~Rosemary~My heart trembled at the tone of the police officer’s voice. This couldn’t be good, could it?“What’s the matter, officer?” Gerald asked in my stead.“Until this matter is resolved, none of the two parties involved can have custody of the child in question.”“What? Why?”He shrugged. “That’s just the rules. It’s either the child is kept with a relative or he’s taken into the system.”“Henny doesn’t stay with his mother. He stays with me,” Susan, who had been silent all this while, spoke up.The officer turned to her. “You mean, the suspect? The child doesn’t live with the suspect?”Susan nodded. “I have him here more than 80% of the time. He doesn’t have to be taken away.”She looked at me. “Rosemary, I really don’t understand what’s going on here, but Henny is safe with me. I promise that no harm shall come to him.”Crying, I turned away and pressed my face into Gerald’s hard chest. He rubbed my back as I trembled.“I want him to be with me. I have been deprived of so muc
~Gerald~“Hit me with the good news first.”Hearing that, I opened a document on my phone. “Earlier today, I finally traced the account that sent money to Luke. But it was closed down yesterday.”“Really?” She took the phone from me. “Who owns the account?”“Amani. Apparently, she opened it under a pseudonym in another country with less strict banking laws.”“I knew it!”Rosemary zoomed in and out of the document. Afterward, she looked up. “So what’s the bad news?”I exhaled. “I already sent the proof of the transaction to the police, but they refused to take it.”“What? Why would they do that?”“They gave no good reason. Something about it being obtained illegally. Besides, I found that they aren’t prioritizing the case. I suspect foul play.”Rosemary shot to her feet, slapping the table. “Those two thieves must have bribed them. But how could the police be so corrupt!”“And Max. Didn’t he act like he knew nothing about the theft the other day? Why is he still helping Amani?” she add
~Rosemary~My heart thumped against my chest as soon as I saw Henny standing at the top of the stairs. I took a step forward, but my leg felt heavier than lead. “Henny…”“Are you my mommy?” Henny asked again. “I thought you were my auntie.”“She is!”Before I could blink, Max walked up the stairs. He squatted before Henny and held his small shoulders. “She is your auntie, all right?”Henny looked away from him. His eyes were narrowed as he addressed me. “I just heard you say that your sister stopped you from being a mother to your son and that you came here for him. I am the only kid here, so it’s me right?”He pointed at himself. “I am the son, right?”I clutched my chest. Nodding with tears in my eyes, I said, “Yes, Henny. You are my son!”“Rosemary!” Max shouted.At that moment, I felt Gerald’s grip on my shoulders. He pushed me up the stairs. I swallowed hard, looking at Henny’s confused eyes.“Are you not my auntie anymore? Did you marry my daddy?”Ignoring the harsh stare I wa
~Rosemary~As Amani slowly turned around, I picked Henny up and hugged him. “Did you come here to aggravate him? He's just a child. My child!”Amani chuckled. “Your child? Why don't you let the judge be THE JUDGE of that?”“It doesn't matter what the verdict is,” I said, covering Henny’s ear as he rested his head on my shoulder. “It doesn't matter how many gifts you get him, I will always remain his mother. You made me lose so many—”Amani rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. Tell me something I haven't heard before.”“What’s going on here?”I looked up the stairs, only to see Susan wearing a long dress with a gray coat wrapped around her body. Her face looked a little thinner than usual.“Are you okay, Susan?” I asked, feeling a little guilty for staying mad at her since the truth came out about her fake illness.She smiled at me faintly. “I am. It’s just the cold. I am too old for it.”“How…how about I make you a cup of hot tea?”She waved. “I would love that. But first…”“Why are you here
~Gerald~“I think we should go home. I kinda feel something—”“Did you see that?” My hand froze in the air as I was about to reach for Rosemary. I saw that her eyes were widened in shock. But she wasn't looking at me. Tracing her line of vision, I realized who she was looking at.“Did you see that?” she asked again.I frowned in confusion. “See what?”“Amani.” She sprang to her feet again. “Amani just said she was the one responsible for the judge’s car accident.”I turned to look at Amani sharply. Sure enough, she was smiling mischievously. But that wasn't a first for her. It was either that or a scowl. “I think you are mistaken, Rose. She couldn't possibly have—”“Yes. She could! I know my sister. She would do anything to win. She stole my baby, remember?”I held Rosemary’s waist out of the blue. “Where are you going?”Rosemary stopped, then looked down at my arm. “To confront her of course.”“You can't do that. Causing a scene here is not good for the case.”“So I should just let
~Gerald~Who's this?My brows knitted as I read the text over and over again. The number didn't seem familiar at all. More so, there were no records of it in my call log.As I wondered who it was, I dialed the number and pressed the phone against my ear. The next second, I heard a beeping tone.“What’s this?”Frowning even more, I texted the number back. “May I know who you are?”My eyes widened as soon as I hit send. A red exclamation mark had just appeared beside it, indicating that it had failed to send.What the hell is happening? Why can't I text back or even call?My senses tingled at this moment. Something wasn't right. What did this person mean by they had something of mine? Did…did this have to do with Rosemary?After yet another failed attempt to get through to Rosemary, I called Elvis again. “Hey, track down my wife’s phone. Like right now!”Again, I stayed on the line. “What’s taking so long?” I asked impatiently.Elvis soon replied, “Boss, she's at the city mall close t
~Rosemary~My head felt like lead and my mind was foggy as I slowly regained consciousness. Immediately, I heard the humming sound of a car engine and I felt the company of two people beside me. Who are these people? What did they do to me? And where are they taking me?After a long time, I finally managed to open my eyes. I looked on both sides only to find two masked men looking straight ahead. I tried to lift my hand to fight them, but I was paralyzed from the neck down. I couldn’t even move a muscle.As I was still contemplating what to do next, the car slowly came to a halt. I shut my eyes the second one of the men turned his head. I was dragged out of the car.As I dangled over a shoulder, I peeked a little, but all I could see were black granite floors and heavy shoes. The man dropped me on a wooden chair a while later. With my eyes still shut, I felt something wrap my wrists and ankles tightly. Were they tying me up?I opened my eyes to peek again. Unfortunately, a black ba
~Gerald~“Where’s my wife! I know you have her!” I shouted.His evil smile became even wider as he said, “Tsk, tsk! Is that how to say hi to an old friend, Gerald?”I slapped the dashboard of the car. “I’m gonna make your life a living hell! If you as much as hurt a single hair on her head, I will—““Easy with the threats, dude,” he laughed, flashing his extremely white teeth. “Do you know how long I spent looking for you? Allow me to enjoy this moment for a bit, would ya?”“Fuck you!”He threw his head back and laughed. “You have changed quite a lot, Gerald. You even got married and I saw you on TV earlier with the Mrs. Clay… After so many years of hiding!”“Where’s my wife!” I roared again.In an instant, the smile on his face disappeared. “Where’s my hard drive?”I paused, the image of what he wanted appearing in my mind. This man was none other than Angel Roman, a long-time enemy of mine.I had met him over a decade ago as a wretched teenager. My mother had just been murdered and
~Rosemary~Gerald’s head shot up as soon as I spoke. His eyes lit up and then, I felt his body crushing mine.“You are back!” he said, kissing my face. “What took you so long?”He pulled back and held my face. “Oh, my God! You scared the shit out of me. Don't do that again, okay?”I chuckled. “Okay, Mr. Beckett.”“I was so worried about…” His words trailed off. “Wait, what did you just call me?”I shrugged, “Mr. Beckett?”“You…you remember me?”I nodded. “I remember everything, Gerald. I am sorry that—”Before I could finish speaking, he knocked the breath out of me with a hard kiss. I smiled against his lips and then parted mine.Until now, I didn't know how much I had missed his lips on mine. As always, it felt like heaven. I held his strong arm despite the pain in the back of my hand due to the IV needle.“Catch your breath,” Gerald said, pulling back after like a minute.“What?” I chuckled again.“I’m not done yet. Just breathe.”I did as he said. And the second I was no longer g
~Gerald~“Seize them!” I roared the second I kicked the door open.All six of my men matched in and surrounded Max and Amani. They struggled but were pinned down within seconds.I squatted by the door, seeing Rosemary lying down.“Baby!” I scooped her up.She smiled at me. “You are here.”When she coughed out blood, I held her face. “Shh! Don't say anything. Let’s get you to the hospital.”“Wait!” Rosemary reached out and held my face. “I’m sorry for not believing you. Sorry, I realized too late.”“No! It’s not too late.”“I’m afraid it is.” She smiled again. “If I were to come back to this world again, I’d love to be your woman again. I would love to know love like you love me. To love you and be loved by you, Gerald. Just by reading your words, I realized that you are the man I always dreamed of having as a child.”She rubbed my face. “Promise me that we will meet in another life? Promise me that you will look at me the way you are looking at me right now.”“No! I can't promise you
~Rosemary~It was already past closing hour for most jobs, but my lawyer agreed that I come in to start the process. On the way, my phone dinged.A notification from the doorbell camera had just come in. I opened it and saw the live footage of Amani’s car pulling up in the driveway of Max's house.What’s she doing there? And immediately I just left too.I watched as Amani got out of her car. Max showed up from the inside. They spoke for a while. I thought they were arguing again. But then…“Oh, my God!” I screamed the second Max kissed Amani.“Ma’am,” said the taxi driver. “Are you okay?”I covered my mouth, shaking as Amani and Max made out on the porch. They looked like they wanted to gobble each other up. Max even grabbed her ass and squeezed it. Then they staggered into the house, still not letting each other go.“Ma’am, is anything the matter?”Hearing the taxi driver’s voice again, I raised my head. “Please, can you take my back? I will pay double.”He looked at me through the r
~Rosemary~I couldn't stop thinking of what Gerald said to me about proposing a prenuptial agreement. He sounded so sure that Max wanted me for my money. But Max was a billionaire, right?Right?I took out my phone and searched for the name of Max’s company. A few headlines came up.The first one: Brix Cars to get new CEOThe second: Max Smith resigns from the CEO position. Would this mark the end of the family’s hold on the company?The third: Brix Cars reportedly plunges into 30 billion-dollar debt.My jaw dropped lower with each headline I read. I had no idea that Max’s business was suffering this much, let alone the fact that he was no longer the CEO.Why didn't he tell me? Did this mean Gerald was right?Well… there's only one way to find out.I pulled out my phone and called the number saved under legal. “Erm… I’d like to draft a prenuptial agreement.”*****“What’s this?” Max frowned the second I handed the document to him.I kept my distance, a little scared. “Since we are goi
~Gerald~I slammed the door in his face. Before turning away, I listened as he stormed off, huffing and puffing about how I was making a huge mistake.“Before you say anything…” I began, looking at Elvis. “Get on the phone with the Russian mafia. I’m sure they would be pleased to know that Angel showed up here.”“No!”“What?” I exclaimed on the way to grab a glass of water.Elvis shook his head. “I don't think it’s a good idea to get involved in the battle between Angel and them. Time and time again, this has always ended with a bloodbath. It was hard enough for you to stay alive all these years despite having many enemies. I can't watch you get involved in a mafia war just because you want to take Angel down.”I sighed. “What do you suggest I do then?”“I suggest we wait. We wait for them to locate Angel and take him out. Since he's roaming without a care in the world, that should be pretty easy.”I shook my head with uncertainty. As far as I knew, Angel was much more powerful than m
~Rosemary~“Boss, are you okay? Boss!” Elvis ran to me as soon as the phone dropped from my hand. He made me sit on the sofa and peered down at my face.His tone changed. “Gerald, are you okay? Should I call the doctor?”I shook my head, clutching my chest. It was as if I was going to have a heart attack. But I knew going to the hospital won't help me.“Was that Rosemary on the phone? What did she say? Why are you like this?”I looked at him. “I don't know what to do, man. She’s getting married to Max again.”“What! How…but your divorce hasn't being finalized. You didn't sign the divorce papers, did you?”“I didn't. But now that she doesn't remember me or the love we shared, I’m afraid Max would make her drag me to court for the divorce. He's manipulating her big time.”I went on to tell him about the wedding photo Rosemary found and how she accused me of faking it and planting it in Max’s house.“This is getting out of hand. Should I tell the boys to take him out?”I groaned. “No. T
~Rosemary~“H-how is this… how did this…”I couldn't believe my eyes at all. I stared at the woman standing beside Max. She was wearing a very beautiful wedding dress. Most importantly, she wasn't me!She looked like me, but she wasn't me. She was Amani. I was sure of it!“So it’s true? What that man said is true! Max divorced me so he could be with Amani?”The photo slipped off my hands. Taking a step back, I stared down at it. “They even had a wedding. But why did Max propose to me two days ago? And Amani was so happy for me!”What the fuck is going on? Who's playing me for a freaking fool!All of a sudden, the door opened. I turned and saw Max. His eyes widened at the sight of me. He looked at my feet, and his eyes widened even more.“Care to explain?” I asked, folding my arms.I was trying so hard to keep it together. Heaven knows I wanted to jump at him and scratch his face. Another part of me also wanted to just break down crying. This moment reminded me of the heartbreak I su
~Rosemary~Call me insecure, but something didn't sit right about this meeting. First, because Amani showed up here at night. And second because for as long as I could remember, Amani had a thing for Max.She even snatched him from me when we were in high school. It was a miracle that we got married. Was she trying to snatch him yet again?But seeing this beautiful ring now, I realized what a fool I had been. Why did I think that the puppy dating they had in school still meant anything to Max after all the love I showed him since Amani left for college?“Yes!” I screamed, putting out my hand. “I will marry you, Max Smith!”“Really?” Max asked, his eyes lighting up.I nodded vigorously. After he slipped the ring on my finger, I raised my hand and looked at it. The rock was much bigger than the one he gave me when we first married. By the looks of it, it was probably worth millions.“You shouldn't have!” I said, tearing up.Max pulled me into a hug. “You deserve the very best, my love.
~Max~The cold was biting hard. Standing on the lawn, I listened to Amani as she went on and on about her grievances.Just two weeks ago, she had asked for a divorce. I knew it was because of my current financial woes. It hurt a lot that she wanted to leave me. But I begged.I begged her like I had never begged anyone before. She was my life!“I will stay on one condition. Get me everything that Rosemary has,” she had said.At the time, I thought that would be impossible considering the fact that Rosemary hated my guts. But after I received that call ordering me to come to the hospital because my “wife” was admitted there, I thought maybe…maybe it wasn't impossible after all.Although I suspected that Amani had a hand in Rosemary’s accident, I didn't dare to ask her that or even tell Rosemary the truth. I was going to do anything to make Amani stay with me.She agreed to leave the house for a while so I could make Rosemary comfortable with me. The plan was to make her transfer all he