August 22, 2023. Chapter 2-2. Thank you for patiently waiting. The next chapter is tomorrow.
Paul flinched at the sound of the thunder. It was raining hard outside. His hand gripped tightly against the sheets. He screamed, "No! No!" "Don't leave me here. Help me." He cried in his sleep. "Help me! Please don't leave me! I'm going to die here!" Suddenly, the door to Paul's room burst open, jerking him awake. He sat up, gasping for air, and saw Charlene walk in. While Charlene and Paul had been living together for the past few weeks, they agreed that it was best to take it slow. Thus, they slept in separate rooms at night, and during the day, they talked about the past, hoping it would bring Paul's memory back. "Paul," Charlene was gasping for air. She said, "Are you okay?" Paul was panting as he slammed his body back to bed. He shut his eyes, taking deep breaths, and when he sensed Charlene near him, he asked, "On - on the day of my accident, Luces' death, did you and Jeremy fight?" It was because of Charlene's silence that Paul opened his eyes. He found her sitting on
"Jeremy did this to you?" Charlene asked in anger. Shaking his head, Paul answered, "Honestly, I wasn't sure. It was raining hard, and I was focused on the road. I knew he was tailing me, but he could have sped up without me realizing it." "The car that hit me was black, and his car was also black, but one thing is for sure: he left me there, Charlene," Paul revealed. "Even when I asked for help. He just stared at me and left." "Whether he was the one who caused my accident or not, that bastard just left me to bleed! I had checked my medical records many times, and the doctor's findings said the blood loss may have caused my amnesia," Paul said, his jaws clenching. "I hate it!" Charlene broke down in tears. "I hate myself even more! I got us all into this mess - my choices -" Charlene tried to push Paul away, but he embraced her tightly and said, "Stop. Stop." He let her weep before proposing, "Let's forget about past mistakes. Jeremy is in lock-up now. If we find proof of his k
"I can't believe it!" Liam's mother, Scarlett, said. Her eyes widened, seeing Ethan and Samantha Wright enter the delivery suite with the twins in their arms. Nurses followed, pushing in two hospital cribs for the babies. Meanwhile, Kaleb Wright laughed. He said, "Looks like my parents were more determined than you, Kitten." "Believe it," Samantha teased. "We had the second hold. As it should be." "At least, Dad did not kidnap them, Kitten," Kaleb remarked, and they all laughed except for Charlotte. Liam wildly clutched against his stomach, laughing his heart out. "What's so funny, guys?" Charlotte curiously asked. "Oh, it's nothing serious, Charlotte," Ethan revealed. He gave baby Paul Luces to Kaleb, saying, "I attempted to kidnap Kimberly when she was a baby." Charlotte, "..." "Not that I am a selfish grandfather; I was just too loving; I wanted Kimberly closer to us," Ethan suggested. He pecked baby Paul Luces and found a place for him to sit down. "Don't worry, Charl
Charlene requested a private room for her visit to Springwell Correctional Facility. Aside from the correctional officers, Charlene and Jeremy were initially alone. After Charlene let out her anger, she said, "Let me introduce you to someone you nearly killed more than twelve years ago." She studied Jeremy's expression. His brows met after her announcement. He turned around, following her gaze, and what he saw shocked him. Jeremy's lips trembled. He pointed to the man who walked through the door, saying, "You -" He glanced at Charlene and then back to Paul, claiming, "You are not Paul!" "Don't you think that is a strange reaction?" Paul suggested, his eyes narrowing at Jeremy. "How sure of you that I am not Paul?" "I think it is rather strange," A voice said behind Paul. It was Liam Wright, and he wasn't alone. He was armed with the best legal team from Braeton City. Dressed in a formal suit, Scarlett Wright, Liam's mother, led the team, representing Paul Strauss. Three other l
'Are they asleep?' Liam mouthed. Peter cuddled against him while baby Paul Luces snuggled at Charlotte's breast. Liam pointed to Charlotte's chest and softly said, "He is taking away my favorite part of you." Charlotte nearly laughed. She responded while pointing down her thighs, "Down there is your favorite - Ooops!" She might have raised her voice a little, and the twins jerked their hands up. Peter cried, and his brother wound up doing the same. Liam squinted at his wife while Charlotte gave him an apologetic look. They both got up and carried the twins in their arms. They sang and danced with the babies until they fell asleep again. The couple rested them back on the bed, facing each other. They waited a few more minutes before Charlotte slowly rolled off the bed. 'I need to work,' Charlotte mouthed, and Liam nodded. Four months had passed since Charlotte gave birth. They were at their penthouse in Swaxon, looking after their twins. The couple had long agreed to have
"Mother, are you sure you can supervise the twins?" Charlotte asked. Charlene nodded, answering, "Of course! I have been watching them now and then. Why?" "It's just that you look tired," Charlotte described. "Are you sleeping well?" "Don't mind me," Charlene suggested. "We have those days when we lack sleep." "Your father is taking care of a few things with the Grants. Errol hasn't been feeling well lately. I will follow after him tomorrow," She explained the absence of Paul. "And how has he been? How is it at home?" Charlotte asked. "It's just like he told you. He is getting pieces of his memory, the bad and the good," Charlene conveyed. She fell silent and admitted, "Sometimes, he stays silent and takes it in. He stays in his room all day, and I bring him food." "It takes him a while to explain things to me, but eventually he does. The other day, he revealed how he recalled some of our fights about Maddison," Charlene revealed. "Yes, I heard," Charlotte admitted. While s
Liam was in a dream. In that dream, he was back to the time when Charlotte and him were in high school. He was standing before Charlotte, holding a bouquet of red roses. He was smiling at Charlotte, and she was smiling back. He said, "Happy Birthday, Charlotte." Charlotte's face flushed. She replied, "Thank you, Liam. So this is my birthday surprise?" She appeared embarrassed as she sought, "This doesn't mean anything else?" Scratching his head, Liam replied, "Um. Yes, what do you mean?" "Um. Never mind," Charlotte answered. Suddenly, his dream shifted to another scene. Another young man showed interest in Charlotte, complimenting and giving her gifts. During their lunch break, Liam told Charlotte, "That dude is a playboy. He isn't right for you." "And who is right for me, Liam?" Charlotte asked before she took a bite of her sandwich. "Someone who knows you well and would treat you better," Liam described. Charlotte's mouth was full, but she still managed to say, "But who wo
Liam avenged me,' Charlotte mused. After Charlotte heard it all from Liam, she cried in his arms. She held him tightly and said, "Thank you for avenging me. Thank you for giving me justice." "I think, in any lifetime, I would have done it, willingly and without you asking me," Liam admitted. "I would never forgive anyone who would hurt you." "I'm sorry about the past," she added. She let her tears dry before looking up at him. Charlotte cupped his face and claimed, "But I promise to make it up to you in this lifetime." "I know, and I don't just know it; I feel it," he said before pecking her forehead. "And after looking back, I realized how much we need to make the most of this time now that we are together and have a family." With a nod, Charlotte agreed, "We should do that." Charlotte got up and straddled him. She tugged her sleeping dress and pulled it over her head, declaring, "And we shouldn't waste any precious time." Liam smiled and took a moment to admire his wife's bo
Dear Beloved Readers, Thank you for supporting me throughout Liam and Charlotte's story. I know many of you wish to continue with this story, but it has already ended. I felt it has just the right amount of closure to conclude this book. I love all your eagerness. This was my first attempt to write a rebirth story, and I hope you enjoyed it. In a way, it was different than most of what I have written so far. Don't forget that this is my entry to the Goodnovel Contest, "Remorse-Revenge-Redemption." Feel free to drop your gems and re-read the book as many times as you wish. Your reads and gems will help me win the contest. So, you are probably wondering what is next for me. I have many requests for Lily and Lucas's story. I will do my best to focus on that, but at the same time, I already have a story in mind for Kenneth. So, let's see. Give me time to rest, recharge my brain, create an outline, and discuss with my editor. I will announce through my social media when my next
In an intimate chapel in Swaxon, rows of seats were aligned with turtle tree leaves. The same were adorned with peony and lilac blooms. Chandeliers hang on the ceiling, including hanging wisteria flowers and candlesticks. Gemstones also hang randomly from above, longer ones particularly bordered the aisle. Liam stood in a floral arch, waiting for his bride. He wore a tailor-fit suit as he held his gaze high, his eyes gleaming in tears. Despite having aged and having formed a few wrinkles on his face, he remained handsome and dignified. All his children stood alongside him. His twin boys were to his right. Scarlett Cecilia and Caleb Chad took the other side. Surprisingly enough, their little guy was cooperating with the ceremony. Smoke machines began to emit vapor towards the back of the chapel, and it signaled everyone who attended the wedding to turn to the aisle and turn on their lanterns. Over fifty small lanterns attached to a stick illuminated Charlotte's path. Most of t
Almost three years had passed. Charlotte and Liam's family had a picnic lunch with Carla and Chadwick. The older kids were done with their meals and enjoying their desserts. Only Caleb Chad was still munching his vegetables next to Charlotte. Liam drank a full glass of water and revealed, "Marian and Tony Cash are getting out today." Charlotte wiped her mouth with a table napkin. She remembered how Timothy's parents tried their best to evade imprisonment by delaying their hearing, but in the end, they were convicted of tax evasion. Marian and Tony were sentenced to five years. Charlotte did not even realize it had been that long. She straightened her posture, saying, "Wow, time flies." "Do you think they will be a problem, though?" Carla asked. "No, they won't," Chadwick assured everyone. "Our men have already spoken to Tony Cash. We have sent the message. If they don't bite, we won't bite back. They know not to mess with the Wrights." "So far, Victoria has not been a proble
Two years had passed. "And this year's World Finance Market award for the country's promising investment company goes to Strauss Asset Investments of Swaxon City!" A round of applause echoed across the venue. Company employees who attended the business gathering screamed for joy. At the same time, the host continued to introduce the company, "By the end of last year, Strauss Asset Investments has profited over three billion dollars while contributing generously to the Heart and Lung Center of Swaxon. The same company has opened two other branches, one in Braeton and another in Capmond. Their expansion granted over three hundred jobs." "Their partner, Gravity Ventures, held the same award three years ago, and today, they lead the finance market with the help of Strauss Asset Investments." The host looked at the party where Charlotte and her team sat and said, "Strauss Asset Investments continues to make smart investment decisions, satisfying the needs of their clients. And it is ex
"I, Paul Strauss, take you, Charlene, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death. This is my solemn vow," Paul said in front of the crowd. Charlene was crying, taking deep breaths. Paul had to wipe the tears from her face before Charlene managed to speak her vows. In Braeton's biggest Cathedral, Paul and Charlene married again. After holding back due to Errol's death, their union was finally renewed. Charlotte was crying in her seat while carrying Peter. The toddler was sleeping in her arms after running around before the wedding could start. Her other boy, Paul Luces, was still at it, giving his nanny a run for it by the Cathedral's grounds. "I feel it, Mother's happiness. I feel that she is very happy with her second chance," Charlotte said. "And Father too," Liam said, looking at Paul's expression. Charlotte agreed. Paul's eyes were gliste
"Breathe in. Breathe out. Push along with your contractions - I'm so happy to be here right now. Thank you, heavens, for this opportunity," Scarlett said while holding Charlotte's hand. She cried, "My beautiful daughter-in-law is giving me another wonderful grandchild, and I am here to witness it all." Scarlett Wright got her wish come true. Liam's flight got delayed due to air traffic in Swaxon. Scarlett became Charlotte's automatic companion as she gave birth. Charlotte pushed, feeling the pain running down her pelvis. She gasped and was about ready to make another push when Scarlett said, "Don't be afraid. Mom's here. I'll be your strength. Take as much energy as you need from me -" "Okay, Mother. I got it," Charlotte said, trying not to interrupt her mother-in-law. "Arrggh." Scarlett was multitasking. She leaned sideways to see what was happening between Charlotte's legs. Then, she announced, "The baby is crowning!" "You can do it, Charlotte! You can do it!" Scarlett added, le
"So this is how it will work," Charlotte said. She was wearing a white robe around her, and so was her husband. "Liam and I will reveal the gender of Chadwick's and Carla's baby, and they will announce ours." "Everyone got it?" Charlotte asked, giving a thumbs up to their family members. "Liam and I will go first." "We are excited!" Scarlett screamed. "We are all curious why you both are wearing robes!" "That's because," Liam said. "Inside these robes are the truth about Carla's and Chadwick's baby's gender." Carla held Chadwick's hand from her seat and said, "I'm feeling nervous." The couple was back at Samantha's and Ethan's mansion to have the gender reveal party, which every one of the Wrights, based in Braeton City, attended. Pete and Cecile had traveled with Charlotte and Liam, whereas Paul, Charlene, and Lucinda were just in town. Carla had no problems with the venue because it gave her brother and mother an alibi for a longer trip. If the event were in Swaxon, it would
"Charlotte?" Frank called. "Should we postpone the meeting?" Charlotte opened her eyes and realized she was in the conference room, having a meeting with the executives. They had a short break while the internet was being restored, and Charlotte took a moment to doze off in her chair. A chuckle left her lips. Charlotte reasoned, "Sorry. It's the pregnancy hormones." "Oh, I know. My wife also suddenly sleeps in the middle of anything," Xander teased. "But you always came back rocking, Boss. We have no complaints." "Internet's back up, Boss," Ming said. "Right," Charlotte said before looking at the screen before her. "Carry on." "As you can see, Boss, our competitor, A&D Mutual Fund, has followed our investment tactics. I can't help but be annoyed," Ming remarked. Charlotte smiled. A&D Mutual Fund was the competitor company that supposedly hired Shane Westly, Jim Ash, and Billy White. Even Xander jumped into working with them in Charlotte's past life. However, with the knowledg
" You found me all messed upYou found me down on my luckSo lost, but then I woke up in love" ~ Chadwick's and Carla's wedding party was a blast. They entered, dancing to the tune of Woke Up in Love by Kygo, Gryffin, and Calum Scott. Carla raised her arm, lifting her bouquet as the guests congratulated them. Visitors included some of her followers on social media, her co-actors from Pacific Lifeguards, co-workers of Chadwick within Liam's security team, Charlotte's and Liam's family, and Boris. While Carla fluidly danced to the music, Chadwick looked stiff but tried to dance along. "Go Chadwick! Go, Chadwick! Haha!" Charlotte laughed while clapping her hands. She turned to her husband and encouraged, "Look here and cheer Chadwick on!" Liam shook his head the entire time. He said, "Just let me remember Chadwick as a stiff lad. I can't imagine him dancing." "Aww. This is another side of Chadwick that I haven't seen before," Scarlett remarked, smiling at Chadwick. She and her hu