The following weeks seemed to blur into a whirlwind of busyness for William. The demands of their various businesses, including their role as the biggest charcoal supplier in their province, were unrelenting. Despite their wealth and success, he remained committed to being hands-on in managing their ventures. Tessa, too, was immersed in her own role as a devoted mother to their children, Mark, Michael, and Willow.Their daily routine became a carefully choreographed dance of responsibilities. Tessa ensured that her children's needs were met, from preparing their meals to helping with their schoolwork. She found joy in nurturing and guiding them, a role she cherished. Each bedtime story, every scraped knee kissed, and all the comforting hugs were expressions of her deep love and commitment to her family.One particular day, William had news to share with Tessa. He pulled her aside, his face a mixture of determination and regret. "Tessa," he began, "I have to travel to another province
Inside her hotel suite, Cindy's determination burned bright. She had meticulously planned every step of her scheme, from causing William's tire to go flat to following him throughout the day, ensuring that he ended up in this remote hotel. Her heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and devious delight, and she was not about to give up now.She knew that the key to her plan's success was to sow discord between William and Tessa, to exploit any trace of doubt or suspicion that might fester between them. And she had just the ammunition she needed. The mere fact that William and she were staying in the same hotel would be enough to set Tessa's imagination ablaze with suspicion and jealousy.With her phone in hand, Cindy dialed William's mother's number. She needed to keep her updated on the progress of her plan, to ensure that every detail fell into place as intended. The call connected, and a voice, dripping with false concern, greeted her."Cindy, my dear," William's mother said, her
The minutes dragged like hours for Cindy as she waited anxiously in her hotel suite. Every passing moment felt like an eternity, her impatience clawing at her, urging the hotel boy to expedite his sinister mission. Three long hours slipped by, each second amplifying her anxiety.Finally, a chime from her phone shattered the oppressive silence of the room. Her heart leaped with anticipation as she read the text message from the hotel boy. William had placed an order for food, a development that sent a wicked thrill through her veins. A triumphant smirk curled her lips as she texted the hotel boy back, her message dripping with malice."Remember what to do. Put the sleeping pills in his drink, and make sure you leave me his room number," she instructed, her words concise, her intent clear.A reply came swiftly, the hotel boy's compliance evident in his brief response. "I understand," he typed, his willingness to follow through on her instructions evident in his words.Cindy's heart race
Inside their home, a deep sense of worry hung heavy in the air, weighing down the hearts of Tessa and her three children. Two days had passed, and there was no sign of William. The powerful snowstorm outside mirrored the turmoil within their family, its relentless fury making the world outside seem even colder and more unforgiving.Tessa's face was etched with concern, her eyes reflecting the fear that gnawed at her insides. Her hands trembled as she clutched her phone, the device that had become a lifeline to her missing husband. She had called him countless times, each ring echoing the growing desperation in her heart. In her worry, she berated herself for not asking him where he was staying, a simple question that now seemed crucial.Beside her, her children huddled together, their faces etched with a mix of confusion and fear. Their innocent eyes were clouded with tears, their voices laced with worry as they kept asking the same question: "Where is Daddy?"Tessa's heart ached at t
Tessa's voice, though firm, trembled with the pain of betrayal as she ushered her children into action. "Mark, Michael, Willow, pack your clothes and important things quickly. We need to leave," she said, her eyes red from crying but determined."Mom, where are we going?" Mark's voice quivered as he folded his clothes and stuffed them into a suitcase. He looked up at his mother, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and confusion.Tessa, her own eyes swollen from crying, knelt beside her eldest son and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We're going far away, Mark, where we can start anew. It's going to be difficult, but I promise we'll be okay."Michael, who had been silently packing his belongings, couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. "But I want to see Dad. I want him to explain why he left us," he said through choked sobs.Tessa's heart ached at her son's words. She too wanted answers, but the pain of her husband's betrayal was still too fresh, and she feared the turmoi
The small, run-down house stood amidst a cluster of similarly dilapidated buildings in the heart of the bustling downtown city. Its paint, once vibrant, had long faded, leaving behind a dull, weathered facade. The wooden door creaked in protest as Tessa pushed it open, revealing a narrow corridor that led to a series of tiny rooms.Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of dampness and neglect. The walls, stained with age, seemed to close in on them, creating an atmosphere of confinement. The room Tessa had rented was the epitome of simplicity, furnished with only the most basic necessities. A single bed with a worn-out mattress occupied one corner, and a small wooden table, scarred from years of use, stood by the window. There was a sink tucked away in a corner, and a curtain provided some semblance of privacy for a makeshift bathroom.Despite its shabbiness, Tessa felt a strange sense of liberation within these walls. It was a fresh start, a new chapter in their lives away from th
William rubbed his eyes, the remnants of sleep clinging to his senses. He stretched his arms, feeling the stiffness from sleeping in an unfamiliar bed. "Finally, I can go back to Tessa and the kids," he mumbled to himself, his heart swelling with longing for his family. Unbeknownst to him, a sinister plot had unfolded while he’s sleeping.He stepped into the shower, the warm water soothing his tired muscles. The water ascaded down, he thought about the warmth of his wife's embrace, the laughter of his children filling their home. "I need to make it up to them. I've been away for too long," he muttered, his voice laced with guilt.After his shower, he wrapped a towel around his waist, his mind already back home with his family. "I hope they'll understand. I'll explain everything to Tessa. She always understands me," he reassured himself, trying to quell the growing unease in his chest.Dressed in fresh clothes, he sat down at the hotel room's small table, glancing at the untouched brea
Cindy gazed at herself in the mirror, a wicked glint in her eyes. "Today's the day, Cindy. Time to play the caring friend, the concerned colleague," she muttered to herself, her voice laced with a false sweetness. She brushed her hair with calculated precision, thinking about how to approach William without arousing suspicion.She applied her makeup, her mind raced with schemes and manipulations. "He needs me now, more than ever. I'll be the shoulder he leans on, the one he turns to in his moment of vulnerability." Her lips curved into a cunning smile, confident in her ability to deceive.She chose an outfit carefully, opting for something both professional and alluring. "Just the right balance," she mused, her eyes narrowing with determination. The dress clung to her figure in all the right places, designed to captivate without being too obvious. Cindy knew the power of allure, how it could cloud a man's judgment, and she intended to use it to her advantage.Breakfast was a formality
So the two of them stepped out of the bar, he couldn't contain his excitement. He was determined to make Sarah his, consequences be damned. He led her to his newest sports car, a sleek and shiny machine that screamed luxury."Wow, is this your car, Lucas?" Sarah asked, her eyes wide with awe.Lucas smirked, loving the way she looked at him. "Of course. I have a collection of sports cars in my villa," he boasted, opening the car door for her.Sarah climbed into the passenger seat, impressed by Lucas's display of wealth and power. As they drove towards her place, Lucas couldn't help but try to impress her even more."So, Sarah, tell me about your family. What do they do in life?" Lucas asked, trying to steer the conversation away from his own deception.Sarah hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. "My parents are in marketing, and many more," she replied finally. "They are constantly moving from town to another town because of business.”Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued
"I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. You look absolutely stunning in that emerald dress. I’m not gonna lie, when I tell you that,”Sarah smiled politely, but there was a hint of skepticism in her eyes. "Thank you," she replied. "And let me just say, you have the most captivating smile I've ever seen." He said, extending his hands.Sarah chuckled softly. "You certainly know how to lay on the charm, don't you?"Lucas grinned, feeling emboldened by her response. "I like to think I have a way with words. So, what brings a beautiful woman like you to a place like this?"He couldn't resist the urge to show off. He casually mentioned his successful businesses, subtly hinting at his wealth and success. "I own a few businesses myself," he said casually. "Nothing too fancy, just a few million-dollar ventures here and there."Sarah raised an eyebrow, impressed despite herself. "That's quite impressive. It must keep you busy?”He shrugged nonchalantly. "It does, but I always mak
The luxury high-end bar was highly recommendable in the town, with its glittering chandeliers, plush velvet couches, and marble-topped tables. Soft jazz music played in the background, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The place was bustling with well-dressed patrons, sipping on expensive cocktails and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.And inside of the place, Lucas Davis sat at the bar, a glass of whiskey in hand, a smirk on his face. Despite being engaged, he was determined to enjoy his night out and relish in the attention of others. He was known as the "life of the party,". He took a sip of his drink, Lucas's eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene around him. He saw his "friends," the sons of wealthy businessmen, approaching him with smiles on their faces."Lucas! You're here too! What the hell, man!" one of them exclaimed, clapping him on the back."Of course, I'm here. I'm everywhere," He replied with a cocky grin, reveling in the attention."But I heard you were very busy
Lucas Davis was seething with anger. His face was red, and his hands trembled with frustration as he paced back and forth in his office. Harper watched him with a smirk, enjoying his display of rage."I can't believe that old man, mom! Imagine that? He wasted my time! My time is too precious just to be wasted! How dare he decline us? They're the ones who set up an appointment with us! They're the ones who need us!" He shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.His mother chuckled wickedly. "Yes, the nerve of him! I can't believe William declined us. Well, he hasn't declined yet, he told us he'll think twice.""The nerve of him! Doesn't that old guy know who we are? We're billionaires! Everyone wants to get a partnership with me!" Lucas roared, his fists clenched in fury.Harper stood up, her eyes flashing with malice. "Hey, calm down, Lucas. We need to be strategic about this. You can't let our emotions control you!”Lucas glared at her. "I am calm, Mom! I just can't stand it when some
Finally, after like the end of the world, William and his wife got back home. The heavy feeling of the day seemed to hang heavy on his shoulders. He sank onto the sofa, feeling drained and stressed from the encounter with Lucas Davis and his mother.“Ahh! So tired!” He complained while massaging his neck.His wife watched him closely, her expression unreadable. "So, have you decided, William?" she asked, her voice tense.He rubbed his temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "I can't decide yet, Cindy. We just got home, please, not now." he replied, his tone weary.Cindy's face tightened at his response. She, too, was exhausted, but she knew they needed to make a decision soon. "I'm exhausted too! It's Not just you! But you need to decide soon. If you manage to sign the deal with Lucas Davis, then your mother will let you support your long-lost children," she reminded him, pretending to care for his children."I know that, Cindy!" William snapped, his patience wearing thin. "But
He can't help but chuckle bitterly. Now, he finally understood. His mother and Harper Davis have the same evil personality.They would do everything just for their gain. They're just both evil."You hate Harper, but you aren't aware that you're just the same as her, mom.”"How dare you compare me to that woman?!" she seethed, her voice sharp with indignation. "I would never stoop to her level!"His own frustration bubbling to the surface. "You're both willing to manipulate and use anyone, even your own family, to get what you want. How is that any different? You may not see it, but your actions speak otherwise. Using my children as pawns in your games is just as ruthless as anything Harper Davis would do!”His mother's eyes flashed with fury. "I've only ever wanted what's best for you and your children! How can you accuse me of such things? Why can’t you understand me, huh? Are we going to fight forever, William?”"Because it's true, mom! You blackmailed me, you used my children as le
They left the meeting room and went inside the elevator. After the doors closed, the tension among them was palpable. His mother's face was flushed with anger, and his wife's expression was a mix of frustration and disappointment."William, this is madness! How could you let this opportunity slip away? We could have had a deal with the Davis family!" his mother berated him, her voice echoing in the confined space.His wife chimed in, her tone sharp with accusation. "Yeah, I can't believe you! You had the chance to secure a partnership with one of the most influential families in the business world, and you just let it go!"He tried to defend his decision. "I couldn't agree to the deal without knowing all the details. I need to be sure it's the right move for our company."His mother scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "Details? What details? Lucas Davis offered us a golden opportunity, and you threw it away because of your stubbornness!""You never listen to anyone, do you?" Cindy looks ver
Lucas Davis entered the room with a casual swagger, his eyes flickering with a hint of amusement. He was well aware of the tension in the air, but it didn't seem to faze him in the slightest."Ohh, we have guests today! Mr. Reign, my apologies for the delay. Business calls, you know how it is," Lucas said with a dismissive wave of his hand, as if being late was a minor inconvenience.William felt a surge of irritation. "I understand that, Mr. Davis. However, being punctual is a sign of respect. It shows that you value the other person's time," he replied, his tone firm.Lucas chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Respect, Mr. Reign? In the world of business, respect is earned, not given. And I'm sure you'll agree, I've earned my fair share."He gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his composure. He could feel his wife’s hand on his arm, a silent reminder to stay calm."I'm here to discuss a potential partnership between our companies, Mr. Davis. However, I must insist on professi
He can feel the tension in the room was palpable. Cindy and his mother were fidgeting in their seats, exchanging excited whispers, while he sat back, trying to remain composed."Why are you both so excited?" He asked again, his tone more insistent this time.His wife gave him an exasperated look. "Dear, are you stupid or what? Don't you understand? This meeting could change everything for us. The Davis family is a huge opportunity for our business," she explained, her eyes shining with anticipation."But what if it's not what we expect? What if it's a trap?" He countered, his skepticism evident.His mother chimed in, her voice stern. "William, stop being so negative. I’m sick and tired of you, son! We have to be optimistic about this. Besides, Lucas Davis is a brilliant businessman. We could learn a lot from him!”He sighed, knowing he wouldn't win this argument. He leaned back in his chair, resigned to the fact that he would have to go through with the meeting, whether he liked it or