***By the time Mia arrived at the villa, it was already in the evening. Thankfully, the demi-god usually didn’t get home until midnight or she didn’t know what would have become of her this evening.She had spent a lot of time gallivanting around in search of Veronica and by the time she got to the bus stop, her bus had already moved.She had to wait for over thirty minutes before the next one came. Her dad had cut her off and had to be careful with her spendings so she couldn’t take a taxi.After getting on the bus, heavy traffic then showed Mia hell.Tomorrow was another day to make payment for…Mia heaved a sigh and she dragged her heavy feet into the house.From the front doorway, she yelled out a greeting to everyone to signal that she was back from school. It was what she did everyday, whenever she returned: “Good evening, everybody. I’m back.” The maids in sight sank low in cursy when the saw her. They didn’t bother to approach her to collect her school bag as they knew she
Before Mia’s bum could come in contact with the dining chair, Shawn stood up and took large strides out of the huge dining area. For the umpteenth time since the first day the two met, Mia was stunned. The food had not even been dished out yet. Like, since he was already there, couldn’t he have waited and ate a little? To think he left immediately she appeared—did she have a contagious disease? He left because of her?Plus, he seemed angry… Did she do or say something wrong?—But she didn’t do anything.Did the man find her unpleasant to his eyes? Or did she have body odour? Was her breath bad?Mia raised her arms and sniffed her armpits. She didn’t perceive any foul odour. She wasn’t smelling…Unconvinced, she beckoned at the maid standing in a corner at the far end of the dining table. “Please, come sniff me.” As the saying goes, you can’t smell your own stink. Sometimes, people need to rely on others to let them know if they have body odor, as they may not be aware of it themse
***After Mia was done eating, she went back upstairs to pick her bag. She tied her hair in a ponytail and then headed out of the house, after she’d bade the workers goodbye.As she didn’t have money, she trekked to the bus station. Thankfully, a public bus arrived as soon as she got there. She got on.A while later, Mia arrived at her destination. She stood outside the huge hospital building for a while, thinking to herself: ‘this is where all my savings is coming to.’She heaved a sigh and walked into the hospital’s ground floor which served as the emergency unit. The nurses at the front desk recognized her, and after exchanging greetings, they let her go in. Mia rode in the elevator alongside a few other people. She was heading to the fifth floor which was the intensive care unit (MICU 1). As soon as the elevator arrived, it dinged and its doors slid open. She walked out and took quiet steps down the silent corridor. She soon came face to face with the door that led into the thir
Mia rushed out of the hospital at once. She had to get to Shawn’s place of work fast—Then her steps halted all of a sudden. She didn’t know the place… she had no idea of how to get there. That aside, she wasn’t even welcomed there. She remembered how Shawn had reacted the other day that she went to give him food in the office—his words… the look in his eyes that day…Goosebumps formed all over Mia’s body at once.What was she to do now? It then occurred to her that she had to go home first. Madam Susan would most certainly have her master’s number. Mia began to shuffle her feet down the pedestrian, different thoughts running through her mind.She was in dire need of money and her only hope right now was that card.She had only taken about eleven steps away from the hospital when an arm suddenly flung over her shoulders and she was instantly pulled into an embrace.“Hey, baby.”Mia was completely caught off guard. She was startled and almost lost balance.“I’ve been waiting for yo
Mia felt a cold gaze drilling holes into the bare of her back and she instinctively turned around immediately. But as soon as she looked around, she found nothing. She saw nobody staring at her.Pursing her lips slightly, she hastily imputed her digits in the man’s phone and handed it back to him. Damien beamed with smiles. “Name?”“Hum…Mi-Mia.” “Mimia?”Mia couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle at this. “It’s Mia.” She blushed.“Lovely name.” “…” She blushed even deeper.“Thank you, Mia.” Damien nodded his head calmly.Mia bobbed and quickly shuffled away on her feet.Damien simply stood silently as he watched her retreating figure. “Mia…” He muttered.Smirking, he retreated back into the restaurant.—Unknown to absolutely anyone, someone had been watching the two all those while. A cold icy man with an icy cold expression on his face sat silently behind the steering wheel of his taxicab, watching his so-called wife and his sworn enemy flirt with each other. From a corner b
Slowly, Mia stepped into the lounge area and came face to face with Shawn. The man was currently seated in an armchair, his legs crossed and his face devoid of any emotions.Although his face seemed calm and expressionless as usual, Mia felt that there was something wrong—something off about him. She just couldn’t wrap her hands around what exactly it was. What was the formidable man doing at home by that time of the day? Wasn’t he supposed to be at work? Why was he home? She could remember vividly that he left for work in the morning, so… She never expected to meet him at home at all. “Have you suddenly gone deaf?” Shawn inquired irritably.He despised it when he asked people questions and they didn’t respond. Mia shuddered in fear and she immediately recollected the question the man had asked. Where was she coming from? But… that was personal… She couldn’t possibly tell him the truth.She licked the corner of her dry lips and then slowly opened her mouth to talk. But before
‘What now?’Mia shyly angled her head upward, peering at the imposing man towering over her. She saw that he was staring directly at her. His intense gaze made her feel exposed and vulnerable. Like she had felt earlier…“Erm, ca-can can I—?” She hesitated, pursing her lips.‘Can you what?’ The CEO stood there in silence, waiting for her to finish her question.“Can I hum-have your -erm-your phone numb…” Her voice trailed off and she began to cough incessantly. Awkwardness filled the air.Mia wasn't sure where she found the courage to ask for his number. But she believed it was only right for her to have her husband's contact information.She cleared her throat awkwardly as she awaited her death sentence.Phone number? The corner of Shawn's mouth twitched at the unexpected request. Truthfully, neither of them had exchanged numbers before—it was a valid point.“70-85…” He began reciting the digits. He was giving the girl his personal contact number. Mia hastily reached for her phone
And just like that, Mia was driven away in the patrol car.—Once Shawn entered his room, he settled onto his bed and started reviewing the file once more.Immediately after leaving Beats Corporation, he drove straight to his house. Upon arrival, he inquired, "Is she here?"The nearest maid lowered her gaze and responded, "No, Master. Madam left in the morning and hasn't returned yet."Shawn's eyes narrowed. Could she still be with Damien?He strode purposefully to the lounge and seated himself in an armchair. Regardless of how many hours it took, she would eventually come and meet him there, he resolved.Glancing at the green file in his hand, it seemed strangely lacking in content. He contemplated it for a moment before finally opening it.After a couple of minutes, he realized he had been mistaken about the girl all along, right from the beginning. She harbored no ulterior motives when she first approached him—it was purely coincidental. She wasn't interested in his wealth, she was
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