CELINE POV - I extended my time to clean Lance’s penthouse, a task that should have taken forty minutes stretched to almost three hours because of his laundry. Doing the laundry wasn’t difficult because the washing machine was automatic. The only thing that took me longer was Lance adding more laundry. “Are they messing up again? You know what to do with them.” I heard Lance say to the person he was talking to over the phone. As he ended the call without saying goodbye to the person he was talking to on the phone, he stood up and looked at me. “The food I delivered is on its way. Let’s eat lunch together.” I had just opened my mouth when Lance spoke again. “Don’t refuse. Certainly, you still haven’t eaten lunch.” He smiled. Why do I feel like he planned this? “No, thank you. I’ll just eat at the cafeteria.” I refuse. I didn’t even bother to think of an excuse because it looked like I had no more excuses. Soon someone rang the doorbell from outside the door. “Wai
FREYA POV - The entire weekend passed. Lance came here only once to get his clothes, then he left. He didn’t even last five minutes and to my surprise he confronted me, but only because he gave me the annulment papers a thousand times. I tore the annulment papers into small pieces, then threw them in the trash. Even if he gives me a thousand annulment papers, I will never sign it. I’d rather cut my hands so I can’t sign the annulment papers and Lance won’t leave me. I will do everything so that no annulment happens to Lance and me. Lance should be mine alone. I should be the only one to benefit from him and all his assets. I removed the headset and approached all my targets. I am now at the shooting range. I often use guns as a hobby. I’m not that skilled yet, but I know how to handle it for now. “Dammit.” I said firmly when I saw I didn’t shoot my target lock, but at least in the days have passed, the results of using my gun are getting better. I left the shooting range. I stil
CELINE POV-After dropping Skye and Sunny off at kindergarten, I went straight to the Heavenly hotel. I’m still here in the parking lot and still haven’t gotten out of my car.I’m holding the only picture of Starr. This is the only picture of me and Starr that Tristan took when I woke up after giving birth.It occurred swiftly, leaving my heart shattered by the unexpected loss of Starr. I had no thoughts, and only stared at Starr’s face until she was buried.Seeing her picture now, I can’t help but shed tears. It still hurts and feels like it breaks my heart every time I see this picture.It feels as if it happened only recently when I gave birth to Starr, carrying her while calming her along with Skye and Sunny.“I hope wherever you are, you are happy, Starr.”I stared at the picture of me and Starr for a while, then hid it in my bag.I ensured my cheeks were dry and my eyes were not red from tears before I left the car.As I entered the hotel, Sabrina immediately greeted me in the
CELINE POV - I’ve cleaned two rooms, and it’s just a few minutes before my lunch break, but Lance hasn’t called me yet. It seems best if Lance doesn’t summon me first so I can consider giving him the picture. It’s not even in my heart to give it to Lance, especially since it’s Starr’s only picture I have of her, and I haven’t told Tristan about this. In my situation–whenever I don’t know what to do, Tristan’s permission or what he says and suggestions clears my mind. I kept the picture in my pants pocket, in case Lance calls me and if I change my mind—maybe. I looked at the time on my phone and it was lunchtime. Perhaps I will show it another day, or perhaps I will consult with Tristan about it first. I was just about to open my locker, but that was the surprise I felt when the door opened and I heard Sabrina’s voice. I galloped out to see her because it was embarrassing for my colleagues who were here. Someone even woke up from a nap, so I apologized to him. “Hey, don’t shou
CELINE POV-When we entered the cafeteria, Sabrina instantly pointed to the table where she had left her meal.“We don’t always sit there,” Bianca commented. “We always sit there...?” she pointed to the place where we always sit, but someone is already sitting there.“See? You’re probably not a bitch who’s going to kick out people eating there, are you?” Sabrina smiles, but it’s obvious she just wants to tease Bianca. “Bye.”Before Sabrina left, I noticed her eye roll I wish Bianca didn’t see.“Did you see that? She rolled her eyes at me,” Bianca said, annoyed.“Let’s go?” I invited Bianca. “We might run out of food.”I pulled Bianca to the queue before she appealed even more along with she gave Sabrina a grim look.“You know I’m not a bitchy type of person, Celine. But my bitchy person comes out with your sister.” Bianca said, as we lined up for the food.“Be patient with Sabrina. That’s really her attitude, but it looks like she’s changed.”“Looks like she’s changed? You’re not sur
CELINE POV-“Tristan…”When I approached him, he quickly closed his laptop.“Did I disturb you?” I asked, sitting across from him.“Not at all. Are the children asleep?”I nodded.“What do you want to talk about, by the way?”I handed Tristan the picture of me and Starr and the moment he saw this picture, a smile flashed on his lips.I couldn’t give Lance this picture earlier because he didn’t appear to be back at the hotel, and I believed that might indicate I should discuss this issue with Tristan initially.I told Tristan a while ago that after I put Skye and Sunny to bed, if he can stay here first, because I have something to tell him. I don’t want my children to hear about Starr first.“She’s really pretty. Starr is really pretty. You both look pretty in this picture. I remember when I took this photo, I was full of joy and happiness. I hope wherever she is, she is happy.”Tristan stared at the picture for a few seconds before he looked at me. He smiled and seseemed to waitor wha
CELINE POV-“Good morning, sis!”As soon as I entered the hotel, I was immediately greeted by Sabrina. She is wearing corporate attire, and every detail from her makeup to her hair is perfect.“I have a client meeting today, so I can’t join you for lunch, but at least I won’t see that witch’s face.”“Hey, don’t call Bianca anything.”“Whatever her name is, I’m not interested in knowing about her.”I held my breath. “I hope you two get along well. Bianca is a nice person.”“Excuse me, my dear sister Celine?” she raised one eyebrow at me. Her eyebrow was so high that it arched like a mountain shape. “Are you saying I’m not a nice person?”“You are just being a nice person, but Bianca has been a nice person for a long time.” I said playfully.She opened her mouth, then gasped. “Oh, my gosh! You just insulted me?”“No, it’s not that you’re not a nice person–”“No,” she cut me off. “Never compare me to that witch. It’s insulting to my entire humanity.”“Hey, I told you don’t call Bianca a
CELINE POV-At the same time as I lost my breath, tears fell from my eyes.“I don’t understand why you’re bringing all this back? Don’t you remember? You already said goodbye to me. You threw me away and worse, I begged you not to return me to my parents, but what did you do? Even in that matter, you did not listen to me and you still returned me to my parents. You treated me as if I were worthless garbage.”His gaze descended and his face relaxed at the same time.“Starr...” he mumbled.I followed what he was looking at. I noticed the picture I carried that must have fallen from my pants pocket.As I sensed Lance’s hold on me weakening, I took advantage of the moment to escape his grip, promptly picked up the picture, and concealed it in my pocket.“I didn’t mean to...”I didn’t even glance at him. I went straight to the housekeeping cart. “Let me explain.”I looked at him closely as he held the cart. “No need,” I answered sarcastically. “I don’t need an explanation. It’s very clea
CELINE POV-“Why did you do this?”“I didn’t. I just saw that your car’s tires were flat.”“Do you know how much perversion you have done?”“Your tire will be fixed right away. These people can take your car to wherever you are before the end of the day.”I glanced quickly at the two people Hendrix was referring to, then at him.What else can I do? I can’t change the tire if I get angry. This needs to be done immediately so my children don't have to ride public transportation, which could be harmful to their health.“Wait a second,” I told the two mechanics.I went to the passenger seat to get my kids’ bags. “Let’s go, sweethearts. Our car needs to get fixed first.”Skye got out first, followed by Sunny. After I got off them, I took the key and gave it to the two mechanics.Once the two mechanics reached for the key, they quickly moved. One opened the truck door and the other started my car. After they got in my car, they left immediately.“Mummy, why did they take our car?” Sunny as
CELINE POV-As soon as Conrad got out of the elevator, Lance went inside.“B-Boss…”As the elevator closed, Conrad looked my way. His eyes widened after he saw me.“Madame Celine,” he called me in surprise as he came closer to me.“Hmmm?” I asked without opening my lips.I forced both ends of my lips to curve upwards while holding back tears.“Have you been here a while, Madame?”I opened my mouth. When I felt my voice getting hoarse, I took a deep breath before speaking. “Yes. Before the elevator opened.”He turned quickly to the elevator that Lance had taken and then immediately looked back at me.“Did you hear what Boss Lance said?”“Why did you come here?” I changed the subject.“Have you talked to Boss Lance?”I shook my head. “I don’t think we need to talk anymore. I’ve heard his reason.”“I think you need to talk to him,” he handed me my car keys. “Your car is parked outside the building, Madame.”“Thank you.”I followed Conrad’s gaze as he walked back to the front of the elev
CELINE POV-“Are you sure of what you are saying?” I asked her.“Yes,” she answered confidently. “Conrad went to the restaurant to meet you there. He can’t call Sir Lance's phone either.”“Conrad couldn’t call Lance’s phone number?” I assured her.“Yes.”Is it just a coincidence that Lance’s phone number couldn’t be called and he didn’t come?“Celine!”I looked at Sabrina in surprise after she yelled at me right in my face.“Why?”“I am asking you why you are not with Sir Lance. Did you know someone rang the doorbell yesterday, and then I checked the intercom? The man had his back turned, but I doubt it was Sir Lance; that’s why I didn’t open it. Because Conrad told me not to open the door if he’s not the one outside. I’m not one hundred percent sure if it’s Sir Lance because he has his back turned and seems to be talking to someone on the phone.”I assumed Lance had come here. Maybe something unexpected happened that made him not arrive?“CELINE!”I felt like I was going to be deafe
CELINE POV-Hendrix extended his palm. “Shall we go in together?” He asked me.We toured the theme park, rode the few rides we had planned to ride before, and we also played the machine games as well as the arcade games.Now we were in front of the Ferris wheel, and we planned to ride it last.“No, thank you.” I refused the hand he offered.I rode the Ferris wheel first and as he rode someone locked the door and started it.During the few hours I was with Hendrix, I didn’t think about anything else. I tried to focus and try to enjoy this place.Once we reached the top, the Ferris wheel stopped whirling.It was scary, but I still found myself smiling slightly after I saw almost the entire theme park.“The Ferris wheel is actually what you've wanted to ride the most since then.”I nodded without taking my gaze down. “The way you drew the Ferris wheel before, it was colourful, and you could see a lot from just one seat. Then it was close to the stars, and this is the exact one you showed
CELINE POV- “I don't have time to joke around.”“Likewise,” he said meagerly.I calmed my feelings down first. “You won’t hurt me, will you?”“No,” he answered sparingly but directly.Somehow his answer made me feel at ease. I had no choice but to just believe what he said. I didn’t have anything with me except the mini makeup kit in the purse I was carrying.“Where are you taking me?”“To my gift for you.”“Gift?”“Don’t you accept late gifts?”“No. That’s not what I meant.”I didn’t explain anymore, and I didn’t open my mouth for a while.I’ll wait until we get to where he wants to go, so his nonsense can end.“We’re almost where we’re going,” I heard him say as I looked out the window.————About ten minutes later, he stopped in front of an amusement park.“Come on!” He was so excited that he even giggled.I laughed a little at his reaction.I also got out of the car. I looked around; except for the amusement park staff, Hendrix and I, I didn't see anyone else.What was surprising
CELINE POV-“Thank you,” I said with a smile to the manager and the female server who served me a glass of water earlier when I saw them in the lobby.“Ma’am, wait!” They exclaim at the same time.I stopped walking when they ran towards me.“I want to apologize again for what happened earlier,” the woman regretfully said.“I also want to apologize for my negligence,” the manager said and bowed his head.“Don’t think about that. It’s okay,” I told them. “Is that all you want to say?”“Ah, no.” They suddenly panicked.The manager handed me a paper bag. I took it and peeked at the contents. Inside the paper bag was a suit coat and a familiar calling card.“What is this for?” I asked.“Sir Hendrix Morgan left those. He asked me to give you the paper bag.”I returned the paper bag to the manager, but he didn’t take it.“Give it back to him,” I stated.The manager took a deep breath. “I…” then he exhaled, and his face was covered with worry. “I’m sorry, ma’am. If you give back to me, he war
CELINE POV-“You should have let the woman kneel down earlier,” my eyebrows furrowed at Hendrix’s words. “Or you should have let her terminate her job.”Is that the kind of person he is? He likes seeing other people suffer? Didn’t he think about that person’s situation? Maybe that person’s job was too valuable to her. That person wouldn’t dare to lower her knee to the ground if she did not badly need the job.“Don’t judge me,” he said, laughing.He read my thoughts?He faced me, he crossed his legs, and rested his elbow on the table. “Someone like her needs to learn a lesson; she needs to pay for her mistake—that’s all I’m saying. It’s not just the surprise that that person ruined but also your feelings. That person not only ruined the surprise for you but also your feelings. She hurt you badly, and your mind was confused by what happened. Who wouldn’t think and be glad that you were expecting someone, but then the wrong person would come in front of you? Right?” He raised his pointed
CELINE POV-I couldn’t move from where I was standing as I turned to look at the man who uttered my name.My forehead wasn’t wrinkled, but my body was full of wonder as I looked at him, and I was sure the question was, 'why is he here?' was printed all over my face.What’s going on? Why is he here? Why is he in front of me? Why is he in front of me in this situation?“Hendrix?” I utter hoarsely.After seeing his face, my tears came back to my eyes; I felt again the pain in my back from sitting for over five hours and the hunger I was feeling. Most of all, the hope may be that the proposal was from Lance.I couldn’t make a mistake in my gaze; I’ve been looking at his face for a few seconds, and his appearance hasn’t changed. I also couldn’t be hallucinating because there was no reason why I should see him in my mind. I never thought about him after our last encounter.Why is he here? Why isn’t the person I expected and waited for here? Why isn’t Lance in front of me now? Where is he?
CELINE POV-Here’s my tear again while looking around. I smile and quickly wipe away the teardrop before it even falls down my cheek.I was taken to a high-end and exclusive restaurant where Lance rented the entire building. It was quite far from the hotel, which took more than an hour to travel.When I looked around again I smiled. The only light at this time was the scented candles that each table had. What made the ambiance even finer was the night view from where I was sitting overlooking the bright city lights outside the glass wall. Each table had a single red rose flower and on my table there was a bouquet of red roses.The surroundings were quiet until my attention was caught by a server who went to three tables and replaced the scented candles there. She checked on me and smiled at me.“Ma’am, would you like us to serve food for you? We have an appetizer ready for you.”“No,” I refused. I coughed softly because I felt my throat tighten and dry. “Can I have a glass of water?”