Rowan sat on the sofa, applying gentle force when moving people aside. However, David was taken by surprise and had to take a few steps back to maintain his balance. He clung to the coffee table with both hands, preventing himself from an embarrassing fall.Rowan's annoyance was palpable as she stared at David. In a deep voice, she confronted him, "David, considering we're divorced, can you please stop insulting me?"Having just regained his composure, David looked up just in time to see the sadness and anger in her eyes. He allowed a small, sarcastic smile to play on his lips as he replied, "You think I'm insulting you?"Rowan's anger flared. "Isn't it obvious? I've explained that it was my uncle who accompanied me home first, and I've only now returned to the Thompson family. Why do you insist on making it seem like you're here to see me, as if you want to seduce me? Is my dignity so meaningless to you?"David lowered his gaze, silently bearing her accusations.As Rowan continued to
I'm just speaking the truth," Rowan replied in a calm tone.However, the more composed Rowan appeared, the more Flora's anger intensified. The hand initially pointed at her nose gradually lowered and then forcefully shoved her.Fiercely, Flora stated, "You know nothing at all! If it weren't for you, he should have married me two years ago!"Rowan stumbled back a few steps, nearly falling to the ground. Fortunately, there was a half-height bookcase not far behind her, preventing her from collapsing entirely. But her back wasn't as fortunate, as it hit the cabinet with a dull thud. Instinctively, she reached out to support herself, causing a sharp pain in her wrist, and her bag fell to the ground."Ouch," Rowan groaned in pain. What worried her even more was the child in her belly. She steadied herself, protecting her lower abdomen despite the pain, and stared warily at Flora."What do you intend to do?" she asked.Flora sneered, "I merely gave you a gentle push. No need to play the vic
?As Rowan's words left her lips, Flora's conviction deepened, and she couldn't hide her concern any longer.Taking two determined strides forward, Flora seized Rowan's arm and let out a low growl. "What did you just say about cheating?"Despite her stature, Flora possessed a surprising strength. Rowan winced as Flora's grip sent a sharp, stinging pain through her arm as if her nails had pierced her flesh.Rowan quickly raised her hand and shook it vigorously, finally breaking free from Flora's hold. She stepped back a few paces, maintaining a cautious distance.Once she had regained her composure, Rowan paused for a moment before speaking. "You clearly know everything, Flora. How can you remain so unwavering in your loyalty to both of them if you're aware of their transgressions?"Flora's mind raced with alarm bells, making it difficult for her to focus on Rowan's words of reprimand. Her primary concern was how much Rowan knew and where she had obtained this information.Closing the
Flora lay sprawled on the cluttered floor, surrounded by the shattered remnants of a glass table lamp. Each fragment resembled an irreparable map. She moaned softly, half-reclined, and extended her left hand, gingerly pressing it against the fragments. Suddenly, crimson lines marred her once-pale palm.Rowan stood there, her gaze fixed on Flora's actions, though she still found the strength to critique herself. At times, it was unclear whether she was genuinely in discomfort or just feigning it; regardless, it was less alarming than it seemed."Rowan! Rowan, open the door quickly!" David Fat David's voice on the other side of the door quivered with anxiety. The crashing of the low table and lamp had been deafening, causing him to fear for Rowan's safety alone in the room.Voices other than David's father's began to filter in from outside the door. Although they were indistinct, they seemed to be the servants, drawn by the commotion.Rowan was briefly stupefied but soon snapped back to
David's mother's face contorted with rage, and it would be an understatement to say that she looked as if she wanted to devour Rowan with her furious expression.As soon as he entered the room, David couldn't stop reprimanding Rowan from head to toe."You're still standing here in our David family, daring to harm Flora. Where do you find the audacity? Let me make it clear if anything happens to her today... if there's any harm to the child in her womb, it doesn't matter who's protecting you, I will stand my ground and fight you tooth and nail!"While she spoke, her sharp gaze abruptly shifted from Rowan to David's Father, who stood beside her.Her anger and fear were palpable, almost to the point where she seemed to despise David's Father. The coldness in her eyes sent shivers down anyone's spine.David's Father merely snorted from his nose, refusing to make eye contact with her.Her anger intensified upon seeing his response."No matter what, even David's Father scolds you," she cont
Standing at the emergency room entrance, time seemed to drag on slowly, as though it had frozen in place.David's children beckoned him to sit on a nearby bench and take a break.Though David's mother was clearly upset, she remained composed as she sat beside him, as if the person who had just rattled their world was someone else entirely.Rowan stood in solitary silence, tucked away in a corner.He stood perfectly still, even regulating his breath intentionally. His gaze remained fixed on a particular spot on the stark white wall across from him, as he tried to minimize his presence.Rowan lost track of how much time had passed, but he felt his legs growing numb. It was sheer inertia and determination that kept him standing.The hospital corridor felt unnaturally dry and colder than the outdoors. Despite the summer heat, the breeze that swept through had a chilling edge to it.Having rushed here, she was filled with restlessness, her body drenched in sweat. Yet, when the breeze brush
It’s all overDavid's mother remained visibly upset. But In a harsh tone, she uttered, "Let her enter, but ensure you don't cause her any more harm!"Rowan met her gaze with a solemn expression. "I'll accompany you inside and ensure her well-being before departing."Had it not been for the emotional turmoil gripping her, Rowan might have left earlier when the insults began to fly.David's father stepped forward, publicly taking Rowan's hand. Approaching the doctor, he inquired, "May I go in to see her now?"The young doctor, accustomed to the complex web of emotions in the hospital, maintained his composure, his face neutral. "Certainly. However, please refrain from causing any disturbances or disputes inside, so as not to disrupt the patient's rest. I can grant you a maximum of 10 minutes, after which she will be returned to her ward for recovery."David's father nodded and whispered his gratitude.Then, disregarding the onlookers, he firmly clasped Rowan's wrist and strode into the
Rowan exited the hospital premises with determined steps. She found herself standing by the roadside, patting her bag, only to recollect that she had left her small bag in David's family study while assisting Flora in a rush to get to the hospital. Inside that bag were her mobile phone and wallet. She stood there, bewildered and uncertain about her next move.She was fully aware that a simple turn and a word to Father David would have ensured someone fetch her belongings and escort her home. However, the thought of reentering the hospital filled her with reluctance.She mulled over her recent promise, questioning its validity, and after a significant pause, she gathered the courage to make a decision. Returning now would be an admission that her commitment was unfounded.Abruptly, she halted, hailed a passing taxi from the roadside, and after a brief negotiation with the driver to ensure they could reach her intended destination, she went upstairs to collect the fare. It took a few tr
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