Maybe this time the euphoria of liberation really exploded. Until hallucination and reality became something Garrett doubted. He fell silent. Below him, Elice tried to catch her breath and blinked once. Then she looked into her husband's eyes.As Elice looked at him, Garrett felt a warmth in his chest. He felt so peaceful. And Garrett was sure that no dream could soothe him like that. But he didn't dare hope too much.The life Garrett had lived had taught him many things. Sometimes hope is the deadliest killer of souls. He had seen it before. In the form of a father.But Garrett's heart rebelled. While on the other side, his health warned him. An exhausting battle where he didn't know what was right. Is it real? Or is it a dream?Garrett stood still as if he were a statue that couldn't move. He tried to feel the situation as Elice's hand rose. Wiping the beads of sweat from his chin, Garrett snapped back."I thought I was dreaming.""What?"Garrett took a breath. He loosened his tight
"I hope I can go back there someday. I will definitely miss Hawaii.”The sweet and unforgettable honeymoon is over. Marked by the landing of the jet that brought the newlywed’s home. Exactly at eight in the evening.Knowing for sure that she had returned to her home, Elice's lips moved reflexively. She expressed her heart's content and Garrett smiled."Luckily, I brought home a hula dancer."Elice glanced over and saw the amused look in her eyes. It seemed that the jokes about the impromptu hula dancer continue for the next few days. Elice obviously had to be prepared to hold back her laughter at every opportunity Garrett would tease her.Leaving the airport, Garrett, who kept Elice at his side, found Amber waiting for them. She took their luggage and greeted them warmly."Welcome, sir and madam."Previously, Elice had been addressed as Miss. To be called Madam now made her feel a little awkward. Especially since the address was given by someone older than her."Please."The couple fo
Finding different looks from her co-workers had become a common occurrence for Elice. She had experienced it even before she married Garrett. Back when she had just started working and had been given important assignments. Then, when there was an article about her love story. And now?This should be an improvement. The reason why I'm becoming more and more the center of attention should be noble, right?Elice didn't care anymore. As long as their conversations didn't cause her any real discomfort, she would ignore them. Even if she accidentally overheard them gossiping in the pantry, it didn't matter."Elice's fate is really something, huh? Just started working and already trusted to conduct interviews.""Close to the grandson of a conglomerate and married.""Now? Even her car is more expensive than the director's here.""I wouldn't be surprised if she had bodyguards following her."Elice took a deep breath and counted to three as the
"Saturday night, at the Azure Hotel. It's the annual charity event that I used to attend with Grandpa when he was alive. For the past few years, I have gone alone. But starting this year, it feels like you two can accompany me."Dinner went on as usual, with delicious food filling the table and light conversation in between. And as always, Daphne dominated the conversation."We've always been regular donors every year. And I hope it will always be a tradition that you will continue," Daphne added. She turned to Elice. "I'm sure you'll enjoy this event. There are many paintings and other artworks that will catch your attention."Truth be told, Elice had no interest in paintings or artwork of that sort. But it seemed that the lives of the upper class always revolved around such things. Now that she had become part of that upper class, whether she liked it or not, Elice would have to learn to adapt. She would try. Maybe she would learn to like it. Elice nodded.
"What's wrong, Farrah?"Kurt's voice caused Farrah to shift her gaze to her husband. Consciously, she knew she had been staring at the spot where Ariel had disappeared from view. She shook her head. "Nothing." Farrah replied.Kurt glanced at his wife briefly before returning his gaze to the phone. He sighed deeply."Ever since Ariel left earlier, you seem to be thinking about something," Kurt said. "What's going on?"Unaware that her husband was actually watching her, Farrah remained silent for a moment. Uncertain whether to answer her husband's question or vice versa. She hadn't answered the question because something had occurred to her."Ariel's behavior seems different than usual."As she said this, Farrah's forehead seemed to wrinkle slightly. Her hand rested on the dining table, fingers rubbing together. She seemed lost in thought."Different than usual?" Kurt asked, confused. "What do you mean, Farrah?""I mean..." Farra
Stanley James Mendoza and Megan Alexander are a married couple who hosted the charity event. Held at one of the most prestigious hotels in Ashford City, the Azure Hotel had the honor of hosting the annual event that the noble family has always held. Featuring various stunning artworks, the funds raised would be allocated to various humanitarian activities in the country.It was the first time that Garrett and Elice attended the event. They felt a little awkward, but Daphne's presence made everything go smoother. The guests, who held respect and awe for the elderly woman, politely welcomed their presence, including Norah, who seemed nervous.A table had been set for the Morales family. Prominently placed. So, when Stanley opened the event, he easily singled out Garrett's family for recognition. He introduced them to all the guests as one of the charity's regular donors.Garrett and Elice naturally received more attention. In addition to the prestigious family nam
"Is something bothering you lately, Garrett?"That night, as Garrett and Elice hid under the covers in the dim light of the remaining lamp in the room, the question sounded faint. It greeted Garrett's sense of hearing and made him turn to Elice. She shuffled closer, approaching him, and Garrett greeted her with outstretched arms. He let Elice rest her head on his arm and reflexively planted a kiss on her forehead. It was a gesture that had become habit without command."I always have something on my mind."Elice's eyes closed briefly, enjoying the gentle touch on her head. But when her eyes opened again, Elice's voice was back."That's not what I meant. I know you always have a lot to think about. But this feels different," Elice said, lifting her head slightly. She looked at Garrett. "Do you have a problem?"Could what Garrett was thinking about now be classified as a problem? To be honest, Garrett wasn't sure if he should even be thinking about it. Sometimes Garrett wondered what go
On the first Monday of the new month, Elice officially changed positions. No longer working behind colorful cubicles. Instead, she worked behind the door of her own room. Elice's feet kicked rhythmically, leading her to see the state of the room that was now her workplace. Ensuring her safety from the whispers of her colleagues. That was the good side Elice could get. Avoiding the gossip she could hear.In the room there was a desk with a chair. Different in size and design from the one she used before. There was a special cabinet for files, and there was also a set of couches. At least these were the furnishings that caught Elice's immediate attention when she first entered the room.Elice's room door was knocked. Her gaze immediately shifted there. The door opened and Hollis entered, both hands rubbing together."Mr. Hollis."Elice had not expected her mother's boss and good friend to come to her. It made Elice uncomfortable. She immediately said the middle-aged man's name with a st