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
Rowan's heart sank as she saw David's frozen expression. She had no idea what she had said wrong, but it was clear that she had struck a nerve. She hurriedly tried to explain herself, hoping to ease the tension between them. "I... I only found out that Flora was pregnant when she came to the hospital where I work for an examination today," Rowan stammered. "I didn't deliberately inquire or anything." David's frown deepened, and he continued to gaze at her with a piercing look in his eyes. His silence only heightened Rowan's anxiety. "Did you see Flora at the hospital today?" David finally asked, his tone filled with a mix of concern and suspicion. "Yes, yes," Rowan replied, her voice trembling slightly. She could feel her tongue tying up as she struggled to find the right words. She couldn't help but feel like she had unintentionally offended him once again, in a way she couldn't comprehend. The uncertainty hung heavy in the air, and Rowan anxiously awaited his response. Time see
David's father's words echoed in Rowan's mind, leaving her wondering, "Is it really Flora?" But why would Flora claim her surname is Smith? It didn't make sense to fabricate an identity just for a prenatal checkup."Rowan, Rowan?" A hand waved in front of her eyes, pulling her out of her thoughts.Lost in contemplation, she had forgotten that the doctor was waiting for a response. She mustered a smile and apologized, "I'm sorry, Doctor. I don't know her very well, so it would be best for me to call her directly and let her handle it.""Oh, that's fine! I can ask her myself later then," the doctor replied."Doctor," Rowan interjected as the doctor was about to leave the room. She hurriedly approached him, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Can I inquire about her current situation?"The doctor paused, suspicious of Rowan's sudden interest after claiming not to know Flora well. He asked with a hint of doubt, "Do you really know each other?"Realizing the inconsistency in her words, Rowan quick
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