David's brow furrowed, his concern evident as he pressed further, "What happened with your work?"Rowan's expression shifted, a mixture of resignation and self-deprecation. She chuckled softly, "I don't have a job."No further explanation was necessary; David immediately grasped the meaning behind her words.He hesitated momentarily before whispering, "I'm sorry."It was the second apology he had offered that day. Previously, Rowan had believed him to be someone who would never yield or apologize, regardless of right or wrong. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to say the words "It's okay."An awkward tension filled the air, the silence between them growing increasingly stifling. Minutes passed, prolonging the deadlock.Suddenly, David broke the silence, determination in his voice, "I'll arrange for someone to handle your work and take care of the house. Since I mentioned it, it's yours."A wry smile tugged at the corners of Rowan's lips. "You say that every time, but in the end, I'm the
It was the first time David expressed his concern to her, but his tone seemed a bit rigid as she listened carefully.However, for Rowan, it felt like throwing a stone into a calm lake, instantly disturbing the peace within her.Despite her discomfort, she disregarded it and quickly declined, saying, "No need! I'm probably just feeling a little off because I didn't eat lunch. I'll be fine later!" David still looked concerned.She didn't understand the significance of his silence at that moment, but she couldn't shake the feeling that his unusual behavior had startled her.Wiping her mouth with her sleeve, she hastily said, "If you have something to do, go ahead. You don't need to stay here with me." Finally, she managed to stand up."Okay, I have something to attend to..." He paused for a moment, then changed his words, "Call Maria if you need anything and ask her to accompany you to the hospital."Rowan simply nodded, hoping he would leave soon because the stomach discomfort was surgi
Rowan didn't have a clear idea of what was happening, but when she saw her mother's phone call, a sense of worry surged within her. She immediately wondered if her mother's medication had run out. However, upon hearing that her mother's health had taken a turn for the worse, a profound feeling of dread washed over her."How serious is it?" Rowan anxiously inquired into the phone."Where are you right now? Hurry and come here! The nurse is already attending to her," the maid's voice trembled with emotion, filled with a mix of fear and incoherent shouting.With each passing moment, Rowan grew increasingly confused. The doctor had previously assured her that her mother was making progress in overcoming cancer. So, what could be happening now?Despite her own fear, Rowan yearned to calm the maid's frantic state and gain a clear understanding of the situation. She rose from her seat, searching for her bag, and while making her way outside, she asked the maid for more details."Where are yo
Rowan couldn't help but smile, though it was tinged with sadness. "You care so much about my marriage. Is it because you truly care about me, or is it all about what this marriage can give you now?" Jason remained unfazed by her taunting, not allowing himself to be drawn into her ridicule. His attention was entirely fixed on the impending divorce between Rowan and President David. The mere thought of how he would be seen as the in-law to President David, his buddy, filled him with anger. "Rowan, have you lost your mind? Why would you want to leave a wealthy man like President David? So many people would do anything to be in your shoes and marry into the David family. Yet here you are, divorcing him even though he's been good to you. What would you do if he were having affairs?" He pointed accusingly at her, his frustration pouring out as he leaned against the door, watching the scene unfold with a cold gaze. In that moment, Rowan felt like she had been hit by a ton of bricks. Why
"Rowan, you're being too wary," her mother said. "But since you mentioned that David is a good man, I think you should try to resolve your differences instead of rushing into a divorce."Rowan was taken aback as the topic turned back to her marriage with David. She had asked Jason for his desires, not for her mother to intervene in her past relationship.Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Rowan realized she needed to be honest with her mother, even if it meant disappointing her. She didn't want her mother to keep holding onto the idea of her being related to David."Mom," she raised her head and looked her mother in the eyes, "I'm sorry if I didn't explain things earlier, but David and I have already divorced. We've signed the divorce agreement, and the legal procedures are almost completed. No matter how much you try to persuade me, it's not going to change that. Also, David being a good man is not the main concern here." She just wished her mother could understand and let her
Rowan was taken aback by the unexpected question, especially coming from her mother. Her mind briefly wandered to the grand mansion, but she quickly pushed that thought away. That mansion was a constant source of longing for both David and Flora. Despite David's promises to give it to her, Rowan knew she couldn't just sell it for money."I don't have any money," she replied firmly. "I could have had money, but I couldn't accept alimony from David. It was my fault they got divorced, after all."Jason's face darkened again. To avoid getting caught up in this issue, Rowan asked before her mother could intervene again."Jason, how much do you owe? I can cover the deposit. I would borrow from my friends, but I have no more options.""As for your business, I don't think investing more money in it is a good idea. Mom had invested a lot before the divorce, and Dad had helped you several times. It's clear that managing a business isn't your forte. You should find a job and work hard instead. B
The room fell into an uneasy silence as David gazed at Rowan expressionlessly. Her heart raced, unsure of how he would respond to her request. With a deep breath, she felt compelled to explain herself further."I know it's not the best time to ask for such a huge favor, and I apologize for putting you in this position. But something urgent has come up with my family, and I desperately need the money. I promise I'll find a way to pay you back as soon as possible."David leaned back on the sofa, crossing his long legs and folding his arms around his chest. His eyes remained fixed on Rowan as he repeated in a calm tone, "Two million?""Yes," Rowan replied with a nod, feeling a mix of hope and anxiety."What do you need it for?" David inquired, seemingly wanting more clarity before making a decision."It's a personal matter," Rowan hesitated, feeling embarrassed by the vague explanation. "I can't go into all the details, but it's essential for my family's well-being. I understand if you d
Rowan left David's company building and went straight to her mother's house. She gave her mother a check and expressed her concern, "Mom, please tell Jason not to borrow money from loan sharks anymore. I won't be able to help him repay it next time. He needs to live a healthy life, regardless of the size of his business."Her mother's eyes lit up when she saw the check, and she happily counted the zeros on it multiple times. She was too excited to think about Rowan's words. She felt grateful that Rowan saved Jason, but she also felt sorry for her daughter. Nevertheless, she had promised her late sister to take care of her son.Rowan noticed her mother's focus on the money and reminded her again, "Mom, make sure to tell Jason not to take any more risks in the future. Even if you beg me, I won't help him."Her mother replied casually, "Alright, I got it."Relieved, Rowan looked around the room but couldn't find Jason or the maid. She found it strange and asked, "Where is Jason, and wher
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