"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
Finally, Rowan arrived home. As she stepped out of the cab and walked towards her house, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, all centered around David and the events that had unfolded between them tonight. Lost in her contemplation, she collided with James, who was standing outside, patiently waiting for her."Ouch!" James groaned, the unexpected collision bringing Rowan back to reality."What were you thinking about so much?" James asked, slightly amused. He had anticipated her to stop upon seeing him, but she had walked right into him."I'm sorry, I didn't see you there," Rowan apologized, attempting to soothe James by rubbing his forehead."No problem at all," James reassured her."Let me get some pain relief ointment for you. I wouldn't want it to swell up," Rowan said, and James agreed to follow her to her room.Upon opening the door, Jessica's voice echoed from the living room as she assumed it was Rowan entering."How did your date go? I hope the guy is cooler than everyone a
Flora was inside the house, restlessly lying on the couch, repeatedly dialing the DPO in charge of Rowan's investigation. Each attempt went unanswered, adding to her growing restlessness and anxiety. David discovering the involvement of Andrew in the recent events was the last thing she wanted, and the fact that Andrew had thwarted the plan to harm the baby further infuriated her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not being aware of Andrew's attempt earlier; she would have welcomed the opportunity to finish what he started.Though her primary concern now was for Rowan to exit their lives, the lack of answers from the DPO intensified her frustration. After the tenth unsuccessful attempt, she flung the phone onto the couch, clenching her fists in a burst of anger. Her eyes darted around the room, fueled by a simmering rage, until they settled on the clock. A fleeting thought crossed her mind, wondering if David would even come home today.Driven by impatience and irritatio
Inside the car, David struggled to contain the anger that simmered within him. The revelations from Flora's conversation on the phone echoed in his mind, creating a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. It was difficult for him to fathom that Flora might be involved in harming Rowan's baby.As he drove, David couldn't shake the disturbing thoughts that plagued him. What if Flora was indeed responsible for the death of Rowan's first child? What if she was connected to the individuals injecting poison into Rowan? The mere possibility sent a shiver down David's spine, instilling a growing fear of uncovering the truth. The woman he had desired for so long, the woman he believed he knew, now seemed like an enigma capable of unimaginable acts.With no particular destination in mind, David continued driving until he reached the beach. Parking his car, he stepped out, seeking solace in the calming embrace of the sea breeze. As he walked toward the shore, hands tucked into his pockets, his gaze f
"I'm not lying, David. I can see you still have feelings for your ex-wife, and it's tearing us apart. I don't want that, but I've got a solution – we need to befriend Rowan. Trust me, David, I wouldn't deceive you," Flora pleaded, her eyes reflecting a mix of sincerity and desperation. Yet, David remained unconvinced, a stubborn resistance evident in his every expression."Let's just sleep on it," David finally suggested, his doubtful eyes betraying a lack of trust. Flora could feel the weight of his disbelief, and she knew there was only one person to blame – Rowan.If only Rowan had never entered their lives, they wouldn't be facing these heart-wrenching setbacks. Watching David walk away without caring about Flora's feelings, something he'd never done before, felt like a sharp dagger to her heart."David, you have to decide tonight!" Flora yelled, the frustration and hurt evident in her voice. She was tired of constantly trying to make him want her, exhausted from attempting to mak