I didn't need to tell Camari. She knew to follow me in my car. We could drive her back here to pick up her car. I reread my notes on my phone to help open up a conversation with my colleague. I could do that.Arriving at our destination restaurant, I let Camari lead us. She reported to the receptionist and a waiter escorted us to a reserved room. I ignored the stares of the guests in the main dining room.My heart was beating rapidly and my hands began to sweat. I started counting to ten in my head. I recalled my meeting with Carlos. This colleague I met was a good person. He would treat me nicely.“Good afternoon, Mr. Haworth. It's a pleasure to have you agree to see me,” the man inside the dining room said, welcoming us.“Good afternoon, Ronan. Just call me Otis.” I extended my hand to him.“Hi, Otis.” He shook my hand with a friendly smile. “Are you related to Angus Haworth?”“He's my father,” I admitted.“Wow!” he exclaimed as he shook my hand enthusiastically. “No wonder you look
[Camari]At lunchtime, I headed to the ground floor. Half of the teller seats were empty in the customer service section. They were taking turns eating lunch. I made my way to the back and passed booth after booth. I smiled when I saw the woman I was looking for.“Don't you know it's time to eat?” I teased.Jasmine lifted her face and looked at me with rounded eyes. “Camari!” Her eyes turned sad instead, staring at the papers on her desk. “I can't leave my work. There are many reports I need to study.”“This report can wait.” I came closer and held her hand. “You can't work with an empty stomach.”“Okay.” She relented and then stood up.We headed for a restaurant not far from the office building. The cafeteria must have been packed with our colleagues, not a suitable place to talk. After ordering our food at the cashier, we carried our trays to an empty table.“Oh, Camari.” Jasmine held my hand with her eyes sparkling with happiness. “Thank you for telling me about the vacancy. I didn'
Emily put her food bag on the table and sat beside me. “I apologize. I know I'm unforgivable, but I dared to come and ask for your forgiveness.” She looked at me sadly. “I know how it feels now, being fired and unable to get a new job.”I sighed. I wanted to get angry and yell at her. But seeing her apologize so sincerely, I didn't have the heart. After all, we were best friends for eight years. I still couldn't believe she could do such a terrible thing to me.“I misjudged Bella.” She lowered her head. “I thought she was a good person, and you were the bad one. She told me about her relationship with Farrell in college. But you ruined their wedding plans.”I closed my eyes at that. She used the same story to influence Emily. Unbelievable. I was getting curious about how I could ruin their wedding plans. I didn't know them in college. We were from different colleges.“That's why I'm helping her to get back at you. She was worried that you would snatch Farrell away again if you stayed i
The man with the ID over his chest invited Otis and me to stand at a specific spot for a photo. Otis objected to us standing together, but I took his hand. We came together. Why did he refuse to take a picture of the two of us?I smiled at every camera pointing at me. I told Otis to look in the same direction. That way, our pictures would be perfect. The organizers and reporters were enthusiastic about photographing us.After a while, I thanked and said goodbye to the photographers. They shouted our names, but I ignored them. The pictures they took were more than enough. Besides, Otis was starting to look uncomfortable.The receptionist welcomed us and put pins on our clothes. She escorted us to the table where our names were. I smiled to see Otis's name and mine on the two papers instead of Bruce's.I greeted everyone at the table before sitting down. Otis just nodded his head in a friendly manner. He must not recognize these people. I knew them because Grandpa and Farrell had introdu
[Otis]Seeing Camari greet everyone at our table, I was relieved. She knew them and chatted casually. She remembered to introduce me to them. I was happy to see the men and women being friendly to me. It was uncommon to see.The mobile product launch went smoothly. I didn't like being the center of attention, but I smiled when the CEO mentioned my name. I wasn't the only investor in his company anyway. Thankfully, I chose the right product to invest my money in.It would take some time to find out whether the product was a hit or a failure. However, I was ready for the risks I had to bear. I considered many factors every time I issued a loan or a large amount of funds. My calculations were rarely wrong."We're here," Jasper reported as we arrived near Camari's car."Thank you, Jasper," Camari said.I held her hand before she opened the door. "Are you sure you can drive like this? You're sleepy, Camari," I said worriedly."I'm not sleepy. I have Nicole looking after me." She pecked my c
Jasper knew a lot of things about me. Naturally, he could find all the data from my past easily. There was nothing I could hide from him. On the contrary, I didn't know much about him, but that didn't diminish my trust in him.However, knowing someone wouldn't enable him to read his mind. Right? I didn't understand how he could choose from the many photos that night and guess the one I wanted correctly?“You saved the photo in your work email.” He gave his phone to me.I accepted it and closed my eyes looking at the photo file on the screen. How stupid of me. How could I have put it there? I thought I put it in my personal email. Oh no. Jasper would tease me all he wanted.He smiled meaningfully as he took the phone from me. "The heart can't lie, sir.""Oh, shut up. I'll get on with my work." I walked towards my study.Even though today was Saturday, I needed to check on the state of the stocks and the progress reports of the clients' loans, especially the large ones. I noted two clien
Jasmine picked me up on time. Her car arrived moments after I reached the lobby. We went to the salon and pampered ourselves. All my muscles relaxed after enjoying the massage, skin, and hair treatment. To complete the day, we had them dress us up.“Thank you!” I gave my debit card to the cashier. “I like the result.”“You're welcome, Camari. Come again if you need our services,” she said kindly.Their services were cheaper than the previous beauty parlor when I was Farrell's wife. But the results were not far behind. My skin felt cleaner, my head felt lighter, and the makeup artist was excellent at applying makeup to Jasmine's face and mine.We stopped by a restaurant for dinner. There was still time before the club opened. We ordered food and drinks, then looked around us. The city never died even though it was late. We were grateful to still have a table."The announcement of Farrell and Bella's wedding is over the top." Jasmine rolled her eyes. "The whole city is filled with their
"Deborah?" I called."Oh, my goodness!" Deborah squealed in surprise. She almost dropped the cell phone in her hand."I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." I came closer and helped her calm down."Camari? What are you doing here?" she asked while rubbing her chest.I smiled sheepishly. "I couldn't sleep," I admitted. I sat on the chair across from her and stared at the several phones and tablets on the table. "What are you doing here?"She chuckled. "I come to this place sometimes to enjoy the night, especially when there's cool gossip. I don't want to miss the news. Oh." She glanced at the pan on the side of her gadget. "Are you hungry? I made a lot of pizza.""Thanks." I took one slice. The delicious aroma that I smelled earlier.She took my hand and looked at me with concern. "I didn't say this last Tuesday because Jasmine was there and she needed more comfort. I was sad to watch that press conference. I hope you move on soon. Forget that jerk."I smiled slightly. “Thank you, De
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.