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Chapter 27
Huling Na-update:
2024-10-02 19:48:40Kaugnay na kabanata
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 1
Ethan’s POV “Zzzzmmmm” My phone rang out as I paced around in circles waiting for Luna to pick up, which she finally did. “Hey, Luna, wanna get married?” I asked, my voice urgent. “What?!” “I’m sending you an address; meet me there in an hour; we’re getting married today.” I hung up the call and strode downstairs. “Where to, sir?” Rufus, my driver asked. “Take me to Manhattan’s marriage bureau.” I said, reclining back in the chair, as I recalled the conversation I had earlier with my parents. —————— “We have picked a good candidate for you to get married to,” Father declared as he sat close to Mom. “What! I told you I would when I'm ready. Why the rush again?!” I spat, irritated. “Ethan, we love you, and you know that, but not at the detriment of your future,” Mom said, looking at me with pity laced in her eyes. “This is grandfather’s doing, isn't it?” I didn't even wait for their reply and stormed out of the house, seething as I called Luna. —————— A fe
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-03Secrets and Schemes Chapter 2
Scarlett's POVFlashbackSeptember 07, 2021 "Trust me when I say this club is legit—good music, vibes—it has it all. You wouldn't be thinking about anything else, especially not Oliver the moment you step into it," Vera said. “I’m so glad you’re back in town, Vera.” She had been out of town for business and I’m glad she’s back now. We stepped into the club, and bright lights spun around, giving it a playful glow to the dancing crowd. Laughter and music filled the air; let's not forget the smell of cigarettes, sweat, and alcohol too. As the night took on a carefree atmosphere. I found myself swaying to the beat, as the effects of a few drinks began to kick in and take hold of my mind and body. This made me even forget that I had just gone through a breakup. In the midst of my celebration, my eyes landed on a handsome stranger across the room. Our eyes locked. “That guy is totally checking you out!!!” Vera yelled over. “I think it’s time to have fun.” I walked over to
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-03Secrets and Schemes Chapter 3
Ethan’s POV I walked into my hotel building and headed for my suite. My best friend Oliver, who was sipping on a drink at the minibar, laughed when he saw me. “You called that witch to get married out of the blue, what the fuck man!” “That old geezer gave me no choice, Oliver. I figured if I married Luna first, my marriage to anyone else would be void since bigamy is illegal in New York. But grandfather was literally waiting at the bureau before I got there, like he knew my plans.” And Oliver burst out laughing again. “I’m sorry, Ethan; you know what he’s capable of, and you wouldn’t blame him; you’re quite popular with the reporters. They even recently said you’re gay. Marrying Luna after your parents arranged someone else for you would have given them more things to gossip about if they found out.” “Hmpf,” I scoffed. “Like I give a fuck. Well, now I just have to make that bride back out like the rest.” “Relax, man, you just got your grandfather’s approval on Project Brazi
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-03Secrets and Schemes Chapter 4
Scarlett’s POV It had barely been two weeks since the arranged marriage with Ethan, and when he told me the other day that marriage was going to be hell for me, he wasn’t joking. Every day since the wedding has been from one hooker to the other, he doesn’t even respect the fact that he doesn’t stay alone anymore. He brings these girls home and doesn’t even try to be quiet; they would be so loud to the extent that I could hear everything that goes on in his room. The thought alone has me feeling nauseous. I found myself sitting in the confines of our dimly lit living room once again, another night to feel disrespected by my dear husband, Mr Ethan. I waited for him because I just wouldn’t be able to sleep if I didn’t know if he was home or not. It’s not love; that’s just how I am, and I’ll do it for literally anyone. As Ethan stumbled through the doorway, his eyes unfocused. In his arms, yet another woman clung to him, their laughter mingling with the present anger in my heart. Hi
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-03Secrets and Schemes Chapter 5
Scarlett’s POV With my heart pounding, I dashed out into the hallway and saw Ethan trembling on the floor; his eyes had rolled backward. I heard the front door slam shut as the blonde girl he’d brought home was nowhere to be found; she had fled the scene already. I leaned beside Ethan, feeling a wave of fury and concern sweep over me. "Ethan, what's happening to you?" I asked calmly, trying not to panic so I wouldn't scare him. He couldn't respond as he was still trembling, and by this time, frothing from the mouth. I knew this wasn’t child's play, so I quickly dialed 911. “911 here, what's your emergency, please?” a male dispatcher's calm voice answered. “Oh God…. Something terrible is happening to my husband! Please save him.” I panicked, choking on my words. “Ma’am, I need to help you, but to do that, you must be calm and speak clearly, okay? What is happening to your husband?” “My husband is frothing and trembling, his eyes are rolled backward; please help.” I begged wh
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-03Secrets and Schemes Chapter 6
Scarlet’s POV I slowly regained consciousness, protecting my eyes from the light. Immediately after I opened them, my head started spinning, and I felt nauseous. What happened?“Doctor, she's awake!” I hear Vera’s voice. “Scarr, are you alright? Do you need anything?” She kept asking me tons of questions that I didn’t even have time to answer. She looked so worried and scared that I couldn’t help but let out a little laugh because that was so unlike Vera. My throat was a little too dry, my laughter soon turned into uncontrollable coughs, and Vera rushed to get me a cup of water. A doctor walked in with Mr Donovan trailing behind her, he looked so relieved. How long was I even out for?“How are you feeling now, Mrs Donovan?” she said, coming closer to me, trying to examine my head, and holding my eyes open, one after the other. “I’m fine, what happened?” I asked, sitting up. I felt okay; to be honest, it didn’t even hurt anywhere, and I wasn't feeling sick either.“You passed ou
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-19Secrets and Schemes Chapter 7
Scarlett’s POV “Oliver, you came.” Mrs Donovan went over to hug him while his eyes were fixed on me. We were both at loss for words. What is happening? What is Oliver doing here? of all places to be, how do they know who he was? “I had to, Ethan called,” he said. The entire time his eyes were still on mine, I couldn’t quite comprehend my feelings presently. It was like I was in a dream, everyone around me became invincible and I could only see Oliver, the man who shattered my heart and tormented my dreams for weeks. He was here, standing in front of me for the first time in two years. I was finally able to look away. I looked at Vera in the corner, and she had the same expression as I did. Everyone in the room felt the unspoken tension between us. “You two know each other?” Mr Donovan decided to break the silence. “Oh no, no,” Oliver quickly said, before I could even respond, his eyes never leaving my face. “Excuse me” I had to excuse myself, I needed space to breathe. I
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-22Secrets and Schemes Chapter 8
Scarlett’s POV An orderly walked in, she looked a bit old. For the first time since Oliver dragged me into this room, I’m just noticing that it’s a supply room. The orderly gave us a nasty look. Dying of embarrassment, I stormed out of the room. I could hear Oliver’s heavy footsteps behind me. “Scarlett, wait,” he said, grabbing my arm and on impulse, the next thing that followed was my hand again…..I slapped him. “Two slaps in under 30 minutes; you've become a fighter,” he chuckled, massaging his cheek. “I think you should leave,” I said, looking away from him with my hand crossed on my chest. “I’d leave, but you'd keep seeing me, you're married to my friend, remember?” “Like I said before, it was nice seeing you again,” he added with a smile before walking away. I went to the cafeteria to get coffee for Veronica and walked back to Ethan’s hospital room. I noticed Ethan was already getting dressed to leave the hospital. “What took your time, honey, and where’s Oli
Huling Na-update : 2024-07-22
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Secrets and Schemes Chapter 27
A few minutes later she came back with a bunch of stuff: a cold compress, bottled water, and analgesics. When Scarlett initially found out about Ethan’s sickle cell, she did research on how to care for him, and right now seemed like the perfect time to put that knowledge to use. She kept the items on the table and moved toward him with concern etched on her face. “Ethan, I’m back with your medication and some cold compresses for your fever,” she spoke softly. Ethan’s eyes flickered open again, surprised to still see her. He had thought Scarlett left when he asked her to. “What are you doing here again?” he croaked, his voice cracking under the weight of his agony. “Just…go, I’m fine.” “No, you’re not, and I'm not going anywhere,” she replied calmly, her eyes locked onto Ethan’s, filled with compassion and concern. “I won’t leave you like this, Ethan. I’ll always be right here by your side.” Ethan's pain-filled gaze met hers, and for a moment they just stared at each other.
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 26
“I’m really sorry, I’ll get a rag to clean your shoes,” she offered as she tried to hurriedly get a wet rag. “What is going on here?” Cassidy’s voice rang out across the room. As soon as the man began to explain, Scarlett's heart sank. Would she be getting fired? “Not again,” she lamented, the thought tightening her chest. Forcing a calm demeanor, Scarlett returned to the man and handed him the rag. “Clean it,” Cassidy ordered, her voice cold as ice. Scarlett’s gaze flicked to Ursula, but she looked away. “Don’t make me repeat myself!” She threatened, and Scarlett scurried to wipe the coffee off his shoes. “I’m sorry for her unforgivable behavior. Please have the muffins on the house,” Cassidy offered them with a warm smile, but they declined and left. Feeling exasperated, she glared at Scarlett with a look of disdain. “If I lose another customer because of you, get ready to be fired!” she spat and walked away. As Scarlett was cleaning up the mess she made, she realize
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 25
Luna’s boobs were fully out. Vera had stepped on her dress without Luna knowing; just as she moved forward, it ripped off. “Aaaahhhh!” Luna screamed, her eyes widening in horror. She stood rooted to the ground, unable to move. The room fell silent as her scream had brought the attention of the other guests. All eyes were now on her exposed bosom as a mixture of gasps and whispers filled the air. As soon as Scarlett saw the corners of Vera’s mouth quirk, she knew immediately. Ethan walked in there at the sound of the scream and saw Luna. Immediately, he removed his suit coat to cover her, but Scarlett noticed him coming and swerved her gaze to Vera, who understood the signal. Vera swiftly covered Luna with a shawl she took from a guest, while Scarlett walked up to Ethan, cupped his face, and kissed him, gazing into Luna’s eyes. Ethan was flustered. As his senses returned, he yearned to push Scarlett away, but due to his charade, he couldn't. “Scarlett,” he called under grit
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 24
Luna strode to the bar close to Scarlett with her two friends, giggling. They ordered cocktails and club soda. As they sat down, one of the girl’s gaze drifted toward Scarlett, and she scoffed. “I didn't know they now allowed just anyone into elite parties.” “Who is that?” Another asked with raised brows. “Didn’t you see the low-budget tramp that walked in with Ethan?” She gestured toward Scarlett, knowing Scarlett could hear them. And the others erupted into laughter. “Did she think being dressed up like a plastic doll or wearing an expensive necklace changes anything? She still stinks of poverty. How pathetic.” Vera, who was behind the bar counter, clenched her teeth as she listened to them while preparing their drinks. As Ethan kept taking Scarlett around to meet people, her stomach twisted with anxiety, her smile masking the unease she felt, especially by the murmurs and gossip as they walked. She had just wanted to have a nice meal and spend some alone time with h
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 23
A few hours after Scarlett got home, a gentle knock came on the door. She went to open it, and Maria came in. “Sir asked that this be brought to you,” Maria said, dropping two boxes on the table with a Cartier and Oscar de la Renta logo and walking away. Scarlett arched a brow as she approached the boxes. She finally opened it and gaped at the sight of the beauty before her. She lifted the emerald diamond jewelries and black draped off-shoulder silk gown out of the box and stood in front of the mirror, wondering if she was going to the Met Gala as she smiled. Scarlett admired the gifts, but the gifter bothered her. Ethan already thinks she married him just for money; won’t accepting it prove him right? But then again, if wearing them meant they could go on a date and live happily, then it wouldn't hurt to break her promise just this once, right? She got ready in due time, grabbed her clutch, and headed out. As she descended the staircase, she expected to meet Ethan but
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 22
Author’s POV “You’re going to become toothless by the time you get back home,” Vera quipped as she struggled to take the ice and vodka away from Scarlett, but Scarlett aggressively chewed on the ice. She was too furious to think straight. “Sorry, Vee, for stealing you away from your work hours. But can you imagine what those people did?!” She bellowed indignantly. “Who the hell is chairman Tate?!” She yelled, but Vera closed her mouth before she could draw any more attention to them. “Vee,” Scarlett called out with tears welling up her eyes. “They said they were impressed by my work. How could they give me the job and fire me in less than three hours, without me even committing a crime?” She started wailing, tears coursing down her cheeks as she rested her head on Vera’s shoulders. “Scarlett, I understand you, but at this point, you need to go home first and rest. When you’re sober, then we can discuss, okay?” “No,” she protested as she raised her head from Vera’s shoulders
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 21
Scarlett’s POVAfter settling down for a while to carry out the task of the day, I saw Bella walking to my desk with the two guys from earlier, and she said the MD wanted to see us. We got there and introduced ourselves. He asked for the university we attended and our area of discipline, and we told him, but immediately he slammed his fist on the desk. My brow furrowed in bewilderment, as confusion etched on my face. I couldn’t understand what was going on. He turned to Bella and said, “What were you thinking, hiring people from a school I’ve never heard of?! Do you know how incompetent that makes us look?! Why do young people find it hard to listen?” He snapped, his voice raucous. “Sir, for the man who studied Human Resources, we kept him in the HR department, and the one with mass communication is with the IT team, and they are both from prestigious universities.”“And the lady?” He glared at her.“For the lady, she has a lot of experience and was hired impromptu as we were in di
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 20
Scarlett walked to the window, staring into the somber sky when her grandma called. They spoke about the text she had sent earlier concerning Oliver when suddenly another call came in. She took permission from her grandma and ended the call. “Hi, Scarlett, this is Bella, from News 9 Corps. I’m so sorry to call at this hour, but we’re in a bit of a dilemma. Our current writer just suddenly quit, abandoning the initial agreement to wait until a new writer comes, and we need someone to start ASAP. You impressed us today, and we think you’d be a great fit. Would you be available to join us tomorrow?” Tomorrow?! Scarlett exclaimed inwardly. Her eyes widened as she thought about the company’s urgency. Isn’t this too fast? But then, when she thought of how she needed the money to care for her daughter, Sophie, she snapped out of her thoughts and said, “Hi, Bella, yes please; I'll be available tomorrow.” “Good, we will discuss the details, including the salary and benefits, when you c
Secrets and Schemes Chapter 19
Author’s POV “Scarlett, good luck with your interview, and remember to kill it!” Vera’s voice said over the phone before ending their call. Scarlett got ready for her interview and drove down to the address that was sent. She stood in front of a tall building with a sign that read “News 9 Corp.” “Good morning,” She greeted the front desk lady. “I’m here for the job interview.” “Good morning. Please, were you invited?” “Yes, I was,” she smiled at her politely. “Okay, one second, ma’am, let me inform my bosses that I’m sending someone upstairs,” the lady said as she picked up the telephone and placed a call. “You can go up now, third floor, first office to your right,” she directed, and Scarlett thanked her. When Scarlett got there, she was surprised to see the large number of people waiting to be interviewed and wondered if she would get the job, but she tapped her cheeks and decided to be optimistic. She sat down, and after a few hours, she was called in. Scarlett
