioned that word along with my name. People mostly said I was ugly, a curse, an illegitimate child, and a jinx. What did Camari see that she wasn't bothered by my flaws?I was forty years old, but my face was still smooth and spotless. I shaved m
[Camari]I didn't want Otis to be sad that I was going to be at my parents' house for two nights. So, I pampered him all that morning before we left for work. We couldn't even hold hands in the office because security cameras were everywhere.Otis offered his helicopter to take me to my parents' town, but I declined. Driving a car would comfort me and give me more time to think. After all, there were places I didn't want to miss when I went back to my parents' house.“I'll take my leave,” I said to Otis.He smiled. “Be careful on the road.”“Thank you for the flowers.” I glanced at the bouquet I was holding.“You're welcome,” he replied.“See you Monday, Jasper,” I said to his bodyguard.“See you, ma'am. Have fun,” he teased.I chuckled, then closed the door. I smiled at Otis briefly. He looked at me like a child about to be left by his mother. I also felt sad to leave, but I needed to finish the business I'd left there.After three hours of driving, I took a break at a gas station. I
After finding out I was at my parents' house, Grandpa wanted to visit. I told him not to, but he insisted. I glanced at Dad and Mom for help, but they just chuckled. I couldn't fight the three of them.I didn't know what Grandpa wanted to talk to me about. My parents couldn't guess either. Grandpa didn't want to discuss it over the phone. Mom and Dad invited me to go to the supermarket, but I refused. I'd rather clean the house. Besides, I had an appointment.At lunchtime, my family's favorite restaurant was packed. I found an empty table and hurried over. The waiter came to ask for my order, so I mentioned my favorite dish.“Hi, Camari.” A man greeted me and then sat on the seat across from me. “Sorry, I'm a little late.”“You're not. I came too early,” I corrected.I did that on purpose to get the upper hand. I wanted to come first. So, I wouldn't be the one apologizing. I wanted him to be the one to say the words. That was the beginning before we discussed my purpose in asking him t
Jasper moved quickly. He picked me up and ran to the car. Otis broke protocol by getting into the same car as me, but I needed him. So, I let him sit beside me.The medical team welcomed us to the hospital. My obstetrician greeted me and checked my condition. My feelings were uncertain when he said the opening wasn't quite there yet. We needed to wait until the time came.Our family arrived, helping me get ready. Otis stayed in the room with me. Whenever I needed him, I turned to him, and he would come closer. Hours passed, but the torment wasn't over yet.I grew more and more frightened as the pain became unbearable. Seeing Otis' pale face, I smiled at him. It must have been hard for him to see me in this state. It made me realize one important thing. There would be no other man like him in this world."Otis," I whispered. He came closer. "I don't know what would happen in the labor room. But I want you to know... I love you. I love you so much."Otis was stunned. His eyes then filled
[Camari]Otis was busy with the two companies he was responsible for. I thought everything was fine. He solved all of Haworth Incorporation's financial problems and replaced some old directors with his confidants.However, I had no idea why he bought shares from certain people in the company. I wasn't with him all the time since my pregnancy made it difficult for me to move around freely. So, he had lunch or dinner with his colleagues without me.He even bought shares in his company from people demanding that he step down from his seat. I wasn't the finance director, so I didn't know the company's financial position. But seeing Jasmine's calm demeanor, I concluded that everything was still under control.Therefore, I was surprised by today's announcement. Precious Fund Corporation and Haworth Incorporation were merging. Precious Fund remained, while Haworth Incorporation ceased to exist. What did Father think of this?The man I was thinking about came in with a cheerful face, making m
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
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
[Otis]I stared at the loser man without blinking. He just lowered his head, not daring to return my gaze. He didn't touch the envelope I placed in front of him. He must have understood the purpose of my visit. And I needed an explanation."Silence won't make me forgive what you and your team did," I stated. "This is the first and last warning. If you dare forge people's signatures again, I'll shut down your law firm. You know I'm capable of that.""Mr. Haworth." He finally opened his mouth. "Neither I nor my team forged anyone's signature. If the client didn't sign, then Farrell did.""The client didn't show up for her divorce papers, and you were not her attorney. Was that Farrell's fault, too?" I asked. "My nephew died doesn't mean you can put all the blame on him. I'm not that stupid."I took the envelope back. "This is my proof of how negligent your law firm is. If you did it again, I wouldn't think twice about destroying you.""Mr. Haworth." The man stood up and followed me.Jas
Otis and I went to separate places after work. He met Carlos to discuss business while I saw my psychologist. I cried my heart out in that room, telling Jennifer everything I'd been through over the past week.I felt so relieved after pouring out my feelings. Jennifer didn't suggest anything. She congratulated me on successfully ending my hatred for the two people who had done me harm.Otis was still talking to Carlos, so I went home with my bodyguard. Looking at the numbers on the elevator, I thought of someone. I pressed the number to my old apartment and smiled. She must be in her apartment.Sure enough. Deborah greeted me with a smile and the delicious cooking aroma inside her unit. She offered me her appetizing lasagna. We enjoyed it while chatting in the dining room."I'm sorry about what happened to your family," she said with concern.I liked the word she chose, family. She didn't mention Farrell as my ex-husband. "Thank you. What an unexpected turn of events. He was young.""
[Camari]As the weekend passed, we went about our usual activities. Otis and I started the day with exercise. He swam while I practiced martial arts with Jasper. Things had been better since Nicole woke up, and Bella was in custody.I found it hard to concentrate since I was out of danger. I didn't know what was wrong with me. The day went by so fast, but it also felt so slow. I wasn't excited about the day either, even though I forced myself to smile so no one would suspect anything.Otis and Jasper entered the office, so I sat in my chair. My new bodyguard stood guard not far from me. I kept my distance from her to avoid getting emotionally involved. The incidents that happened to Nicole had left me devastated, and I didn't want to go through it again.I didn't know why people closest to me kept getting hurt. I just wanted it to be over. Farrell was gone. Eleanor and Bella were behind bars. Hopefully, no more disasters would befall me or my family."Good morning, ma'am," a security
[Otis]I had never felt so desperate as when I watched my wife being taken away before my eyes. I made the mistake of taking off my seat belt to kiss her cheek. As a result, my body was thrown and fell on the floor after the car hit something.Then, help came. People rescued us, and only then did I find out that our car tires were shot. Therefore, Jasper had difficulty controlling the car. He chose to crash into a shop rather than another vehicle. Fortunately, it saved our lives.We weren't hurt, but it was different with Nicole. They shot her arm, and she fell off her motorcycle. The doctor had to perform surgery as soon as possible to remove the bullet and fix the position of her broken arm and leg."Farrell and Bella have to die," Jasper whispered. He stared at the operating room door with red eyes. "Brad is tracking down Mrs. Haworth. Sorry, I can't concentrate—""Nicole is your girlfriend." I patted the back of his hand. "I understand."It took Brad hours to figure out Camari's w
After that deafening explosion, the room turned so quiet that my ears were ringing. I felt nothing in my body. Did the bullet lodged in the body numb the wound?I opened my eyes and saw that my lap was clean. There was no blood. Strange. No part of my body felt aches or pains. Did the shooter miss or misfire? I took a deep breath. No part of my body hurt, and I was still alive!"Noooo!!!" Bella shouted, startling me.My heart was beating fast. I turned and saw her running towards me. Oh, God. Did she want to kill me with her hands? I struggled, trying to break free from the bonds on my hands and feet, but it was in vain.Bella didn't approach me but knelt and held something under me. I turned and was surprised to see someone lying on the floor. Bella turned his body so that I could see his face. No way.That selfish man who only loved himself couldn't be lying there. He wouldn't sacrifice himself to save anyone, especially me. Farrell hated me. He only loved Bella. It was impossible.