This modest room had originally served as a reception area within a grand mansion. However, its purpose underwent a significant transformation when Father David's health took a turn for the worse, making it impractical for him to navigate the stairs to his study. With an eye for comfort and functionality, he carefully reconfigured the space, turning it into a cozy living room that also doubled as a semi-study.Father David found solace in this room, spending almost half of his day here. It was a sanctuary where he could immerse himself in books and find moments of respite from his daily routines.One day, as David entered the room, he clutched a cherished photograph that usually adorned his desk. He gazed at it with a mixture of nostalgia and longing, clearly lost in thought."Dad," David called out softly, breaking the silence.Father David turned towards his son and gently placed the photograph on a nearby surface. With his keen eyesight, David couldn't help but notice the image cap
It was almost 10 o'clock when we returned to the small apartment. David said nothing along the way and became even more taciturn and cold after arriving home.He casually pulled off his tie and said, "I'm going to pack my luggage for a business trip tomorrow." Then he left Flora alone in the living room.Flora was a little angry, but more than that, she was terrified.He and David's father closed the door and chatted alone for almost an hour and a half. The content of the conversation was unknown."No way... David's father said something good about Rowan and convinced him, right?" Flora wondered. When she thought of this possibility, her uneasiness was like a stain at the bottom of her heart, getting bigger and bigger the more she rubbed it.She walked to the bedroom door in panic and stood leaning against it.She watched David take out the clothes he wanted to wear from the closet without haste, fold them, and put them in the suitcase. Sometimes, he really doesn't look like a pamper
Invitation from Elders David's face turned an eerie shade of green, and he fell into a heavy silence, almost as if he were wrestling with his thoughts. Finally, in a voice tinged with uncertainty and emotion, he uttered, "Let's go." Richard, sensing the gravity of the situation, obediently restarted the car, executed a U-turn, and sped towards the airport, his heart racing with concern. As he raced to catch his flight, his boss insisted on a detour to his ex-wife's workplace, a painful reminder of a past he'd rather forget. Though he didn't dare to step out of the car, he sat there by the entrance, emotions swirling like a turbulent storm within him. The situation seemed utterly bewildering, and it stirred up memories. He was suddenly transported back to a time not so long ago when Rowan had still been part of that company. And then, there was that other time when David had asked Richard to veer off course and take them to the same company. The resemblance to this moment was uncan
******************Rowan had made repeated assurances that James had not accompanied her downstairs to meet David's father.However, as Rowan finally reached the first floor, it was unavoidably much later than she had anticipated.Stepping out of the elevator, she found herself in the middle of the hallway, casting her gaze around. It was only then that she spotted him, not too far from the amusement park.There he sat in his wheelchair, a small, thin blanket draped over his legs. He looked remarkably at ease and comfortable, as if he were right at home, engrossed in watching two children enthusiastically molding shapes with plasticine at the amusement park.A diligent housekeeper stood dutifully behind him, gently propelling the wheelchair forward.Rowan hurried over and spoke apologetically, "Uncle, I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting. Something unexpected came up, and it delayed me for a few minutes."She also extended a polite smile towards the secretary standing behind him.Davi
"You don't want me to bring up David's topic again," David's father repeated as Rowan walked slowly to the dining table.After a moment of contemplation, she responded with honesty, "I just don't believe it's necessary for us to revisit this topic. His stance has always been unwavering. Even though you're his father, it seems unlikely that you can sway his convictions. As you mentioned, he can be quite obstinate and driven by his emotions."David's father fell silent, a heavy pause hanging in the air. Finally, he spoke with a hint of emotion, "Yes, perhaps I'm sometimes overly persistent, unable to let go, and fail to recognize that I'm changing. Rowan, whether you believe it or not, I understand that David's feelings for you might be more complex than he realizes."He continued speaking with increasing speed, as if he were eager to convey something important."Uncle!" Rowan interrupted him."He and I have already divorced. What you say now is meaningless except to increase the troubl
During the meal, David's father never mentioned the issue of remarriage again. However, Rowan, who was already frightened, ate quickly. She was afraid that if she delayed it for a while longer, she would recall what the two of them were talking about just now.Rowan did not think that David would ask to remarry her as he said, and she had never had such plans. What she was afraid of was that David's father, as an elder, would try to persuade her to make some promises. She had done this kind of thing two years ago, and the price she paid for those words was to watch the joy in her heart gradually turn into seafoam over two years, rising from underneath, leaving traces in her heart. Yes, it was only countless times of disappointment and pain.She knew that she couldn't bear this kind of process again, but she wasn't sure whether David's father would be able to insist on not giving in if he really spoke up. Sometimes she really hated her soft heart and the bad habit of always putting oth
David's father appeared somewhat displeased, emitting a long snort. James, however, remained unfazed by his demeanor and pressed on."You just inquired if I was concerned about you embarrassing her. I must admit that I do have such concerns. Do you know why? It's because every time you and Rowan encounter your family members, they invariably put her in uncomfortable situations. It doesn't matter whether it's your wife or your son; I can't understand why you expect her to willingly dive back into the very family dynamics she worked so hard to escape."David's father's expression suddenly shifted to one of apprehension.Rowan discreetly tugged at the hem of James' clothing, silently signaling him to halt.James extended his hand, gently clasping her delicate palm.Undeterred, she continued, "She regards you as an elder, so she keeps many thoughts to herself. While I respect you, my greater concern is for her. I feel compelled to clarify these sentiments now, hoping you won't take offens
After Richard spoke, a heavy silence hung in the car. He sneakily looked in the rearview mirror and saw David staring outside, seemingly ignoring what he had just said. But it was hard to believe David hadn't heard him. Richard stayed quiet and focused on driving.As they approached a fork in the road, Richard cautiously asked, "Boss, should I take you to the office or back home?"David finally snapped out of his thoughts, thought for a moment, and softly replied, "Let's go back home."Richard simply said, "Okay," and directed the car towards their apartment.However, after driving a mile or two, David's calm voice came from the backseat, "Actually, let's go to the mansion."His tone was even and composed, not like someone making a sudden decision. In fact, David rarely made impulsive choices.Drawing on his experience, Richard sensed that David was in a particularly bad mood. So, he didn't ask any more questions and skillfully adjusted their route to take David back to the mansion.A
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