The atmosphere became cold as soon as Mr. Anderson uttered those words to his daughter. It seemed as though time stopped for that brief moment. Even Mrs. Catherine who had been eavesdropping upstairs, had to come down from her hiding place out of shock and majorly, fear.Nobody expected it coming. It was a massive hit to everyone who heard it. Mrs. Catherine was left speechless even as she got to where the father and daughter were. It didn't take long before her husband walked out of the living room, taking the route into his study room and she followed suit. Obviously, to talk things out with him on behalf of their daughter.On the other hand, was Lora who came in some minutes ago. She barely had the chance to make her presence known amidst all the drama when her father's stance was made.Her lips slowly curled into a mischievous smile as she crossed her hands against her chest, staring at her half-sister with a raised brow. The shock and pain written over Brittany's face was what sh
Ace's POVJake wrapped Brittany's hands around his neck as he pulled her up. He lifted her purse to his other hand, but it didn't end there. He slipped his hands in her waist, leading her out and a deep frown crept to my face. I almost felt like stomping towards them to punch out all of his teeth. That way he would avoid touching what was mine. Wait! What did I just think? I must be out of my mind. Brittany was obviously loving it, since she looked comfortable being in his arms.“It's really her. Since when did she start coming here? Hey! Shouldn't you follow them? She seemed drunk to me.” Alex said, turning to face me at the last minute.“There would be no need. She looked so comfortable with her companion, so why should I bother?” I freed my hands from Elvira's grip to take my previous seat. I poured myself a drink and gulped it down all at once.“Dude! She is your wife and is drunk. If there's anyone to take her home in that state, then it should be you. You can't leave her in th
Brittany's POVThe loud ringing above my head was what awakened me from the deep slumber that I wished lasted. As my eyes momentarily fluttered open, my hands reached out for the small clock on my bedside shelf and I turned it off. Then I sat up to rest on the headboard due to how light I felt at the moment.My entire body ached, that I felt like crap. It was obviously from too much alcohol yesterday. After what I tagged as the 'outrageous encounter' with dad yesterday, my whole body became numb and mind blank, especially when he just finished uttering those words, “then, your sister will have to get pregnant for him and become the CEO.” It felt as though someone would just wake me up from the disastrous nightmare.Everything was still fresh in my head, despite drowning myself in alcohol yesterday. Well, that was why I hated alcohol. It would only make one forget everything at that point then the next day, all memories would come rushing back.It was Jake's idea to clear my head in th
~~ Brittany's POV ~~“Misuse of the company's funds?” I repeated as I assimilated Clarissa words.I couldn't be more surprised to hear those words. It wasn't like I hadn't suspected this, but it was actually so shocking that she could really use that method.I had thought she would go extra miles, something even far dangerous than this, just to ruin me but as dumb as she turned out to be, she just had to use something like embezzling the company's funds. Tchh!My gaze raised to meet my personal assistant's once again, and it gave her the go ahead to proceed with her reports. “Yes. It was as you've said. The expenses used for the past few weeks doesn't meet up with the weekly financial reports she hands down.”Well, given that the company's financial reports were usually submitted to dad as he was still in charge of the company affairs, it was just so clear that she could try to do something as such.Now that I was aware of what her plan was about, it was time to turn things around in
Elvira could only watch in silence as Brittany pointed a finger towards the door, especially since she understood what it meant. Her anger knew no bounds and as she grabbed her purse, she hissed then scrambled out of the office.The only reason she was leaving that easily was because that was Brittany's company after all. The last thing she wanted was to be thrown out disgracefully, of which she knew Brittany wouldn't hesitate to do. Coming to the company in the first place was because of her doubts in Ace's marriage. Yes, she was fully aware that it was arranged by his father but somehow, she felt Ace also wanted the marriage even if he didn't show it. She had known him for long, way before he met Brittany in college and had eyes only for him. He also returned the gestures back then until he met Brittany and got in a serious relationship with her. That ruined her chance of being with him, but she wasn't willing to give up.“He is mine and mine alone.” She mumbled under her breath a
~~~~Brittany's POV~~~The restaurant's atmosphere was cozy and bright. Just like I wanted. It was an inviting and attractive surrounding. All thanks to Clarissa, who studied my tastes in these things so well.Eating dinner with Kylie was going smooth. Though, I felt his eyes stealing glances at me at intervals, I pretended not to notice as I focused on my meal.I picked my glass of wine as I inhaled the sweet flavor emitting from the freshly decanted red wine for a moment before sipping it.“We finally had dinner together.” He finally started a conversation.Exactly, what I waited for.“You always wanted to have dinner. So I thought, why not? Like you said, there was nothing wrong with getting to know each other. Co-workers could also be friends.” I managed not to sneer to the last part of my sentence as I shrugged off like it was no big deal.“I'm really honored. A mere worker having dinner with you is rare, so I'm glad to be here with you.” He replied, and I just chuckled lightly.I
~~~Ace's POV~~~I glanced at my wristwatch and sighed for the umpteenth time. The evening was fast approaching as Charlotte kept making unending selections. Soon, she stepped out of the dressing room with a considerable smile on her face.“So, how do I look?” She asked twirling around in the yellow dress.I scoffed out loud, “you've asked that question for a zillion time, and I remembered answering all of them.” “Those were all different dresses and sure needs different comments on them. This is also different, so I want another comment on it as well.” She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms against her chest.“Next time, do this with your friends and not waste my time.” “Tchh, you see your little sister for the first in a while, and you're acting this way? Gosh, I wonder what elder brother I've got.” She hollered and rolled her eyes once again as she glared at me.“A very handsome and popular brother.” I shrugged out a reply and she scoffed out.“I'm going to get changed now. It l
The door opened, revealing Kylie in his prisoner's uniform as his hands were cuffed together. He was made to sit on one of the empty seats before the warden left him alone with Lora in the visitation room.Almost immediately, Lora's hand went directly to his face, smacking him as hard as she could. That actually shocked the hell out of Kylie. Another ear deafening slap hit his face from the other side, and he flashed his gaze immediately back to Lora, his eyes staring daggers at her as his blood boiled in anger. If only he wasn't cuffed, then maybe.......“You piece of shit! How dare you do this to me? How could you have ruin my plan like this?” Lora asked, ignoring the vicious gaze she was receiving from Kylie.All that mattered was the course of rage surging through her. Kylie, doing what they both never planned together really pissed her off coupled with the fact that it could affect her plans.“You tried to sleep with another woman despite all I've done for you?” She scoffed and s
~~ Brittany's POV ~~“Someone is here to see you, My Lady.” A servile voice brought me back to reality. A maid's head was bowing downward with hands clasped together in front.“She says she is an old friend of the Young Ms.” She added, causing my brows to furrow. An old friend? Was it mine or Lora's?I shot Mom a quick glance and her expression was not any different from mine—surprised. “What did she say her name was?”“Ms. Shantel James.” That name rang a bell in my head as it sounded really familiar. Shantel, Shantel, Shantel? I chanted that name in my head, a jolt of excitement slowly rising through my veins. Was it the same Shantel I knew? “Let her in.” Mom ordered, and the maid left, returning a few minutes later with someone else trailing behind her.They got closer and the maid deep bowed one last time before walking away, giving me a clear opportunity to see the lady behind. At that moment, my eyes lit up in excitement as I sprang up to my feet. At the same time, she spread
~~ Brittany's POV ~~Their gaze averted to me at once and I stepped out of the dining area. I wanted the ongoing drama to last a little longer after overhearing their loud voices from the kitchen. But it ended earlier than I expected. It was quite satisfying to see someone else stand against Elvira and her arrogance.I was forced to butt in when Elvira almost overstepped her boundary as I approached them with a straight face, looking like I wasn't the one smiling earlier when Charlotte gave Elvira what she deserved."And what makes you think I'm unwelcomed here? The last time I checked, this isn't your house." Elvira replied me with a masked expression. It was obvious she was trying to suppress her anger, replacing it with a small smile as she dropped her hand and folded her arms against her chest."You should get your facts right. I might not be a direct owner but you wouldn't want me to state how much rights I have around here, higher than you can ever imagine. Why? Because I'm the
The cold, refreshing wind suddenly turned into hot and sultry as Jake stood rooted to the ground. He was still in a dilemma after Brittany bluntly rejected him and since she left him there on the rooftop, he didn't bulge from where he stood.This was the main reason he'd feared to tell her about his feelings until he accomplished his goal of making her fall for him but that didn't go his way. Finally, he was able to move his feet closer to the low fence as he dipped his two hands into his pockets while staring into nothingness in the sky. He was reflecting on the past, his mind so engrossed on the first day he met Brittany in college and how it'd been between them, that he didn't notice Lora show up behind him.She was trying to catch her breath upon rushing up there after the little clash with her half-sister back in the office. It was almost as if she thought he would have been long gone from the rooftop but it was the exact opposite when she got there."Looks like someone just got
~~ Ace's POV ~~Reviewing proposals in my computer, my mind frequently drifted away as I fervently glanced at my cell phone, but nothing came. Despite knowing the consequences of what I was doing, I was still utterly curious at her reaction. If not, reactions.I was obviously making a bigger fool out of myself but with the outcome of events, it was my fault to begin with. So, the only thing that crossed my mind all day was to make amendments for my mistakes. When the call I had been expecting throughout that day finally came, I gripped my cell phone with so much anticipation. “Sir. Ace, it's all done.” Mrs. Lucia expressed, as if suspecting my inquisitiveness and I just nodded.Relief washed over me as I exhaled sharply. The first step was done and only awaited confirmation which I could no longer pretend to wait. I wrapped up work as I glanced up at my personal assistant to see her staring intently at me, only to lower her eyes when mine got caught with hers.She was probably wonde
~~ Brittany's POV ~~“Brittany….” He called out, taking two steps closer as he continued, “I've always loved you. Right from the first day I met you in college, I was attracted by your beauty and as the days went by, you drew me closer with your charming personality. But I knew you didn't feel the same way, which was why I never bothered you and actually wanted to make you fall for me before confessing my feelings. Not until you left.” He paused for a brief moment, his knuckles clenching into tight fists, as if remembering the awful events in the past.“When you came back to the States, I was more than happy to see you again, but your goals of getting the company stood in the way. But, I wasn't willing to give up until you'd fall deep in love with me. Even deeper than what you feel for that heartbreaker of a husband.” He tried to close the space between us with slow, striding steps, but I involuntarily lifted my hands to stop him from getting any closer.I was completely in a daze as
~~ Brittany's POV ~~“How was your night, baby? Did you perhaps dream about mummy in your sleep? Because she misses you.” I whined into the phone with a small pout.I could hear her cute giggles, making me bust into smiles.“I miss you too and yes, in my dream, we were together as a family in a big house.” Her adorable babyish voice replied and a look of puzzle crossed my face.“Really? Tell me more about it.” I coaxed, curiosity and excitement lacing in my tone.Speaking to her like this was something I wished would never end. I loved hearing her voice every day but unfortunately, circumstances kept us apart from one another. Hence, it was somehow difficult to hear from her as I pleased.“That was all. We were so happy living together that it felt so real until I woke up this morning.” Her once bright voice fell afterward.She was sad, no doubts, but I wasn't planning to make her sad for long. “In a few weeks time, you'll be five. How excited are you?” I hoped the news would help lig
~~ Ace's POV ~~I didn't know for how long I stayed in the car as my head rested on my hands on the wheels. By the time I lifted my head to stare out the window, the sky had grown darker and the stars were gathered, glistening in its usual form.Brittany's car drove in, and she alighted gracefully with her phone placed on her left ear before the driver drove away to park properly in the lot. Through the shadows of the night, I could see her adjust her bag on her right arm, still chatting immensely with the other person over the phone. Although, I didn't hear what they were discussing.Her back was slightly turned against me, that only her left side was in view. I could barely see her face. She remained there for a while and didn't seem to notice my presence as she walked into the mansion. My eyes strained to keep her under watch until she was no longer in sight and I exhaled deeply.I clutched onto the wheels tight briefly and fixed the windows before stepping out as I headed into the
~~ Ace's POV ~~Two consecutive knocks sounded gently on the door and my secretary walked in as I only spared her a quick glance.“Your sister-in-law is here to see you.”I was forced to drop the files I was working on at the end of that news as I shot my gaze back to my secretary and I scoffed out.“What does she want?” “She only asked me to inform you about her arrival and is waiting outside for you like I told her to.”“Then, let her know that I'm busy and won't be seeing her anytime soon.” I tried to resume my work but paused when someone suddenly intruded my office.“Work hours are over, but I wonder what you and your secretary are still doing with files. Don't you get tired? Or maybe slack off in your duties?” Lora butted in, strolling inside casually as she halted midway with arms crossed against each other.Ignoring her statement, I teared my gaze back to my secretary with raised brows, but her looks expressed shock and surprise.“I really did ask her to wait for me outside,
~~ Brittany's POV ~~I clasped my sweaty palms together as I clicked my heels quietly against the marble tiled floor. Until then, I didn't realize how tensed and scared I was. The first few hours didn't bother me that much because I was certain mom's lawyer was quite prepared. Thanks to the other maid who demanded to see me at the hospital, we were able to get recordings contradicting to what the supposed maid, Sophia had told the police. In one of the video recordings, she seemed to be working with someone against my mother, and she was the one who planted the forged documents in my parents' bedroom. Now, she was no longer a witness and for that reason, oppositions against my mother had reduced but somehow, I still felt anxious. After a brief recess, the judge returned with the verdict and as my eyes remained fixed on her, I hoped and prayed whatever she was holding unto was good news.“....... I hereby pronounce Mrs. Catherine Anderson.....not guilty.”As soon as I heard those wor