Clarence's POV.Kristiana was long gone but her words still lingered in my mind; not her offensive words as I had discarded them, but instead, Julian’s sacrifice. Groping my way towards the wall, I placed my back against it with my eyes tightly shut. “Julian." I mumbled, momentarily forgetting the scandal and all of my troubles. When he didn't give me an immediate response when I initially requested his help, I had concluded within myself that he didn't want to help me. Since then, the thought had been lingering in my head and so whatever he did, I always attributed it to his reluctance in helping me at first. Unknowingly to me, he was weighing the options. “I'm sorry, I badmouthed you earlier without realizing you were planning on going all extra mile for me.” I spoke like we were having a one on one conversation. For more than half an hour, I remained in the same position. At intervals, I would hear the sound of approaching footsteps, a halt and then receding footsteps. Th
Julian's POV.The splashing of water against the floor in the bathroom was not enough to conceal the voice of Kristiana who was yelling for reasons I couldn't fathom. Hurriedly, I pulled my towel off the rack and strapped it tightly around my waist as I stepped out of the bathroom. Kristiana had her back on me but I could see the phone that was against her ear. I should have known she was on the phone— I mouthed, drying my wet hair with the drier. Her conversation was slowly getting intense with her partner receiving the dead end of it. At this point, I needed no one to tell me it was Clarence on the other end of the phone. At first, I didn't make a move but when she wouldn't stop yelling, I had no choice but to walk up to her. Snatching the phone she was gripping tightly to, I ended the call, tossing the device to the side. “What do you think you are doing?" She yelled, her eyes widened as she pulled herself to her feet to square off with me. Ignoring her, I turned my back o
Clarence's POV.Though Julian's response wasn't what I expected, I didn't take it personally. Overall, I was grateful that he didn't flare up like Kristiana, instead he gave me a chance to say whatever I wanted and he was patient with me. During the three days he asked me to stay off the company, I remained indoors, watching the news just in case something regarding the loan was mentioned but nothing of that sort popped up. Several times, I was tempted to tag step mom and Damon to be responsible for this mess but there was no strong evidence against them. All they knew and cared about was that I had resurrected my mother's company, nothing else.They wouldn't have found out about Julian’s help, I'm sure of that. And even if they did, a week was not enough for them to pull that off so easily. “It must be someone nearby that did that.” I spoke with much conviction but I couldn't picture the face of who the person was. Each time I recall the humiliation and embarrassment Kristiana
Clarence's POV.I wanted to speak up, but Julian's dismissive attitude made me realize it was best to leave, even though his presence at the company bothered me. I wondered if asking him about it would be pointless since he wouldn't tell me anyway."I'll just head back," I announced, turning to leave. Julian didn't react or look up, which wasn't surprising given his behavior.As I walked out of his office, I sighed, wondering when his silent treatment would end. I knew I was the one who ruined everything in the past, and he now had a fiancée. While that didn't justify his treatment of me, I couldn't complain because I deserved it. After all, we were just business partners, not even friends.Just then, someone shoved me aside, saying "Excuse me" in an annoyed voice. I staggered, regaining my balance to find Kristina storming past me. She didn't even spare me a glance and angrily walked into Julian's office, banging the door shut.I scoffed, irritated by her behavior. "She sure has end
Clarence’s POV.I pulled into my family's residence, a place I never thought I'd return to, even if I lost everything. I sat in my car, taking deep breaths, preparing myself for what was waiting inside. Meeting my step-sister, her mom, and my ex-husband - now her sweetheart - was a daunting task. I steeled myself, knowing I couldn't avoid them, especially now that they were in charge.The meeting was likely about my mother's company, which I now controlled. That company was my lifeblood, and I wouldn't let them ruin it without a fight. I got out of the car and walked into the yard, heading straight to the main house.The butler greeted me, ushering me in like a stranger. It stung to be treated this way, especially since I was the legitimate daughter but since I was a failure, I was now considered more of an outsider than a family member.I took a seat in the living room, looking around at the place that was once my home. Memories of my late mother lingered, but now the space felt suff
Clarence’s POV. Their stares burned into my skin, each one heavy with judgment. I stood in the center of the living room, my back stiff, fists clenched at my sides as anger coursed through me. My stepmother, my uncle, Gina, Damon—they all looked at me like I was nothing more than a disgrace. Like I had no right to be here, let alone demand what was mine. As if I were some thief who had stolen from them, someone who should be on my knees, begging for permission to keep what my mother left behind. “You’re being disrespectful, Clarence,” my uncle said, shaking his head as though I had disappointed him personally. "This arrogance is exactly why you don’t deserve the company." I swallowed back my frustration. "I’m not being arrogant. I’m fighting for what’s rightfully mine.” My heart was pounding as I spoke, but I wouldn’t let them see it. I refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing their words had any effect on me. "Yours? That company belongs to the family, not just
Julian’s POVI stood outside my family home, my hands buried deep in my pockets. Months had passed since my last visit, and if it weren’t for the news about my father’s health, I wouldn’t be here now. Two days ago, my mother called, her voice filled with urgency, telling me my father had fallen ill. As his doctor, I had no choice but to come. But beyond the obligation, there was still something in me that made me care. No matter how much distance had settled between us over the years, he was still my father. Stepping inside, I inhaled the familiar scent of polished wood and freshly brewed tea. The house staff greeted me with polite nods before disappearing into the background, just as they always did. My mother met me in the hallway, her expression unreadable.“Julian,” she said softly, reaching out to touch my arm. “I’m glad you came.” “How is he?” She sighed. “Weak. He refuses to rest properly, but I know you’ll handle that.” I didn’t reply, just gave a small nod before
Julian’s POV.Staring at Clarence’s photo brought back memories I had tried so hard to forget. Our university days. The laughter, the arguments, the way she made everything feel less suffocating. And then, the day everything ended. I tossed the phone back into the glove compartment, shutting it away like I had tried to shut away those memories. She was the last person I wanted to think about, not now, not ever. I wasn’t even sure if I still had space for her in my heart. Rubbing a hand down my face, I let out a slow breath and rested my head against the seat. My mind refused to quiet down. Why was I even hell-bent on getting married to Kristina? I didn’t love her. Hell, I didn’t even like her. She was my parents’ choice, their perfect idea of who I should be with. And somehow, I had gone along with it, convincing myself it was the right thing to do. A sharp ache settled in my chest. It wasn’t just about them choosing Kristina—it was about everything they had done for me. Eve
Clarence’s POV. The moment I stepped into the police station, my eyes landed on Julian. He was seated in front of an officer, and Kristina was right beside him, her arms wrapped around his waist, head nestled against his shoulder. I froze. I didn’t know why Julian had asked me to come, but looking at them, I suddenly felt like I didn’t belong there. He seemed fine. He wasn’t alone. Kristina was with him, holding onto him like she was afraid to let go. If I walked up to him now, it would only make things more complicated, and her suspicions would only grow deeper. Without a second thought, I turned on my heels and made my way back to my car. As I slid into the driver’s seat, guilt settled in my chest. I should have stayed. He had defended me at the mall, standing by me even when it meant taking the insults meant for me. But I couldn’t even walk into that station for him because I was afraid of what his fiancée would think. I hesitated for a moment before typing out a text.
Julian’s POV. Kristina’s gaze darted between me and Clarence, the anger in her eyes intensifying with every passing second. The way I was still holding onto Clarence’s hand possessively didn’t help. “What the hell is going on?” Kristina asked with suspicious eyes. I let go of Clarence’s wrist, stepping back. “It’s nothing,” I quickly said. “There was a misunderstanding.” Kristina’s lips curled in distaste as she crossed her arms. “A misunderstanding?” She turned her glare on Clarence. “Of course, it involves you.” Clarence didn’t react to the hostility, instead, her expression was impassive. “If you’re done making assumptions, I’ll be leaving.” She bent down to pick up her groceries, but Kristina took a step forward, eyes narrowing. “You think I’m stupid?” Kristina scoffed. “You always show up at the worst times, don’t you? Just when Julian and I are doing fine—” I cut her off. “Kristina, that’s enough.” She ignored me, still focused on Clarence. “Stay the hell away fr
Julian’s POV.Staring at Clarence’s photo brought back memories I had tried so hard to forget. Our university days. The laughter, the arguments, the way she made everything feel less suffocating. And then, the day everything ended. I tossed the phone back into the glove compartment, shutting it away like I had tried to shut away those memories. She was the last person I wanted to think about, not now, not ever. I wasn’t even sure if I still had space for her in my heart. Rubbing a hand down my face, I let out a slow breath and rested my head against the seat. My mind refused to quiet down. Why was I even hell-bent on getting married to Kristina? I didn’t love her. Hell, I didn’t even like her. She was my parents’ choice, their perfect idea of who I should be with. And somehow, I had gone along with it, convincing myself it was the right thing to do. A sharp ache settled in my chest. It wasn’t just about them choosing Kristina—it was about everything they had done for me. Eve
Julian’s POVI stood outside my family home, my hands buried deep in my pockets. Months had passed since my last visit, and if it weren’t for the news about my father’s health, I wouldn’t be here now. Two days ago, my mother called, her voice filled with urgency, telling me my father had fallen ill. As his doctor, I had no choice but to come. But beyond the obligation, there was still something in me that made me care. No matter how much distance had settled between us over the years, he was still my father. Stepping inside, I inhaled the familiar scent of polished wood and freshly brewed tea. The house staff greeted me with polite nods before disappearing into the background, just as they always did. My mother met me in the hallway, her expression unreadable.“Julian,” she said softly, reaching out to touch my arm. “I’m glad you came.” “How is he?” She sighed. “Weak. He refuses to rest properly, but I know you’ll handle that.” I didn’t reply, just gave a small nod before
Clarence’s POV. Their stares burned into my skin, each one heavy with judgment. I stood in the center of the living room, my back stiff, fists clenched at my sides as anger coursed through me. My stepmother, my uncle, Gina, Damon—they all looked at me like I was nothing more than a disgrace. Like I had no right to be here, let alone demand what was mine. As if I were some thief who had stolen from them, someone who should be on my knees, begging for permission to keep what my mother left behind. “You’re being disrespectful, Clarence,” my uncle said, shaking his head as though I had disappointed him personally. "This arrogance is exactly why you don’t deserve the company." I swallowed back my frustration. "I’m not being arrogant. I’m fighting for what’s rightfully mine.” My heart was pounding as I spoke, but I wouldn’t let them see it. I refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing their words had any effect on me. "Yours? That company belongs to the family, not just
Clarence’s POV.I pulled into my family's residence, a place I never thought I'd return to, even if I lost everything. I sat in my car, taking deep breaths, preparing myself for what was waiting inside. Meeting my step-sister, her mom, and my ex-husband - now her sweetheart - was a daunting task. I steeled myself, knowing I couldn't avoid them, especially now that they were in charge.The meeting was likely about my mother's company, which I now controlled. That company was my lifeblood, and I wouldn't let them ruin it without a fight. I got out of the car and walked into the yard, heading straight to the main house.The butler greeted me, ushering me in like a stranger. It stung to be treated this way, especially since I was the legitimate daughter but since I was a failure, I was now considered more of an outsider than a family member.I took a seat in the living room, looking around at the place that was once my home. Memories of my late mother lingered, but now the space felt suff
Clarence's POV.I wanted to speak up, but Julian's dismissive attitude made me realize it was best to leave, even though his presence at the company bothered me. I wondered if asking him about it would be pointless since he wouldn't tell me anyway."I'll just head back," I announced, turning to leave. Julian didn't react or look up, which wasn't surprising given his behavior.As I walked out of his office, I sighed, wondering when his silent treatment would end. I knew I was the one who ruined everything in the past, and he now had a fiancée. While that didn't justify his treatment of me, I couldn't complain because I deserved it. After all, we were just business partners, not even friends.Just then, someone shoved me aside, saying "Excuse me" in an annoyed voice. I staggered, regaining my balance to find Kristina storming past me. She didn't even spare me a glance and angrily walked into Julian's office, banging the door shut.I scoffed, irritated by her behavior. "She sure has end
Clarence's POV.Though Julian's response wasn't what I expected, I didn't take it personally. Overall, I was grateful that he didn't flare up like Kristiana, instead he gave me a chance to say whatever I wanted and he was patient with me. During the three days he asked me to stay off the company, I remained indoors, watching the news just in case something regarding the loan was mentioned but nothing of that sort popped up. Several times, I was tempted to tag step mom and Damon to be responsible for this mess but there was no strong evidence against them. All they knew and cared about was that I had resurrected my mother's company, nothing else.They wouldn't have found out about Julian’s help, I'm sure of that. And even if they did, a week was not enough for them to pull that off so easily. “It must be someone nearby that did that.” I spoke with much conviction but I couldn't picture the face of who the person was. Each time I recall the humiliation and embarrassment Kristiana
Julian's POV.The splashing of water against the floor in the bathroom was not enough to conceal the voice of Kristiana who was yelling for reasons I couldn't fathom. Hurriedly, I pulled my towel off the rack and strapped it tightly around my waist as I stepped out of the bathroom. Kristiana had her back on me but I could see the phone that was against her ear. I should have known she was on the phone— I mouthed, drying my wet hair with the drier. Her conversation was slowly getting intense with her partner receiving the dead end of it. At this point, I needed no one to tell me it was Clarence on the other end of the phone. At first, I didn't make a move but when she wouldn't stop yelling, I had no choice but to walk up to her. Snatching the phone she was gripping tightly to, I ended the call, tossing the device to the side. “What do you think you are doing?" She yelled, her eyes widened as she pulled herself to her feet to square off with me. Ignoring her, I turned my back o