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.
I woke up that morning with a heavy head. Looking at the scene in the parking lot, I lost my enthusiasm for the day. Last night's video didn't help me escape the reporters' pursuit. I couldn't sleep because I was thinking of ways to restore my good name.I couldn't waste money paying someone to hack into Darcy's phone. My shop wasn't free from critical condition yet, so I needed every penny in my savings. I needed to prepare severance pay, in case I had to close the shop and let all the employees go.Remembering the Cabot Hotel shares I had, I sighed softly. Should I sell it to Blaze? Maybe he'd still be willing to buy it at a high price. No, no. I couldn't do that. It was my weapon to get away from him.My cell phone on the nightstand vibrated, and I approached it. There was Taylor's name on the screen. "Yes?""I sent you a link. Read it immediately. Now." She ended the call without waiting for my response.I stared at my phone screen in confusion. I saw a new message on one of the m
"Good morning, Miss Bailey!" greeted the employee who passed me with respect."Good morning," I replied.The atmosphere of the store slowly returned to normal. Those who had been unable to smile or greet me for the past two weeks were acting differently this morning. Those three videos helped restore their confidence. I found out that my problems were affecting them, too.My shop was not out of critical condition yet, but none of the employees complained about not working behind the counter. They were all cheerfully carrying flowers to sell to passers-by. If the reporters weren't following me, I'd want to do sales with them.I glanced at my phone screen. It was strange. Taylor sent a message in the morning, but by the time I got to work, there was no link from her. Weren't there any more videos that the mysterious account owner would uncover?"Morning, Heather!" greeted Faye cheerfully. "You won't believe what happened yesterday!""Morning, Faye." I frowned at the folder she was wavin
That was crazy. After revealing the things over the past few days, he knew more secrets about them. How could he do that? I couldn't find any of Bailey's secrets with Silas' help. Was it because he had a lot of money?We waited impatiently, but he didn't tell us the secret. He just asked the audience to be patient and wait until the next show. I couldn't believe it. He deliberately made us curious to wait until the next day.Blaze's gaze on the screen softened. "Heather." My heart nearly stopped beating at the mention of my name. "I was so evil to use you. Because of my mistake, you became the victim of people's bullying. Although I don't deserve to be forgiven, I beg for your forgiveness. Please forgive me. I'll do whatever it takes to pay for all my sins."The video ended with the screen turning dark. 'Heather Bailey, what is your answer?'My eyes heated up as the video ended. Not just me, Blaze was also a victim of the crimes committed by Bailey. Remembering everything he did, my e
[Blaze] I'm glad I listened to Jericho's advice. He told me to be patient and wait for the right time to expose Bailey's rottenness. I waited for two weeks, and he was right. The event we were waiting for came. Unmasking them for the first time through their event was the best thing I'd ever done in my revenge against Bailey. They couldn't counterattack because all they had was fake evidence. The past three days were historic for me. For the first time, I could make those three people unable to move. They were targeted by reporters everywhere they went. Their homes were never empty of news-hungry journalists. However, they didn't utter a single rebuttal or comment. I was waiting for their counterattack. Cullen couldn't possibly stand by and watch his fiancée being attacked in public. He must be looking for evidence to get back at me. "All the people who withdrew the project contacted me to reconsider our agreement with them, sir," Kyle reported. I predicted it as soon as Darcy's l
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