Carol leans against the doorframe, her tired eyes fixed on Eunice, who sits on the floor, rolling a toy car back and forth with Aria. The toddler’s laughter rings out, bright and carefree, clashing with the heaviness in the room. “You’re leaving?” Carol’s voice is soft, but the weight of her words fills the space. Eunice’s hand falters on the toy car for just a moment before she pushes it toward Aria again, forcing a smile. “Yeah. It’s a good promotion, Carol. And... I’ve always wanted to see the world outside.” Her smile wavers, not quite reaching her eyes. Carol steps further into the room, crossing her arms as she searches for the right words. “But... I’m not saying it’s the wrong decision, just... are you sure you don’t want to give it another try? Maybe James has been struggling with something—”“Don’t.” Eunice’s voice is calm but firm, slicing through Carol’s sentence. She turns away from Aria, who is engrossed in her toy, and looks at her friend. “Don’t go there, Carol. Not
Somewhere in a casino, Harris is sitting on the counter whilst he's staring at the debt receipt. " Harris! The only way you can pay all the debt and keep gambling if you can get your parents' property. Don't you think it's high time to take action!" The owner of the casino when Harris has been staying for a while, suggests. He is doing the job of a bartender while watching Harris being drowned in an ocean of debts. Harris, staring at the debt he has, looks at him with a frown, " That bastard has owned everything. I can't even return home because of my criminal records!" Anger crawls under his skin as his face reddens with fury." Well, there are lots of ways to get what you want. If you want help, we can help, you know!" He smirks, " With violence, everything is possible!" Harris's expression brightens. Clutching the receipt of his latest loss in gambling, he leans into the chair, " That's a good idea, I think! I am the rightful owner of those money. So I will get them back!" The
Carol just says goodbye to Damien before leaving Aria with Alex and the female nanny who takes care of her. She already feels low without him. The day passes with work; nothing major happens. Since there’s a time difference between her and Eunice, they don’t talk much. But her other friends reach out to her as usual. After dealing with numerous clients, workers, and other activities, she feels far more exhausted than usual. Damien's presence has always been like a 24/7 therapist, and his absence makes everything feel heavier, even for just one day. Later, after returning home, feeding Aria, and spending time on self-care, Carol calls Damien. Their conversation is sweet and comforting. As days pass, Carol notices something unusual. The new nanny, Heather, seems fine, but Carol starts feeling weaker than usual. Aria, who usually loves sleeping and rarely cries, begins crying at night. Confused and worried, Carol consults a doctor, but they find nothing physically wrong with Aria
James steps into the room, his eyes immediately drawn to the fragile figure of Carol. She’s hunched over in a chair, her hair disheveled and her face pale, clutching Aria so tightly it seems as though she fears the world might rip her daughter away. Two nurses hover nearby, their faces etched with concern, while the doctor stands to the side, flipping through a folder of reports. The air in the room is thick, tense, and suffocating. “What’s going on?” James demands, his tone firm yet tinged with worry. His eyes dart between Carol and the doctor. “Damien is on his way back. He told me to check on you two.” Carol doesn’t respond. Her body trembles visibly, silent tears streaming down her face. She clutches Aria even tighter, her lips trembling as she stares into the distance. James crouches in front of her, lowering his voice as he tries to get through to her. “Carol, please,” he says, his tone softer now. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.” But Carol remains silent, her anguish spilling ou
2:30 a.m. Damien pulls into the hospital parking lot, his knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel. His chest feels tight, his breaths short and uneven. Sweat trickles down his pale skin, soaking the collar of his shirt. Exhaustion clings to him like a second skin, but the anxiety coursing through his veins is far more potent. He throws his suit jacket over his arm and bolts out of the car, not bothering to lock it. The hospital looms ahead, its bright lights a sharp contrast to the suffocating darkness of his thoughts. His phone buzzes in his pocket—a message from James with Carol’s room number. He doesn’t waste a second, heading straight for the inpatient ward. His heart pounds louder with every heavy footfall. Taking the stairs two at a time, his breath comes in ragged gasps. His mind races, replaying the call from the hospital over and over. "Mr. Crawley, your wife collapsed, and we need you here immediately." The words were enough to rip the ground from beneath him
What's the color of voice? Red, Green, White or Rainbow? She wants to know. But what she wants to know is how love feels, what kind of color does love have? Red like heart? What's that? What about heartbreak? What color does it have? Black? Dark Red? Carol Bianca sits in front of the mirror, adjusting her wedding veil with trembling fingers. Her reflection stares back at her—hazel eyes glistening with unshed tears, full lips painted a soft shade of pink, and long, chestnut hair cascading over her bare shoulders in loose curls. She looks like a bride from a fairytale, her white dress hugging her figure perfectly, the flowing skirt pooling around her in a sea of satin. It's going to be beach wedding with her some friends as bridesmaids and some guests from her fiancé's side. And she has been planning this wedding for years with the love of her life, Troy Victor. But despite the outward beauty, a shadow of doubt lingers deep inside her chest. She has been deaf since she was six. Th
Carol’s hands tremble as she holds the prenup papers, her vision blurring as tears form in her eyes. 'Why is this happening now?' She looks at Troy, hoping for some sign of warmth, some explanation that would make sense, but his face remains cold, detached, like the man she thought she knew is no longer standing in front of her. **Sign it, and we’ll get married,** he signs and says, his voice flat, no love in his tone. **If not, I won’t risk my future.** Risk his future? Carol’s heart pounds in her chest, the words swirling in her mind like a terrible storm. 'The future we were supposed to share? The life we were building together?' Her fingers tremble as she picks up the pen. Her mind is screaming at her to stop, to ask more questions, but her heart… her heart still clings to the hope that this is just a mistake, something they can work through. Maybe he’s nervous. Maybe this is just about protecting himself, not about her, not about them. Eunice’s voice cuts through he
** I told you not to sign any papers. Now he betrayed you. What are you going to do? Not only did you lose your villa but also you wouldn't get the inheritance from your grandparents if you don't marry today. This is an entire hell!** Eunice out of breath, keeps signing furiously. Her fingers are hurting but she can't help but feel so upset with her best friend who became so pushover and to herself that she didn't stop her properly. Carol stands silently, keeps hanging her head down. She feels numb and silent inside her head. As if she has lost the ability to process what's happening. People are watching her with pity and sympathy. She always hates those pitiful gaze. Now, her love of life accepted her because he was pitying her. ** Carol!** She taps her shoulder, **What will happen if your family knows about it!? Remember the news of your wedding went to your family. What if they aim for your grandparents' inheritance. It will be a devastating situation** Carol's eyes wide
2:30 a.m. Damien pulls into the hospital parking lot, his knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel. His chest feels tight, his breaths short and uneven. Sweat trickles down his pale skin, soaking the collar of his shirt. Exhaustion clings to him like a second skin, but the anxiety coursing through his veins is far more potent. He throws his suit jacket over his arm and bolts out of the car, not bothering to lock it. The hospital looms ahead, its bright lights a sharp contrast to the suffocating darkness of his thoughts. His phone buzzes in his pocket—a message from James with Carol’s room number. He doesn’t waste a second, heading straight for the inpatient ward. His heart pounds louder with every heavy footfall. Taking the stairs two at a time, his breath comes in ragged gasps. His mind races, replaying the call from the hospital over and over. "Mr. Crawley, your wife collapsed, and we need you here immediately." The words were enough to rip the ground from beneath him
James steps into the room, his eyes immediately drawn to the fragile figure of Carol. She’s hunched over in a chair, her hair disheveled and her face pale, clutching Aria so tightly it seems as though she fears the world might rip her daughter away. Two nurses hover nearby, their faces etched with concern, while the doctor stands to the side, flipping through a folder of reports. The air in the room is thick, tense, and suffocating. “What’s going on?” James demands, his tone firm yet tinged with worry. His eyes dart between Carol and the doctor. “Damien is on his way back. He told me to check on you two.” Carol doesn’t respond. Her body trembles visibly, silent tears streaming down her face. She clutches Aria even tighter, her lips trembling as she stares into the distance. James crouches in front of her, lowering his voice as he tries to get through to her. “Carol, please,” he says, his tone softer now. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.” But Carol remains silent, her anguish spilling ou
Carol just says goodbye to Damien before leaving Aria with Alex and the female nanny who takes care of her. She already feels low without him. The day passes with work; nothing major happens. Since there’s a time difference between her and Eunice, they don’t talk much. But her other friends reach out to her as usual. After dealing with numerous clients, workers, and other activities, she feels far more exhausted than usual. Damien's presence has always been like a 24/7 therapist, and his absence makes everything feel heavier, even for just one day. Later, after returning home, feeding Aria, and spending time on self-care, Carol calls Damien. Their conversation is sweet and comforting. As days pass, Carol notices something unusual. The new nanny, Heather, seems fine, but Carol starts feeling weaker than usual. Aria, who usually loves sleeping and rarely cries, begins crying at night. Confused and worried, Carol consults a doctor, but they find nothing physically wrong with Aria
Somewhere in a casino, Harris is sitting on the counter whilst he's staring at the debt receipt. " Harris! The only way you can pay all the debt and keep gambling if you can get your parents' property. Don't you think it's high time to take action!" The owner of the casino when Harris has been staying for a while, suggests. He is doing the job of a bartender while watching Harris being drowned in an ocean of debts. Harris, staring at the debt he has, looks at him with a frown, " That bastard has owned everything. I can't even return home because of my criminal records!" Anger crawls under his skin as his face reddens with fury." Well, there are lots of ways to get what you want. If you want help, we can help, you know!" He smirks, " With violence, everything is possible!" Harris's expression brightens. Clutching the receipt of his latest loss in gambling, he leans into the chair, " That's a good idea, I think! I am the rightful owner of those money. So I will get them back!" The
Carol leans against the doorframe, her tired eyes fixed on Eunice, who sits on the floor, rolling a toy car back and forth with Aria. The toddler’s laughter rings out, bright and carefree, clashing with the heaviness in the room. “You’re leaving?” Carol’s voice is soft, but the weight of her words fills the space. Eunice’s hand falters on the toy car for just a moment before she pushes it toward Aria again, forcing a smile. “Yeah. It’s a good promotion, Carol. And... I’ve always wanted to see the world outside.” Her smile wavers, not quite reaching her eyes. Carol steps further into the room, crossing her arms as she searches for the right words. “But... I’m not saying it’s the wrong decision, just... are you sure you don’t want to give it another try? Maybe James has been struggling with something—”“Don’t.” Eunice’s voice is calm but firm, slicing through Carol’s sentence. She turns away from Aria, who is engrossed in her toy, and looks at her friend. “Don’t go there, Carol. Not
As if the wind is knocked out of his chest, James Alexander sits frozen, watching Eunice cry in despair. Her tears streak down her face, her voice trembling with frustration. "This is it, James," she begins, her tone laced with exhaustion. "I’ve been trying to hold onto this relationship, but I’m the only one fighting for it. Do you even realize what that feels like?" James looks at her, his brow furrowing. "Eunice, I know I’ve messed up. I’m sorry, okay? I’ll do better." "You’re sorry?" She laughs bitterly, shaking her head. "You always say that, but nothing changes. I’m the one who calls you, the one who begs to meet, the one who says ‘I love you.’ What have you done, James? What effort have you made?" James opens his mouth but quickly closes it. He doesn’t have an answer. Eunice continues, her voice breaking. "I’ve never felt this tired in a relationship before. A few months, James, and I’m completely drained. This isn’t love. It’s one-sided torture." He leans forward,
The culprit was caught soon. In the meantime, the closeness had turned into a strong friendship. Right now, it's Damien's 27th birthday party. Everyone is enjoying themselves. A few clients have attended the party, unaware that the Crawley family has grown close to the Martinez family. While everyone enjoys the evening, Carol is chatting with her friends, telling them about a new friend she made, when the door swings open, pushed by two security guards. "Carol!" Millie practically runs toward her, ignoring everyone in the room. She hugs Carol tightly and gives her a few kisses on the face. "I missed you." Eunice looks upset but curious about this woman. Like Carol, Millie avoids social media and reporters, so people don’t know who Mrs. Martinez is. "Who is that?" Katie asks. "Must be the new friend she’s been talking about all morning!" Sarah chuckles. Carol takes a deep breath and looks at her friends. "She’s my daughter-in-law!" Her friends stare at her in stunned
Who knew one incident could change so much in life? For Damien Crawley, that moment arrives as he leans against the doorframe, watching his wife, Carol, chatting away on FaceTime with none other than Millie Martinez. Millie, wife of Paul Martinez—Damien’s business rival—speaks animatedly, her laughter filling the room. Carol protected their son, Julian, five days ago, and since then, both of them have been talking about everything in their lives. While Martinez is still trying to get on his nerves, here his wife is having such a sweet friendship with the rival's wife. Damien isn’t particularly annoyed but can’t help wondering why Carol is friends with her. He crosses his arms and clears his throat, but Carol barely glances at him before turning back to her phone. “It’ll be close-knit,” Carol says, her tone cheerful as she discusses Damien’s upcoming birthday party. “Your family, my friends, and a few of Damien’s friends. It’s small, so don’t worry about bringing too many peopl
Damien sprints into the hospital lobby, his heart pounding harder than it had during his last board meeting. His tie is loose, and he’s slightly out of breath. He scans the room like a hawk, his sharp gaze landing on Carol seated in a corner with a blonde-haired toddler in her arms. “Carol!” His voice echoes, startling a nurse nearby. He strides over, his face etched with worry. " Are you okay? What happened? Where is Aria?" Carol looks up, startled, and immediately begins signing with her hands: **Calm down, everything is okay.**Damien freezes, confusion replacing his panic. “Why are you signing? You’re not even anxious enough to forget how to speak!” He narrows his eyes at her, crossing his arms. “What did you do this time?” Caught, Carol stops mid-sign and bites her lip, her cheeks turning pink. “Fine,” she mutters aloud, glancing at the boy in her lap. “It’s not exactly what you think. I saved a kid.” Damien blinks, leaning forward. “A kid?” His voice rises an octave. “Wha