Rebecca. Adeline frowned at the both of us. "I'm sorry, am I missing something? You're married, right?""Yes. We are, but—"Pardon me, ma'am, but I believe I mentioned earlier that Mr Maynard's room had been adjusted to suit the new situation." She explained. "Don't you want to stay in the same room as your husband?""That is for me to decide." Tobias interrupted. "But, sir—"Enough, Adeline. I won't speak on this matter, anymore. Have the maids clear out her things into the second suite this instant." He turned away, leaving no room for negotiation. If I were to go by the crestfallen look on Adeline's face, I would've given in to her request. But Tobias didn't want me in his room either. I wasn't ready to be imposing.The way they spoke to one another showed that their relationship wasn't all employee and employer like I thought. Although Tobias still didn't let go completely, I could tell that he wasn't as strict with her, as he was with the others."While you're at it, clear awa
She's a daughter of the Parks.That was the first thought Tobias had when he met Rebecca's family for the first time.It was the second thing that drew him to her... the deal sealer and the main reason he agreed to the marriage proposal. Apart from the fact that she brought out emotions he didn't know he was capable of displaying anymore, it was the other reason for his fascination with her. When his father's mistress suggested a marriage alliance with the mayor's daughter, he knew it was another scheme of hers. She was always meticulous in her actions and never gave a reason for suspicion yet he couldn't get rid of the discomfort he felt around her.Notwithstanding, he went along with it because it was for the company. With his father in an unconscious state, that was all he cared about. Whatever her plans were, it didn't change the fact that the marriage would indeed be advantageous to them. Who knew he'd get a better opportunity?Placing the empty whisky glass on the table beside
The officiator let out a deep sigh before stepping down from the podium. It's been an hour since the appointed time, yet the wedding hall was empty, save a person.Walking over to the beautiful young woman in a wedding dress, situated in the front-row seat with a lost expression on her face; he gave her a pitiful look."I'm afraid I can't wait anymore, as I have another wedding to officiate, dear."Rebecca looked up at him with moisture glinting in her eyes.The man felt saddened on her behalf, but there was nothing he could do. To officiate a marriage, you need a groom, a bride, and witnesses. There was no one but the bride here.Giving her a soft pat on the shoulder, he turned to walk out of the wedding hall.Her eyes trailed behind him, begging him not to leave yet, as there must be some sort of explanation- maybe a miscommunication of some sort. But it wasn't up to him even if he wanted to help.At the door stood her assigned attendants for the day, huddled together as they shar
Loud, unbelievable gasps echoed throughout the hall. "What?" Rebecca inquired, holding a hand to her throbbing cheek. "Seduced who?" She looked over to Jacob, hoping he'd say something in her defence, but he just watched quietly. Her gaze moved to Patricia, who shuffled closer to him with a smug smile, and in response, he held her closely, playing along with her pretence. It was then it dawned on her; she was betrayed; everyone was in on this. But why would Jacob do this to her? She thought. It was a usual thing to be treated this way by her stepmother and sister—not by him. Didn't he say he loved her? Gathering the little courage she had left, she threw a glare at Mrs. Park. "You know that's a lie; I never seduced anyone. I have known Jacob since we were children." Rebecca defended. "We have been together for three years now. Why is no one stating the truth?" She looked at their families for support, but they all snobbishly threw their faces to the side. This was defamation
Rebecca swallowed with innocent eyes."I didn't do it.""What did I just hear?" Mrs. Park screeched. "Do you mean my brother's dead?" "We got a call from your home, ma'am. He was found lying dead in Miss Rebecca's room by one of the maids with a glass of water that had her fingerprint all over." The police officer announced.She struggled to her feet."No! No, I didn't kill anyone. I haven't seen Uncle since he last came to the house a few months ago." She argued, shaking her head frantically.When did he arrive? She had not left the wedding venue since she got here.How come he was found dead in her room? "I'm afraid you'd have to follow us to the station, Miss. You can plead not guilty at the court." They moved to lead her out of the hall, but she took a step back."I said I didn't kill him." Rebecca looked to her father for help. "Dad! Say something. You know I didn't kill him. Today was supposed to be my wedding; when would I have found the time to kill him?" Her gaze found Jac
Tick tock.The moment Rebecca snapped her eyes open, she was back in the bridal room, nervously sitting as she waited to be called out.Tick tock.Hadn't she stepped out of this room an hour ago?She glanced around the room, confused—she could've sworn she was just in the hallway a second ago. Was it a dream? Had she dozed off?Tick tock.The room was exactly the same as she remembered. The luxurious decor, the fresh flowers she'd admired when she was ushered in, and even the glass of water on a table beside her.Her face scrunched up into a frown; she was sure she'd emptied the glass of its contents and handed it over to her attendant. Perhaps she only thought she did.Picking it up, she downed the content in a go, and just as she was about to drop it down, one of the attendants walked in as the first time. She hurriedly towards her."Oh, ma'am. Let me take that way." Plucking the glass out of Rebecca's hand before exiting the room.Rebecca could only stare in shock at the exact r
Tick tock. This time, Rebecca snapped her eyes open with a gasp. She was back in the bridal room. And she wasn't so foolish to think it was a dream again. It seemed impossible but she had gone back in time. This was the second time she was reliving the bridal room scene. Something was definitely off, and the luxurious clock on the wall had something to do with it. It kept ticking annoyingly yet like a rhythmic beat to a chaotic scene. Tick tock. She threw a suspicious look at it- Standing to her feet, she moved closer. It didn't look different from any normal clock. Was she imagining it? Perhaps it wasn't the main object of suspicion? Rebecca turned to head back to her seat, but the flash of a small white object behind it made her pause. She wheeled around, peering intently at the clock. Alas, there was a slip of paper hanging out. How didn't she notice before? Without wasting time, she pulled it out with great difficulty-standing on a chair in a wedding dress wasn't an
Chaos erupted in the wedding hall as stunned gasps and sharp inhales flew out from the lips of the people who should've been her wedding guests. Rebecca didn't understand what was so surprising about her act. Did they think she was dumb, or were they just plain stupid? Everyone had heard about the news of her marriage. Were they trying to act like they didn't know who she was? That Patricia wasn't the first child? Yet, she didn't care. She didn't care about the look on their faces and was not interested in their faux display of emotions. They were all betrayers. Just like her family... just like Jacob. The second her foot stepped into the hall, a sharp pang of hurt shot through her at the fact that this was her reality. A small part of her had wished he'd prove her wrong. That this time, as always, he'd be on her side. But nothing changed. Her face grew darker as they took in his shell-shocked state. "What?" Rebecca gave a sinister smile. "I'm sure my invitation got lost in the
She's a daughter of the Parks.That was the first thought Tobias had when he met Rebecca's family for the first time.It was the second thing that drew him to her... the deal sealer and the main reason he agreed to the marriage proposal. Apart from the fact that she brought out emotions he didn't know he was capable of displaying anymore, it was the other reason for his fascination with her. When his father's mistress suggested a marriage alliance with the mayor's daughter, he knew it was another scheme of hers. She was always meticulous in her actions and never gave a reason for suspicion yet he couldn't get rid of the discomfort he felt around her.Notwithstanding, he went along with it because it was for the company. With his father in an unconscious state, that was all he cared about. Whatever her plans were, it didn't change the fact that the marriage would indeed be advantageous to them. Who knew he'd get a better opportunity?Placing the empty whisky glass on the table beside
Rebecca. Adeline frowned at the both of us. "I'm sorry, am I missing something? You're married, right?""Yes. We are, but—"Pardon me, ma'am, but I believe I mentioned earlier that Mr Maynard's room had been adjusted to suit the new situation." She explained. "Don't you want to stay in the same room as your husband?""That is for me to decide." Tobias interrupted. "But, sir—"Enough, Adeline. I won't speak on this matter, anymore. Have the maids clear out her things into the second suite this instant." He turned away, leaving no room for negotiation. If I were to go by the crestfallen look on Adeline's face, I would've given in to her request. But Tobias didn't want me in his room either. I wasn't ready to be imposing.The way they spoke to one another showed that their relationship wasn't all employee and employer like I thought. Although Tobias still didn't let go completely, I could tell that he wasn't as strict with her, as he was with the others."While you're at it, clear awa
Rebecca.Half the glory of the mansion loomed before me as the car screeched to a stop. Owning an apartment in this area was a known luxury, but compared to this, the memory of the three-bedroom apartment that had caused me joy in my heart now seemed laughable.I stared out the window at the medium-sized, perfectly pruned shrub that was sculpted out to form the words—Star Mansion.My gaze flickered nervously around the grand foyer as I registered the weight and significance of the name."Ma'am?" The driver snapped me out of my thoughts, extending his arm.Honestly, when I approached Tobias, a tiny part of me—the logical one—was prepared to be disappointed.No one knew who he was claiming to be. The only hope I held onto was the ambience in which he carried himself. One thing I was sure of was that an ordinary person would never exude that amount of grace—not to talk less of a disabled person. Prepared, I expected a simple rich man. Whichever family he came from wasn't my top priorit
All it took was a nod of her head, and the next thing Rebecca knew, three of his subordinates flooded into the interrogation room to escort them out. She had to catch herself to stop her mouth from falling open. Security within the station itself?Each officer they passed by stopped in salutation to the man with the five-star badge, and it wasn't until they got to the office and he introduced himself as the commissioner that she knew the extent of his power.Yet he bowed before her husband. It made her doubt if she truly wanted to know him... a frisson spreading throughout her chest.They didn't stay too long; if anything, the switch of venue seemed to be meant for proper hospitality, as he gave his word to get to the bottom of the case.Tobias sat upright, his confident gaze unwavering all through as the conversation ended—no, it wasn't one.A conversation involved communication between two or more people, but as usual, he was silent, the occasional tilt of his head being the only e
In a medium-sized, metallic, blue-tinted room, two couples sat comfortably—one older and one younger. The latter had mugs of coffee in their hands and two extra on the hard wooden desk in front of the other couple, who had themselves in a comforting embrace.Well, the woman, the man, was the one doing the comforting.Opposite the large black desk sat two men in formal police uniforms, the appearance of two stars on each of their badges, a telltale of their respected position, yet each word they spoke to their guests was not far off from grovelling at their feet.The room had two large one-way tinted windows; one protecting the outsiders from looking in and the other allowing specially assigned spectators to see whatever goes on in the room.One of the officers spoke up. "Mrs. Park, I assure you that we will get to the bottom of this. Take heart," he consoled, his words a stark contrast to the what the description of his work should be.Elena sniffed in reply, pulling out of her husban
"A disabled man?" Mr Park's voice tightened. "Haven't you brought enough shame to our family? You're going to tie yourself to..." He struggled to find a good qualifying word. "...him?"His wife's lips twitched, her eyes betraying a cruel amusement. "Oh my world," she walked up to him. "Let's be calm about this, dear. She's clearly hurting from being abandoned, but Rebecca," her mocking gaze met her stepdaughter's, a flicker of disbelief and disgust crossing his face. "...not to the extent of giving yourself off to just anyone. You're still a daughter of the Park family after all." She stifled a smile. "Surely, even you have some sense of pride left."Rebecca rolled her eyes. "I don't care about his physical state. He cares for me more than you all ever will, and that is all that matters.""I refuse to give my blessings to this... to this rubbish!" Her father refused firmly. "Renounce this marriage or you cease to be my child!"She scoffed. His child? Does he think it's a blessing? Al
"Err... can your witnesses step forward, please? We'll need their signatures."Two hefty men in black suits and dark sunglasses stepped beside the groom and the bride respectively.The wedding officiator reflexively shrank back, eager to end the ceremony and escape. He had been stunned thirty minutes earlier when a stoic, disabled man was wheeled in, accompanied by a woman with a bright smile, well before the scheduled time.And it was nothing compared to the fear that gripped him when he tried to point out that the registered bride's name differed from the one he'd been given, and the men stepped forward with a menacing look.Now, it was safe to say he was just minding his business in hopes that he'd officiate the wedding without losing a limb.Finally done with all the necessary charade, he presented the certificate to the couple with trembling hands. "With the power vested upon me by the state, I now pronounce you, Miss Se—hmm..." He stammered, swallowing his words, "Miss Rebecca
Slowly, Tobias raised his head, his expression blank but a storm swirling in his eyes. His lips parted, and Rebecca swallowed, impatiently anticipating his reply, yet the first words he spoke were not the ones she expected."Step away from me."Her eyes narrowed in disbelief, "What?""You're in my face. Step away." "Oh..." she jumped back, leaning up to her full height. "I'm so sorry." His actions made her feel uncomfortable. The way he stuck his nose in the air, his gaze condescending as he gave her a full sweep, almost made her cower away, and her courage nearly faltered. She felt stupid for making such a proposal.He was the disabled one, yet Rebecca felt worthless compared to him. His expression was distant, conveying a desire to be left alone and a reluctance to engage in conversation."What... did you say?"She hesitated, tempted to take back her words.'It would be better to walk away with the little shred of dignity I have left,' Rebecca thought to herself, but would dignity
Rebecca POV A fool. That was the right word to use... the right word to describe my actions. I sat sober in the familiar bridal room for the fourth time in one day, confused about the next course of action to take. I'd thought I was prepared... I was moving on... but nothing could have truly prepared me for this day. What made it more frightening was the fact that I could've worked into a devastating life without knowing all this. Amongst all the betrayals, Jacob's hurt the most. How could he? Everyone around me had the same notion and thought the same. Could it mean that I was the one with the problem? The wedding dress felt like a bag of rocks mirroring the heaviness in my heart. I had gone back to the last two hours again, which meant it had returned to its original shape. No tear, no blood, just a simple gorgeous dress. Everything else had— Yet, something felt odd. The sense of urgency I felt from the two previous times had dwindled, leaving behind a sense of dread instea