"E–Ethan." Eve's heart literally jumped out of her chest. Her eyes flew wide and her body trembled. "H–Honey, y–you're still home. W–Why didn't you—""Evelyn!" Ethan gripped her arms hard. "Where the hell are you coming from?"Eve struggled fruitlessly, her chest heaving up and down erratically. "S–Stop it, Ethan. I can explain.""Explain what!?" The man pushed her aside and she landed on the floor."Ahhh! My waist! Ethan, Are you crazy!" Eve scrambled back until her back hit the wall. "I told you I'd explain, now stop acting like a maniac."Ethan glared down at her, his fists clenched and his eyes red. "H–Honey." Eve stood up and held his arm. "Please don't be mad at me, you can't believe what I went through yesterday. I'm at fault for not returning home or picking up your calls, but I have an explanation for all that. I really suffered a lot.""You suffered?" Ethan pushed her away. "More like you were having a good time, Eve.""Ah! It's not like that.""Then how can you explain thi
Eve averted her gaze and proceeded down the stairs. She walked past the living room, heading for the dining area, and Elena appeared from the kitchen direction with a tray of food. "It is not yet time for dinner, but the sun has long set. I knew you would be hungry, Madam. That's why I prepared this." Elena settled the tray on the table as Eve lowered herself to a chair. "Madam." Elena cleared her throat and lowered her voice. "Now that the Young Master has gotten his answers, you can see that he's no longer angry. I hope you're not still mad at him.""You forgot my orange juice, Elena." Eve picked up the spoon. The food was steaming hot. Her stomach was still grumbling. However, the urge to eat was far from her mind."Oh, I'm so sorry, Madam. I'll bring it right away." Elena walked away and disappeared in the kitchen direction. Eve let out a sigh and forced some of the food down her throat. And footsteps came from behind her, then they stopped beside her. Ethan sat on the head ch
"Grandpa!" Eve hurried inside the room and knelt on the bedside. "What happened to you, Grandpa? Are you sick? When did you fall sick? Grandpa, is it serious?""You, this silly girl. Which question do you want me to answer first?" Her grandfather chuckled. "This Old Man is as fit as a horse.""Since when did you fall sick, Grandpa?" Eve held his hand. "Young Miss, he is suffering from high blood pressure. Be rest assured, compared to last week, your grandfather is recovering well," her grandfather's caregiver answered. Eve shook her head and sighed. "Grandpa, why didn't you tell me you were sick during the phone call?" She looked toward the Old Man and murmured. "It is just a minor illness, I don't see why I should bother you with it." The old man patted her head."But Grandpa—""Actually, Young Miss, not a day goes by without your grandfather speaking of you. He longs so much to see you. This, I think, is part of the reason why he fell sick.""Really, Grandpa?" Eve's heart twisted
Eve removed the phone from her ear and stared at the contact display name. "Eve." Ethan's voice came again.Eve hung up then threw the phone on her bed and walked into the bathroom. She removed her makeup then washed her face. Her phone rang again when she left the bathroom, and she put it on silent and lay on the bed, her eyelids getting heavy. Eve didn't know when she dozed off until high-pitched voices woke her up. She fluttered her eyes open, and two figures hovered over her. "Big Sis!""Is this really you? Am I seeing wrong?"The twins' faces came into her vision and Eve rubbed her eyes, sitting up. "It is really you, Big Sis!" Cassie held her shoulders and shook her. "When did you come? Are you together with brother-in-law?" Carla asked. Eve covered her mouth to stifle a yawn, and she slowly shook her head. "I missed you so much, Girls." She hugged them both. "I came since morning, where have you been?" "We went to a friend's birthday party with Dad," Cassie answered her
"Urgh!" Eve tossed her phone aside after bidding goodbye to Elena and hanging up. Ethan was allergic to extremely cold weather. That wasn't even a weakness. Literally, everyone should be allergic to extremely cold weather. Eve supported her head with both hands and blew out a sigh. Ethan. Ethan. Ethan... That man had really gone too far. She propped her legs up on the bed and leaned against the headboard then stared up at the ceiling. Chatters and footsteps came from the door and her sisters barged into the room, each holding a pillow. "Big Sis, can we sleep here?" They both asked at the same time. "Sure, Girls." Eve nodded and smiled. She could do with some distraction."Great!" The girls chorused and jumped on the bed beside her. "Compared to before, you're now nicer and more approachable, Big Sis." Carla hugged her arm. "Big Sis, is it because you're now married? Has brother-in-law's kindness changed your personality?"Ethan's kindness? "Although he doesn't talk much, brot
After eating breakfast, Eve's parents and her sisters left for the ceremony, while she kept her grandfather company. And when it was time for the Old man's medication, Eve left him alone as he fell asleep. There was nothing much to do in the house, and she lazied around all day. In the evening, Eve was sitting on the balcony, staring at the gates. Her grandfather was inside with some guests and her parents hadn't returned yet. "Young Miss." Her grandfather's caregiver stood beside her. "Your grandfather is curious that you aren't going home. He acts as if he's happy but I think he's worried about you. Are you sure you're alright?""Sure. I'm perfectly fine." Eve nodded. "Didn't you say grandpa missed me a lot, the reason behind his illness? I'm here to ease his boredom.""That is a good thinking." The caregiver smiled. "But I think what worries your grandfather the most is your husband."Eve's lips twitched and she sighed. Ethan didn't disturb her today, that was a relief. But her
Eve got ready for the day and after breakfast, bid her grandfather goodbye. "It's a good thing that you have a job. I hope your Boss is treating you well.""Ethan is my Boss, so normally, he must treat me well, Grandpa."Eve left the house and entered the car. The driver was already waiting for her. They set out for the company and she brought out her phone then glanced at the window. When she arrived, not many employees have come. On her way to the elevator, her phone rang and she answered it. "Hey, Mira." Amanda's voice came. "Today's meeting is crucial, you must be present on time.""Hi, Amanda, sure. I'll come as soon as I can." After the call ended, Eve dropped the phone in her bag and entered the elevator. She came out moments later... The president's area was empty. Sighing in relief, she sat on the cubicle nearest to the office and drew open the drawers. Empty. Jessie didn't leave even a pen behind. Eve rolled her eyes and relaxed back on the swivel chair and she covered
In the dimly lit room, Eve couldn't make out his expression. But he stepped aside moments later, and she strode past him after throwing him another glare. Eve stormed out of the office and dropped onto her swivel chair, fanning herself with both hands. She took a bottle of water out of her bag and gulped it all down. Tiny whispers came from her left and she glanced sideways at the employees who quickly averted their gazes. Eve let out another groan then brought out her phone. Just on cue, the screen lit up with an alert message and she gritted her teeth. "Stop sending me money for goodness sake!" Eve stormed into the office, Ethan was now in his chair. He looked up from his phone and raised a brow. "You're still unhappy.""Who told you I'm unhappy?" Eve strode forward and dropped both hands on her waist. "I'm just furious and disappointed. Ethan, please stop sending me money!""That is your salary for this month," Ethan said calmly."I thought that should be handled by the financ
Not every family stuck with each other forever. But forever is like asking for never. They'd all had their ups and downs. The brothers quarreled, not once, not twice, and definitely not thrice. Yet, at the end of the day, they always came back together, standing strong as one family. As Eve lounged on a recliner, staring at the vast ocean ahead, her mind couldn't help but wander to a few years back. Ethan left the company for Wade, but only to manage the one in the other city, as that city was much closer to the island. Well, they frequented here, and often, the whole family gathered here for vacation. "Mummy, I want more." A tiny voice came from her lap and Eve looked down at the baby. She'd almost been convinced that he was sleeping. Her fingers ran through his hair and she removed the straw from her mouth and let him sip the coconut juice. "This is your last sip, Evan. You can't have too much coconut." "Uhuh." The boy nodded and took a sip, but he didn't let go of the stra
"Eve, please c–calm down. Your babies must not be far," Elena tried to coax her as Eve sat on the bed the next morning, bawling her eyes out. Ethan had ransacked the whole hospital last night. They'd even alerted the authorities, and all the staff that worked in the nursery were investigated, but... Her babies were nowhere to be found, they were still missing. And the surveillance cameras caught nothing. Everywhere was dark. "Eve." The Stewardess rubbed her shoulders. "Please don't cry, it can affect your health. Even if that person is cruel enough to kidnap the babies, I don't think they'll have the heart to hurt them."Hurt her babies? Eve cried harder. "That is what I'm scared of, Elena. What if they harm my babies!?""Shhhh, it's okay." Elena hugged her and patted her back. "Don't cry, Eve. Let's keep praying. Nothing will happen to the babies, the Young Master is out there with the authorities searching for them." "M–My babies." Eve's lips trembled and she sniffed rapidly. "My
Swapping her with another baby? Eve pulled away and stared at the woman in astonishment. "Mum, what did you just say?" "I'm horrible, right?" Her mother covered her face and sobbed. "I understand if you don't forgive me, Eve. I don't think I deserve it. I wasn't in my right mind, I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought..." She trailed off and kept on sobbing. Eve opened her mouth, but no words came out. The accidental swapping wasn't an accident? Her Mum did that? "M–Mum, why did you..." Eve held back her tears from falling, trying her best to control the sudden grief compounding her heart. "Mum..." "Please don't call me that. I feel bad when you call me by that name. After what I did..." "Do you really hate me?" Eve sniffed. "What did Dad do for you to hate me so much? What did he do for you to abandon me?" "I don't hate you now, Eve." Her mother shook her head and looked up. "I am just ashamed to come near you. I am ashamed to be close to you after what I did." Eve
"Please endure it, Mrs. Anderson. We'll soon get to the delivery room."Eve couldn't register what happened next. All she knew was that she was being wheeled down a long hallway and the pain in her stomach kept expanding with each second. "Eve, please keep up with the pain. I know you can handle it." Ethan continuously stroked her hair while wiping her sweat with the other hand. "It's too painful, Ethan. I think I'm gonna die!" Eve cried. How could she handle this pain? It was the most agonizing experience she'd ever gone through. "You can do it, Eve. I believe in you." Ethan's reassuring words were accompanied by the fear in his voice. It took forever before they finally wheeled her into the labor room. Her gynecologist appeared and the staff lifted her on a bed. "Help me, please! I don't wanna die, Doc!" "You aren't going to die, Mrs. Anderson. It's a momentary pain. Luckily, you're already opened.""C–Can I start pushing?""Yes, please. You can start pushing.""Ahhhhh! I can'
As if they were being chased out of the island, the private jet arrived that evening. No one carried anything with them, just their clothes and phones. When the plane descended on the helipad at the rooftop of the hospital, Ethan literally jumped out before it came to a complete stop. "Th–That was dangerous, Ethan!" Eve shouted amidst the blaring sound of the plane. The gynecologist helped her out and she held his hand. "Ethan, please calm down. Let's hope nothing bad happens." The man wasn't looking at her. His mind seemed to have wandered off, the same condition he'd been in since they left the island. Ethan brought out his phone and fiddled with it. Then he made a quick phone call before holding her tight and heading down the rooftop with her. "You can go home, Eve." "No, I must see Grandpa." Her heart was racing and her nerves were wracking inside. She couldn't just go home like a coward. And Ethan wasn't himself, she'd rather be with him. They appeared on the top floor
But Ethan wasn't being too sensitive, he was just smarter than her to see the gynecologist's actions coming. As the weeks passed by, Sara's actions became bolder and more provocative. She'd even resorted to dressing in short dresses without shoulder straps. Sometimes, she'd even walk around the house in a tiny bikini, claiming she was going swimming. But even after returning from the pool, she'd take a long time before changing out of the bikini. And the worse thing was... She would use the pretense to speak about Eve's health in other to spend time with Ethan. Sometimes, they'd be discussing until midnight as she explained some difficult medical terminologies to him. "Eve, I know I'm not supposed to butt in, but you must take action before this girl snatches your husband." Elena came to her room one day and advised, and Eve found it hard to handle the bitter truth. "You also noticed it, Elena?" "Everyone notices it," Elena whispered. "Even the maids speak about it, Eve. S
Eve made sure all the things they would need were set in place three days later. After bidding their families goodbye, they set off to the island in Ethan's private jet and arrived the next morning. "This house is very huge, Madam," Camila said as they toured the mansion."I can't believe we're going to live here until you put to bed.""Won't you miss the city life?" Eve's eyes wandered around the large living room. It was even more luxurious than the one back at the Villa. "Not at all, Madam. Compared to the noises and buzz of the city, this place can be considered a paradise.""Mmm. I also like it." Eve nodded and caressed her bump. "And I think my babies like it also." They didn't kick a lot today, unlike recently when they'd been nothing but active. "This is a generous gift from their great-grandfather. Of course, they'd like it, Madam." One of the maids looked at her stomach and smiled. "Where is Elena, by the way?" Eve's brows furrowed as she asked."She must be in the kitc
Like the sand in an hourglass, the months slowly trickled by. While Ethan worked hard day and night to stabilize the company, Eve couldn't ward off the lingering fear that Wade was lurking in the shadows. Sometimes, she would forget he existed, and other times, the thought of his action and promise made her wake up with a start in the middle of the night. Such as this night. Eve reached for the glass of water on the bedside table. She took a sip of it, patting her chest to ease her frantic heartbeat. Her eyes squinted in the darkness and she turned on the bedside lamp then looked sideways at Ethan. "You're awake?" Ethan turned and opened his eyes. "Is it the nightmare, Eve?"Eve sighed and slowly nodded. "I told you to stop worrying about it. He can't do anything.""We're not sure, Ethan." Eve shifted and rested on his arm. "That man is dangerous, we must be wary of him.""He can't do anything," Ethan repeated, caressing her bump. "I'll make sure he never comes near you."Eve wasn
"You, Evelyn! You think you have finally made it in life! You think you can bully others and do as you please!? Unlike you, I won't go to the authorities. I'll take the matter into my hands and make sure you're dead!"As Mia charged toward her with a knife, Eve stood still, unable to react. But Ethan acted fast and knocked the knife out of her hand. "Ahhhhh! Leave me alone! Let me at her!" Mia screamed as two bodyguards hurried forward and seized her. "I said let me go! You are all bunch of fools and cowards, hiding behind the authorities! If you don't fear me, Evelyn, let's fight barehanded. I'll poke out your eyes and make you regret ever thinking of harming Cole.""This crazy girl. Why did you come here?" Eve's grandfather stood up with his cane. "You have lost your mind by thinking that you can harm my granddaughter.""Are you sure that she is your granddaughter!?" Mia yelled. "You have always hated me, Old Man. I wasn't surprised when you wanted to kick me out. What stupid blood