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
…At Continental Villa Estates. Violet sat in the chair by the window, letting the cool morning wind breeze past her into the room.On peaceful mornings like this one, she was able to organize her thoughts.And recently, her thoughts had been in nothing but jeopardy.First was the appearance of her ex-husband. And then meeting Cora again, before her baby got lost and came down with that condition. Now Clyde was after her like a ghost.Hopefully, the nightmare she had wouldn't come true.It was a horrible experience she wouldn't wish upon her mortal enemy.If that nightmare came true…Violet shuddered, shaking her head to dispel those thoughts.If only it was easy to forget things.Then she'd give anything to forget this nightmare. A gentle knock came from the door, putting a halt to her thoughts and saving her from thinking further about the nightmare. Asher stepped inside, his eyes roaming across the room before they fell on her. “You're up already.”“Good morning.” Violet stood
Staring at the ring, Mimi puffed her cheeks, her eyes watering up.The girl was really sad.Was she serious about Violet going back to that infidel man?Shouldn't she just tell her what happened?Sigh!Mimi's ears were too young for that kind of information.It could traumatize her for life, knowing that her father cheated with somebody else.“Did Uncle Ash give you this ring behind my back?” She mumbled.Violet's thoughts went back to the events that happened on the Island.If she hadn't been busy exchanging the rings with Asher, Mimi wouldn't have gotten lost in that sandstorm.Then Clyde wouldn't have found her, and it wouldn't have led to all this.Thinking about it brought so many regrets to her heart.If only she could change the hands of time, then she'd take precautions and do all she could to make sure Mimi didn't meet Clyde. “Uhm, you can just remove the ring and then it's over between you and Uncle Ash, right, Mummy?”Mimi's suggestion had her fluttering her eyes in disbel
Violet's expression darkened, his words hitting the right spot directly. She struggled to keep in her rage, controlling herself from yelling. “That's very interesting coming from someone who never wanted her in the first place.” Surprised at the calmness in her tone, Violet smiled when Clyde's scoff sounded. Wasn't he shameless for saying that?If his medications had worked on her, would her baby even be in existence?What right did he have to question her about Mimi's safety? “Whatever you say, Violet Harris…” The man grumbled in a disapproving tone. “Just so you know, I won't allow the same thing to happen again. My daughter stays with me from now on.”The heck!Clyde hung up immediately after saying that.He had to be kidding!No way!There was no way he would just take Mimi from her. She dialed that number again, but he didn't answer the call. Violet was almost consumed with anxiety, afraid that the heartless man meant what he said. When she tried the second time, however,
“Why should I follow you, Mr. Crawford!” She looked at him as if she'd murder him with her eyes.Despite him holding her hand, she didn't budge.Clyde wondered what was going on.Why she'd changed so fast.He could still feel the burning pain of the slap. He couldn't get over the shock and his worries only increased. “Violet-”“Just leave me alone!” She screamed. “I'm already here, right? I'm not going anywhere, so let me breathe!”Clyde didn't see her outburst coming. She appeared oddly irritated ever since he met her at his parents’ quarters with Mimi. Did he do anything wrong without knowing?Did he say something wrong? “Violet-”She snatched her hand off and stood up. Violet gave him a last glare then she grabbed her friend’s hand and they walked away. Clyde watched their backs, his worry transforming into frustration. If she kept treating him like this, how was he ever gonna have peace?Was she still doubting him?He thought she'd let everything go since last night.Last
Hearing that statement coming from him, Violet almost laughed out loud.Why did he look displeased by the gift his mistress just bought?“Yay, Daddy! You're the best!” Mimi let go of her and hurried to the man, hugging his leg tightly. “Where’s Grandma?” Clyde picked her up.He looked so happy and carefree as he spoke with her. “I bet you're having a great time with her.”“Grandma treats me well.” Mimi bobbed her head happily. “Grandma bought me a tablet and she promised to take me shopping later.”“Daddy, will you and Mummy come along?” Mimi added. “Grandma said there’s a huge mall that sells luxury things.”“If course, we'll go with you.”“I'm so sorry, Baby… Mummy's quite busy today.”They both said concurrently. Violet glanced at Clyde who stared at her in confusion. Seriously, she hated looking at his face. “It's okay, Mummy…” Mimi pursed her lips. “I'll miss you a lot, but Grandma and Daddy will be there with me.”Violet stood up with a sigh. She hated to see her baby being
Cora brought her baby some gifts.Folding her hands, Violet chortled. What trick was she up to this time? “Let me have a look,” She ordered the maid who followed her inside with the gift boxes. Violet opened them one after the other. There were a bunch of clothes inside one box, and the second box contained school materials.And then the third box contained all sorts of toys.“Wow, Ma’am Cora surely knows what the Little Young Miss needs!” The maid said in excitement. “I bet she loves her very much.”Love?Violet almost scoffed.She couldn't tell what Cora was up to this time, but she couldn't allow any shit to happen.“Dispose of them.” She pushed the gifts aside and ordered the maid, “Do that before Mimi sees them.”Because it would be hard to throw them away then as her baby might get tempted by the toys.“B- But, Young Miss-” The maid looked confused, stuttering as she packed the gifts together hesitantly. “What if it hurts Ma’am Cora's feelings? She's still here and she might
Well, that was embarrassing.Violet wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole.Shutting her eyes, she sank in embarrassment.Clyde didn't hear her moan, right? Urgh! Damnit!She was done for.How could she let his touch affect her so much?Why couldn't she get a hold of herself?Did she even have control over her body? She bit her lips, struggling to keep her heartbeat in check as the effect of his touch still lingered.Moments later, Violet was able to calm down.She opened her eyes, however, there was a storm in his eyes. Staring at her, Clyde's eyes darkened with desire, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down. He pressed forward and all the energy to push him away departed her. Her knees were the weakest, her entire body failing her at the moment.Honestly, Violet was afraid…This kind of effect the man had on her scared her to the core. When he leaned forward again, whispering in her ears, her insides melted immediately.“It's a servant from Grandpa's quarters,” Cly
Grandpa wanted to send her baby away? Violet's heart skipped a beat. That was too sudden. Sending Mimi to a children's boarding school abroad literally meant taking her away from her.No!Violet couldn't let that happen. “You can't believe it, but when she was with me yesterday, I found out my great-granddaughter has an extraordinary talent unlike other kids,” Grandpa Luke went on. “Remember you attended a similar school, Grandson. Imagine if my great-granddaughter grows up to be as astounding as you are.”Violet walked into the area, listening quietly.She sat on the chair beside Clyde as she greeted the old man good morning.“Ha! You're finally here, Violet!” Grandpa Luke chuckled. “I wanted to see you since yesterday, but you and this silly boy were occupied by something else, right?”The knowing look Grandpa Luke gave her made her uncomfortable.Honestly, did anything happen between her and Clyde?She glanced toward the man. However, Clyde quickly looked away.That was fishy.
…Violet woke up with a splitting headache the next morning. Her eyelids felt heavy.Her whole body was sore, a numbing feeling spreading across her chest.What happened to her? Where was she?How did she end up here?Looking around the bedroom, she frowned in confusion.The more she struggled to recall, the more her headache increased. The room looked familiar though. Was she inside the mansion?Where was Freya?And her baby… wait a minute.Violet gasped as it all began coming back. The last time she saw Mimi was at a similar time. Was it yesterday?No way!Yesterday, she and Freya met Asher. Then they visited a restaurant, and then a mall before proceeding to the bar-No!Violet gasped, wrapping both arms around her. Strange how she couldn't recall all that happened after that.“Good morning, Young Miss…” A knock came from the door and the maid stepped inside, holding a tray with a bowl and some dishes on it. “Oh, you're finally awake.” The maid smiled. “The Young Master orde
She stared at him, her arms wrapped around his neck. Waiting for her to push him away or put up a fight, imagine his surprise when she slowly nodded.Clyde sighed in relief.He stepped inside the bathroom with her, a crazy idea cooking up.What if he got her drunk every day so she could always be this obedient?Well, that would be silly. Clyde turned up the water in the bathtub, making sure it was the right temperature. He dropped her favorite fragrant shower soap in it, letting it stir until bubbles formed.And then he carefully dropped her in the tub. Violet shivered before adjusting to the temperature.Closing her eyes, she let out a soft moan. Clyde was about to head to the shower, but she pulled him back. “Won't you give me a bath anymore?”No!He changed his mind just a second after hearing her moan.Clyde had underestimated himself. He'd thought he could observe self-control,Well, he'd rather save his life before she ended it in the morning. “Wash up.” He gave her the soa
Their bodies swayed and they were literally falling on each other.After the taxi driver helped them out of the car, he hurried to the driver's seat and zoomed off.Clyde couldn't take his eyes off the ladies as they felt very familiar. When the streetlight flashed on their faces his intuition became right.Where the hell were they coming from?“Speak about luck!” Harry smiled. “Isn't that your brave wife, Buddy?”Clyde hurried in the direction before they could think about crossing the street. They didn't look alright as they swayed back and forth. What happened to them, especially Violet, who seemed as if she was dozing off in Freya's arms? “Hey, that's my heartless husband.” She rubbed her eyes and squinted them at him. One arm spread across her friend's shoulders, she staggered forward and tumbled into his arms. Clyde caught her quickly, his heart racing. “Violet…” he patted her cheeks. “Why do you look like this?”“Huh? Like what?” She hiccuped. A deep stench of wine hit h
They jumped off the fence!Clyde was about to pick up his tablet when that word halted him.He glanced at the guy.Harry didn't seem to be pulling his legs.So Violet escaped.She was going to return, right?She wasn't gonna back out of her promise.Why the hell did she jump off the fence when the gates were wide enough for twenty more persons like her to pass through?What if she never came back?Well, Violet would never leave Mimi behind,But!“Your wife is quite interesting.” Harry continued, unaware of the turmoil in his heart. “She made such a dramatic entrance last night. If I knew she was so enterprising, I wouldn't have wasted those many years outside the country. Ah, I wonder how fun your wedding was.”His wedding wasn't any fun. Violet preferred it low-key.Except for the family members and close business allies, not even the media was invited.The Violet from five years ago was a completely different character from the current Violet.His wife wouldn't skip from a single s