June 14, 2023. Chapter 1-2. The second chapter will be around 9pm, Singapore Time.
"You know we can't be seen together in public," Timothy reminded Victoria. "I'll go out first, and then you can follow after ten minutes. Remember, top floor." "Right," Victoria replied. She smiled and answered, "I understand, Tim. I'll call you when I am on my way." Just as Timothy was about to leave the car, he received text messages from Charlotte. In truth, he had been getting messages from his wife since last night, but he had turned off his phone, pretending to be on a flight. Now, all the messages were coming in, and he did not have the time to read them. "Just ignore her!" Victoria proposed. "This is a crucial step in our relationship, Tim. Forget about her for now." "Alright. I'll go ahead," Timothy said. He slowly made his way to the residential building and entered the lobby. He approached the front desk and asked for Hendrick, the agent. While he was inquiring, Timothy heard a familiar voice. His heart raced when he turned to his left. Wide-eyed, he mouthed, 'Charlot
"Charlotte, wave to my followers," Carla encouraged Charlotte the moment they stepped into the penthouse of Atwood Luxury Tower. "Hi! My husband just bought me a penthouse!" Charlotte did as Carla instructed. Charlotte turned to Timothy and called, "Tim, say hi!" Seeing Timothy lost in his thoughts, Charlotte told Carla's fans, "My husband is still a little disappointed that his surprise for me got spoiled. Isn't that right, Love?" "Ah, yes, Love," Timothy replied, his voice breaking in and out. "Timothy Cash is such a doting husband to Charlotte, guys. If you don't know Timothy, his family runs the politics around here. He is the eldest son of Tony and Marian Cash, our very own Mayor and City Councilor. And Charlotte is the granddaughter of Pete Strauss, the former CEO of Strauss Asset Investment. Pete is well known to have funded several charities in the city back in the day," Carla introduced Timothy and Charlotte to her followers while pacing into the penthouse living room.
Everyone looked at each other, deciding what to do with Victoria. She remained on the floor, barely conscious. She was simply humming. "Oh, no. Victoria!" Charlotte acted to be in a panic. She said to her husband, "Tim? The board members? Maybe you should go take Victoria!" "Right!" Timothy was about to pick up Victoria, but Charlotte spoke. "Tim, give Hendrick a tip!" Charlotte asked. "What?" Timothy reacted. "He will get a commission!" "But he has been so nice to me!" Charlotte insisted. "Give him a tip now. Give him a check for five thousand dollars!" She whispered, "The board members will see through your generosity." With that, Timothy did as Charlotte instructed. After giving Hendrick the check, he carried Victoria in his arms and left. *** "Aahh! I can't believe this is happening!" Victoria screamed. She was back in her apartment after Timothy brought her to the hospital. Victoria was released immediately and was told that she only fainted out of stress. "Well,
Timothy felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He just spent five million dollars on his wife! To think he was planning to divorce her after becoming a CEO. How was he ever going to get the money back? 'Sell the house,' Timothy concluded. Convince Charlotte that the penthouse would be a better and more convenient home for them. 'Yes, that's it. I'll convince her to sell the house. I'll arrange everything and make sure I get all the payoffs.' He was waiting for Charlotte in the living room of the Strauss mansion. Because Charlotte took her time, Timothy was left to think of his upcoming plans. 'First, I need to get Victoria the penthouse at the Diamond Hotel Plus.' Timothy searched the Diamond Hotel Plus, Swaxon, and checked the monthly rate for the penthouse. When he read it, his eyes widened in shock. He cursed, "Fuck! Forty thousand dollars per month!" To him, it was an expensive rent. He would be spending on a property that would never be his. He read through th
"Misses Cash, this is Maddison from Serenity Fertility Clinic, Swaxon. Doctor Serina wanted to perform more tests on you. She would like to apologize for making you lose hope the last time. She says there is another trial that we can consider," It was the nurse from the fertility clinic calling Charlotte early that Monday morning. "Oh, I'm not going there anymore. Doctor Serina was very firm in her findings. She said I was infertile. I have no more reason to go there," Charlotte curtly responded while she put her phone on speaker and checked her email. "I'm sorry about what happened, Misses Cash. Doctor Serina would like to visit you in your office. She wants to apologize and discuss another method," Maddison, the nurse, insisted. That exchange repeated until Charlotte had enough. She replied, "Fine. She can visit me anytime." "Great!" Maddison said. "How about this afternoon?" "No, I have several meetings," Charlotte replied. "Tomorrow morning, then?" The nurse sought. "No
"I'm not asking for reimbursement," Timothy claimed, with his chin up. "I understand the loss because I am also a company shareholder. I take full responsibility." As Timothy had expected, the board of directors gave him a difficult time due to his failed business trip. He lost one billion dollars of the potential investment, making them question his capability. The meeting held him inside the conference room for the rest of the afternoon. Because Timothy wanted to gain back their confidence in him, he did not ask for a single refund, not for the hotel, the flight, the meals, and even his assistant's billable expenses. Thankfully, his decision absolved him, but he felt his cash flow was already running low. What worried him more was the shopping his wife was about to do. Because Charlotte insisted that her bodyguard drive them, Timothy rode reluctantly into his wife's car. Inside the vehicle, he tried to assess the possible damage. 'Surely, Charlotte would not spend so much. S
"Why? Why didn't you tell me?" Cecile cried in her seat before turning to Pete. "And you? You knew?" Pete nodded and said, "Charlotte told me." "Grandma, we did not tell you because I know you would get hurt like this," Charlotte explained. "And you would end up confronting Tim." The Strausses were now at the Third Diamond Hotel of Braeton City, settled in one of the property's three-bedroom condo units. "Victoria? Is this real? Why would they do this to you - to us?" Cecile cried even more, and Charlotte's heart ached to see her grandmother in tears. "There are things that I still don't know, Grandma," Charlotte answered. "But I needed to tell you now because I will announce my intention to divorce him this Friday." "What? Already?" Cecile reacted. "Don't you want to fix things -" "My relationship with Tim can no longer be fixed, Grandma. I can't confirm exactly, but Victoria and Tim have been together for a year or closer to that. Their betrayal has gone too far," Charlotte
"Liam, I don't know if I am ready to see your mother again," Charlotte admitted. "Considering our plans, would it be fine for her to meet me while I have yet to divorce Tim? I'm just not sure if this is the right time." "I understand. Wait here," Liam instructed. "Let me see what she needs first." Liam also felt the same way. His parents knew of his secret trips to Swaxon and why he built a hotel in that city. They knew he still had his eye on Charlotte, but at the same time, his parents were also aware that Charlotte was married. He has yet to tell them that Charlotte will be getting a divorce. Re-introducing Charlotte now would only give them the wrong impression. He got off the car at the hotel's driveway. Liam was about to walk inside the property when he saw his mother's car. His beloved mother was already walking in his direction, her eyes looking past his frame. "Mom? What brings you here?" Liam asked. His mother, Scarlett Wright, didn't seem to hear him. Her espresso-co
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