An hour later>>Rachel agreed to see her visitors after a long time of waiting. She walked into the room smiling, trying to hide her feelings and pale face but unfortunately, she could only put on an act for there was no makeup to conceal her dark under eyes, and pale and flaky skin.“To what do I owe this intrusion into my peaceful lonely day?” She said with a throaty laugh as she took a seat in front of Ashley and Rhett.Rhett leaned back on the chair with his arms crossed against his chest. Watching her up and down, waiting for the drama to unfold.“Hi Rachel… I don’t need to ask how you’re doing when it’s so glaring to the eyes” Ashley said, her face crinkled with sympathy for Rachel.Rachel scoffed and rolled her eyes at Ashley with great contempt.“What do you want? After pushing me to my death, you both must be here to put a nail in the coffin to celebrate your reunion, isn’t that right?” She glowered.“You must be happy that your biggest Villainess is gone” She laughed out lou
Ashley hurried to her bedroom, her breath shaky as she rummaged through her closet to find a change of clothes. The sound of her phone buzzing was driving her crazy so she ended up picking the next dress in sight.While putting on her dress, she would swipe up for new updates. When she was done, she put on her loafers and started walking down the stairs.A message came in from a familiar number that she hadn’t added to contact before.“Oh! It was this same number that texted me a few days ago” she said with her eyes on the phone as she jogged down the stairs.She almost missed her steps but fortunately, Mr.Fred was around to grasp her hand.“Miss please be careful” he stated his worry.“Uh, Mr.Fred! I’m glad you’re here. Have you read the news?” She asked uneasily.“Yes Miss, please calm down and do not concern yourself with it for now” he advised.Ashley arrived at the base of the stairs and frowned upon her assistant.“Take me to him. I need to see Rhett before they’ll arrest him” s
Peering at the file holder safely tucked in between Mr.Catterman’s grip, Optimist called him to stop.“Sorry Mr.Catterman, I didn’t mean to delay you. I was wondering if it’s a simple errand I can help with on my way back” he asked them.“Uh, that’s right! Since you want to stay behind so bad, we can ask him to pass it to…” The old man was saying this when Mr.Catterman said an outright no.After his refusal, he bowed respectfully before leaving the house.“This one has always been so diligent” Optimist muttered, disgruntled by the butler’s attitude.He watched him disappear before returning his gaze to the old man.“How is your health? grandfather” “I can say I could still manage to be arrested” The old man joked.Rhett laughed shortly before he stood up with a smile plastered on his face.“I brought you a medicinal juice, good for preventing heart attack” he announced and then waved the small package in his hand.“The only one that cares so much about me” The old man commended and O
Ashley Gu cried a river after sending Kristian off without a proper goodbye. Clara and Mr.Fred were there to console her.“You don’t have to worry ma, You can trust the unaccompanied minor service. They’ll take care of him” Clara said.“Madam Gu would surely be on time to pick him up too” Mr.Fred added.Ashley nodded her head and sniffed in her tears.“Don’t you think you should stop working for now too? I don’t want to put you in danger” She said to them.“If I wanted to run, I would have suggested going with Kristian. I’m not leaving ma’am” Her assistant said assuredly.“I can’t leave you to your troubles again!” Clara insisted.“I have to inform Rhett about all these. Let’s go to the police station” CITY POLICE STATIONThey’ve been holding Rhett for over two hours and yet none of his lawyers have shown up. At first, Rhett thought there might be a delay because of the mess on ground but then as time passed, he realized something must have happened.He wondered if his grandfather wa
Ashley pulled into the driveway of her home, and Rachel gazed out the window at the cozy house. It’s the same house she had lived in with Rhett but it’s now so different."Let's fix you a good bath first, for the baby," Ashley said with a warm smile.Rachel gulped down her saliva, heavy loads of guilt eating her up.Her eyes widened as they stepped inside, it’s the same house Ashley was living in but it’s so much different now. The interior was tastefully decorated, with plush furniture and elegant artwork.From the colors to the ambient lighting, everything screams fresh renovations."Wow, Ash, this is beautiful," Rachel said, her voice laced with sincerity.“Thank you, Rachel, Rhett and I are moving In here after our wedding. So we are touching it up again” she said.Ashley then led Rachel to the kitchen, where the aroma of roasting chicken filled the air."Coincidentally, I made your favorite," Ashley said, pulling out a chair for Rachel.She stood frozen in place for a while, hesi
Ashley’s heart thumped nonstop in her chest even when she was trying so hard to balance her emotions.She clasped her hands together for a quick prayer but she was interrupted by the familiar footsteps from behind.Tracing the family doctor to his seat but her attention was on the test result in his hand all through.“Mrs.McCall…” The doctor said and paused. Ashley’s blood ran cold watching the doctor’s neutral face, her breath wavered with the thought of getting ahead of herself. She thought that her husband’s absence from home for a long time must have driven her to imagination.“Congratulations Mrs.McCall, you’re two weeks pregnant,” the doctor said with a motivating smile as he handed over the test result on the table.A very sweet feeling exploded in her chest followed by a sigh of relief, excitement spreading to every part of her body “Husband would be so proud of me!” she muttered and hurried to her feet.“Please do not share this with anyone, I want to be the one to announce
Ashley didn’t dare to return home after what happened so she went to the family house hoping to find justice and report Rachel.With the divorce papers tightly squeezed in hand, she walked into the house and immediately felt chills all over… Looking chaotic and miserable, she proceeded into the house.She saw her first, her foster mother— she clenched her fists hoping to say something but she failed. “Mother, I’ve been cheated by Rachel. She seduced my husband” Finally finding the right words, she reported naively.Hoping to get more attention, she tried to explain further when Rachel bumped into her from behind and she stumbled.Ashley was surprised to see Rachel’s undisguised mockery as she walked past to stand beside their Mother who then burst into a peal of laughter as she muttered words into her ears.Her eyes welled up with tears watching the man of the house, her father remain seated with a calm gait as he continued sipping his green tea.“Father please say something” She plea
5 years later“Men are scum! Anywhere you plan to destroy one, don’t forget to invite me” Ashley Gu commented with a devilish smile, ending her interview with a fierce look.A brief silence followed after her comment but then a cracked laughter soon broke the silence in the room making her screw her brows in mild annoyance.“Dear viewers, and that’s your final piece of advice from the successful boss lady.” The host said with a broad smile and continued.“We’ve heard the news of how funny you are and you just don’t disappoint ma’am” The host appraised jokingly but her smile was wiped off in sudden horror when she met with Ashley’s murderous gaze.That look of fear is all courtesy of the rumor about her being feisty and strict.“Cut! Thank you so much for working hard” Another of the team members said loudly to save his colleague and the room became heavy with clapping. Ashley unlinked her bossy sitting posture and left the setup immediately.She was welcomed by her assistant who rushe
Ashley pulled into the driveway of her home, and Rachel gazed out the window at the cozy house. It’s the same house she had lived in with Rhett but it’s now so different."Let's fix you a good bath first, for the baby," Ashley said with a warm smile.Rachel gulped down her saliva, heavy loads of guilt eating her up.Her eyes widened as they stepped inside, it’s the same house Ashley was living in but it’s so much different now. The interior was tastefully decorated, with plush furniture and elegant artwork.From the colors to the ambient lighting, everything screams fresh renovations."Wow, Ash, this is beautiful," Rachel said, her voice laced with sincerity.“Thank you, Rachel, Rhett and I are moving In here after our wedding. So we are touching it up again” she said.Ashley then led Rachel to the kitchen, where the aroma of roasting chicken filled the air."Coincidentally, I made your favorite," Ashley said, pulling out a chair for Rachel.She stood frozen in place for a while, hesi
Ashley Gu cried a river after sending Kristian off without a proper goodbye. Clara and Mr.Fred were there to console her.“You don’t have to worry ma, You can trust the unaccompanied minor service. They’ll take care of him” Clara said.“Madam Gu would surely be on time to pick him up too” Mr.Fred added.Ashley nodded her head and sniffed in her tears.“Don’t you think you should stop working for now too? I don’t want to put you in danger” She said to them.“If I wanted to run, I would have suggested going with Kristian. I’m not leaving ma’am” Her assistant said assuredly.“I can’t leave you to your troubles again!” Clara insisted.“I have to inform Rhett about all these. Let’s go to the police station” CITY POLICE STATIONThey’ve been holding Rhett for over two hours and yet none of his lawyers have shown up. At first, Rhett thought there might be a delay because of the mess on ground but then as time passed, he realized something must have happened.He wondered if his grandfather wa
Peering at the file holder safely tucked in between Mr.Catterman’s grip, Optimist called him to stop.“Sorry Mr.Catterman, I didn’t mean to delay you. I was wondering if it’s a simple errand I can help with on my way back” he asked them.“Uh, that’s right! Since you want to stay behind so bad, we can ask him to pass it to…” The old man was saying this when Mr.Catterman said an outright no.After his refusal, he bowed respectfully before leaving the house.“This one has always been so diligent” Optimist muttered, disgruntled by the butler’s attitude.He watched him disappear before returning his gaze to the old man.“How is your health? grandfather” “I can say I could still manage to be arrested” The old man joked.Rhett laughed shortly before he stood up with a smile plastered on his face.“I brought you a medicinal juice, good for preventing heart attack” he announced and then waved the small package in his hand.“The only one that cares so much about me” The old man commended and O
Ashley hurried to her bedroom, her breath shaky as she rummaged through her closet to find a change of clothes. The sound of her phone buzzing was driving her crazy so she ended up picking the next dress in sight.While putting on her dress, she would swipe up for new updates. When she was done, she put on her loafers and started walking down the stairs.A message came in from a familiar number that she hadn’t added to contact before.“Oh! It was this same number that texted me a few days ago” she said with her eyes on the phone as she jogged down the stairs.She almost missed her steps but fortunately, Mr.Fred was around to grasp her hand.“Miss please be careful” he stated his worry.“Uh, Mr.Fred! I’m glad you’re here. Have you read the news?” She asked uneasily.“Yes Miss, please calm down and do not concern yourself with it for now” he advised.Ashley arrived at the base of the stairs and frowned upon her assistant.“Take me to him. I need to see Rhett before they’ll arrest him” s
An hour later>>Rachel agreed to see her visitors after a long time of waiting. She walked into the room smiling, trying to hide her feelings and pale face but unfortunately, she could only put on an act for there was no makeup to conceal her dark under eyes, and pale and flaky skin.“To what do I owe this intrusion into my peaceful lonely day?” She said with a throaty laugh as she took a seat in front of Ashley and Rhett.Rhett leaned back on the chair with his arms crossed against his chest. Watching her up and down, waiting for the drama to unfold.“Hi Rachel… I don’t need to ask how you’re doing when it’s so glaring to the eyes” Ashley said, her face crinkled with sympathy for Rachel.Rachel scoffed and rolled her eyes at Ashley with great contempt.“What do you want? After pushing me to my death, you both must be here to put a nail in the coffin to celebrate your reunion, isn’t that right?” She glowered.“You must be happy that your biggest Villainess is gone” She laughed out lou
Rhet was about to approach the checkpoint when he saw Ashley there as well. And when their eyes met, Ashley quickly turned away from him out of embarrassment. Rhett paused his steps, his initial reaction from the house fading off.“I’m sorry, I didn’t think you would come here sooner,” Rhett said behind her.Ashley slowly turned but was unable to meet his gaze. “Same here” she replied, “I figured it’s better to act fast than waiting around to wallow in my pain. I need answers too”“I can leave and come back later if you want. You told me a few hours back that you would like your space” he reminded and Ashley sighed. Her eyes flickered.“No, it’s fine. You don’t have to do that” she said.“I’ll just come back later. I bet we are seeing different people anyway” Rhett said as he turned to leave.Ashley made a swift turn “Don’t go please!” she pleaded.Rhett stopped in his tracks.“Maybe I’m kinda relieved to see you here, I don’t think I can go in alone… I can’t face them alone. I’m scar
Stunned by her response, Rhett stares at her dumbfounded. “What is the problem, Ashley?” He asked hesitantly. Looking lost and confused.Ashley was staring right back at him with her hardened eyes.“Oh… I must have said that out loud” She said with a crazed laugh.“You’re scaring me…” He said, his heartbeat increasing every second. Never in a million years did Rhett think he would say something like that but indeed, Ashley looks terrifying at the moment. “I read about something Rhett, it’s about what happened back when we were young. About the accident!” She said.Rhett’s lips parted slightly in shock. His face flushed and he looked away in guilt. “Oh… I guess you knew about it already” Ashley said, her face crinkled with a smile.“Ashley I can explain if you calm down…” Rhett stuttered painfully. He tried to hold her but Ashley stepped back from him, shaking her head in refusal.“Do you know the craziest part? I read the lies with evidence. Many wrote about my father and what he d
Ashley tensed up on the bed as she read through the messages sent to her. She could feel the cold air penetrating through her flimsy nightwear.She didn’t want to believe her eyes. Frantically, she scrolled down to the end of the messages where several links were attached. Links to the news from many years ago, news about her father being a criminal.Ashley stood up slowly with the phone in hand. She glanced at her son teary-eyed, struggling to fight back her tears from dropping right there on the spot.Her hands shot up to her mouth instinctively; Pressing down on it before escaping to the bathroom.Ashley closed the toilet lid before sitting on it. Then she returned to the beginning of the text message.“The McCalls ruined your life! They killed your family” She shuddered in fright.“Here’s a little advice from a well-wisher, I pray that by the time you finish this wonderfully written piece, you’ll make the right decision and get justice for your father.You’re about to read the mos
Rachel paced back and forth in her cell, biting on her thumbnail which was already way lower than the rest. A habit she’d been enjoying for a while.Her mind raced with thoughts of injustice. She had been locked up in this detention center for what felt like an eternity, awaiting her court hearing. The walls seemed to close in on her, suffocating her with every passing day.She couldn't shake off the feeling of being wronged because she never got Kristian kidnapped but no one believed her. The police and everyone seemed convinced of her guilt except for her parents but now they are gone too.When she saw it on the news, it was like they’d removed the longest bone in her body.Her back hits the wall and she slides down helplessly.“I know I’ve always been painted the villain but Ashley, you have gone too far!” She cried out.For hours, she cried after learning of her parents' downfall.And as she lay on her cot to sleep, Rachel's discomfort turned to anger. She hated this place, the co