~~ Brittany's POV ~~“What is going on? What are the officers talking about? That I tried to kill your father?”I glanced down at the cuffs on my mom's wrists, and my chest tightened with despair. It felt as though my whole world crumbled around me as seeing my mom treated like a criminal made me so angry, yet I couldn't do a single thing to help her.“Why would I do such a thing? Why am I being accused falsely? You know, I would never try to hurt your father, so why?” Mom wouldn't stop asking questions that even I could barely answer.A tear rolled down my eyes and I quickly wiped it off to avoid instigating more fear in Mom. As it seemed, the fear and pain in her eyes were so evident that I badly wished there was a way I could relieve her of those emotions.For the past few days, Mom had been the most disturbed and overworked person, from consoling the dead driver's family down to taking care of my Dad and his secretary in the hospital. She has been the one doing the majority of th
“What's with you, girl? You just started rejoicing as soon as you came in here. What's the good news? Come on, let me know.” Zara implored with eagerness, keenly watching as Lora served herself another glass of champagne after finishing the first glass.She was Lora's best friend and the only friend Lora had kept by her side since high school. They were literally like twins back in those days because anywhere one find Lora, then be certain Zara would be there. They attended the same college at the same time, studied the same course and did almost everything together.It was just until recently, after they got out of college that each faced their different jobs when Lora started working in her father's company as a finance manager, wholly different from what she studied in college. All because she was afraid her half-sister would overthrow her if she didn't follow her closely by working behind her.Now, the two friends only met occasionally after work or during the non-working days. E
~~ Brittany's POV ~~I sat on the bed quietly as the doctor did some checkups on me. He checked on the wound on my forehead and the back of my head, then finally assessed my heart rate with his stethoscope."Do you feel pains anywhere?" He inquired, placing the stethoscope back around his neck."Yes, my head still hurts but not as severe as it was earlier.""The nurse will administer another pain relief drug and change the bandage as well. So, please lay back on the bed and rest while she is at it."I did as the doctor said and allowed the nurse to do her duty as the doctor left the ward. The door opened again and my secretary accompanied by two cops walked in. It was the same cops from the station who had offered to escort me.Clarissa walked to stand beside me while the cops stopped at the center of the ward."How are you feeling, ma'am?""Well as you can see, I'm getting better." I teared my eyes away from them for a moment and heaved out a sigh."We're sorry we couldn't protect yo
~~ 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
~~ 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,
~~ 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
~~ 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
~~ 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
~~ Ace's POV ~~Meeting her at the hospital premises was unexpected. I mean, I had gone there only because of personal reasons - to find out someone I still believed could just be a figment of my imagination. But, it was all thanks to that reason that a tragedy didn't occur today. If I hadn't sighted the gunman earlier to have gotten Brittany out of sight before the gunshot, then what would have happened?Whoever the masked gunman was, had targeted Brittany because he vanished right after firing just one bullet at her. When I tried to find him again, he was gone and the people who witnessed the scene didn't know of his whereabouts as well. It was like he just vanished into thin air. But that was for a matter of time. I would find him soon and he wouldn't know what hit him."We've found the gun that was used near the crime scene. Once we get a person who matches the descriptions you gave, we'll add him to the wanted list. Although it might not be easy, since his face was covered.""Do
~~ 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