"Gosh. Do you think Bella said that to Farrell and laughed at me?" I asked.I remembered that my three best friends supported my intention to have a child. Since I trusted them, I took them to a boutique to buy an evening gown. I was reluctant to go there alone because I needed help choosing the right outfit."You'll be happy again, Camari." Jasmine squeezed my hand. "The best way to repay them is to live happily. You lost your job, but you got the same position in a better company. Who knows, you might even get a richer husband.“He disguised himself as a commoner was very strange, too. Why would he do that? Was he afraid you'd be a gold-digger?" She scoffed. “Did he think that all ordinary women are proud to be the wife of a wealthy man?”I raised both my eyebrows. “You're not proud to be the wife of a rich man?” I teased.“Not if he dumps me in the end,” she stated.“Fair enough. The acting was okay.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I believe he genuinely cared for me for the six years we
Arriving at the apartment, I didn't see Otis in the front room, so I checked in bedroom. Hearing the sound of water, it seemed like he was taking a shower. I sat on the edge of the bed and smiled at the picture of us in front of me.I turned my head when the bathroom door opened. I frowned as Otis ignored me and walked towards the closet. Didn't he see me? I walked up to the door and greeted him. He only nodded his head.I guessed I knew what was causing him to behave like that. I entered the bathroom and cleaned myself up. I could talk to him before bed. Deborah was right. There were many dramas in marriage."I talked to Eleanor earlier," I reported. I lay on his side after showering. I could tell he wasn't asleep from his irregular breathing. "She asked me to stay away from Grandpa."Otis didn't respond. I turned my head. Did he think I didn't know he got nervous whenever I was around him? I stroked his cheek. He held his breath. Wanting to tease him, I leaned closer and kissed his l
[Otis]The man sent her red roses. Everyone knew what that meant. Camari was more compatible with Russell than I was. Their height difference wouldn't make people laugh at Camari. That was what she experienced when she had her picture taken with me.I was angry not at Camari, but at myself. I was too emotional after talking to my father. I was no different from Farrell and Father who took advantage of Camari's vulnerability. I married her to get my revenge.I shouldn't have offered the idea of marriage. Camari didn't deserve to live with a man she didn't want and love. She was too precious to live with a troubled man like me. How could she love me if I didn't love myself?"You're jealous," Jasper blurted out, breaking my reverie."I'm not jealous," I argued. "I regret marrying Camari and denying her the chance to marry a better man."Jasper scoffed. "You own Precious Fund Corporation—the fifth best financial company in the country—and are on the list of the richest people in the world.
There was a knock on my door, so I let her in. Camari opened the door and announced the arrival of Isaac and Carlos. I got down from my chair and approached them. Camari served refreshments before leaving.Carlos had a very bright face as he handed me a thick brown envelope. I smiled as I shook my head slowly at his behavior. I glanced at Isaac for him to give the contract to Carlos. We simultaneously opened our materials.I didn't know what it was to die of shock. I only knew dying of fear. My childhood experience made me understand that feeling. However, the information I was reading was the kind of shock that could take my life.I looked at Carlos, who was looking at me with concern. I looked back at the paper in my hand. My ten fingers felt stiff, but I held the paper well. I was relieved when Jasper took it from my hand.“Sorry, I didn't know your reaction would be like this. If I had known, I would have warned you first,” Carlos said, feeling guilty.I shook my head. “There's no
[Camari]I smiled as I saw a bouquet of yellow roses on my desk in the morning. I looked for the card and read the contents. 'Thank you for being my best friend. R.G.'I took out my phone and messaged him. 'You're welcome, best friend.'Russell came at a bad time. Had he come before I got married to Farrell, I might have gone out with him. Although I was afraid our relationship would fall apart. He had many female fans. There must be women like Bella among them.Nicole offered to take the flowers to the kitchen, but I refused. I took a vase and filled it with water. I arranged the flowers in it and placed it on my desk. Otis came in, so I gave him the card from Russell. He smiled in understanding.My work piled up from morning until after work. Each division sent more than one idea for the company's anniversary celebration. I classified every similar idea to make it easier for me to report to Otis.The employees were enthusiastic about the anniversary. I looked through the old photo fi
Otis was in his office when I came home. I didn't want to disturb him. So, I went to bed first. I was feeling so happy that I fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, it was morning and I was excited to learn new skills from Jasper.I felt like my muscles were stronger and my body more flexible, but he refused to teach me any attacking moves. Unfortunately, all my protests couldn't make him change his mind. Nicole refused to teach me because I wasn't her pupil."Last night's show must have been really exciting," Otis guessed as we finished breakfast.I smiled happily. "The auction was fun. I managed to get the thing Bella wanted. It was satisfying to make her taste defeat.""That's a beautiful necklace," he complimented."Grandpa is so kind! You wouldn't believe me if I told you the price," I squealed in delight."I know. The necklace made the headlines of several media outlets," he reported."Really?" I unlocked my phone screen and selected one of the browsers. What were they reporting? Di
[Otis]Work had occupied my attention the past few days because of the preparations for the company's anniversary. I appointed the public relations department to make the announcement and looked for an event organizer to set up the celebration. I waited for their reports.Each division suggested engaging activities. I chose events that involved many people and could be done outside of working hours. Camari put everything together nicely, making it easier for me to pick the great ideas.They helped take my mind off my problems with my family. I believed Jasper would unravel the mystery of the child and the culprit of the accident that killed Arnold just as he had gotten the information on Cattleya's pregnancy.“Sir.” Someone elbowed my arm. “Sir, wake up. Mrs. Haworth is here.”I blinked. Oh my. I was daydreaming. Camari looked so beautiful when she posed alone, and many reporters photographed her. Instead, I looked at her like an idiot. I hope no one notices it.I scanned my surroundin
Watching Camari pack her clothes, I felt sad. We had just made up and had to part again. Even if it was only a few days, it would feel like a long time. Moreover, the office was closed during the Independence Day celebrations. But I didn't want to prevent her from leaving.There were many bouquets on Camari's desk. It looked like her admirers had increased. I swallowed hard. Russell sent his last flowers on Wednesday. Camari showed me a card from him and I understood Russell only considered her a friend.However, the flowers on the table were red and white roses. One of them must be from Ronan. That man didn't give up. Jasper opened the door to my office, so I walked in and sat down in my chair. I didn't have time to think about personal matters in the office.I turned on my computer and read Jasper's report while I waited. That stupid Farrell didn't realize he'd been fooled by his girlfriend. I had warned him, but he hadn't looked up the status of Thompson's company.However, his care
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.