The ride home was quiet. Ivan's hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, while Autumn sat with her head down, her hands hovering over her thighs. Unconsciously, her fingers dug into the hem of her beaded dress, pressing harder until her palm slowly turned red."Autumn."Autumn turned her head in Ivan's direction. "Are you okay?" he asked. She merely nodded and forced a smile. If anything, this was all Ivan's fault, but what could she do? Blame him? Tell him the child she carried wasn’t his, and that in a few weeks, she would be aborting it?"I'm just under a lot of pressure. Your father can be a lot sometimes," Autumn muttered in a low tone, feeling drained at the mere thought of Maverick's offer.Could she do it? Get rid of her child? She had always wanted to be a mother—something her own mother could never live up to. In her past life, when she found out she was pregnant, she was convinced Ivan would love her, and they would be different from her parents. But, just like her father,
“He said what?” Charlie’s voice was loud and unmistakably shocked, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. Autumn offered a shy smile, her wide eyes pleading with Charlie to lower her voice. Realizing the commotion she’d caused, Charlie’s cheeks flushed red as she cleared her throat with a soft cough. Leaning closer to Autumn, she asked in a quieter tone, “Maverick’s joking, right?”Autumn shook her head, feeling a wave of shame wash over her. She hadn’t planned on telling Charlie about Derek being the father, but here they were, with Charlie ordering shot after shot. Autumn couldn't understand how Charlie wasn’t drunk yet—or perhaps she was, just oddly calm.Charlie’s voice dropped to a near-whisper. “Does Derek know he’s the father?”Autumn nodded again, her guilt weighing heavy. She didn’t know who else to confide in. “So… he’s okay with you going through with the abortion?” Charlie asked, her voice hesitant.“I’m not going to abort the baby,” Autumn replied firmly. “Derek thin
Autumn dreaded it, her palms sweaty from how tight she had gripped her black handbag with both her palms. She quickly cleaned her sweaty palm on her grey colored dress and then the fatigue suddenly hit her. It was 6am and she stood before the very door of Derek Ashton's mansion.It wasn't as if she was a stranger to the place, she's been here a number of times. She found it hard to figure out if it was the fatigue of waking up too early, even Ivan wouldn't be awake till 8, or it was the point she was nervous of seeing him again.After all he had done, she should be hating his guts. But she could barely feel it or get the energy to do so.It must have definitely been the fatigue, she concluded internally. Because if it wasn't why the hell would she not hate him.Autumn sucks in a deep breath and finally rings the bell, waiting for a maid to probably answer. At least that would be easier than Derek answering the door instead.After what felt like dreadful hours, the door opened wide rev
It was dark, and Autumn could feel her body slumped against something familiar. As her eyes fluttered open, a sharp dryness coated her throat, and her lips felt painfully chapped. Instinctively, her hand went to her stomach. Slowly, she pulled herself upright. Her head turned toward the desk drawer across the room, her legs swinging over the edge of the bed as she stood. Her steps wobbled slightly as she made her way to the light switch.The sudden brightness pierced her eyes, causing them to sting as she blinked rapidly, trying to adjust. As her vision steadied, Autumn glanced down and realized she was wearing different clothes. Confusion filled her as she tried to piece together how she had ended up here.The last clear memory she had was talking with Derek. After that, the images became fuzzy—fragments of Ivan arriving at the mansion flitted through her mind, but everything after that was a blank.Her first thought was that perhaps she had overworked herself, her body giving out fr
Autumn grabbed the book, flipping it upside down and shaking it, hoping another paper might fall out. When nothing did, she opened it and realized it was a chequebook—the original one. Her suspicion was confirmed when she saw the most recent transaction: the one addressed to Leads Orphanage.Her heart pounded. They’d hosted countless charity events this year, but there had never been a mention of Leads Orphanage. This had to be the proof of Ivan’s embezzlement. No wonder Derek had asked for her help. If the orphanage didn’t exist, where had the $25 million gone?Autumn felt torn. She now had evidence of the embezzlement, but what next? Did this reignite her deal with Derek? Was she really willing to risk everything by working with him, a man she knew was dangerous?No. She’d keep the chequebook for now. It would prove useful when the time came.Satisfied with her findings, Autumn turned off the lights and quietly slipped out of the room, locking the door with the same caution."What w
A smile plastered itself on Autumn's lips."Of course, where are my manners." Autumn said."But why didn't she meet Dexter?" Autumn added cunningly, earning a frown from Ivan."Why would she meet Dexter?" Ivan asked."Well Dexter is her lover, she's been sucking his cock as long as with a number of others." Autumn said as Iris turns to Autumn about to lunge at her but Ivan held her back."Are you insane, he's our uncle." Iris yelled, crocodile tears streaming down her cheek."Autumn, what do you even gain slandering your own sister." Ivan tried holding Iris back and pulling her into a hug. Whispering to her calmly, in a soothing tone, like he was her savior."Maybe when you finally find out what kind a witch she is you'll finally understand." Autumn said. Ivan frowned at her reply tightening his grip around Iris.His eyes grew dim, hate simmered in them as he suddenly realized how bitter the woman that stood before him was. He wondered how she could even have the audacity to be annoye
Elliot sat down, his legs spread apart as his elbow perched on his lap.Ivan, Autumn and Iris walked in to Elliot and Charlie's mother wailing heavily at the demise of her husband, Charlie was by her side comforting her mother.Autumn walked towards Charlie's direction as they both embrace each other in a warm hug."I'm sorry, Charlie," Autumn whispered, her eyes catching the dark circles beneath her eyelids.Autumn bent down and hugged Mrs Fraser who held her more than she could have bargain until she finally released Autumn at Charlie's urgency."Mrs Fraser." The three turned to see Iris who was dressed extravagantly unlike everyone in the room who barely wore a pop of color.Iris was wearing a bright lemon haute couture dress. The dress was strapless, with a choker-style neckpiece attached to it, giving it a modern, edgy look."I've heard so much about you." Iris muttered bowing in respect waiting for Mrs Fraser to probably tell her to come and hug her as well but she remained froz
"I'm here to pay my respects to Alexander Fraser." Iris said in a coy tone, almost childlike."I would have thought you were some sort of entertainment, I'm stuck with either a stripper or a clown. You're probably both." Derek said as Iris stood frozen in shock.She looked around, nobody wanting to step in to defend her. Not even Ivan."Why—why are you being so vulgar?" Iris asked, her childish tone quivering, as if she was going to cry."When you humiliated Autumn just now, you didn't seem to care if she was hurt. How does it feel? How does it feel knowing your crappy antics doesn't work on everyone." Derek said as Iris face fell downward. The room looked like it was going to devour her, so she did the only sensible thing.She ran. Sobbing heavily on her way out. With she out of the picture, Ivan finally grew a pair of balls and walked up to his uncle."She made a mistake, you didn't have to make her cry." Ivan muttered in disappointment. Derek could really care less, if his nephew h
Autumn froze at Derek's question. Her mind raced for an answer, but nothing coherent came to her. "We should take this inside, Autumn," Ethan suggested gently, watching the tension in her posture. Autumn shook her head, her resolve hardening. "No. Derek needs to hear this," she muttered with quiet determination, glancing at Derek, whose concerned gaze lingered on her. His expression wavered, confused and uneasy. "If I tell you the truth, Derek," Autumn began hesitantly, her voice low but steady, "you might hate me. Or worse, you'll think I'm crazy." Derek stepped closer, his brow furrowed deeply. "Will the truth make me hate you?" Autumn hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes before her expression turned cold. "That depends on you," she replied flatly. Derek took a steadying breath, the weight of her words settling uncomfortably in his chest. "So... who’s back?" "Charlie Fraser," she answered bluntly. Derek blinked, his brows knitting together. "The Charlie Fras
Derek took the manual from Autumn, carefully examining the safety latch instructions. Without hesitation, he began rolling up his sleeves. Then, in one smooth motion, he folded his shirt and placed it neatly on a nearby chair. Autumn coughed awkwardly, her gaze darting to the far end of the room. Heat crept up her neck as she felt her face flush. She quickly backed away, giving him space. “I’m going to make lunch,” she mumbled, fleeing before Derek could reply. As she entered the kitchen, her heart pounded in her chest. She leaned on the counter, trying to calm herself. “He’s just here to help with the crib. Get a hold of yourself, Autumn,” she muttered under her breath. Determined to distract herself, she busied herself preparing lunch. Soon, the kitchen filled with the warm aroma of broth. Humming softly, Autumn ladled the soup into two bowls, placing them on a tray. A small frown crossed her face as she glanced at the portions. Will this be enough? she wondered, recalli
D.O.N Corps felt as if Derek had never left. Although his memories were gone, Derek returned as the ruthless CEO everyone knew and feared. The moment his presence graced the scene, indistinct chatter echoed through the halls like ripples in water. On his first day back, he wasted no time, calling back-to-back board meetings. Yet, to his surprise, the company wasn’t in disarray. Every issue he planned to address had already been resolved—Autumn had taken care of it all. For once, there was little for him to do. This unusual reprieve left the employees of D.O.N Corps grateful to Autumn, despite the grueling meetings she had subjected them to in his absence. As they filed out of the latest board meeting, whispers of appreciation filled the air. Evette, however, hurried to her office, keen to avoid Derek’s scrutiny. “Miss Evette,” Derek’s voice cut through the chatter. His stride, usually commanding, carried a hint of hesitation. Evette froze, her bag half-slung over her shoulder.
Cameras flashed from every corner as Iris dropped to her knees, the sound of the clicking shutters filling the air like a swarm of locusts. She wore a sleek black gown that clung to her curves. A black fascinator perched on her head, its delicate veil casting a shadow across her tear-streaked face, partly obscuring her features but not her pain.The moment she arrived at the police station, the paparazzi had swarmed her, hurling questions like stones about Elliot's arrest. Iris forced her chest to rise and fall dramatically, her breathing labored as her mascara streaked down her cheeks in inky trails. Her trembling hands clutched at the folds of her dress, the fabric twisting under her grip as she knelt on the cold pavement. To any passerby, she looked like a woman shattered by grief, you could as well liken her to a victim.But inside, Iris felt none of that. She felt alive.For once, the people of Havenport were paying attention—not to her, exactly, but to Charlie. And that was cl
Instead, he turned to Autumn, his features softening slightly. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, concern evident in his voice. Autumn barely acknowledged him, giving a small nod before turning to walk away. But Derek wasn’t done. He grabbed her hand, halting her in her tracks. Behind them, Ben was still ranting, his voice shrill like a barking dog. Derek turned, his glare silencing the man instantly. With a sharp order, he instructed the security to remove Ben. "I’ll handle her," Derek said calmly. The guards nodded, dragging a still-sputtering Ben away. With the commotion gone, Derek turned his attention back to Autumn. His hand still gripped hers as he leered closer, his other hand landing firmly on her shoulder. "Is that the father of the child?" Derek asked, his voice low but laced with an accusatory edge. "Why would you let that old prick knock you up? Were you driven by his wealth and decided to sleep with him?" Autumn’s head snapped toward him, her eyes narrowin
"It's just stress. Your baby is still kicking and healthy," the doctor informed Autumn, and the pent-up stress she had been feeling slightly eased. It had been three days since she discovered Iris was still alive and had gotten plastic surgery to look exactly like Charlie. Because of this, Autumn had a growing fear—more of a crisis—that any single person she encountered could be Iris. Even though Iris hadn't caught on that she was aware, Autumn was clearly still in danger, given Iris's alliance with Elliot. "Is it possible for me to travel a month from now?" Autumn asked as the doctor glared at her, judgment in her eyes. "No, you're in your third trimester. Any moment now, you could go into labor," the doctor said, concern written all over her face. "It's urgent. Can't you just write me a doctor's note and pardon me?" Autumn's tone was desperate. "So I can have my license revoked? I think not. You can't even travel until a month or two after giving birth," the doctor said, st
"You've been busy." Elliot's frame leaned against the white tile of the hospital's restroom. Iris was busy fixing her make up, dabbing a pint of gloss across her lips as she pouts her lips. She shrugged satisfied with the glossiness of her plump lips, she had to give it to Charlie for at least being so pretty. She didn't understand why Charlie didn't just seduce Derek from the beginning she was beautiful and now Iris had her face.She turned to Elliot who she finally noticed taking a space in the room."This is the lady's restroom." Iris smudge her index finger across her lips as she tried to set down the rest of her gloss."What are you doing?" Elliot asked, leaned back even more relaxed even though he was more stressed than ever."I'm fixing my make up? What does it look like I'm doing?" Iris said as Elliot groaned, his palm retreats to his face in frustration."You know what I'm talking about Iris. What business do you have with Derek Ashton? Are you reconsidering our alliance?" El
"It's best you don't tell Derek the baby belongs to him." Iris said as Autumn rose from her seat. It's been two weeks since she came disguised as Charlie and Autumn was sick of it. She was now eight months pregnant and was nearing delivery while her supposed babydaddy was coddling up to the two faced bitch that stood before her.Iris uttered the suggestion in the cafeteria and Autumn stood up with her protruding tummy sticking out like a sore thumb. Everyone in the cafeteria, mostly nurses feared she might give birth right at that moment. Autumn sucked in her breath wary of the eyes that summerged her. "And what should I do with his child? Hide it's existence from the father?" Autumn gloated reaching for her paper cup."Abort it." Autumn paused gripping tightly to her cup at the utter mention of abortion. "Excuse me?" Autumn questioned looking avertly at Iris smug face.She was due to delivery and Charlie had the guts to recommend an abortion?"You did it with your first child with
"He has amnesia," the doctor said to Autumn, her voice calm but heavy with implication. Autumn bit her lip, her eyes filling with tears until they spilled over, streaming down her cheeks. Evette, who stood beside her, immediately pulled a napkin from her bag and handed it to her friend. Evette couldn't hide her surprise. This was the first time she had ever seen Autumn break down. At work, Autumn was known for her ruthlessness and unyielding demeanor. The sight of her crying now made Evette's chest ache. She must really love Derek, she thought. "How long will this last?" Autumn asked, her voice now firm as she quickly wiped her face. The moment of vulnerability was gone, replaced by her usual composed, no-nonsense expression. The doctor sighed softly. "It could last weeks, months, maybe even years. It depends on his recovery process, Autumn," she explained in a measured, comforting tone. But to Autumn, the words were anything but comforting. Autumn’s brow furrowed in frustration.