Daphne's POV"How's this?" I showed Asher all the clothes in the suitcase. I bought summer clothes at the mall before arriving at this house. I regretted leaving my suitcase at the airport because I didn't think all the winter clothes were necessary. Asher wore a black bow tie. He combs his hair and puts on some hair gel to set the ends of his hair so that it puffs up more. I'm still not dressed in anything right now. Just wearing full makeup on my face. "Just wear what you think is good. You said yourself that these are all summer-appropriate clothes," Asher said lightly. I knew that Asher was insinuating that I was stubborn enough not to listen to his suggestion to buy some cover-ups. "I didn't know there was a dinner." I dodged. "Suit yourself, darling. Better just accept the consequences of your stubbornness." Asher rubbed my cheek. He seemed to be ignoring my confusion right now. Asher then went downstairs. "I'll wait downstairs, dear."I sighed with great confusion. All thes
Daphne's PoV"Who is she, Marisa?" Morgan gave Marisa a sharp look. I got the feeling that Morgan and Marisa had a previous relationship from how Morgan stared at Marisa, and Marisa now looked very tense."As you heard, Morgan," Marisa answered shakily. She squeezed the wallet in her hand. Morgan saw Marisa's uncomfortable gesture, and he grinned. This evil man took satisfaction in seeing someone scared."I can't believe it. How could you possibly have a child this big when the doctor himself told me to my face seven years ago that you could never have a child from your womb? You're lying, Marisa. She's not your child. Why are you covering up your shortcomings by lying? Admit it, Marisa. You will never have a child." Morgan chided Marisa, who was now trying hard to hide her tears. I narrowed my eyes at Morgan for his rude behavior that hurt Marisa. I don't know who this man is, but I think I should interfere because Marisa is my mother now."So what if I'm infertile, Morgan? You're no
Daphne's PoVDad and Asher walked towards us. But Morgan had already left first after he visibly trembled when I told him my father's big name and who was dealing with him now."Why are you still here?" Dad kissed the cheek of Marisa, who forced herself to smile widely."Who were you talking to, honey?" Asher asked me."It's no one. Just an old acquaintance of mine." Marisa answered Asher's question quickly. Asher furrowed his brow. Feeling strange about Marisa's sudden answer when she was asking me. I just shrugged. Marisa must have had a good reason to conceal the identity of her evil ex-fiancé, or she might not have wanted to mess up her first dinner with me. I respected Marisa's decision to choose secrecy rather than cause trouble on our first night as a family.This moment was too precious to mess up."Let's go to our table now. I'm already starving." Father embraced Marisa with enthusiasm. I wrapped my hand around Asher's arm. We walked hand in hand to our reserved table."Are y
Joan's PoVI wanted nothing more in this world after I felt how warm my feelings were. As a man, I obviously couldn't show how sad and lonely I was, and I chose to remain silent, holding back all my feelings and bottling them up until I lost my desire. Drowning myself in the endless whirlpool of business that dragged me deeper and deeper into the endless grind until I met Marisa, and now my daughter has taken her as her mother. I feel like I have a home again now."Dad, you should teach that jerk a lesson," Daphne told me passionately. I just smiled a simple smile. Marisa had already said those were her bad memories and would never bring them up or look at them again."What should I do, Daphne? Throw him in jail or eliminate him? "Imagine if she felt the pain before death after dad used a hitman. Wouldn't you feel guilty?" I turned to look at my daughter. Daphne just shrugged her shoulders. She said she didn't care about that. She was just upset. I know how emotional young women can b
Joan's PoVDaphne's overly harsh attitude earlier made me believe that she was still a girl who couldn't control her emotions. I'm afraid Daphne might be carried away by the momentary euphoria that made her like Marisa so much. I'm so scared that someday, Daphne will change her mind and won't like Marisa anymore. And by the time it happened, it was already too late.I joined Asher, who was relaxing in the backyard. Her hand was holding a glass of wine. "Where is she?" I asked Asher. Asher said that Daphne had gone into the house to rest.I took the wine glass in Asher's hand and drained the contents in one gulp. Asher didn't seem to mind. He just glanced at me and refocused on looking at the sky. I didn't know if I could tell Asher this, share my heart as a fellow man who could make us connect in a thread called feelings."I hope you're not sitting beside me to discuss your problems." Asher snapped. I snorted. Despite his antipathetic words, I still wanted to share the problem I was h
Daphne's POVI walked into the room with a stomp of my foot. Asher immediately hugged me as I shut the door with a bang."This is what you wanted to say. Do you know everything, Asher?""I'm sorry. I thought your father wouldn't be so stupid as to make you angry." Asher hugged me tightly. I brushed it off. What the hell? I suspect that Asher and my father are both prejudiced against me.I distanced myself from Asher. How could he think I was pretending all this time? I didn't expect everyone here to feel that I was a two-faced hypocrite."I didn't expect you to think that superficially about me," I said coldly. Asher stood before me in confusion. I expected it. He's going to be evasive after this."I'm not accusing you, dear. Your father started it. He's just worried. ....""And you must support all his opinions because you're his friend." I cut Asher off quickly.Asher stepped closer. I moved back. "I'm not supporting anyone here. I'm just suggesting that he talk to you, that's all."
Joan's PoV"You're too old. I'm too young. What kind of nonsense is this? Everyone has the right to do whatever they want for the people they love!"Daphne encouraged me as I felt I would tell Marisa through casual conversation. Then we'll negotiate a wedding with the concept we want."All women want a romantic proposal," Daphne told me. She flicked her bangs out of her face. Daphne snapped her nails. "Dad, if Asher proposed to me very, very simply, and I wasn't surprised, I wouldn't marry him.""But you love him, don't you?"Daphne's eyes rolled back. "I do love him. But he doesn't love me. If he loves me, he'll do whatever makes me feel good. Whatever the ladies want. Don't be too rational. It has to do with feelings."I nodded. It didn't seem appropriate at this age to propose to Marisa with the proposal that Daphne suggested. But Daphne urged me so much and convinced me that it was what women wanted. I don't know if Marisa has ever enjoyed a romantic proposal before. For all I kno
Joan's PoVTonight, Marisa slept with her back to me. I knew that there was something wrong with her attitude. So I hugged Marisa tightly from behind. She didn't budge at all but didn't brush off my embrace either.From her long breaths, I could tell that Marisa wasn't asleep yet."Honey ...." I called out to Marisa softly. She didn't answer my call."I know you haven't slept," I said. Marisa then brushed off my hand and turned around. Her eyes were puffy."Are you crying?" I was very surprised to find Marisa crying. What had happened to make her cry? During our relationship, I never made her cry. Only twice had she cried. It was because the patient she was treating died sadly.Marisa wiped away her tears. "I overheard you talking on the phone. You said that you wanted Rose. Who is she?"I was gobsmacked! Rose is the flower package I ordered for tomorrow's flower shower. I actually have two choices. Lily or Rose. I remembered that I talked to the florist if I wanted Rose to look pret
Daphne's POV"Good morning, Mommy!"My mornings were never as peaceful as before. Every time I opened my eyes, two smiling faces welcomed the morning with me.Asher put Cecilio on the bed. My sweet baby walked quickly to me. He smacked my face in greeting. I kissed his cheek affectionately. Asher put on his suit this morning. He was leaving for another business trip."You'll be long?" I haven't been happy about Asher leaving on his business trip lately. I don't know. I felt jealous that Asher's attention wasn't focused entirely on our little family. I even removed myself from my father's legacy company and had my confidant take care of it even though I monitored his business movements. But I'm not fully there anymore because I want to dedicate my life to caring for our precious Cecilio.Asher just shrugged. He kissed me and kissed Cecilio some more. I smiled to see that my husband was really a good father. I smoothed my hair for a while and took Cecilio from his arms. I walked Asher a
Daphne's POV"I'm not pregnant. No way."I turned around and tried to deny it. Asher narrowed his eyes, coming closer. I took three steps away from him. My emotions were in turmoil. I didn't even dare to touch my own stomach. This feels... like a dream. I was going to be a mother.In a few seconds, the image of my mother appeared in my mind, like a meteor that suddenly passed by in the summer sky and then disappeared instantly. I could feel again how tender and warm my mother's love was. Being a mother is a form of great responsibility full of complex problems and a lot of love.I can't believe I'm about to experience it, too."Honey?" Asher called out to me. I turned my head towards my handsome husband. Asher looked stiff now, and he said carefully."Are you... are you child-free?"This strange feeling seemed like rejection and denial to Asher. He could only judge the outside. But me, this child is inside me, and she will grow. It's like climbing the top tower of happiness to get a c
Daphne's POVWe're in Hawaii this week. Asher had honeymoon plans beyond my expectations. Every week, we changed places. The first week, Asher took me to the Maldives. We spent the whole week swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, making hot love on the beach and letting our naked bodies burn in the sun. Then, it was all over again at night, making love under the stars."I want more kids from you, baby," Asher told me before he moaned on top of me and dropped his body. I smiled satisfactorily at Asher's sweaty face, and he always kissed me afterwards."I meant what I said, baby." Asher reiterated his desire for me. He took my casual attitude as insincerity."I'm also serious about giving you whatever you want, My sugar daddy." My hand mischievously played with his nipple. Asher let out a long sigh, and he stiffened again."Nasty girl. You're naughty, sweetheart.""Yes, Daddy?""You must get punished." Asher narrowed his eyes. He pretended to be angry and threatening. I love this game. I l
Daphne's PoVMy body feels so light, like cotton. It's probably due to the effects of fatigue after making hot love with Asher last night. I felt relieved after pulling back the blanket with my eyes closed. There wasn't a single thread weighing down this body. As I opened my eyes slowly and received the sunlight into my eyepiece, Asher's face appeared with his seductive smile above me."Good morning, wife." Asher stole a quick kiss. I rubbed my eyes and blinked repeatedly. I know this isn't a dream, but it all feels too good to be true. A pleasantly arranged room and a handsome husband who... wait! Why is Asher so neat this morning? He even took a shower. There were traces of water in his hair."We just had a party, and you're going to work?" I felt my mood fall apart instantly.Asher laughed. "Who wants to work on such a beautiful day? Honey, did you forget that I'm the boss?" Asher came closer and held my chin to turn my face to his. I refused and looked the other way."Who else, if
Daphne's PoVAsher carried me to the bridal room that had been decorated in such a way. Both of us were even more surprised to see that the room's lights were red. There was a candle burning in the corner of the room, and red lingerie and a whip were provided.Asher laid me down slowly. He kissed me fiercely and roughly. There was nothing I could do but surrender to all his kisses. Asher lowered my clothes slowly."Do you want to wear that?" he asked while looking at the red lingerie lit up like the lingerie of a prostitute who became a pole dancer at the same time."Sure. But you have to put it on for me." I moved wildly and mischievously. Asher followed my game. She became the villain, preparing to capture and strip me. I walked away from him with my clothes half undone and looked at him as if I was terrified."Come here, My Baby girl." Asher walked away, grunting harshly. I felt that the more naughty he looked, the sexier he became. The game became more challenging as I managed to
Asher's PoVI'm at the office of the city's top lawyer. Daphne and I were taking care of the prenuptial agreement. All property before marriage belongs to each of them, and property after marriage will be jointly owned."Are you sure about your decision? The assets after marriage that are joint will cause you to lose the assets that you have acquired, let alone any losses. I suggest that the assets be separated." The lawyer gave me and Daphne some advice. Daphne and I had some time to negotiate. We finally agreed that the assets would be separated. Daphne said that she and I just needed the loyalty to support each other. In the future, if I suffered a loss or my company collapsed, Daphne's company would not be affected.We updated our wishes about the prenuptial agreement and discussed it as thoroughly as possible. Daphne and I continued to negotiate until we got what we wanted very carefully.After discussing the pre-nuptial agreement, Daphne and I went for a dress fitting. Daphne wa
Daphne's POVDad apologized to Asher because he couldn't control his temper and beat Asher up. I didn't see that Asher's temples were swollen from the punches my father had thrown. I thought Asher looked down because he was afraid of my father's anger. It turned out that he did it because he didn't want any misunderstanding between me and my father.Of course, my emotions exploded many times over. Who can stand to see their partner battered? I immediately accused my father of being the culprit, and he immediately apologized to Asher."I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Dad said to Asher."No problem," Asher replied.It was easy for Asher to forgive my father for making his face battered. Maybe Asher could accept it, but not me. I can't forgive you if you did this because you think you have power over Asher, and you can do whatever you want. But he denied all my accusations and said he did this purely because he was worried about my situation."You should have thought about the consequences of you
Daphne's PoVI was discharged after the knife wound from the robbery was just a scratch. Asher looked awkwardly at the doctor, who promised to keep what he saw a secret. But we were both embarrassed already.Asher went back to work. He forbade me from going out and traveling without a bodyguard. I objected. But this time, Asher didn't want to be contradicted. He said that his decision was inviolable. I gave in on the condition that all the bodyguards had to look sketchy while guarding me. Asher agreed and told them all to carry weapons. Again, I felt uncomfortable being rich and thought how easy it would be to be ordinary. Of course, my wish was severely criticized by Sherley, who called me an ungrateful person."If I were you, I'd have my bodyguards walk behind me and follow me wherever I go," he said with annoyance every time he had to listen to my outbursts that he always considered unreasonable."I'm not kidding, Sherley. This was all very annoying. I feel like there's CCTV everyw
Daphne's PoVThis is the first time I've seen Asher this panicked. I've never seen him this scared before. I love him a lot, but I didn't know that Asher was this weak when he lost the person he loved. Asher shamelessly cried over me in front of many people. Destroying his image of a manly man who was handsome, rich, and powerful.Asher didn't want to leave me, and when I told him to go home to get a change of clothes and buy some food, he refused. Asher sent someone to bring everything for both of us. He said that this hospital belonged to his future business partner. I asked who Asher referred to, and he promised to introduce me to Jamie and Josh.The room I was staying in was not like a typical hospital room that smelled of medicine and was full of white, bright lights that nauseated my eyesight. This room had automatic dimmable lighting. There was a fridge, a cupboard, a television, and a big sofa. The bed I was on wasn't a single-person bed either. It's more like a hotel room tha