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Chapter 12: A Broken Promise
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2024-12-01 01:00:50Related chapters
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 13: The Perfect Subject
JULIA Sitting side by side in front of the canvas, I pushed away any lingering thoughts. I was in their territory, but I was determined not to be brought down! I had experienced far too many setbacks in my life to react to something as small as this. Heather’s delicate fingers were brushing through a collection of pencils on the table, her face the picture of concentration. Even now, she looked utterly beautiful. “I hope this isn’t awkward for you,” she suddenly said, taking me by surprise. She glanced at me, her blonde ponytail nearly smacking my face. I blinked. “What do you mean?” Heather smiled and reached out to place her hand over mine. I flinched for a second, but she kept her hold firm. “Well, you know…considering you and Anders used to be a thing. I hope it’s not uncomfortable. I really didn’t know he was going to be here. However, when I got home, he was already taking a shower in my apartment.” She chuckled and shook her head, looking down at her lap. “I swear—it f
Last Updated : 2024-12-02His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 14: A Day To Thank Brownies
JULIA Evan leaned against the edge of the table with his arms crossed. “When’s the deadline for this project?” he asked. Heather was the first to answer. “It’s due next month. We still have plenty of time.”Plenty of time. The phrase rang in my ears like a warning bell. I glanced at the canvas, then at the two of them, feeling a sharp pang of unease settle in my chest. Plenty of time for what? To sit here in awkward silence while Heather chirped away and Evan’s presence suffocated me?“No,” I said quickly, capturing their attention. “Let’s get started right away.”Heather tilted her head with her ever-pleasant smile. “Right away?”“Yes,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant, though my fingers twitched against my lap. “The faster we finish this, the faster we can all move on. Plus,” I added, trying to sound practical, “I’m not exactly dying to juggle this with everything else coming up.”Heather’s smile widened if that was even possible. “That’s fine by me,” she said cheerfully. “We’
Last Updated : 2024-12-03His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 15: Suffocating Tension
JULIA The silence between us was suffocating. It was a good thing that Heather’s commotion from the kitchen cut through the silence. Some pots clanged, drawers opened and slammed shut, and her voice was muttering frantically with a forced cheer. “Oops! I think I burned them! I’ll be back in a minute!” she called out.Her absence, though, made the room feel lighter. I still have to thank those brownies because they stopped me from seeing the obvious public display of affection that the two were portraying. With that, I gripped the pencil tightly in my hand and focused on the smooth canvas in front of me. The outline was there, and I couldn’t help but think that hyperrealism really wasn't Heather’s strongest feat. I shook my head and grabbed the eraser to tweak her outline. Her drawing looked like a handsome man, but it didn’t look like Evan at all. As I did this, I could feel Evan’s gaze burning on my forehead. Of course, I chose to ignore it and just pressed the pencil against t
Last Updated : 2024-12-04His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 16: There's No Chance
JULIA The silence was unbearable. I focused on the canvas. “Julia,” Evan said, his voice cutting through the silence.Why was he trying to strike a conversation once again? I didn’t look up. “What?”He paused for a moment, carefully choosing his words. “You’re not thinking of me, right?”My pencil stopped mid-stroke. Slowly, I lifted my head, narrowing my eyes at him. “What kind of question is that?” I asked in an incredulous voice. He leaned back slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Just answer the question.”I rolled my eyes, my tone sharp. “No, I’m not thinking of you.”Who was I kidding? I’d thought about him in every stupid way possible. In the mornings, when I woke up to cold sheets, I wondered if he still slept sprawled out, stealing all the blankets. On the nights when the silence pressed too close, I’d hear his laugh in my head, mocking me for still holding on.I thought about him when I saw couples holding hands, imagining how his felt in mine—warm, st
Last Updated : 2024-12-05His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 17: Sweet, Doting Girlfriend
HEATHERI pursed my lips, not knowing how to react. Why was it that he was still so affected by that guy? If he truly didn’t care, then he would have no problem talking about HIM. Like he said, it was already in the past. Was it because he was still affected by how that guy changed the trajectory of everything? I really wanted to push it. However, seeing that his expression was serious, I let out a deep breath. “Alright,” I muttered. “I won’t talk about him anymore. I’m sorry.” His expression softened, and he raised his hand to pat my head, making me close my eyes. Evander always felt so warm. “It’s okay,” he said. “Everything is just in the past. So, can we leave it there, hmm?” I nodded once more, not wanting to argue with him. We stood there for a while, with him just stroking my hair, before he spoke again. “Why don’t we talk about my dad’s proposition?” he suggested. I froze, my stomach tightening. Of course, it was about that again. I forced myself to look unaffected, s
Last Updated : 2024-12-06His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 18: His Birthday Wish
JULIA “So, that’s what happened,” I muttered, slumping back on Sarah’s couch. I was planning on keeping everything to myself, but the moment I saw Sarah, the story came spilling out. I leaned against the cushions, letting out a frustrated sigh. “I’m trying my best to be civil, but he just keeps pushing. Heather, on the other hand, is still perfect as ever! I don’t know anymore. Can I go back and live with your parents? ” “You know you can’t do that,” Sarah chuckled. “Now, let’s talk about Evander.” Sarah didn’t even hesitate. “That man has officially lost it. What a weirdo. He used to be so kind, so thoughtful—ugh. What happened to him?”“I don’t know,” I said, crossing my arms in front of my chest. Sarah placed her finger under her chin. “Heather happened to him,” she concluded. I raised one eyebrow in inquiry. “She must be poisoning his food or something,” Sarah said, her lips curling into a sneer. “What is she? A witch?” I asked. “She might as well be!” Sarah exclaimed.
Last Updated : 2024-12-07His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 19: You're Screwed
JULIA My heart dropped.“Oh shit,” Sarah said before she could stop himself. Normally, I would turn to glare at her, but I was too shocked to even do that. “Aunt Sarah,” Andy said, shaking his head. "Don't say bad words."Sarah sheepishly smiled, also not knowing what to say. I cleared my throat. Maybe, I just heard it wrong. “Can you repeat that, bub?” Andy pursed his lips before speaking once more. “My dad,” he muttered. “Can I meet him on my 6th birthday, please?” I heard right. “Goodness,” I whispered to myself. He never asked for him. Not once in all these years. Not when he was teased for being the only kid in their neighborhood without a dad during a Father’s Day event. Not when I’d find him quietly watching other kids with their dads at the park. Andy had always been the “okay, mommy” kid. The “I’m fine” kid. The “everything is good” kid. It hurt, of course. It must be because he saw my struggles being a single mother. I knew my son. If Andy was asking for something,
Last Updated : 2024-12-07His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 20: Alone Time
JULIA "How's the project going?" Harper asked, slinging an arm around me. I sighed and shook my head. "Well, it's been put to a stop for the last couple of days since Heather has this modeling gig." "Ah, must be nice to have excused absences," Gianna said."Yeah," I muttered. Just then, someone approached us from the lunch table, causing the three of us to lift our heads. It was a young man looking confident. We exchanged looks of confusion before turning to him once more. "Can we help you?" I softly asked, not wanting to sound rude.He merely smiled, running his fingers through his hair and smoldering. I wasn't sure. It looked more like a flinch to me. "I was wondering," he said, focusing on me. My eyebrows raised in surprise when he suddenly winked. "You caught my eye from the other corner of the cafeteria," he said. "I think you're really cute. Let's exchange numbers." "Oh," I said, not being able to stop myself. Gianna and Harper exchanged glances, clearly amused. "Juli
Last Updated : 2024-12-08
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His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 46: Taxi Driver
JULIA “Get back here! Face me so I can show you where you should be!” Cindy Astor continued to scream at my back. “Mom, that’s enough,” Evan finally said, but it was over. I tuned them all out. I walked out of the estate, shivering as my clothes clung to me like a second skin. Wet. Humiliated. The whispers followed me like ghosts, echoing in my mind long after I left the garden. They didn't even bother to be subtle. I didn’t look back as I walked out of the estate, not at Gianna, not at Harper, not at the wide-eyed onlookers who had made no attempt to hide their stares.And definitely not at Heather or Evan. I didn’t need to see their faces to know what they thought. I sighed in relief when I saw the gate ahead. It sucked that I had to fall in the swimming pool, but it sucked more because the pathway to their gate was too freaking long! The guard gave me a pitiful stare as he opened the gate, making me feel even worse than before. It seemed like he wanted to offer me his ja
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 45: Humiliated
JULIA Silence. The party was just at its peak a few seconds ago, but now, silence reigned in the large garden. It didn’t help that the DJ stopped playing the music, too. Even the crickets had gone quiet. Come to think of it, I should have noticed how strange everything was. The curtains on the stage. The microphone in Evan’s hand. The set-up itself. It seemed like they were gearing up for a surprise. And then, I noticed it. His other hand was occupied. In his palm was a small velvet box. My breath got caught in the back of my throat. It didn’t take a genius to know it was a ring. It must have been the reason why Heather invited me, too. Well, she really had no reason in the first place. But, she must have wanted me to see this—his proposal—knowing it would tear me to pieces. Evan must have noticed my gaze, so he placed it inside his pocket. However, it was too late. I heard something drop from behind me. I abruptly turned around and saw Heather. She was now dressed in a shorte
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 44: The Hidden Truth
JULIAThe party was in full swing, but my thoughts were a million miles away.Evan looked like he really meant it when he told me to leave. However, how could I when he didn’t even give me a chance to say what was on my mind? Still, I had a bad feeling about it. I had a hunch; it was about what his father had told him, but I had no clue what that was.I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on the present. Just then, the lights became brighter, focusing on the door of the house. The music changed into an RnB song that I heard endlessly on the radio. Gianna and Harper scrambled to film the entire thing, amazed at the scale of her entrance. Then, the door opened, revealing Heather. Gasps rippled through the crowd as she stepped forward, sweeping into the garden in a gown of deep, fiery red, just as Sarah had predicted. The color suited her—bold, attention-grabbing, and a little dangerous. I stifled a laugh, remembering how Sarah had teased me earlier.“She’ll show up in red,” Sarah
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 43: Scary Father-in-Law
JULIA Evan’s eyes widened, and before I could even react, his hand clamped around my wrist.“What are you—”He didn’t answer. He pulled me quickly to the side, his movements prompt but not rough, and before I knew it, I was standing behind a heavy curtain. The fabric scratched against my arm as Evan stepped in front of me, shielding me from view.“Stay quiet,” he whispered, his voice barely audible from how thick their curtain was. His body was close—really close. I could feel his warmth from the thick cloth. I was sure he could feel my chest, too, the way it rose and fell, along with the tension on my shoulders. My heart thudded in my chest, not just from the sudden movement but from the way his hand lingered against mine. His touch wasn’t harsh. It was almost...protective. Well, he had always been protective of me when it came to his parents. Despite their blatant rejection of my presence in their family, I never felt its heaviness because of Evan. I tilted my head up to look
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 42: Say It
JULIA Heather really must have invited the entire city.I tightened my grip on the clutch in my hand, glancing over the group of people spilling across the mansion’s sprawling garden. It was amazing that someone knew so many people. I didn’t even have these many friends on my social media! However, what was more amazing was the space. The place should have been cramped, but the Astor’s estate was designed to fit crowds that could fill a stadium. Instead of chaos, the scene looked like a magazine spread. Fairy lights were strung between towering oaks, champagne flutes glinting in the golden light, and impeccably dressed guests mingling like they owned the world.Their laughter was also a familiar tune. It was the sound of rich people laughing—the borderline fake one that you hear in casinos, golf courses, or yachts. “Woah, is this Heather’s house?” Gianna whispered beside me, her jaw practically on the floor.I shook my head, still amazed at the scene before me. “No, it’s the Asto
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 41: Silver and Red
JULIA“What?” Sarah exclaimed, chuckling. “I’m just telling the truth!” “Whatever,” I said, shaking my head. “I’m going to get changed.” “Julia,” she said in a scolding tone. “Look at yourself right now.” She directed my body to face the mirror, and there, I saw my entire look. “What am I supposed to look at?” I muttered. “A very beautiful, breeda—” “Don’t even finish that sentence,” I warned, glaring at her. She chuckled and shook her head. “You look perfect!” she said. “I know you don’t want to capture anybody’s attention, but you’re just a natural at that. I can make you wear a rag, and you’d still get their attention.” “Where are you going with this?” I asked. “What I’m saying is,” she smiled, placing her hands on my shoulders. “You’re going to be okay. You’re not overdressed. Silver and gold are the themes, and this fits right in it! Heather would be predictable and go with something red, but hey, what do I know about it?” “Anyway,” she continued. “Don’t feel out of plac
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 40: Banging
EVANDER "Rui, grab me a coffee," I said, not looking up from my laptop. It was already the end of the week, and I was tired out of my mind. Tomorrow, I still need to come to work before going to Heather's birthday. "You should place the coffee maker in your office at this point," another voice said, making me frown. I sighed and lifted my head, already dreading the conversation. "What are you doing here, Dad?" I asked, massaging the bridge of my nose. "Why?" he asked, sitting on the large leather couch. "Can't I visit my one and only son?" "Dad, please," I said. "I'm already tired as it is. Cut to the chase." He chuckled, making me shake my head. "You really know me so well. You know that Heather's party is coming up, right?" "Yes," I said. "You arranged it to be in our mansion and invited all of your friends and colleagues." "Well, yes," he said. "Our house is big enough to host the entire city! Your mom wants to make it extravagant, too, since she's turning 25." "Hmm," I hu
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 39: Accept It
JULIA This week was shaping up to be one of the worst weeks of my life. First, I got drugged by a lunatic and was saved by my ex—who made me feel like his help was worth a million dollars. Second, I found out that Heather, my ex's current girlfriend, was born a day before my son. Not only that, but she invited me to the said party, which was going to be held at the Astor's mansion. And third, Mr. Matthews, the professor who used to adore all of my works, called my latest piece 'mediocre,' 'lacking feeling,' and 'should have never been passed.' He didn't even take my artwork and told me to pass him another one by the end of next week! I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. It was the middle of the week already, and I still hadn't made my decision regarding Heather's invitation. I also haven't been able to restart the artwork as Mr. Matthews has instructed. Even Sarah was on edge as she watched me, not knowing what to say. Just then, Andy came out of his room with a wide a
His Secret Heir, His Deepest Regret Chapter 38: An Invitation
JULIA "Woah!" Harper exclaimed as soon as she saw me. "What happened to you?" I pursed my lips. It hadn't been long since I arrived at school, but I already looked like it was the end of day. I clutched the canvas to my side, silently thanking the universe that it dried on my way here. I had so much in my mind that I forgot to start the project for Mr. Matthews' subject. With that said, I started it just yesterday. Was I satisfied with the result? Not necessarily. However, I still needed to pass something somehow. Old me would have scolded my current self. "I didn't sleep," I said, slumping on the chair. It didn't help that Mr. Matthews was our first-morning subject. "I can see that," Harper chuckled. Gianna joined them, nudging Harper's side. "Even if Julia didn't get any sleep, she's still prettier than the majority of people people in this class." "Well, you're right about that," Harper said. "She still looks very beautiful." Just then, the door opened, and it seemed like
