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2022-12-13 01:20:34Related chapters
That Problematic Ring 13| Freya
°•Three months later•°"Matteo, don't bother preparing breakfast for me today. I'm getting late." I quickly instruct him and grab my Gucci bag."I'll prepare something within five minutes." Matteo insists, appearing in front of me. "I don't have a minute to waste. I overslept." I frame my face through my straight hairs on both of my shoulders."Mom would get another reason to bug me." I whisper to myself. "I'm leaving. Do not forget to properly lock the doors if you go out for daily grocery shopping." I say and rush out.My month as an intern is almost over at the office. Today I'll get some real tasks to supervise and I'm already late.I sit in my car and drive straight to Howard's Constructions while praying that I won't get stuck in traffic jams. ...It takes me half an hour to reach my destination. Yes exactly, half an hour. I am late now.I should be here an hour ago and mark my attendance at the reception. My efforts of not marking myself 'late' have gone in vain.I took five
Last Updated : 2022-12-17That Problematic Ring 14| Rafe
I avoided Freya as much as possible to come back to my normal self and routine. I used my new responsibility at my own office to help me and it did more than I expected.I have been going really busy for the past few months. Taking care of the entire company as a CEO is not a piece of cake. I understood that.I'm swamped in tons of work everyday; meetings, endless phone calls, clients and new projects. It's hectic.I hardly get any leisure time so that helps forgetting disturbing thoughts that includes the marriage that was forced upon me, Freya and my parents as well.Unlocking my office room, I step inside and turn on the lights. It's only 7 in the morning and I'm in the office even prior to my staff. I have developed a habit of starting my day early so I can take care of more tasks in less time. Observing the pile of files and papers on my desk, I figure that Garrett had made my table ready before going home last night. I smile in contentment and settle down on my chair.I feel bad
Last Updated : 2022-12-25That Problematic Ring 15| Rafe
Within the next few days, I wrap up my stuff and prepare to leave for an important project for my company. Tomorrow I'll be leaving. I don't know whether Freya is coming or not or what her plans are. I didn't contact her or see her. I just found out that Father has talked to her Dad about the project and he said he would talk to Freya. Whatever it is. It's not my headache. I'm already controlling my anger so much and acting civil only because I want to keep my business and personal life separate. I want to stay professional.I have convinced my angry-self that I will only stay silent till the end of this project and after that I won't care if my parents or her parents find out about the grim truth of our marriage. "When will you be back?" Mona's voice breaks my chain of thoughts. She wraps her arms around my waist and places her head on my chest. "Can't be sure. But it will take a month or more." I bring back my attention on her, giving her a light squeeze with my arm. I've come
Last Updated : 2022-12-26That Problematic Ring 16| Freya
The car halts stop in front of the villa Mom talked about. I come out and assess the place and the neighbourhood. It's quiet and green.Aligned private bungalows are separated with green spaces that are filled with different sizes of plants and trees. The driver pulls out my two-wheel suitcase from the car and puts it near me. "You move the car from here. I'll take the suitcase inside by myself. It's not heavy." I instruct him, pulling up the suitcase's handle. "Yes sure, Ma'am." He responds politely and walks towards the driving seat.I look at the villa again. This is my new house in Seattle where I've just arrived due to my unplanned and sudden business trip. Thanks to Mom and Dad. Dad's most trusted man Abraham arranged the car and driver for me who picked me up from the airport and brought me here. I've heard that this house and the office space are arranged by Nicholas Eastmond, Rafe's father. It's a relief though that I won't have to worry about my accommodation till I've t
Last Updated : 2023-01-01That Problematic Ring 17| Freya
Twenty minutes later, I reach the office; a new, small temporary office that will be solely under my supervision. Dad's assistant has already arranged staff for me who will help me here. The place is nice, has few rooms and an impressive lobby. Seeing the office staff going here and there, engaged in their own activities doesn't make it look like it has opened only a few days ago."Hello, Ms. Howard...I mean Mrs. Eastmond." A hesitant, female voice calls me in the hallway. I turn around with a frown. A woman, younger than me standing before me, looks nervous. "Sorry. I didn't know how to address you." She scratches the back of her head. I don't say anything, just quirk up my brow. She takes the hint, "Sorry. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm appointed as your secretary. Mr. Abraham Willson sent me."Great. A secretary is just what I needed. "Okay.""It's an honor to work for you. Howard is a big name. I'm looking forward to learn from you and become a successful woman someday just
Last Updated : 2023-01-01That Problematic Ring 18| Rafe
New place, but same old routine. However, it's now tougher to manage two offices at the same time. I've been attending continuous calls since morning and sorting out day-to-day issues. I came to the office early in the morning, following my habit here as well, also because I couldn't properly sleep last night. Enduring Freya's presence in the same house as my wife was not an easy task for me. If I haven't had the fear of being caught by my father that I'm not living in a house that he has rented for me instead living in some hotel, I would've never agreed to stay this near to that woman. Besides, I thought my ways are giving her the bliss of living in a deluxe apartment alone and comfortably while I was bearing the hassles of being homeless and staying in hotels. So why should I suffer while she enjoys the peace of home? That made me at least enjoy the same peace till I'm staying in Seattle. I won't have to worry about where I'll crash at night. I deserve that. But my decision will
Last Updated : 2023-01-05That Problematic Ring 19| Freya
I hurriedly enter into the meeting room after Luke Salvatore and take each step carefully this time.I didn't expect my first day would be this disastrous. My clangers have thrown my self-confidence into a garbage can now. If Mom had seen me this way she would have asked me to join self-development classes. And this time I wouldn't have gotten angry on her snarky remarks because I'm truly worthy of them. I take my chair. Luke takes the chair placed at head of the table and Rafe sits just opposite of me. I catch Luke looking at me with pensive expression. I look away because I'm embarrassed to make direct eye contact with him. He had probably imagined me as classy, poised daughter of Howard, but I devastate his imagination and my self-esteem. I don't understand what came under my feet all of a sudden that made me stumble."I don't know if I should ask this or not. I'm feeling just a little concerned." Luke speaks with hesitation. I and Rafe both don't say anything just look at him, w
Last Updated : 2023-01-10That Problematic Ring 20| Rafe
I put on a darker brown blazer over my lighter brown turtleneck, fitted shirt then spray some cedarwood perfume all over me. While setting my hair with my fingers, I think of calling Mona. We haven't talked since I've come to Seattle. Once I feel like I'm good to go to the formal dinner arranged by Luke Salvatore, I walk out of the room and at the same time search for Mona's name in my phone's contact list. I click on her number and just about to put my phone on my ear I catch Freya coming out of her room in captivating attire. I stop in my tracks.This is the second time in a day that I couldn't recognize her at first glance. I cancel the call and put down my phone. I gawk at her, eyes out on stalks. She's wearing a pretty swing dress, hugging her body as a second skin before belling out from the bottom.Her earlier fine hair are now assembled into soft locks, cascading down her lower back. When did she grow her hair? She wasn't a long-haired type woman. She preferred shoulder-leng
Last Updated : 2023-01-12
Latest chapter
That Problematic Ring Epilogue (Continue...)
"It's confirmed now." I hear him sigh on the phone, "that you'll work there and I'll work here. We have to work now at separate places.""Hmm. Indeed." I enter my room and look around, remembering how my office here looked like. It's weird, indeed. To be back at my old workplace. So much has changed within me and in my life.I visited Howard's main building a few times in past weeks, but didn't get a chance to see my office. "But I was used to seeing you around me, Fay. It was good working with you and getting to see you whenever I wanted. It will be difficult to be habitual with this new setting." He becomes downhearted. I smile as I understand what he meant."Yes. It was a good time. But that's how our situation is now." Rafe and I have different responsibilities. He's the CEO of his own company and I'm the CFO here at my family business. Life is going to be very busy from now."I'm not liking the situation." Me too.I say in my head. But I don't tell him that, thinking, he would
That Problematic Ring Epilogue (Freya)
Few weeks later*Coming out of my car, I slip up my sunglasses at the top of my head and look up at the Howard's Constructions' main building. I close the door and lock my car.Walking through the main doors, I make my way to the elevators. The employees who know me greet me. I respond to them with a wave and smile. Then I reach the designated floor and go to Dad's office room. I've decided to see them after rejecting their umpteen number of calls. I knock once and enter in it. Mom is there too as per my expectations. "What now? Why have you been pestering me with continuous phone calls?" I remove the glasses from the top of my head and hold them in my hand, "And why did you call me here?"Dad comes to me, "How have you been? I've heard you've cancelled your divorce with Rafael. That's a relief."I roll my eyes, clenching my jaws. "Answer your Dad, Freya. That's not how I taught you." Mom interferes, "We've been worried for you since you've broken your contact with us. I understand
That Problematic Ring 64| Freya
Rafe strolls out of the bathroom after a few minutes and begins making up the bed. I stand still on my spot, nervous. I look through the large window of the room and see the downpour of the rain. If it has stopped raining, I could've escaped this awkward moment. I can't tell if Rafe is feeling the same discomfort or not. It would be surprising if he's not because it is literally the first time we'll sleep together. I again bring my eyes on him and observe that he smoothens the bed covers of both the sides. He sets the pillows and then the single comforter. I become more uneasy. He is making it certain that I'm spending a night in this hotel room with him. Once he's done, he sits on the bed and looks at me, "Aren't you in mood to sleep? Why are you standing?""Umm." I move my gaze around, "I should first freshen up myself." "Okay." He unfolds the comforter.I stride to the bathroom and lock the door. Sighing aloud, I see myself in the mirror in front. I'm blushing. The pink tint is
That Problematic Ring 63| Freya
With a smile on my face, I bend and pick up the ring box from the floor and turn to Rafe again. He looks at me confusingly. My smile turns coy. His love confession to me before our kiss is still ringing in my ears. I can't believe he actually said that to me. I go to him."Here. Give this to me." I move the ring box in front of him. I raise my head high, faking arrogance, "Do it as you planned on my birthday."He arches his brows while giving me a playful smile, "Are you sure?""Yes." I nod firmly."Okay." He takes the box from me and inspects it, "I was not going to offer it right away. I was going to see your reaction first after telling you how I feel about you. If you would've said that you like me back then I showed you this. So I should skip that part now."I press my lips together to stop my smile."I was going to do it like this." He moves the box behind his back, "Fay, I've brought something for you. I don't know how you would react to it, but I just wanted to do this." He bri
That Problematic Ring Rafe's Spin-off (Cont...)
As she remains quiet, I remain confused about whether I should say something or not and if so, what should I say to her. "There is something you should know." She begins speaking again. I hear her sniffle. That gives me a hunch that she's still in tears. "I...love you, Rafe. You should know it was not one-sided." This causes my mind to be boggled. My body freezes. "The care and sincerity you always showed to me made me fall for you." She says it again, "Any woman at my place would be fond of you. It hurt me to see you with her. I didn't know you were feeling the same. And I didn't want to act selfishly this time. I wanted to do something to ease your love life so you could be happy with the person you liked." I can't believe my ears. So it means she applied for the divorce because she was thinking I wanted to be with Mona and not her? She was actually ready to sacrifice her love? Seriously, Fay. She again becomes quiet and cries. I start getting restless. It's not making sense
That Problematic Ring Rafe's Spin-off (of chap 61-62)
*I've written this Rafe's POV because I felt like it won't be fair to the character if I do not show how he felt when he listened to Freya's reasons and her confession and why he agreed to give her a chance. You can skip it if you want, but I advise you not to do that ;)*-------++++++--------"Excuse me, Mr. Eastmond." As I walk through the reception of the hotel, one of the hotel's clerks calls my name. I stop and turn around."There is a message for our guests that it is raining outside and the forecast's predictions say that it can turn into a bad thunderstorm so guests are advised to stay cautious for tonight. Please do not go anywhere far or call someone here that lives far from the hotel. We just want to protect you from any incident." "Alright. Thanks for the information." I nod slowly, "But don't worry I'm not expecting a visitor nor I'm leaving anywhere." Who can come here... No one knows where I am. "Thank you, sir. Have a nice evening." He smiles then turns to his way.I
That Problematic Ring 62| Freya
After some seconds, I move my hand down from my mouth and say the words that ached my heart everyday, "There is something you should know....I...love you, Rafe. You should know it was not one-sided." "The care and sincerity you always showed to me made me fall for you. Any woman at my place would be fond of you. It hurt me to see you with her. I didn't know you were feeling the same. And I didn't want to act selfishly this time. I wanted to do something to ease your love life so you could be happy with the person you liked." I whimper, losing control on my tears. The pain that I was hiding inside me is coming on the surface and making me vulnerable. Rafe stands in the same position. I'm unable to know if my words are affecting him or not. Maybe I should really accept that I've lost him. It is not going to work. He's too angry to forgive me."And you said that I should have talked with you before applying. I did talk about ending our marriage once or twice. It was not a direct conve
That Problematic Ring 61| Freya
By the time I reach the hotel, raining starts all of a sudden. It took me around an hour and half to reach the hotel where Rafe is probably staying. And in the midway, the rain started. I didn't check today's weather forecast, but I knew that it is not the time of monsoon season in New York. This rain is unexpected. I stay inside the car, hesitant to come out because I've not brought the umbrella with me. The rain will drench my clothes. I stay inside for some minutes. Rain seems like a good excuse to delay facing Rafe. My mind is turning blank. Now I'm here and near him, I'm losing my confidence. My body has turned quite heavy for some reason although I haven't eaten anything since morning. I know it is happening because of the strong emotions that are stirring inside my stomach. I'm scared to face him. I'm scared of his reaction and his rejection. I won't be able to handle it without dissolving into tears in front of him. After almost sitting in the car for twenty minutes, I step
That Problematic Ring 60| Freya
As I landed to New York, I decided to go straight to the Eastmond Enterprise to meet Rafe's father. He's a resourceful man. He certainly must have done something to find his son. If not, then I can even rely on his instincts. He's someone who can help me to start my search in this city. I winded up my work at Seattle once I made sure that Rafe is not in Seattle. I took the earliest flight to New York. I waited for a whole day and did everything in my power to search for him, but when I became hopeless, I decided to follow Mia's suggestion. There is a chance that he went back to New York.I sent my luggage to my New York's apartment with the help of my driver. He took my car too. So I took a taxi and headed to the Eastmond building with a hope that I get to see Rafe's father. He has to see me too and do not deny my arrival. I wish I had some supernatural power that would help me find Rafe. That could help me tell him this very moment that I like him too, that I like him more than him,
