August 9, 2023. Chapter 2-2. The next update will be tomorrow evening.
Chadwick froze, seeing Carla slump to the floor. "Carla!" He called, rushing to her. He immediately scooped her in his arms, asking, "Are you awake?" Carla hummed. She threw her head back, answering, "Barely." Her chest heaved, and her eyes remained closed as she wrapped one arm around Chadwick's neck. "I had too much to drink." Faintly, she requested, "Bring me inside, please." 'How troublesome.' Chadwick tried to think back. He acknowledged how Carla and Charlotte consumed two bottles of wine. Thus, she was likely drunk, which was why she suddenly proposed marriage! She wasn't thinking straight! Chadwick did as she requested. While he carried her in his strong arms, he struggled to get Carla's finger to open the door. When he got in, he asked, "Where do I put you?" "Room," she responded, her eyes were still closed. "I don't know where your room is," Chadwick complained. "Why don't you walk to your room?" Carla did not answer. Instead, she nestled into his chest, making C
Everyone in the company slowly became aware of Charlotte and Liam's relationship. They still did not know they were already married, but it was clear that Liam Wright was seriously pursuing Charlotte. In the days that followed, he sent her signature bags and jewelry. One evening, as Charlotte worked late with Arthur, Liam sent a chef to cook in front of everyone doing overtime. The employees could not help but leave remarks. "Mister Wright is obsessed with Miss Strauss!" "Talk about gift to impress!" "Miss Strauss is so lucky!" Going out on an official date was their boldest statement. They went out to another location outside the Diamond Hotel. Charlotte finally returned to one of her favorite restaurants, David's Palace. Clearly, the news of her newfound relationship broke out because, during Fabio Bianchi's visit to the company, he intentionally stopped by to speak to her. He said, "Mister Liam Wright, huh? You caught the eye of a billionaire hotel CEO." "Well, I would not
The original plan was for the couple to spend the weekend in Swaxon, but after hearing about Chadwick's past, Charlotte wanted to surprise her husband. She purposely left the office early and took a private flight to Braeton. Liam was having a dinner meeting with some influential people in Braeton. He had joined a millionaire's club with Graham to maintain their connections, and that day was one of their social gatherings. The event was held at the First Diamond Hotel. It was a closed-door event, only for the members and their wives or partners. When Charlotte arrived with Chadwick, she went to the female bathroom to freshen up. It was there where she met the BNC Media news anchor, Harriet Kent. "Hi," Harriet greeted. "Hi, you are that news anchor," Charlotte remarked. Like Charlotte, Harriet also had golden hair. They almost had the same build and height, but Harriet was taller. Charlotte's face had a more prominent jawline, while Harriet's was round. "We could practical
"I have always loved this company. I especially love the fund team. It was my dream to hand over the company's management to Timothy in the past, but when everything changed, I admitted I had to step up. One day, I woke up with a new goal. I have realized how my grandfather's legacy highly depended on my choices," Charlotte was standing in front of the crowd of employees, executives, board members, and special guests. "Thus, I worked hard to prove I deserved to be your next CEO." Her appointment ceremony was held in the Diamond Hotel Plus Swaxon's enormous ballroom. Charlotte was dressed in the color red, looking striking and confident. She smiled and declared, "And so, here we are now. My name is Charlotte Strauss, and I am your new CEO." She took a moment to look at everyone, relishing that loud applause before resuming, "I believe that I am a well-rounded person. Still, I am not an expert at everything. As I start my journey as your CEO, I promise not to look for weaknesses in you
"Liam Wright," Timothy repeated. He wandered around within the same block of the Diamond Hotel Plus. "Charlotte is with Mister Wright." "That fast? Oh, sorry." He muttered. Because his mind was elsewhere, he would bump into someone now and then. "Please excuse me." Timothy took a break. He reflected on everything that had happened between him and Charlotte. Timothy then realized how Liam had supported Charlotte throughout the CEO race. He wondered, "How long were they together for Mister Wright to propose to her? Did that mean they had been together months before? When did Charlotte replace me?" "No wonder Mister Wright punched me in the face. He had his eye on my wife!" He felt his chest becoming heavy as he questioned, "Why did Charlotte easily forget me? Was years of a relationship that easy to forget?" Then again, he also acknowledged his mistake. He turned his back on his wife when she was struggling with infertility. Worst, he cheated on her with Victoria. "This is your fault
"I never thought I would love the rain this way," Charlotte said with a smile. She snuggled into her husband's chest before drinking her hot chocolate. The couple were in Bhutan, enjoying their vacation. They were settled on an outdoor sofa from within the enormous covered balcony of their private suite. They were watching the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the white fog from afar, and the rain that had started to pour. They could only hear nature around them, and Charlotte thought it was refreshing. "Amazingly, it feels so spiritual out here," Charlotte said with a smile. She looked up to Liam and received a peck on the lips. "You are amazing," he suggested. "I just love you," Charlotte said. "And I love you more," Liam claimed before gazing at the mountain valleys. They were silent for some time. The couple merely appreciated the nature around them when Liam's phone buzzed. He took his phone and checked the message. He gasped and reported, "No wonder Timothy has no
Chadwick crashed his lips against Carla's, and they quickly indulged in a heated kiss. As Chadwick lifted her entire frame, Carla felt like her body weighed a feather. She automatically wrapped her legs around his waist while circling her arms around his neck. Sparks flew for Carla in just seconds of tasting Chadwick's mouth. She knew she had wanted to feel his touch, but she never expected it to be that good! She loved it! Carla could not help but take more initiative. She reached for his shirt and pulled it over his head. They stared at each other as if deciding if they should go on. Carla and Chadwick took deep breaths before Chadwick walked towards the bed and lay her on the sheets. He kissed her again, and with his chest available to touch, Carla did not hesitate to feel his muscles. 'Wow!' She thought. 'This is the real thing.' Chadwick let go to kiss her neck. Carla threw her head back, simply delighting at that sensation. She felt his hand going under her top, and the
A day before the wedding, Liam and Charlotte had a pre-nuptial shoot. They returned to the Diamond Hotel Swaxon in surprise. A nurse had been waiting for them in the lobby. She held a letter coming from Timothy. This nurse worked from the psychiatric hospital where Timothy was admitted. The nurse said, "I don't think Mister Cash is crazy like his parents feared. He asked me to give you this letter. It seemed harmless, and he looked desperate, so I willingly delivered it." From inside the Diamond Hotel Plus penthouse, Swaxon, Liam, and Charlotte opened the letter and read its content: [Dear Charlotte, I know now, and it broke my heart to know the things that I had done to hurt you.] The first line confused Liam and Charlotte, but everything became more apparent as they resumed reading. [It came as flashes of images in my head at first. The sight of you and me together in the near future - how I have further neglected our marriage vows. I saw how I hurt you, how I hurt your gr
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