Malia's POV My one simple dream in life was to be normal as much as possible; to have a meal three times a day, six to eight hours of undesrupted sleep, walk on the streets worry-free, and most of all, can hang out with my friends and family as normal people do. However, as wealthy and powerful as the Andersons were not the way I expected them to be. Being one of the successors of my grandpa's royal empire, even getting a single chair in the dining area just to get seated next to him was an unimaginable competition. Being decisive, thorough, and heartless was a must for all of us. My deceased dad never missed stabbing and equip me with that kind of mindset while he was still alive. Survival of the fittest as he describes it. At a very young age, I was able to travel to a few places, not to spend time wandering, visiting bars at night, or having sex with anyone that pleases my eyes, but to get trained for work and business. About how to weigh things either when I s
Because of that, my entire face ripened like rotten tomato caused by too much embarrassment. Tears also began flooding my cheeks, but I was trying to control them as much as possible. I could not believe that instead of covering everyone's secret, Uncle Robin would go that far only to get what he wants. I've been hiding the other side of my story for four years sealed with confidentiality. Yet, in just a matter of seconds, he unfolds it right in front of everyone, especially gramps. But how did he know that? Did he have me followed all these years? "She's been lying to us this whole time, dad. And her parents did not even say a word to you. Wanna know why? Because they believed their daughter could have the position someday. Is that how you supposed to run this family, huh?" I was about to clarify my side of the story but was cut off when one of the security guards whispered something to gramps. Then, he nodded shortly with his eyes showing a bothered expression. After that, he de
Having this ring on my finger also corresponds to duties and responsibilities not just to the family but to John and those protesters as well. "I can do or ask everything because I have this ring, right?" It was I who broke the silence between us in the car. "By all means, Ms. President." "Then, give me every piece of information about the man who got hit earlier. His name, address, contact information, and his whereabouts. And I want to know that as soon as we reach the safe house. Could you do that in a short time?" Uncle Robin once mentioned at the meeting about me getting married and was currently working in one of our companies. I was completely unaware that John already finished his degree in Europe. I'm not even aware he was in New York since we already stopped our communication since then. That means, our marriage contract is about to expire. He should have messaged me. "I'll try my best, Ms. President," Mr. Emilio grabbed his phone and reached out to someone. If John w
I don't know where the hell gramps got the idea but it's a good start for all of us. At least my first impression of getting a hard slap from neither of them did not happen. "Gramps... How could my husband meet you at those events? He just got back from Europe." I intentionally clasped John's hand in front of them to make my words more convincing. And John was all for it when he gently caressed my hand. "I don't know if you remember me, but yes. We already met on one of your business trips, gramps." That wasn't part of the plan but I could see John was serious with his words. But I seated beside him to support whatever he claims to make sure the two of us will not get doomed. "Mall of Asia. September 21, 2019. You were our guest speaker that night. Truth be told, I was the only one who dares raise a hand when you ask a difficult question. Hope that helps you to remember me." "So, you were the lucky one who got my glimmering reward, huh? A million dollars for
As soon as I reached the living area, there I found both of them talking to the cops. Perhaps it has something to do with the assassination case. I haven't heard any words from gramps about it since then. Amongst us in the safe house, gramps is the one who needs everything under control. He doesn't want to be the last person to know about this and that thing. Not to mention those furious reporters outside that he only simply ignores. Perhaps he already filled them what they need to know. But reporters always love more. They always find anyone to get their source of the news. And that would be me as their main source. Good thing I simply ignored them. "Mom, what's going on?" I ask the second they see me approaching the living area. The cops immediately moved out of their seats and bowed before me to extend their greetings. What confuses me the most is when they grabbed a few things from the table in front of them. "I think we're done here, officers." G
"Well. As I said, I'm good with at least two months." Uncle Robin suddenly rubs my shoulder while displaying those hidden evil smiles. "I'm a family, Malia, not the enemies. Doing this will benefit not just me but the entire family as well. But, if you want to extend it, I'll be glad to follow the President's order." "Not that I am allowed to speak up, but I'll give my one vote to Robin's plan." mom agreed. "My daughter is not ready yet to handle such a position. She still needs guidance. Perhaps Don Lucas' assistance." "Then we're all settled then." Uncle Robin could not put off his ear-to-ear smile when even mom had his good side. "And by the way, I still have two more requests to make this plan work out." Gramps and I could not help but curve the tip of our brows when he is simply an interim president yet he is already taking advantage of the benefits. "First is to send my niece and her husband on a week honeymoon..." "No!" gramps debated. "I can't approve
John POV Seven days later, Malia and I got back from a life-changing vacation on her one billion dollars worth island. Who could have thought I married someone who owns an entire island? I considered the vacation a life-changing experience simply because a lot of wonderful things happened between me and Malia. Even though we only spent seven days, it looks like I have known her my entire life. We did a few activities on the island such as morning and night swimming, island hopping, collecting logs to use for bonfires, and eating unlimited seafood. Of course, I could never forget about drinking beer and wine. It has played a very unfortunate event between Malia and me. We accidentally kissed. But, it happens only once. Until then, both of us were getting cautious the incident would not happen again, especially when the kiss happens on our first day on the island. I don't want to spend the rest of my six days without talking to her. So, we agreed that wh
No matter how hard I tried not to think green, my brain kept on thinking that way even if that is not what Malia means by her invitation. How could I think not? She's a woman and I'm a guy with human needs. And we are about to sleep in the same bed. "But if you find me uncomfortable, it's all right. I know it's inappropriate for a woman and a man to sleep in the same bed, especially when they don't have a romantic relationship." Malia even made the situation more awkward. "No. It's fine - really." so, I shortly clear out my throat, grab the blanket and pillow from the floor, and unhurriedly crawl onto the other side of the bed. Malia then pointed her face in the other direction to make sure my rotten face will not explode. I don't want to think deeper so I forced my eyes to close and sleep as fast as possible. The next morning, I woke up with my head spinning. I didn't get enough sleep because I'd been thinking a lot last night, not because she somehow put
"Don't forget to bring those with you, Miss Spencer!" Uncle Romnick added. He pointed a finger toward the table. "Relax, Uncle Romnick," I said in a calm tone, trying to take control of the situation. "How can I get relax, John." Uncle Romnick insisted. "Our enemies are here. And we are caught by surprise. We let our guards down." Without hesitation, Cecelia sprung into action. She swiftly gathered all the essential documents and pieces of evidence we had been examining, carefully concealing them from prying eyes. "I'll be hiding in the guest room." Cecelia cut us in. As she disappeared into the shadows, I followed Uncle Romnick, making our way toward the main door. With a touch of apprehension, we opened the door cautiously, revealing Don Lucas and Malia standing before us. Although I already knew the purpose of their visit, I could not let them suspect that this villa truly belonged to me. Taking a deep breath, I masked my true intentions and put on a c
"I would like to apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Roland. Let's go, John." Uncle Romnick bent half of his body toward Roland and his parents. Then he tried to drag me out of the room but I dodged him. "Are you challenging me right now, huh, Roland?" I scoffed with confidence while glancing at them, one by one. I groped my phone in my pocket and dialed Cecelia's digits which confused Roland and his parents. "How about canceling the European expansion?" "What are you doing?" Cecelia said from the other line of the phone. Good thing I did not put the call on speaker so no one could hear it apart from me. "Yes. It happens that I am confronting Roland in front of his parents for the five million dollar scheme but he denied it despite the evidence we have. Is that the kind of person are you going to be part of Mr. Stevenson's business?" Everyone's eyes, especially Roland's dilated in disbelief. He even tried to snatch the phone from me but I refused to give it to
"Are you sure about involving them in this case, John?" Uncle Romnick asked, his voice laced with doubts while looking at Chris and his friend from head to toe. "I mean, this is a crucial case in your life." I cannot blame Uncle Romnick to feel that way. He still doesn't know a thing about Chris and his hacker friend. I once informed him and Cecelia back at my office when we hired someone to be the fake Mr. Stevenson. But we already reached this far. Chris and his friend already know my secret and I was amazed by how they achieved a mission without any trace. So, keeping them on my side will be the best thing to do. Chris and I already sealed a deal that he will serve me until I say so. And their skills are one-of-a-kind. ''They are here to help us, Uncle Romnick." I smiled at them to lessen the tension. "And besides, I have something on them if they are going to betray me." Chris and his friend were taken aback in disbelief. Though it was simply a bluff, the
"I'm so sorry, John." Finally, some dare to speak up. However, it was neither Dad nor Mom but Uncle Romnick. Cecelia and I exchanged confused glances when we realized it was just the two of us who seemed to be unaware of what was currently going on. "Perhaps this is the result of what I did behind your back," he added, his voice sounding desperate and regretful. "Did I do something wrong to you in the past that I am not aware of, Unce Romnick?" I said back. "Was my monthly allowance not enough for you to betray me?" I tried to stay calm as much as possible but my nerves are showing the other way around. So I grasped the metal bars of the cell I was in to minimize the trembling of my nerves. One thing that I hate the most about trusting people is when they stab me behind my back. I already learned my lesson after what happened to me five years ago. That is why up to these days, I only limit those people who I talk and share my day with. And that includes Unc
Malia may have shown her tough side but I feel her heart was also in excruciating pain. She barely looks me in the eye even if my glace at her is quite obvious. It means to me that she still has feelings for me even if she was already married to Roland. So am I to her. Unfortunately, our love is not enough, and was bonded by a lie. As Cecelia and I left Don Lucas' dinner, the weight of her actions weighed heavily on my mind. I couldn't help but express my frustration as we started our journey back to my place. The car ride was filled with an awkward silence, punctuated only by the faint sound of the radio playing softly in the background. "Cecelia," I began, my voice tinged with disappointment. "I did not expect you to go that far tonight. Announcing our relationship in front of everyone, it's just... it felt like too much." Cecelia sighed, her gaze fixed on the passing city lights. "I'm really sorry, John, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It's just t
Don Lucas, who was sitting next to us, coughed all of a sudden. He quickly regained his composure and asked, "Why? Did something happen, Malia?" Malia glanced at Roland with her eyes sharp. "Well, my beloved husband didn't spend a single cent before and after our one-week honeymoon. His credit cards kept getting declined every time we pay something." The room went silent as we all caught up in the middle of absorbing Malia's shocking revelation. Then Cecelia and I exchanged glances, our mouths agape in disbelief. Not that I was trying to tease Roland. However, I couldn't help myself from bursting out laughing, finding the situation incredibly amusing. "I'm sorry for laughing," I said, trying to compose myself. "It's just that I find it hard to believe that a billionaire's son does not have anything on his credit cards. Perhaps he already maximizes his credit limits. It happens sometimes, right?" Malia suddenly gave me a stern look, clearly not amused by my reaction. But despite h
Then, I filled Cecelia and Uncle Romnick in on our plan to meet up. "Remember Chris, the one that I fired from this company?" I said. "You mean, the Branch Manager Chris, who we met in the shopping mall and humiliated you?" Uncle Romnick asked, pointing to the main event of our encounter. I nodded. "I ran into him outside, and brought me such wonderful news." "But I thought you already fired him?" Uncle Romnick furrowed. "Why changed of heart?" he and Cecelia looked me in the eye without even blinking. "He did something big for me in return," I uttered. "Something that I cannot just ignore. And it worked somehow." "If it has something to do with the Andersons, then perhaps that's what changed your heart and mind." Uncle Romnick said, however, this time, in a cold tone as though he disagreed with it even if I haven't told them anything yet. Before everything gets awkward, Cecelia's cut us in and said. "That's great! I'm glad you are now thinking indifferentl
Uncle Romnick and I looked at each other as if we had something in common, then back at Cecelia. There was a long pause before Uncle Romnick spoke, "That's... actually not a bad idea." I nodded. "But who and where should we hire someone to do the job? And how much was the probability this idea is going to work?" Before anyone could respond to my inquiry, my entire family appeared in the living area all of a sudden. Their unexpected appearance made me furrowed when as far as I could remember, I did not ask Uncle Romnick to invite my entire family back to the villa. What was more surprising by their unexpected visit was that all of them were carrying luggage bags and backpacks behind them as though they will be on a one-month vacation or more than that - to stay with me for good. If they could have bought with them their house's electrical pieces of equipment or utensils, I could have assumed they will be staying here with us forever. So, I glanced at Uncle Rom
Right after that, the tour continued. Cecelia and I did not waste more of our time but enjoyed the best the night could offer. We experienced eating street foods, listening to live music, and even taking a riverboat cruise. On top of that, I also found something new about the woman I spent them with. Cecelia Spencer is such a lovely woman, easy to go with, and she always put a smile on her face every time I asked her something. And the experience was all worth it. The next morning, Cecelia and I walked into Don Lucas' office, hand in hand. It was part of our plan to pretend to be a couple. I could feel the sweat on my palms as we walked closer and closer to the meeting room. We had been practicing our act, but it was finally time to put it into action. As we entered the meeting room, I could see the confusion and curiosity on Don Lucas and Uncle Robin's faces. I knew we had to sell this, so I kept my grip on Cecelia's hand. We greeted them warmly and made our way t