Hello. Second update after 3 hours. Thanks Lisa Salman-author
It had been a week since Marwick crashed into her room. He used to get up early in her sleep and used to leave for the office. River used to get up, a little while after her boss, and then after getting ready used to go to the hotelโs restaurant. โDonโt tell me. He is staying with you, and you are telling this today?โ Aniya asked her when she told her and Gerald how Marwick was staying in her room. Gerald was the head of the IT department and, like Aniya, was also a very good friend of Ashley Deluca. He was a g*ay and the moment his parents came to know they disowned him. Ashley asked her brother to offer him a job. He was initially hired as a supervisor and but later due to his intelligence and a good degree, Marwick gave him the well-deserved designation. Like Aniya he had also become Riverโs good friend. River enjoyed being in the office. The biggest reason might be Chadโs absence who had gone to Kuala Lumpur to meet his sick grandfather. โSoโฆ Is he sleeping beside you?โ Aniya
In the bathroom stall, River was sitting on the toilet seat and was crying her heart out. She was missing her friends. Keanu and the other one whose name was forbidden for her. She could not let the name slip from her lips until and unless she wouldnโt cross the border. โKeanu. You there?โ She typed the message and sent it. โYes. I am here. You, ok?โ โNo. I am not ok. I am missing you. I am missing all of you.โ โOh, dear. My dear. Please donโt be upset. Your hard work will be wasted, love. Remember? You are the bravest among us. Please donโt do it. Control your tears. Control your emotions.โ โWill we ever meet in the future?โ โYes. Once you will reach there. We will follow you there. We will definitely be together, love.โ Oh, Keanu. She smiled to herself and wiped her face. She stood up, flushed the toilet, and slipped her phone into her pants pocket. The moment she opened the door, she was pushed back against the wall brutally. Someone hauled her and made her turn to face the
โAniya. Where is River?โ Marwick Garner asked the attractive receptionist who was just placing the receiver after getting done with the call. โHe was with us in the cafeteria. But then went to the bathroom. Is there something I can do for you until he returns?โ She offered him and moved her laptop. โYes, please open the Garrisonโs file, and then let me tell you about some changes.โ He walked to her and stood right behind her. Aniyaโs heart almost stopped beating when she got the whiff of his Ah-mazing scent. Oh, God. If I will tell him how his presence affects me, he will fire me. If I need his closeness, I need to show that I donโt care how close he is. Oh, Marwick. Why are you so handsome? โOpen the damn laptop, Aniya!โ Marwick demanded and took a revolving seat beside her, โSwitch it on.โ โI donโt know what got into it. It never took that much time to fire up.โ She remarked and patted her laptop, but the screen was blank. โIf the laptop was having problems, you should have ca
After reaching her hotel room, River got rid of her glasses, fake nose, and brows. She was unusually happy today. Chad who was going home for a few months was now sent home permanently. Marwick had promised him to pay his salary for one year but after that, he was on his own.Marwick was expected to be in the hotel room late at night. But River was not worried about his unexpected arrival. Being a gentleman, he never barged into the room. Having a keycard didnโt mean he never knocked unless he was sure that River must be sleeping like a dead. She stood under the shower and rubbed every part of her body like a freak. She could feel Chadโs hands roaming around her body and all she wanted to do was take her mind off him. The room service served her dinner, and she indulged in it hungrily praying that Marwick could get a separate room tonight. She was licking her plate when her phone started ringing. โHey! Keanu! My friend!โ โIs Mr. Marwick there with you?โ he asked River cautiously
She was no more angry but highly nervous. She would never tell Marwick about her secret disguise. That would be a world-class insult to her.Instead of staying in her room, she opted to leave her room and have her breakfast in the restaurant. The CEO could have it in his room.Ok. Not his room but Riverโs room. He was the one who barged into her room. And now he wasnโt liking it because she was eating broccoli and cabbage for dinner.Oh my God! Was her gas stinky?As River made her way downstairs, she couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation.She never had this idea that staying together could be this torture. Mister Garner should know. It was her room so her choice and her gas.Entering the breakfast area, she scanned the room for a vacant table. She noticed a few curious glances from other people.They must be wondering what an ordinary looking womanโฆ no, an ordinary looking man was doing in this five star hotel.However, River decided to brush off the attention
River froze, her sandwich halfway to her mouth. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. How could he have possibly guessed her secret? Panic swirled inside her, but she quickly composed herself, not letting her fear show. With a forced nonchalant expression, she set down her sandwich and looked Marwick directly in the eyes. "You have a wild imagination, Mr. Garner. But I assure you, I am all man, through and through. Now donโt ask me for proofs." She said confidently. Marwick's gaze intensified, a mixture of curiosity and something else she couldn't quite decipher, "You seem awfully defensive about it." River clenched her fists under the table, "I don't owe you any explanations about my identity or how I choose to present myself. So, I suggest you focus on your own affairs." He leaned back, a faint smile playing on his lips, "Fair enough, Brower. Your secret is safe with me... for now." Her heart raced at his remark. Did he suspect the truth or was he just trying to get a r
Chad looked up at his wife who was placingโฆNo, who was tossing the plates and dishes on the dining table? Chad was looking at her silently.Ever since he was asked by Marwick Garner to go back home with one yearโs salary. His life had flipped upside down. It seemed like his fate had taken the worst turn forever.His wife who used to be a lovey dovey woman before the scandal was now a robotic alien who didnโt have any feelings for him.Most of her time was spent verbally abusing their teenage kids. One daughter and one son.She placed a bowl and a plate along with a tablespoon when Chad suddenly held her hand.โDarling. Where are you going? You know very well I canโt eat alone.โ The hard contours of her face didnโt soften.โMy love. Before these rumors, we were one small happy family. And now when I am no longer earning, you have changed. Please donโt discard me like garbage. I still love you and you know that.โShe shoved his hand away and went to the kitchen. Upon returning she forc
โYou look sad,โ Aniya remarked when she saw River staring into space. It had been days since Marwick Garner was staying in her room.The man might be decent, but the time was proving to be torture for her. With all her fake essentials pasted on her face, she was getting tired. The stay was supposed to be for two to three days and now it had turned into more than a week. There was still no sign of a vacant room.โPicnic is around the corner,โ River straightened and looked up at Aniya who seemed thrilled, โFew invites are still left.โโOh. After lunch, I can send the invites.โ Aniya offered her, โI just canโt wait for this picnic. How awesome itโs going to be. I just bought a cute, orange-colored two-piece. This time I would do anything to look pretty.โAniya revolved her chair with a smirk, โBy the way that doesnโt explain your sadness.โ she remarked and closed her laptop.โOur CEO. Who else can make me sad?โ River leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes.โYou are lucky. Right now,
(2 years later) โI went to the school today. The management is quite happy with Mimiโs progress,โ Arabella told Jeffโs partner, Fione who moved to their house for her girlsโ better education and job opportunities. Two years back, Marwick had offered Fiona to join his company. Even if she wouldnโt have moved here, Marwick had promised her long ago that he would take responsibility for Jeffโs family in his absence. Whether his girlfriend wanted to do a job or some business or even if she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. He had promised himself that he would support the family as much as he could. There was an annex at a little distance from their giant house that was built especially for the family. โYou should start dating, Fiona. You are still young,โ the girl smiled and shook her head. There was a sketch of Jeffโs older daughter that was made by Arabella as promised to Mimiโs father. โWhere are the twins?โ Arabella asked her, looking around. โOh, they just went to sleep. You wer
(Aniya: One month later)โFinally, we are here,โ Aniya told Derek who held her hand and leaned to kiss her cheek.โYeah. Finally!โ He looked happy too. It was almost a dream come true. His dream girl was at last by his side.They had just landed at the Sydney Airport and they both knew that their fate had brought them here. The same fate that brought them together.Aniya took out her phone when it vibrated. She had received millions in her bank account. Her mouth was hung open.There was a message from Gerald.โTake it as your gift from Garner Empire. I know you will never accept it. But this is a joint gift from me, Ashley, and Marwick so that you can start your life without worry.โAniya felt strange. As a director, Derek did receive a good chunk of his due funds after he resigned. But why Gerald, Ashley, and Marwick were giving her so much money? For God's sake, this meant only one thing. Now she was a billionaire.โWhatโs the matter, darling?โ Derek asked her while walking to the
โWhat? Resign?โ Gerald was looking at Aniya open-mouthed, โAre you nuts? Who makes such impulsive decisions, Aniya?โ โI do!โ Aniya lifted her chin up and there was this stubbornness evident on her face, โI have decided to follow him.โ She flipped back her shoulder-length hair with style. That same Aniya style. Her smile did waver a bit when she felt Geraldโs pointed gaze on her face. โWhat?โ She sounded defensive, โPeople do leave jobs and shift to other countries. I need to accompany him if we want a future together. I am quite sure my happiness lies with him.โ โYou were quite sure when you followed Marwick here and packed up your cleaning business. Just to be a receptionist in his office.โ Gerald pointed out and that brought rage on her face. โMr. Gerald Oliver. Are you questioning my decisions?โ she cocked up a challenging brow at him. โNo, Aniya,โ Gerald leaned back in Marwickโs seat. After he left for Turkey, Gerald was taking care of everything behind him, โI am your frie
โYes?โ Ashton just got done fuc*king a dame and now he was smoking while scrolling his phone when he got this call.โSir. I have bomb news.โ The man on the other side told him with excitement. โShoot!โ he pressed the cigarette between his finger and thumb and flipped it towards the ashtray on the nightstand. The girl beside him was sleeping without bothering to cover herself and Ashton's hand was stroking her a*ss after getting rid of the cigarette. โItโs about your son, Mr. Ashton. Marwick Garner,โAshton threw a quick glance towards the girl and decided to leave the room. He came out while knotting the robe around his gown.โI told you not to bother me about my son. I just wanted to know about Arabella Den. She is fuc*king eighteen and I was thinking that Marwick must have gotten rid of her by now.But no. She is still residing there.โ Frustration was evident in his tone. โOr maybe my son is also taking advantage of her beauty,โ Ashton said with a low chuckle. Arabella Den. E
From a very young age, he had been taking care of his business. His father being a womanizer could never pay attention to the family.As a result, Marwick had an indecisive mother who could never take a stand for her husbandโs cheating.Marwick Garner started acting like a man of his family from his teens. His grandfather started trusting him and did something that he could never do to his son.He gave the business reins to Marwick without any interference. Ashton Garner got furious. He could never enjoy his fatherโs money this freely. And just when he thought he would soon have everything. All the wealth was handed over to Marwick Garner on a silver platter.Marwick worked hard and took the business to an international level. He had this knack for business from a very young age. Nobody could manipulate him that easily.But this girl River Brown?She took advantage of her sickness. She used him as a pawn and convinced him to go to Turkey. He thought, the couple really needed help.How
โSo, are you seriously going to Turkey? Just to settle the couple?โ Gerald asked him when Marwick was putting his passport in a leather pouch, โI canโt believe it. Donโt you think itโs an absurd demand?โโSir. I have packed your bags.โ Marwickโs butler informed him, โPlease let me know if you need any more assistance,โMarwick dismissed him with a slight shake of his head and looked towards Gerald.โI have a very trustworthy staff, but I would really appreciate it if you stop mentioning the country repeatedly. The newly married couple might be dead due to your carelessness,โ Marwick hissed but Gerald knew why he was frustrated.โAre you scared that you might bump into her?โ Marwick zipped the pouch as if he wanted to zip Geraldโs mouth.โNobody knows which city she flew to. She didnโt even inform River or Keanu about her whereabouts. I am not going for her. I am going for River and Keanu. Will help them initially and return. I have a business to run. Remember?โHe went into the bathro
Aniya frowned and looked at Derek when someone whispered from behind, โThe bride seems to be a cancer survivor. Such a brave girl she is.โ That was the moment Aniya noticed her newly grown short hair under the veil.โDerek,โ she breathed after leaning towards Derek.โI know, love. I know. We will talk about it later,โ Derek kissed her hand lightly and looked ahead to witness the vows. ***โYou may now kiss the bride,โ The priest announced, and River kneeled in front of the wheelchair, where Keanu lifted her veil with a teary chuckle and bent down to kiss the bride.The small audience started cheering for them.โI love you so much,โ Keanu almost choked on his tears. River wiped his cheeks and chuckled.โI love you too, Mr. Keanu. I am lucky to have you in my life. As my lover and as my husband.โโNot lucky as me, Mrs. Keanu,โ He bent again to kiss his bride. They both were not embarrassed to cry and kissing each other again and again in front of a bunch of people.โThank you so much.โ
(1 month later)Aniya was standing before a full-length mirror pouting at her image. She lifted her black hair off her neck to examine herself, โI think a bun at the top will look more suitable,โThe bathroom door opened, and Derek stepped out with a towel around him. He ran a slow gaze at Aniya who was wearing a blush pink gown that flowed just below her knees. The off-shoulder neckline that was lined with lace was giving her an ethereal look.He tried his best to take his eyes off her and started dressing up. After buttoning up his tailored charcoal gray suit jacket, he smirked.She was still confused about her hairstyle.โWhatever style you will decide, believe me. You will ace it.โ He said and started brushing his fingers through his partially wet hair.When she didnโt respond and the pout stayed there on her lips, he walked up behind her and placed his hands on her bare shoulders. โWhatโs the fuss about?โ he muttered close to her ear, causing goosebumps on her skin.โI canโt deci
Marwick and Keanu got busy with River. They used to feed her bone broth, fruits, and veggies. The daily multivitamin intake was a must. River had to be strong enough to get the chemo. Her next head shave was also due. The first one was done by Keanu. Garner Empire was still bustling with people and business. Gerald was taking care of all the meetings and Aniya was managing all the online commitments along with Mr. Penks. They wanted to give maximum time to Marwick so that he could spend most of his time with River. โRiver. Now donโt act like a bratty kid,โ he heard Keanuโs stern voice who was trying to feed chicken corn soup to River. โI canโt. Itโs been so many days since I last ate a burger or a pizza,โ she had been puking everything and the doctor had asked them to feed her soft food. At last, Marwick who was working on his laptop got on his feet and placed the laptop aside, โGive it to me,โ Marwick reached out to hold the bowl, โIf you have any errands to run then you can g