I could work leisurely the next day. I got to the meeting on time. We discussed the promotion plan I had mentioned the previous week. Faye kept her word by insisting on using me as the model for our flyer. "All the meeting participants agreed, except you. Then you can't refuse, Heather," Faye concluded, closing the topic. "Customers will leave, and we won't get any new ones if I'm the model," I protested. "Are you willing to risk my business for something so risky?" Since Faye was chairing the meeting, she ignored my remark and moved on to the next topic. I couldn't believe my assistant would do that to her highest superior. To retaliate, I just kept quiet when she asked for my opinion. Let them think of solutions to their problems. After the meeting, I waited until everyone had left and then spoke to Faye. "You can't do that. This shop's reputation could be ruined if we choose me as a model." "I've been with you since the store was just established. Do you still doubt my judgment
I stared at the large envelope in confusion. Remembering what her trusted person was investigating, I understood. The envelope contained important evidence that showed Cullen had blown up my car. Finally, I could punish that man like his mother. I accepted the envelope and sat down on one of the couches. Charity followed me by sitting by my side. My heart was beating happily. What evidence did her confidant manage to find? I thought I would never get my hands on this precious object. The contents of the envelope were just a pile of papers. I turned to Charity with a furrowed brow. I thought there would be a CD or a flash drive. When I checked, there wasn't. There were only a few papers I wasn't sure would hold up as evidence. "What are these, Charity?" I asked, confused. "Read them." She glanced at the paper in my lap. Although I was confused about what information she was trying to convey, I complied. I glanced at the topmost paper, which was upside down. I turned it around and r
The apartment was empty, indicating that Blaze wasn't home yet. I took the opportunity to pack up all my clothes and stuff. Everything was enough in one suitcase. No matter what he would say later, I was determined not to return to this place.My cell phone vibrated, so I checked it. It was an incoming message from Charity. I smiled to see she only sent a cartoon picture of a girl smiling sweetly. The picture made me smile, too. I replied to her with a picture of a winking girl.I was even more grateful to be friends with her. She helped me so much. The information about Blaze was the most significant help she had ever given me. What touched me was that I got that expensive information for free from her.Hearing the sound of the door opening, I didn't glance at the door. I knew he was coming home. My heart was slowly beating fast, making me a little nervous. I held my hands, which were starting to tremble. It was going to be our most painful conversation yet."Hi, sweet pumpkin!" he g
After talking, Taylor came with me to the apartment. Even on weekends, those reporters still swarmed my shop. Fortunately, I didn't have to leave this place for the time being. I didn't have any appointments or stay with Blaze anymore.Taylor placed the grocery bag on the kitchen counter and pulled out the contents. She threw a bottle of drink at me. She just laughed when I gave her a sharp look. Did she think we're kids to play throw and catch?I sat down on the sofa and then turned on the television. I chose a channel that showed comedy movies even though I wasn't sure it would help me smile. The problem I was facing right now was very complicated."It's not too late to change your mind." Taylor handed me a bag of potato chips."I'm sure of my decision," I said firmly. I opened the bag and started eating the contents. "I don't know how to apologize to Darcy.""What?" She turned to me with rounded eyes. "What did you say earlier? You want to apologize to Darcy? For what?""If I had l
Her face looked so arrogant, with no sign of sadness or hurt, remembering she had slept with the person who abused her. Oh, my goodness. I didn't know what to believe, the report, Blaze, or Darcy's attitude.But I would think about that later. For now, I need to deal with her cavalier attitude properly. I was sick of giving in every time she put me down.I smiled at her. "Not only did I shout his name in bed but also in the bathroom, couch, balcony, and carpet. Do you know where it was the most thrilling? Making love in the forest when the bodyguards were all around us, guarding us at the picnic.""You—" She tightened her grip on my hand.I grabbed her wrist to get her to let go of me. She squealed in pain and released my hand. "I'm dead to you guys. Have you forgotten? I've ignored you earlier. Why are you still bothering me?""After what you did to me, I won't stop until you beg for forgiveness for your plans with Blaze and Taylor. I'm not stupid like you to give in when people do b
[Blaze] I was once close to only one girl. I was very young at the time and naive. With my modest economic condition, I couldn't please her like a typical rich young man. I was only working for my tuition fees, not for fun. But my current situation was much different. I had enough money to please the woman I was after. Even though she was mine, I didn't want to impose my will on her. I had hurt her deeply, so I needed to be careful about approaching her again. Since she owned a flower shop, I was sure she knew the special meaning of every flower she sold. I deliberately ordered the flowers I sent for her from her place of business. I didn't want to give an advantage to other sellers if my wife had the same business. "I'm surprised you're attending this conference," someone said from my right. "A businessman as successful as you, do you still need to attend such a boring event?" I didn't respond to the mockery. I put down my pen after filling out the attendance list and followed th
[Heather]All the employees looked at me with such concern that they couldn't bring themselves to greet me with their usual good morning. I smiled at those who passed me. The way my family treated me in the viral news happened to me since I was a child. So, I was immune to the pain.Faye stood up from her chair when I entered her office. I smiled at her frown. Just like the other employees, she didn't greet me like usual. Instead, she walked over and hugged me tightly."I'm fine, Faye." My voice betrayed me with a sob.Gosh. What they did to me was hurtful. I knew nothing about Darcy's past with Blaze. I was very young at the time of the incident. How could they accuse me of working with Blaze to harm my family?What big mistake did I make in the past for them to think so terribly about me? Was it because I was ugly that I deserved to be their doormat whenever there was a scandal in our family? They said I was dead. Did they want to make sure I was dead by accusing me?"I'm sorry. I s
News of their wedding filled all the media. The press conference paved the way for them to be together. The venue chosen for the wedding was very grand. As if to insult me, they selected another florist for the bouquet and decorations. Every media outlet didn't forget to mention my name as the ruiner of their wedding when reporting the happy news. They deliberately mocked me to let me realize that my efforts to separate them ended in vain. I didn't know how long things would stay like this. "What do you mean?" asked Faye, confused. "They can't keep doing this, Faye. I have to take responsibility as their superior. I'd better let them go now before no one accepts them as employees," I explained. "It's only been two weeks, Heather. None of the employees have complained. Why do you think we don't like being able to get out of the office once in a while?" consoled Faye. "Look, our income is stable. You just need to hold on until things get better." "It's not going to get better, Faye.
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