TWO DECADES LATERThe vibrant stars and beautiful night sky above painted a sad smile on William's face while he’s sitting on the balcony of his Grand Villa, a sanctuary of solitude high above the bustling city. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the memories that lingered in the corners of his mind. His place, adorned with potted plants and cushioned wicker furniture, offered a panoramic view of the city skyline.Taking a sip of his coffee, his eyes wandered across the horizon, lost in the millions of his thoughts. The bitterness of the brew mirrored the bitterness in his heart, a bitterness that had fermented over two decades, since the day Tessa chose betrayal over their vows."Tessa, if you could see me now, surrounded by success and wealth, would you regret the choices you made?" he mused, his voice barely a whisper, as if afraid the walls of the past might eavesdrop on his reflections.The coffee, dark and strong, seared down his throat, mom
Cindy left her husband and went to the movie room. She sat there. Feeling herself. The past, however, clung to her like an unyielding shadow, refusing to grant her the solace of sleep.Restless, she opened the giant television in front of her and flicked through the channels, the flashing images on the screen failing to distract her from the thoughts swirling in her mind. The weight of insecurity pressed upon her chest, a constant reminder of the woman who had once occupied her husband’s heart.But then, her phone rang, casting a blue glow across her face. The caller ID read "Auntie" William's mother. She hesitated for a moment before reluctantly answering the call."Yes, Auntie?" Her voice carried a hint of tension."Oh, why do you seem sad, my dear?" Mrs. Reign's voice, though aged, retained a certain sharpness that betrayed her cunning nature. She is the mastermind of the downfall of her own son’s marriage, using Cindy as a willing accomplice in her schemes.Unable to mask her frus
The simple but modest living room echoed with the soft ticking of a clock on the wall, a steady reminder of time passing. Tessa sat on the well-worn sofa, the fabric frayed at the edges, a proof to the years it had cradled her through. She wiped away her tears, her fingers tracing the lines etched by the passage of almost two decades.The walls of her average home bore witness to the memories of a life that had been solitary life with her kids. The sofa, worn but comforting, held the imprints of countless moments of solace. The coffee table, adorned with a vase of simple flowers, stood as a reminder that beauty could be found in the ordinary.She wiped away the tears that still lingered in the corners of her eyes, she couldn't help but reflect on the pain etched into the fabric of her past. Many years had passed since that fateful day when William's betrayal shattered her world. The divorce letter, a cruel and unexpected blow, had marked the beginning of a journey through the depths o
William suddenly, out of nowhere, sensed guilt that tugged at the edges of his conscience. While he harbored no remorse for his cheating wife, Tessa, whom he deemed deserving of her fate, the weight of absent years bore heavily on his shoulders when it came to his children—Mark, Michael, and Willow. His beloved children.Leaning back in his swivel chair, he gazed out of the window, the bustling city below a stark contrast to the turmoil within his heart. It is another day for him at the office. The image of his children, now grown-up adults navigating the complexities of life without his presence, haunted his thoughts."Mark... I'm sure you're a great man now," he whispered, the sentiment a quiet acknowledgement of the years that had slipped away. His mind wandered to Michael and Willow, the void left by their absence gnawing at him in a way that he had managed to suppress for far too long.For decades, he had played the role of an absent father, useless, cowardly. The fear of rejecti
The morning light filtered through the curtains, gently waking William from his sleepless sleep. He blinked away the remnants of sleep, his mind already consumed by the decisions he had made the previous day. Beside him, his wife Cindy stirred, her presence made it harder for the next steps he would take."Good morning, dear," Cindy's voice, though cheery. He forced a smile in response, the weight of his unspoken plans pressing against his chest.His wife worked around the kitchen, the clatter of pans and the aroma of breakfast filling the air. He sat down at the table and couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. The breakfast made him remember a hollow life because of his no-closure past.His wife placed a plate before him, her smile radiant as she urged him to eat. "I made your favorite, dear. Dig in," she chirped.He picked at his food, the taste bland against the bitterness of his emotions. His wife chattered away about her plans for the day, he found himself retreating into the re
Cindy's footsteps echoed down the grand hallway of the Reign’s residence. The early morning light cast long shadows across the polished marble floors. Entering the living room, Cindy found her mother-in-law seated in her favorite armchair, a look of surprise crossing her aging features at the unexpected visit."Cindy, my dear, what brings you here so early?" Mrs. Reign asked, her tone tinged with curiosity. "And where is William?"Well, she’s not really going out with friends. She just made an alibi so she could go here.Cindy's facade of composure cracked, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Your son," she began, her voice betraying her exasperation. "He's been acting strangely lately. I can't make sense of his behavior."The old woman’s eyebrow furrowed in concern, her gaze sharpening as she studied Cindy. "Strange? In what way?"Cindy hesitated, the weight of her suspicions pressing down on her. "He's been distant, secretive. I can feel that he's hiding something from me," sh
The next morning, Cindy woke with a determination burning in her chest. She had spent the night tossing and turning, her mind plagued by suspicions and doubts. She couldn't shake the feeling that her husband, William, was hiding something from her, something that could shatter the fragile facade of their marriage.She watched William prepare for his day, a facade of innocence masking her true intentions, Cindy felt a surge of resentment bubbling within her. He handed her cash, assuming she would be off for another extravagant shopping spree. Little did he know, his evil wife had other plans."Off to meet your business partners again?" she questioned casually, she’s trying to sound calm.William nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, darling. Business as usual," he replied smoothly, the practiced ease of his lies sending a shiver down Cindy's spine.Cindy bid her husband farewell, her mind already racing with plans of her own. She waited until he was safely out of sight before slippi
The next day, William received a text message from his investigator. They decided to meet in a restaurant near his place. He sat at a secluded table, his heart pounding with anticipation as he waited for the private investigator to arrive. He is praying for good news.When the investigator finally appeared, his pulse quickened with nervous energy. He rose to greet the man, his eyes searching for any sign of the answers he so desperately sought.The investigator settled into the seat opposite William, his expression grave as he began to speak. "I've found your son, Michael," he began, his voice tinged with regret.His breath caught in his throat, hope blossoming within him like a fragile flower. "Is he alright?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.But the investigator's next words shattered his fragile optimism like glass. "I'm afraid he's not as well as we had hoped," the man confessed, his tone heavy with sorrow. "He's involved in illegal underground boxing matches, and it's
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