OWEN'S POVI was hurt. I wasn't supposed to be but I was. What? I was dumb for rejecting Catherine and choosing her? Shouldn't she be eternally grateful to me for choosing her and helping her out of her debt? I heard a knock and I stayed silent, not wanting to talk to her anymore. There was another knock and just as I was about to yell, the door opened and Caleb walked in. I was relieved when he came in and just as I stood up, he smiled at me and patted my back. “My big bro is getting married soon. Why do I feel left out?” He said with a sulky expression and I laughed. “She's really pretty though, and it looks like you made a great choice.” I smiled at the compliment but when he added “for the first time in your life”, I scowled at him and he just shrugged it off.“You're not angry at me anymore?” I asked and he sat down on the couch with a smile on his face. “Of course I'm not.” He answered and I immediately sighed in relief.“I was angry that you made that decision behind my back
CHARLOTTE'S POVI woke up to a knock on the door and my heart spiked as I knew Mr Sam was here to collect his money. I looked around desperately for a weapon to defend myself when I realized I wasn't within the walls of my small cramped house anymore. The walls weren't peeling off and the ceiling wasn't crooked. It was a dream? I sighed in relief as I patted my chest to call myself down. There was a knock again and my brain finally clicked. I'm the wife- or let me say fiancée to one of the richest men in Michigan and I'm literally under his roof right now. I rubbed my eyes to be sure I wasn't in my delulu world and it was still the same. I got out of bed and finally opened the door to see a frustrated Roselia standing with her hand about to knock on the door again. I smiled apologetically as I held her hand and pulled her inside, my eyes still groggy from sleep. She gasped in surprise as she looked around and I beamed as well, not able to control my excitement.“Isn't this beautifu
OWEN'S POVI stood before my father, frozen by his question. Why? Why what? He had that grim and disappointed expression that I always feared and I felt my heart pounding with ferocity in my chest as I finally opened my mouth to speak. “Why what, father?" I asked, surprised that my voice didn't crack or tremble because I could feel myself shaking. He stared at me for a while and then suddenly his face burst into a smile and he came to me as he hugged me tightly. Okay, what? I stood there awkwardly as he hugged me, my heart still pounding loudly in my chest and when he pulled away, he looked at me in amusement and I smiled awkwardly. “Why is your heart beating so fast?” He asked and I shrugged as I scratched my neck awkwardly. “You asked me why… why what?” I asked again and he just smiled and went to sit as he poured himself a glass of whiskey. “Why didn't you bring her home all these while? You just had to make me act against my will. You don't know how happy you've made me today.
CHARLOTTE'S POVI laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling as questions upon questions popped into my head. How did I get here? Rose hasn't come to visit me for the past two weeks, I haven't seen Owen since the day he stood outside my door. What did I do wrong?I stared at the bowl of ice cream on the table stand and I sighed. He had fulfilled his end of the contract and given me everything I needed. A thought dropped into my mind and I sat up immediately. He has done everything I asked for… but what have I done for him? He paid my debts, allowed me the freedom I needed but unfortunately I'm an introvert and I have nowhere to go, I receive a bowl of ice cream everyday just like I asked. But I've never done anything for him. Nothing at all. Isn't that unfair?Just as I was thinking of what to do for him, someone knocked rhythmically on my door and I knew it was Catherine. She came to visit me every now and then and always made sure that I was never too bored or lonely.I jumped off the
OWEN'S POVEthan stood before me as I cross-checked the pile of papers on my desk. I haven't eaten or slept well in the last two weeks and I know it bothered him but I didn't care. Staying away from home and avoiding seeing her at all costs was the best option I had.“Sir…” He started and I hummed for him to go on without looking at him. “You haven't gone home in weeks now and you look…exhausted. You need rest sir. And you also need to check up on you wife-”“She's not my wife, Ethan. We're only bound together by a contract, nothing else. And I'm fine. You don't get to tell me what to do.” I said as I looked up at him.“But Sir-” He was about to speak again when I glared at him and he shut up instantly. “You can go Ethan. When I need you, I'll call for you.” He looked at me with worry but left anyway and I continued working, ignoring the intense migraine in my head and the grumbling of my stomach.A few minutes later, I heard Ethan's voice and another lady's voice and I frowned as the
CHARLOTTE'S POVI wiped my tears that won't stop falling as the driver drove me home. I suddenly wished I never had that idea in the first place. But why did it taste that bad? It tasted amazing when I tried it at home. What could have gone wrong?I sighed as I ran my hand through my hair. I needed to talk to Rose so I told the driver to change directions and head for Rose's house instead. I should have gone to see her when she didn't come to see me. I am a bad friend indeed.We arrived in less than an hour and I saw her sitting at the entrance, a bright smile on her face as she fed her puppy. I got out of the car and walked up to her and when she saw me, her smile dissipated.“Charlotte…” She said quietly, “What brings you to my home today?” She asked and I raised a brow at her as Rain, her puppy ran towards me and I picked him up happily.“Is it a sin to visit my best friend even when she's forgotten about me?” I asked and she scoffed as she walked inside and I followed her, a feeli
OWEN'S POVI glanced at the clock impatiently as I twirled around in my chair. I clearly asked her to be here as early as 8 am, it's past 10 already and she's still not here. Is she mad at me for what happened yesterday? That was clearly not my fault!I called for Ethan only to find out he didn't show up at work today. That's new, he's never been absent without my permission before. I sighed in frustration as Caleb walked into the office with a tired expression.“You look like a disaster.” I said and he chuckled. “You look worse.” He replied and I smiled at him. He looked around and then looked at me in confusion.“Where's Charlotte? I thought you guys were heading to the registry today.” He said and I glanced at the clock again. “As you can see, she isn't here. She was the one who wanted to get married but she clearly isn't ready for anything!” I said as anger bubbled within my chest. I was close to losing it.Caleb noticed and stood up as he calmed me down. “Maybe she's still mad a
CHARLOTTE'S POV“Caleb? You mean Owen's cousin?” I asked and Beatrice nodded. “He said he's here to take you to Owen.” We have never talked before, this is definitely gonna be awkward.“Thank you so much, I'll go to him now. And please don't feel guilty or apologize for anything. You were simply obeying orders.” I smiled and she smiled back as she walked away and I picked up my purse as I walked outside.Indeed, Caleb was standing by a car that was probably his and when he saw me, he bowed as he extended a hand to me. I was caught by surprise and after a moment of hesitation, I placed my hands in his.“Oh my lady of radiant beauty. What fortune have I stumbled upon to be able to hold thy hand?” He said in a funny British accent and I laughed at how dramatic he was. I curtsied as well as I tried to copy his accent.“Probably a fortune of a lifetime, oh handsome man of valor.” I said and laughed and he joined me as well. “I don't think I've introduced myself to you before. I'm Caleb, yo
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