OWEN'S POV I smiled inwardly as Catherine sat besides me and Charlotte stared at both of us in shock. Catherine had a smug smile on her face and I know she's thinking she won, but I have better plans than that.“Owen? What's happening here?” She asked, confusion and disappointment written all over her face. “Oh you mean Catherine? Please don't mind her presence. You agreed to go on a date with me so that you can groom me to be a better husband right? I'd like to make that practice on my future wife here, Catherine.”Charlotte stared at me, dumbfounded and bewildered. When she realized what I meant, her expression changed but she tried to mask it with a smile.“You didn't tell me Catherine was your future wife. Congratulations to the both of you.” She mumbled and I simply nodded with a smile while Catherine stared at Charlotte in envy.Her mask was finally slipping slowly and all I wanted was for Charlotte to see who she really was. But for now, the mission was to get Charlotte jealo
CHARLOTTE'S POV I tried to push him away, but Owen's grip was firm. He pulled me closer, his lips crashing onto mine with a desperation that left me breathless. I was still angry, still hurt, but his kiss was like a flame that ignited a fire within me.At first, I resisted, my lips pressed together in a tight line. But Owen's persistence wore me down. His tongue teased my lips, coaxing them apart, and I felt my resolve crumble.As we stood under the lamp post, the world around us melted away. All that was left was the two of us, lost in the intensity of the moment. Owen's hands roamed my back, pulling me closer, and I felt myself getting lost in his touch.I couldn't think straight, couldn't reason. All I knew was the feel of Owen's lips on mine, the taste of his tongue, and the warmth of his body pressed against mine.When we broke apart for air, I felt dazed, my heart racing. Owen's eyes burned with intensity, his chest heaving with emotion. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his lips inch
OWEN'S POV I felt bad for doing all these to her but I couldn't help it. I had to get the truth from her. My mind drifted back to the kiss we shared a few minutes ago and my heart raced in response.My face still stung from the slap but I knew she only did that out of fear. It was adorable to see her this way. Her big brown eyes stared at me in confusion at the question I asked and I knew I was getting somewhere.“No, I'm not.” She denied as she pulled her hand away and folded her hands. “I just think it's unacceptable that you flirt around with another lady when you have a wife.”“You'd have to find a way to accept it then. Because you'd be seeing us more frequently than usual. If I'm gonna spend the rest of my life with her, I should fall deeply in love with her, isn't that right?” “I thought you hated her. You told me there was something about her that didn't sit well with you. Did you lie to me?” She narrowed her eyes on me and I was tempted to tell her it was all just a plan t
OWEN'S POVI'm going insane. Two days have gone by and there's still no news from Charlotte. Her phone is not reachable, I've searched the whole of Michigan but she's nowhere to be found. If she didn't leave a note of apology to Roselia, I'd have thought she was abducted by people. But that can't stop me from panicking. What if she somehow got abducted? I got up from the chair and paced around, anxiety and fear taking over me like a storm. This is all my fault. If I hadn't made her feel that way, she wouldn't have left. I don't care if she loves me or not, I just want her back! There was a knock on my door but I didn't care to get it. I just wanted my wife back. The door was pushed open and Caleb walked in, a worried expression on his face and Roselia followed him, and with the look on her face, I knew she was still missing. “Owen, you need to calm down. We'll find her. You should eat something and try to sleep. You look like a disaster.” He reasoned but I wasn't even listening to
CHARLOTTE'S POVI walked back to my house, dejected, exhausted and tired. I had cried enough for the day. I saw a car drive away and as I looked closely, I realized it was Owen's car. He came to look for… Me? Beatrice was right! AN HOUR AGO. “Charlotte?” I heard a familiar voice call out my name as I was walking down the street and I turned around to see Beatrice standing behind me, a surprised look on her face. “Mama Beatrice? What are you doing here?” I asked in surprise as she came closer to me and hugged me warmly. “I should be asking you that, Charlotte. Why did you run away? The whole house is in turmoil because of your absence. Owen has almost lost his mind.” She tried to explain but I didn't want to hear it. I smiled at her politely and didn't answer her question. “You know you can always talk to me right? I love you like a child, Charlotte and I want the best for you. So tell me my child, what happened?” We took a seat by the roadside and I explained everything that ha
CHARLOTTE'S POVI marched over to Catherine in anger and slapped her hard, her head immediately tilting to the other side. She tried to hold onto Owen, but that only made me angrier so I grabbed her by her hair and pulled her away from him. “Let me go!” She yelled and I finally let her go as she glared daggers at me. I folded my hands as I stared down at her, disappointment evident on my face. “You didn't tell me you were a tweak. How shameless!“ I spat and she chuckled as she got up, a crazy smile on her face. “Look who's back. The wretched debtor.” She mocked me and I felt my chest boil with anger. “I thought you were wise enough to get the message. Seems like I was wrong.”“Have you forgotten who you are? A contract wife. Nothing more. I might have failed to get him with the contract, but after you're gone, he'll be all mine.” She boasted and I laughed at her words. “I think you're the one who's dumb here, Catherine. You really think he wants you? He used you, Catherine, to get
OWEN'S POVMy head was spinning and my mind was hazy. Everything felt so uncomfortable and hot. What's going on? I opened my eyes and tried to look around but everything was blurry. Where is Charlotte? I mumbled the only name that was stuck in my mind but got no response. I got up to go find her but suddenly lost my balance as I crashed into the table in front of me. My senses were numb for a while then suddenly the pain came like a crashing wave. I felt something sharp sink into my arms and I grunted as I struggled to stand up. I heard someone call my name from a distance and my heart raced at the sound of her voice. What is this strange feeling? Her voice came closer and suddenly she's beside me. She placed her hands on my arm and it felt like it had been ignited by a flame. “Owen!” She shouted, her voice laced with worry and concern and I tried to focus my gaze on her. My eyes finally adjusted and I could see her staring at me with worry. “Come on, you have to get up.” She pl
CHARLOTTE'S POVMy eyes widened at the sound of Owen pleading for help. Is this the effect of the drugs Catherine gave to him? “O- Owen, you are under the effects of a drug. I should go call a doctor so we can find a solution-”“You're the solution I need, Charlotte. No doctor can quench this heat in my body, only you can.”“W-what do you m-mean by that?” I stuttered and he pouted slightly as he placed his knees on the bed and took my hands in his. Suddenly, he pinned them above my head and I let out a gasp because I knew I was now under his mercy. “You know what I mean. I can't think straight, Charlotte. So many things are running through my head.” He mumbled softly, his hair falling to his face and it was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen in my life. “Things like what?” I asked and he locked eyes with me as he sighed. He looked so vulnerable and I was so tempted to run my hands through his hair. “Indecent things.” He confessed and my mouth fell open at his words. “What?”
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