David stood at the office door, his usual black suit enhancing his broad shoulders and elongating his legs. His impeccable attire made him stand out like a dazzling star amidst the police station's simple decor. His deep, penetrating gaze scanned the room until it landed on Rowan's face.In a composed tone, he inquired, "What are you waiting for? Why haven't you left yet?"Rowan hesitated for a moment, biting her lip and remaining silent.A faint frown crossed David's face, and an unsettling silence filled the room, both inside and out.Victor nudged Rowan from behind, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "Sister, please leave quickly! I'll make it up to you another day with a meal as an apology."Though Rowan wanted to depart, she hesitated. It was evident that the reason she was being allowed to leave by the police was David's influence. She had resolved never to get involved with him again, but memories of her silent interaction with the mysterious boy flooded her mind. In David's d
Ascending the stairs from the elevator, Rowan reached his front door, contemplating David's unusual behavior throughout the day. The memory of David's cryptic parting words lingered in his mind.Rowan wondered aloud, "Should I explain it to her?"His mind raced as he tried to make sense of what he might have misunderstood. After several moments of deliberation, he turned the key in the door lock, still without a clue."I guess I'll have to put it on hold for now," Rowan thought to himself.As he entered his home, he made his way to the entrance and stood before the shoe cabinet, calling out, "I'm back."In response, a flurry of hurried footsteps echoed from a distance. Jessica appeared, wearing a slightly anxious expression. She scanned Rowan from head to toe before letting out a relieved sigh."Are you okay? Why are you back so late?" she asked with genuine concern.Rowan, hesitant to reveal the truth about his visit to the police station, offered a reassuring smile in response. I w
Chapter 148 Abnormality Originally, Rowan thought that what happened today was over. Not only her, but even David thought so. So the next day, when Richard rushed into the office, opened the mobile link in front of him, and clicked on today's hot search posts for him to see, he was stunned for a second before he realized what he had seen. What. The post opened Richard was a bit sensational starting from the title. "The wife of the president of the Oregon Group of company stole on the street. The habits of rich people are really unique." Below are some photos of Rowan talking to the security guard in the mall yesterday and going to the duty room with the security guard. The more he looked, the deeper his frown deepened. "Who issued this?" He raised his head and asked Richard. Richard was already roaring in his heart. He wanted to catch all those who dared to touch the tiger's beards and beat them up. Don’t you know that your temporary happiness will put someone else in the worl
On one hand, Rowan's curiosity was piqued, but on the other hand, a vague unease lingered within her.Among her colleagues at the clinic, Rowan and James had always been classified as a couple. Yet, today marked the first instance someone had directly asked her about her relationship with the president of the Oregon Group.Rowan wondered where this news had originated.The short-haired woman appeared to sense something in Rowan's eyes and tone, and suddenly, her excitement bubbled forth."So, you're truly the wife of the CEO of the Thompson family? Wow, I never imagined I'd have the chance to work with someone from the Thompson family in my lifetime!"She prattled on about her excitement, but Rowan only felt increasingly embarrassed.Seeking an opportune moment, she couldn't help but interject."Who did you hear this news from?" Rowan inquired.The woman finally regained her composure.Narrowing her eyes, she responded, "Uh... well... it's been circulating on the Internet, and we happ
Rowan hesitated to confront David directly about his sudden display of affection, unsure if her assumptions were correct. She meticulously typed and erased sentences, struggling to find the right words, and remained in a state of indecision for an extended period without managing to send even a single message. In this uncertain moment, her phone unexpectedly rang, displaying the improbable caller ID: "Mom." Rowan blinked, needing a moment to confirm that she had read it correctly. It was indeed her mother calling. Without further thought, she pressed the answer button. "Hello?" "Rowan, it's me!" Her mother's voice sounded slightly anxious through the phone. "Your cousin showed me several news articles about you this morning, claiming you were caught stealing something yesterday. How did you respond? What's going on?" Rowan explained calmly, "I didn't steal anything; I merely cooperated with their investigation. I returned home yesterday afternoon." When her mother heard the news,
Rowan offered a self-deprecating smile and replied, "It was my mother." James had heard Rowan mention bits and pieces about her family, but she had never delved into the details. In contrast, Rolland seemed to know everything and had a tendency to share everything about her family history at the drop of a hat, making James quite familiar with their family affairs. So, when Rowan mentioned it was her mother calling, James had a fairly good idea of what had transpired. He had comforting words on the tip of his tongue, but he didn't get a chance to utter them. Rowan spoke up again, asking, "Did you see those ridiculous posts too?" James was momentarily taken aback and then softly replied, "Yeah." "It seems your mother called you because of this incident," he added. Rowan's expression soured. "Yes, but she's more concerned about other things now." James looked genuinely concerned for her and reached out to hold her slender hand, which was resting on his thigh. However, she deftly av
Rowan settled into a comfortable seat by the expansive floor-to-ceiling window, silently observing the ebb and flow of people on the bustling street outside. The store exuded an air of simplicity and cleanliness, with each table adorned by a small cluster of daisies in full bloom. Conversations were hushed, and the soothing, soft music playing in the background gently caressed the ears, creating an atmosphere of relaxation that seemed just perfect.Despite it being Rowan's inaugural visit to this place, she found herself surprisingly at ease amidst this tranquil environment. Her nerves had no room to flutter.A gracious waiter approached, offering to replenish her glass of water. Rowan responded with a polite smile and a heartfelt "thank you."As she looked up, her eyes locked onto a familiar figure who was following closely behind the waiter.For a brief moment, his deep, penetrating gaze hung in the air, fixated on Rowan, before quickly darting away.Rowan's discerning eyes didn't c
Chapter 153 I will never agree As the president of the Oregon Group, a prominent figure in the business world, it was surprising that David I couldn't seem to grasp the numerous flaws in his plan. It left one wondering how such a savvy leader could overlook these issues. In the midst of his own internal conflict, Rowan fearlessly confronted him, causing his facade to momentarily freeze. After a brief pause, he finally inquired, "So, what do you suggest we do?" Without hesitation, Rowan addressed him directly, "David, I won't involve you in this child's life, nor will I reveal his biological father's identity to anyone. It's best for us to part ways and not disrupt anyone else's life due to our conversation today." David was far from accepting this proposal. He sneered, "Are you planning to have James raise my child? Does he have no qualms about it?" Rowan felt a sharp pang of anger in her chest. "What does James have to do with this? Let's not involve outsiders in our private mat
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