[Blaze] I woke up that morning due to the heat. I quickly took the painkillers given to me by the medical staff the previous day. I was so busy, and work was piling up that there was no time to be sick. Realizing she wasn't lying on the bed, I didn't look for her. She must have been surprised to wake up in this place, in a stranger's house. That was a good thing. Her leaving meant she had recovered from the shock. My not waking up must have been because of the medicine I took. Poor woman. A memory of an incident that happened years ago triggered by the explosion of her car. We never slept together. So, I didn't know if she ever had nightmares. But after last night's restless sleep, the fire that broke out in their house must have traumatized her. "Stop by the flower shop, James. Let's take her to the police station," I ordered my driver. "Yes, sir," he replied obediently. "How are your wedding preparations going?" I asked casually. "It's going well, sir. Everything is in order.
His family name meant a lot to him, but he wasn't careful when he committed the crime. He didn't realize his actions were caught on CCTV. He should have sent someone else to meet his hired man. He must have been emotional and carelessly acted because it was about his mom. I wouldn't make the slightest mistake when teaching my enemy a lesson. I wasn't like him, who got everything from his family. I crawled from nothing to get to where I was today. So, I wouldn't let a single thing bring me down. "Put your phone back into your pocket, or I swear you'll regret ever meeting me," he threatened. "What are you going to do? Kill me?" I challenged him. "Don't you think people have tried the same thing with me?" "What do you want?" He gritted his teeth, holding back his emotions. "Admit what you did and earn her forgiveness," I answered. He snorted. "Don't dream I'll do that. A lowly woman like her doesn't deserve to see my face, let alone hear my apology. She has threatened and blackmaile
[Heather]As if insults from my birth mother were not enough, a hard slap on the cheek was delivered by someone I didn't expect. What exactly was my problem with this family? Why do they hurt me so easily and treat me like trash?No. There's plenty of trash that could be recycled and turned into valuable items. It was ridiculous. I even felt like I was considered lower than trash. I was the second daughter of George Bailey, a once-respected man in this country. But people only loved and respected Darcy.They would see. I would find evidence that could put that man in jail. I knew it was not an easy mission, but I would spread his crimes to destroy his name if necessary. I was the victim, but he was intent on ending my life.My stomach rumbled as I realized I hadn't eaten since this afternoon. I grabbed my cell phone from the bathroom counter and dialed the nearest restaurant. I ordered easy-to-prepare meals so that they could delivered as soon as possible.I walked out of the room to
This man had been living alone since his wife passed away ten years ago. He proved that his love for his wife was genuine by not remarrying. Many women of different ages tried to get close to him, but he firmly refused. His two sons were wasting their lives in extravagance. They loved gambling so much that the man gave up on helping them get out of debt. Before the two men's hobbies draining his fortune, he cut ties with them. He decided to sell all his assets and donate them to charity upon his death. Stocks were one of the things for sale, but not on easy terms. Although he didn't mention it specifically, I knew what conditions he meant that we couldn't fulfill. "The rumors are not true. It is proof I'm qualified." Blaze placed his cell phone on the table, close to the man. "Please read." Mr. Smith glanced at the phone screen and then looked at Blaze for a moment. He extended his hand, but before he could touch the device, the phone next to it vibrated. The man turned his head to
I turned to Faye, trying to figure out what my friend was referring to. My assistant shook her head slowly, not knowing what was happening. This woman was important to me. So, I couldn't afford to lose her friendship. "One moment, Charity. I don't understand what big thing you're talking about," I coaxed. She glanced at Faye. Understanding her point, I asked my assistant to leave us. I hoped this had nothing to do with Mr. Smith. I knew that viral news would be a problem. Fool. It was too late to regret coming to Darcy's wedding. My plan this time would not go as smoothly as the first one. "We'd better sit down." I approached the sideboard where the drinks and snacks were. "Would you like a cup of coffee?" "I'm very disappointed in you. I didn't come here for coffee," Charity said with irritation. But she sat on one of the couches, indicating she wasn't as angry as she appeared. "What's wrong?" I placed a cup of coffee in front of her with a plate of cookies. "You were never this
I cleaned up in the bathroom, changed my clothes, and ate dinner alone. Just like the night before, I didn't stop thinking about what I had to do to get into his bedroom without being caught on the CCTV camera.The camera needed electricity to function. If I turned off the apartment's power source, would the camera stop recording? Probably. But I didn't know where the power source was. Even if I found it, I didn't know which switch was connected to this unit.Aargh! This situation was annoying! I decided to carry on, no matter the result. It wasn't my fault that I was curious and wanted to know who he was. It was also not my fault for staying at this place. He had invited me with open arms.My cell phone vibrated when I finished eating. I glanced at the screen and read Taylor's name on it. What else did she want from me?"Where are you?" she asked, returning my greeting. "I was going to stay over, but security said you weren't at your apartment.""You're not my husband. Why should I r
I didn't need to see her face because I knew her by her voice alone. The thing was, since when had I ruined her life? She was the one who had destroyed her own life.Her left hand took my sunglasses roughly to throw them away, then pulled down the scarf that covered my head and face. Hearing people gasp in surprise, I knew that they were looking at the burn mark on my left cheek."Since you've humiliated me, it's my turn now!" she yelled. "Let people know what your ugly real face looks like, as ugly as your heart! How dare you show that video at my wedding! You teamed up with your bastard husband, then partnered with that jerk Taylor! What kind of sister are you!?""Hey, let Miss Bailey go!" Hannah stood between us and held Darcy's hand to let go of my arm."A lowlife like you doesn't have the right to boss me around!" Darcy intended to push Hannah, but another person stood between her and the woman."Let go of Miss Bailey," James ordered in a low but sharp voice. "She is our guest, s
We sat on the sofa and exchanged glances. My two friends looked intently at the woman who had interrupted our conversation. Just like me, they also didn't immediately believe her sincerity in helping me.None of my family members took my side, let alone my relatives. They had learned from the past year, seeing me get up on my hands and feet without anyone else's help. Naturally, they were suspicious of her coming to my office."Did you have any ill intentions in inviting Heather on your birthday?" asked Faye.Taylor turned to her. "No, I don't. I want to prove that I'm serious about being friends with her through that event. I'll show her I'm not the person I used to be.""No need. What happened on Darcy's wedding day is proof enough that you are not serious about your intentions," Charity warned. "I didn't see you defending her when her mother insulted her in front of everyone.""How would you know if no one published the video in the media? After Heather left, I confronted Aunt Dian
Hi. I've found the Epilogue's author's note on the website but not on the app on my phone. So, in case some of you wonder why I didn't write any note at the end, I did. Here is my gratitude to all of you, dear readers. ♡♡♡ ___ Thank you so much for reading Heather and Blaze's story from start to finish. You have no idea how your support is helping me to complete this book. I realize people nowadays don't like stories about the main lead who has flaws and often makes mistakes. I've found and read some comments, even a review expressing disappointment. I'm sorry I can't make everyone happy. Therefore, I appreciate the support of readers who enthusiastically followed the book and witnessed the development of Heather and Blaze's characters. It's nice reading a story about a badass and unbeatable main lead. However, the imperfect one wants to be heard, too. Their story has ended here, but it won't stop our imagination from continuing the new chapters in our minds. Once again, thank yo
I stopped walking and watched their interaction from afar. We were just far enough away to hear their conversation. Blaze had never met Roger before. Since my modeling career, he had never accompanied me on a photo shoot or filming. "My wife can only appear in modest clothes. What is this photo? Why is her cleavage showing? Do you want people to get horny looking at it?" Blaze scolded. Oh my. He had my boss come to see him to talk about that? "Heather didn't mind. I discussed everything before executing her outfit." Roger defended himself. I nodded in agreement. "I told you to help her model not for this but to boost her confidence. If she has to show off her body, you better cancel your agent contract with her," Blaze threatened. What? So, Roger didn't approach me on his initiative? Roger was silent, so I used the opportunity to approach them. "Well, well, well. So, you were the one who told Roger to offer me a modeling contract." My boss turned his head, and his face turned pale
I could feel her watching me intently. I was wearing R&R's latest black dress and shoes loved by the public. To top it off, I was wearing a diamond necklace and bracelet that Blaze gave me. "No matter how perfectly dressed, an ugly person can't cover her flaws." She walked over and stood by my side. Sasha swiftly stood between us. "After Blaze changed his name, you did the same. Do you think bearing Harrington's name will make you one of them?" I took a tissue, dried my hands, then threw it into the rubbish bin. "Darcy, instead of intervening in my life, why don't you search where your parents are?" She furrowed her brow. "What do you mean? They're in their house." "Really? When was the last time you visited them?" She smirked. "You don't like hearing the truth. That's why you changed the topic. Right? Those who smile in front of you, don't trust them. You don't know, but they may mock you when you're not around." "Is that what you think of your friends?" I retorted. "I no longer
I took a deep breath as the car entered the car park of a luxury hotel. I thanked the bellboy, who opened the car door and waited for Sasha to stand beside me. The valet parking attendant parked the car.I told my name, and the receptionist handed me a special visitor card. A man escorted me to an executive elevator. I didn't have to worry about choosing a floor because he did it. Sasha and I waited for the doors to open on our destination floor.I took a deep breath and let it out slowly as the doors opened. With my chin up, I walked out and followed the lady who greeted me. The hotel was truly luxurious with its elegant interiors."Please come in, ma'am," she politely said as she opened the door for me."Thank you." I entered the room and was further amazed by the spacious and luxurious meeting room. It was far different from the simple meeting room in my store.The people in the room suddenly fell silent upon my arrival. I had deliberately arrived at the last second to avoid intera
[Blaze] I didn't care if people hurt me, but I wouldn't forgive them for daring to drag my wife into our problems. What that woman did was unforgivable. She sent people to shoot me when I was with Heather. I was surprised to find out who it was and relieved she gave me a fun new assignment. The peaceful situation was boring. I needed something to do on the side besides taking care of work and caring for my family. Unbeknownst to me, Reuben was also outraged at what that woman had done to his granddaughter. He encouraged me to retaliate by taking over all of Anderson's wealth. This man was truly more sadistic than me. I was happy to have his full support. "Clark is delighted with the DNA test results. I'm sure his wife and three daughters won't stay silent. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll give you everything you need to defeat them," Reuben said after our second meeting with my father. "Thank you, but I can handle it myself. I want that family to know I can face them w
Blaze wrapped his arms around my body, and we ducked as deep as we could in the back seat. James drove the car, not caring about the traffic lights. I closed my eyes in anticipation of us crashing into another vehicle. However, what I feared didn't happen. The car continued to move quickly, away from the shooting scene. My chest felt tight from the rapid beating of my heart. We had just passed through death. Who would want to hurt Blaze? Blaze loosened his embrace, but I didn't let him get away from me. I hugged him tightly. Not caring about the tears rolling down my cheeks, I pressed my face against his chest. I almost lost him had this car not been bulletproof. "Heather, everything is safe. My men are going to find out who the shooter is. Jericho managed to change the traffic light. That's why we can get away from that place," he consoled. What? Jericho could do that? Did that mean he hacked the traffic lights earlier? How could he have such a great crew? But we're not safe yet.
[Heather]I didn't expect him to announce our relationship in a press conference. I didn't ask for such a big thing. What I had in mind was him announcing it on his social media accounts. I didn't care if he posted a picture of us or not.But the surprise was very touching. My chest was so full of happiness that I couldn't explain it. The women who doubted our marriage would see and believe Blaze and I were serious about our marriage.I kissed him and let the reporters' cameras take as many pictures of us as they wanted. It would make a good photo on the front page of the news later. Unfortunately, he didn't smile like I expected him to. Was he just so in his sleep, not in his consciousness?I didn't want to be greedy, so I didn't let the cold relationship between me and Mom get me down. I enjoyed the event that Blaze had prepared as best I could. I chatted with Charity, Taylor, and Faye, then returned the greetings of every employee of my store and our house."Blaze still sleeping?"
"Mom," Gemma said as she turned to Renee. "I'm sleepy."Renee glanced at us before looking at her daughter. "Of course, dear. Come, let me take you to your room."They stood up and walked towards Gemma's bedroom. I turned to my wife sitting by my side. Her eyes were teary, and her lips were trembling. I held her hand that was on the table. She must have been devastated by Gemma's reaction."I'm fine," she mumbled. "She just needs time to digest the information.""She's just shocked. Thirty years is a very long time. She remembers you as a baby. Seeing you suddenly this big must have been shocking." Reuben gave her ID card back to Heather."What if Mom hates me?" she asked worriedly. "It's a good thing I changed my name to Knightley. If I still had Bailey's surname, she'd be mad.""Your mom won't be mad. Trust me." Reuben held Heather's free hand. "I'm her father, so I know her character. As for your name, we'll discuss it later. I won't allow Harrington to drop her name even if she's
[Blaze] Reuben Harrington was ruthless. There was no mistaking the nickname given to him by the media. With his power, all he had to do was call the right people, and he could get even the most confidential information. I just sat next to him, watching him in action. We had already strategized with his attorney about our charges on Bailey. He didn't give the couple any mercy. What I respected about his actions was he let the clueless Darcy go. Next, we discussed the right way to bring down the other family who had done so much harm to Heather. On that very day, he managed to trap the person he was after. The man was speechless when Reuben asked him to sell his shares. "Heather's birthday is over," I reminded him. "I missed thirty birthdays and Christmases. Isn't it time to pay down my debt from now on?" he said casually. I was stunned for a moment. Didn't I hear it wrong? Did he seriously want to give his granddaughter thirty birthday and thirty Christmas presents? How lucky my w