"Why not visit the HR today and remind him?" Anabel suggested, and just then, the older woman received a call."Your mother's health is at risk. You need to pay up for the surgery, or you will have yourself to blame." A feminine voice spoke from the other side of the phone. The older woman was about to say something, and the call went off."I just received a call from the hospital. They said my mother's health had changed and needed to undergo surgery immediately. I will visit the HR once I'm done cleaning." Anabel could see how scared and sore she looked."Yes, you need to. Tell her it's urgent."(A few hours later)The older woman stepped into the HR office. She was done with her cleaning routine. The manager was talking romantically with HR when she walked in."Hey! What are you doing here!" She scolded her. "Can't you see I'm with someone?""I'm sorry, Ma'am, but it's urgent. I received a call that my mother's health has worsened. Please, I need the health benefit card for the surg
"I'm not a thief. The card is mine. Give it back to me." Anabel demanded."Just shut up! You thief! I'm going to get you arrested once we finish investigation." The HR said, and just then, Mr. Lesnar, the director, who is also a shareholder of the company, walked in. "What is happening here?" he asked."Take a good look at this card." The HR handed the card to Mr. Lesnar. "This newly employed janitor is claiming it's hers. Can you imagine?"The director checked the card. "This must be my missing premium black card." The director knew it wasn't his, though he thought she stole it.He wanted to use it against her. He had blackmailed two workers to become this personal sex object. Anabel was beautiful enough to be on his list."I said it. A poor janitor like you cannot have access to the black card. You started work today, and you have started stealing already." The HR said."He's lying. The card is mine." Anabel turned to the director. "Mr. Lesnar, do you have any proof that you are the
"The director, Mr. Lesnar, accused me of theft, Dad. He claimed my black card was his, that I stole it from him." Anabel said."What?""Not only that. He also slapped me and broke the card." Anabel added.Sir. Orton's face turned beet red with rage."Explain yourself, Lesnar."The director stuttered, "I-I thought she was impersonating. I never knew she was your daughter. I thought she was just a mere janitor. I will never be mad to hurt your daughter. Please forgive me!""You thought?" Sir Orton's voice boomed as he slapped Lesnar twice across the face. "You humiliated my daughter, ruined her card, and slapped her? What insolence!"The director's knees buckled, and he fell to the floor. He knew that his fate was in Sir Orton's mercy."Please, sir... Mercy..." The director begged. The HR and the manager were already trembling in fear. They knew it was over for them. They were just waiting for their turn. They have already lost their job. They were scared of the punishment they would rec
"How can the health benefit allowance card be broken?" Sir Orton asked."The HR broke it." Anabel spoke up. "This janitor." She took the older janitor's hand. "She needed it for her mother's surgery, and they refused to give it to her."Sir Orton's face darkened in anger. "They denied a janitor's mother life-saving surgery?"Anabel nodded. "Yes, Dad. The HR said that janitors doesn't deserve the benefits. She even said that paying for her mother's surgery will be a waste of money. When I confronted her, she broke the card and said we cannot do anything about it. The manager supported her."Sir Orton's anger erupted. "This is unbelievable. I never knew I employed the worst set of people."He turned to the HR and manager. Their heads were down on the floor. They couldn't look up at him. This was the worst situation of their life."A janitor needed a health benefit allowance card, and both of you refused to give her one? Something that doesn't belong to you? What's the benefit? Not that y
(Over One Week Later)Miss. Michelle, CEO of Styce group, was hosting an exclusive VIP party for all of their Shareholder's and top customers. Miss Anabel Orton had been announced as a special guest of honor. Many people were waiting to see her face for the very first time.Desmond was hoping to meet her so he could tell her about his contract which had been on hold for a long time. He believed she will do something about it."See, Anabel is coming in. I wonder how she got invited. This is a exclusive party for Miss. Michelle's shareholders and highly profile vip customers. Who invited her?" Desmond asked, watching as Anabel made her way into the hall."It must be one of her dirty client. I wonder why you are surprised. Your ex-wife is a prostitute and it's like all the rich men knows her." Daniella said and the words touched Desmond. He could not imagine other men touching her."Stop saying that about her. You are not sure." Desmond replied."What are you saying? Don't tell me you are
"I know you must be very busy. I didn't want to disturb you," Anabel replied."I wasn't complaining. I planned to welcome you in a special way. Anyway, no problem; we still have other things to do. Thank you for honoring my invitation. I'm so happy to have you here."Daniella snorted, "Why are you giving her special treatment as if she's anything special? You must have mistaken her for someone else. Anabel is a country bumpkin, a common janitor. She should be thrown out. She's not worthy of attending this party.""What? Do you know who you are talking to?" Miss Michelle turned to Anabel. "What is she talking about?""Don't mind her," Anabel replied, and Miss Michelle stared at Daniella, trying to recognize her, but she couldn't."Who are you, and what are you even doing here?" Daniella smiled and extended her hand for a handshake. "My name is Daniella. I'm among the guests."Miss Michelle ignored her handshake. "I didn't remember inviting you. I don't even know who you are. This is a s
"Miss. Michelle. Don't take her words and actions to heart. No need to pursue the matter any further. You can let her stay on my behalf." Anabel said, and Miss Michelle hesitated before accepting. "It's alright. She can stay." She turned to Desmond. "Mr. Desmond, you are free to help yourself to the bar. I need to welcome my other special guests." Miss Michelle said and left."Come, let's go." Desmond said and headed to the bar, thinking that Daniella was with him. Daniella had stayed behind to confront Anabel."I thought you had divorced him. Why are you shamelessly pestering him like a parasite?" Daniella started. "I know you wanted him back. That is why you are doing all these. But let me tell you. Desmond no longer needs you. You can't have him anymore. I will advise you to forget about him.""And who said I wanted him back?" Anabel asked."You don't need to say anything. Actions speak louder than voice. I will advise you to stay away, very far away from him. He will never take pat
A few minutes later, they all settled down, and the event started properly. Miss Michelle welcomed everyone, especially Anabel. Desmond and Daniella still found it annoying."Why will she welcome her in a special way as if she's a big deal?" Daniella mumbled."I think we are missing something. Would she be Anabel Orton?" Desmond asked."She can't be. That's not possible. Is it because of her name? Remember that anyone can answer Anabel. She's never the one." Daniella replied."Then why is she showing royalty to her? Don't you find it disturbing? My ex-wife might be a billionaire heiress.""What are you even saying? Don't tell me you want to fall for this cheap trap. Anabel is a country bumpkin and will always be. Stop giving it a thought.""I'm going to find out who she really is." Desmond said with determination.After the introduction, they addressed the guests and launched their latest brand. After that, they ate, drank, and danced, each person with her partner.As Desmond was danci
"Yeah, the doctor did a great job." Sylvester spoke up. "I was afraid I was going to lose my cousin sister. Thank God it was successful." Anabel smiled at him and rubbed on Vanessa's shoulder. "I'm happy nothing happened to her." Anabel stayed by Vanessa’s side, gently asking her questions about how she was feeling, whether she needed anything, and what the doctor had advised for her recovery. Vanessa answered slowly and carefully. Her every movement was slow and gentle. Just like someone who wouldn't be able to kill an ant. Starting from the way she adjusted her blanket to the way she leaned back against the pillows. For a while, the three of them chatted lightly. Desmond joined in occasionally, offering a few comments about how Vanessa needed to focus on resting and not push herself too hard. Not long after, the door creaked open, and the doctor stepped into the room. He was carrying a clipboard and had a stethoscope around his neck. He gave a polite nod to everyone in the roo
The following day after After Vanessa's fake surgery, Anabel woke up and made her way to the bathroom to take her bath. Visiting Vanessa had been on her mind all night. She was eager to see how Vanessa was recovering after the supposed surgery before going to her company for an important meeting. When she got to the hospital, she felt the need to call Sylvester. She didn't know the new room that they were staying in. "Hi dear, Which room is she staying in?" Anabel asked. "We are on the 5th floor, room 597." Sylvester replied with a panic. At that moment, Vanessa was very hungry and was about to take her breakfast. "Alright, babe, I'm coming." She hung up and made her way to the elevator. Sylvester dropped the phone and turned to Vanessa. "You need to keep the food and lay back on the bed." Sylvester said as Vanessa was about to take the first spoon. "But I'm very hungry." Vanessa replied. "Anabel is coming. I don't think it will be okay if she sees you eating. Remember you just
As his mother pulled back from the hug, she noticed that the sadness was still in his eyes. "But if this isn’t what’s been weighing on you, then why are you still sad? Why have you been so down?" "I'm depressed because I lost a gold for a wood. You called her bumpkin, but Daniella was the actual bumpkin. Losing Anabel had been tearing me apart. She loved me, but I stamped on it. It's as if I lost everything that made me who I am. Though I was rich when I met Anabel, I got richer and richer while with her.. I didn't realize this until she left. I was getting a lot of contracts when she was with me, but after she left, I began to lose even the ones I was about to sign. And ever since then, I've never signed a reasonable contract. She was a blessing to me." "Yeah, we were wrong about her. I thought it was just a coincidence. She was really a blessing to us. The problem was that she was barren. I was so desperate and in a hurry for a grandchild. I should not have brought Daniella. I
"Yes, I think Mom is making sense. We won't remain calm and watch her take anything from you. Losing your properties, your money... everything you worked so hard for. There was never a marriage. Not even up to one week. The court will see the truth and support you. I'm sure we will win.""You think all these things will work? When the judge is a woman?" Desmond asked. "Anyway, losing my properties to her was never part of my problem. It's never a threat to me. My frustration is losing the one that really loved me." As he said that, both his mother and Bella blinked in surprise, exchanging puzzled glances. They were confused. How is it not bothering him? That's a lot to lose to the thief. "Wait....I don't understand. What do you mean by that? She’s acting like she’s already won, and you are saying this?" Bella asked. "You mean you are not bothered that she's taking everything from you?" His mother asked, adding to what Bella said."Let her say whatever she wants. I was ahead of
"I made the mistake, and if I could go back and undo it all, I would without hesitation. You may not believe me but It hurts me more than you. Please forgive us, son. Let us be here for you now. Let us support you and help you. We are still family." The mom continued to plead. Bella stepped beside her mother as her tears threatened to spill over. "Desmond, we are sorry. We will do whatever it takes to make things right." Desmond closed his eyes, trying to calm the storm raging within him. For a long moment, the room was silent. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at them both. "Fine. You guys are still my family and very precious to me. I forgive you both." He finally said, and the mother stepped forward and hugged him. "Thank you, son. Thank you." Bella joined and hugged him as well. "We will be here for you, no matter what." She said, and just then, his phone began to ring. He checked, and it was an unsaved number. He picked it up and placed it over his left ear. "Who is
"Uh, who’s this?" Bella asked in surprise. "And what is she doing here with you?" Desmond's mother looked at Grace and then at Desmond, waiting for an explanation. Desmond didn't say anything. He was wondering what they were even doing in his house. Grace stepped aside, clutching her washing equipment. "Nothing, I’m just a cleaner. Mr. Desmond hired me to clean the house. I'm leaving now. Thank you again, Mr. Desmond." She gave a polite nod to Bella and Mrs. Elizabeth before stepping out the door. Mrs. Elizabeth continued to stare at her from the back, as if trying to gauge whether there was more to the story. As soon as the door closed, Desmond spoke up. "And what are you guys doing in my house? I didn't remember inviting two of you. What the hell are both of you doing in my house!" "We....we came to see you. We heard what happened." His mother answered. "Now that you have seen me, can you leave my house now?" "Oh, son. It hadn't gotten to that. I know we have wronged y
"Come with me." Desmond said, and she followed him. When they got to the kitchen, she was surprised to see how beautiful and well furnished it looked. It was the most furnished kitchen she had ever seen. "Use what can find and prepare a delicious meal. Don't burn down my house." He said and left. After checking the kitchen out, she began to rummage through the cabinets and fridge. Though the fridge was a little sparse, she managed to find enough ingredients to whip up a nice meal. She was giving all she had so she may have a chance of getting hired again. She has never cooked in that kind of kitchen. There were some gadgets she couldn't use. There are some she couldn't even tell what they were used for. She went on to use the ones she could use. When the food was ready, she plated it carefully and set it on the dining table. "Here you go. I hope it’s to your liking." Desmond sat down, took a bite and nodded his head. "This is really good. Thank you." "You’re welcome," Grace r
Desmond remained on the couch, absentmindedly scrolling through his phone while waiting for the cleaning service agent to arrive. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang, pulling him out of his thoughts. He stood up and walked over to the door to answer it."Who is that?" He asked while holding the door handle."Grace. I'm here for house cleaning." A feminine voice answered. When he opened the door, he was met with the sight of a young lady, who was probably in her mid-twenties. Her long, dark hair was tied back into a neat ponytail. She looked like a university student who was working part-time for the agency.For a moment, Desmond noticed her stare. Her gaze was flicking between his face and his athletic build. She hadn’t expected the client to look like that. Most of the houses she cleaned belonged to older people."Good morning, sir," she greeted. "I’m from Sparkling Solutions Cleaning Agency. My name is Grace.""Alright. You can come in." Desmond replied, stepping aside to let he
"I forget to tell you. She said that Desmond is not responsible for her pregnancy." "This can't be true! Desmond is the father. She got pregnant while dating him. I'm sure of that." "I'm serious. Her boyfriend is the father of the baby. They planned and put it on Desmond so she could easily get into our family." Bella said, and her mother felt a sharp pain in her chest. The pregnancy was the main reason she made him divorce Anabel to marry her. Now, it looked as if she had lost everything. Anabel was a perfect daughter-in-law. She respects and takes care of her like her mother even when she treats her bad. "I made him divorce Anabel because I thought Daniella was pregnant for him. All this time, she was playing us... playing my son. How could I have been so blind? How could I have let this happen? Desmond must be very mad at me now." "What do we do now, Mom?" Bella leaned back. "How do we fix this? Daniella is going to take half of everything Desmond owns." Bella said, and