Hearing Rupert's words, Stephan instantly froze. In just a few moments, the memories he tried to bury to the deepest trenches of his subconscious resurfaces. He was so out of it that he didn't notice Rupert's harsh removal of his grip from his collar.
Seeing the shaky demeanor of the man he once considered as his future brother-in-law, Rupert couldn't help but draw a grin on his lips.
"What? You think I didn't know about that sneaky little secret you have?"
"I h-have no i-idea what you're talking about…"
"Oh, really?" Rupert taunts, before leaning forward towards him. With an impish grin, he spoke.
"How could you forget? Isn't that supposed to be a c
"Where is she?"A voice suddenly interrupts a joyful conversation. Turning her head to the side, a figure of a tall man in a suit stands beside their coffee table.Recognizing who it was, her smile immediately disappears."Rupert Kilmer…what an unpleasant surprise…"Lacey Mitchell's assistant, Limwel Jorge, stops to look at the man. It takes him a while before he finally identifies the new person in their midst."Aren't you Mr. Kilmer's second son?" Limwel unconsciously blurts out. Pissed by what he just uttered, Rupert gives the man a deadly glare, prompting the latter to retract his tongue by the accidental slip.
"Honeymoon…?""Duh! What else? What did you have in mind? They're playing bricks or something? Geez…" Lacey spoke like it's the most obvious thing without the slightest hint of care."No…""Yeeees~" A mocking tone interrupts the flow of his mind. Rupert bangs the table again with a scowl on his face."Jasper…Jasper fucking Wayne! That bastard! I know he planned all this. He might have seduced Lia into marrying him. I know he is…""Ew…Don't brand Lia into one of your ugly traits. And for the record, can you stop calling her Lia? You have no right to call her that anymore. You're just giving that nickname an unpleasan
My ears ached with the clock's relentless ticking, hating every passing minute. I took a deep breath and glanced nervously out the fogged glass windows that had been splattered with raindrops.The day finally came. I thought I was already off the hook, seeing that I hadn't received any notice, asking for my presence since the wedding happened. How complacent of me."That person" was out of the country on official business until recently. It's possible he's already heard the news, but business, as usual, takes first priority. An event like a wedding ceremony doesn't reach that list. He's always been like that.I haven't had a moment to myself since my heated discussions with Stephan Smith and Lacey Mitchell. And yet, his secretary called, insisting that I come to his office a
Lady C.L?"Who's that?" I couldn't help voicing out in confusion.That lady, who is she? And what was the point of bringing up a person who wasn't even part of the discussion? That's not like him at all.A voice, though, as perplexed as he was, chimed in."Lady C.L? Isn't that the famous singer from 20 years ago?" Mom questioned. The man in front of us looked at her and gave her a sly grin."As expected, you've heard of her…"“Without a doubt. I tried singing her songs from err–before…" Mom's initial reaction to that singer's name was to gush like someone completely enamor
Fuck. My head hurts.The back of my hand went to my throbbing head, and I gave it a little rub. It's been a long day, damn it.The instant I stepped into the elevator, I felt my energy drain away, as if I could finally relax now that I was back in familiar territory. My hand went to my stomach, which was still hurting just as much as my head.That wretched old man...that was a harsh beating!On the other hand, I couldn't help but think back to what had happened earlier, namely that man's revelation about Lia's mother.That's something she's never mentioned to me. We promised not to hide secrets from each other, and she has always kept her word. But there's
“Oh, brother! How’s my surprise? Quite lavish, ain’t it?" Frustrated, I brushed the stray hairs away from my face and sighed, "Goddamn it, Chaisel, seriously?" "What? I did what you asked for. I believe I even went beyond what you previously requested." The level of indifference in his voice was imminent, as if not realizing one very fact he already knew for years. "Haaa…" "C'mon. What's with the long sigh, brother? Freshen up! It's your honeymoon. Surely, you're not planning on wearing a frown throughout your vacation? How awkward would your wife feel…" "I wouldn't be complaining if you had prepared everything flawlessly!" I exclaimed in a whispe
"Hey, hun! I cooked us dinner. Let's eat–wait, you're packing already?" I asked as soon as I saw her packing her things in her favorite red suitcase. I couldn't help but smile at her buoyant spirit as she hummed to herself and rummaged through her closet for an outfit."Yup! There's absolutely no time to lose!" she screams as she carelessly stacks her expensive gowns on the suitcase. I shook my head and reached for it instead."Here. Let me do it." I grabbed the hangers from her and began to fold them up nicely. I rearranged the items she had previously stuffed inside to make room for more."Thanks!" She quickly ran off inside the closet.As I was folding her clothes, I realized that she had an unusually large
"What the? Are you just going to continue sleeping there? It's already morning! Get up!"A deafening roar echoed in my ears, jolting me to full consciousness."Ugh…Meredith…" I said sleepily, my voice leaking through the crisp white blankets. From the voice alone, I recognized who it was.My vision was cloudy but I squinted as a bright shaft of sunlight pierced my face, as if the windows at the room's four corners had been thrown open."What? You're blind, not deaf. I know you heard me, so get up slowpoke!" She let out a shriek, and then I felt something soft smash against the back of my skull. A loud clump near the door followed shortly after.
"Shit! I'm late!" Lianna exclaimed, followed by a series of shrieks and clumsy sprint to the bathroom. A bunch of curses echoed on the tiled walls, complaining about how she got quite a lengthy sleep. Too comfortable to earn her a hectic morning.It only took her a speedy few minutes to collect herself into a rather decent look before grabbing her messy things and dumping them in her bag."Hey. Where are you off this early in the morning?" Traversing down the staircase, her head tilted to the source of the sound.Sneaking a peek from the kitchen, Jasper's head popped up to meet her disheveled gaze."Oh Jasper, you're still here. Can I ride with you to the office? I forgot to set up the alarm and I'm seriously late." She pleaded while trying to grab hold of all the things she needed to bring. Both of her hands were busy and cluttered as it is, making her attention flying everywhere.However, Lianna raised her head once again when she realizes something."Wait…why are you not dressed? A
"Finally, that lasted far too long."Jasper breathes out a tired sigh, loosening down the black tie that seemed to choke out the living shit out of him for the entire afternoon."Good work today, Mr. Wayne. You've been quite impressive these past few months. So impressive, I almost thought you became a different person." The silence he was craving after a long, hectic meeting immediately was thrown out of the window when a familiar voice came up behind him."Mr. Lim. It's nothing to cause such high regards." Jasper plastered a fake smile as he turned to meet the middle-aged man exiting the board room after him.Despite the friendly word, his brows twitched at the sight of the shameless man who used to ridicule him in the past, now seemingly shining the widest smile he could offer."Humble, at that. Now that I'm seeing clearly, you're slowly resembling your father and elder siblings. I guess, it's in the blood no matter how one looks.""Maybe it is…" "Oh well. Enough of that. I'm curi
"Oh would you look at that…the blind girl finally has minions following her. An upgrade, is it?" Eridessa glanced at Seria, who froze in nervousness. Her hands holding the cards visibly shaking.Despite the smiling face, Seria knows that the newly arrived woman is someone who's up to no good."Weren't you listening back then? The blind girl is no longer blind. Might that be you? Can't you see we're having fun for ourselves?" Lianna lazily looks at her, ticking her off with the unexpected attitude."How rude, Lianna. I was just catching up with you…" Despite her remark, Lianna still caught on to the grit."Here I am wondering where you went after the wedding? Oh! Was it the honeymoon? Tsk. My bad. I was also busy with mine so it slipped my mind. Congratulations on your wedding, Mrs. Kilmer. I heard you had a SPECTACULAR ceremony. I'm jealous." Lianna didn't know where she got the courage to speak such sharp words but she did, like it's a natural thing to do."Is it me or you look quite
Losing count of all the time passed, Lianna sighs heavily as she lazily slumps towards her desk. This was the first time she felt so drained and tired going back and forth outside of her comfort zone.For someone who spent most of her life in the vicinity of her home, this was a new chapter of her. A new accomplishment, not as Lianna Smith or Kilmer, but as Lianna Callis Kreisler Wayne.Yet, her new identity and status has its limits. With the challenge of building an entertainment agency from the ground, a lot of things emerged to be settled. Despite being declared an heir and a wife of a powerful man, Lianna hasn't proven herself, hence the people she had met were quite wary in involving themselves with her for business relations. In the eyes of such wealthy businessmen, she was just a newborn.She was discouraged at first, yet, the pressure that was building gave her a boost to cease the sulking and step up her game. Despite the countless rejections to hire a talent, she remained p
"You're back too early." Chairman Leo greeted Lianna when she entered his main office.She trailed her eyes to the entire space before walking towards his table at the very front. She still couldn't get used to how beautiful the interiors in this office were."I need to be prepared. Anyways, what should I do?" Lianna asked. A week after they got back from their trip, she was to officially report to the office, hence marching inside the building with nervousness. A lot of people were watching her every move and it's taking her all not to collapse in anxiety from their intense stares.'Geez…back then, I didn't have to worry about such attention.' She muttered to herself."Here. Read it." He pulled a folder from one of the drawers and lent it to her. Confusion instantly came over her when she read the details inside."An entertainment branch? From what I remember, the Kreisler family doesn't dwell in that type of industry." Before the wedding, she underwent training under him for a shor
"Greetings. You've arrived." As soon as they reached the parking lot, they were met with a few, black suited men."Lance…how're you doing?" Jasper calls out the man in front, seemingly leading the other men with him. With his usual, black outfit, Lance bows before responding."Doing good sir." He answered briefly. Lianna then calls him next. It's been a while since she saw her stoic guard again."Hello, sir Romero. Good to see you again.""You too, Madam. I see you're doing well." He flashes a reserved smile."Yup. I had a great time." She spoke joyfully, returning the smile she received.Meanwhile, Jasper twitches his brows. His eyes switched between the two, who were currently exchanging greetings."We have finished loading the luggage, so–" before Lance could continue, Jasper cut him off."Actually, Lance. Give me the keys." He spoke, his palm suspended in the air, waiting."Pardon?""Ride with Taylor this time. I'll drive the both of us." When he responded, he turned to Lianna. Se
The past month was fun. After that talk by the beach, Lianna and Jasper got to know more about each other. As his friend said before they departed to the island, they had the entire half of the island for themselves, that included first dibs to the natural reserves and tourist spots that were yet to be opened to the public.There was awkwardness in the air at first, but after a few days, slowly and steadily, they forged a friendship above their contractual relationship.Both Lianna and Jasper temporarily forgot about everything and enjoyed each other's company. They couldn't hide the excitement within them, realizing that they made another genuine friend after their small circle.And just like always, their time alone ended in a flash…so as it seemed for them."I request everyone aboard to please sit back and wear your seatbelts, as we are nearing for landing." The captain announced in the intercom from the cockpit. The two who were busy passing time playing chess hurried to sit back
“A penny of your thoughts?” Upon hearing a mellow voice, Lianna turned. With the cold wind putting his hair in disarray, Jasper walked towards her, wearing a simple polo shirt and pants, paired with casual slippers. Gazing at his face, Lianna thought of the drastic, physical change of his body, comparing how he looked when they first met. If she didn’t know any better, he might’ve looked like someone else.“Jasper…are you feeling okay?”“Yeah. Sorry, I wasn't able to join you for most of the afternoon.” he spoke in a shy apology. Thinking how he just straight up collapsed, the moment his body touched the soft bed, embarrassment filled his system.Despite their agreement, they were still a married couple. Newlyweds, at that. As a husband, the first thing he did was to sleep right in and left his wife to wander for herself. Lianna saw right through him, catching up with his internal dilemma. “It's fine. I've got a lot of free time wandering around. The place is gorgeous.” It was the
"Why didn't you protect her?" It was the first thing that Rupert heard the moment he entered the room. He just got back from talking to his mother, still stressed. Yet, seeing another person inside, he sighed in disbelief."Mitchell…""The doctor said about traumatic infliction…who did this to her? Was it your family?" Lacey spoke with gritted teeth, gaze fixated on Lianna who busied herself watching the scenery outside from the large, glass windows.She never uttered a word while they conversed, as if she's in her own, little world. Looking so lost, Lacey raged, especially when she confirmed her suspicions when he spoke."Unfortunately…yes." In an instant, Rupert felt…embarrassed. He assured Lacey he'd take care of her, yet this happened."Damn…I know your bitch of a mother is the culprit, right? That witch, how dare she! I've been holding back because it's your family and Lia's wish, but this…she just sentenced herself for torture for almost killing my sister!" Lacey wanted to burst