Edward just parked his Jeep Mercy G Wagon in the shooting arena's parking lot at Picadelli Shooting Arena. As he entered, he was greeted by Shawn, Samuel, Kairos, and Raphael, who had arrived earlier and were already playing.After being away for a while due to his busy schedule, Edward rejoined his friends today for shooting practice. Besides, he also had some matters to discuss with Samuel immediately."Goodness, Edward. You took forever. I've been bored without a decent opponent all this time."Kairos Maxweel grumbled. Among the five of them, they all shared the same hobbies: horseback riding, archery, and shooting. However, it was Kairos and Edward who had above-average skills in using firearms.Edward himself had a strong interest in shooting sports since he was a child. Moreover, his father, Eduardo Darkwood, fully supported his hobby. He even went as far as enrolling him in Kairos's father's shooting school."There were many things I had to take care of. Besides, you could spar
"What? Pregnant?"Still lying on the patient's bed, Bella shook her head in disbelief. She tried to keep herself composed and calm."Could the doctor have made a mistake in the examination?"Yes, who knows, maybe Doctor Samuel misdiagnosed. Even though Bella had previously engaged in inappropriate activities with Edward, she was sure it wouldn't have led to pregnancy right away.Just imagine, Edward only slept with her once. Even that night's incident happened unintentionally and was over quickly. Or, let's just consider it a passing fancy. So, it seemed absurd to Bella that she could be pregnant."I am very sure that you are pregnant right now."Bella blinked. She seemed awkward, continuously trying to deny what Samuel was telling her."I don't even feel nauseous, vomit, or any of the common symptoms pregnant women experience. My appetite is still very normal."Samuel didn't deny that."Not all pregnant women experience the same symptoms, Bella. In fact, some only start feeling nause
For the past few days, Bella has been having trouble sleeping. Even though Doctor Samuel had agreed to her request to keep her pregnancy status hidden, Bella still feels anxious.Up to this moment, Bella still hasn't suspected that there's a fetus growing in her belly. Let alone being pregnant, the thought of being intimate with a wealthy man has never crossed Bella's mind."You should know, I even had to risk my status as a doctor to help you hide the truth about this pregnancy. You need to remember, Bella. Like it or not, Edward has to take responsibility for what he's done to you. However it may be, you are the biological mother of the baby in your belly."Bella remembers Doctor Samuel's words clearly from the other day at the hospital. The man insisted that Bella should tell Edward the truth about what happened.God. If only Edward were single, Bella wouldn't hesitate to tell him and demand accountability for impregnating her.But what she's experiencing is quite different. Edward
"For God Shake, can't you stay longer?"Edward grumbled in frustration. In their bedroom, as they were about to sleep, he complained to Julia, who had just asked for permission to travel again.Edward thought Julia had intentionally returned early to make up for her long absence. But, who would have thought that now his wife was asking for permission to travel abroad again, citing the need to fulfill her professional work schedule."You've only been back for a week. And now? You're asking for permission to go back to Paris for two months? You're really pushing it."Julia sighed. Rising from her seat, she picked up her tablet from the nightstand. Opening the calendar feature, she then showed it to Edward."I'm not bragging. You can see the schedule Dior has issued. There are workshops, photoshoots, and fashion shows I have to attend for the next month."Edward sighed. His frustration hadn't subsided. He suddenly missed the times when Julia wasn't as famous as she was now. At the beginn
At the outset of his arrival in Paris, Edward admitted that he thoroughly enjoyed every moment he spent with Julia. Like a couple on their honeymoon, they spent a lot of time together.Every day, Julia took Edward around, visiting several romantic places they had visited at the beginning of their marriage to foster intimacy and rekindle their relationship.Edward admitted he was happy. Delighted to be able to enjoy quality time and be affectionate with the woman he loved so much. So happy, in fact, Edward even planned to extend his vacation time.However, the intimacy Edward felt didn't last long. On the sixth day in Paris, Julia received news that the workshop she was supposed to attend the following week was rescheduled to start two days earlier."Don't be mad, Darling. This wasn't my decision."Julia snuggled close to Edward, who was sitting on the edge of the bed. She squeezed his arm while occasionally giving him sweet kisses."You're the one who asked me to take a two-week break
"Are you sure your husband will be okay?"Arron Carter asked with a serious expression, making sure to reassure Julia that what the woman was doing wouldn't cause any trouble or issues later on.Earlier, Julia did ask Edward for permission to attend the pre-workshop held at the convention hall. However, Julia had been done since two in the afternoon. Instead of heading straight back to the hotel, Julia went to have lunch and then joined Aaron to go to the man's apartment."No need to worry. Besides, Edward never stays angry for long. I bet, in a few days, he'll contact me and go back to being sweet as usual."This time, Aaron laughed. He was lying on the bed with Julia, then pulled her into his embrace.Julia and Aaron had been close for a year now. In front of everyone, they appeared like a manager and a model working professionally.Who would have thought that they were in a serious relationship? They often spent time together in bed. Just like now, for example."You're wicked. If y
It's been more than 20 minutes since Edward woke up. Instead of getting up immediately and cleaning himself, he pondered for a moment on the bed.Throughout, so many flashes of events danced in his mind. Moreover, there was one name that had been bothering him since he opened his eyes."Oh God."Edward sighed softly. Bringing his fingers to his lips, he seemed to gently rub the surface repeatedly. Then, before long, he heard himself muttering irritably."Darn it! Why do I keep remembering the other day's incident?"Honestly, since waking up from sleep, for some reason, Edward couldn't stop thinking about Bella. Out of the blue, he recalled the incident at the swimming pool, which accidentally led to him kissing the beautiful woman."No! This is absolutely insane. Besides, yesterday's incident was clearly unintentional."Edward tried to reassure himself repeatedly. But, before the memory of accidentally kissing her could fade, Edward remembered the incident when he was drunk and forced
"Sir, don't you want to answer your phone that's been ringing incessantly?" Edward glanced briefly at his phone, which had been lying on his desk. Despite Axel's reminder for the second time, Edward showed no interest in picking it up, especially knowing that it was Julia who had been calling."Just leave it. Let's finish discussing the construction of the latest mall network in Switzerland first."Axel nodded, not wanting to argue. He refocused on the graph displayed on his boss's laptop screen, providing explanations and calculations to Edward, who was waiting for his report."The top executives of Nebula want this mall we're building to be connected to both the apartment complex and a five-star hotel. And since yesterday, there have been several investors who have submitted offers."Then Axel reached for another folder he had placed on Edward's desk. Opening it, he showed it to his boss."These are all the investors who are valid and have confirmed participation in the tender. You
After hearing the news that there was a patient in critical condition, and one of them even passed away, Bella couldn't help but feel panicked. Moreover, it was clear that the nurse had previously stated that the patient who lost his life was a male. Instantly, Bella remembered Edward's figure. However, she knew that the man intended to save her life. Whether due to miscalculation or otherwise, it seemed that Julia and the man accompanying her had sniffed out Edward's plan. Because of this, they attempted to escape and eventually got involved in a fatal chase, leading to an accident. Afterward, Bella lost consciousness and found herself in the hospital. Since her condition wasn't too severe after the accident, Bella decided to follow wherever Samuel went. Taking big steps, she followed the obstetrician specialist as he moved to another emergency room. "Doctor Samuel." One of the nurses who saw Samuel entering the room called out, inviting the young doctor to come in and see. "Is
After getting a call from Julia, Edward immediately rushed. Behind the man, Kairos was seen standing waiting."Shouldn't I just go alone?" Edward asked, making sure. He was worried about the repeated threats Julia had directed at him."Letting you go alone? Are you crazy!" Kairos exclaimed, disagreeing. Besides, he had his own calculations. "I'm worried Julia might do something reckless if she knows I'm coming with someone else, especially since you plan to bring the authorities along. For God's sake, Julia could recklessly harm Bella."Kairos sighed. This was what he didn't like about Edward. Apart from being reluctant to take risks, his thinking was also nAaron. Too cowardly and often underestimated things that clearly hadn't been tried. Pathetic!"It's precisely because we both know Julia likes to be reckless and is capable of doing crazy things that I won't let that woman act recklessly. That's why I'm considering all possibilities.""What about Bella?" Edward asked, making sure.
"What about you? Have you obtained any information about Julia's whereabouts?"Since yesterday, Edward seemed anxious. As soon as he saw Kairos coming to his house this afternoon, he bombarded him with questions.Knowing that Bella had been kidnapped, Kairos took the initiative to search immediately since yesterday. He even mobilized all his men to find Julia's whereabouts."No," Kairos shook his head. "Initially, my people managed to locate where Julia's car was parked. But after further investigation, she was already gone. I think she's smart and deliberately switched vehicles to avoid being tracked. And when we checked her phone's position, Julia was no longer there.""Damn it!" Edward cursed. His jaw clenched. His expression a mix of frustration, anger, and worry. "Bella is really in danger. I'm sure Julia can be reckless."Kairos sighed repeatedly. If scrutinized, his face indicated someone preparing to get angry."From the beginning, you're the one who got Bella into trouble," a
Bella looked around the room, scanning each item neatly arranged in Samuel's office. Since asked to wait, she sat down and glanced around.From her eyes, Bella noticed various paintings hanging on the walls. On the desk, there were two small frames containing photos of Samuel with his family and another one of him with a woman.Bella smiled. She observed the photo of Samuel embracing the woman warmly. Upon closer inspection, it seemed like this woman was Samuel's girlfriend."It seems Dr. Samuel already has a girlfriend."Bella nodded as she continued to look around. Shortly after, she was startled by the ringing of her phone inside her bag.Quickly, Bella reached for it, checking the screen to see Kairos's name displayed there."Hello, Kairos. What's up?" Bella asked, concerned that he might be calling with something important."Is your examination process finished?"Unconsciously, Bella nodded. The woman replied, "Actually, it is. Right now, I'm waiting for Dr. Samuel who was sudden
"Doctor Samuel Knight, I entrust Miss Bella Stone to you. Please examine her thoroughly."As usual, today was Kairos's schedule to accompany Bella for her prenatal checkup. Upon meeting Samuel, he deliberately entrusted the woman while he appeared to be preparing to leave for work."Aren't you waiting for her?"Kairos shook his head."I actually want to accompany her. But, today there's an important guest I have to meet in person. That's why I left Bella with you first. Don't worry, my bodyguard will wait outside the hospital."Samuel shook his head. Aware that Kairos was extremely busy, he didn't protest at all."All right then. Be careful. I'll take care of Bella here.""Thank you, cousin. Please inform me if there's anything important or things I need to know. When you're done, ask Bella to wait for a moment."After bidding farewell, Kairos left immediately. Meanwhile, Samuel went back into the room and started his usual task of examining Bella's pregnancy."How are you, Bella?""G
"Geez, Edward. Why do you look so messed up?"Samuel hurriedly approached, pulling a chair and sitting directly facing Edward.Thirty minutes ago, he had just arrived home feeling exhausted. After taking a shower, Samuel was suddenly contacted. Upon checking, it turned out to be Edward calling."I'm tired, Edward. Let's meet tomorrow," Samuel rejected when he found out Edward wanted to meet. Besides, he felt extremely tired because he had just finished an operation that afternoon."No... you have to meet me now at Bosova, Sam. I need you.""Just call Kairos or Shawn. For God's sake, I need some rest.""Come on, Sam." Edward sounded persistent. "I really need a friend to talk to. You know Kairos won't listen to my stories. He'll just be busy mocking and cursing."Samuel sighed heavily. He felt extremely reluctant to follow through."I beg you, Sam. Just this once."Samuel grumbled. Eventually, he relented and complied with Edward's request to meet. Upon arriving at the bar, he found Ed
"How long are you going to keep hiding Bella, Kairos? It's been too long."As usual, after work, Samuel and Kairos relaxed first at the coffee shop. They chatted away, and this time, Edward was the topic of discussion.Somehow, almost every day, they talked about Edward. There was always some strange thing that man did, raising questions for both of them."Until that stupid Edward gets smart."Samuel burst into laughter. He immediately shook his head upon hearing Kairos's seemingly careless response.But if this was serious, Edward's fate could be dire. It meant Edward wouldn't meet Bella for a long time."If we're waiting for Edward to get smart, it seems like it'll be a very long time. I guess, even after Bella gives birth, they won't meet. Besides, we both know Edward is slow and a bit stupid."Kairos sighed, nodding in agreement."That's why I'm also puzzled about how to make our friend smarter than before. Besides... Bella isn't interested in meeting, let alone talking to Edward."
"So, you still haven't found out where Bella Stone is?!"Edward's jaw tightened. His eyes sparkled with anger and frustration as he received the phone call. Just imagine, almost a week of deploying two private detectives to find Bella, yet not one of them could locate her whereabouts.Truly, Edward was almost desperate. Where could Bella be hiding, to the extent that even the people he paid were struggling and couldn't sniff out the position of the woman carrying his child?"We've tried searching. We even met her mother. But it's certain that Bella never came home. Interrogating her friend named Renata Roland, her answer was the same."Edward took a deep breath. Now, he was at a loss as to where else to look for the woman. "Anyway, I don't want to know. At the very least, you should find her whereabouts soon!""Alright, Mr. Edward. We'll continue to search and will update you as soon as possible."Edward didn't respond further. He ended the call abruptly. For a moment, he appeared to
Regret and guilt continue to haunt Edward. Swearing by anything, if only he had known all this time that Bella was pregnant from their relationship, he would have tried to take responsibility.Unfortunately, in their last meeting, Edward got into a heated argument instead. Instead of defending and listening to what Bella had to say, he accused the beautiful woman of spreading rumors about Julia's affair.No wonder Bella insisted he choose and marry her quickly. It turns out, there was a big reason why Edward should have done that from the beginning.Remembering this, Edward feels ashamed and terribly guilty. Now, he can only lament his fate. He tries his best to find Bella and fix everything."Where do you think is the right place to look for Bella? For God's sake, I don't know where to start."Two days after hearing the news about Bella's pregnancy, Edward again invited his two friends to meet for lunch together. He deliberately sought their opinions so as not to make the wrong decis