In the distinctive residential zone of MRA, surveillance extended beyond the streets; each residence boasted CCTV cameras outdoors and indoors. Consequently, the camera positioned at the Shawn’s mansion's entrance documented the interaction between him and Yvonne the previous day, capturing not only the visuals but also their spoken words.Initially, as Mia tuned into the footage, her expression soured even more. However, as she continued to observe and listen to the recording, disbelief widened her eyes.Wide-eyed, she shifted her gaze to her husband, finding him nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders.As events unfolded, she realized her initial judgment had been off. The stranger had planted a kiss on her husband, who seemed utterly oblivious."I'm sorry," Shawn mumbled, his grey eyes locking onto her honey brown ones."No, no." Little One delicately stowed the laptop away, guilt tainting her expression. "I'm the one who's sorry—for jumping to conclusions… I apologize."Shawn's hear
"Your husband, you haven't introduced him to me," May remarked.'Huh?' Mia was stunned."Don't be shocked," May continued, laughing. "I was simply in a coma, not dead. So yeah, I always heard everything you said. And the books you read to me..." She smiled warmly as she spoke.It took a while for Mia to collect herself from the shock. ‘Oh.’Since her mother woke up, they had never discussed Shawn, which made Mia shocked when May mentioned him just now."I know it was a marriage of convenience between you two, but that doesn't give him the right to mistreat my daughter." May's soft expression had transformed into a scowl.At first, Mia seemed lost. What was the woman talking about?Suddenly, realization dawned on her. She recalled the last time she visited her mom in the hospital, where, before her eyes opened, she had poured out her feelings, lamenting about how Shawn had betrayed her trust.With this realization, Mia was stunned, finding herself at a loss for words. How would she exp
Why wouldn't she feel grateful? What more could she possibly desire?"Un." Shawn responded nasally. "If I don't do it, who will? I'm your husband," he added.Mia smiled, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. He repeatedly claimed to be her husband. Was he truly committed to their union? Or was he simply fulfilling his duties…?The inevitability of an abrupt end of their union loomed in Mia's thoughts, casting a wave of sadness over her.To divert her mind from heartbreaking thoughts, she murmured, "My Mom wants to meet you. You don't have to force yourself if you don't want to; I'll find something to say to her."Shawn's eyebrow arched up. Recalling that Little One's profile mentioned her mother's passing, he hesitated.Biting her lip, Mia added, "I know you've been wondering why I frequently visited the hospital—it was because of her. She'd been in a coma due to an accident and only recently woke up." She let out a deep sigh.Shawn nodded silently. Her mother must have awakened the night he
A couple of years ago..."Mia, what's your plan after high school? Are you heading to college?" Seated on the swings, enjoying ice cream, the two lively friends discussed their future."Hmmm, I'm thinking of going to college, and I'll be interning as a TV presenter.""Wow, that sounds great! Let's do it together," Martha exclaimed, her face lighting up."Where should we pursue our internship?""Hmmmmm, BY Network." Mia declared with determination."Huh? Isn't that owned by Max's family?" Martha inquired, her eyes widening."Technically, it is." Max appeared from behind, embracing Mia.Mia blushed deeply and playfully fed Max ice cream."Ah, I envy you two... So adorable," Martha giggled.____Present day."You're welcome, once again. I assure you, you'll enjoy your time here. If you excel, there's potential for a full-time position within the company." The manager of the human resources department smiled warmly, concluding his speech."Later, we'll host a welcome dinner for you all.
Martha sneered, ‘Lying wench!’Being married to the wealthiest man in the country came with countless privileges, including free rides.Just how did someone as clueless as her manage to cross paths with Shawn Mandez? It was baffling.Annoying piece of work.Was Vivian not planning to take any action against her? That fool. Since handing over the documents the other night, the girl hadn't made a move yet. ‘What is she waiting for?’"How was work today?" Max's voice cut through the silence, prompting Martha to swiftly compose herself.Wearing a cute smile, she replied, "It wasn't so bad. I just feel sore all over and will need a certain someone to massage my body for me."Upon hearing this, Max grinned. "As your ladyship pleases."The two burst into laughter together.Mia had slipped off her heels in the car by the time she and Jasper arrived home. As the car door was swung open by one of the guards, she was gently caught in slender yet sturdy arms.Before she could comprehend, she foun
Upon hearing her friend's revelation, Charlotte's expression changed abruptly."What are you talking about?" Her brows furrowed in confusion.Maria hesitated before speaking, "the other day, I saw her with Damien... I asked who she was to him, and he introduced her as his girlfriend. I was shocked. I had no idea he was into younger girls."Certainly, she couldn't confess to her so-called friend that she had gone on a blind date with her ex-boyfriend. To be brutally honest, Maria was well aware that Damien Davis was going to be her blind date; she had insisted her dad set her up with him.She had always liked him. She had harbored feelings for him even when he was still in a relationship with Charlotte. However, Maria had kept those emotions to herself.After three years since their breakup, she thought, why not try her luck? But before she could make a move, she faced a crushing failure–Damien introduced a young girl as his girlfriend.Suddenly, Charlotte burst into laughter, taking
___________Beats Corporations HQ."Have George drive the car to the entrance. I'm leaving now," ordered CEO Shawn. He retrieved his overcoat from the rack, making a swift exit from his opulent office, trailed by his personal assistant carrying his briefcase.Lucas, caught off guard, glanced at his wristwatch—it was just after eight.Still too early.Typically, the CEO worked until almost midnight before departing. But these days..."You don't understand, do you?" Shawn's deep voice interrupted Lucas's train of thought."Sir?" He blinked, watching the Big Boss's back as they entered the elevator."Um. That's because you're not married yet. Your lonely, single self can't relate to being a diligent, loving, and caring husband like me," boasted the CEO, hands pocketed.Lucas was stunned. ‘Wow.’"You can never relate," he added, clicking his tongue.The elevator doors slid open upon reaching the ground floor, and the Big Boss and his subordinate headed straight to the entrance.Walking b
Shawn reached the door and paused, studying it briefly before twisting the doorknob. Upon entering, Mia suddenly appeared, catching him off guard."I apologize. I've made a grave mistake. It was unintentional, unforeseen. I went against your words—I had no idea. Please forgive me."He could roughly guess what..."What are you rambling about?" His eyebrow arched up.Mia hesitated, biting her lower lip. "I-He... Aish!" She stuttered, squeezing her eyes shut. Rushing out of her mouth, she explained, "The person you warned me about came to pick up his niece at my workplace today. He greeted me, and suddenly hugged me—it happened too fast. I didn't anticipate it, should have moved away immediately—I don't know what I was thinking—I'm sorry!"Shawn observed her, mouth parted slightly open. ‘What is she, a radio? Talking nonstop like that…’"Being a TV presenter suits you indeed," he clicked his tongue, moving past her.Huh? Mia quickly opened her eyes and turned to face him, surprised.Obse
Jennifer Mandez smiled, observing the girl's downcast expression as she joined her side. She gently took off her gloves and cradled Mia's cheeks in her palms."Be free with me, Mia. I'm your mother as well. I held that title before I resumed being Shawn's mother," she chuckled.She paused briefly before continuing, "I want you to forgive me for hurting you. I apologize sincerely. Now, I know better. You're a rare gem, and I wouldn't want Sunshine to be with anyone but you."Mia's eyes widened, "Does that mean we have your blessing to proceed…?"She nodded, grinning."Thank you, Mom!" The girl squeaked happily, and they embraced in a tight, warm hug.“Now, we have to start preparing for the wedding. The date’s just around the corner.”She nodded and they both returned back inside.Soon, the wedding day arrived. Despite the commonality of extravagant weddings among the wealthy, Shawn and Mia's celebration stood out for its simplicity. Only a select few family and friends were invited, a
Shawn's lips tightened. "I believe you," he paused, "however, it's not you that I was referring to; it's the person behind you."‘Huh?’ Amanda's tears ceased instantly, and she swiftly turned to look behind her, as did everyone else.Anderson.Confusion swept through the room."You sending provoking pictures to Yvonne, making her rush back to the country... I was initially going to let you be. However, things changed after discovering you were the one who instigated the accident three years ago. And then you completely crossed the line by sending me those absurd threat messages," Shawn's icy voice confronted Anderson.Anderson stood, clearly taken aback. He hadn't anticipated Shawn's discovery to be so soon. He usually covered his tracks meticulously…“Why? After all these years working for Grandfather, why engage in such actions?” Shawn's brows furrowed deeply.Anderson chuckled. There was nothing to hide anymore, so why not come out clean? “Exactly. I've toiled for the old geezer fo
Upon arriving home, Shawn tenderly lifted his wife and placed her in their bedroom; she had fallen asleep during the ride. Delicately, he undressed her and tucked her into bed, taking a moment to remove her makeup with beauty wipes.As he disposed of the used wipes, Mia's phone started ringing on the nightstand. Without hesitation, he picked it up and noticed that the caller ID was unknown. He answered the call and brought the phone to his ear."Mia, I apologize. It's all my fault. Please, let's reconcile and go back to how we used to be."Upon hearing those words from the caller, Shawn's brows furrowed in irritation. Without uttering a word, he promptly ended the call. 'Dimwit.' As he placed the phone back on the stand, his thumb inadvertently pressed the photos app and opened it.He perched on the edge of the bed, smiling as he scrolled through the pictures on the girl’s phone. Soon, he stumbled upon an unexpected image—none other than a picture of himself, Shawn Mandez. In it, he
Veronica observed, sipping her cocktail, "Ah, so you two are acquainted." She taunted Martha, "Give this cocktail a try; after all, you seem to enjoy coveting what doesn't belong to you."Martha, a hint of fear in her voice, responded quickly, "Um, I don't know him."Veronica clicked her tongue in irritation, shaking her head at Martha's facade. How could she have been so blind to see the girl’s true color all these while?Everyone eyed the person who had just stepped in with confused expressions on their faces. The boy seemed to be around their age, however, he wasn’t familiar at all. He didn't bear the hallmarks of someone from their high school."Who's he?""No idea.""Recognize him?""Not at all."Veronica smiled, reassuring them, "Relax, everyone. You're about to meet him now."Martha's heart raced, fear escalating within her.Veronica turned to the newcomer, asking, "Tell us who you are and what brings you here."The guy's eyes shifted, locking onto Martha. "I'm Jason, Martha's
"Vicky Lewis!" Gasps echoed through the room as all eyes fixated on the newcomer.Mia was also taken aback to see her. She hadn't crossed paths with Vicky since she was expelled from high school, making tonight's encounter unexpected. Instinctively, an uneasy feeling settled within her.Was she here to bully her?However, Mia wasn't alone in her discomfort. Another individual seemed to be grappling with an even stronger sense of unease in response to Vicky's presence.'Why is she here? How did she manage to appear?' Martha gnawed on her lip, nearly drawing blood.After the girl's family faced bankruptcy and her father was incarcerated, Martha believed it spelled the end for Vicky Lewis.Despite Vicky’s persistent calls and attempts to connect, she remained indifferent, never acknowledging her.Long ago, she'd blocked her contact when her incessant calls became irritating. She wasn't responsible for her father's corruption or having a baby mama. She hadn't urged her to bully Mia to the
Upon entering the venue, a chorus of admiration erupted as Martha made her presence known.“You're as dazzling as ever, Martha.”“Your skin is positively radiant.”“Share your beauty secrets with us.”In a chic caramel knee-length dress beautified with subtle floral patterns, paired with classic silver heels, she exuded elegance. A silver necklace firmly adorned on her neck added a touch of poise, creating a simple yet tasteful look for the one-month school reunion.Martha waved her hand dismissively, cheeks turning a rosy hue as she blushed at the compliments pouring in. “Oh, come on, you guys. Enough about me. You all look fantastic yourselves,” she chuckled, taking her seat."Ah, I know. Max is treating her well.""Trueeee!" The collective cooing echoed.Martha simply giggled. "He'll be joining us shortly also.""Thank goodness that Mia girl didn't succeed back then," remarked one of Martha's ex-classmates, and the rest nodded in agreement.Martha's expression dropped upon hearing
"I'll leave now, and never cross your path again."Shawn stood in silence, observing the girl. Without warning, he marched towards the mini lounge, retrieving a lighter from the center table.Returning to Mia, he set ablaze the documents held in his grasp before one could comprehend what was about to happen.Mia let out an immediate shriek, her eyes widening in sheer horror. "What are you—?""You are mistaken. We're eternally linked—bound forever," Shawn calmly muttered as ashes drifted to the floor.Mia blinked rapidly at him."With that resolved, let's head downstairs for dinner. It’s late," he said, changing from his robe into more casual attire.Mia remained rooted in place, her heart burdened and fatigued. "But I don't belong here... your betro—""That's not your concern, Little One. We're married. Legally married. Are you willing to discard that for a meaningless contract?"She frowned at his words.Shawn's mouth twitched as he took her hand, guiding her downstairs to the dining
Three years prior,As an intern, Charlotte found herself working late into the night on this particular day. Upon completing her tasks at B.Y TV building, she headed out. As she walked down the road, a young man approached her."Miss, Master Davis would like to see you. Please, come with me."Upon hearing this, Charlotte felt a mix of surprise and anticipation.The Davis family had consistently opposed her relationship with Damien, and the reasons remained a mystery to her. Perhaps, they were here to reconcile with her. That was her initial assumption.She promptly followed the man to the car, her heart beating rapidly in her chest as she got in."Uncle, Aunt," she bowed politely.Master Davis and his wife cast disdainful glances at the girl.“The reason we summoned you today is straightforward,” Madam Davis spoke. “Sever ties with our son. We don't want you for him.”Upon hearing the woman's heart-wrenching words, a wave of sadness engulfed Charlotte. "Wh-why? Did I do something wron
Stella and her younger siblings were bewildered to see Madam Mandez. She was meant to be deceased—three years prior, they attended her burial ceremony. How was it possible for her to stand before them now?Their astonishment outweighed any excitement, rendering them unable to leap towards her in joy at the unexpected reunion after several years. Was she a ghost?"Master Davis, Madam Davis," Jennifer greeted with a subtle smile, gesturing for the visitors to take their seats.Madam Davis closed the gap between them, taking Jennifer's hands in hers and patting them comfortingly. "It must have been challenging for you these past few years. Are you alright?"She and her husband had learnt that the woman didn’t die in the accident and had been in a coma all these while, only waking up recently…Jennifer Mandez nodded, "I'm fine, thank you, Natasha. Please, take your seat."Madam Davis nodded and then took her seat beside her husband.“It’s good to see you're doing well. However, we've come