Noah
I couldn’t believe my eyes! While I was leaving, my husband was screwing with my best friend in my room! Didn’t he remember I got hurt because of him?! How ridiculous!
Even though I had seen Owen and Josie’s betrayal before in photos, witnessing it in real life was way worse. It felt like a million knives stabbed me in the chest. My heart shattered.
“How dare you cheat on me in our home! In our own bed, for God’s sake!” I cried out.
They hadn’t heard me open the bedroom door over the romantic music that was playing. They turned around with shocked looks on their faces. If I wasn’t so devastated, it might’ve been funny.
Owen's mouth had lipstick smears all over it, and Josie’s blonde hair was disheveled. They were both in their underwear. Clothes were spread out all over our bedroom floor.
I tried to hold back my tears. I didn't want to show them my pain. My crying might come across as weakness. I demanded an explanation.
“I don’t believe this. Owen! Did you forget I am your wife?! Josie, why did you betray me too?! I treat you as my best friend. How dare you take my husband away from me!” I insisted.
Josie hid away in Owen’s arms. Owen comforted her gently, then snapped at me: “You’ve already seen us together anyway, haven't you, Noah?”
“I am done with you.” He continued. “Our whole relationship was based on a lie. Josie should’ve been with me all along!”
I didn’t understand. “What are you talking about, Owen?”
He held up a delicate golden necklace with a tear shaped ruby that had been resting on Josie’s collarbone.
“Remember this, Noah? The truth has finally come out. It was Josie who saved my life all those years ago, not you. You pretended that it was you in front of my parents. You’ve made her suffer long enough!”
I was shocked. Why did Josie have my necklace? I couldn't believe her betrayal.
I tried to explain to Owen that I lost that necklace before I was adopted by his family. I told him I would never lie to him. Especially about something so important. But Owen didn’t believe me.
“Josie,” I cried. “How could you do this to me? Why would you steal my necklace? You know how much it means to me! We’ve been best friends since the orphanage, haven’t we? Does that mean nothing to you?”
“Noah, you know this necklace has always belonged to me. I was the one who saved Owen. But you stole my life to be adopted,”Josie played innocent with me, “I should have been the one who grew up with Owen! I see you as my sister, so I never attempted to reveal your lie until Owen found this necklace in my old jewelry box several months ago.” This convinced Owen even more that I had been bullying her. He wrapped his arms around her. Over his shoulder, when he couldn’t see, Josie gave me a quick, mean smirk.
I knew Josie had a mean side. She always had, even when we were kids. But so far, she had only taken it out on her boyfriends and whoever got on her bad side, not on me. I never thought she might treat me in such a mean way! I had searched everywhere but couldn't find my necklace. It turned out that she was the thief who was always around me. How could she tell such outrageous lies as if it were natural?
I left the bedroom, rushed downstairs and broke down on the couch. Oh, what a nightmare! How could I make Owen see the truth?
A little later, Owen and Josie came downstairs, all dressed up again. Josie was wearing her Prada pumps and the sleek, mint green dress I gifted her for her birthday. It accentuated her long legs and slender silhouette.
I had to admit, she looked beautiful. I used to dress in a simple way such as simple jeans, white blouse and sneakers. Maybe I looked less attractive compared to Josie.
Owen had an arm around Josie’s waist and warned me, “You’d better stay out of our life from now on. I’ll move to another villa with Josie.”
I couldn't believe it. After 3 years of marriage, he trusted her story over mine. And now he wanted nothing to do with me.
We used to be happily married. Our whole lives, ever since I saved him, we had been so close. We used to laugh together, cry together, play pranks on each other… But now, everything changed, simply because of a necklace. In fact, “necklace” is just an excuse for his betrayal. I didn’t believe our years of affection couldn’t prove my heart.
“Noah, my life was ruined by you. You owe me that.” Josie said.
“One day you’ll both regret this. I didn’t do anything wrong.” I sobbed.
As they walked out, I faintly heard Owen reply: “It’s my fault. I should have found you earlier, or you wouldn’t have suffered so much.” I could only guess at his last insult as the door closed behind them.
I zoned out in front of the TV and poured myself some of Owen’s whisky. The past couple of days had been the worst of my life ever since I lost my parents. My body and mind had been through so much. I felt numb.
I must have fallen asleep on the couch. The sudden loud jingle of my phone ringing woke me up. The bright midmorning sun was shining in through the large windows. Looks like I slept in late.
Disoriented, I picked up my phone and saw it was Owen calling. I accepted the call and brought the phone to my ear. Before I could say a word, I heard Owen’s angry shouting:
“How dare you do this to Josie! Those guys you hired? They put her in the hospital! I can’t believe your jealousy would drive you this far!”
Noah“What?! What guys? I just woke up, Owen. I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I replied to the angry voice on the phone.“More lies! I can’t believe you, Noah. You're despicable!” Owen shouted. He was so loud, I had to move the phone away from my ear.“Owen, please calm down. All I remember is you leaving with Josie last night. I fell asleep on the couch. What happened?”“Josie is in the hospital because of you. I demand that you come here right now and apologize to her!”He ended the call before I could reply. What was this about? Would my life ever go back to normal? I decided to find out what was going on.My fever was over. Although my head still hurt, the wound was healing rapidly. I took a refreshing shower and got into a pencil skirt and light blue blouse. I combed my hair and decided to wear it in natural loose waves today.After a quick breakfast, I slipped into my high heels and coat, and made my way to my car. It was a crisp sunny day.I arrived at the hospital.
NoahOwen and I signed the divorce papers. That was that. Three years of marriage, gone.After signing the papers, Owen returned to the hospital to look after Josie. Meanwhile, I started packing up my things.Although we had multiple properties, I felt sad about leaving our beautiful villa. But I couldn’t stay here anymore. The love that once filled this home was gone now. I decided to move to our penthouse. I always loved that place. It had a large south facing terrace overlooking the river, in a quiet part of town.The next morning, I arrived at my new place. The moving company had just finished carrying all my boxes in, when I got a phone call.It was an unknown number. Curious, I answered the phone:“Hello, Noah speaking.”“Hello, are you Lisa Smith’s family member? You need to come to the police station. She was arrested.” The police officer said.His words shocked me. Lisa was the housekeeper who took care of me and Owen when we were kids. She was one of the kindest ladies I kne
NoahA throbbing headache and intense nausea woke me up. A bucket was placed within hand's reach, right next to the bed. Thank goodness. I relieved myself and looked around. Where was I? I found myself in the biggest hotel room I’d ever seen. The huge king bed had the softest, whitest sheets. It felt like I was lying in a cloud. A lustrous chandelier was hanging over a classy velvet lounge set. Outside the window, I could only see the sky. We must be in the penthouse.I pulled the covers over my head. The daylight was too bright for my sensitive eyes. What happened last night?The events from the night before slowly started coming back to me. The clothes scattered all over the floor confirmed the faint memories of moans and sweaty skin. I remembered how crazy I kissed him. I blushed. No, it can't be… When I heard the sound of a shower in the bathroom, a picture of Raymond's strong, perfect body came to mind. I shook my head, trying to clear my sinful thoughts.Minutes later, Raymond
RaymondThe first time I met Noah was when I came back to take over my family's business. She was only 19 years old then. I grew up in Australia with my mother. My parents got a divorce when I was 6. My mom decided to travel back to her home country, taking me with her.Even though my parents couldn’t stand each other, I kept in touch with my dad over the years. He was rich and successful. He inspired me to study management and start a career in business. I was really good at it and got promoted every few years.On my 24th birthday, my father called me and said he had a special gift for me. “My son, I am retiring in two years. I’d like you to come home to train under me. Once I step away from my position, I want you to take over the company.” He said.I was stunned and felt deeply honored. Of course, this was an opportunity I had to grasp. I quit my job in Australia and made my way back home.At my Welcome Home party, Noah and Owen were standing in a far corner. When I finally made i
NoahAfter a delicious breakfast in the big hotel suite, I started getting my things together. Among the clothes scattered on the floor, I found Raymond's watch under my dress. He must’ve missed it when he gathered his things.As I was about to walk out the door, my phone rang. It was Lisa. “Lisa! Hi! I hope you're calling me with some good news. I could really use it right now.”She told me that a witness came forward last night and told the police that she was innocent. She was free to go.Thank goodness. Josie had kept his promise and got Lisa out. At least all that alcohol last night had been for a purpose.“That's amazing, Lisa.” I sighed. “I'm so glad!”“Me too, what a relief!” She responded. “Where are you, Noah? I really want to come and see you.”I felt so awkward and embarrassed after last night. I made an excuse that I was busy at work and would contact her later.I was painfully aware of Raymond's watch in my purse. I'd have to return it to him soon. But I really didn’t kn
Noah“Noah…? How are you feeling?” Lisa asked after I'd been staring at the letter quietly for 10 minutes. I looked up at her and said, “I'm feeling overwhelmed… But happy to know I still have a living family member!” I smiled. I always used to envy people with parents, and now I was one of them.The next morning, I woke up with new hope for my life. Perhaps this really would be a great new chapter. A new home, a new chance, and a real family.For several days, I thought about what I wanted to say to my father. Should I bring him a gift? Should I ask him about his life, or wait to see what he has to say? I pondered and prepared for the big moment.***On Saturday, I made my way to the restaurant in the early evening. The address was remote. The neighborhood seemed a bit dodgy. I felt on edge for no apparent reason.Suddenly, my phone rang, which frightened me. I looked at the screen and saw it was Raymond. I considered not picking up, but changed my mind.“Hello, Raymond?” I answered
NoahI was frightened by my father’s sudden rage. After our long conversation, I thought we had built some trust between us. And the blood bond we shared as father and daughter - didn’t that count for something?I desperately tried to defend myself. “Bob! Dad! Please… Let me go!” I cried, my voice constrained by his strong hands.He pressed me onto the table and cursed me and my dead mother. I couldn’t believe how aggressive and mean he was. He seemed so friendly earlier. I guess he just wanted my money…Tears were streaming down my face. The physical pain wasn’t nearly as bad as the emotional hurt. I thought I finally had a real family. A father I could count on. Someone whose flesh and blood I shared. Someone who truly cared about me.But instead, my newly found father was a shabby gambler who only wanted my money. He didn't care about me at all. What a nightmare.That's just my luck, I thought. These past few weeks have been nothing but disastrous. I shouldn't have got my hopes up
NoahRaymond was lying on the dirty pavement. He was moaning in pain. Bob froze as he heard the police sirens. They were coming closer. He seemed to consider running away, but couldn’t make up his mind. He was still holding the steel rod.“Noah, I will let this man live if you can promise to get me the money right now.” He uttered nervously. Was he seriously threatening me with Raymond's life?I tried to stall him, “OK, hold on. I will call my ex right now.” I fumbled around with my phone and pretended to call Owen.“Hello? Owen? It's Noah.” I feigned. “I have a huge favor to ask you. You see, I found out my father is still alive.”“Hurry up!” Bob interjected as the sirens got louder and louder.“He has a huge debt and needs $50,000.” I continued. “I don’t ha-”The second the police car came around the corner, Bob dropped his steel weapon and ran away. The car caught up with him easily. The officers jumped out and soon had him cornered. Their guns intimidated Bob. He finally gave up