When the car halted in front of the community hospital, I went inside to find the room number. As soon as I found it, I knocked and there I saw Iris looking so tired tending to her Mom who got a lot of wires attached to her body. "Why didn't you tell me you're going through this?" I told her lowly as I didn't want to wake her mom in her sleep. Her Mom's illness has a lot of complications. Aside from having heart disease, she was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis. Iris couldn't leave her alone in the hospital because she got no relatives around to support her. She shared that her boyfriend is the only person she got and unfortunately he was out to find a new job after the company he worked for was dealing with an economic crisis which led to his retrenchment. Sadly he got no job yet since he started looking for one. "Sorry to hear that," I consoled. As I observed Iris, she was clearly emotionally strained and I understood her situation. Tears brimmed in the corner of her eyes when
"Denver, I don't want to interfere in your business but... but... I really don't like for you to deal with him," I couldn't hide how displeased I was. My father abandoned me, so what was the use of getting closer to him? Why would I help him if in the first place he scratched me out of his life? There was no way to soothe my resentment toward him."Baby, it's only your words that matter on this. I understand where you are coming from," he caressed my arms gently. In my mind, my refusal of his business proposal wasn't a kind of revenge because I only chose for Denver to keep away from him. I didn't want any of my newfound family to have an engagement around my estranged father. Same as what he did to me, I wanted to totally omit him from our lives. I believed I was being rational in that situation."Enough of your dad," he steered away from the topic. "I have good news for you," he pursed his lips and leaped a smile to cheer me up. "Mason will start his job training tomorrow," delighte
Denver caressed my back. "Are you alright?" and asked worriedly. Since I didn't want to look disturbed in front of our daughter and the gentlemen, I nodded weakly. Truth be told, my nerves hadn't subsided yet from trembling because of the sudden encounter with my father. Although the food on our table was embellished luxuriously, I couldn't appreciate them because I'd lost my appetite. I felt ridiculed that my happy and relaxed leisure time with my family turned into a bad day. He ruined it in a snap of a finger. I could only wish for us to not cross paths again, however, the world is small. Denver and my father's business were in the same circle of industry.When we got home, Denver took the opportunity to talk with me regarding the matter with my father. "Baby, I was not aware he would be in the area," he sounded sorry because he knew that I never wanted to see my dad again. As much as possible, I wished we won't traverse so close to each other around the city. Denver shared with
What I heard resounded to my ears. It caught my attention hearing her talk so imperious. I lifted my gaze and there was the woman I didn't want to see around standing in front of Jade in her red body-hugging mini-dress. I was afraid her boobies would explode in just a single heavy breath and her heels would strip in just a single step. It was too sexy for someone to round in such a surrounding. She should be in a club in that kind of wardrobe. I thought. "Miss Olga, I couldn't find your name in Mr. Ford's appointments for today," Jade maintained a calm voice although I could sense the displease on her face in front of Olga. "I don't have an appointment with him but this is urgent," she was domineering trying to convince Jade of her purpose of visit. "I'm so sorry Miss but we won't allow people without scheduled meetings with Mr. Ford," Jade stayed insistent with the rules. However, Olga's tone was overbearing threatening to make a scene if she will continue to push her out of the
"Miss Lewis, everything whether it is private or not, my fiancee knows about it. So, no use of not including her in this meeting," Denver spoke stoically. Olga's lips parted and wanted to retaliate but I didn't know why she kept mum. I believed she ran out of bullets to blackmail Denver although the incident on her Birkin was just a minor one. Amber excused herself to tidy her bag and Olga let her before we proceed to Denver's office.Denver offered her to sit on his office couch while the two of us sat down from across. It was a bit impolite that he never offered something for her to drink yet for me she doesn't merit that kind of treatment either.Denver let her talk and we listened to her purpose of intrusion. As expected, it was all about their company Lewis Enterprises' proposal. She was insistent that Denver must do business with them because it would be beneficial for both companies. She was dumb to think we weren't aware of the imminent collapse of their business."Miss Lewis,
"Excuse me, who are you?" Meadow frowned and even told her that she might get the wrong room. Annoyingly, Meadow was ignored. "Hi Miss Ciara Lewis!" she uttered with disgust in her tone. Olga in her usual body-hugging wardrobe was in front of us covered in anger. I didn't know how she found out my full name but clearly, she wasn't happy about it. I closed my eyes and heaved a deep breath."What do you want, Olga?" I responded wearily like I got no interest in talking to her. I sighted Meadow narrowed her eyes and it was clear she got a hint that something was wrong."Don't act like you don't know why I am here! I discovered your true identity!" she pointed her finger at me and her madness went to a high-intensity level. "Dad is your biological father! You hate him that's why you are doing everything to push us into bankruptcy!" she accused me of the thing and my blood rose to the extent that I wanted to slap her. How dare she say that! It was them who were just trying to get a busin
As I was walking out of my space, all eyes were staring at me. I was right. The bitch succeeded to get everyone’s attention. As soon as I reached the lobby area, Olga was looking at me fiercely. Truth be told, my stomach was churning and I wanted to throw up seeing her unpleasing presence.“What do you want?” I sounded annoyed because I really was. She scoff and I hated it.“Now you show up!” there, she was boiling in anger. I couldn’t describe how antagonistic she looked in exasperation.I shifted to Iris and asked her about an available meeting room, however, Olga interfered.“Are you afraid I would embarrass you in front of your colleagues? I told you I'm not done with you!” she snorted and I was getting impatient with her attitude. Didn’t she learn her lesson the other night? The question popped into my head. It crossed my mind too that she wanted to take revenge for the humiliation we put her through because of her evil doings.“Then what do you want?” I was intolerant of her pur
When I opened my eyes, I felt so worn out. I looked around and realized I was on a hospital bed. "Ciara, you're awake!" I furrowed because it was Iris who stood up from a couch a few meters from me. "How are you feeling? Any pain?" she asked worriedly. I wondered what happened to me to wake up in a medical institution. "The blood!" I recalled and my heart hammered faster."What time is it?" I asked lowly. She told me it was already 7 in the evening. I got puzzled as to why she stayed with me for so long. She should have been with her mother."I will call Mr. Ford. He is just outside speaking to a police officer," she informed me that an investigation is ongoing. Authorities were involved to resolve the case properly. "What's the matter with me, Iris?" I knitted my brow, however, she refused to answer my question. She steered away and told me that Denver was reviewing the CCTV footage of the fight we had. I blew a long breath remembering such an appalling dispute. "What happened to
I succeeded in inviting Ciara to dinner and had the chance to talk about us. I got to say those things I hid inside my heart for a long time. Although it wasn't as easy as I expected for her to grasp my reasons, I tried my luck to make her understand. Unfortunately, she was resolute about her decision not to get us back together. However, giving us up wasn't included in my options. Not that I could sense she was gradually losing her guard against me. Unlike the first few weeks of seeking her attention, I could tell she was getting more amicable toward me. Traveling from Cancun back to Harrisburg went smoothly. I offered to send her home after the rain poured unexpectedly and at that moment she agreed, I thought it was a good sign for the two of us. Unluckily, after being careless, it only ended to be the worst. She discovered I got someone around to get her followed and that made her infuriated. I did my best to justify my basis yet it only went into nothing. Rationalizing my action w
As soon as I got back to Seattle, I resumed the business launching with Mr. Barnes. In a short period of time, it was a hit. Competitors were astounded by the newest innovation from One Guard Electronic System. Clients and business associates lined up to get our services. In a span of a year, after introducing the design I uniquely created, it gave so much benefit to the company. Mr. Barnes's riches tripled just like that."Mr. Barnes, I'm ready to build my own company in Harrisburg," I discussed my plan with him. I negotiated it before we started the debarkation of the design in Seattle and I told him it was time for me to go back to my State. I was able to help him to reach the top of the industry and I believed, it was enough for him to let me go.With thorough deliberation, we ended up with a discreet decision. As he was hesitant to totally omit me from his company, he suggested building my own in Harrisburg yet we would be still connected with each other. My business would be in
DENVER's POVEverything between us seemed perfect and we were contented around each other until my near graduation. Mr. Parker laid out opportunities for me from different companies and their offerings were tremendously enticing. I was overwhelmed and it was hard to choose from the list. Mr. Parker was the reason why I got so many proposals to pick from because I was really eyed for my potential. As we discussed the best company that could give me the fastest growth, One Guard Electronics Systems caught my attention. As I read their company profile and the main concept of the business, I was triggered to be part of the team. Their structure was what I'm looking for. However, it wasn't as simple as I thought. It would be in Seattle and it was a home program. I would be away for around 2 to 4 years depending on how rapidly we could program the possible security system device project for every household. The company was aiming to create the most innovative program and be number 1 in th
DENVER'S POV When I went to college, it was just a typical apartment and campus daily routine. I was keen to finish my course on top because I believed I'm capable of it. I swore to just focus on my studies and avoid vices that could be a distraction along the way. Among those were partying, smoking, drugs, and women. I had my goals and timeline of everything that I wanted in life. I'm very particular with my plans as well as utilizing my full potential in my chosen field. I only had a few friends while at the University. I couldn't say they were my best friends because I didn't want to get close to anyone around. I was very occupied with my lessons and I used to be alone just to review and ace my exams. Yet sometimes, even if we do things in our own ways and how much we try to stay away from all the diversions we set for ourselves, there will always be something to occur beyond our control. One afternoon, I was sitting under a gigantic tree trying to solve a calculus problem whe
"Baby, relax! Let's get you to the hospital," Denver was trying to calm me down yet he was looking more freaked out knowing I was going to give birth. I held onto him because the pain was increasing and the contraction did not subside. "Mommy, what is going on?" Catie was frightened seeing us panic-stricken. Mindy grabbed her hand and told her to stay away from us because the baby is coming very soon. Denver called Alfie and in haste, the car was in front of our house. Gladly, we were able to collect all the necessary stuff in preparation for my delivery and readied it in the compartment of the vehicle. Truth be told, we organized everything a month before my expected due date. As soon as Denver settled me in the back seat, we left the house in a hurry. Inside the labor room, the nurses were very accommodating. I felt like my energy got drained because of the pain. I was all sweaty while Denver kept on caressing my back. The pity and worry mixed up and it was clearly printed on h
Meadow organized a baby shower party a week before my expected delivery date. She decorated one of our living rooms into a party event space. When I was called by Lea to go downstairs, my lips parted at how beautifully embellished our place was. Unaccountable blue balloons were hanging everywhere and bags of presents were gathered on a table near the improvised platform."This is too much, Meadow," I was still in awe. She pulled me towards the center before she motioned for Iris to start the program. The two of them prepared a few games that we enjoyed so much as well as delicious food to gobble on. Well of course, with the help of Mindy. The cupcakes were so enticing that I got to eat two pieces in a row.Honestly, it was only an intimate party because we only got those we used to have around the house every day. After opening all the gifts they prepared for the baby, Catie presented to sing for me and for her little brother. We all gathered to listen to her and it was a wonderful of
My Dearest Ciara,I know that a million apologies can't suffice for the unfair treatment I have done to you. It was improper to leave you and your Mom. Even if I got the chance to explain everything to you, you wouldn't understand my reasons. I ain't a perfect father to you and far from being one because I'm covered with flaws and faults. I inflicted so much pain in your heart and I can't blame you for the hatred you possessed for me. I'm not expecting your forgiveness but I just want you to know that I feel very sorry for everything I have done. I'm very proud of what you have become. You are strong and you deserve the happiness the almighty is pouring onto you and your family. We don't deserve any help from you but you chose to still deliver kindness in return. Maybe whatever is happening to me and my family is a retribution for all my sins. I was so selfish way back for following my happiness which caused you and your mom to suffer from the pain and hardships moving forward.
"Calm down! It's Brie telling me she bought a luxury bag online," Iris spoke vaguely. My brows crinkled at why she overreacted to Brie buying a bag. She was exaggerated as always. "What's with the bag?" Meadow couldn't get it too. "Guess who was the seller?" Iris asked and we couldn't think of someone. Honestly, we were not fond of buying luxuries online. Not sure about Meadow but as far as I knew she used to visit and see the items firsthand before acquiring them. "It's the bitch, Olga!" she exposed that Olga sold the handbag for a meager price. Meadow and I stared at each other in disbelief. "Are you sure?" Meadow asked her one more time. Even I couldn't believe that Olga went to the extent of selling her valuable possession. It was an attestation that she is running out of money for her bills and everyday expenses. "Karma is real," Iris muttered although we did not wish Olga to suffer such misery. "Alright, enough of her. Let's go get some food, I'm hungry," I complained bec
Felt like my heart was ripping into pieces to see my friend at a total loss sitting outside of the hospital morgue. She was covered in sorrow and in despair. If only she could hand over some of the pain she was dealing with in her heart, I would be glad to carry it just to lessen its heaviness. "Iris, please know that we are here for you." I consoled her cautiously because I knew she only have her mother left when her Dad passed away. And now that the most important human being in her life was gone, the devastation engulfed her entire system. I could absolutely feel the heartache because I experienced being left alone by my parents. Although our situation was different, the throbbing of our hearts did not vary. "Where is Mason?" I asked and she told me he was talking to one of the hospital staff about the arrangement of her Mom's discharge. Mason offered to settle everything because he knew Iris was mentally and emotionally wrecked. "Condolences, Iris," Denver offered his sympathy