The finality of his words hit her hard, and a lump formed in her throat. She had come here hoping to rekindle what they once had, but now it felt as though the distance between them had only grown wider.After Cassandra left, Hardy found himself alone in his room, staring at the empty space she’d occupied moments before. He felt a mixture of relief and guilt, unsure if he’d made the right choice by pushing her away.A few days later, he was once again sitting across the table from his father, the atmosphere tense but slightly less charged than before. He had spent those days reflecting on his father’s words and the complicated feelings he held for both Brenda and Cassandra.Will looked at him with a mix of concern and understanding. “I know I put a lot on you, Hardy,” he said, breaking the silence. “But sometimes we have to make hard decisions for the right reasons.”Hardy met his father’s gaze, a newfound resolve in his eyes. “I appreciate your advice, Dad, but I think I need to figu
ChapterThe whole incident traumatized Brenda. She thought resigning from her job would be best, but she knew this would impact her and her family.Now, with her mother needing every job that could support her until she recovered, everything seemed to worsen for Brenda.“Brenda, is that you?” her mother called as she sat, looking at the door to her room.“Yes, Mother!” Brenda replied happily as she stood to leave, though thoughts of her issues with Will continued to replay in her mind.With compassion in her eyes, her mother sensed something was wrong with her daughter, but she chose not to press further.“I’m thirsty. Could you get me some water, please?”Her mother’s request prompted Brenda to rush to the other side of the room to bring her water.“I’m glad you’re awake now. Are you feeling okay, Mum?”Her mother stretched out her hand to take the water, drinking her fill before sitting up to look at her daughter.“I hope you’re alright?”“No, I’m not, Mother. I feel like everything
Chapter“What, Father? How could you take away her job just because you don’t want her in my life? This is my life, Dad! Can you please just let me be?”“I won’t condone these actions of yours any longer. It’s best you go back to work, and we’ll talk about this when we get home.”“No, Dad. Either you give her the job back, or I leave this office—and your life. Don’t expect to see me at home!”Will dropped the paperwork he was working on, smirking at his son. “And how do you intend to survive?”“I really don’t know what you expect me to do. She’s been off work way too much, and her job is slipping. Did you expect me to put sentiments over my company?”“Come on, Dad. You know she had a sick mother to care for. This isn’t like you. You really need to grow up!”“Watch your words, Hardy. This will be the last time I speak on this matter!”Will banged his hand on the desk, and Brenda whimpered outside, tears rolling down her face.“Fine, Dad. You’ve made up your mind, and so have I. I quit
ChapterCassandra couldn’t stand the fact that Hardy was choosing a lowlife over her. “I will not sit by and watch him go with another woman!”Cassandra paced the room back and forth, causing her friend to roll her eyes.“You can’t be serious right now. There are plenty of men who would do anything to have you. Why stay stuck with a man who clearly doesn’t want you?” Layla said.Cassandra shook her head repeatedly. “No, I won’t accept that, and I won’t sit back and watch it happen. Hardy is mine and mine alone!”She breathed heavily, sweat beading on her forehead. “Okay, then—tell me, what do you intend to do right now?”Layla asked, walking over to Cassandra as she sat down, starting to cry. Layla knew things weren’t likely to end well.“I don’t really know, but I do know I’m going after that woman who thinks she can take Hardy from me.”Layla sighed, fully aware that changing Cassandra’s mind would be difficult. “Are you sure about this?” she asked in a low, worried tone.“I couldn’
Chapter Brenda looked around , as she carefully walked down the street, after coming down for the bus, she wasn’t sure I go it was right to still go on with such mission. but she needed the job, and would appreciate if it were to be true , she looked around to be sure she was in the right pace , definitely it was but , it was a coffee shop She was about going inside, even though she wants totally sure about it all, she knew that things were not going the way she planned it As she walks right down the table looking a rounded the her phone suddenly rang, but another person waved to her The face looked familiar but she didn’t know where she got to know the face from as she carefully made her way right Down to the person , as she picked the call , “ hello!!” She said but hardy who was on the other side quickly said “ do not say anything just , leave the phone on!!”Hardy said as Brenda didn’t know what exactly was happening just yet , but she knew not to ask questions “ hi!” sh
ChapterBrenda made it back to the hospital, still shaken from her encounter with Cassandra. She knew this wouldn’t be the last time they’d meet.The minute she stepped into the hospital, she felt a little dizzy but forced herself to stay steady as she headed to her mother, who was already asleep.“What exactly is going on?” she whispered, but there was no answer. The rest of the week passed without a word from Hardy.It took days before Brenda felt comfortable leaving her mother alone at the hospital. She needed to pick up a file from home and then head to Jane’s.She hoped Jane could offer some help, even if it wasn’t exactly what she expected.When Brenda arrived at her front porch, she noticed a package. She wondered where it came from; it seemed risky to pick it up and bring it inside.“I wonder where this is from!” she said, absentmindedly calling out for her father, who had obviously left the hospital.“Dad, are you home?”But there was no response. She set the package down and
Chapter Going around the whole issue it was going to cause Brenda a lot, she looked right at her friend as she watched her gracefully speak about the interest of her company with so much peace hovering around her.But she knew her life wasn't that perfect but, it was far better than hers, everything seemed incomplete without any form of, true love.“ will never loved me!!” she said within herself as she tried so hard to justify the cruel act towards her... But..Her head seemed adamant as it chose to either hate him or keep him out of her head, but The harder she tried, the more complicated it got for her That she didn't notice her friend was already speaking to her, “ Brenda ?”Her friend called for the third time before she was able to get her attention, “ oh, I am so sorry, I was lost there for a moment”“ oh, you were lost, is everything okay with you ?”“ yeah I am fine, I think I have to leave right now!!”Brenda said as she stood right up, picking up her bag, but Jane stopp
Hardy drew Brenda closer as he kissed her. He knew he had won; his dad was the least of his problems now—all he needed was to get himself together and move forward.Everything seemed blurry for Brenda. She knew she shouldn’t have accepted his proposal, as everything was going from bad to worse.“I can’t accept this marriage proposal,” she said to Gerald as she paced back and forth. But the more she thought about it, the more uncertainty built up in her heart.Hardy drove back home after much pleading from his aunt. “You’re finally back home?”“Yes, I am, Dad, and I think we should start preparing for my wedding!”“Why a wedding?”“My wedding with Brenda. I proposed to her today, and she said yes!”“You can’t be serious. What do you see in her that makes you want to go against my wishes?”“I just love her, Dad. Is there anything wrong with loving a woman I cherish?”“No, I don’t think so, but you need to think this through. She’s not the best for you, and you know it!”“I have nothing
Will sat in the first-class cabin of the transatlantic flight, staring blankly at the screen in front of him. The thought of returning to the U.S. after weeks of avoiding the inevitable felt like a bitter pill he had no choice but to swallow. Despite the luxurious surroundings and the attentive service, his mind was consumed with one relentless thought: Brenda.The idea of her—his ex-lover—marrying his son was an insult he couldn’t stomach. For days, he had convinced himself that distance was the solution, that ignoring the situation would somehow make it disappear. But it hadn’t. Instead, the announcement of a firm wedding date had dragged him back, forcing him to confront the reality of what was about to happen.By the time the plane landed, Will had made up his mind. He wouldn’t allow this farce to go on any longer. He would speak to Hardy directly and make him understand why marrying Brenda was the worst decision he could ever make.Will’s car pulled up to his grand estate late
Will sat in his office chair, staring at the city skyline through the massive glass window. The meeting had dragged on longer than expected, leaving him drained. As he loosened his tie and leaned back in the chair, he reached for his phone to check the time. That’s when he noticed it—several missed calls flashing on the screen.His brows furrowed as he unlocked the phone and scanned the call log. The name at the top made his stomach churn: Cassandra.He hesitated, already guessing the reason for the frantic calls. It wasn’t hard to figure out. Whenever Cassandra called this persistently, it could only mean one thing: Hardy.And if it was about Hardy, then Brenda’s name was undoubtedly involved.Will’s grip tightened around the phone as the all-too-familiar wave of resentment crept in. Brenda—his son’s fiancée, his own former lover, and the woman he had never truly let go of.The mere thought of Hardy marrying Brenda felt like a cruel twist of fate. It wasn’t just her presence that uns
Cassandra had barely opened her eyes when a wave of determination washed over her. It was early morning, and the faint light of dawn filtered through her curtains, casting a soft glow in her bedroom. Today marked a new month—a significant turning point in her personal crusade. She had spent the past weeks fuming, plotting, and rehearsing her arguments, all aimed at one goal: removing Brenda from Hardy’s life.Hardy’s home, her home—it didn’t matter what Brenda thought of it. Cassandra was resolute. This would not end with a wedding. Brenda would not win.But as Cassandra swung her legs off the bed, a strange sensation stopped her. Her head swam, and the world seemed to tilt. She gasped softly, clutching the edge of her mattress as dizziness overwhelmed her. Her body felt heavy, like gravity had doubled its pull.She tried to stand again but collapsed back onto the bed with a thud, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her pulse was erratic, her hands clammy. The room spun like a carou
ChapterThe trip to Brazil was an excellent one. Having to sit down and think things through, back at his home, Hardy was finding it hard to curtail his joy. His father wasn’t home; he had the opportunity to show his wife to be around, but as they were having dinner Brenda felt uncomfortable as she looked around. “Are you sure your father will be cool with me moving in even before the wedding preparations?”“There is nothing to worry about; as I have said, this is your home now, so there is nothing wrong with it.”Hardy said, planing an hand over hers that was on the table, the maid who had now become a spy.Rushed out through the back door, she knew the only place the hatred wouldn’t be keeping an eye on at that time of the day. Was the tiny door that led into the woods? It was a fishy thing to do.Having to walk through the woods, she had no choice but to find her way down to Casandra. Up on getting there, she waited to be allowed into the large country house, but at that moment
ChapterWill was just coming out of the board meeting, holding a file in his hand as his assistant rushed after him. “Sorry, sir, I forgot to remind you about the project with Brazil!”Will stopped in his tracks, stunned as he looked at his assistant, realizing he still had to travel.“And how come I’m just hearing about this now?”“I apologize, sir. You’ve been so busy with the launch of Mr. Buckley’s new book that I thought there would be time to notify you.”Will sighed, turning as he walked into his office and sat down. “And when is this meeting?”“Tomorrow night, which will be morning in Brazil.”“I see,” Will said, dropping the file he had been holding. “You know what, once I’m done here, I’ll head back home. Just book me a night flight.”“Alright, Mr. Will, I’ll do just that.”His assistant replied, walking out of the office, and Will buried himself in work.Meanwhile, Brenda was still struggling to digest the whole arrangement. Talking to her mother had been a total waste of t
ChapterTime was already running out, and Brenda couldn’t stand the stares directed her way. It felt like everyone was judging her by her appearance.She couldn’t understand why they kept staring as she approached the front desk, where the guard would pay for the gown she had chosen.Her phone wouldn’t stop ringing. She pulled it out as the ladies at the front desk began gossiping among themselves.“Are you sure someone like her, with that cheap guard, can afford such an expensive wedding dress?”“I don’t think so. You need to get your facts straight. She may look cheap, but she might actually be able to afford it.”“No, I still don’t think so.”Brenda glanced at her phone and saw it was her mom calling.Answering might mean hours of talking, and she needed to rest. There was a chance her mother wouldn’t be able to attend her wedding, which wasn’t sitting well with her. “How much is the dress?” the guard asked, irritation in his voice.“Twenty thousand,” the first lady replied, eyeing
Chapter Cassandra headed straight to her friends place the minute she noticed some inconsistency in her statement..“ I am coming over to you and you better be ready to spill everything ““ fine just come over!!”She made her way right off into the other lane just as she could make it to Layla’s place on time Everything seems blurt at the moment even for Brenda, as her mother looked at her smiling, “ come child go for the shipping at least it will reduce the street of other preparation ““ mum!!” Brenda exclaimed knowing fully well why her mother would accept that she go for a wedding preparation. Going all round, she still couldn't win her mother over the issue and this pissed her off ass she made her way right out of the hospital This made her way right out of the hospital making ht way down to the shopping mall, she didn't have the zeal to choose anything that expensive.Brenda entered the wedding dress store, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the elegant surroundings.
Cassandra woke up that morning feeling tired; she knew nothing could pull her out of this mood.One of her maids was already in her room, opening the curtains. This wasn’t something Cassandra liked best.“What exactly are you doing?” Cassandra asked, watching her maid, who was staring at something on the side table.The maid nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard Cassandra’s voice. “Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am! I was just putting this here,” she said, placing down a magazine. It was filled with news about the wealthy; Cassandra’s life had never been private since she turned sixteen.She had a fashion show to attend that morning, and she didn’t want to look at the magazine, fearing it might spoil her mood.The magazine had always been full of fabricated lies, with a few truths mixed in. It allowed people who looked up to her to read the diary of her life without really knowing her.“Would you like breakfast this morning, ma’am?” The maid sounded anxious, piquing Cassandra’s curiosity.C
Hardy drew Brenda closer as he kissed her. He knew he had won; his dad was the least of his problems now—all he needed was to get himself together and move forward.Everything seemed blurry for Brenda. She knew she shouldn’t have accepted his proposal, as everything was going from bad to worse.“I can’t accept this marriage proposal,” she said to Gerald as she paced back and forth. But the more she thought about it, the more uncertainty built up in her heart.Hardy drove back home after much pleading from his aunt. “You’re finally back home?”“Yes, I am, Dad, and I think we should start preparing for my wedding!”“Why a wedding?”“My wedding with Brenda. I proposed to her today, and she said yes!”“You can’t be serious. What do you see in her that makes you want to go against my wishes?”“I just love her, Dad. Is there anything wrong with loving a woman I cherish?”“No, I don’t think so, but you need to think this through. She’s not the best for you, and you know it!”“I have nothing