…So much information to digest.So little time to process them.Who exactly was Violet?What was she to Clyde Crawford?Asher didn't want to believe it… he didn't want to think about it.The things Clyde told him just now must be an expensive joke. Both he and Violet must be pulling his legs. How could Clyde be Mimi's biological father?How could he be legally married to Violet?How the hell did it all happen?“Ash, are you in there?” A soft knock from the door brought him back to the present.Asher composed himself, loosening his tie and striding towards the door. When he held it open, his mother stood in the hallway with worry etched over her expression. “What took you so long to open it, Son?”“Sorry, Mum.” He sighed. “I was doing… something else.”He glanced across the room, avoiding her eyes. However, he couldn't bypass his mother's scrutiny.The woman must have already sensed something, otherwise, she wouldn't have followed him to his room.“Come, let's talk!” She entered a
~His eyes must be deceiving him.Clyde couldn't believe what he was witnessing. What the hell was Asher Sydney about to do with his wife?Seemed like his nightmare was becoming true.He couldn't catch a wink of sleep and couldn't control himself from coming here… only to see this!?They'd got to be kidding. Violet's eyes widened with shock, the same flabbergasted expression whenever she set eyes on him.And so did Asher who looked like a thief caught red-handed. “Why don't you continue?” Stopping in front of them, Clyde folded his hands. “Then see if I don't break you to pieces.”Asher shifted from her and rose to his feet, giving him a helpless look. “Clyde, we're not enemies.“You forgot the surname,” Clyde grumbled. After his statement, Asher's face hardened with tension.It appeared the fool was gonna claim ownership of what didn't belong to him. “Clyde, listen. Let's not make a big deal out of this. You and Violet are already divorced, so-”“Who told you I signed the divorc
…Violet stomped back to the Villa, her shoes digging into the sand, dragging her movement. She didn't like the mischievous look on Clyde's face. That heartless man was definitely up to something.Only God knew how much courage she'd summoned to confront him. She wasn't surprised by the shocked look on his face. She was just wary of the subtle smile that formed on his lips when she stated that request.Clyde was now her enemy.He insisted that she followed him.He insisted that she was still his wife. Wasn't he going to blow her cover?How was she gonna face her family when the news got out?What would be their reaction?Indeed, she wasn't going to like the outcome. Violet had a strong feeling about that.And the last thing she wanted was to offend her family again, putting an end to their peace once more. “Violet, where did you go?” Freya’s voice called out from a distance. She stood in front of the large doors of the Villa, waving her hands. “You're up this early. What's up?”T
Violet couldn't look away despite wanting to. Staring into Asher's expressionless eyes, if only she could get any reaction from him. She went to see Clyde without Asher’s permission. She'd planned to tell him first, but Asher seemed to be avoiding her after the incident last night.Was he mad at her?Why didn't his expression reveal that?What exactly was he thinking at the moment? Above all, Asher's impassive state scared her the most. Violet couldn't convince herself that he was okay with all that was happening. She gulped, struggling to control her heartbeat.Yet, suddenly, Asher held her hand, stroking her palm gently. At that moment, all of Violet's fears and anxiety washed away, leaving in its wake a calm and peaceful mind.Asher’s reassuring gesture only meant one thing.Thank goodness he wasn't mad at her. Violet looked away as the place sank into silence. Something else had caught Mimi's attention outside and she had her eyes glued there. After the long tiring ride,
Violet looked down, her eyes fixed on the ring on her finger.Her heartbeat slowed down, her mind filled with confusion as well as anticipation.Was Asher just going to ignore the fact that Clyde said they were married? Wasn't that what she wanted?However, living in the same home as him. Was that the right thing to do? “What do you think?” His gentle words floated into her ears, straight to her anxious heart. “Will you live with me from now on?”Violet sighed, contemplations clouding her mind. Why not?They were now engaged.It was only logical. Nodding slowly, she looked up and met his gaze. “Why not?” Violet forced a smile and shrugged. “We'll soon get married, won't we?”The gloom and insecurities in his eyes were replaced by a bright glimmer. His hearty chuckles echoed in the living room and he pulled her into a hug. “I was almost afraid you wouldn't agree.”And for a moment there, Violet thought about saying no.But why would she? It didn't make sense, right?Asher was al
Asher shoved a hand in his pocket, discomfort spreading across his face. Pressing his lips into a thin line, he seemed to be struggling with a reply.Violet walked in on them in that awkward position, with Mimi giving him an incredulous look. “You aren't gonna back out of your promise, are you?” She asked. “Uncle Ash, Daddy must be waiting for us.”Violet shook her head, helpless. She stepped onto the balcony and squatted behind Mimi, turning her to face her. “Come on, Baby… do you want your Daddy to see us like this?”A tiny frown appeared on Mimi's face. She pursed her lips, not quite understanding her mother's statement. “What do you mean, Mummy? Of course, Daddy would love to see us.”But Violet sighed. Hopefully, her tactics would work on her. Mimi got smarter each day, and she was afraid the girl was going to see through her lies. “Your knee is bruised due to Mummy's carelessness. Your Daddy will definitely scold me when we meet. Why don't we wait until your wound heals f
…At The Island Clyde paced on the balcony, his gaze straying to the Villa far head. Now and then, he'd check his wristwatch.It was almost evening. Violet was really something.Didn't she promise she'd let him see his daughter? Was that promise a lie?Since morning, he'd been patiently waiting for her to appear with Mimi.He'd respected her request of keeping a safe distance.Although her request didn't make sense because he saw no reason why he shouldn't meet her family, he still respected it.But now, it seemed like he would have no other option than to barge in on her in that Villa.If it turned out that she lied, God helped him-“Honey, you're still here?” A familiar voice called out from a distance.Cora.Why did she come back?“Thank goodness! I thought you'd have traveled somewhere else.” She stopped in front of him, flashing him a smile. “So what happened after saving that stray kid? Did you find her parents?”Stray kid?Clyde didn't pay her attention until she mentioned
The happiest person?Clyde was only going to be happy if he got what he wanted. And if things went his way, Cora didn't have to sacrifice herself.He closed his eyes as the helicopter took them out of the Island. They arrived in the city at night.Funny how he'd constantly come to this city for a business trip.He couldn't believe that the woman he'd been searching for had always been here. Cora had fallen asleep during the journey and when she woke up after they landed, she looked around dazedly.“W- Where are we? Clyde, I thought we were going back to IvoryHills.”Clyde ignored her question, walking away from the hotel's rooftop.As Cora raced after him, he checked his wristwatch. It was night already. Although the city never sleeps, most of its inhabitants would have.Clyde had waited for the other person's report.But so far, he hadn't given him information regarding Asher's whereabouts. The bodyguards had already taken his luggage to one of the VIP suites. Clyde was ready
…Inside The Hotel. Cora sighed, leaning against the window, her gaze fixed on the scenery below.How funny!How devastating! How ridiculous!So Clyde hadn't been kidding with her. He really had found Violet.Not only that, but that wench had a child!?Wasn't her whole life a joke then?Would she be able to believe her reality anymore?Thinking she was far ahead and could handle the situation, Cora had never looked forward to this sudden blow.When Clyde had informed her on the phone, she wished she was dreaming. At first, she'd been confused. After all, the man only went to the point, telling her that he was bringing Violet and his daughter to IvoryHills.She should be prepared. She should help them get ready!Oh, she would.Folding her hands, her lips twitched, curling up slightly at the end. Violet Harris. She'd underestimated her once more. Who would ever expect that she'd been carrying a Crawford heiress when she ran away? An heiress… a child for the Crawford family. No! I
Violet struggled to remain calm despite her heart racing at the moment.She never thought that she'd wake up to this huge shock. How the hell did he get here?Hadn't he been sitting in a chair on the opposite row beside Mimi?Well now, Clyde wasn't only sleeping beside her. He was almost lying on top of her, his breathing ragged and his hot breath fanning against her neck. Yet, the shameless man didn't show any signs of embarrassment.He even had the guts to make fun of the situation.Hopefully, he couldn't hear her heartbeat. Hopefully, he realized that she meant what she said and could even punch him in the face. Freya was right behind them.Damnit!Violet wished her best friend was fast asleep and didn't witness it. She pushed the man off her, letting the blanket fall in the process.Violet didn't mind the cold.The desire to sleep had long left her already, all thanks to the shameless man beside her. She shifted away, maintaining a safe distance from him.Now she regretted co
“Clyde Crawford…” Asher gritted out, his tone tensed and tight. “Don't you dare! You know the offense of kidnapping-”“Would have been more fun if it was a kidnap.” Clyde chortled, reveling in the moment, feeling good about himself. “Unfortunately, I have no time for such petty things. Violet came with me voluntarily-”“That's a lie!”“Whatever you say, Asher Sydney.” Clyde clicked his tongue. “Now don't waste my time. My family needs me.”Then he hung up, smirking as he dropped the phone beside him. Clyde relaxed back on the reclining chair, taking in a long, deep, contented breath.On the right row, Violet was sleeping deeply on a similar chair, while beside him, Mimi slept soundly.He'd never expected this turn of events.Never had he seen it coming that Violet would agree to follow him. Hadn't she ditched him?Hadn't she locked their daughter up because of that?What changed her mind?He thought she vowed that she would never come with him. Clyde wasn't sleepy while everyone in
…At MJ Corporation. Asher strolled around his office, circling the couch that sat on the corner. His eyes accessing the wrapped boxes of gifts, a subtle smile formed on his lips. He picked up the bouquet of roses and sniffed it, the gentle fragrance bringing a calming effect to his once anxious mind.Violet would love this. Honestly, who wouldn't?Asher had outdone himself this time. He couldn't imagine that instead of spending the whole day working and attending meetings, he invested all his time in picking out these gifts.But it would all be worth it.He couldn't wait to witness the smile on her face as she unwrapped these boxes and went through the gifts. “Mr. Sydney, I must say that Ms. Hayes is lucky to have you.” James appeared with some document folders. Staring at the gifts, he nodded in appreciation. “I just wonder how much you admire her.”“A lot,” Asher admitted. He'd always admired her ever since they met.He must have had his own selfish intentions, but he'd nev
~Her devastation knew no bounds as the Doctors took hours inside the emergency room, treating her baby.Violet was tired of walking back and forth.She was tired of sobbing and regretting, knowing this was all her fault.Her body's energy was rapidly declining. Yet, she couldn't give up.She had to keep praying. Her baby had to be fine. But the hours only increased without any sign from the emergency room.The doctor didn't come out. The nurses who had been going in and out had stopped too. Standing in front of the door, she reached out to push it open, her heart beating rapidly. But the door was bolted.Her baby was still in there. What was happening?Suddenly, she teleported back to the Villa where she stood in front of the door that led to Mimi's bedroom.Violet kept on knocking, calling out her baby's name desperately.Her fingers were bruised from struggling with the doorknob. Her weakened knees were about to give out.But then, she fell and someone caught her. Violet fell a
Clyde couldn't keep his anger from showing.He wasn't planning to control it either. What the hell was she doing that his daughter almost lost her life?How did she fall into that state in the first place? When he received an urgent call requesting emergency assistance to save a little girl's life, who knew that little girl would turn out to be his own daughter?Shock-stricken, Violet stared at him with widened eyes. Her lips trembled, and her teary eyes blinked. “C- Clyde.”“Dr. Crawford, do you know each other?” Dr. Brown glanced between them, his brows knitting in confusion. Clyde disregarded his question. He couldn't help but imagine what would have happened if he wasn't around.What if he'd taken off to IvoryHills City as he'd initially planned?After finding out that Violet had blocked him, and he couldn't have access to them in any other way because the Villa’s security had suddenly been tightened, he'd decided to leave and bring his family here instead.As luck would have
Nobody leaves?Asher had only told her that he'd tightened the Villa’s security so Clyde couldn't barge in on them like yesterday.He didn't tell her not to leave this Villa.Besides, this was a critical moment.“Are you crazy!?” Freya said the same words in her mind. Violet couldn't believe the bodyguards. Were they even supposed to say that at this moment?“Ma’am, we're only following instructions.” The second bodyguard didn't bat an eye. “Please don't blame us.”“Well, don't worry, Ma’am.” The maid chipped in, her hands shaky as she fetched water in a bowl from the bathroom. “W- We will be able to revive her. The little Miss has only fainted.”She sprinkled water on her face and then wiped her face with some of it. None of the methods worked. Violet got to her feet, hugging her baby. “Just go and get the driver! If anything happens to her, I'll hold you both accountable.”But more than anybody else, Violet was at fault.She couldn't deny that. If she hadn't given Mimi a hard ti
Freya parted her lips, giving her a shocked look. She was also speechless. The way Violet had been when Clyde stated that ridiculous offer. For a few seconds, Freya didn't say any words.Then her angry look returned. “That's too much to ask.”Exactly.Well, Clyde still insisted she was his wife. She had a feeling that he wasn't joking when he said he didn't sign the divorce.Following Clyde to IvoryHills would potentially mean an imprisonment for her.What if he never allowed her to return?“Well, you don't have to do what he said.” Freya gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. “Just let him go with Mimi and you'll stay behind.”That was impossible.Violet couldn't let her daughter embark on this journey alone. She had a feeling that Clyde and his family would take Mimi away from her.If Mimi was going, then she'd have to follow her.But Violet couldn't go either. So this journey- she couldn't risk it.“I know this is very complicated, Vi…” Freya softened her tone, giving her an appre
… At Continental Villa Estates. Violet sighed for the umpteenth time, walking back and forth in front of the door that led to Mimi's room.The little girl's heartbreaking sobs echoed from inside the room and she pounded on the window now and then, probably trying to open it. Thank goodness the window was high from the ground and tightly locked.She couldn't imagine what would have happened to her baby if she tried to jump from it.“Mimi, stop crying, Dear. Can you please open the door?” This was like her thousandth time saying the same statement.How strange that the girl could bolt the door, blocking her out. “Hearing you cry breaks Mummy's heart.”“Mummy, it's not my fault. Promise me you'll take me to my Daddy. You can't send Daddy away.” Her bitter sobs resounded, breaking Violet's heart to pieces.“I- I didn't send your Daddy away,” She stuttered.Indeed, she'd blocked him off and also made sure Asher blocked all the ways Clyde could get access to this Villa. Her daughter w