Rowan's heart skipped a beat as her eyes locked with Amira's across the coming towards her.Fear gripped her, the same fear that had plagued her since their high school days. She had missed out on so much because of Amira, who always tormented her and made her life difficult. The memories flooded back, threatening to overwhelm her, as she stood frozen in place.Rowan's high school days were a nightmare, thanks to Amira. Amira was the one who made her life difficult, constantly tormenting her. During those years, Rowan longed for David's protection. They had been friends since elementary school, and David always stood up for her against bullies. But in high school, Amira and her gang targeted Rowan because of her small stature.They would beat her mercilessly, treating her as if she were their personal servant. Rowan was so tiny, defenseless against their cruelty. The abuse got so bad that one day she ended up in the hospital. Despite the pain and fear, Rowan never told her parents wha
David frowned, not understanding what she had said.Rowan snorted softly and repeated her question. She was tired of the whole situation."What do you want from me?" she asked again.David pursed his lips tightly and didn't say anything.Rowan said, "If it's okay, I'll leave now."After speaking, she turned her head and started walking back to the house.Quickly, David took two steps forward to block her way, and she nearly bumped into him.Surprised, she looked at him angrily and asked, "What are you doing?!"David stared at her closely and asked, "Are you angry? Why? Where did you go last night?"His repeated questioning made Rowan's anger explode.All the frustration and unwillingness she had been holding since yesterday morning came pouring out in that moment.She looked at him coldly and said, "Is it necessary for me to tell you where I'm going? By what right are you questioning me?"It was the first time David had seen Rowan lose her temper. His intense gaze didn't have any effe
Chapter 57 The Deviation of MemoryRowan's mind went blank, desperately hoping to conceal the truth from David—the one person she couldn't bear to admit she had slept with two nights ago.She swiftly swatted his hand away from her clothes, gripping his collar tightly to shield David's view. Her heart raced, and she stammered, "No."David's intense gaze pierced her, his voice was deep and knowing, aware that Rowan was attempting to feign ignorance of his question.Words failed her at that moment, but she quickly composed a response, mustering all the courage she had left. "No matter what you're asking, it wasn't me. I went to the bathroom and when I returned, I didn't see any of you. So, I went home alone.""How, then, did you get that mark on your neck?" David interrogated."Mosquito bites," Rowan hastily replied, feeling increasingly uneasy under the weight of his scrutiny.David continued to stare intently into her eyes, a sneer curling his lips at her response. "Rowan, are you stil
Chapter 58 It's Too LateDavid's father couldn't deny it any longer. His voice filled with disappointment, he let out a heavy sigh. "But Rowan, I'm not just trying to cover up this matter. I am also David's father. How can I simply stand by and watch an unfamiliar woman dare to come and threaten her elders? How can she marry my son and have children with him? I don't believe in her, let alone believe that in just two or three years, she will wholeheartedly devote herself to David."His words hit Rowan hard, leaving her speechless and lost in thought.Noticing a glimmer of doubt on her face, David's father continued his heartfelt plea. "I understand that I've done some extreme things, but trust me, I had my reasons for wanting David to marry you. I didn't oppose your marriage in the beginning, and I still don't object to you being together now. I know that David's mother holds strong prejudices against you and hasn't fully accepted you. But don't worry, I will have a sincere talk with
Rolland fell silent instantly, obediently heeding Rowan's command. Through the phone, he couldn't see what had caught Rowan's attention, but their long-standing friendship gave him the intuition that she must have had a valid reason.However, despite waiting for a while, the phone remained eerily quiet, as if the mute button had been pressed.Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Rolland cautiously called out Rowan's name. "Rowan, what's going on?"After a brief pause, Rowan responded softly, her voice filled with uncertainty. "I think I just saw Flora."Rolland was taken aback. "What was she doing there?""I'm not sure. I saw her coming out of the hospital. There's a hospital next to the company where I got the employment. Rolland. I'm going to go over and take a look. We can talk later.""Wait!" Rolland hurriedly shouted.But all he heard in response was the beeping sound of a busy line.Rolland stared at the phone and let out a helpless sigh.Initially, he had wanted to convi
Rowan had absolutely no desire to be in a relationship with Flora. The mere attempt of Flora trying to communicate with her infuriated Rowan.The doctor standing nearby appeared surprised, glancing at both of them before offering a smile. "So you two know each other. That works out well. Take a rest, and I'll prescribe the medicine. Rowan, a nurse will accompany you to bring it over later."Flora's face brightened with a smile as she eagerly agreed.Throughout the entire encounter, Rowan remained silent. As she watched the doctor put away his pen and exit the room, she began to follow suit, ready to leave."Wait!" Flora suddenly called out, stopping Rowan in her tracks. With great enthusiasm, she exclaimed, "It's been so long since I last saw you. Let's sit down and chat for a while!"There was absolutely nothing to discuss between them in their nearly incompatible relationship. The bitterness of their last encounter at the coffee shop was still fresh in Rowan's memory.Rowan wanted t
Richard spread his hands in response to Flora's question, trying to appear innocent."You see, I was kicked out by Mr. David, so I didn't participate in their discussion. I really don't know the specifics," he explained, offering what seemed like mere excuses.However, Flora knew better. As David's personal secretary, it was implausible for Richard to be completely ignorant of David's itinerary. She couldn't confront him directly, though, and there seemed to be no good way to force the truth out of him."Okay," Flora sighed, her frustration evident. "You go back and do your work. I'll take some time for myself."She thought for a moment, realizing that letting him go was her only option for now.Richard hurriedly walked away, reminding Flora before leaving, "Miss Flora, if you need anything, just come to my office and look for me. Don't go wandering around! President David is furious, and it'll be difficult for us to accomplish anything."Hearing his words, Flora's anger flared up ins
David had to distance himself from Flora, ever since the night she confessed they had slept together, doubts about their relationship had been consuming him. The weight of his father's dying wish and his staunch opposition, coupled with Rowan's tearful pleas, left him momentarily unsure of his own convictions.What chilled him even further was Flora's complete lack of remorse for her actions. She didn't see anything wrong with her behavior; she was only worried about David's anger and not bothered by the consequences she caused Rowan, who had lost her job due to her manipulations.In the aftermath of the showdown in his second apartment that night, David deliberately avoided Flora for two days. He retreated to his mansion, which he now shared with Rowan after work. He had hoped to have ample time to discuss matters with Rowan, return her job, and then calmly negotiate the terms of their divorce. At the very least, he had hoped they could part ways amicably, without any lingering debt