As James and Rowan made their way back to the hospital, they encountered some traffic jams on the road, causing them to arrive well past working hours. Feeling embarrassed for being late, Rowan kept apologizing to her male colleague who had helped her apply for the job. Fortunately, he had a perpetually cheerful demeanor, and he reassured her kindly, "It's okay, don't worry about it." Rowan scratched her head, still feeling awkward, and asked, "If you're a few minutes late, will they deduct a significant amount from your salary?" The colleague pondered for a moment before responding, "According to the regulations, if you don't check in on time, there might be a salary deduction, but I don't think it will apply to you." This answer confused Rowan, and she inquired further, "Why not?" Both of them exchanged glances, and the colleague seemed to be even more puzzled than her. He replied with uncertainty, "Aren't you Dr. James' girlfriend?" This caught Rowan off guard, and she quickly
Rowan felt hesitant to speak, unsure of where to start. But James noticed her unease and couldn't help asking, "What's wrong?" She took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts. Before James had left the clinic earlier, his visit to the third floor to call her had been interpreted as a sign by her colleagues, leading them to believe that their relationship was much closer than just friends. Despite her denials, no one seemed convinced. Rowan recounted a moment when a nurse had lightly touched her arm and asked, "So it's true, we're going to have a proprietress?" Her attempts to deny the assumption were in vain. Shaking off those thoughts, Rowan decided to focus on the key question she wanted to ask, "James, I heard someone say that you opened this clinic today, is it true?" James surprised her with his frank admission, "Yes." His openness encouraged her, and she continued, now eager to discuss the questions that had been bothering her all day. "Is it true that you actually
As the days passed, Rowan continued to commute in James's car for the convenience it offered. The distance to the clinic was quite far, and taking his car was the simplest and most efficient way to get there and back.Surprisingly, the people at the clinic didn't react as strongly to their interactions as Rowan had imagined. Perhaps because James was the boss, most people were hesitant to gossip openly. Though she occasionally noticed teasing glances, it wasn't as uncomfortable as she had feared.Rowan's work in her new position went smoothly, and she quickly adapted to the responsibilities. James continued to join her for breakfast each morning, and after they finished their work, they often spent time together at the artificial lake, allowing Rowan to play with Bingo freely.Throughout this time, James never seemed to express any discomfort with their close friendship. As days passed, Rowan still hadn't found the right moment to talk about the rumors circulating in the clinic.On a
"If your purpose of coming today is to humiliate me, then congratulations, you've achieved it."Rowan lowered her eyes, desperately blinking to keep the tears from falling. Despite her efforts to stay strong and composed, a slight tremor in her voice betrayed her emotions."Since you don't believe my explanation, and I don't want to continue explaining anything, then do whatever you think is right! Please leave quickly after you finish speaking."David glared at her with a gloomy expression and spoke in a deep voice, "You want me to leave? Don't forget that this is my house! I haven't finished questioning you yet. Do you really think you have the right to tell me to leave or stay? Rowan, are you shamelessly bringing him into my house, having a secret rendezvous here? What have you been up to?""David!" Rowan shouted, cutting off his aggressive tirade.She looked up at him with disbelief, staring into his eyes. Uncontrollable tears had already slid down her cheeks, falling like fiery d
When someone is with you, you will always be more restrained than when you are alone.Rowan couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort as James stood there, offering her his handkerchief and kind words. She appreciated his presence, yet the memory of David's anger lingered, casting a shadow over her emotions. She didn't want James to be involved in the turmoil of her past, but she also couldn't deny the solace he brought to her."It's not your fault," she replied softly, clutching the handkerchief tightly. "I'm just going through a rough time right now."James looked at her with concern, his eyes reflecting his genuine care for her well-being. "You don't have to go through it alone, you know," he said gently. "I'm here for you, whenever you need someone to talk to or lean on."Her heart warmed at his words, but at the same time, guilt gnawed at her. She didn't want to burden him with her problems, especially when it involved her past with David. She felt torn between seeking comfort an
Rolland woke up to the sound of his phone ringing. He thought it was his alarm clock at first, but then he remembered he didn't have to work today. Annoyed, he turned off the phone without opening his eyes and tried to go back to sleep. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and he reluctantly got up to answer it. When he saw Rowan standing there, he was taken aback and held back his curse words. Confused, he asked, "Rowan? Why are you here so early?" Rowan forced a sad smile and replied, "Rolland, I had no choice but to come to you." Rolland noticed her luggage piled up behind her and wondered how she managed to carry all of it upstairs by herself. He felt wide awake now and realized something must be terribly wrong. He couldn't help but curse inwardly, knowing that things had taken a bad turn, probably because of David. Rolland didn't need to hear Rowan's explanation; he could already guess what had happened. If Rowan had wanted to leave the mansion on her own, she wouldn't have this dis
After Rowan's initial sentence, she hesitated to continue as she knew it wasn't the right time for serious discussions in the breakfast shop. But after a moment of thought, she carried on."Last night, when I decided to move out of the mansion, I wasn't worried because I knew you would welcome me without any hesitation. I didn't even need to ask for confirmation. I guess I'm just not used to relying on others so easily. You see, my family situation makes me always consider others and their needs, leaving no room to think about myself.""I'm sorry if I misunderstood you, Rolland. I truly consider you a good friend, and I never see you as an outsider."Upon hearing this, most of Rolland's anger subsided.Still not ready to let her off the hook, he mumbled a few words. "But you can't stay up all night, afraid of bothering me. Next time something happens, who knows what you might do to yourself!"Rowan smiled warmly, "Okay, I promise not to do that again. From now on, if anything happens,
Um?"Rowan didn't understand James at first, so he repeated, "Where is Rolland's home, I'll find you.""Uh... now? No need, it's late now, so I won't bother you to come here. Don't worry, I'm okay with her!"The phone went quiet.The silence felt like the night, spreading on both sides of the phone. James's long silence made Rowan feel a little guilty. She felt like she took advantage of him and then pushed him away.But her feelings towards James were too complicated at the moment, and she didn't want to see him in person today.She tried to explain, "Rolland will be back soon, and it's too early for us to clean up properly. Plus, you won't have time to stay when you come. Let's meet at the clinic on Monday."After a while, James finally accepted her explanation and returned to his usual gentle tone."Okay, then see you at the clinic on Monday. Take care of yourself.""Um!"Rowan waited for him to hang up first. But he suddenly spoke seriously, "Rowan, if you need my help with anythi
Instantly, the air around David crackled with tension. He swiftly shed his suit, the fabric feeling heavy in his trembling as he handed it over to Richard, who felt like crying at the back of his boss—this was all his boss had been working for in the past few months: to have Miss Rowan to himself finally, without fear of Flora hurting her again. Just then, James' phone buzzed, interrupting the silence that engulfed the atmosphere. Seeing the caller, James picked up at once. "Hello, babe," James said into the phone, drawing curious glances from David and Richard. To them, only Rowan would receive such a nickname. Seeing their suspicious gazes, he switched the phone to loudspeaker. "Hi, Naomi, you can speak now," James invited. "Miss Rowan has been rushed to the hospital. She's unable to fly; she started having contractions before she entered the plane," Naomi informed them. Before James could reply, David snatched the phone from his hands. "Miss Naomi, this is her husband at the ho
The room was alive with happiness as Flora jubilated, knowing that in a few hours, every TV station and blogger would be buzzing about her wedding to David Thompson, the president of the Oregon group of companies."As the heiress of Seraphims Holding, I only deserve the best," Flora declared from where she lay on the bed, with Andrew planting kisses on her neck and along her jawline."You know I will compensate you handsomely. I panicked when I found out David had regained his memory but didn't want me anymore. I thought everything was over, after years of patiently waiting," Flora confessed, a smile playing on her lips."I've told you that you don't have any problems. Since you've opened up to me about your true feelings and that it's me you love, and only his money you desire, since you've promised that it's my child you'll carry in his house, then I don't have any issues. The wedding is set to proceed, and in a few hours, you'll be Mrs. Thompson officially, but inwardly, you'll be M
It had been a few days, and tension hung thick in the air as Steve returned to James's house to deliver his response. The silence that filled the room was deafening, each breath heavy with anticipation. Jessica, though she thought she was prepared for any outcome, couldn't help but rub her hands together nervously. Ryan, sensing the tension, rested his head on her lap, his instincts picking up on the palpable anxiety swirling around them. "So, brother, have you finally made your decision?" James asked, his tone harsh yet tinged with regret. In the past few days, he had come to realize that his emotions had clouded his judgment. He understood that everything Steve had done was out of love for him — Steve didn't want him to lose the love of his life, just as James had lost his. It was this realization that had prompted James to allow Steve to make his own decision, even if it meant James would have to bear the pain of parting with his brother, if only for a while. "Yes, kid brother,"
What?" David's father asked, surprised by his son's allegations. "Dad, answer me. Are you involved with her too?" David demanded. "No, I'm not. And I'm disappointed that you would think so little of your father," David's father said. "I don't care, Dad. If she knows something about you significant enough to trade for my safety, then it must be substantial, and I need to know about it today," David said defiantly "Sit down, and I will tell you everything," David's father said. Reluctantly, David slumped into the chair, his anger palpable, emanating from him like a dark cloud. "Firstly, I discovered the kind of person Flora was after you started seeing her. Knowing how much you love her compelled me to dig deeper. I didn't want you to end up with the wrong woman. After finding out that she was involved with different men, I decided to confront her myself instead of letting you do it. During our conversation, she confessed that her uncle had forced her into those situations and that
"What do you mean, David? It was the marriage certificate we both signed, isn't that what we both wanted back then? Just because you didn't have the memory doesn't change the fact that your mother is aware of it, and a mother can't lie," Flora's voice came over the phone, her tone laced with frustration and desperation. She wasn't even attempting to come to David's house, realizing she had nothing left to lose."Flora, even if it is true, I don't want this marriage anymore. We have to annul the certificate," David stated firmly, using a word he never wanted to utter."What? David, are you trying to use me and then discard me? We've been dating for almost seven years. Now you don't want me anymore, and you didn't consider the repercussions it will have on my family and me, on the company, on everyone who believed we would end up together... I won't force you, David, but think about the consequences. We are legally married starting next week. If we don't announce it publicly, I don't kn
Naomi could only hum softly as she listened to Rowan's teasing remarks. Bending down, she reached for the coffee cups placed in front of them, an order she had made for both of them. Savoring the warmth, she took a delicate sip before carefully placing the cup back on the table.Inwardly, Naomi grasped the subtle undertones of Rowan's words. Since meeting James, she felt a shift within herself, a desire to embody qualities that might earn his admiration. But could she confide in Rowan that the catalyst for her change was the very man who harbored feelings for her?"Miss Rowan, I can't say there's any love involved. Let's just say someone's critique nudged me towards self-improvement," Naomi replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Rowan's gentle smile lingered, leaving Naomi to ponder if her response had hit the mark."You know, being challenged by someone and feeling compelled to better oneself because of them, well, it's akin to love. You might not realize it now, but soon enough
Before James exited the hospital, he had arranged to meet Naomi, only to hear the distressing news that she was banned from leaving the house. Naomi, a pivotal figure in her father's company, had inadvertently stirred up trouble by being seen at clubs, inviting scrutiny from shareholders and adding pressure to her father's plate. She was slated to marry into another wealthy family to enhance the company's stature. James, though conflicted, found himself driving toward Naomi's house despite his vow to stay away and avoid complicating matters for both families. The prospect of being desired by Naomi's father for his daughter weighed heavily on him, even as he questioned his own intentions. Arriving at the grand mansion, James couldn't help but admire the exquisite taste of Naomi's father. The meticulously landscaped gardens, the elegant architecture both inside and out, and the grandeur of the estate left James in awe, despite his familiarity with opulent surroundings. "It seems I'll
David's desperate calls echoed in the air, chasing after Rowan who seemed to be slipping away from him. The tears streaming down her face mirrored the storm of emotions raging within her. The weight of reality crashed upon her, a cruel revelation that left her heart shattered. The love she thought would one day be hers had been claimed, sealed, and signed on a marriage certificate.Her steps quickened, driven by a mix of anguish and fear. She wished she could stop, and gather herself, but the intensity of her emotions made it impossible to fake composure. The fear of David thinking she was running away from his happiness gnawed at her, yet the pain of witnessing the love of her life marrying someone else was unbearable.Lost in the labyrinth of her thoughts and the ache in her chest, Rowan's misstep jolted her back to reality. Her leg collided with an obstacle, threatening to send her crashing to the ground. Just as she teetered on the edge of falling, a strong hand encircled her, savi
Three agonizing days had crawled by since Rowan left David's house. The deafening silence hung heavy in her heart as she resisted the urge to reach out to him or answer his father's calls. Flora's mysterious behavior and her cousin's news about an award only added to the tumult of emotions swirling within her. The absence of David was a constant ache, the void left by his departure filled with memories that refused to fade. Today found Rowan grappling with the challenges of the IT department at the hospital, a temporary distraction from the emotional turmoil. As she navigated the hospital corridors, a man emerged from a ward—discharged after six months of battling mental illness triggered by a traumatic accident. His struggle mirrored Rowan's own internal conflict. The man, seemingly normal at times but haunted by bouts of lunacy, resonated with her. What gripped her most was the unwavering love poured onto him by his family, clinging to the hope of his eventual restoration, even in