OWEN'S POVMy head turned to look at the figure that walked in and I frowned. Who was this dude and what gave him the right to barge in like that?I took in his dress, and I realized that he had a white lab coat on. He must be a doctor. How come I've never seen him before?“Who-”“Kendrick?” I heard Charlotte say in surprise as she got off me and I got even more surprised and confused. She knew him?“Flesh and blood.” He replied and she screamed in glee as she flew over to his side and threw herself on him.What the- I clenched my fist as a weird feeling bubbled inside of me. Who in the world was this guy and why would he cause such an excited reaction from my wife?“I can't believe it! Is this really you?” She questioned as she pulled away from him and walked around him like an inspector.“Yes, it's me, sugarplum. I'm back for real this time. And I'm back for you.” He smiled fondly at her and my heart clenched at the sight of his ruffling her hair.Only I had the right to do that. Su
CHARLOTTE'S POVI looked around the well-furnished office, and I couldn't help but swell with pride. It was cozy and smelled amazing. Ricky had always been a clean freak so this is no surprise.Come to think of it, he and Owen were alike in many ways. How they didn't get along is still very surprising.“When did you get back, Ricky?” I asked as he placed a cup of coffee in front of me and I gave him a grateful smile.“Last week. I was asked to resume work as soon as possible, so here I am.” He replied as he took a sip of his coffee and I mimicked his movement.“I never knew that you worked here. Looks like the military was good to you. See how handsome you look! I wanna ruffle your hair but it's too short now.” I pouted and he chuckled.“You've changed a lot, Sugarplum. I was only gone for three years and now you're all grown up. I went back to the house to look for you but couldn't find you. That's when I heard that your parents died and that you disappeared after that. I tried searc
OWEN'S POV“I got his information like you asked me to.” I heard Ethan say over the phone and I hummed for him to go on while I stared out the window.Shouldn't I be worried? She isn't back yet and I didn't trust that rude guy one bit.“His name is Kendrick Stones. He is 31, and he is the only child of Charlotte's mother's brother.” He explained and I frowned.“Charlotte's uncle?”“Yes, but he's deceased. So is his wife. Kendrick served in the military for three years and returned last week Wednesday. He's a single dude but he has a daughter. His wife divorced him four years ago and left him with the kid.” He explained and I let out a sigh.“From what I found, he's always treated Charlotte as his younger sister since he didn't have one. I think it's pretty understandable that he's protective of Charlotte.”“He didn't have to be that rude,” I said grumpily and he snorted.“You have to bear with it.”“Wait, you said he's 31? I'm actually older than that dude! And he's speaking to me lik
OWEN'S POVI turned around in fear to look at who screamed and I realized it was Mirabel. She struggled to get off her dad and when she finally did, she ran up to me and blinked cutely.“Why did you scream like that?” I asked in worry as I knelt to her height and she smiled apologetically.“I didn't want you to go yet. How will I reach you again, handsome uncle?” She asked and I let out a sigh of relief.“Don't do something like that again okay? I was scared that something had happened to you.” I cautioned and she nodded, a sad look on her face. I let out a sigh as I dipped my hand into my pocket and brought out my business card.“Here. You can call me on the phone number. Is that okay?” I handed it to her and she squealed happily as she threw herself in my arms before she pulled away.I stood up, and she ran back to her dad; then she turned to me and smiled.“See you again, handsome uncle!” She shouted as she waved at me and I waved back.“Bye, little angel.”“She got attached to you
CHARLOTTE'S POVI stared at my reflection in the mirror as I peeled off the bandages on my skin. My tears fell silently as I inspected the wounds on my chest. It doesn't sting anymore.But what stings is the fact that I'm now bruised and battered. How would I face Owen after this? What if he hates me because of this? What if he finds me ugly?So many what-ifs and whys ran through my head. Why did this happen to me? Why me?When I took off all the bandages, I couldn't stifle the sob that wrecked out of me. My arms were designed with ugly red cuts that ran all the way to my wrist.“He wouldn't love you anymore. You're damaged just like Michael wanted. He's gonna hate you for sure.” I said to myself in the mirror as I cried softly.The thought of Owen looking at me in disgust and hatred caused my heart to clench tight in pain, and I let out a painful gasp as my sobs became louder.I placed a hand over my mouth so that Owen wouldn't hear me but my heart sank when I heard a knock on the ba
OWEN'S POVI watched as she slept peacefully in my arms, my hand stroking her arms that were wrapped around me like she was holding onto life support. I don't mind being her life support, she was my life support.I gently traced the marks on her delicate skin, earning a soft gasp from her and she snuggled into me even more.“I would make him pay for everything. It wouldn't help you heal, but it would at least quench the fire of anger in me.” I whispered as I gently pried her hands off me and placed a pillow in her arms instead.I hope I'm back before she wakes up. She was pretty knocked out after our crazy session in the bathroom and a chuckle escaped my lips when I remembered how wild it was.The bathtub, under the shower, the sink, in front of the mirror just to show her how perfect she was… That was the wildest we've ever done.I quietly walked across the room and threw some clothes on, preferably black. I had to give off this gangster aura to intimidate Michael.“Owen… Stay…” I he
CHARLOTTE'S POVI felt their eyes on me, mocking me. Their gazes were full of disdain, mockery, and disgust. I wanted to shrink up and hide somewhere where no one would ever find me.“You're ugly.”No, Owen said I'm not.“Who would love a girl like you with ugly scars?”Owen said I was perfect. He said he loved me.“He will dump you soon.”He- he won't. Right?“You don't deserve him!”I started to cry as I placed my hands over my ears and tried to block out their harsh words because I was beginning to believe them.“I love you.” I heard Owen's voice call out to me, and I looked around, but I couldn't find him. The disdainful voices started talking again and I tried to focus on Owen's voice instead.He loves me. He told me that he loved me. He would never lie to me.My eyes flew open and I let out a breath of relief when I realized I was in our bedroom. I turned to look at Owen when I realized he wasn't beside me and my heart dropped. Did he leave me?“Owen?” I called out as I got out
OWEN'S POVTorturing people was never something I considered to be fun. It was a sick and twisted horrific game and I loathed it with all passion.But the moment the bat in my hand came in contact with Michael's shoulder and he cried out in pain, I felt a bliss that I never knew existed.“You're a monster!” He yelled out in pain and I rolled the bat in my hand, a smile forming on my face as I turned to Ethan.He was staring at me wide-eyed and then he raised his thumb at me like he was very impressed.“Is this the rise of the Mafia billionaire?” He asked in shock and I chuckled as I ran my hand over my hair, scattering it in the process.“Is it just me or is it hot in here?” I asked as I unbuttoned the first two buttons of my shirt and then turned back to Michael.He was groaning in pain, and no, I'm not a sadist, but I felt happy to know that I could cause him pain the same way he did to my wife. Maybe even worse.Just as I was about to swing the bat again, the door was pushed open,
OWEN'S POVMonths had passed since my parents’ death and Caleb's cruel execution. One that he deserved. I couldn't help but remember him every now and then. The happy times we shared, the bliss and excitement that we experienced together… How could it all be a lie?“Snap out of it, Mister. The brides will be here any minute.” Ethan said as he helped me straighten my bow and suit and I rubbed my hands nervously.“Tell me the truth, Ethan, do I look good enough?” I whispered and he hit my shoulder as he fixed his bow too and stood beside me.“Don't you know that you have the limelight on you? I'm in the shadows here, Sir.” He said with a chuckle and I chuckled too as the priest walked up to the altar.“Can you believe it? We're both getting married on the same day to inseparable friends. This is called what, fate?” I mumbled and he shook his head in amusement as we turned to look at the entrance.“Damn it! The rings!” I exclaimed in horror and he slapped the back of my head as he took i
CHARLOTTE'S POVI took deep breaths as I stood in front of the beautiful gates and Owen took my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I lifted my head to look at me and he had a small smile on his face as he rang the doorbell twice.We waited in silence, my breath held in nervousness and after a while, someone pulled the door open. I plastered a smile on my face and when the man looked at me then at Owen, a warm smile formed on his face as he opened the gate wide open for us to come in.I was surprised at how he treated us but then, who wouldn't treat Owen right, knowing who is? We walked inside hand in hand and the man guided us inside the house and told us to wait while he called his bosses.I glanced around and the beauty of the house took my breath away. It was magnificent and luxurious. It reminded me of how I felt when I first stepped into the Walkers’ house.“Are you okay?” Owen asked as he rubbed my hands gently and I nodded.“Just a bit nervous. That's all.” I said with a ner
CHARLOTTE'S POVI wasn't just nervous, I was panicking. The anxiety threatened to swallow me whole and sweat kept running down my face, ruining my makeup for the fifth time.“Char, come on! It's not even hot yet you're sweating so much. You know what, you don't need makeup. You're already so pretty on your own. Just stop being so nervous and scared. They're your parents, not God.” Rose said as she took out another wiper and started to wipe my face clean.I knew she was right but I couldn't help the fear that clawed at my throat, threatening to end me.“You don't get it, Rose. This isn't just anybody. These people are almost on par with Owen! How am I supposed to feel knowing that my biological parents are important figures in the country and I lived my whole life running from debt? Make it make sense, Rose!” I exclaimed in frustration as I collapsed into the chair.“We should have gotten this over with a month ago but they just had to leave the country at that time. Now they're back a
OWEN'S POVThe day was finally here. The day of judgment for Caleb.Charlotte and I stood hand in hand in the crowded courtroom, the tension in the air thick enough to slice through with a knife. My grip on her hand tightened and she looked at me with a reassuring smile.I turned and my eyes met Caleb's, who stood at the defendant's table with his expression showing that he was unbothered. He looked like he was ready to face whatever came his way, like he didn't care and none of this mattered to him.For a man who had caused me so much pain, he was very calm, which disturbed me greatly.I clenched my fist as the weight of everything he had done began to press down on me so much that it almost suffocated me.My parents... Charlotte’s parents... Beatrice… those innocent lives that he took. How could he stand there without a sign of remorse?The judge finally entered, and the room went silent. Everyone stood as we waited for him to take his seat. My heart pounded harshly in my chest as I
CHARLOTTE'S POVI stared at Owen in confusion and he ran a hand through his hair as he took a seat beside me and held my hands.“I'm serious. Caleb found out first, then Ethan found out and he told me. That's what we were discussing that day. I know it's hard to believe but I have evidence and proof. You are the legitimate and missing daughter of the Davies.” Owen explained and I just stared at him like he was cracking a joke.“Don't you think this is a very expensive joke? What do you mean by I'm the daughter of the Davies? Like ‘The Davies’. Are you trying to mess with me right now?” I asked in annoyance as I got off the bed and Owen sighed as he stood up with me.“He's right, Charlotte.” Ethan butted in and I glanced at him in confusion.“Hold on…this isn't a prank. You're actually serious about this.” I clarified and my heart sank when they nodded in affirmation.“How is this possible? I grew up with my parents. All my childhood memories that I can recall were with them. They neve
OWEN'S POV“What was it?” I asked in confusion and he sat up as he leaned towards me.“A bulletproof.” He replied and my brows creased in confusion. What did he mean by that?“What do you mean bulletproof? How would that have saved my life?” I asked and he let out a chuckle.“Well, it saved mine. Without a second thought, I went to the store room and grabbed the only one that was available there. I remember when you told your father that it wasn't needed and that he shouldn't get it. It eventually came in handy.”“I was supposed to take it to you so that you could escape unscathed but I was too late. He already held you at gunpoint so I had no choice but to wear it under my clothes and act as your bulletproof. The first shot actually hit me. Right here.” He pointed at his lower abdomen and my eyes widened in realization.“That's why there was blood everywhere and it made my fake death even more believable. The rest of the bullets bounced off and didn't touch me. I had no idea that Bea
OWEN'S POVI stood there in shock and confusion as I looked around for Ethan's dead body. Could Caleb have taken his body with him? But there was no sign of a bloody body being dragged on the floor.“Papa!” I heard Charlotte cry out as she saw my parents lying in each other's cold arms and I pulled her to me to stop her from moving forward.“Stop looking. They're probably happy where they are now. They died in each other's arms, that's probably what they wanted.” I said softly as I wiped the lone tear that trailed down my cheeks.“I need to find Ethan's body. He was just here when I left…” My voice trailed off when Roselia burst into a loud cry and crouched on the floor.“Where is he? At least let me tell him goodbye! What did you do to his body?” She yelled at no one in particular and my heart clenched in pain as I walked up to her side.I crouched down and hugged her to comfort her and I relaxed a bit when she wrapped her arms around me and wept like a child.I looked up at Charlott
OWEN'S POV“Ethan!”My eyes flung open in an instant and I groaned when I felt pain in my lower abdomen. I was alive. I made it out alive. But they didn't…“Owen! You're awake.” I heard Charlotte's voice call out to me and I turned my head to see her pretty face show up beside me and she held my hand tightly.“I told you I'll be fine. I always keep my promises, princess.” I said weakly with a faint smile and she helped me sit up, worry evident on her face as my face twisted in pain.“I have to go check on them… I need to see if they're really dead… I-”“No, Owen. You'll stay here and heal. I'll go and check up on them. I haven't told Rose anything about it yet. You have to rest.” She pleaded but I shook my head strongly.“We can't hide it from her forever. We have to tell her now.” I said.“Tell me what?” I heard Roselia say as she walked in with a basket of fruits and Charlotte had a look of panic on her face.“There's something I have to tell you,” I said as I struggled to stand up
CHARLOTTE'S POVI couldn't stop the tears from falling down my face as I watched my husband get wheeled into the operating room. He had held my hand firmly even though he was unconscious before the nurses detached our hands and took him in.I pulled my hair in despair as I sat down and stared at the floor. If what Caleb said was true, then that means… Ethan and Beatrice were dead. How would I tell this to Roselia?They were supposed to get married soon-I burst into tears as the thought of everything made my heart clench in pain. Caleb had been arrested by the police but it wasn't enough. He has to die too.My phone was shattered in Caleb's house and I had no way of reaching out to anyone. I couldn't leave the hospital since I had to be by Owen's side whenever he woke up.I knew Roselia's digits by heart but could I actually bring myself to call her? What would I tell her? How would I break the news to her?Would I tell her: “Oh, hey, your husband-to-be died while trying to save my hu