The hazy realm of unconsciousness slowly receded, allowing distant voices to infiltrate Richard's senses. Faint whispers danced in the periphery of his awareness until a singular command jolted him into full consciousness."Find who sent him here."His eyes snapped open, greeted by an unfamiliar environment. Rows of slabs adorned with various medicines surrounded him, and an ominous collection of medical tools lay on a table in front of the chair he found himself bound to. Panic gripped him as the realization dawned – he had been ensnared by the doctor.He clenched his jaw, biting his lower lip in frustration and rage. How had he allowed himself to be captured? The room felt like a trap, and Richard's mind raced with questions. The doctor, perceptive to the tumultuous emotions etched on Richard's face, couldn't resist a taunt."You're probably wondering how I managed to capture you," the doctor's voice oozed with a sinister calmness. "I saw you the day Miss Flora visited. The CCTV at
Before Richard could spill the truth, a wave of apprehension seized him. He hesitated, pondering the potential fallout his words might trigger for his boss. The newfound intimacy with Rowan made him wary of anything that could sour their budding connection. With a heavy heart, he opted to postpone the revelation."I'll tell him later, once I've got a grip on Andrew," Richard resolved before departing the store, a constellation of conflicting emotions swirling within him. 🌟As the night deepened, Flora harbored a desperate hope that David's lost memories might return by dawn's light. But David remained steadfast in his refusal to let her stay, despite his mother's pleading."I may not understand the nature of your relationship with this woman," David declared, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and concern, "but I won't allow anything to disrupt my wife's peace. Even in her silence, her discomfort speaks volumes. It's time for you to leave."His mother, poised to intervene
The kiss lingered longer than either of them had anticipated. As they parted, David settled beside Rowan, and an enveloping silence descended upon them, broken only by the rhythmic cadence of their breathing.Minutes passed, marked by the stillness that enveloped them, each breath a reminder of their shared moment. Finally, David gently slipped from the bed, leaning in to press a lingering kiss on Rowan's forehead.Every fiber of his being yearned for this moment to stretch on, to linger in the warmth of their connection. David found himself questioning the source of these newfound emotions, bewildered by his own behavior, akin to that of a newlywed groom.As he withdrew from the tender gesture, his father's words echoed in his mind with unwavering clarity."How can you know you love her when you never give her a chance? From the first day, you've seen her as a sinner. Give her a chance. Take her out for a month, and look at her, treat her differently, as if you've just met."Recallin
Rowan had been lost in recounting memories of her past with David, reminiscing about the innocence of their childhood encounters, until sleep overcame her and she drifted into a deep dream.The abrupt knock on the door startled Rowan from her slumber, and before she could fully comprehend the situation, the door burst open and Flora stormed in.Rage emanated from Flora's every pore as her eyes fell upon the scene before her: Rowan's head nestled on David's chest, his arm wrapped protectively around her.As Flora's fury ignited, Rowan realized the assumptions racing through Flora's mind. With a swift understanding, she slipped from the bed and approached Flora."Let's talk in the kitchen," Rowan suggested, mindful of waking David or allowing him to overhear their conversation."It's not what you think, nothing happened between us," Rowan attempted to explain, but before her words could find purchase, Flora's hand struck her face, leaving Rowan gasping and clutching her stinging cheek.
David hadn't provided any response to Rowan when his parents arrived. Earlier, when David called his father, the elder man was startled upon hearing that Rowan had fallen to the ground. Despite not being in the best health, David's father couldn't stay at home and immediately summoned the driver to take them to David's house. David's mother, though initially hesitant, ended up following her husband."Are you sure you're okay?" David's father repeatedly asked Rowan inside the car as they headed to the hospital."Yes, uncle, I'm fine," Rowan reassured him.Despite the concern, Rowan couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The fact that everyone was genuinely concerned about her health, including David's mother, was a pleasant surprise. Even though David's mother maintained a hostile demeanor with her constant hissing and frowning, Rowan chose to be grateful for the attention.The old David's mother would have likely left her to fend for herself. Rowan attempted to empathize with h
"Sit, David. Let's have a heart-to-heart, son," David's father beckoned, his voice gentle yet weighted with concern. David sank into the chair, his nerves dancing like wildfire within him.""Don't worry, David. You're safe here," his father comforted, his eyes softening with understanding."Now, tell me what's weighing on your mind. I can sense it, especially with Flora," he encouraged, his gaze piercing through David's facade. David marveled at his father's insight, a blend of admiration and unease knotting in his stomach."Thanks, Dad," David murmured, his voice trembling with emotion."For what?" his father inquired, curiosity flickering in his eyes."For being there, for being Dad," David choked out, a chill creeping down his spine as he wondered what his father knew about Flora's misdeeds, yet chose to keep silent.His father didn't need to ask. He knew David's facade hid something significant, something tied to Flora."Dad, I just need a little more time to wrap things up. Then,
Since Rowan's departure, James had buried himself in work, drowning in tasks and responsibilities. Whispers circulated among the staff, speculating whether James was secretly in love with Rowan, unable to express his feelings as he grew increasingly moody with her absence.Some brave souls attempted to inquire about Rowan, but James brushed them off, insisting they focus on their duties until Rowan returned."Doctor, you seem off these days. Is everything alright?" the head nurse ventured, concern etched in her voice as she approached James.James nodded tersely, masking his inner turmoil behind a facade of composure."Doctor, you know they say a problem shared is a problem halved. You can trust me, sir. I'm here to help," the nurse persisted gently, her sincerity evident."Thank you, but I'm fine," James replied, his tone clipped."Sir, you know—" the nurse began again, only to be cut off by James's sudden outburst of anger."I said I'm fine! If you have no work to do, I can find som
Today was different. James returned home earlier than usual, his temper simmering beneath the surface, impossible to contain. He was seething with annoyance that his own brother would betray him by disclosing his intentions to Flora.Steve's actions had left James feeling betrayed, questioning his brother's motives. Steve had made decisions for others without considering their feelings, leaving Jessica and marrying someone else in a misguided attempt to protect their family and secure his own future.As James pulled into the driveway and stepped out of his car, his anger burned hot within him. He didn't bother with his suitcase; instead, he marched straight into Rowan's apartment."Uncle James, you're back early! You must really love this favorite dish of yours. I'll be done soon. Find a place to sit," Jessica greeted him cheerfully, emerging from the kitchen as soon as she heard his car. She opened the door for him, oblivious to the storm raging inside him.But James hadn't returned