Rowan was lost in thought as she nibbled on the meat skewers, her mind far away from the delicious flavors. Across from her, Rolland grew impatient and grabbed a chicken wing, shoving it into his mouth."I brought you here to enjoy good food, not to space out!" he scolded.Rowan awkwardly smiled, taking the chicken wing out of her mouth and responding slowly, "I'm sorry. I'm just a bit distracted."Rolland looked curious, "You've been distant since we met. If you're not feeling well, we can head back.""I'm okay. Let's finish eating and then go back," Rowan reassured.Rolland had been wanting to share this barbecue spot with Rowan ever since she quit her job. Today, he finally got his wish. Rowan was determined to enjoy the meal before heading home.It's just that sometimes, letting your mind wander isn't easy to control.As she neared the end of her chicken wings, she suddenly glanced up at Rolland."I bumped into Flora earlier, near the little gate where we first met," she said.Rol
Rowan was surprised by David's Father's request, and she paused for a moment. On the other end of the phone, David's Father seemed to anticipate her reaction.He let out a long sigh before speaking again, "I understand if you find it awkward. I've distanced myself from the David family. I realize it might be a bit difficult for you to visit an old man like me.""It's not what you think," she quickly clarified, "I'm just not sure if it's appropriate for me to come over."Rowan couldn't forget what Flora had mentioned. Flora had mentioned that she was looking after David's father almost every day at the David family house. Given this situation, Rowan was really hoping to avoid running into her.Flora was manipulative and cunning. Rowan worried that seeing her at the David family house might lead to negative thoughts and unpleasant outcomes for Rowan herself.David's Father's voice became softer as he responded, "Even though I'm unwell, I still have a say in family matters. All I'm askin
Rowan looked really scared. Her lips moved, but no words came out. It happened a few times.When David talked, he wasn't trying to keep his voice down. His mom might not have heard them well because he was far away. But the housekeeper was right there and heard everything.David didn't expect his young master to react so much to seeing Rowan here.After being surprised for a moment, she stepped up to talk to Rowan."Sir, it's true. The boss asked Miss Rowan to come, and he even told me to come and welcome her."David changed his face from a half-smile to serious and nodded at him.He couldn't deny that his father had sent for her. So he said, "You can show her in."But you could still tell from his eyes that he didn't think Rowan was innocent.After that, he seemed done talking. He walked around Rowan and went upstairs first.He walked over to his mom's side and held her hand."Come on, Mom."David's mom pointed at Rowan, looking upset."Why don't you just tell her to leave right away
David's father gave Rowan a strange look."He's done similar things before, so I won't trust him easily."He stopped for a moment and then said, "But what's more important is that I don't believe David is that kind of person."Rowan held the water glass tightly and didn't say anything. David's father sighed and spoke slowly."Rowan, you might think I'm just trying to protect him, but I've seen him grow up. He's never been the type to act irresponsibly, like getting someone pregnant before getting divorced. It just doesn't seem like something he would do."So, it was just David's father guessing.Rowan felt relieved. She didn't want to hide the truth from David's father, but she knew that if she revealed she overheard Flora talking to the unfamiliar man, she would be in trouble given the current situation.David's father will investigate everything because of what she said. Whether her words turned out to be true or not, would David forgive her and disrupt her life again?When she reme
Rowan's words exploded like a chain of firecrackers, immediately igniting David's fury.A pang of pain shot through his clenched jaw, signaling his struggle to maintain control over his emotions."Why am I the cause of his sadness? Explain it clearly," he demanded.His grip paid no heed to Rowan's emotions, causing tears to well up in her eyes from the pain.Aware that any response might further fuel his rage, she pressed her lips together and remained silent.David gripped her chin, forcing her face upward.In a cold tone, he ordered, "Speak!"Her movement triggered the release of two tears that coursed from the corners of her eyes, tracing a path down her cheeks to fall upon his hands.The searing heat on his fingers jolted David into a moment of awareness. Before him stood a woman, her pallor accentuated by the glisten of tears.He detected a slight tremor in her body.Is she afraid of him?Becoming aware of his actions, he eased his grip on her, though his tone remained harsh."Th
"I don't agree!" Rolland's response was blunt."There's no rush to move out so quickly. You can continue living with me for a while and then gradually find a suitable place."Originally, Rowan and James had set up an appointment to view the house. Upon learning about it, Rolland spent a considerable time negotiating the terms, seemingly intending to accompany her.He claimed he was there to assist her in making an informed choice, yet from his expression now, Rowan felt as if he had already decided to object right then and there.Helplessly, she offered, "Rolland, I find this place quite fitting."He remained obstinate in his stance."I don't think it's the right move! Rushing into a decision after a couple of showings is ill-advised. If you end up dissatisfied, changing your mind later will be even more troublesome."Rowan gestured with her hands, exasperated. "Where exactly is it unsuitable?"Rolland was momentarily speechless."The decor is excellent, the rent is affordable, and it
Richard walked into the coffee shop for his meeting with Rowan. As soon as he entered, he spotted Rowan sitting by the window, wearing a pale yellow dress and looking lost in thought.His footsteps slowed down when he heard a noise. He walked towards her table uncertainly. It wasn't that he was too noticeable, but the big white dog sitting beside him was drawing a lot of attention.He approached gradually, and the white dog gazed at him with its head tilted, not taking its eyes off him. The dog even stuck out its tongue in an adorable way.Even though the dog seemed friendly, Richard took cautious steps. He didn't want to startle the dog and cause any trouble in the cafe.Richard was also puzzled about Rowan's sudden invitation. He moved closer to the small table by the window. Finally, Rowan turned around from staring outside, noticing his arrival.She stood up and greeted him with a smile, "You're here."Richard glanced at the white dog resting by her feet. The dog remained in its s
David put down the pen he had picked up less than a minute ago. He leaned back in his office chair. He looked carefully at his secretary and asked, "When did she come to see you?" Richard replied honestly, "Just now, during lunch break." "She told you to send a message. You need to send it, Richard. Remember, I'm the one who pays your salary." David's words didn't scare Richard. He replied confidently, "Yes, it's you. That's why I work hard to solve your problems." David smirked. He reached out with his slim fingers, picked up a cowhide envelope from the table, and tossed it in Richard's direction. "Take this and go." After saying that, he went back to looking at the documents on the table, ignoring how Richard reacted. With a sigh, Richard reached out and took the envelope. He had thought Mr. David would ask some questions, but he wasn't even mentioning names now. Suddenly, Richard felt a bit embarrassed. He turned around and took a couple of steps before something crossed h
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