Royce's POVAfter the dinner, I already had in mind that maybe Margaret doesn't really know who I am. She was just pretending that she knew my real identity to protect her father and brother. It's impossible that she doesn't remember that I have a shrimp allergy. She is my cousin and we grew up together. But what if she was just acting like she doesn't know my allergy because she was planning to do something? I mean, what if she ordered the shrimp intentionally, to confuse my mind, so I could come up with the idea that she doesn't really know who I am?I shook my head and laid my body on the soft mattress, I was in deep thought when my phone rang. It was my mom's call. She travelled to Canada after the arraignment yesterday, just to check on Reid's condition. I guess, dad was also there.The moment I accepted the call, I heard mom's quavering voice. "Mom, what is it? Is t-there s-something w-wrong?", I suddenly got panic."Royce son, your brother already regain his consciousness!", mo
Vera's POVThe files stored in the microsd card were already unprotected after I typed Margaret's name in capital letters. Alexa and I looked at each other in great shock as we were both very eager to find out all the files stored in it. Alexa clicked the picture folder and all we could say were pictures of Margaret, her dad and brother. Then, as my friend continued to scroll up, we saw photos of Vanessa and Charles together in a restaurant. I tried to zoom in the picture to find out if it was really Vanessa Taylor, META's Senior Accountant, who had quited the job a few weeks ago.It was really her! And it seemed Charles and her were doing good together. I paused for a while and looked at Alexa."You know gurl, this woman was the former Senior Accountant in META, but after I caught her intruding into the CEO's office, she resigned from work.", I spoke trying to analyze the things thoroughly in my mind."Oh I see... So--this microSd card, probably belongs to either Margaret or Charles
Royce's POVAfter I heard Reid mentioning the name of Andrea, an inexpilcable anger rose my heart. I wanted to hear more from him but he already closed his eyes and went back to sleep while I was not feeling comfortable because I know my brother wanted to tell me something very important. "Are you okay son?", mom asked anxiously. I know she did not hear what Reid said, because she was sitting a little bit far from us."Yes mom, I'm fine", I responded and sat near Reids' hospital bed.Then I heard the door opened and when I raised my head, I saw dad coming in.I stood up and hugged him slightly. "Dad, how are you?""I'm fine son, but facing so many pressures in the real estate company. How are you Royce?", dad spoke in a calm voice."Uhm, by the way, when will be the first trial of Vera?", he suddenly asked."It will be two weeks from now dad", I responded casually but I feel a pang of pain striking deep within my heart when I heard Vera's name. "So she is actually Andrea, whom your
Vera's POVFinally, Alexa and I were able to open the folder and all we could see were pictures of Roxette Jones. So it came up my mind that Roxette and Margaret knew each other or maybe they were really friends.I continued scrolling up until we saw the last ten pictures. But my eyes were dilated when I saw my photos taken at different angles but the one that captured my interest was one photo of mine that taken up close. Alexa and I looked at each other in confusion.We were more shocked when I happened to click a certain video at the last part. I saw Roxette and Margaret with a woman sitting on a hospital bed, together with a doctor. I think that woman was undergoing a surgery."Oh my God! Do you know what's in my mind now gurl?", Alexa spoke.I was in the midst of deep thought when suddenly, I feel the pain in my stomach. I laid down in bed while softly rubbing my tummy."Gurl, are you okay? Did you already have your prenatal checkup gurl?", she asked anxiously.I shook my head wh
Vera's POV I was lying in bed the whole day. I was not feeling well upon thinking that tomorrow would be my first trial in court. Suddenly, I heard someone knocking at my door. "Darling, Attorney Joseph Williams is here, and also Dave", I heard nanny's voice at the doorstep. "Uhm okay, nanny, I'm coming!", I responded and hurriedly stood up. I got dressed and after fixing myself I went out of the room. My brother was sitting on the sofa bed while Dave and Attorney Joseph were sitting in the opposite side. As soon as they saw me approaching, Dave stood up and smiled at me. "Hi Vera!", he greeted me first. I responded to him and greeted his brother. "You sit here, sweetie", Harold told me and gave me space to sit beside him. "Uhm Vera, tomorrow is already your first trial in court. Are you ready?", the lawyer asked while intently looking at me. I just nodded and waited for him to say something more. "Do you know that they have a certain video of you, taking off the CEO's car bra
Vera's POVI woke up early in the morning. My heart was getting heavier as soon as I remembered that today would be my first trial in court. Suddenly, everything my brother said to me yesterday came back in my mind. So, there's really a possibility that Margaret and Roxette Jones hired that woman to undergo a plastic surgery, copying my face. And why my face? What have I done wrong to them? I hope we could be able to find that woman whom they called "Andrea". She had to pay for all the damages she caused into my life.Before I jumped out of bed, I closed my eyes in prayer. I don't know what will happen to me later in the court. But I already entrusted everything to God because I know, He would never allow me to pay for the sin I had never done.Suddenly, there was a sudden pulse I felt in my tummy. "Baby, just hold on. I promise, this mess will end up very soon. And after that, we will leave this place and start a new life with your granny."My eyes started to swell, but I don't want
Royce's POV I was feeling uneasy knowing that tomorrow would be Vera's trial in court. Yes, I wanted her to pay for the crime she committed but there's something I couldn't explain deep inside. Why I felt like I wanted to drop off the criminal charges. I couldn't help but think of Vera and I hate this feeling of pity towards her. She tried to kill my brother by taking off the car's brake. She broke my brother's heart, and she broke my heart as well. My tears started to brim at the corner of my eyes and all I could do was raising my head slightly and looked at the ceiling to prevent my tears from falling. Shit!!! I shouldn't supposed to feel this way. But why I couldn't totally take her off my mind? Why I'm so stupid enough to still think that she really loved me and all of this was just a mistake and misinterpreatation? Setting aside these stupid thoughts, I jumped out of bed and walked into the bathroom. I need to take a cold shower to refereshen myself. Later, I have to be at
Vera's POV I did not know I had fallen asleep when we got home from the trial court. I looked at my watch, and it was already twelve noon. After a while, the door opened, and I saw Alexa coming in. "Hi gurl! How's your sleep! It's already lunchtime. C'mon, Harold and Nanny are already waiting for us in the kitchen." "You know, we have some good news for you gurl!", Alexa exclaimed. I looked at her in confusion. "Uhm, what is it, gurl?" "Harold will be the one to tell you later, gurl. For now let's go out and take our lunch!", Alexa held my hand as we went out of the room "Hi sweetie, how's your sleep?", my brother greeted me when we reached at the dining table. Nanny was also smiling at me. Harold pulled a chair for me and I sat beside him, while Alexa and Nanny were sitting opposite to us. "Uhm, by the way boo, Alexa told me you have some good news for me. What is it boo?", I asked curiously while taking my food. "Later, sweetie, after we're done eating", Harold responded.
"Congratulations Mr. Miller, your wife has delivered a baby boy and a baby girl!", the doctor smiled. "Wow! You have twins!", Vince and Alexa spoke together. "Thank you doctor", Royce said in excitement. "Congratulations bro!", Vince tapped Royce's shoulder and shook his hand. "You are now a Daddy bro!", Alexa chuckled. Soon after, they went inside the private room to see Vera. Royce kissed his wife passionately and held her hand gently. "You delivered a twin babe! Thank God! You are safe." "Congratulations Vera!", Vince said. "Gurl, congratulations! You are now a certified Mommy!", Alexa uttered and kissed Vera's cheek. "Thank you. How about you? Are you not planning to get pregnant?", Vera asked. Vince and Alexa looked at each other as if there was something they wanted to tell. "Gurl, what is it?", Vera asked in confusion. "Uhm, the truth is---I am one-month pregnant gurl!" "Oh really?", Vera exclaimed in surprise. "Wow, bro congrats!", Royce hugged Vince and tapped
Vera's POVOne week had passed after my last conversation with Royce yet the sting of our farewell was still present. I thought it would be easy for me but with each passing day, I felt an inexplicable sadness and emptiness deep within. I was supposed to be happy with my decision but it did not turn out as I expected to happen. Until I found myself aimlessly scrolling through my phone, ending up in the recycle bin. The photos of Royce and me, which I had previously removed, were still there. As I looked at them, my tears began to flow one by one, as I yearned for those times we spent together.Dave on the other hand was just waiting for me to say 'yes' to his marriage proposal. I was supposed to accept his offer a day after I said goodbye to Royce but suddenly I found myself in a state of confusion. "What's wrong sweetie?", Harold asked anxiously while we were having breakfast one morning."I noticed that you've been like that for a few days. Do you think your Mom would be happy to k
Vera's POVI was resting in my bed, yet sleep eluded me. I kept on thinking about Royce and how he took the bullets that were intended for me. I was just thankful that nothing bad happened to him, otherwise, I couldn't find peace of mind in my lifetime.Reid and Mrs. Miller asked me to stay in the hospital until Royce woke up. But I decided to leave since I did not want him to see me. I was eternally grateful to him for saving me and my baby, and for that, I had already forgiven him. That was all.Meanwhile, I was thinking about Margaret. Finally, we got justice for Andrea. Her life imprisonment would be enough to pay for all the things she did to me, to my sister, and Roxette. Suddenly, Harold was knocking at the door. I knew that it was him since he usually knocked three times."Yes boo, come in!", I said.Harold entered my room and sat on my bed. "How are you, sweetie?""I'm fine boo.""Uhm, what do you want to do now sweetie? Are you still planning to go to Canada and settle the
Vera's POV While the jury was still deliberating about Margaret's cases, we took first a break outside. Vince approached us while Royce remained seated on a couch a little distant from us. "Hi babe!", Vince greeted Alexa with a kiss, and then he turned to me. "Hi Vera", he said and hugged me. "Hello, Vince. It's good to see you here! Uhm, by the way, this is my Mom. I mean, my biological mother and my younger sister", I said. "Hmm. Yes. Alexa told me about it", Vince responded and greeted Mom. "Hi, Aunt Olivia. Hello, little girl!", he messed up my little sister's long hair. She was a shy-type girl but according to my mother, she was not like this before when Andrea was still alive. She was attached to my twin sister so until now, she still couldn't move on from what happened. "Uhm, Vince let me introduce to you my friend Dave." "Dave, this is Vince, Alexa's boyfriend." Vince smiled and greeted him with a handshake. "Hi, bro! Nice meeting you." Dave returned the smile, but s
Vera's POV It was my alarm clock that woke me up from sleep. Despite the early hour, I had to get up due to Margaret's impending trial, a day I had been eagerly anticipating. I was hopeful for a just verdict that would make Margaret accountable for her actions. After this, I would be staying in Canada for good. This had been my plan before but it did not realize because I still wanted Margaret to pay for Identity Theft and most importantly, for killing my sister. My mother and I had already concurred on this. I would be living with her and my younger sister to make up those times we were not together. And--- Dave unexpectedly crossed my mind. I pondered over the possibility of accepting his marriage proposal. After all, he was a decent man, and eventually, I would learn to love him. But what if I fail? Everyone advised me to accept Dave's proposal for my baby's sake. Yet, I harbored doubts, as I didn't want to take advantage of his kindness. It would be unfair to him. A phone ca
Royce's POV For us to avoid the media men, Reid and I took the elevator going to the basement. "Bro, are you okay?", I asked and tapped his shoulder, Reid just let out a heavy sigh, instead of answering my question. "Are we going home now bro? I think you need to take some rest", I said as I started the engine. "Nope, bro. Let's drop by at the police station. I wanted to see that traitor friend of mine!", Reid gritted his teeth as he emphasized the word 'traitor'. I did as what I was told to do but I did not bother to talk to him while we were on our way. I knew he was not okay. The corners of his mouth turned down in a sad frown while his brows furrowed. His complexion paled as if the blood had drained from his face. His gaze was a mixture of pain and anger for being betrayed by his best friend. A few moments later, we arrived at the police station. Reid got out of the car first so I hurried to get out as well. We entered at the entrance door and the first thing that caught ou
Royce's POV Finally, the stars were aligned with us. With the help of our competent detectives, the police were able to catch the other kidnappers involved in Reid's kidnapping incident. We also found out that one of them was the driver who bumped into Dad's car, so, that person was indicted in a murder case. The police asked him the reason for killing my father but he said he was just following an order from his 'boss'—something that was baffling in my mind. Moreover, Nicholas Monet, also known as 'Simon Morris' was caught by the authorities at the LA Cruise Terminal when he was about to board a cruise ship. This time, I would make sure that this fucking asshole would be put behind bars and pay for all the crimes he committed. However, the person who ordered him to illicitly withdraw funds from our account was not yet identified. Until now, I still couldn't figure out who was behind it. On the other hand, Uncle Sam and Charles were already convicted of embezzlement and attempted
Royce's POV As soon as mom saw us at the door, she felt a sense of relief that was like a soothing balm, easing the worry that gnawed her heart from the time Reid was kidnapped until I left to meet the kidnappers. She quickly ran towards us and opened her arms. "Reid! Oh! God Thank you so much!", mom exclaimed and hugged us while tears of joy rolled down her cheeks. "Are you okay son? Did they not hurt you?" "I'm fine, mom", Reid responded softly. "Royce! Thank you for fulfilling your promise to bring your brother back home. I'm glad you are both safe!", she said as she wiped her tears away. Her face lit up with a bright smile whispering words of love and joy as she embraced us warmly. But despite her smile, restlessness was evident in her eyes, indicating the need for her to get some rest. So Reid and I accompanied her to her room and waited until she had drifted off to sleep. Together we left mom's room, moving quietly so as not to disturb her. "Bro, I think you need to take
Royce's POV The ransom demanded for the release of my brother was already inside the money bag. Everything was set ready, but still waiting for the kidnappers' call to provide the precise location of our meetup. They insisted that I would come alone and I had to follow them for my brother's safety. However, the police had organized a backup team that would support me in carrying out my plan. Suddenly our residence telephone rang. I hurriedly picked it up for I thought it was coming from the kidnappers. "Good morning sir. This is from Ally Bank. We would like to inform you that your family savings account is temporarily frozen because we noticed suspicious activity", the bank personnel spoke intently. "What do you mean suspicious activity sir?", I asked in confusion. "After you had withdrawn the substantial sum of 100 million dollars, another transaction took place, depleting 500 million dollars from the account. It was only later when we discovered that Reid Miller's signature wa