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“Um… why are you not in your ward?” Claire asked, dodging the question smoothly but her eyes were full of concern for him. “You’re supposed to be resting after that horrible accident.” Oliver smiled in amusement but he didn’t continue to tease her. He suddenly frowned and said, “I have to go there now… my arm hurts.” “Really? You said it wasn’t that bad,” Zara Ford’s voice suddenly echoed around them and Oliver glared at his sister. “I’M. IN. PAIN,” Oliver stated firmly and the Ford family who had been watching them took the hint. Roxanne nodded and remarked, “We will handle things here, son. Go back to your ward.” She then asked Claire, “Would you please take care of him for me, Claire dear?” Claire nodded and went to the VIP ward with Oliver. Her heart ached when she saw the frown on his face, thinking he was in too much pain. “Lie down and don’t move around until you feel better,” she instructed, helping him get on the bed in the ward. Oliver hid a smile, loving the way
"This is your Uncle Liam and Uncle Jake," Oliver introduced his friends to his daughter. Glancing at his friends, he stated with pride laced in his voice, "Meet my daughter, guys. I'm a father now." "Hi Uncle Liam, hi Uncle Jake. It's nice to meet you," Thalia replied, smiling sweetly as she looked at the two tall men. "So adorable," Jake said while smiling down at the child. "Adorable indeed. She looks just like Claire," Liam observed. They had come to visit Oliver at the hospital after hearing the news about his accident. As for Thalia, she was brought over by Quinn after throwing a tantrum when she accidentally watched the news after changing the channel when Quinn was in the kitchen. "Congratulations, Man. I always knew you would be the first to have a child," Jake remarked. "Yeah... I had changed my mind six years ago and thought Jake would be the first to become a father but who knew you and Claire were already parents when you broke up?" Liam added and Oliver smirked.
The ward instantly went quiet after Claire’s response. She bit her lip, glancing at Oliver only to see the flash of hurt that flickered through his eyes. Her heart thumped with guilt as she reminded him, “We agreed to take things slow, not so?” Despite agreeing to give Oliver a second chance, Claire didn’t want them to move so fast without resolving some matters between them. Not only did she dread getting hurt again, but she also wanted to find an opportunity to come clean about her plans for revenge. She had yet to tell Oliver and the Fords that she had met her mother and that she had joined the company with a hidden motive. This was why she wanted them to take things slow… She had no idea how Oliver would react when he found out she had been lying to him all this while. Would he forgive her and continue with the relationship or would he feel betrayed and leave Claire once and for all?The thought that the truth could drift them apart again scared Claire more. She didn’t want to
Leaving the district office, Claire printed out the document she had scanned and got into a cab, heading to the address she had seen on the document. It didn’t take long for her to reach the place. However, her eyebrows creased when she looked at the building before her. The building looked like it had been burnt down years ago and no one bothered to renovate it. ‘So, it’s another dead-end?’ She mused, sighing deeply. Looking around, she realised how isolated this place was. Why would someone have a company this far from the city? Perhaps they were trying to hide something?Claire decided to walk around and ask the locals what they knew about the company that had been burned down. She had seen a few shops and pubs on her way here.A few minutes later, Claire walked into a pastry shop and found some elderly people seated around tables, chatting and eating the pastries they had ordered.They all glanced at her, making her feel self-aware. She seemed to be the only young person there.
Claire was ready to tell Oliver the truth about why she had returned to the city. However, when she arrived at his penthouse, she found he had prepared a surprise for her. He had made her a path of scented candles and rose petals, the atmosphere setting the mood for a long, romantic night ahead. Looking at the dress he had prepared for her, Claire sighed. 'I guess I can tell him the truth some other time,' she mused. She didn't want to ruin his night when he had put so much effort into arranging a date with her. A smile crossed her lips and she went to the bathroom, her heart skipping a beat when she found something else prepared for her in there. The huge tub was filled with warm water and bath bombs. Red rose petals floated atop the foamy water. A small wooden tray was placed in the middle of the tub with a glass of champagne and a plate of assorted fruits. Soft music was playing from a small speaker in the corner.Claire's heart felt warm as she looked around the place. She spot
An hour later, the yacht had settled in the middle of the open ocean. That was when the food was served. Claire and Oliver had dinner while a cool breeze from the ocean often kissed their skins. They shared looks every now and then as they chatted about everything under the sun. "I didn't know there was such a restaurant in Brentwood city," Claire remarked. "There wasn't... but I opened it for you so that I could bring you here for date nights," Oliver replied and Claire's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" Claire asked. "It means you're the owner of this yacht restaurant, Angel," Oliver answered calmly as if he were just talking about the weather. "No, I'm not. How could you give me such a thing? I can't accept it," Claire objected, her mouth falling to the floor. Oliver raised an eyebrow. He said, "I got this for you because you once said you would love to dine in the middle of the ocean. And of course, it just couldn't sit idle so I transformed it into a profit-making restaura
The scheme to take over the Ford Corporation started over forty years ago. After losing his parents in a terrible car crash, a young Henry Ford couldn't heal from the trauma of witnessing his parents' death. Thus, his grandfather, Larry Ford, took him abroad, leaving the company in Henry's father's friend, Eric Hamilton's hands. Eric Hamilton worked as a stand-in CEO for many years, simply following instructions from the then chairman, Larry Ford. Despite him getting a generous salary for the job, Eric Hamilton wanted more. He believed he deserved to own the Corporation since he had been its CEO for so many years while Henry and his grandfather stayed abroad. Aside from being greedy, Eric had a secret too. To be able to be the CEO, he had caused the accident that took his friend, Harry Ford's life. Eric Hamilton recruited his son, Jason Hamilton, into the scheme of usurping the Fords from the throne. He trained him on how to be the CEO and instilled a seed in him that sprouted int
"...And that concludes today's meeting," Oliver said and got to his feet. He then turned to look at Claire and ordered, "Miss Hamilton, see me in my office after this." He secretly winked at her and Claire’s face flushed, knowing what he wanted. They had just had their usual Monday meeting and the whole time, Oliver kept glancing at her with a hungry gaze. They weren't able to have some alone time after their date since Thalia wanted them to spend time together as a family. Flushing, Claire excused herself and followed Oliver to his office. Her core tingled, anticipating what was about to happen. The moment they entered the office, Oliver pushed her towards his desk while crashing his lips against hers in indescribable need. "I missed you so much, baby," he groaned when he left her lips and kissed her jaw before going down her neck. "I want you so much," Oliver hissed. Claire sighed erotically, loving the feel of Oliver's hands on her body. He slipped his hand under her shirt a
Years came and went... After a warm shower, Oliver stood behind his wife to help her wear the necklace that was engraved with their children's names. "So, you know what today is?" He asked as he placed the necklace around her neck. "How could I forget?" Claire arched an eyebrow. "You've been talking about it for months.""Yes... because I've been preparing a vacation for us for when this day comes. I can't believe it's been eight years already," Oliver remarked. When he was done putting the necklace around Claire's neck, he placed a soft kiss in the crook of her neck before saying, "You've made me the happiest man on earth, Angel."Claire sighed before leaning back into Oliver. She remarked, "Time flies."Everything was going well for everyone. Oliver Ford had taken over as chairman of the Ford Corporation after his father, Henry Ford, retired. With Oliver's leadership, the company was taken to greater heights and it expanded to more foreign countries. As for his marriage with Cl
"Uncle Jake. Remember how you owe me?" Thalia said with her arms crossed over her chest. "I'm here to collect."Oliver, Jake and Liam were left to babysit the kids while their women went out to relax. The men chose to let the kids play in the playroom while they caught up on a few soccer games that they had missed during the week. However, Thalia saw this as an opportunity to collect her debt from one Jake Norton. He was seated in the living area, invested in a soccer game when she confronted him. Jake's eyes widened. He didn't expect the little one to interrupt him when the game was just getting good. His favorite team were leading and he wanted to see how it would end. He chuckled and replied, "You want to collect now? Let's wait until the game is over, ok?""Are you trying to run away from paying your debt, Uncle Jake? A real man sticks to his words," Thalia remarked in her adorable voice. Jake sighed. He said, "Ok, you win, sweetheart. So, tell me. What do you want me to do f
A few weeks later..."I can't believe you guys are having a double wedding! I'm so freaking jealous! I want to get married again so that we have a triple wedding!" Claire exclaimed after Quinn and Aria were done with their makeup."Oh my... you two look so gorgeous. I love the designer wedding dresses," Claire remarked with a smile plastered on her face. "It was more convenient since we were both getting married this year. Besides, Jake and Liam are ecstatic about getting married on the same day," Quinn replied, smiling. They had come to that decision during Thalia's birthday party. Oliver suggested it and the rest thought it was a good idea. "I'm more surprised that Aria is getting married. She's just a year older than me. We promised to get married at thirty," Evelyn remarked. She sighed and looked at her friend in awe. "You make such a beautiful bride, Ari. Congratulations."Aria smiled, looking at herself in the mirror. She couldn't recognise herself. With her hair pulled up int
Liam entered Aria’s apartment for the first time. He noted how cosy and homely it felt. There were blue couches in the living room and grey curtains on the windows. Liam’s eyes fell on the portrait of a little boy hanging on the wall. His heart raced as he looked at the boy who had dark brown curly hair with fair skin and hazel eyes. ‘Is that my son?’ He thought in his mind. The boy took after Aria but he had his eyes. Liam's heart felt warm. He glanced at Aria and eagerly asked, "Where's Jayce? Where's my son?""He should be in the kitchen with his nanny. Let me get him," Aria responded, her stomach a bundle of nerves. She still couldn't believe what was happening. It all felt surreal. Just the previous day, she didn't know who Jayce's father was, but now, not only did she find out who it was, but he also proposed to her. Who knew she would end up with the stranger she had a one-night stand with?Her heart was filled with warmth and sweetness. Aria looked for her son and sure e
Sophia Hill was over the moon at the thought of her long-time dream finally coming true. When she left the special forces and joined Liam’s company as part of his security team, she developed a crush on him.She did all she could to get noticed by him and when Liam noticed how good she was, he promoted her to be his personal bodyguard. However, that was just it. Liam never made a move on her or spared her a glance. Sophia thought since he was a player, it wouldn’t be hard for him to fall for her. However, nothing of that sort happened. Liam kept her as a bodyguard and never saw her as anything more. A chance came for Sophia to make Liam hers. He accidentally got drugged at a party and Sophia was ecstatic about such a great opportunity. To her shock, she found him making love to another woman in the room she had booked for him. Fierce jealousy rushed through Sophia and she wanted nothing but to separate the two but it was too late. All she could do was wait until Liam was done. She
Liam’s heart was beating like a drum within the walls of his chest. He took in a deep breath as he held the envelope. His friends stood beside him, waiting to read the results with him. Oliver patted his shoulder and said, “Don’t worry… even if you don’t turn out to be the father, you still love Aria and you will be with her.”“That’s right. Look at me and Lucian. We may not be related by blood but he’s my son and I love him. I’m sure Aria’s son will love you regardless.” Liam let out a breath. He glanced at his friends and they nodded at him in encouragement. Ignoring his pounding heart, he opened the envelope and took out the document with trembling hands. “The results are usually at the bottom of the page,” Jake remarked. “Don’t waste your time reading the statistics.”Liam’s eyes went to the bottom of the page and he read the results in his heart. A smile crossed his lips before it turned into a grin. “The child is mine! Aria’s son is mine! Haha! I have a son!” Liam exclaimed,
“What?” Jake’s eyes were almost popping out of their sockets. “Is it the same Aria we all know? Wait, she’s back?”Liam almost laughed at his friends' reaction. He knew they would be shocked. He and Aria had a huge age gap but surprisingly, they got along well. No one would know they were nine years apart in age if they saw them together. This was why Liam was convinced she was the one. He wanted someone he could relate well with as a wife. Forever is a long time to be with someone you can't stand. He nodded and replied, “Yes, it’s her. She’s working at my company-”“Liam… she’s like a sister to me. Are you really in love with her or you’re taking advantage of her?” Oliver questioned, his eyes narrowed down at his friend. “I wouldn’t propose to her if I didn’t love her-”“You what? Are you crazy? Do you think Uncle Adrian will agree? He knows you’re a player,” Oliver said. “You could have started by winning him over first.” “Well, I’ll do that but first, there’s something I need he
Liam's hand trembled when he held the familiar bracelet in his hands. What did this mean? Why was this bracelet with Aria?He took in a sharp breath, his heart clenching at the memory that flashed through his mind as he examined the bracelet. It was definitely this bracelet. He may not remember anything from that night but he remembered how brutal he was. The drug had taken full effect and he lost control. It was like a beast within him was unleashed and he devoured the woman who had walked into his room without mercy.This was why he felt guilty when he found out it was Sophia. He was so rough and probably hurt her during the session. This was why he kept her around to compensate her. However, the bracelet in his hand brought back part of his long-lost memory. The woman beneath him was struggling when he became so rough he had to grab her neck to pound into her like a crazed beast. He recalled how she held his wrist and the bracelet in his hand was on her wrist. The bracelet was m
"Why can't you take me seriously, cupcake? I really want to marry you," Liam said after Aria tried to brush off his words as bluff. Who didn't know that Liam never wanted to get married? He had been announcing it for years since she knew him. She chuckled and uttered, "You don't need to lie, Liam. I know you." Liam furrowed his eyebrows. He remarked, "There you go again using my reputation to judge me. I want to marry you, Aria. You're the right one for me... I can feel it in my bones."“B-But you haven’t even met my son yet,” Aria mumbled when she realised he wasn't joking. “I’ll meet him before we have our wedding,” Liam replied. Aria’s eyes widened into saucers. She asked, “We will have a wedding?”“Of course! Isn’t that how people get married?” Liam arched an eyebrow. “I thought you wanted a contract marriage. Like you need a wife and I’m available-”“It’s not a contract. I want to marry you for life,” Liam proclaimed. “Till death do us part.”Aria bit her lower lip as she th