I left the stage, my smile reflected in my eyes as everyone complimented my work. Yes, out of all the things that had ever been wrong for me, this was my pride.Although I had lost at love, I had won at being a mother and developing my talent. Seeing everyone so happy and so willing to spend millions of dollars because of my work made my chest swell with pride.As the crowd dispersed and mingled to eat, I searched for my best friend who had just arrived to meet us in the hall.Upon meeting my eyes, Bianca squealed and rushed towards me before hugging me. "You look gorgeous, my friend! You fit into this dress. My friend responded, "I thought I did too until I knew where the dress came from."Bianca's eyes widened and I pulled her aside where there was less commotion."Are you saying Dean got you the dress?" Bianca asked. "That is so romantic!""No. I thought it was Dean, but in fact, it was Frank," I said, furrowing my brow.Bianca gasped, her eyes wide at me. She said, "Wow! That's ne
"Mom, are you certain she isn't Ruth? They look alike so much," Isabella questioned.They were shocked to spot me at the party. How could I ever appear like a person who had died six years before?Celeste observed and noticed how Frank kept looking at me from a distance. Dera Pete was sitting alone in a wheelchair, completely ignored by Frank.She laughed and replied, "If she's Ruth, do you think Frank would sit and observe her from a distance? He'd confront her about her real identity and why she pretended to be dead.""You're right, Mom. Perhaps they just look alike but Frank seems to be interested in her," Isabella said."That's why she looks like his dead wife. All these Lanka men are the same. they are still in love with ghosts. Your father is so too. He can't get over his doomed dead wife," Celeste sneered, a momentary hatred passing over her eyes. "Does that imply Dera Pete is no longer useful to us in our plan?" Isabella asked.Celeste frowned, weighing her daughter's words. S
Earlier, Dean observed me heading up the stairs, his eyebrows furrowed in contemplation.He was certain that Frank had provided me with the dress I was wearing. this is due to the fact that a famous fashion designer had auctioned one of her best designs a few days ago and a mysterious businessman had bought it at a very high price. Dean was interested in the dress and had wanted to acquire it for me, but the mysterious businessman kept outbidding him and he had lost the dress.After all, he did not believe it was worth it to spend two million dollars on one dress.Surprisingly, I did wear the dress and considering me, there was no possibility that I would pay that much for a dress.It must have been Frank.Jealousy coursed through Dean and he clenched his hand over the steering wheel, turning his knuckles white.Why would Frank pay me so much money when we had just met? He could buy that dress for his fiancée.Dean had come to the realization that Frank paid too much attention to me a
"Sir, Miss Josephs' technical team are trying to bring down the news," Lawrence told Frank.I looked up from where I was seated at my desk in my office. I asked, "How much did the news travel? Is it trending?""The news of your alleged affair with Miss Josephs has gone viral. I think almost everyone has seen the news, sir," Lawrence replied.I smiled. That is what I had wished for. I was the cause of this trending news this time, wishing everyone to talk about me and Lydia.Why I liked hearing people say that Lydia and I were a perfect couple, I do not know. I wished the news to keep spreading until Dean was wiped out entirely.But since Lydia was eager to bring down the news, I feared that she would find out that I was behind it and she would be angry.Looking at Lawrence, I commanded, "Bring down the news. My plan has already succeeded."I resented the way Lydia's name kept being associated with Dean on the internet. But because nobody was talking about them anymore and talking abou
I slammed the entertainment magazine I held on the table in frustration. I glared at the family's butler, Arnold Miller, and said, "So Frank's engagement ceremony has been fixed to occur in two weeks. What is wrong with this boy?" Arnold smiled, his wrinkles moving at the action. He was standing beside me in my study waiting to serve me at any moment. Glaring at me, he said, "What do you mean by boy, Sir? Frank is a man grown, thirty-three years of age." "Yes! He's thirty-three! He's behaving like he just came of age," I teased, shaking my head. "I don't understand. he liked the girl in the Josephs family more, Lydia Josephs. I had seen him struggling not to be able to keep his eyes from her during the party. and now this, what? Why is he continuing the engagement with Dera? I know for sure that he doesn't love her.""The young man has his reasons. Perhaps you should just leave him alone and let him do what he wants? The last time you pressured him into getting married, everything was
I stood there, my heart shattering to see Ivy and Frank in the jewelry store. Dera's voice was soft, near desperation, as she said, "Frank, thank you for doing this with me. I thought you were marrying me out of necessity, but to see you walk with me here makes me hopeful."I could see the tension in Frank's jaw as he replied, "Can you get your business over with? I have things to do." His voice was cold, and I knew he was not pleased. Going shopping for special stones for their engagement jewelry with Dera made him feel empty.Why was he doing this in the first place? Was it worth it? Was this really the solution? Did he really want to marry Dera and experience another loveless marriage again? Would he be able to get over Ivy's real face? To be honest, when she plagiarized Lydia's work and accused Lydia of plagiarism, Deralost her face in Frank's eyes.She might have been hurt in rescuing him, but marrying her the ultimate way of repaying her for her legs? "Frank, what about this st
I gazed at Lydia, a million emotions boiling in my eyes. I swallowed hard and grunted in a low voice, "I don't believe you."Lydia chuckled and replied, "You don't have to. Dean is the man I love and chose to marry."I fell silent, the lump in my throat getting bigger. I glared at Lydia and took a step closer, advancing towards her.I could feel my heart thumping in my chest, Lydia's scent reaching my nostrils as I stepped closer."I don't think so because I can't see it in your eyes, Lydia. You don't look like someone who's in love right now," I breathed in a low, smooth tone.Lydia snorted and looked up at me. "Who are you to decide that?" she asked. "What do you have to stand on saying that I don't love the man I'm dating?""I may not have a right," I replied, "but I can prove it to you," and before Lydia could even see what was happening, I clasped the nape of her neck before sealing her mouth with a scorching kiss.Lydia's heart was pounding like a galloping horse as my lips move
there was an air of awkwardness between Dean and Lydia on the return.Lydia had seen her lipstick smudged just as she was stepping into the car. She saw herself in the window and her heart went thudding irregularly.Guilt ran a sharp spurt in her. What would Dean think of her now?Clearing her throat, she gazed at Dean, who was behind the wheel, and asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"Dean raised an eyebrow at Lydia and asked, "About what?"The words got caught in Lydia's throat. How was it that she would inquire of her boyfriend why he was not standing up to her when he had witnessed another man kiss her? She furrowed her eyebrows and replied, "Actually, I didn't know Frank would follow me to the restroom. I-""You don't have to say anything, Lydia," interrupted Dean on Lydia's monologue. "I believe you. If something did happen, then it would be Frank Lanka's fault only."Lydia nibbled on her lower lip as shame overwhelmed her heart. Why was she treated by someone as kind as Dea
"Nonsense!" Charles exclaimed, breathlessly. "Miles, if you can't control your wife, I will. How dare she try a stunt like this on your son's wedding day?"Miles glared at Celeste and rose from his seat. He was prepared to go to her when Dean reached the stage.He grabbed the microphone from Celeste and said, "Good evening, everyone. I didn't mean to gatecrash the wedding of the happy couple. I'm actually the secret son of Miles and Celeste Lanka and I've come home to live with my family." "Celeste. what is this? How is he my son?" Miles asked, eyes wide in shock.Celeste gazed at Miles and continued, "I did have twins. But due to the situation at that moment. your father did not want me and your children could not trust me, I feared for my son's life. I did not want to be a part of a succession struggle, so I took him abroad and that is where he grew up. I apologize I lied. but I did not want you to believe he was there to replace Frank."Frank snorted in his seat in his chair before
I reached the altar and as it was nearing the time for the vows, Frank gazed into my eyes and pledged, "I vow to stand by your side, to support your dreams and to cherish every moment that we spend with each other as if it were the last because nobody knows tomorrow. Lora Nakamura, I vow to love you a little bit every day because you are so worthy."The most expensive ballroom was booked for Frank and my wedding.Frank had promised to make it grand and he didn't disappoint.Approximately thousand people were invited and ninety percent of them were high society individuals from the entire world. The rest of the percentage comprised close relatives and close friends, as well as other media outlets who came to cover the entire event. Global celebrities were even invited to perform during the event, making the event turn out to be the most expensive wedding of the century.Everybody in the city, the country, and the globe was aware that one Frank Lanka, who is a billionaire and MD of Lank
I gasped when I saw the face of the man.I smiled and said, "I knew you were there."Frank looked confused, saying, "Wait. you knew who I was?""How can I not know my husband?" I said and Frank smiled happily.Diane stopped when she overheard what we said."What? You crashed the party?" she asked, glaring at Frank. She then looked up at the man standing in front of her, her eyes widening. "Then you're."The guy took off his helmet to show no less than Aiden Nakamura."Oh my god!!!"Diane shrieked, her cheeks flushing.Meanwhile, Adan took off his helmet and winked at Bianca. He said, "Surprise."Bianca's face turned crimson red. She had touched his abs too. What would he think of her now?"How could you guys do this to us?" Bianca protested to hide her embarrassment."That's not fair! You boys weren't supposed to be here!" exclaimed Diane, and Frank glared at her."If we hadn't come, I'm afraid that you would give your sister-in-law to another man," he replied.I chuckled and grasped
"I heard her say it was going to be a wild night," Aiden stated and twisted his wrist to glance at his watch. "The dancers should be arriving at the venue by now. I wonder. are they maybe male strippers?" Frank clenched his teeth and almost squeezed his whiskey glass to death.Meanwhile, Diane had booked a luxury suite in one of the five-star hotels for my bachelorette party.I glanced around at the space decorated with balloons, ribbons, and confetti and then turned a questioning look on Diane."Isn't this too much?""Too much? I wished I could do more but I had to restrain myself!" Diane squealed with delight. "Come on, Lora. This is your night to relax before you're hitched for life!""I'm already tied down though. legally, I'm still married to your brother," I replied with a grin. "And who are all these people?"There were a number of women in the room who were chatting and drinking champagne."Oh, just some people I invited to liven up the place," Diane replied. "You don't need t
I glanced around as the bridesmaids were fitting into their dresses and the men were fitting into their suits. The women were dressed in peach, and the men were wearing grey suits with peach bowties. "I love the dresses so much! As usual, you have a good eye for beautiful things, Lydia," said Bianca, and Diane concurred."That's right. the dresses are comfortable and not difficult to dance in. I'm dying to see your wedding dress," I said to Ruth, turning to face her."I'm the only person who gets to see the wedding dress. The rest of you can see it on the wedding day," Frank said, making Diane pout."That's not fair, bro. You guys got to see our dresses," she complained."Since it's our wedding and we need to make sure you guys look good. For the bride, I'll help her pick out the wedding dress she wants," Frank stated. The other men laughed. "I guess we are not needed here anymore," Adan said."We still need your opinion on the wedding cake. You can wait and let me try on the dresses,
Adan raised his hand to quiet the men from speaking. He grinned and spoke, "Let me talk to her."He chased Bianca until he grabbed her arm, stating, "Hey-"However, Bianca batted at his hand cruelly, spitting, "Don't touch me!"Adan was taken aback by Bianca's tantrum. 'I probably deserved that,' he thought, knowing he had messed up the last time they talked when he let his emotions get the better of him. "Why are you tripping?" Adan asked, looking into her eyes.A blaze of anger coursed through Bianca. She glared at Adan and said, "Seriously? After what happened, you think we can be like best friends?"Guilt crept over Adan when he knew what he had said to Bianca was not justified. Sighing, he uttered, "Look, I apologize, ok? I got mad that you called me filthy. I did not like it and I overreacted.""I don't care why you did it. we were never going to be friends so let's just forget about it. I won't shoot an ad with you," Bianca said stubbornly."I'm only filming it to save time, Be
My heart leaped, butterflies in my tummy running wild.Tears ran down my face as I looked at Frank's eyes. I knew he was going to ask me to marry him at any moment, but I never imagined he would ask me to marry him like that.When I was in the helicopter, looking down at what Frank had arranged, I believed that I was dreaming.The work he had put into the proposal was astronomical. I was like a princess in my own fairytale movie."Thank you, Frank. I love this surprise so much," I replied, crying.Frank smiled and wiped away my tears before saying, "I'm glad you love it, baby."The crowd later joined us to wish us and congratulate us.Charles Lanka hugged his grandson first. He playfully ruffled the back of his grandson and shouted, "What you've done right here, sonny. this is what a real man does. I'm so proud of you."Frank smiled, hugging his grandfather again. "Thanks, Grandpa," he said. "I'm happy you were always there to show me the way and remind me of how I felt about Lydia. I
The helicopter then left the rooftop and flew away. The sound of the helicopter blades whirring filled Lydia's ears as she peered out the window, taking in the endless landscape below. She was captivated by the greenery and the distant mountains, they looked so beautiful from here.Later, Jack suddenly yelled through the headphones, "Wow! Mommy, look!"Lydia gazed out of the window and breathed heavily at what she was seeing.A heart design was drawn on the floor, outlined with white and red flowers.Lydia's cry was in her throat when the heart design ended up being more visible when the helicopter flew lower to the ground.White roses were used to dramatically script the words within the heart,[Will you marry me again, Lydia Nakamura?]Days ago.Frank went to the Nakamura mansion to visit Freya Nakamura when Lydia was working."You didn't take long, huh? Thirty days on the dot," Freya said, standing with a mug in her hand, stirring tea."I've come for feedback," Frank responded asse
"Mommy, will you go on a date with us?" Jack requested Lydia over the weekend.Lydia arched an eyebrow. She was lounging in the garden, swinging and reading one of her favorite books. Frank was out on business meeting to seal a deal, so he wasn't there to keep her busy.She looked at Jack and laughed, "A date? Can you afford to go on one?""Of course!" said Jack and took out a black card. "Big Papaye gave us our weekly allowance and we'd like to spoil you."Lydia's eyes widened as she looked at the VIP card. Who gives a five-year-old an unlimited card as an allowance?Lydia sighed, reaching out to cup Jack's face. She replied, "Thank you, honey. But this is your allowance. you get whatever you want. Mommy already has money.""I know you have money, but we just want to do something special for you. please?" Jack said, batting his eyelashes.Lydia laughed, teasing Jack for being cute. She did not usually see him like this, so she gave in. "Okay. but we will not spend much. You should in