" Sis!" Alex knocks lightly on Brianna's door before entering the room. Brianna, who has been visiting her parents' house very often after Carol's stepdad ran away with the money, looks up at Alex, who is standing there with a helpless expression. "Aunt Carla is forcing Dad to take her in. Otherwise, she says she’ll let her kids go to foster care facilities!" Brianna sends her files to the HR department of her company and shuts her laptop. "She’s seriously doing that?" She clenches her jaw and looks at Alex. "Where is Dad?" "In the living room. Mom is begging him not to move them in. It’s already bad enough that Sam moved back in after being kicked out of his apartment. Now his kids are staying in my studio!" "Those pathetic losers! It’s all my parents’ fault—enabling their golden child, and now he doesn’t even have a job to support his own family. All pathetic!" "Young lady! What are you saying?" Brianna’s mother storms inside with one of her nephews and yells at her.
"Hand it over!" Brianna demands, her face tense as she thrusts her hand out toward her father, who is poised to leave the house.Her father's face pales at her directness, but he feigns innocence. "What are you talking about, Brianna? I told you before, we don’t need your money."Brianna rolls her eyes, her tone sharp. "Cut the act, Dad. We know you took Alex’s card!" She crosses her arms, her frustration evident. While she’s put up with their entitlement toward her and her finances, she refuses to let Alex’s future be jeopardized by their selfishness.Her mother, stepping into the room and adjusting her coat, frowns. "What’s with that tone, Brianna? You’ve been so rude to us lately."Brianna glares at her father. "I can’t help it. Stealing isn’t something I tolerate." Her voice cold and indifferent.Her father’s face flushes red, and he glares back, but says nothing."Who’s stealing now? Are you just trying to start another drama?" her mother snaps.Ignoring her mother, Brianna steps
Mrs. Crawley adjusts her pearl necklace and leans closer to the mirror, giving herself a final glance before heading out. She has a movie date with her friends this afternoon, and, as always, she makes sure to flaunt her wealth. She wears her best outfit, a striking pearl necklace, and matching pearl earrings. Satisfied with her appearance, a small smile plays on her lips as she stands. However, her attention shifts to the reflection of her butler standing silently behind her. “Do you have something to say?” she asks, her tone calm as she adjusts her bangs in the mirror. The butler steps forward slightly and replies, his voice steady. “Master Damien has been away from the company for a week. He plans to return next week.” “Away from the company?” Mrs. Crawley turns to face him, her brows furrowing in thought. “Does your master know?” “I believe so,” the butler answers. A sly smile spreads across Mrs. Crawley’s face as she grabs her phone. “Is Harris home?” she asks while t
The next few days, Damien and Carol enjoy their honeymoon in the same country, visiting different places and cities, and enjoying it to the fullest. Since they are not communicating with anyone else, except for Damien, who sends emails to the company, they have no idea what is happening. The two-week honeymoon is almost over, and they don't even realize how fast the days have flown by. Carol especially hates that it is ending. Right now, walking in the middle of the crowded streets, holding Damien's hand and trying to find a good restaurant to enjoy the local cuisine, Carol finds her heart growing heavier. She wishes she had planned a whole month’s honeymoon instead of just two weeks. Damien, meanwhile, enjoys every single second. His love for Carol deepens, his obsession intensifies, and the thought of having her entirely never leaves him. But little does he know that while he is enjoying his life with his wife, his entire career and reputation are being demolished by his fam
Mrs. Crawley freezes mid-step as her gaze falls on Mrs. Klein, who stands rigidly with her son, flanked by two stern-faced detectives. The air around them is heavy with tension. Mrs. Klein’s face is a mask of fury, her lips pressed into a thin line of anger and frustration. Her son, Louise Klein, leans unsteadily against her, swathed in bandages. His left eye is swollen shut, and his lower lip is grotesquely split, a dried trail of blood marking the aftermath of violence. The sight twists Mrs. Crawley’s stomach into knots. Her breath catches in her throat as guilt and dread claw their way up her chest. She can already oversee the future of their unbreakable friendship. Her years of sugarcoating and maintaining a good relationship with Klein family has finally come to its end. Before she can even steady herself to approach, the scene slams into her like a nightmare made real. Her son, Harris—her pride and her greatest frustration—had done this. And now, she’s forced to face the
Mr. Crawley strides into the closet room, his tie loosened and his face a mask of exhaustion. The lines of stress etched into his features deepen as he hangs his shirt.With a sharp and hurry movement, he changes into a comfortable outfit. When Mrs. Crawley enters behind him, he stiffens, his expression shifting to one of annoyance, a hollow exhales released. He glances at her over his shoulder, his tone as cold as the look in his eyes. "I heard your son messed with the Klein family. What’s with that?" The words hit like a slap, and Mrs. Crawley swallows hard. She steps closer, clasping her hands nervously. “It was a minor fight. Kids nowadays are a bit—” “How long are you going to let him run wild?” Mr. Crawley interrupts, his voice cutting like a blade. He turns fully to face her, his posture rigid. “Mr. Klein called me himself. Your son didn’t just mess with them. He broke their son’s nose and fractured two ribs.” The air in the room turns heavy. Mrs. Crawley struggles for
Damien wakes up to the sensation of Carol’s warm breath against his chest. Her body is draped over him, her hair fanned out messily across his shoulder. A smile tugs at his lips as he wraps his arms around her, holding her tightly. Her presence feels like a balm to his soul. Content, he closes his eyes, savoring the moment, and drifts back to sleep. But his peace doesn’t last long. He stirs when he feels her fingers on his face, gently cupping it. Before he can fully comprehend, her teeth playfully nip at his bottom lip. Damien’s eyes flutter open, a chuckle escaping him as he sees Carol perched on his chest. She’s grinning mischievously, leaning down to nibble his lips again. She’s wild this morning, and Damien isn’t the least bit surprised. His hands slide to her waist, steadying her as he kisses her back, soft and slow. **Good morning, my queen,** he signs after breaking the kiss, gently brushing the tip of her nose with his finger. Carol giggles, stealing another quick kis
"How was everything while I was gone?" Damien asks as they head home. Carol looks exhausted, and as soon as she gets into the car, she falls asleep. "Everything was alright! Your father handled most of the tasks and even tried to bribe me to replace me with someone else," James chuckles while driving. He’s picking them up from the airport. "What is that supposed to mean?" Damien asks, raising an eyebrow. "What I mean is, your father wants to bring his friend's daughter into your house to replace me in my position and replace Carol as your wife. I think you understand what I’m saying!" Damien chuckles, kissing Carol's hand. "He never changes—always chasing after my loyal subordinates. Now my wife!" James scoffs, but his expression turns serious as he glances at the rearview mirror. "Carol met Ian." Damien, who has been adjusting Carol’s head on his shoulder, freezes momentarily before looking at James. "Repeat what you just said," he demands, his voice icy. "Ian met Car
**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