Even Troy's family and friends who were till the end, congratulated and apologized to Carol for Troy's behavior. Especially, Troy's mother who raised troy like an ideal man. She had faith in her son who would never turn into a monster like his father.
Right now, The Reception is happening, like they have planned. Troy and his mistress are still sitting on the sand, tied up. His friends to his mother and his younger sister are attending as Carol's family and friends. ** Carol** Troy's mother smiles and brings a jewelry box, revealing a beautiful necklace with a pendant in it. ** This is my family's heirloom. Your grandma wanted you to have it once you are married to my son. However, today I found that I don't have any children. I always thought of you as my daughter. I always wanted to protect you from your own family. So I think you deserve it!** She signs and puts the box in her hand, ** I apologize for the pain you went through. Please accept it, thinking your mother gifted you as a wedding gift** Carol tries to resist herself to take such a valuable gift but Troy's mother insists on keeping it. She can't help but take it since she knows how stubborn Troy's mother is. **Thank you, Aunt** She smiles, gently touching the necklace. For years, she has been staying over and enjoyed the time with Troy's family. His grandmother was so fond of her that before her death, she kept inviting her over every big day. ** Another thing, Carol!** Troy's mother signs, ** I didn't think about it that much since you two were having a strong bond. But I think I might know why Troy chose to betray you in the first place. I am ashamed of my own son but I think you deserve to know** Carol frowns confusedly, not understanding what she is talking about. ** What are you talking about? Aunt!** She asks, since nothing can be compared to cheating. Troy betrayed her in the worst way possible. Troy's mother takes a deep breath and starts signing, * Six months ago, when you two were planning on getting engaged, I saw my son with one of your uncles!** She reveals, Making Carol shock. ** I don't know what they talked about but when I asked him, he just said it was coincidentally meeting. But I think there is something else** Carol glances at Troy who is feeling embarrassed and humiliated by the entire situation. She takes a deep breath. The pain in her heart is strong enough to hate him immediately. She loved that Man. Moving on isn't easy but she can't look at that face anymore. ** It doesn't matter** She signs her expression is cold and unreadable. ** Now I am married. Whatever they have been planning won't work anymore. Don't worry about me, Aunt! Please enjoy your time here. The hotel rooms are available tonight. So take rest as well!** Instructing, she excused herself to walk towards her newly wed husband who has been talking to his assistant and best friend James Clarke. Seeing her walking towards them with graceful steps, James excuses himself and leaves Damien alone. ** Thanks for today! It was needed!** She signs, sitting on the chair next to him. Damien nods and quietly stays still. She looks at him, trying to remember her husband's face since both of them will be separated from here once all the guests leave. ** So, when are you going to claim your inheritance?** Carol purses her lips and thinks something a bit before responding with her beautiful fingers, ** Within two days. But today I will send the marriage certificate to my late grandparents' lawyer. So it will be fine!** ** Don't you need my help?** He asks. ** Yes. When I meet my paternal family. They're a bit pushy and unbearable. I just need them to shut their stupid mouth!** She rolls her eyes and takes a deep breath. ** Then can you meet me tomorrow? There is a family dinner tomorrow night! I am required to bring my wife or lover** ** Of course. As I promised, I will help you out as a wife as long as you need me!** She assures him. Right after they exchanged the vows and rings, And announced their marriage, Carol and Damien had their own conversation with their upcoming situation and the reason why they're eager to marry each other. Carol didn't hold herself from explaining her situation and made it clear that she would like to go back to her old life with no living together situation except for any sort of emergency. Since she is currently handling her maternal grandparents' company, she didn't want to stay here, in this city. Damien didn't explain anything at all. All he disclosed was he needed a wife or lover because his family was pressuring him to get married to their business partner's children. But he was fine with that arrangement as long as both of them are available for their emergencies. While they're having their own silent conversation, Damien looks at Troy who suddenly appears behind Carol. Troy, extends his arm to touch her shoulder but Damien grabs his wrist, sending a death glare at him, " Don't dare to touch my woman!" He roars in low tone. " Shut up!" He snaps, " I am the one who has been with her for years. Who are you stopping me?" He spats. Carol looks at Troy with disgust but signs Damien to let him go. ** But! He is -** ** Thank you. But I need to talk to him for the last time. Don't worry! I don't look back. Not to the trash!** She smiles but Damien sees fangs. He nods, finding her so badass, in this situation. The expression on Troy's face is priceless. Damien decides to give her space, since the Marriage is only for each other's convenience. ** What do you want to say?** She looks at him disdainfully. Although this face once was so dear to her. Even this morning, she was dreaming about loving this man. ** Carol! I don't care if you get married or whatever. But you can't just throw our years of memories like this. Look** He tries to touch her shoulders but she yanks his hands away from her. ** Fine! Chill. I won't touch you anymore** He said, rolling eyes. ** But you can't move on from everything. I know I made a mistake but every one has their own rights to choose happiness, right? I felt a bit of happiness but I think I am ready to fix everything. Let's get annulment for you. Leave that cripple and come to -** A harsh and rough slap falls across Troy's face who is stunned for a moment. Damien who is yet to leave the sight, turns, finding Carol's face red with fury and Troy is shaking but too stunned to move. ** How dare you try to insult my husband in front of me!! Remember, Troy! I always told you, never mess with me specifically with people who are important to me. You are a selfish gold-digger who doesn't know how to act but dares to mock others. I have loved you for years but I love myself more. I was ready to give you my world but you were too selfish to respect me and my love. So get the fuck out of my sight!** Troy's face burns while feeling a rush of anger all over his body. Each and every ounce of his body is reacting badly. ** All of those years I was the one who accepted you. Do you think you have someone to accept you? No Bitch! Everyone will throw you like a used tissue paper after using you. Even your dearest husband. You will return to me. Because I am the only one who tolerates a burden like you.** " Enough with this bullshit, You Motherfucker!!" Eunice who has been checking on her bestie, finally loses her cool. Eunice is a martial art Master and her body moves faster than her mouth. Everyone gasps when she throws another punch once again right across his nose, making his nose bleed once again, " Nobody in this world can bully my baby. You forgot that I am still here. Just think about yourself, You loser, pathetic stupid. Nobody is here for you. Not even your friends and family want to have a relationship with you! Pathetic bastard!" She grunts, ready to kick his balls, but he immediately covers himself and walks away from them. " This is not the end. You bitch... That deaf will cry and return to me for accepting her. You bet!" " Yeah..Yeah. I bet your life. I will be the one to take it !" Yelling at him as he runs away with his life, Eunice looks at Damien who was ready to attack Troy. She takes a deep breath and speaks, " Listen! Mr Crawley. My Best friend isn't someone you can easily insult or mess with. She can't hear us but she is strong with other sensors. She has a very strong and high self-esteem and confidence. If she thinks you are disrespecting her, she will make you pay for this. So no matter how rich you are, just don't do something stupid like Troy did. That bastard is ungrateful and he is going to face his Karma soon. Don't bring it upon yourself too." She warns clearly, leaving no room for him to think he didn't know about her. Meanwhile, Carol walks towards them, and taps Eunice's shoulder, ** What are you two talking about?** She looks curious. Eunice smiles, shaking her head and hands her phone over, ** Your maternal grandparents are throwing a retirement Party. Are you taking your husband or heading to the honeymoon?** She asks casually. Carol glances at her phone, the email from her Maternal Aunt, where it's addressed that they're throwing a party. She feels somehow bitter. Why didn't they contact her before?" So you two decide to stay separately? Is this your decision?" Eunice knows it's not her place to interfere their private and personal matters. But she can't help but feel protective towards her best friend. Just yesterday, her friend was so excited to open a new chapter with love and life. She wants to have kids and have a big family. But it's now a dream. Damien who is waiting for Carol to get in the car, looks at Eunice and gives a polite smile, " The marriage isn't like other normal and average marriage. Both of us needed each other. I am sorry for disappointing. But I promise that I won't turn into a jerk. I don't like punches you know!" Damien grins, " I will take care of her!" Hearing his words, Eunice finds a little comfort and consolation. At least he doesn't look like a scumbag. Yet, she needs to ask something to make sure the incident doesn't repeat. " Will you cheat on her if you find someone else?" Damien pauses momentarily and takes a glance at Carol who is saying
During the long drive, One thing helped Carol thing about. Each second password, thinking about Troy who was love of her life. She spent most of her life with him, her first love, first friend, first everything. But when did she go wrong? Why didn't she notice any red flags? He was same, handsome, charming, sweet, kind, because of her, he learned sign language, he wanted to cook for her when she was busy, normal date nights, funny and already was in time. Even a week before her wedding, he flied back home, just to ensure that the wedding went well. There was nothing, no red flags, no hints of him betraying her. She can't understand how things turned into this mess. If he was acting like this with motives behind, she can't help but think of his perfect acting. Oscar winning acting. In her life, people have been stabbing her back like she doesn't feel hurt at all. They tried to use her constantly. But Troy being the one has completely destroyed her trust in anyone. Even in herself.
Her heart sinks, face turns pale, feeling left out in this big family. There was a simple condition for her to work with her grandpa is that she won't be in the same place with her mother. But right now, sitting on the chair in the middle of the table with all the family members, she finds herself more lonely than ever. They're having conversations with each other, no one is giving her attention. She tries to read their lips, but she can only get a gist of their conversation. Nothing more. She stares at her wedding ring that she hasn't shown anyone. She keeps playing with this until someone taps on her shoulder. Grandpa? She looks up at him as he holds the glass of wine. She smiles, thinking no matter what her grandpa won't leave her alone. She grabs the glass of wine and stands up, following her grandpa. He puts the glass of wine and gets everyone's attention. Along with sign language for Carol, he starts speaking, " Today is the special day of my life. I Granger Diego, has f
" Why did you leave? This is so disrespectful! Your grandpa has been so upset." " Stop being a spoiled jealous girl! Such a rude. How dare you call your uncles names?" " Such an ungrateful Bitch! Did you think everything will be yours? Grow up. Stop being a greedy ass. Nobody wants your damn attitude in our family." Carol rests her head on the steering wheel as her extended family keeps messaging her. Since they can't call, they're sending thousands of messages at once. She takes a deep breath. No, she didn't want to be the CEO forever, nor does she want to have some share. She wanted to be appreciated for everything she has done for them. Her uncles never worked. Five years ago, the monthly profit was only 300-350K from their company. Once she started handling it she made it up to 500K to 1 million. She spent hundreds of hours in the company just to remodel, replan and reschedule everything. Once the business started doing well, her uncles stopped working and left their respe
Like usual, she wakes up at 6, but unlike other days, she looks exhausted and unmotivated. Her bed hair is untouched as she grabs the cereal and milk. Her body is heavier and sore than usual. Her eyelids are heavy and burning because of constant crying last night. This Betrayal from everyone hurt her so bad that she couldn't comprehend how to deal with her emotions at all. She got rid of Troy's stuff that she bought with her own money. She sent some of them for donations as well. Every single thing has been giving her the taste of betrayal and she doesn't know where she heads from today onwards. The thought of meeting her husband's family or meeting him is completely off her mind. The constant messages from her secretary telling her that lots of clients are refusing to attend any meetings after her announcement of quitting the family company has been overbearing. Her side of the family tried to contact her. But unlike others, her grandparents didn't reach out for once. She doe
After the engagement party, Elder Diego somehow shuts himself in his room, talking to some old clients who have been retreating themselves from working with CL company from now on. After learning about the official statement of the new CEO and the formal CEO's resignation, lots of clients asked for a better explanation since they all have been working with Carol. But all he could do is reply with a half truth answer, " My son-in-law is a good business man. He will handle the company well. Please put trust in him!" Elder Diego gets a bitter reply with retort and the client hangs up on his call. For the last five years, Carol made sure that there were some loyal clients who would support her despite her disabilities. At first nobody wanted to give in, asking why they appointed a deaf CEO in the first place. It's a business not a welfare program. However once they started working with her, they knew they found the right person to do business with. So losing her suddenly without any
** No! It's delicious. But what do you mean by never cooked for twos? I heard you had been together with your ex-fiance for a while!** Although it's a harmless question, Carol hangs her head down. She has forgotten about it since she started cooking. But his question reminds her of all the betrayal. However she hates to show her vulnerability to people, so she looks at him with no expression but explains it. ** Troy started a business a few months ago. Also his job was in next city. So we met on the weekend sometime. Also because of work, we had been in long distance relationships. He stayed with me on the weekend but we didn't have time to cook something leisurely. You are the first person who I cooked for honestly speaking!** She explained. " I see!" He murmurs. ** Anyway, I don't know anything about you. Also I told you not to talk about personal matter. But I am wondering what you do if it doesn't offend you to ask. Since we are completely strangers!** She signs, giving h
Surprisingly, unlike other times, Carol seems to have been enjoying the day instead of feeling depressed. The stranger she got married to has come out as a good company for her at this stage of her life. Damien who has a very polite and friendly personality seems to know what kind of conversation they need to start for not making their time boring. Not everyone can keep up with her, especially when it comes to sign language and having a smooth talk with no difficulties. Right now, both of them are crunching the popcorn and watching a comedy show. Carol sometimes has difficulty with reading the subtitles and watching the show but she is used to reading the subtitles and watching the shows. So it doesn't matter. Damien on the other hand glances at her sometimes, wondering if she is really enjoying the show or not. She has explained that she doesn't need sound if there are subtitles. So, it works out fine. He leans his back a bit, thinking about the day he got married to her.
It’s late evening, and the house is quiet except for the soft hum of the air conditioner. Everyone left except Carol. She just put Aria in her bed after a long day. Carol is curled up on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone, catching up on the day’s events. The soft glow from the screen lights up her face, and she can’t help but smile as she reads a message from her best friend, Eunice. After what felt like a long stretch of tension and uncertainty, Eunice and James have decided to try again—James is back, and it seems like they’re working things out. Carol’s heart swells with happiness for her friend. Just as she leans back, stretching her legs on the couch, the front door opens, and Damien walks in. His shoulders are hunched, his tie slightly loosened, and he looks exhausted. The stress from his day is evident, and he doesn’t even bother to take off his shoes before walking towards the living room. Carol raises an eyebrow, putting her phone down and watching
Aria sits quietly on the couch, her little body curled up into a ball, her plush carrot tightly held against her chest. Her small face is scrunched up, a mixture of confusion and sadness overtaking her usual lively demeanor. She can’t stop thinking about what happened with Julian earlier, and it's hurting her innocence heart more than she’s willing to admit. She is confused why Julian wants to play with someone else when she is playing with him. Damien, noticing his daughter’s silence, looks over at her from the kitchen, where he’s sipping his coffee. His heart clenches at the sight of her pouting face. Aria usually bounces around the house with boundless energy, but today, she’s a shell of her usual self. He places the mug down on the counter and walks over to her. “Hey, kiddo,” he says softly, sitting beside her on the couch. He gently pulls her onto his lap, his big hands rubbing circles on her back as he tries to comfort her. “What’s wrong, princess? Why the long face?” Aria d
The apartment is filled with the sound of the faint rustling of clothes and the occasional thud of a box being moved around. It’s quiet in a way that feels almost suffocating, the air thick with the unspoken tension that has been building for weeks. Since James hasn't been in his company, I couldn't ignore the situation. He wants to stay a few days to travel around the city. However, he has been getting lots of calls from his assistant. I can't let him slack off all day like a lazy ass. I sit cross-legged on the bed, staring at the half-packed suitcase in front of me, my fingers mindlessly folding the clothes I’ve laid out. My thoughts are a jumbled mess, as usual, filled with a thousand things—mostly about what’s coming next, about leaving and starting over, about the future that feels uncertain. But there’s one constant. One person. James. I can feel him watching me from across the room, where he’s leaned lazily against the dresser, arms crossed, his gaze locked onto me
Although I couldn't secure a position in the American branch of my company, for our best interests, James has asked me to work for him in his company. Although it's a new company, Damien has been helping him with lots of projects. We will leave soon. I have resigned my position. The bar is alive with music, the low hum of conversations, and the occasional burst of laughter as glasses clink together in celebration. The air is thick with the scent of alcohol, fried food, and something bittersweet that lingers beneath it all—farewells. My farewell. I should be celebrating. This is my night, after all. A send-off from colleagues who’ve become friends, from a place that’s been my home for years. A place I fought to leave, worked tirelessly to outgrow. But as I sit at the bar, nursing my fourth—or maybe fifth?—drink, there’s a hollow feeling settling deep inside me, like something slipping through my fingers no matter how tightly I try to hold on. Maybe because I acknowledged th
The apartment is unbearably quiet. I sit curled up on the couch, knees drawn to my chest, staring blankly at the dark ceiling. The only sound is the faint hum of the refrigerator, but even that feels distant—like the world outside this room no longer exists. James’s message from last night is still on my phone, the words burning into my mind. "Staying at a hotel tonight. Don’t wait up."He didn’t call. Didn’t ask to talk. Didn’t even ask why. I clutch the blanket around me, my fingers tightening in the fabric. The weight in my chest is suffocating, pressing down like a stone. Sleep never came, only hours of staring at the walls, thinking about the moment he found that ticket—how his expression darkened, how he left without another word. He knows. And I hurt him. The sky outside turns from black to gray, signaling morning, but it doesn’t bring relief. The ache in my chest only deepens. I can’t sit in this silence any longer. My hands tremble as I pick up my phone and d
Eunice, The morning sunlight drapes across the living room, casting a golden warmth over the space. Everything feels too still, too peaceful, as if the world itself is oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. James moves around the kitchen with ease, sleeves rolled up, flipping pancakes like it’s second nature. I watch him, mesmerized by the way he hums under his breath, his presence so familiar yet so foreign at the same time. It should be comforting—this domesticity, this quiet moment between us. But instead, my chest tightens, because I know that soon, everything will change. Since we have returned home, I have been fighting with myself for a decision that I thought was simple a month ago. However, his appearance, me falling in love with him again made that simple decision one of the hardest decisions ever. I haven’t told him yet. “You’re staring,” James teases, his voice smooth, pulling me out of my thoughts. He glances over his shoulder, flashing that boyish grin that u
With a long-suffering sigh, he nods. “Fine. I promise.” Aria beams, hugging him tightly. “Yay! My Julie forever!” Irene smirks, crossing her arms. “We’ll see about that.” Julian groans, rubbing his temples as Aria and Irene continue their tug-of-war over him. He has had enough. “Can you both just stop?!” He snaps finally, his patience finally breaking and wearing off. Especially to Aria who is clinging onto him like a slime. Silence falls. Aria blinks, her grip on his shirt loosening. “J-Julie…?” Her voice is small, uncertain. Julian exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Irene, you always mess with me and now her, and Aria, you act like a spoiled kid whenever I talk to anyone else!” His voice is firm, frustrated. “I can be friends with other people! You don’t own me, Aria!” His sharp cold eyes shudders Aria who looks confused with Julian's cold and indifferent gaze. The room suddenly feels too quiet. Aria’s fingers tremble as she stares at him,
Julian narrows his eyes before walking towards the door, " What's their name!?" He asks. " Julie! You got friends. What about me?" She follows him hugging her plush. " I don't know her name but she is here to play with you!" Julian walks downstairs while Aria skips the staircases one after one. " Why do you have friends? I don't have friends. I want to be friends with your friend!" She keeps whining while running towards Julian. " Hi! Julian!" A girl wearing a beautiful dress shyly waves her hand. " I am here to play." " Irene! Why are you here?" Julian asks, frowning a bit. " To play -!" Julian barely takes two steps forward before Aria latches onto his arm, her plush carrot squeezed against her chest like a battle shield. Her big, round eyes lock onto the girl standing before them, her lips pursed in a deep frown. Irene blinks, then smiles, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Is this your little sister, Julian?” Aria gasps dramatically, releasing Julian just to s
Two days ago, Julian told her that he hated her for touching his homework. Now she is yet to get over from that shock. Julian barely stirs under the warmth of his blanket, his face half-buried in his pillow. The room is quiet except for the faint rustling of fabric as he tries to sink deeper into sleep. But Aria stands frozen at his bedside, her tiny fists clenched, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "He said he hates me…" Her lips tremble, but not from sadness—from determination. She knows Julian better than anyone. He can say all he wants, but the moment she starts crying, he’ll melt like an ice cream cone in the sun. Taking a deep breath, she clenches her plush carrot and prepares for battle. She sniffs. Loudly. A little whimper escapes her lips, followed by another dramatic sniff. Then, with precise control, her lower lip wobbles as she blinks rapidly, allowing fat, glistening tears to pool in her big eyes. Julian shifts slightly under the blanket. She s