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“Sir, you need to see this,” Thomas barged into the CEO’s office with his tablet in his hands. Oliver groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. He glared at his assistant and questioned, “What is it this time? I thought I said I don’t want to be disturbed.” “I know, boss, and I wasn't going to disturb you until I saw the trending news. It will blow your mind. Remember the new law firm that we’ve been trying to partner with for sometime now?” Thomas excitedly said just as he approached the oak table. “It belongs to Miss Hamilton! She’s the founder and the CEO of CT Associates firm!” Oliver’s eyebrows creased in confusion. He grabbed the tablet and sure enough, the headlines were talking about the CT associate's secret boss who had just revealed her identity. Below the article was Claire’s portrait in a navy feminine business suit. She looked so beautiful and professional in the picture. ‘So, there was a lot more that she was hiding from me,’ Oliver mused, his stomach twisting at th
Silence fell upon them after Wesley made that bold declaration. A few seconds later, Claire sighed deeply. She had hoped Wesley would move on and give up on her but it seemed he had just been waiting for an opportunity to pursue her again. Looking at him, she said, “Wesley, you’re a good guy. And I won’t lie, I did think of working things out with you but it was only because I wanted my daughter to have a father. I wanted to use you-” “I’m ok with you using me… you can use me all you want. I don’t mind,” Wesley offered, a wide grin crossing his lips. “I do mind though… I wouldn’t have gone through with it even if Oliver and I didn’t get back together…”“But you’re not together anymore, right? He’s been ignoring you, not so? Just because of a little fight? If he loved you, he wouldn’t get angry at you,” Wesley stated and Claire furrowed her eyebrows. She narrowed her eyes at Wesley, suspicion creeping into her as she questioned, “How did you know that?”No one knew Oliver was ignor
Two days later…“We keep getting calls from media houses, Ma'am. They want to have an exclusive interview with you,” David Jenkins, Claire’s assistant, reported. Claire frowned and sighed deeply. She glanced up at David and remarked, “I’m sure you’ve politely turned them down on my behalf.” “I said I would get back to them-”“I’m not going to have an interview when I know they don’t want to find out about me or how I started the law firm from scratch. They just want to ask me if I’ve truly given up on my billionaire EX for another man,” Claire spat, her eyes flickering with anger. The whole city had gone crazy after the banquet. She didn’t know which reporter got a video of her talking to guests with Wesley by her side, giving the impression that they were a couple. It was annoying because Wesley kept following her around like a lost puppy. It took Claire getting upset for him to leave her alone but it seems the damage was already done. Once again, she was the subject of rumours.
“What?” Jessica’s eyes were almost popping out of their sockets. Her mouth dropped to the floor and her heart raced like a hummingbird's wings. She couldn't believe her ears. Did Oliver just agree to marry her? Was she dreaming?“If you didn’t get what I said then get lost,” Oliver stated coldly, a flash of anger flickering through his eyes. “No, I did! You agreed to marry me!” Jessica squealed. "Did you finally realise that you love me?" A big smile crossed her lips as she began to imagine the wedding- in her mind, she saw herself in a beautiful wedding gown as she walked down the aisle to a waiting Oliver. It was a dream come true! Finally, Oliver had agreed to marry her!She was about to walk around the table to hug him but he stopped her with an icy glare, the aura around him intimidating. “I didn’t say you’re allowed to touch me. You want to get married and I’ve agreed. Don’t expect more,” Oliver uttered in a cold voice that could freeze the air. “It’s ok. I don’t mind as lo
“I swear, I’ve never whooped his ass before but right now, my hand is itching to give him a good spanking!” In the Ford mansion, the usually gentle Roxanne Smith-Ford was glaring at her son with a slipper in her hand while her husband was holding her waist. “Calm down, babe. Let’s listen to him first. He must have a good reason-”“What good reason is there for him to leave Claire again and choose that fake woman? Over my dead body will she become my daughter-in-law!” Roxanne spat. It was earlier in the day when Zara showed her parents the trending news. They were all shocked, to say the least. After Oliver spent years pining for Claire, they thought he would never do something that would hurt her ever again. Not only did he hurt her, he announced his marriage to another woman. What exactly was Oliver thinking? After trying hard to win Claire back, why would he do such a thing that would make him lose her all over again?Roxanne didn't hesitate to call Oliver over and if he didn’t a
When Claire went home, she had red and puffy eyes. She glanced at her mother and asked, “Mom, was it Dad who told you he was innocent? Did you not go through his case?” Katherine Scott scoffed. She glanced at her daughter and spat, “Are you suspecting your parents of being liars?” “No, that’s not what I’m doing. I’ve been investigating the case and what I’ve found is not only shocking but it shows that Dad was the culprit all along and yet you made me believe it was Oliver’s father!” Claire yelled, unable to stop herself from losing her cool. This was not how she wanted this conversation to go but her mother was already getting angry when all she did was ask her who told her Jason Hamilton was innocent. “Mom, the evidence is there. Even without the embezzlement charges, he would have still been in prison because he and Grandpa committed attempted murder, twice! Sadly, Grandpa died in his early years in prison but he actually murdered Oliver’s grandfather! So, you saying they were w
“I’m sorry you had to come all the way here, Wesley. I can’t go out with you,” Claire rejected outright and cut the call. She didn't want to give him any more hope. The two of them could never work and Claire only saw him as a friend. It would be troublesome if she kept meeting him alone.Her phone suddenly chimed, signalling that she had received a message. Wesley: [I’m not leaving until you agree to go out with me.]Claire sighed but she didn’t reply to the text. He sure didn't know when to give up.Thalia glanced at her mother curiously and asked, “Who called you, Mommy?” “Just a friend of mine,” Claire answered. She then smiled at her daughter and stated, “How about I make you a delicious breakfast?” “Yay! I love it when you make breakfast. I miss Daddy’s breakfast too,” Thalia responded and Claire forced a smile. She didn’t know if having Oliver’s breakfast would be possible again now that he was engaged. An hour later, Claire and Thalia were done having breakfast when Kather
Wesley Crawford was trying to curry favour with Thalia’s daughter. So, he suggested they go to a mall so that Thalia could like him and that way, Claire would open up to him more. However, he deliberately chose the new mall that was built by the Ford Corporation, knowing Oliver would show up to inspect the place soon.He wanted to show him that he had succeeded in earning Claire’s heart and that Oliver’s daughter was now close to him. It was his way of showing him he would get everything that belonged to him, one by one. Things didn’t go as planned, though, since the mother and daughter had fun by themselves and Wesley failed to join them or spend time with Claire. The only time he felt good was when Oliver appeared looking like he was about to breathe fire from his nose. Wesley watched Oliver's jealous gaze land on Claire. His jaws were tightly clenched and green veins were almost popping out of his forehead. The man looked like he wanted to kill someone.A sense of satisfaction w
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