As soon as David left, Rowan sensed the simmering frustration in James, so she tried to ease the tension by asking about Ryan and Jessica. "How's Ryan, Jessica?" Rowan inquired, hoping to soften James's mood. "Why did you leave alone when you know it's late?" James questioned, his concern veiled with a hint of annoyance. "I wanted to get the ice cream I promised you. Besides, I kept calling, and you didn't pick up your calls," Rowan explained, prompting James to offer an apology. "I'm sorry. I was in a tight situation yesterday, hoping that I would come back early and take you out. I never knew I would come back later," James replied, his tone reflecting a mix of regret and explanation. "A tight situation," Rowan muttered, her curiosity piqued. Unbeknownst to Rowan, the previous night, Mr. Matteo had invited James for dinner at his mansion. Initially, James had contemplated declining the offer, but a message on his phone changed his mind. Walking into the mansion, he noticed Rowa
Last night at David's family mansion, when Flora arrived, her heart was set on heading straight to David's cousin's room. She hoped to spend time with her friend before they all gathered for dinner. However, her plans took an unexpected turn when David's father's secretary intercepted her, informing her that David's father wished to see her.The mere thought of a one-on-one conversation with David's father sent shivers down Flora's spine. She was well aware of the man's disdain for her, knowing he disapproved of her relationship with his son. Despite her reluctance, she had no choice but to comply and meet with him.Upon entering his stately library, Flora was ushered into a chair, and David's father, with an air of formality, offered her a cup of juice. As they both took a seat, an uneasy silence hung in the air, creating a palpable tension in the room.After what felt like an eternity, the silence was shattered by David's father, who sternly inquired, "Why did you ask the doctor to
"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