[Otis]It was my third meeting with the psychologist. I deliberately chose a different clinic to Camari's. At first, I didn't want her to know I had mental problems, but I changed my mind and put the medicine on the nightstand.It was the best decision I ever made. Camari didn't mock me, but she supported my recovery. Also, she didn't feel ashamed of having a husband who worried excessively. Her support encouraged me to heal.Edward asked me to be patient with myself. My recovery process would be long and painful. Just hearing that made me want to give up. I was used to pain, not that I wanted to feel it again."I'm glad to see your progress, Otis." He lifted his head from his notes. "I watched the video Jasper sent. You interact well with your employees. How did it feel to be among them at lunch?""Strange," I admitted. "But their acceptance of my condition really helped boost my confidence. They respectfully looked at me, and no one made fun of me.""It's your acceptance of yourself
They were stunned for a moment before exchanging glances. Their faces paled, and some lowered their heads. A few more looked at me arrogantly but said nothing in response to my question."I hold sixty-five percent of Precious Fund's shares. All of you united against me won't be able to dethrone me from my position. If you are dissatisfied and fear a loss, I'll buy back your shares at a high price."I built this company from scratch. You invested money here, but that's the extent of your role. You've never made brilliant suggestions or helped when the company was in crisis. I shouldered everything."Then, when news broke about my shortcomings, you questioned my abilities. You haven't answered my question. What do you want?" I urged."That's no way to talk to them, Otis." There was a voice at the door. I turned around and saw Father entering the meeting room. "Let me help you.""Father, what are you doing here?" Camari asked with concern.Father smiled at her. "I'm helping my son, who's
[Camari]I never thought I'd come to this place again. It was a beautiful house with stunning architecture, but it looked cold. After walking out of this house, I vowed never to return.However, Otis fulfilled his nephew's invitation to have dinner together. I felt uneasy going into that house. It was as if we'd walked into a den of villains who'd set up a trap. Farrell and Bella couldn't possibly turn into good people this quickly."Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Haworth," greeted the butler kindly. He wasn't the same person who had worked here. That man must have resigned. "Come, I'll take you."Of course, Farrell and Bella wouldn't welcome us. They were too arrogant to stand by the door and greet their guests, especially since we were people they didn't like.I felt even worse about the atmosphere of the house."Please come in, sir. Master and Madam are waiting for you inside." The butler opened the door. Otis entered first.We were startled by the flash of light directed at us. The din
I shouldn't be selfish. I knew that. But I wanted to live a happy life without conflict with anyone. I wished Dad and Mom to be healthy and always smiling. I dreamed of Father living a long life and watching Julius grow into a man.I hoped to still be with Farrell and have healthy, active children. I longed to remain friends with Bella, Jasmine, and Emily. Harold Bloom was a good boss, and I was happy to be the best employee every month.I imagined that my relationship with Eleanor and Dorothy would remain good. We would have lunch together, shop for the latest collections from their favorite brands, and defend each other when Dad and Farrell picked on one of us.However, all those dreams were shattered. Misfortune after misfortune befell me because of the great secret our family kept. One family destroyed and hurt another for the sake of inheritance. Instead of walking away, I entered this troubled family again.Something cold suddenly slapped my face, snapping me out of my thoughts.
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!!!" shouted Bella, startling me.My heart was beating fast. I turned and saw her running towards me. Oh, God. Did she want to kill me with both hands? I rebelled 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 my head 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. That was imp
[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.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 whereabouts. The perpetrators lear
[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 chance to make out like husband and wife.Farrell had been very busy with his family company since we got married. Business trips had become his habit. Moreover, I also worked for another company that demanded attention and time. But he wouldn't be that busy anymore. So, it was the perfect time f
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 front of so many people. I saw them, so I was sure others 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 woman 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?""