Brittany's POV
I entered into my room as I locked the door behind me. Goodness, I was so tired! “Ah!” A yawn escaped my lips as I dragged my feet along with me to the bed. I fell flat on the bed, luckily, it was huge enough to contain me, no matter how carelessly I fell. Today was so hectic for me, and I'm proud I didn't make the terrible mistake of saying yes at the altar, even when I have gotten nothing but negative reviews since then. My dad might be so mad at the moment, but with time, he would finally adapt to my decision. Gosh, this gown was really so heavy on me. Did I really wear something so uncomfortable for a man whom I despise the most? What was I thinking? I can't believe I agreed to the marriage in the first place. My door clicked open and l glanced to see my mom coming in. I sat up immediately. She must have something to say. Who am I fooling? Definitely, she had something to say, not after the string I pulled at the altar. Her face was no longer in a frown unlike earlier, and I was so glad. At least, I'm sure she wasn't here to scold me. She walked up to me on the bed and sat beside me with a heavy sigh. “Brittany?” She called out softly, glancing at me with a pained eyes. I gulped down but said nothing. “I know you must feel so hurt after knowing that the man who hurt you years back is the same person you would be spending the rest of your life with.” “Believe me, I understand. I was there for you at that time, remember?” She was staring keenly at me this time, and I was forced to lower my gaze a little to avoid feeling guilty. “Yes, Mom. This is the more reason I rejected this marriage, at least, you won't have to suffer in my pain anymore.” I chipped in with a stern look on my face. I would rather not remember those moments, which I was finally able to sweep under the rug. Yes! I shouldn't. “But this isn't what you should have done.” Her voice was coming out in a pained yell. “Well, I tried to warn dad. I mean, I told him different times that I didn't want this arranged marriage in the first place.” “I'm sorry mom, but I don't regret what happened today.” “Even at the expense of tarnishing our image?” She asked, bringing my gaze back to meet hers. “And not only did you ruin our reputation, but you also put your rights as his first child at stake.” Mom was at the brink of tears and I could see that she was just holding it in. Was I wrong with my action today? Mom had been through a lot with me, and seeing her cry would also break me at this moment. “Mom, I'm sorry.” “Sorry isn't going to solve anything. Your father is at the verge of losing his mind, and we both know how short-tempered your father is.” “Then, I could go to him right now and apologize.” “Like I said earlier, apologizing will do nothing.” Mom stood up with her gaze still fixed on me. “I really hope you do that which will cause you temporary pain, so you wouldn't lose that which will forever bring you gain.” After saying this, she didn't wait for anything else as she walked out of my room, closing the door behind her quietly. “No, Brittany, you didn't do anything wrong.” I assured myself quietly as soon as she left. I didn't do anything wrong. If fighting for my happiness was wrong, then it's actually the people who are against it, that are wrong. But thinking back to what mom said, I was slightly convinced that I had done something wrong. Dad could go to any length to see to this, which makes me wonder what the hell was going through his mind right now? THE NEXT MORNING* “People can really be stupid.” I mumbled, scrolling on my phone. The comments I was seeing on social media were really surprising, with lots of people hating on me. “The bride is so wicked to have done such a thing to the groom.” A comment stated and I scoffed. “What a disgrace to both families!” Another stated with an angry emoji at the end. I rolled my eyes and exited from the article. All of a sudden, the car stopped moving, and I glanced up at my driver. “The reporters are here.” He glanced at me through the rearview mirror. Really? Then I should definitely use this to my advantage. I rolled down the car window as I brought my face out and waved at them, diverting their attention to me instantly. They ran to me with their cameras and jotting notes as soon as they saw me. Then my lips curled up in a small smile. “Ms Brittany, why did you call off the wedding with Mr. Ace yesterday?” A lady among them inquired as a microphone was placed near my mouth area. “Well, because he is not responsible enough to be a husband!” I almost yapped, but held it in. If dad watched this and heard me say that, then he would disown me for real. I gazed at all of them and their attention were fully concentrated on me. “I did what I did because the marriage was an arranged marriage, and there was no way I can spend the rest of my life with a person I don't even love.” “That kind of marriage won't last, and I definitely don't want to be a divorcee any time soon.” I chuckled at the end of my statement. “I agree with you.” “That's totally right.” “You did the right thing.” Different opinions from the reporters filled the air. “But, how do your parents feel about this decision of yours?” “As expected, they don't feel good about it, especially my dad, but they will definitely adapt to the situation soon.” Well, I wish. “I think that's enough for now. I'm kind of late for the office, so we'll talk later.” I added, rolling back my car window's glass, and my chauffeur drove away. “Hold on, Ms, we still have a few questions for you.” They ran after the car and almost entered into the company when the gate opened, but thankfully, the security were able to hold them out. The chauffeur stopped the car and I alighted from the car as my gaze came in contact with the huge and tall building. He drove the car off, probably to the parking lot, while I stood to take in the fresh air. I puffed out a huge amount of air from my mouth before walking into the company “The boss is here.” A lady from my left side announced feebly, and I halted to glance at her. She was standing in the reception. As soon as she said these words, some people began to burst forth, including her. They were all workers of the company. But, what were they all doing? “Good morning ma'am.” Different people said as they saunter back to their positions. There's only one way to find out why they were all gathered. I made my way towards the receptionist desk, where they were all once gathered. The receptionist became scared immediately she saw me standing in front of her. “Good morning ma'am.” She stuttered aimlessly. I didn't hesitate any further, at the same time, turned the monitor to slightly face me that way I could have a better view. There was a folder she was trying to delete. I clicked on the folder and my brows raised with questions. “Is this what you do when you're supposed to be working?” I inquired, glancing at her. “No, ma'am.” Her face was lowered as those words came out in a stutter. There on the computer, was a video of my wedding, and the part where I cancelled the wedding seemed to be where they were watching before I probably barged in on them. “You watch videos during work hours?” “No, this was a mistake. I just......” “A mistake, huh? Meet me in my office right now.” I interrupted her with a glare before trying to leave until the company's legal director blocked my path. “Good morning ma'am. I'm afraid you can't go any further.” He stated, and a look of puzzlement crossed my face. What the hell was he talking about? “What?” “Your father made it clear not to let you into the company premises.” “What are you saying right now?” I inquired, my voice sounding frustrated. My face was looking shocked as well and I didn't know what to think anymore. “I'm sorry to say this, but this was the direct order from the chairman, your father.” “My job is already at stake here if he ever finds out you're already standing inside the building.” He continued with his face looking so stern. Oh, my heavens! “You're joking, right?” Behind those words was a hidden nervousness. He had better be joking but on the other hand, he wouldn't dare joke with his job. “I'm sorry but it is the truth. Please, you have to leave from here this minute.” What!!! “Please, leave.” He added, pointing towards the exit. Gasps and murmurs filled the lobby, and I turned to see some workers peeking at the scene. Dad, what have I done to deserve this? My knuckles folded into a tight fist, and I didn't waste any more time before walking out of the building. I brought out my phone immediately I got outside and dialed my dad's number. Thankfully, he picked up on the second ring. “Dad, what did you do?” “What?” He asked back. Was he trying to feign ignorance right now? “Why would you tell the legal director not to let me into the company? He just disregarded me in front of everyone.” I cried in a yell. “Well, I think he did a good job then. I thought he was going to secretly inform you about the new rules I made.” “Dad.” “Don't you dare call me that.” He reprimanded immediately. “You should have thought of the consequences. Have you seen the news? Your stupidity has gone viral.” “You dare put my reputation at stake, and you have the guts to complain? Well, to tell you, this is just the beginning for you.” He continued to lash out hurling words at me. “Is there any way I can make amends?” I was trying not to shed a tear here because at the moment, my emotions were already propelled to the brim. “You have just today to do that, and you will do only that which I'm pleased with.” “But dad..........” “I was busy before you called.” With this, he hung up, leaving me in misery. I sniffled, trying not to let the tears fall as I brought down my cellphone from my ear. What have I done? Dad wasn't even ready to listen to me. Oh, goodness!Ace's POV“Daughter of the popular business tycoon, Brittany Anderson, leaves groom hanging at the altar.” My secretary read out a headline from the tablet and glanced at me.“What does that say?”“Here it goes.”“She seemed so brave to have broken ties with the handsome CEO, Ace Miller. This is to show that the beautiful lady, Brittany Anderson, can do anything at all. She has proven.......” “Just get down to the comments.” I chipped in before she could finish.I was beginning to get bored and not ready to hear any damn story.“Alright. A comment says, 'She didn't prove any bravery, instead showed us how stupid she was.' This was from a guy and he got numerous people who agreed with him.”“Another one says, 'Why do the bad women always get hold of the good men? This could have been me, then I wouldn't be so ungrateful like her.' This is from a lady.” She continued to say with a smile on her face.She grinned from ear to ear as she scrolled on the tablet, chuckling out at some points
Brittany's POVMy face had one of the straight look ever, and I was certain he wouldn't know what I was thinking.His attitude when I got to his office almost began to piss me off but thankfully I held out well.I had to even reply to him, “Then you're wrong because I do apologize when I'm wrong, especially to those who are worth it.” Thankfully, he seemed not to hear the last phrases because I was certain he would have reacted if he had. Although, I didn't give a f**k but now was not the moment to piss him off.I was here, literally in disguise as his business partner, something I didn't really want, but what could I do when Mom had given thousands of reasons why I should make this marriage possible?Suddenly, he busted into a small laughter and I raised my brow at him, wondering what was funny at the moment. Did he think I was joking?The tone behind his laughter didn't sit well with me, as it had hints of mockery behind it. Then he stopped laughing.“Tell me, Miss Anderson, did yo
Brittany's POV“Just like that?” Mom seemed shocked after I had narrated everything to her, and she couldn't help but to ask for the second time.This time, I only nodded whilst gulping down the chilled mocktail to swallow down my anger.“Then that's good news. Now that we have the ball in our court, there's nothing to worry about anymore. But, I hope you've told him when the wedding would take place. You know, it's a day after tomorrow, right?” She uttered, raising her brows at the end of her statement.Damn it! I almost thought I was forgetting something when I left his office.“You mean you didn't?” Mom scoffed out and I just shrugged.I froze for a second before glancing at her slowly and I guessed she understood my message instantly because her look said it all.“It's in the contract, he doesn't need to hear it from me.” Those words came out seconds later to conceal my little incompetence.Besides, I could send a message across to him when my secretary goes to pick up the contrac
Ace's POVI freed myself off my tie and two buttons from my shirt as soon as we got into the Lamborghini while waiting for the chauffeur to ignite the engine.It was until then that I could finally breathe in fresh air of which the media was fully the major cause of my initial suffocation.Despite being aware earlier on of everything we played in front of the media, I still couldn't help but to feel pressured by that act.It was just supposed to be a facade for the public, but it definitely took a great toll on me. I glanced at the lady beside me to see if she felt the same way but as usual, her expression wasn't easy to fathom, which makes me wonder what she could be thinking at the moment.I admitted she looked too gorgeous in that wedding dress, even when I only had a little chance to adore her. If it were to be in the past, I would have hushed praises into her ears and probably, she would smile back whilst doing the same. But things were different between us now.I clenched my
Brittany's POVI jumped out of the car as soon as we got home and headed straight into the house, struggling along with my wedding dress.Thankfully, a few maids came to help me out at the doorstep. The house servants were lined up horizontally in the sitting room, obviously waiting for my presence. Their heads fell into a deep bow once they saw me whilst I halted my steps, only when I got in fully and a few meters from them. The two maids behind joined the rest.They remained like that for a while until the oldest one among them—a woman spoke up.“Congratulations madam on your married life. We've been expecting you for a while, and we hope our services would always make you happy. You're welcome home, My Lady.” A bright smile remained on her lips even when she finished.She looked beautiful for an old lady, probably ranging from fifties to sixties. Her hair which was partly gray was rolled up in a ponytail, and it matched perfectly with her looks; pretty.With her outfit and demeano
Brittany's POV “You came to the office today? I mean, you should be at home enjoying your married life, at least rest at home for a week before coming back to the company.” She uttered with a wide smile, as if she truly cared when, of course, she didn't.That smile wasn't to impress me but to mock me instead. She knew how much damage this marriage had caused to my mental health, and I was certain she would try to use it to her advantage.“I don't see how that concerns you. Whether I decide to come to the office a day after my wedding, it's none of your business.” I replied with a similar energy.Since she was born to annoy me, I had learned to treat her the way she treated me. I wasn't going to be her victim. Moreover, I was the eldest daughter and the only legitimate child of the Anderson's.“Chillax, big sis. I only came to congratulate you, since I didn't have the chance to do that yesterday.” She smiled through gritted teeth as she spoke, and I knew it was obviously because of th
Ace's POVTo say I wasn't furious about how I met Brittany and that forsaken friend of hers would be a lie. I didn't even realize when the anger crept inside of me.But strangely, I became glad when she untangled their hands. It still didn't stop me from glaring at him with so much hostility.Even if Brittany and I were no longer together, Jake still had made me feel deep hatred towards him and as a result, I distrusted him so much. Getting a text from dad about a change in the time of our supposed honeymoon turned a big deal for me but as it was as well for business, I obliged to go.According to dad, the honeymoon had been arranged before the wedding and its tickets were sent to my mansion yesterday but given that I didn't go home, I wasn't aware.All through our flight, neither of us said a word to each other. Although, she was barely awake and the few time she didn't sleep, she was on her phone, smiling at intervals at nobody knows what.The long silence didn't end even when we g
~~~~~ Brittany“We sealed the deal and definitely dad would be happy to hear the good news.”“I hope you would be able to fulfill your goals this time.” Jake's voice had hopes in them, that it made me smile brightly.Then, I sighed.He had always been there for me with all the support that I needed. This was one of the reasons he was my best friend. Although, I also had another friend, but she was currently not in the state, so I was left with Jake at the moment.“Thanks for your good wishes, Jake.”“There's no need to thank me, Britt. I even wished I could do certain things for you, then you wouldn't have to go through all this just to have your inheritance.”I busted into a loud giggle, then stifled it a while later due to how people's eyes were already shooting to my direction.“I'm glad that I have a great friend like you. Thank you.” A low chuckle left my lips instead.He would never cease to amaze me.“Yeah. So, what's next?”“Don't know until this honeymoon ends. Hopefully, in
~~ Brittany's POV~~"I'm sorry if I had kept you waiting. There were some emergency matters that I had to deal with." Dr. Marvin's apologetic tone sounded from behind as he walked to his seat and I nodded quietly."It's fine. I'm just here to make finding about these." I brought out the same drugs I had mistaken to be mine earlier and left them scattered on the doctor's desk.He only stared at it for a brief moment and an almost inaudible sigh left his lips. His hands moved forward to link together on his desk. "Whose drugs are these? I didn't prescribe them to you.""I know and that's what I came to figure out. However, I have an idea of who it belonged to, and I want to confirm with you. Just tell me nothing but the truth." I said in hush tones but he kept quiet.That wasn't what I wanted. I wanted answers but his blank gaze told me he was hesitating from explaining things to me."Fine, you don't have to explain anything to me. As his wife, I have the right to ask questions about hi
~~ Brittany's POV ~~Everywhere became silent again when the video stopped, and I glanced at the so-called diligent employee as she called herself. She was barely making eye contact with anyone in the hall. But shortly after, she summoned courage. She was trying hard to mask her anxious expression which wasn't rarely working."No, this is not right. It is absolutely illegal to stalk me, just because your position is higher? You had your secretary follow and have me on video secretly. That is against work ethics and you can be sued for that!""You're right but at the same time, this can't be overlooked. What you did over there almost cost us so much damage and that's what matters." I exhaled sharply. "Besides, everyone that was present on that day knew if you hadn't pointed accusing fingers at my secretary, then she wouldn't have gone the extra mile to prove herself. Mind you, you plotted everything from the beginning."One of the members of the board of directors, a man, added, "We al
~~ Brittany's POV ~~"Everything has been prepared for the meeting and everyone is waiting for your arrival, Ma'am.""Fine, let's go." The door opened and Jake came in. He was hesitant at first as he stepped closer, his hands clasped together in front. "Please, we need to talk." He stated almost inaudibly, his eyes simply boring into mine."Excuse us, Clarissa." I said and walked back to stand behind my desk.Clarissa left without hesitation, and I was all alone with Jake, who was still gawking at me like he was suddenly tongue-tied."You don't have all day to talk to me. There are more important things I have to do.""Um... I didn't mean to delay you or anything. I...just wanted to speak about us." He stuttered out, taking a deep breath afterward. "It's absolutely fine if you're too busy to talk now. We can do that some other time, maybe discuss over dinner later tonight.""Say whatever you have to say right here, there won't be a second chance for this discussion." I chipped in wi
~~ Ace's POV ~~I could feel people raiding their eyes on me as I walked into the company; many ladies throwing flirtatious gazes while some murmured amongst themselves. Moments later, a group of people walked up to me, stopping in front of me."Mr. Ace, it's a great honor to have you here. Please come with me, the president is pleased to welcome you to the company." One of the men amongst them stated with a small smile."I'm not here to see him." I corrected and glanced everywhere else but them. "Where is his daughter? I'm here to see her instead." I glanced back at them and could feel their embarrassment, especially on the man's face."Oh, Ms Elvira? I'll take you to her. She's in her dressing room. Come with me, please." One of the ladies offered, walking away and I followed suit.These were one of the numerous companies that A&C enterprise invested in but it was actually the first time I'd been there without the CEO title, i.e when there wasn't any official occasion going on. Afte
~~ Brittany's POV ~~I woke up to the beeping sounds beside me as I managed to sit upright on the bed. My body ached badly, like I had been lying on this bed longer than usual and my head throbbed slightly with headache. I felt heavy all of a sudden at the discomfort and I moved my gaze around the strange environment until they stopped on Clarissa sitting on a white couch."Ma'am, you're awake." She said as our gaze met, and she rose to her feet, walking towards me immediately."What happened?" I asked, looking around the ward once again. "Why am I in a hospital? And how long have I been here?""You've been unconscious for over a day, ma'am," Clarissa replied before making me rest my back on the pillows behind."But how did I end up..." The door suddenly opened causing me to pause as I turned towards the direction. Ace halted near the door briefly before hurrying towards me in the next second while the doctor just strolled casually behind him."How are you feeling, Mrs. Miller?" The
The huge black automatic gate slid open as a white Porsche sped into the compound, having less interest in parking properly. Charlotte stepped out of the car, stylishly taking in the serene atmosphere. Everything in the spacious compound screamed luxury, especially the majestic floor-standing fountain at the center.As Charlotte made her way into the gigantic mansion, some maidservants she had walked past greeted her, and the only person who stopped her was the middle-aged Butler dressed in uniform."Young Miss, you're here. The chairman is not around at the moment, but he will be back soon." He announced, his tone warm and calm as he stared at the young lady standing in front of him."I'm not here to see my Father. I just came to pick a few things in my room." Charlotte replied nonchalantly."Then, do you mind waiting behind for lunch? It is being prepared as we speak." Seeing the slight look of worry in the Butler's eyes, Charlotte sighed and lowered slightly down to his level. He
~~ Ace's POV ~~Many would say that I was speaking under the influence of alcohol and even as they finally agreed to sign the contract, I could still feel some of their astonished gazes on me. They all looked like they weren't the same set of people who weren't willing to give us a second of their time earlier.The truth of the matter was that I couldn't bear to see Brittany caught in a tight spot. I could feel it earlier when she spoke to them that she was nervous, and that was the height of it all. The Brittany I knew in business affairs was usually so confident and sometimes, it was not easy to oppose her in business matters. Many of our business partners were aware of that.As we eventually signed all the necessary parts, the deal was sealed successfully with two people from my legal team present, as I promised. They had smiles plastered over their faces, every one of them except for the old man who happens to be the town leader."We hope you don't disappoint us the second time be
~~ Brittany's POV ~~"I asked the others to think of a solution, but nothing seems to come to my mind. It's super annoying but I can't just let this go. I need to do something to prevent a disaster.""It's not the end for you, you know.""And you?" I asked, clearly irritated that I was the only one worried about the whole thing while Ace was looking the less bothered.As over an hour had passed, all he did was pacify me when I got overly worried. He even ordered our lunch through the hotel's room service and while eating, he didn't allow the topic till we finished eating. That moment felt passionate as my toes curled at how caring he was. "The both of us can't possibly be too worried at the same time. Then who would motivate who to stop overthinking?" He tilted his head to the left as if trying to seek answers through my eyes.That had me roll my eyes. As much as I wanted to deny it, he was right. One person had to stay in their right frame of mind to avoid losing it. I made my way o
~~ Brittany ~~I paced to and fro in the room, restlessness clouding my train of thought. The project meant a lot to the company, and the contract was something my father wanted to sign really bad before the accident as other companies, which were our rivals, also targeted the same contract. How things moved from an almost successful event to serious damage in the blink of an eye still baffled me so much. I could have imagined the happiness on Father's face when he eventually woke up from a coma, but all of that now had gone down the drain. Instead of the proud looks I imagined, it was going to be disappointing to him and the board of directors in the company. That was a disaster."Worrying too much won't solve anything," Ace stated, breaking into my thoughts and I paused to glance at him.He stood up from the couch and walked up to me as if realizing I wasn't going to listen to him. His cold hand made contact with my skin as it wrapped around my wrist, taking me to the three-seater