Chapter Chapter two in the soft glow of early morning light, Rowa slowly blinked her eyes open, her hand instinctively stretching out as she adjusted her body. A moment of disorientation lingered, and she found herself wondering about her surroundings. Her gaze naturally gravitated toward the figure beside her, and as her eyes gradually opened wider, a soft gasp escaped her lips. "David," she called out, her voice a gentle whisper. A sudden throbbing headache coursed through her, and with it, the memories of the previous night flooded back. All she could distinctly recall was reaching out to David, seeing only him. Her eyes scanned the hospital room, a fleeting hope for James's presence, but the empty space beside her confirmed that they might not yet be aware of her hospital stay. Choosing not to disturb David's peaceful slumber, she decided to wait until he woke up. Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach, a silent reassurance to herself about the well-being of her baby. Even
"James"Desperation rang in Rowan's urgent call, as he tried to halt an impending injustice. His plea to prevent an innocent man from being falsely arrested hung in the air, but James intercepted her, cutting off her words with a resolute tone."No, Rowan. Flora won't escape this time. I remember warning them not to hurt you again. Please, arrest him," James insisted, his voice carrying the weight of protective fury. Rowan witnessed him in a rare state of anger, a stark contrast to his usual charm, realizing the depth of his stubbornness when fueled by rage.David, though silent, observed with a discerning gaze, choosing not to engage in a futile argument. His stance remained unwavering."Stop, James. Flora didn't hurt me. He saved my life last night," Rowan revealed, and James's expression transformed. His jaw dropped, embarrassment flooding him, and a heavy, awkward silence engulfed the room.In the midst of the tension, Rowan, sensing the need to break the heaviness, decided to ligh
As soon as David left, Rowan sensed the simmering frustration in James, so she tried to ease the tension by asking about Ryan and Jessica. "How's Ryan, Jessica?" Rowan inquired, hoping to soften James's mood. "Why did you leave alone when you know it's late?" James questioned, his concern veiled with a hint of annoyance. "I wanted to get the ice cream I promised you. Besides, I kept calling, and you didn't pick up your calls," Rowan explained, prompting James to offer an apology. "I'm sorry. I was in a tight situation yesterday, hoping that I would come back early and take you out. I never knew I would come back later," James replied, his tone reflecting a mix of regret and explanation. "A tight situation," Rowan muttered, her curiosity piqued. Unbeknownst to Rowan, the previous night, Mr. Matteo had invited James for dinner at his mansion. Initially, James had contemplated declining the offer, but a message on his phone changed his mind. Walking into the mansion, he noticed Rowa
Last night at David's family mansion, when Flora arrived, her heart was set on heading straight to David's cousin's room. She hoped to spend time with her friend before they all gathered for dinner. However, her plans took an unexpected turn when David's father's secretary intercepted her, informing her that David's father wished to see her.The mere thought of a one-on-one conversation with David's father sent shivers down Flora's spine. She was well aware of the man's disdain for her, knowing he disapproved of her relationship with his son. Despite her reluctance, she had no choice but to comply and meet with him.Upon entering his stately library, Flora was ushered into a chair, and David's father, with an air of formality, offered her a cup of juice. As they both took a seat, an uneasy silence hung in the air, creating a palpable tension in the room.After what felt like an eternity, the silence was shattered by David's father, who sternly inquired, "Why did you ask the doctor to
"What are you saying over the phone? I can't understand you," Flora's voice trembled with fear, her eyes widening as if she dreaded the impending news."I sent two guys to make Rowan lose her baby," Andrew confessed, and a wave of shock crashed over Flora. Her eyes, now reflecting disbelief, struggled to comprehend the gravity of the revelation."You did what?" Flora's voice quivered with horror and disbelief, her heart pounding."I attacked her last night, but the two guys I sent didn't complete the work, and they were caught. I heard David was the one who sent the police to investigate," Andrew explained, but Flora couldn't let him finish. Anguish and despair surged through her, prompting her to lunge at him, striking his back in frustration."Why would you do something like this without letting me know? Why? Why?" Flora's cries echoed, each word laden with a mix of anguish and incredulity. Her blows on Andrew's back carried the weight of her emotions.In a final act of desperation,
"Sister Jessica," Rowan called, feeling a bit nervous. As he saw the shyness on her face, Rowan couldn't help but smile more."What, you've got yourself a boyfriend now?" Jessica teased.Rowan replied casually, "And who would want to date a pregnant woman, with so many beautiful women out there who aren't expecting?" However, James took her words more seriously and responded."You are more beautiful than most women out there. Pregnancy is a blessing, not a burden. Any man who thinks you're not worth it because you're pregnant must have some serious issues," James said, and a hush fell over the room. His sincerity was palpable.Feeling the tension in the air after James's heartfelt words, Rowan quickly tried to change the subject."A long-time friend invited me to dinner, and I'm already running late," she said.Steve, sensing his brother's curiosity and unspoken feelings, asked, "Is it a he or a she? Friends have genders.""It's a he," Rowan replied. The moment she said 'he,' Steve no
They locked eyes for what felt like an eternity, caught in a silent standoff. No one willing to yield, a tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Then, at last, David shattered the stillness."You take the plate; I'll grab the second one," David declared, breaking the deadlock. Rowan mumbled a thank-you, almost drowned by the quiet air. She inched the plate closer, savoring each bite as David began to eat, both immersed in the meal. Not a word passed between them, the taste of the food seemingly eclipsing any need for conversation.Just as the tranquility settled, Rowan's phone erupted in a series of insistent vibrations. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was Rolland calling. The temptation to answer tugged at her, but the last person she wanted to disclose her meeting with David to was Rolland. Silencing the call, she decided against picking up."Ring!!!! Ring!!!!! Ring!!!" The persistent buzzing continued, Rowan swiftly muting the phone again. If she answered, Rolland would hound
"David, please," Rowan's voice quivered as she gently held the sobbing girl. The weight of her compassion was evident in the warm embrace she offered, a silent reassurance that echoed louder than words."Don't mind uncle," Rowan whispered softly, her hand gently soothing the child's trembling shoulders. She was determined to comfort the girl, to wipe away the tears that spoke volumes of hidden pain."Don't tell me you're following the girl to wherever she said her house is," David's tone carried a mix of concern and confusion. His brows furrowed, revealing the inner struggle of not wanting Rowan to put herself in potential danger, even though he couldn't deny her generous spirit."There's no need to follow me; I'll drop her at home and be back," Rowan's assurance held a touch of vulnerability. It was a promise laced with her unwavering kindness, a commitment to making things right in a world where compassion often felt scarce.As Rowan and the little girl moved away, David stood there
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