In the outdoor fire pit, I feel a little more at ease. Jordan is certainly as talkative as his older brother; his carefree personality makes me comfortable, perhaps because we’re almost the same age.
Unlike Julian, who has a more restrained sense of humor, the youngest of the brothers loves to make jokes, and his timing is good enough to get a few laughs. At first, Julian seemed nervous and suspicious, but he soon lowered his defenses and opened up a little more, allowing himself to smile even at the jokes he thinks are ridiculous.The other brother, Joshua, looked even more doubtful when he laid eyes on me. I could see the curiosity and suspicion in his dark green eyes with some shades of brown. He also looks a lot like Julian, and his hair is medium-length, falling over his forehead in small, discreet waves. Well, I can certainly understand why he could be called a playboy — with his looks, I’m not surprised that women fall at his feet. He looks like aMy chest feels cold. I open my lips to answer Julian’s mother, but no sound escapes through them. Noticing my sudden anxiety, Julian subtly positions himself between the two of us, protecting me with his body.Mrs. Adams frowns, placing her hands on her hips. “Don’t stand in front of her like that; it looks like I’m being mean to the girl.”“Mother-”“Why don’t you go with your brothers? It’s been years since you last gathered like this. I’m sure you have a lot to talk about.”Julian gives a nervous smile.“But-”“No buts.” Mrs. Adams sighs, letting her arms hang at her sides. “Go join your brothers, Julian.”He looks at me fearfully, almost like a scared puppy. I give him a reassuring smile, telling him without words that I’m fine, but he doesn’t look relieved… yet he walks through the second hall, disappearing aroun
My nerves are on edge. I’m so stressed that I shift my leg constantly, oblivious to my brothers’ fun conversations going on around me. I can’t concentrate on what they say when Angelee is alone with my mother. I know Mom is not someone who would hurt her, still-Suddenly, a child’s childish cries reach my ears. I know this shouldn’t be possible since so many years have passed, but I can actually hear it, almost like I’m back in the past. And with each step toward Jessica’s cries, in this mansion that was empty that day, everything around me grows darker. The lights are going out in my walk… But my little sister’s desperate screams only get louder.In front of that white door, my breathing becomes heavy. I know I should just burst open it, but I’m frozen in place, aware of every drop of sweat that slides down my spine under my shirt. Deep down, I know what’s happening on the other side; it’s Jack&rsquo
Finally, the long-awaited day arrives — the moment the board announces the chosen project and the one who will sit in the project director’s chair. Although Julian and my father are involved in the process, they haven’t said a word to me about it, and I haven’t pressured them either. I know they’re very respectful of their job.But while sitting here, in the corridor, I can’t help but feel anxious. The board called the Manager first, who left after ten minutes, and then Sarah. I’m counting the minutes that pass almost obsessively, one by one, waiting for her to walk out of that door with a sad expression. Yes, I know it sounds horrible of me to wish for her defeat, but I really want my project to be chosen. The business world is really cruel.The door finally opens, making me look up with my heart jumping into my throat. Sarah is coming out of the room in her impeccable linen suit. Elegant, beautiful... but her face is
I never thought I would set foot in this building again, but here I am, in the elevator that takes me to the 79th floor of one of the biggest towers in New York City; it was created precisely to accommodate all the companies of the current most important holding company in America.All of it was supposed to be mine. At least, that’s what I was raised for. My family expected me to take over the empire they built, but even now, as the elevator doors open, showing me an enormous window showing me the top of the city, I don’t feel a single regret.We’re on top of the world. Still, none of that really matters… Especially when I think about my daughter.Angelee is getting married in two weeks. Hearing that gave me some concern and shivers, but they are adults and know what they are doing. It’s not my place to meddle in their lives anymore. But what I can do is make sure they don’t have to worry about anything other than flower arrangemen
“Marry Kristen and take over your company?” I don’t avoid the sarcastic and bitter laughter that carries all my resentment. Wasn’t it enough to guide most of my life and mold me to your desires? Even after so long, he still wants to hold me like a puppet.Honestly, this is pathetic.“It’s not a funny thing.”“It’s definitely funny, Father. Even after everything, you still want me to marry that woman and pass me your hard work?”“That’s the condition to seal a strong bond with Kristen’s family. Besides, marrying you has always been her wish.”“Is that so? Isn’t you fucking her enough of a tight bond?” I practically spit out the words, noticing my father’s expression tense.“I will not allow you to disrespect me here. I still own this empire.”“You’re right! You still own this empire, but you must be tired, right? Sixty-
I look at myself in the mirror, slightly surprised by what I see. The soft makeup highlights the bright brown of my eyes, and the loose hairstyle in my hair, tied to the veil, brings delicacy to my appearance. Even the diamond earrings and necklace Julian bought me seem like mere details when I see myself in this long wedding dress.The clothes fit my curves like they were made for them. I absolutely love the floral lace details along the sweetheart neckline, corset, and long sleeves. I remember seeing a similar dress that stuck in my mind as a child, and now I can actually wear one.But if I’m being honest, my hands are sweating. The snow has already started to fall outside, rebellious to the beginning of winter. Still, I feel warm.I know that behind that door, in the ballroom, Julian is waiting for me with all of our more than three hundred guests. Although my list of friends is small, Julian is someone with many contacts. When we noticed, there were so many
“How are my girls?” Julian asks with a sleepy voice, looking at me intently through his cell phone screen. It’s been two weeks since he accompanied my father on a trip to South Korea to establish a partnership with one of the most technological countries in the world.For J’O Tech, this is a unique opportunity. As a director myself, I’m really happy for the opportunity. But as a wife, I miss him... after all, we’re separated by a fourteen-hour time difference and many miles. Even now, it’s late afternoon, and the sun is rising there.“They are fine… kicking as always.” I chuckle, and Julian’s eyes soften.“I should be there.” He runs a hand over his face, hiding his guilty expression. “Two weeks is already too much.”“You’re the Vice President; my dad won’t go easy on you,” I say playfully, waiting for him to make some joke about how he should take m
“Hah, honestly… I tried to be nice to you, Angelee. But you…” She laughs crazy, shaking her head and looking at me with pleasure. “You really are something else, aren’t you?”I look down, clutching the fabric of my shirt, too scared to look beyond my belly. My eyes are wet, and I fight the pain that grows in my belly, contractions that increase by the second.“We could have gone through all this, but of course, you have to be stubborn… Yes, you always do what I hate most. It’s always like this... You keep pushing my patience, my urge to hurt you. But you know, if you had just taken me back quietly, I could try a little harder. We could be friends again, Angelee... so why do you always have to ruin everything?”I caress my belly, my heart beating very, very fast. I’m in shock, completely lost. Even though Laura’s words pass by my ears, I can’t really understand them. All I can think