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
"How are you feeling, Ciara?" Miss Vera stepped closer to my bed. She congratulated me and reminded me to take good care of myself. I never thought she could be this compassionate but somehow, I gradually known her with a good heart while we were working as a team. "How far are you?" she asked lowly. "Turning 7 weeks," I replied as per the confirmation from my doctor. "It's so sad you are leaving the company," she spoke casually like the way she is. I could feel she was unhappy about it, however, she said it would be better for me to rest than stress myself with work. I thanked her for understanding me and for the support she rendered while I was starting my job under her supervision as well as for giving me the chance to be part of her team. "If only Cornelia knocked on my door earlier than she did, the conflict you had with that woman could have been avoided," she expressed her regret that we went to the extent of fistfighting. I felt ashamed of what happened because it was unpr
Meadow and Iris stopped talking and shifted to me. Meadow stepped closer to my bed with a raised brow. He crossed her arms to her chest and stared seriously at me. "If I hadn't called Denver for a business matter, I wouldn't know you're in the hospital," She acted like it was my fault for not informing her about what happened. "I didn't want to disturb you because all I know you were in Germany," I told her I didn't want her to worry about me."Ciara, I am your friend. I don't want to be the last person to know that you are in trouble," she whined and I understood her reason."I'm sorry, okay?" I mumbled and she calmed down. She sat down on my bed and held my hand. "Congratulations!" finally, she smiled and was genuinely happy for me. "Oh, my godchild, hold on," she decided to be a godmother without even asking me. She tapped my belly and I was emotional again."I flew back last night after I learned you were hospitalized," she said and I felt so touched by her gesture. I never ima
"Cheers to the luckiest woman in love!" Meadow was vivacious in her robe. She organized a bridal shower the night before our wedding day. We were already on the yacht having the celebration with Iris. It was only the three of us and although we were a small group, I felt comfortable. Our glasses clinked before we settled on our designated couch as our pampering session was about to start. 'You have beautiful nails, Iris," I complimented her long short squared shaped nails while having our spa relaxation. Meadow requested the service from one of the prominent salons in the city where she used to spoil herself. "Yeah, it's my natural nails," Iris was a bit conceited and unveiled she got it from her mom. Speaking of her mom, there was progress and she was slowly getting better and better. I felt glad to hear the news from her.The three of us indulged ourselves in the comfort of skincare applications all over our bodies as well as in the convenience of soft massages. I'd never experien
Denver together with the family extended our stay on the yacht indefinitely. We wanted to indulge more in relaxation after our enervated yet ecstatic and blissful wedding ceremony. We couldn't fly to other places to celebrate our honeymoon because it was too risky for me so we decided that having it on the yacht was the best idea."Denver, I think we should leave by tomorrow," I spoke to him because staying for another day would cost us a fortune. I thought it wasn't reasonable to waste money on such a luxurious staycation while I was only lying and sitting around. Although Catie was having the best days of her life in the jacuzzi as well as with her coloring activity in the middle of the ocean, it was way overboard. "Baby, we can stay here for a year if you want," he was smiling meaningfully and I furrowed my brows in return."Are you crazy?" I couldn't believe he would be willing to spend a such hefty amount of money for us. "This yacht cost an arm and a leg so I'm afraid we need
“How dare you show up here!” Olga stood up from her seat and blocked us from entering the room. She was terribly devastated. Her makeup was scattered around her sullen face and her eyes were swollen from sobbing. I never thought she would be deeply affected by what happened to Dad.“You filed a restraining order against me and here you are standing close in front of me. Am I going to jail now?” she mocked and I could say, her anger toward me intensified to the core.“Olga, I’m not here to cause any harm,” I replied as calmly as I could. It was already a month since that awful incident in my workplace had occurred and to see her again was really unsettling. I could only wish the two of us would act like an adult and set aside the hatred that we kept inside our hearts for the sake of Dad.“How pathetic are you to say you don’t want to cause any harm if, in the beginning, you are the reason why dad suffered a life-threatening attack?” she narrowed in disgust. I anticipated she would blam
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
"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
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