After the marriage, one of the best things that happened to Carol was joining this company. Not only was everyone open-minded and hardworking, but they welcomed her warmly, almost as if they had been waiting for her arrival. Now, with her last day of training complete, Carol sits in the cafeteria having lunch with her coworkers, who have been incredibly helpful throughout the process. She grabs a beef sandwich, savoring the peaceful moment. Two female coworkers sit across from her, smiling and waving. **Hi!** they greet her cheerfully. Carol nods with a small smile, acknowledging them. **How was your last day, Ms. Carol?**one of them asks. **It was great! Everyone was so easy to communicate with,** she signs warmly. **That's the beauty of this place. They really prioritize employees' well-being, which makes us more communicative and close,** the other responds. **It feels like a second home to all of us!** they grin. Carol smiles softly, taking a bite of her sandwich. It fi
Carol glances around the office room one more time to ensure she's alone. After confirming the coast is clear, she sets her phone on the stand, taking a deep breath. Quickly, she dabs her face with tissue, smoothing her hair and wiping the streaks of dried tears from her cheeks, masking any trace of her earlier breakdown. The call rings and rings, and Carol begins to think Eunice is busy. But just as she's about to hang up, Eunice’s face pops up on the screen, her hands flying in a flurry of agitated signs. **Why haven’t you checked your phone? It’s lunchtime, isn’t it? I’ve been trying to reach you! Where are you? Are you free now? It’s an emergency!** Carol flinches at Eunice’s rapid gestures. She raises her hands, trying to calm her friend. **Eunice! Breathe! You’re signing too fast—and using the wrong signs!** Eunice pauses for a beat, inhaling deeply, her shoulders relaxing slightly. **Okay. Do you have time now?** she asks, more composed. **Yes, I have ten m
Damien’s eyebrows arch with annoyance and frustration. Today, he was supposed to be at his company, overseeing Carol’s last day of training. But instead, he’s buried in endless work. James has been watching Damien throughout the day, noticing his reluctance and irritation. Every now and then, Damien lets out deep sighs and low groans, as if he’s being forced into something he doesn’t want to do. With a shake of his head, James tries to refocus on his own work. “She didn’t even message me,” Damien mutters suddenly, disappointment heavy in his voice. “I thought we were close enough for that. Right, James?” His shoulders sag under the weight of his frustration. James shuts his laptop, finally giving Damien his full attention. He’s been watching closely for a while now. The Damien he knew seems to have changed—turned into someone consumed by emotions. But it can’t be love. Not with Carol. The day is approaching, and James knows that if this continues, everything might fall apar
“I’m sorry! I misunderstood!” Alex says, rubbing the back of his neck with guilt as he glances at the blonde. His earlier hostility vanishes now that the blonde man has explained everything. Brianna kneels beside Carol, gently examining her swollen ankle. “Thanks for helping her,” she says, her tone soft but guarded. “But we’ll take her to the hospital.” “It’s really fine,” Nicolas replies with a polite smile. “There’s a clinic nearby. I’d like to make up for the trouble. Please, let me take care of it.” The siblings share a look, silently weighing their options. After a brief moment, Brianna nods. “Alright. But Alex, call her husband. He’s going to worry if she’s not home soon.” She turns to Nicolas. “I’ll drive.” Alex shifts closer to Carol, watching her carefully. She’s holding her throat with a pained expression, and worry etches deeper into his face. Gently, he taps her hand. **Sis, are you alright?** he signs. Carol meets his gaze helplessly, frustration evident in her eye
“Her ankle will heal within a week. But... about her throat, I suggest you take her to a larger hospital,” the doctor says, flipping through Carol’s medical records. He hands Brianna the prescription—a list of painkillers for her ankle and anti-inflammatories for her throat. Brianna nods, her fingers tightening on the paper, though her eyes flicker back to Carol, who sits silently in the wheelchair, clutching her throat.Carol hasn’t signed a word since earlier, and her hands keep trembling as if she’s holding back discomfort. The doctor clears his throat. “Given her medical history—losing her ability to talk and hear after the accident—I recommend you don’t ignore the throat pain. If it worsens, please see a specialist immediately.”Brianna forces a tight smile. “Thank you, Doctor. We’ll do that.” She walks to the reception desk, quietly paying both the medical bill and the extra fees Nicolas insisted on covering. Brianna knows how to be polite, but she’s not one to owe favors to
They help her out carefully, Alex carrying her again to avoid putting pressure on her ankle. As they approach, Brianna notice that all the people around the house are young men. All looks like models and extra fashion-focused. As soon as she presses the doorbell, two young men open the door, following a sharp gasp from both of them. " What happened to Carol?" One of them asked. After having a heart-to-heart conversation with them, Carol told them to call her by her name. So everyone calls her by her name except when Damien is at home. He doesn't want anyone calling his wife this affectionate way. Brianna takes a glance at Carol and then speaks, "She twisted her ankle."" And you two are?" They ask in professional but polite tone, " Her cousins." She responds indifferently. " Please come inside. Everyone prepared porridge and painkillers. Carol got hurt in her ankle."" Will be there soon!" Brianna watches some of them entering the kitchen, as fast as possible.Alex and Brianna
After taking the painkiller, she had a good sleep last night.. However, the constant nightmares make her situation worse than she thought it would affect waking up. Right now, she is having breakfast with Brianna and Alex. They're really surprised to see how everyone treats Carol like she owns the place. And it brings a hint of relief and happiness in them. Carol has found her happiness. ** There is a breaking news for you two!" Alex suddenly speaks , getting both of their attention. " What are you talking about?" Brianna asks, Alex smirks, showing them the family group chat... Carol and Brianna both take a look at the messages from their family. Although Carol doesn't know what's happening but judging by those messages from her mother, mother's husband and other family members, things have been pretty intense. " They're getting married tomorrow!" Carol looks at Brianna when she scrolls the messages. ** Did you two do something yesterday? They're cursing you!*
** Maybe he has something to do with his family? You told me that Damien doesn't want to introduce you to his family. Maybe he wants to keep you away from his family for your own good!** Eunice signs. They're facetiming and Carol couldn't help but talk about Damien not being here for two days. ** Do you think he is in some problems? No one is talking about him at all.!** She pouts, while resting her head on the pillow. A sharp smirk appears in the corner of Eunice's lips. She takes her phone closer and stands up, ** Are you missing your husband?** Carol looks shocked for a few seconds before shaking her head, ** No. Why would I?** ** That's the question for you. Because the topic of our conversation since morning is- Damien!** Carol becomes silent when Eunice finally points it out. They have been facetiming almost an hour and the entire conversation is about Damien not checking her messages and calls, blah blah. Carol's cheeks heat up with embarrassment and a hint of shyness
**Carol!** Brianna stops her, realizing she has done something she can’t ask forgiveness for. It’s only a matter of time before loyalty is tested. Standing before Alex and Brianna, who have always been there, Carol realizes one thing — they are indeed the family of her grandparents. **It’s not what I meant! I know you’re busy with life, and whatever happened to our family was brought upon us by our own stupidity,** Brianna says, looking extremely guilty. Carol, as usual, wears that mask of indifference. Maybe it’s time to get away from everyone. **Sis is right! We are grateful for everything. It’s just that the family has been—** Carol stops them by raising her hand. **It doesn’t matter to me.** She smiles, but it’s not a genuine smile. **The day you refused to tell me the truth about my past, I knew you were protecting something big from me. I don’t know what it is, but you clearly chose your family over me. And I’m not upset about it.** She signs matter-of-factly. There are pl
Carol gently pressed her lips on his forehead before she left for her trip. She was confused by his sudden action last night but it felt nice to see his old self. The travel to Australia wasn't great since she had a very rough time around. Probably because of her treatment and medication, her body keeps burning. The first day was on working there, having meetings, visiting companies and factories. The three days' work she completed within a day because she wanted to leave as soon as possible. Next day, Right now, she just finished a meeting with her clients who are very satisfied with her performance. Of course, it's not like she didn't feel questioned on her disabilities. But everyone is supportive and surprisingly friendly. Right now, sitting outside a café, sipping her coffee, she watches the calm surroundings of the café. The vibe of the Sydney makes her feel better. A way to escape from the world she just belonged two days ago. As she keeps enjoying her morning, h
Carol grabs her laptop after finishing the meeting with her clients. Recently, she has been feeling a bit off with her health. She feels extremely tired, sleepy, and dizzy. The pressure has been getting harder, so she can't actually blame anything else for it.As she walks towards the door to leave, James, who has been helping her, walks towards her with hurried steps.**Boss!** He opens the door, stopping her.Carol isn't used to being called Boss. But she doesn't say anything about it either.**About the business trip. I think you should go!**Carol's eyebrows narrow as he signs. Just now, she had a meeting with a foreign ambassador of a big company from Australia. It's their very first big project with great potential. However, Damien is recovering. She can't leave him alone for a week-long trip to Australia. She said she would send some experts in her place to handle the project.**I know you are trying to be there for Damien. But I think you should take this chance to give yourse
It was chaotic. I watched the videography of our wedding day. So I was nothing but a replacement as a groom and I was the one who initiated it. Did I fall in love with her at first sight? If not, why would I fall in love with her when she was about to get married? And certainly, according to James's words, I actually knew her from high school. The strange thing is that, I remember everyone including my sister who died in the car accident but I don't remember anyone named Carol who was actually in my junior school. Is this even possible to happen? I mean my sister Carol used to live binge movies with cliché parts where male lead loses memories and some part of their life. But how did I just forget such an important thing. Only her, and anything related to her. It doesn't make sense to me but here I am watching a few moments of my life with that woman who cries every night silently. She can't talk or hear. It must be hard but can I really love her the same as I used to? I mean
Damien's POV.... It's the first time James raised his voice at me. It's strange that he would dare to go against me for a woman. Carol? I don't remember her. It's not a fake or prank. Why would I prank something like this? if she is my significant other, I will never hurt her or forget her, even on my worst day. But it's strange. She is calm, composed and knows what I want before I spit it out of my mouth. As if she has the ability to read my mind. ** Stretch your legs a bit!** She says, her expression is usual calmness. How could she stay so calm after knowing that I forgot about her? I don't remember that she is my wife but she remembers that I am her husband, right? Or maybe....!!!! I actually kidnapped her and forced her to be a good wife..... Or....??? Is this a contract marriage? .... No, Maybe a fake one. That's why she doesn't care. ** Stop staring at me!** She signs again. She is really attentive. She doesn't speak. But her company doesn't make me feel boring
Carol walks in, holding her suit, exhausted and hungry. She has just had a long meeting about Damien's absence and how she would handle everything from now on. She knows the love she has for Damien has weakened, but she believes she will be alright. She loves him and chooses to forgive. Until, She steps into the VIP room, stretching her neck. Her attention has yet to turn to Damien's side as she places her suit and bag on the couch. Feeling like she will be alright if she gets some sleep, she decides to take a quick shower. But her attention shifts to the shopping bags. James's jacket is still there. The coldness is increasing; it may snow tonight. She frowns slightly and turns to grab the jacket, but she pauses, finding James standing by Damien's bed and Damien staring at her with a confused expression. "Damien?" she exclaims in her mind, tears gathering in her eyes. She leaves her phone on the couch, rushes to him, and jumps into his arms like a desperate child who has bee
Carol is still in disbelief that his parents are too cruel and self-centered to see how much he's suffering. She thought only her parents were cruel people. But it just proved that people are way too selfish to love someone unconditionally.Sitting on a chair, holding his hand, Carol rests her head on the edge of the bed. The soft hum of the monitoring machine reminds her that he is still alive. His hand is warm as usual. But that hand doesn't gently squeeze hers with the sensation of love.Carol can't help but cry silently. Before the world, she shows no emotion, no agony, but when she is alone, she can't help but cry."I am sorry for everything! I don't want to leave the life I had with you. I don't want to lose that happy me when I was with you. I know that I started disliking you for all the lies, but I can't imagine how I will spend the rest of my life alone! Just wake up. I won't... I will never mention anything. Just wake up. I won't leave you at all!" she thinks between her so
Carol stands by Damien's hospital bed, her fingers gently wiping his hands with a damp cloth. The rhythmic beeping of the machines fills the room. It has become a constant reminder that life still clings to him. The nurse has just finished redressing his wounds, the scent of antiseptics hanging in the sterile air. It's been three days since the accident, and since then, she has made it her mission to be here, taking all the responsibilities, from the company to the hospital. Damien’s face is pale, almost unnaturally so, framed by the stark white bandages wrapped around his head. His chest rises and falls steadily, but the stillness of his body is unnerving. The doctors have said his condition is serious — a head injury that could have gone far worse — but they remain cautiously optimistic. Carol clings to their optimism like a fragile thread, afraid that letting go of hope would cause everything to shatter. Although at first they said it wasn't that life-threatening now it appeared
Carol's exhausted body shifts slightly as she turns to look at Eunice and Sarah, who are standing next to her bed. The movement sends a wave of soreness through her limbs. William walks in shortly after, deep in conversation with a nurse about something she can’t hear.Her eyes slowly settle on Eunice, and she tries to lift her hand to communicate, but the pain is too much. Tears begin to stream down her face, her lips quivering with pain and heartache. Eunice notices Carol staring at her, her hands trembling. Without hesitation, Eunice grabs Carol’s hands and signs carefully.**Everything is alright! Damien’s surgery went well. The doctors are hopeful. It was a brain injury, so it’s complicated, but they believe he will recover.**Eunice signs messily, worried that her misuse of words might unsettle Carol even more.Carol nods, her eyelids growing heavy. She doesn’t feel like moving. Everything feels colorless, painfully cruel, and suffocatingly silent. The silence she once enjoyed n