Chapter 33 I Promise YouThe relaxed atmosphere instantly turned heavy as soon as Rowan finished speaking. It became so oppressive that people felt trapped, with no escape.Rowan tightly gripped the corner of her clothes, her palms sweaty.This was the first time she had expressed her feelings so openly, and she was afraid that David would reject her without hesitation.David didn't respond immediately; his dark eyes held a hint of suspicion and caution.After a while, he locked eyes with her and asked, "What are you proposing?""I just want to experience a normal marriage before we go through with the divorce. We've been married for a year, but we haven't even had a proper conversation. It will only take a month, and I won't bother you afterward."Despite her explanation, the inquiry in David's eyes didn't fade away."Even if we postponed it for another month or two, I still wouldn't fall in love with you and abandon my plan to marry Flora.""I understand."She smiled, but David sens
Rowan and Rolland accompanied Mr. Johnson into his office with hopes of retrieving their query letter. Deep down, Rowan suspected that he would issue them a one-week suspension and deduct it from her salary. Ever since that night, he had become a thorn in her and Rolland's sides. However, before he could process their request, he received a summons from the Vice President, causing them to return to their office. Rowan couldn't contain her excitement, even though she knew it was only for that day since it was close to her closing time. Tomorrow, she would have to face the query and the ensuing punishment.Coming back home now held a different feeling for Rowan, as David had been faithfully returning every day. She couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in her emotions - happiness and joy now enveloped her, unlike the past.After dinner, the two of them settled in the living room and watched TV, just like they had done a few days ago. Despite the humor of the movie they were watchi
David's gaze fixated on the woman, his eyes flickering as if attempting to unravel her secrets.He had never truly noticed her before, except for his resentment towards being forced into marrying her.Yet, she seemed to possess an uncanny understanding of his temperament. Since their wedding, she had taken the initiative to keep her distance, never intruding upon his life.He had always believed that her relentless pursuit of him was solely motivated by the desire to acquire Mrs. Thompson's prestigious name, perhaps through manipulative means, such as drugging him and engaging in unwanted intimacy. However, that night, he overheard her confessing her love for him.David never felt that his feelings for Flora had been shaken, but when he heard her soft and aggrieved voice complaining about why he didn't remember her, a throbbing suddenly flashed in his heart, witnessing Rowan's proximity to a man named Rolland, evolving a jealousy he believed was reserved exclusively for himAs David d
As Rowan and Rolland reached the door, they were taken aback by the absence of anyone around. They exchanged puzzled looks, wondering if they had misheard something. Since there was no one in sight, they shrugged it off as a possible misunderstanding and moved on. A little while after Rolland left, David decided to send the maid to assist Rowan in changing her dressing. Rowan had already put aside her worries and engaged in a conversation with David, wearing a calm expression. She deliberately avoided mentioning the company issue until David left, even though he was expecting her to bring it up. Since that day, Rowan took two more days off to rest before returning to work. During her break, Rolland occasionally texted her about the shady things Johnson had been up to in the company, keeping her informed. Although Rowan hadn't figured out a solid solution, she didn't feel as anxious about the situation as she had initially. No matter how unsettling the news was, it didn't bother her
Rowan never expected that the CSM would want to accompany her. It came as a surprise.She couldn't believe that the CSM was willing to go with her to confront Mr. Johnson, considering how powerful the shareholders were in the company. Shareholders held significant influence and could even get the CEO to dismiss any employee they desired."Thank you, ma'am," Rowan expressed her gratitude while also swearing solemnly, "There are certain questions I can't explain, but I can assure you that I have always acted in accordance with professional ethics. I am not the person Mr. Johnson has portrayed me to be.""I hope so," the CSM replied before guiding Rowan towards Mr. Johnson's office. She wondered why the President would be seeking Rowan's presence. It puzzled her even more than it puzzled Rowan herself.As they arrived at Mr. Johnson's office, they discovered it was locked. They approached his secretary for information, only to find out that he had just been called by the company presiden
Chapter 37 Business as usualAfter expressing my opinion, I hope to be evaluated solely based on my work performance, rather than being judged because of David's influence. I want my capabilities to be the basis for every task I undertake, rather than being associated with David."After speaking, the president requested a private conversation with Rowan and asked her to return for a discussion. They both left the president's office.Once the door closed, Rolland turned to Rowan, leaning on her elbow."Hey, why didn't you tell me about your conversation with David? Are you trying to keep people worried?""I didn't mention it to him," Rowan replied, still feeling a bit confused. "I don't understand how it turned into this all of a sudden."Holland noticed that Rowan's bewildered expression seemed genuine, and she was also puzzled."Then how did he find out?"They both remained silent for a moment, and then Rolland clapped her hands."Forget it! Let's not dwell on it. Finding a solution
Rowan asked, "What do you want me to give you to get the divorce right away?"David frowned and unhappily asked, "Do you think I'm only helping you for this reason?"Rowan stayed quiet for a while."Well, I still have some hope," she said calmly. "I've thought about it a lot this afternoon. No matter who told you, you figured out the cause and felt guilty for your woman. You think the rumors are spreading because of you.""Not guilty," David said, not wanting to reveal his thoughts. He quickly ended the topic by saying, "I apologize for her, and our issues won't affect your work anymore."Rowan was really curious and asked directly, "Aren't you disappointed at all? Now that you know Flora is capable of doing something like this, do you still think she's not responsible for the death of my baby?"Without hesitation, he replied, "She can't kill. She made a mistake because she was too worried. I know her better than you. Flora would never harm your baby. She's not the monster you think s
He spoke abruptly, his tone certain. "Did you hear something just now?"Rowan instinctively denied it because she didn't want to appear weak in front of David. "No, I didn't hear anything."David's eyes were open, and his tone was flat. "It doesn't matter if you heard it or not. I've always been honest with you and never hidden anything."Rowan couldn't argue with that, so she could only respond silently."Flora feels a bit uneasy because I married you and accepted my father's opinion," David carefully explained to her.Rowan couldn't bear to listen any longer and interrupted, "What you said has nothing to do with me. I'm not interested in whatever happened between the two of you."David glanced slowly at her face, and his lips parted slightly. "That's good. A lot has happened recently, and I was worried you might misunderstand something.""I know you stay at home every day only because of our agreement, nothing more," Rowan said coldly, though deep down, she was already in turmoil an
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