This chapter is in two parts. Hope you enjoy.
Eric's POV: Every cell in my body was screaming to kill. While holding Phoebe in my arms, I couldn’t help but feel like my body wasn’t mine. Her blood stained my shirt. I calmly placed her down near the broken door. I carefully examined her face, touching her bruised cheek and wiping the blood from her nose. It fueled my anger even more. I gritted my teeth and kissed her forehead. I noticed Cloud was busy blocking the other men who tried to run away. I clenched my fist and headed toward the man I believed was the mastermind behind all this chaos. I launched at him with full speed, like a predator ready to pounce on its prey. He noticed my movement and tried to move but was caught before he could hide. I pulled his left arm and threw him down, his back hitting the ground with a thud. He groaned in pain. His men flinched at the sight of their boss being thrown down. The other two men were still unconscious on the ground. Suddenly, the mastermind caught m
Eric’s POV I couldn’t make out what he was saying when he started speaking, but when I drew my ears closer to his lips, his words struck me. "What the hell are you talking about?" I demanded, feeling a wave of confusion and anger. What did he know about my father’s death? Before I could press him for answers, he lost consciousness, leaving my questions unanswered. “Eric! Phoebe?” Cloud called out to me, interrupting my thoughts. He had also finished dealing with his targets. “Is he okay? You hit him hard, you know that, right?” Cloud asked, concern lacing his voice. “I couldn't care less. Let's just call the police to handle it from here,” I said, brushing past him to pick Phoebe up. My focus was solely on her now. Cloud shook his head and sighed. “What should we do with you, Eric?” Ignoring his remarks, I carried Phoebe out of the building and gently placed her in the back seat of the car. “Hurry, Cloud.” “Yeah, yeah, coming.” As I drove towards the nearest hospital, I cal
Phoebe’s POV I woke up gasping for breath. My body hurt all over. I couldn’t move. It felt like I was being tied to something. My mind went crazy, believing I was still stuck in that shit hole. I screamed inwardly since my voice wasn’t audible enough. I had to open my eyes. And so I did. There was something holding me back. I had an oxygen container covering my nose and mouth. There was someone with me. I could hear a male voice calling out for a doctor. Who might it be? I wondered, my vision blurry from all the pain. I blinked for a moment and scanned my surroundings. The sterile white walls, the steady beep of machines, and the faint scent of antiseptic confirmed my worst fear. I was in a hospital. I tried to focus on the figure beside me. His voice was filled with urgency and concern, a mix that made my heart pound faster. He turned towards me, his face coming into focus. It was Eric, his eyes wide with worry. "Phoebe, you're awake," he said softly, relief washi
Eric's POVI had no choice but to leave Phoebe alone at the hospital. The decision gnawed at me, every fiber of my being resisting as I turned my back and walked out the door. But Andrew was already home, waiting for me, and I needed answers.The drive felt like forever, my mind racing with thoughts of Phoebe, her connection with Mr. Randall Meyers. By the time I pulled into the driveway, my hands were shaking. Andrew stood at the door, his expression unreadable.We entered my office, the room suddenly felt heavy with every step i took closer to my seat. Andrew wasted no time, placing an envelope in my hands. "What is this?" I asked, my voice betraying a hint of the anxiety I felt."This is the information we got while following Mr. Randall Meyers. Please, open it," he reported, his tone flat and professional.My hands trembled as I tore open the envelope, my heart pounding in my chest. I kept my emotions in check, forcing a mask of calm over my face to hide my fears.Inside were pictu
Phoebe’s POV I was taken aback when Randall called. But relief washed over me knowing he had survived. “Randall,” I said, calling his name with a mix of surprise and relief. “Yes, h-how…” he trailed off, struggling to finish his thought. “I am fine, you don’t need to worry,” I interjected, sensing his hesitation. He sighed deeply, and I could hear the relief in his breath. I smiled without realizing it. “You shouldn’t have called. They might be listening to you,” I warned. “No, I doubt it. Mr. Chen is still unconscious, and his men are nowhere to be found,” he revealed. I suspected Eric’s involvement but kept that to myself. I pretended to be surprised. “But I think your boyfriend has a hand in it,” I said, noting the underlying tension in my voice. “Eric!” I exclaimed, unable to hide my shock. “Yes,” he confirmed. “I want us to talk, but it seems time is not on our side. Can I ask you a few questions, Mr. Meyers? Please be honest,” I requested, the gravity of the moment weig
Diana's POVI couldn’t just stand there anymore. The weight of the truth was crushing, and I could see that Chang was barely holding it together. His eyes were hollow, his shoulders slumped as if he carried the world on his back. He couldn’t bear to face his grandmother any longer. The guilt was eating him alive, and with no Philip around to keep the truth buried, it was only a matter of time before everything unraveled.I glanced at Mr. Benjamin Hong, who stood behind me, his face a mask of calm, though his eyes were anything but. He shook his head at me, a silent plea to stay quiet, but I couldn’t comply. Not this time.“M-Mrs. Hong,” I began, my voice trembling but resolute, “I-I’m sorry, but you need to hear this before someone else tells you.”Mrs. Hong’s eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at me, a hint of curiosity in her gaze. “What am I supposed to find out?” she asked, her voice calm but laced with tension.Chang stood beside me, his head bowed, unable to look at her. The ai
Mrs. Hong approached her son, her eyes searching his face for any sign of reassurance. "Ben, why aren’t you saying anything?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear. "Mother," Benjamin replied in a low tone, barely able to meet her gaze. "Tell me everything I just heard is not true, please," she pleaded, her voice shaky, desperate for him to deny the terrible truth she had just learned. Grandfather Hong, Philip, and Chang watched in silence, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. "I-I-I," Benjamin stammered, struggling to find the words. "You can’t speak? Why can’t you? You can just say it’s not true! So why can’t you speak, Benjamin?!" she yelled, her voice rising in pitch, her heart breaking. "Grandmother," Chang called out, trying to calm her down, but she was beyond reach. "I-I had no idea this would happen, Mother. I-I didn’t plan this. It was an accident, just as the police said. I-I—" Benjamin began, but before he could finish, Mrs. Hong slapped him
Eric’s POV I regretted taking the stairs as soon as I started climbing. Memories I had tried to forget surged back into my mind. It felt like time had frozen. After meeting Vannessa, memories I had buried resurfaced. I wasn’t surprised to find myself submerged in childhood memories as I neared Granny’s room. I questioned if coming here was wise. Nothing good ever seems to come from visiting my grandparents' house. Usually, I either uncover something unsettling or revisit sad memories. I sighed, feeling weary but unable to ignore the situation. Granny was one of the few who cared for me after my parents passed away. I had to be here for her now that she was unwell. Plus, if I wanted to marry Phoebe, gaining my grandparents' approval was crucial. Even though it might not matter much, Phoebe likely valued family support. The thought of her made me smile. As I approached, I heard voices from my grandfather’s office. Grandfather was there with someone else, and I caught
Eric’s POV Aunt Greta told a story about my grandfather and his father. She said we were quite similar in many ways. Just like my father, we were both stubborn children. Grandfather fell in love as a kid while traveling with his father. Unfortunately, the girl in question was an ordinary Thai girl. She was beautiful, he said. His father wasn’t interested in creating such a connection. In times of war, a love that was supposed to bring people together instead created a rift between a father and a son. His father led to his first love’s death, and on his dying bed, he asked for forgiveness, but my grandfather refused. Aunt Greta wanted my help to convince my grandfather to visit his father’s grave. So here I am, standing in front of his door, hoping he would open up, since I have been coming for a week now. “Grandfather, you don’t need to act like this. I just want us to talk. This is your last warning.” No response from him. This was my only option. “If you don’t c
Philip's POV Everything feels like a dream. I'm trying hard to be friends with Eric, but it’s difficult, especially since he got married. He’s a changed man. He’s always smiling now. I heard he loves visiting Phoebe’s home country. The point is, he’s happy, and I’m just here in my office, drinking alcohol. We found out who attacked Eric—guess who? Rachael Li. I expected that. She’s unstable and needs help, which is why I sent her to a psychiatric hospital, since I’m technically her husband. But things are clear now. No hard feelings. She claims she has changed, and who am I to judge? I’ve changed too, but not entirely. I still lack the courage to confess and apologize to Diana for being a jerk. Six months should be enough to get my act together. "Ping!" "Who the hell is disturbing my..." I pause when I see who’s calling. "Diana," I mutter. I clear my throat and answer, "Diana." "Can we meet?" "Yeah..." "Someone wants to see you. Can you make it right now? I’m in front of th
A Few Hours Ago… Phoebe’s POV It was high time I faced my fears and made things right. I decided to visit my father. Mama accompanied me, and the moment we entered the police station, I asked her for some alone time with him. She nodded in agreement. I approached the officer at the front desk and politely asked to see my father. He directed me to the waiting area, where I took a seat and waited for him to be called. Soon enough, he appeared. He seemed to be doing well, smiling as he took his seat. “Is there something you need? You haven’t visited for a while now,” he said. “Been busy,” I replied. “Yeah, I can see that. You’re getting married.” “Huh!” I exclaimed, surprised. He chuckled softly. “Don’t be surprised. Your marriage to Eric is everywhere.” “Hmm. I just want you to listen. Will you do that for me?” He nodded. “I’m sorry.” “Huh?” “Don’t be surprised. It was bound to happen anyway,” I giggled. He chuckled again. “I’m sorry for being a bad father, for
Phoebe’s POV As expected of the most famous family in Singapore. Mr. Hong makes our unprepared marriage London to the public. Everywhere is flooded with the news of the number one bachelor’s marriage, ERIC HONG. It’s not easy being his soon to be bride. The hate is as equal as the love. People think king i don’t deserve to be with him. He is too precious for me. Catrina snaps at me interrupting my thoughts. “Girl where is your head. You can’t be distracted when you have a big wedding at hand. More importantly you are the bride” she points out. “Exactly” “Huh!”she exclaims. “What are talking about?” Ella asks. I sigh. “I haven’t you guys seen the hate comments on the news. No everywhere. It’s hard to be the bride when you are the only one who seems to be happy” I explain. They stare blankly at me with a frown. “I didn’t think you care about what others think about you?” “Me too, guess people do change” “That is not it. I feel like it’s being rushed. We are not
Phoebe’s POV Mama has all the reasons to be upset with me. I did tell her I was not having sex with Eric, and now it turns out I am pregnant. She keeps dragging me along. I don’t know where we are heading. She probably doesn’t know either. “Mama, mama, mama!” “What?!” She finally pauses and lets go of my hand to face me. “What? Do you have anything to say now?” “No I don’t, but I need to know where we are going l, we have been walking and it’s getting dark. We are a few steps away from the hospital I think it’s best we..” “No, we are not going back to that place. I know what you are trying to do here and it won’t work on me this time around” “Mama, listen please” “No, I am not going to listen to your lies anymore. I have had enough of you trying to act smart with me. Yes may not be the best mother in the world but, I did want you to end up like me. I am trying here Phoebe. I wish..” her voice breaking. “Mama,” I call, softly. “No don’t say a word. I am not done yet. You tol
Eric’s POV “Congratulations, you are pregnant,” hearing the doctor announce such news, my eyes widen. I can’t believe it. She is really pregnant. I blink, trying to grasp what he just revealed. Forgetting that I am not the only one surprised. “What!!!” “Doctor, you must be mistaken. There is no way my daughter would be pregnant. She hasn’t been with a man before, please do your checks well.” “Huh!” I exclaim, and Grandfather Hong and Aunt Greta exchange glances. They are in shock. The doctor is the most shocked. He glances at Phoebe and then to me. “Mama, calm down. It’s probably a mistake, right, doctor?” She winces at the doctor. Unfortunately, the doctor seems to be an honest man. He still insists on the fact that she is pregnant. Honestly, I have been hoping for such news. The last time we made love, I didn’t use a condom. She passed out, so she hardly remembered what happened after. And that is good news. She would probably have my neck if she finds out I am the cause
Phoebe’s POV “Hello, little brother, do you miss me?” she smiles. Little brother? Mr. Hong is not the eldest? I can’t believe it. She is pretty and rich; it makes sense if she is related to the Hongs. I pause and stare at the two people who are arguing. Instead of being surprised, Eric is smiling like he knows what is going on. I wonder what is happening. I didn’t know Mr. Hong had an older sister. Eric isn’t the only one who seems unfazed. Her presence interrupts everything. Everyone is staring at us now. I thought it was supposed to be a birthday party. My stomach groans. I am still hungry, and yet I can’t even eat anymore. I draw too much attention to myself with the way I am eating. This isn’t like me at all. I don’t understand why I am like this. “What are you doing here?” Mr. Hong asks. “Is that how you welcome your older sister?” she answers. “I ask again: what are you doing here?” “And I say again: is that how you treat your older sister?” He glances at Eric. “Did
A four years ago… Nairobi… “It has come to light that Ben Hong and Randall Meyers are involved in the deaths of Frank Hong and his wife. “ new anchor read. “What the hell is going on. A brother killing a brother, that is not the family I left behind. What did you do little brother” a woman in her early seventies said while watching the news. She took the remote and threw it at the television damaging it. “Kale!” “Yes boss” a tall black man, well built resounded behind her. “Find out what is happening in Singapore. Contact me if you find anything. Two years ago.. Thailand.. Kale visits the woman in a five star hotel. She sat in her corridor and awaits his arrival. “Took you longer than I expected” “Sorry Miss Greta. Here is the information you want” “If it here” she grabs the envelop and scanned through the documents and pictures in it. “Wow, all this drama behind me. She spots Phoebe’s Picture. She oddly looks familiar, don’t you think so Kale” K
Eric’s POV I hated to ask favor from the man who wanted me and my family dead. Unfortunately he suddenness in killing my parents. It disgusted me to know he is related to me by blood. “I need your help” I said to him. “My help?” “Hey don’t ignore me. Can’t you see we were talking?” “We are done talking you can leave “ he said to his son. “But…” “No buts, you can leave” “Ok” he said and left but he actually leave. He is so cautious of me that something I feel he is a little intimidated by me. “Why do you need my help? I never thought you will come and see me after.. Not now Mr. Ben Hong. I am not here to listen to your story. It went do me any good. Besides the real murderer is under trial,” he cuts him off. Ben smiles. “You nothing like your father, do you know that. You more like your grandfather than any of us,” “That is something I disagree. Anyways he is the reason I came. Chang told me you know something or someone who can break Grandfather” “Hahah