“So, why isn’t that fair?” I asked, still not getting his point. Hayden grinned at me and gave me a look that seemed to pity me and my stupidity. I glared back at him as I silently demanded for an answer. “Think about it, Malissa. People are asked the put up their hands. Nothing in the rules states that they have to put their hands up at the same time. So, say…who will put their hand up first?” Hayden prompted me to think. “Huh?” I murmured in confusion. “Even worst…let’s say that I don’t put my hand up when they ask who is in favor. What do you think those old Torex folks are going to do?” Hayden asked with an innocent smile on his lips. They won’t put their hands up. If the next heir doesn’t put his hand up, they probably won’t put their hand up to vote in favor. This is all because they can see what the other people are choosing to do, and they can react to it. Everyone will be watching everyone else. Why didn’t I realize this before?I thought of the eyes of the Torex manage
All eyes were on Hayden’s raised hand including my own. The silence that dominated the room made it feel like time had stopped. Suddenly, many more hands shot up into the air at the same time and it was like time had resumed itself again. Although Hayden had told me that something of this effect would take place, I still found myself a little stunned at the almost comical scene in front of me. This whole thing was pretty much rigged for sure from the start. It was like the managers didn’t even put any thought in the partnership and was just blindly following Hayden and his choice. That being said, not every manager of Torex hand their hands up in the air. It was just like before, not all managers seemed to be on Hayden’s side or in favor of him taking over. Although that was the case, I could tell that there were more than enough hands in the air for this proposal to pass. “Thank you. If there is no one else, then we will proceed forward. May I ask everyone who votes against his pro
After coming back to the mansion from the hospital, I had left the letter there with the thought to read it later alone when I had time to relax. It wasn’t like I had forgotten about it, more like I haven’t gotten around to reading it yet. “In my closet. Should I go get it now?” I offered.“No. Eat first. We can read it right after dinner,” Hayden said as he began eating. I chewed at the food while my mind wondered why Hayden wanted to read the letter that Ethan gave to me so much? Was he just jealous and wanted to pry into what Ethan had written? Was that it? Finally, dinner was over, and we headed to Hayden’s living room where he waited for me to go fetch the letter that Ethan had given me. When I opened the envelope there was another envelope inside that looked much older than the one on the outside. Something about the old and slightly worn envelope told me that the letter inside wasn’t written recently and that it wasn’t written by Ethan. There was no point in wondering or gu
‘In my time with the mafia, I had been fortunate enough to help raise two boys who will be influential in the mafia scene when they get older. Their names are Ethan and Hayden. If you meet them, which I am sure that you will, please apologize to them for me for not taking care of them until the very end. Those two should have grown up into very respectable men right now. If they know who you are, they will undoubtedly help and support you. Hayden’s father and I are very close friends. When he helped to rescue you from danger, we made a funny promise that you would marry Hayden in the future. We doubt that that would really happen, but we would be beyond happy if that is how things have turned out. Lastly, we love you and we just want you to know that we are proud of you and whatever choices you made for yourself.’“With endless love…” I finished reading the letter. “Don’t cry, Malissa,” Hayden told me. “I’m sorry,” I quickly apologized as I wiped my tears away with my hands. “It’
Staring at the dark circles under my eyes in the mirror, I was finally convinced that I had to do something about this recurring nightmare before I really lose it. The answer was simple enough to identify but as always it was much harder to execute. I should tell Hayden about the dream and simply ask him about it. There are two reasons why I haven’t done that just yet. First, I had been trying to understand what the dream could mean and how it may have a link to reality. So far, I’ve come up with a very plausible theory even if I do say so myself. Second, it was just plain hard to bring this topic up to Hayden. Something told me that he wouldn’t like to discuss it with me. I’ve realized it way before now that Hayden wasn’t a fan of digging up old relics from the past. It was a few days later when I found the perfect opportunity to talk about it with Hayden. Thankfully, we didn’t have to do anything in preparation for our wedding ceremony or celebration. The boss was happy enough if
‘…I was too young to get involved in the incident, but I remember that it was a big mess. In the end, the adults got you back,’I recalled the words that he said when he told me about the kidnapping incident that happened when I was a very young child. How come I didn’t remember anything about it until recently? It was hard to believe but it seemed like the recent kidnapping worked to somehow trigger my memory about that unpleasant incident from the past. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Hayden replied once again with an unreadable expression on his face.Great. He’s completely denying it and I have no proof that I’m right. Maybe I’m the only one going crazy here after all. Regardless, I’ve come this far so…“You called me Lisa…When you came to save me, you called me Lisa…” I told him with such desperation in my voice that I was shocked at myself. “Did I?” he asked as if he had no clue what I was talking about. “…You did,” I replied with a firm nod of my head.I was sca
The day of our third attempt at our wedding ceremony was a bright and sunny day. I woke up feeling as lazy as ever and the way that Hayden yawned told me that he probably felt the same. He ran his fingers through his blond hair and made a face like he couldn’t be bothered. It was a Saturday, and I was sure that he wanted to sleep in more than going to the church for our wedding ceremony. It was strange to exchange vows with a man who was already my husband. However, we both knew better than to make a scene about it. The faster we went through with this, the sooner it would be over, and we could move on with our lives. Just as I had agreed with Hayden, we wanted to keep the ceremony very simple by doing only the basic and required things. “At least I get to wear the wedding dress that you got tailored for me and we can take nice photos together,” I said with a smile. “Yeah…” Hayden replied sleepily. I watched as he stretched before he slowly got out of bed. Slowly, I got out of bed
His strong arms pulled me closer to him until our bodies were pressed together. His breath stirred the small hair around my ear. He’s so close…“My love for you isn’t enough to save you from all pain and protect you from all danger. The best that I can do is to keep you locked up in the mansion although I know well that you don’t like it one bit,” Hayden whispered solemnly into my ear. “Hayden…” I whispered his name as other words were robbed from me.Why does he sound so sad?“But I do love you and I’ll try my best to protect you no matter what. Even if it means that it will cost me my life, I will protect you,” Hayden said it like a promise.I felt tears swimming in my eyes. Why would he say something like that? “Please don’t do that…I don’t want you to get hurt…” I whispered back. …or die…“Don’t cry, stupid girl. Everyone is watching us…” Hayden said in a lighter tone when he finally let me go. He looked down at me and smiled his princely smile that made my heart skip a beat.