James, genuinely concerned for Rowan's safety, tried to convince her not to meet Flora. He reminded her of the pain their encounters had caused in the past, but Rowan, enticed by the offer Flora had presented, couldn't resist the curiosity and the need for closure."I will accept your decision, but I will follow you to her," James insisted, his protective instincts kicking in."No, I want to go and meet her alone. She thinks I'm afraid of her, that's why you've been following me around. I won't give her the satisfaction of believing I'm truly afraid to be alone with her," Rowan asserted, determination in her voice."But you're pregnant, and she isn't anymore. She might hurt you, and the baby could get hurt too," James argued, his worry evident."Don't worry, James. I'll take my phone along, and if she tries anything, I'll give you a call. I can handle this," Rowan assured him, her conviction making James reluctantly accept her decision.As James left, Rowan resumed her normal routine
"Flora, did you really mean it that David protected your friend, the one who almost cost me my life?" Rowan's voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and hurt. She couldn't fathom the idea that David, the man she had once trusted and cared for, would prioritize Flora's wishes over her safety and the well-being of their unborn child.Flora, maintaining a cold and indifferent demeanor, looked at Rowan with a superiority that fueled Rowan's anguish. "What are you thinking? That David will choose you over my requests from him? Sorry to let you know, he loves me and me alone, so back off."Rowan's eyes welled up with a mixture of sadness and frustrationFlora left Rowan alone in the coffee shop, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Rowan remained seated, trying to process the revelation that David had chosen to protect Flora's interests over seeking justice for the person who had nearly cost her the life of her unborn child.Tears streamed down Rowan's face, each drop a testament to
He hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to call Rowan or not. The uncertainty lingered, and then he shook off the childish thoughts, deciding that if she declined, he wouldn't force her."Hello, are you at home? I want to pick you up so that we can go together," David asked when Rowan answered the phone, his voice revealing a mix of formality and a hint of hope.Rowan's refusal to let David pick her up sent a surge of confusion and frustration through him. The phone call crackled with tension, her voice laced with anger that left David bewildered, wondering what could have transpired to provoke such a reaction from her.As David ventured out to fetch the wine, the day began its descent into dusk, casting long shadows across the landscape. Parking his car near the corner leading to the couple's home, he couldn't shake the unease that lingered in the air. With time to spare, he decided to delve into work, opening his laptop to sift through company proposals for an upcoming cont
As David and Rowan stood beside his car, a heavy silence engulfed them, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and unspoken words. David's heart pounded with a mixture of anxiety and confusion, as he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that Rowan was deliberately creating distance between them. The memory of Rowan swiftly disavowing any romantic connection to the couple they had just encountered gnawed at David's mind. Despite his usual composed demeanor as the President of A's Usual, a subtle ache of rejection began to pulse through him. Breaking the oppressive quiet, David hesitantly offered, "Let me drop you at home." His voice carried a vulnerability that betrayed his inner turmoil. Rowan, however, declined with a soft-spoken, "No thank you, don't let me disturb you. I'll find a cab to take me home." David, unable to contain his frustration, retorted with an edge of anger, not bothering to mask the hurt beneath. "Suit yourself," David muttered, his words laced with a mix o
David's forgotten childhood suddenly resurfaced when he stumbled upon an old photo in Michael's hands at his father's library two months ago. The image triggered a flood of memories, though not all, and he found himself recalling the moments of protecting a little girl he once loved.As he gazed at the picture, David couldn't help but wonder about that girl's whereabouts. Little did he know, fate had a surprise for him. Just when he least expected it, he discovered that Rowan, the same girl he had longed to meet again, was standing right in front of him."Knowing you're the David who saved me from the bully back then, does it change anything?" Rowan responded, her eyes devoid of warmth, leaving David taken aback.Rowan's simplicity surprised David. She could have reminded him, made him remember her, but instead, she played along with the unfolding revelation.A realization struck David—did Rowan know about his lost childhood memories? It seemed unlikely, considering she knew nothing a
Flora's eyes were filled with a mix of frustration and confusion as she confronted David. "David, what happened? My uncle called, saying the proposal he submitted to your company wasn't for us. Is something wrong?" She had welcomed him warmly, taken her suitcase to the room, and set the table for both of them. David, having just finished eating, wiped his mouth with a napkin. He sighed, understanding the gravity of Flora's concerns. "Did you ask your uncle if he received another email?" he inquired while doing a final cleaning of his hands. Flora replied hesitantly, as if stumbling over her words, "Yes, but it's not clear to me. He mentioned being summoned to an oral defense or interview." "Okay, then wait until tomorrow," David suggested. Flora, seated in front of him, clenched her fist but tried to maintain a calm facade. "Must our company go through the same process as others? You know we're still the best, and you can't possibly want us to..." Flora continued, but David interje
Flora's fingers traced a delicate path, seeking connection in the intimacy of the moment, only to be abruptly halted as David intercepted her advance. "Flora, what are you trying to do?" David's question hung heavy in the air as he gently removed her hand from his body. "I'm trying to please my man," Flora declared with unwavering confidence. "And you should know, I don't want this between us. The first pregnancy was a mistake that shouldn't have happened, and I sense you want another error to replay," David's words draped the room, his eyes betraying simmering anger. "David, are you saying you don't want any intimacy between us?" Flora's chest rose and fell, her attempt at managing her anger evident. "Flora, you know me. The last thing I wanted was for you to get pregnant before we got married," David explained, prompting a subtle smile from Flora. "Fine, so you don't care if your father rejects me again. I guess you don't care about marrying me anymore," Flora asserted, attempt
"Who's that?" Flora asked, her curiosity tinged with a spark of concern. She probed David, sensing a sudden shift in his mood. He resembled a thief caught red-handed, grappling with the uncertainty of facing the repercussions of his concealed secrets.David, wearing an expression of fear and paranoia, replied with a shaky, "Nothing," before hastily retreating to the wardrobe, desperately searching for something to wear."David, we're partners. We shouldn't keep secrets. What's going on? You look so paranoid," Flora pleaded, closing the emotional distance between them. The impulse to comfort him tugged at her, but she restrained herself, fearing it might only intensify David's inner turmoil.Despite her earnest plea, David remained silent, engrossed in changing his clothes. His gaze lingered on Flora, a blend of indifference and veiled frustration. He wasn't seething with anger, but he resented Flora for exploiting the vulnerability he harbored for her. Opting for the precarious path,
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