"Is Miss Naomi still good looking? The last time I saw her was when she came to Mexico to perform while she was quite young, and she was under the care of the Williams Family." The two Williams brothers remained quiet, and Jessica turned to Rowan to inquire once more. Rowan couldn't make sense of it at all. Why did James and Steve fall silent when Jessica brought up Naomi? What else was concealed? In response to Jessica's query, Rowan told her, "She's very good-looking. She has a youthful appearance and seems younger than her actual age. The only downside is her temper." She cast a brief, questioning look at James, who continued to stay silent, and then suddenly leaned in to ask Jessica, "Sister Jessica, isn't the Naomi family hosting a birthday celebration today?" Initially, she hoped that Jessica, who seemed to be in the know, would shed light on what they meant by "trap and being deceived." Surprisingly, Jessica asked her, "Is it Miss Naomi's birthday today?" Rowan nodded.
Both the Williams brothers and Jessica appeared eager to put the turbulent matters concerning the Uncle Matteo family behind them. After that eventful night, no one dared to bring up those past events again. Rowan, out of genuine concern, initially asked a few questions, but she soon realized that it might be best for Jessica if they all refrained from discussing it further.Despite the awkward silence that followed, it was apparent that the Uncle Matteo family remained indifferent to the discomfort their actions had caused. Two days after the banquet, Uncle Matteo orchestrated a dinner gathering at his house, with a clear intention: he wanted to meet with James. The person he had sent, who had a role similar to that of a housekeeper, made it explicitly known that James was the one they were seeking.James, given his character, did not outright refuse the invitation, even though he knew what was expected of him as a junior member. As James headed to the appointment, Jessica's face bor
Because of GrandpaWhen David texted her, she was still in the middle of her breakfast.Upon hearing her phone ring, he quickly picked it up and glanced at the screen.David inquired, "Are you alright? I'm downstairs."She hastily gulped down her porridge and addressed those at the table."I need to head out."James hesitated briefly but eventually nodded, offering, "Don't hesitate to call if you require any assistance."Since last night, Rowan had been regretful about letting him leave, and she vigorously nodded in agreement."I understand."In a hushed tone, Jessica, feeling a sense of unease, questioned Rowan, "Do you really have to go?"Having learned from James about the previous encounter with Flora and David's mother in the hospital's underground parking lot, Jessica was acutely aware of the David family's aversion to Rowan.She sympathized with how uncomfortable that experience had been and genuinely didn't want Rowan to face them alone again.The concern of her friends warme
Nothing serious"Do you still want to give Flora a lecture?" David's mother's words immediately silenced DavidDavid cast a complex glance at Flora. After a moment, he spoke softly, "I'll take her to meet Dad. You can have your conversation first."David's mother let out a disdainful snort but refrained from saying more. David led Rowan to the second floor of the villa.Rowan felt a bit puzzled. "Won't your father come downstairs to join the activities?" she asked.David remained silent for a while before replying, "His condition has worsened over the past two days, and the doctor recommended he stay in bed for more rest."His weariness was evident in his tone, and Rowan couldn't help but sigh, her expression tinged with sadness.The two ascended the stairs in silence. Suddenly, David spoke, "I didn't expect this to happen just now. We had already agreed on it before.""Hmm?" Rowan took a moment to grasp his reference.He shook his head nonchalantly, saying, "It's all right."Then, he
Give him a chanceDavid's father, with a contemplative pause, responded to Rowan, "Uncle, don't blame me for talking too much. David is already an adult, so why should you keep opposing it if they have to get married? Making fun of your own body is too much like child's play."David's father didn't reply directly to Rowan but changed the subject, saying, "I discovered something a few days ago."This revelation left Rowan in shock, prompting her to inquire, "What's the matter?"In response, David's father reached into the low cabinet beside the bed, withdrew a white envelope, and handed it to her, saying, "See for yourself."Rowan accepted the envelope with a sense of skepticism, noting its lightness and suspecting it contained photographs or postcards. Slowly opening it, she retrieved a piece of paper inside, revealing several photos, each taken from peculiar angles, suggesting they were captured secretly.As she laid eyes on the person featured in the photographs, Rowan's breath caug
Both David's family and Rowan's family took this day very seriously. The entire clan gathered at the cemetery to pay their respects to David's deceased grandfather.Despite their solemnity, there was no elaborate ceremony at the cemetery. In fact, it was a simple and dignified affair. This was in keeping with the old man's wishes, as he had always despised formalism and extravagance. Both David's father and David himself were naturally inclined towards modesty, and over the years, they had refrained from any grand displays.The younger generation took it upon themselves to clear the weeds around the tomb and offered fruits and flowers as a tribute. They all stood in front of the grave, sharing a moment of mourning.To this day, when Rowan looks at the photo on the tombstone, her eyes well up with pain. She had known him since childhood and often wondered if, had he still been alive, he might have helped David remember her, and their marriage might have survived.Throughout her life, s
Rowan assisted David's father in exiting the car, and coincidentally, upon entering the door, encountered David's cousin.Upon seeing Rowan, David's cousin contorted her face and pointed while shouting, as if she had glimpsed a ghost."Why did you come back with him? This is not your home!"David's father frowned and fixed his gaze on his youngest niece. "You! You've disregarded all the politeness I've always taught you. Your speech lacks decorum."This marked the first instance of David's father sternly correcting her due to her behavior towards Rowan.David's cousin may have been taken aback, for she looked at him incredulously and retorted in a raised voice."Am I mistaken? Uncle, you're acting more strangely by the day. We are obviously family, and this woman was abandoned by my brother. Why do you persist in favoring her?"David's father scolded her, "Who taught you such words? I haven't been guiding you for several days, and you've grown increasingly brazen."The dispute between
Rowan sat on the sofa, applying gentle force when moving people aside. However, David was taken by surprise and had to take a few steps back to maintain his balance. He clung to the coffee table with both hands, preventing himself from an embarrassing fall.Rowan's annoyance was palpable as she stared at David. In a deep voice, she confronted him, "David, considering we're divorced, can you please stop insulting me?"Having just regained his composure, David looked up just in time to see the sadness and anger in her eyes. He allowed a small, sarcastic smile to play on his lips as he replied, "You think I'm insulting you?"Rowan's anger flared. "Isn't it obvious? I've explained that it was my uncle who accompanied me home first, and I've only now returned to the Thompson family. Why do you insist on making it seem like you're here to see me, as if you want to seduce me? Is my dignity so meaningless to you?"David lowered his gaze, silently bearing her accusations.As Rowan continued to
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