âMrs. McCall,â he called out, prompting Adele to turn. He handed her a small red box. âWhat is it, Harden?â she asked, collecting the box. Opening it, she found a remote key inside. âCongratulations on your vacation home, Mrs. McCall,â Harden said, watching her gasp as her eyes widened. âHarden!â Adele burst into tears, shaking her head as she glanced between the key and their surroundings. âThis is too much,â she whispered, overwhelmed. Harden chuckled and pulled her into a hug. âItâs yours, honeyâyour vacation home. Iâm just a guest here,â he replied, as Adele cried even harder. âI donât deserve this, Harden. Itâs too much,â she said, and Harden gently wiped away her tears. âYes, you do. Youâre my wife, even though we havenât gone to the altar yet,â he said with a soft laugh. âYou gave me kids I never imagined having at this point in my life. You stood by me until I was back on my feet. Yes, Adele, you deserve this. Itâs yours. Do you think you donât?â he asked, and in respon
At the McCall family mansion, Gwen sat on the balcony, her mind swirling with thoughts. Maria had left earlier for the elite womenâs meeting, and Nana had gone for her daily check-up. Since last week, ever since that night with Harden, Gwenâs body hadnât felt right. For the past three days, she had been feeling nauseous and weak. She wondered if she had fallen ill from being locked in that dark place Harden had imprisoned her in.Sipping her juice, Gwen tried to push away the uneasy feeling. Just then, the butler approached her.âMadam,â he called, causing Gwen to look up.âYes?â she responded, her brow furrowed.âThereâs an elderly man outside the villa asking to see you,â the butler said politely.âWho is it?â Gwen asked, confused.âMr. Martinez,â the butler replied, watching as Gwenâs expression changed to one of shock.âWhat? How did he find this place?â she gasped, hearing her fatherâs name.âTell him Iâm not here,â she ordered quickly.The butler nodded. âYes, madam. I will let
The room was silent. Adeleâs shoulders had been tense for a while, but she eventually relaxed, her eyes fixed on Harden. The thought of her being the reason for his issues with his best friend ran through her mind. She had also caused him to keep his mother away from his home. A small smile crept onto Adeleâs face as she shook her head.âNo, baby,â she whispered, prompting Harden to frown.âNo?â he asked, and Adele nodded as she looked at him.âHe has asked me, but I told him heâs mistaken, and I donât have a sister,â she said, and Harden nodded in response.âGet ready for bed. I have some work to do,â he said, turning around, but Adele held his hand.He turned to look at her. Her green eyes stared at him, making him smile.âMake me sleep,â she whispered, causing Harden to chuckle.âI should make you sleep, hmm?â he chuckled again, pecking her hands while slowly bringing his head closer to her face.âI want to take you somewhere tomorrow,â he whispered, and Adele nodded in response.â
As Harden approached the lounge, he noticed Adele speaking to Aiden. He walked closer, catching the tail end of their conversation. There was an unusual tension in the air.âWhatâs going on here?â Harden asked, his voice stern, as he observed them both fall silent. Adele turned towards him, and he frowned upon noticing the faint bruise on her lips.âWhat happened to your lips?â he asked, concern lacing his voice.âNothing, baby. Iâll be upstairs. I wonât be joining the dinner,â Adele replied softly, forcing a smile before she turned and walked away. Harden watched her go, his frown deepening, then turned back to Aiden.âSpeak. What is going on?â he demanded.âNothing serious,â Aiden replied, smiling to cover his unease. âI thought I had seen her at the fashion house before, but she said it wasnât her.âHarden scoffed, his expression hardening. âI hope so. Donât make me doubt you, Aiden. You know I respect what we haveâdonât make me draw lines. Sheâs my wife, do you understand? If itâs
Grace stood frozen, her eyes wide with shock as her hand flew to her cheek, still stinging from the slap Adele had just delivered. Her disbelief quickly turned into fury, and with a growl, she lunged at Adele, but Austin was faster, stepping between them and holding Grace back.âGet off me! Let me go!â Grace shrieked, struggling against Austinâs grip. âHow dare you slap me, you witch!âAdele scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. âIâll slap you again and again, Grace. Iâve seen this jealousy in you since we were five years old. Youâve always wanted whatâs mine, always furious when men preferred me over you. Is spreading lies about me all you can do now that you canât make me leave Harden? I expected more from your petty, envious self.âGraceâs face twisted in rage, but Adele pressed on, her tone unwavering. âIâve always loved you, Grace. Iâve always put you first. I broke up with anyone you didnât like, and quit jobs you got me fired from, all because you couldnât stand to see me s
The sun shone brightly, and its rays fell on a curly-haired girl sleeping, due to the sudden bright sunshine, Gwen turned away and then she slowly opened her eyes. Immediately she sat up looking around.She was back to her home, she immediately came down from her bed rushing outside. Her father just finished preparing breakfast when he saw her. âPapaâ she called for her father to sigh. âWhat happened? Why am I here?â She asked looking confused. âYouâve been sleeping for a day,â he said for Gwen to frown. âA day?â She asks for her father to nod. âBreakfast is ready?â He said for Gwen to frown. âHow did you find me papa?â She asks for her father to look at her. âI came from the store at night to see your dirty body lying unconscious at the door. Gwen, you are all I have please, I donât want you to be hurt. Leave those rich people alone,â her father said for Gwen to shake her head. âPapa give me your phone, I want to speak with Sebastian,â she said for her father to shake