…
In The Evening.
Clyde returned to the Villa, the stillness in the atmosphere unsettling.
Violet would normally receive him at the door.
Where was she?
For the first time in three years, the doorway was empty, the doors shut in fact.
Strange!
Clyde knocked, and a maid opened the doors instead.
“Welcome home, Mr. Crawford.”
Clyde wasn't listening to her greeting, his gaze traveling into the empty living room.
Violet wasn't there.
He walked past the maid, who scurried after him, her eyes darting around rapidly.
“Mr. Crawford…” She stopped him, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Actually, we've run out of birth control pills. There's none to put inside Mrs. Crawford's dinner for tonight.”
Violet's absence was more disturbing than the finished pills.
Clyde frowned. “Where's she?”
“Mrs. Crawford might be sleeping upstairs.” The maid scratched her head as if unsure of her own words. “She complained of a stomach ache in the morning.”
Stomach ache?
Violet rarely got sick!
That was impossible.
Clyde strode upstairs.
The bedroom was empty, including the bathroom and the balcony!
Where the hell was she!?
Violet never left home without his permission.
He'd be in the office and she'd tell him where she was.
Was she perhaps at the family house?
But his parents never welcomed her, so she rarely went there.
Still puzzled, Clyde changed out of his clothes and entered the bathroom.
Thinking she would return before he finished bathing, his hope evaporated when he found the bedroom still empty.
What's going on?
His phone rang and he answered it at the first ring, frustration prompting his movement.
However, the person calling was only his grandfather.
“Clyde, I miss Violet. Bring her to visit me tomorrow.”
“Isn't she at your place, Grandpa?” Clyde asked.
That was the only place Violet ever visited.
“If she was in my place, why would I waste my time to make this phone call!?” His grandfather's tone was suddenly harsh.
Unease crept up Clyde's heart.
“Clyde Crawford, is there something I should know?” His grandfather added.
Clyde was tongue-tied.
If only he also knew what was happening.
This was unlike his wife.
Where could she be?
An orphan girl with no origins, she didn't even know anyone else in this city!
“Clyde Crawford, you didn't send her away, did you?” His grandfather continued. “You broke your promise to me, right!?”
“Grandpa, I didn't!” Clyde clenched his fist.
Why did that woman want to implicate him!?
“Then find her!” His grandfather hollered. “Find that girl in the next two hours or forget about becoming the next chairman of the CJ Group!!!”
The old man hung up!
Clyde cursed out loud, controlling his fists from colliding with the wall.
Violet!
Hadn't he treated her well enough?
Where did she wander off to?
Where the hell was she!?
He'd been working hard for that chairman position, he couldn't afford to lose it!
That was his grandfather's condition for marrying her.
She wasn't going to spoil his plan, was she?
Rushing downstairs, Clyde summoned the maid and the bodyguards.
“Check every corner of the house!” He ordered the maid.
“And you, search the entire neighborhood!” He turned to the bodyguards. “Find Violet within the next thirty minutes!”
“Yes, Mr. Crawford!!!”
As the maid and bodyguards scurried away, Clyde brought out his phone and dialed her number.
Her line was switched off!
“Damnit!” Cursing for the umpteenth time, he paced back and forth, dialing her number again and again.
Clyde tossed his phone across the couch and strode outside to receive fresh air.
In the hot evening, his blood boiled with rage as he fought not to let out a monster he'd effortlessly subdued for three years.
Violet wouldn't want to witness his worse side!
“Hey, you!!!” Seeing the driver standing outside and wiping the car with a towel, Clyde's irritation increased.
Why wasn't he among the search party?
And,
“Why's the car dirty!!!?”
Did he go out with it without his consent?
“Mr. Crawford, I'm sorry I didn't notice you've already returned.” The driver ran over to him, his face masked with shock.
He threw the towel away and brought out a document folder from his jacket's inner pocket. “Mrs. Crawford asked me to deliver this.”
“What's that!?” Impatient, Clyde snatched the document.
And he flipped through it-
Divorce…
A Divorce Agreement!?
Seeing those words written boldly at the top, his heart skipped a beat.
What the hell…
“Where's Violet?” He glanced at the driver, then his gaze returned to the document.
Her signatures were everywhere.
Were his eyes deceiving him?
Was this a joke!?
Violet never played such pranks on him!
“After dropping her off at the judiciary and she gave me this later, Mr. Crawford… Mrs. Crawford entered a taxi and vanished,” the driver answered his question.
The judiciary!
A taxi?
To where?
Did she get the divorce papers from the judiciary?
Why?
“Mr. Crawford…” the driver went on. “Mrs. Crawford didn't look good after visiting you at the company. I believe something was bothering her.”
Wait a second…
Violet visited the company?
Why didn't he see her then?
“When did she visit?”
“In the afternoon, Mr. Crawford.”
Hearing that, Clyde spaced out, his heart sinking.
Which meant that Violet saw.
No way!
…Five Years Later.Sitting on a balcony across from the vast ocean, the gentle morning wind breezed past, dancing with her hair. The same as time, the wind blew effortlessly and fast, leaving one wondering about the rapid progression of events. Surely, a single incident could sway one's destiny, forging a new path towards either happiness or hell. Which path was she headed to?“Ouch!” Violet winced, the sudden sharp pain from her finger snapping her out of her thoughts. Freya had accidentally clipped her nail deep, or maybe it wasn't by accident.Freya didn't look a bit apologetic even as she whispered, “Sorry,” with a playful wink. “Careful.” Throwing her an offensive look, Violet blew on the spot. She studied her fingernails, appreciating the perfection.Freya didn't have to go all out. It would have been a simple painting, and she would be contented.“Relax, Vi.” Freya smiled, studying her face. “Getting engaged is only the beginning of everlasting happiness. True happiness
Violet stilled, her heartbeat pausing for a second.As if an iced water had been poured over her, she shuddered. The same reaction over and over again. She'd always experience this shock, then dread whenever her daughter announced such a statement.The echoes of Mimi's tiny shoes on the floor jolted Violet to the present. Eyes shining happily like a million stars, Mimi jumped onto her lap and stared at her eagerly. “Mummy, believe me this time. I found my true Daddy!”In her little voice was a firm resolve that sent Violet's heart racing. Sigh!Why was she apprehensive when her daughter was always fond of this little drama?“What are you saying, Mimi?” Asher reached forward to pat her hair. “Your Daddy's right here…” He pointed towards himself. “... Me.” “Hold it, Uncle Asher.” Folding her chubby arms across her chest, Mimi gave him a pointed look. “If you were my Daddy, you'd have red hair.”Asher touched his hair. “Well, you don't have red hair either.”“That's the point.” Mimi
With Clyde, that happily ever after was never possible.The man who never wanted a child with her,How would he react when he found out about her daughter? What would Violet's life be like?What would Mimi's future look like? She couldn't burst her daughter's bubble, but maybe it was high time Violet told her the true nature of her father.Mimi rejected other men, saying her Daddy was better. Should Violet tell her that her father was the worst man on earth?That would be too brutal for a little girl's ears. But with each day that passed by, Mimi's resolve to find her real Daddy grew stronger.Her eagerness was even turning into a wild imagination that scared Violet. Because some times, those imaginations fit Clyde's description perfectly just like moments ago. The Next Morning.Violet woke up on the king-sized bed to find her daughter gone. She could recall Mimi whispering late in the night that she would resume the search for her Daddy this morning.Letting out a helpless sig
~Her Mummy!Where did this little girl come from?Where were her parents?She clung onto him like a koala, calling him foreign names he'd never heard of. Her Daddy. What the hell…“You'd better follow me to my Mummy right now,” the little girl added, her strength surprising Clyde as she pulled his legs. How funny!“Come on, Daddy-”“No!” Clyde repeated. “I'm not your father.”Then he noticed the stains on his pants. The little girl's hands must have come in contact with sand before she approached him.Sighting the dust on his pants, Clyde's frustration turned into annoyance. He moved his leg, shaking her off in the process.“Ouch!” The little girl landed butt-first on the sand. Shocked for a second, her eyes were wide before they watered up, gathering a pool of tears. She sniffled rapidly before her loud wails echoed in the area.Clyde's demeanor wavered, a guilty feeling kicking in. At the sight of the little girl crying, something tugged at his heartstrings.Strange! He pi
…At The Villa. Inside her bedroom, Violet walked back and forth, her heart racing.So many emotions overwhelmed her at once, and her heart felt like bursting. Was she dreaming?No, this was a nightmare.Clyde-He was here!Biting her fingernails rapidly, Violet shook her head. No! It wasn't Clyde. He wasn't that man she saw her daughter clinging onto. She must have seen wrong.She must have imagined his face.“Vi…” A knock came on the door. “Please open this door!” Freya!No!What if Violet opened the door and saw that man instead? Her brain must be making things up. She was having wild imaginations.“Come out of the room, please, Vi…” Freya called out again. “Everyone's worried.”Everyone was there when Violet ran back into the building, fleeing upstairs. As if she'd seen a ghost…Well, Violet's shock and dread weren't any less than that of someone who'd seen a ghost.But that man…Violet would never mistake him even in her dreams.Those features, his aura, and demeanor… th
So soon.Clyde showed his true nature to Mimi.The heartless man wouldn't spare even a little girl. Violet left the bedroom, coming outside to see her daughter's eyes puffy with tears. Her dress was dusty. She must have come in contact with sand. Anger mixed with pain clutched her heart. Squatting down, Violet drew Mimi into her embrace. “It's okay. Mummy's here.”But Freya found the situation funny. Standing up, she laughed. “Is it the Daddy you wouldn't shut up about since yesterday?”Mimi sniffled. “He's a meanie.”She wrapped her chubby arms around Violet, burying her head in her neck. Her tiny voice, mixed with sobs and sadness echoed in the hallway. “Mummy, why did Daddy push me away? I put on my best dress… I look prettier today, don't I, Mummy?”“Of course, Baby.” Violet sighed inside. Clyde didn't know…Still, how could he be so heartless to his own daughter?He could at least pretend to be nice by not pushing the little girl away. Where were his manners? How sad tha
Instinctively, Violet pulled out of the middle-aged man's embrace. Her heart suddenly racing, she blinked her eyes. Cora.Cora was also here?Violet must be seeing wrong.But she wasn't. As Clyde's secretary sauntered into the living room, her high heels clicking on the floor, she had on her signature sweet smile. A smile she'd always used to deceive everyone.Cora's presence meant one thing. It's a confirmation that Clyde was on this Island. As their gazes met, however, Cora's eyes widened a bit. Then they turned into slits as she plastered on an even sweeter smile. It was only a fleeting glance.Did Cora not recognize her?“Hello, Asher… where's the special lady?”“Right beside you.” Asher nodded towards Violet. Cora spun around, putting on a shocked look. “I must say… she's pretty!”She giggled, reaching out for a handshake. “Hello, Sweetie… I'm Cora Reid, Asher's classmate at high school. Nice to meet you.”Violet stood, stunned. A classmate from high school? Lost at wh
Looking down, Violet chuckled.A bitch!“Listen to yourself, Cora.” She turned around. “Don't you have a guilty conscience?”“About what?” Cora snickered, twirling a strand of her hair in a finger. “Clyde and I are perfect together.”Indeed.Clyde and Cora were a match made in hell.Unsatisfied adults who lust after each other. Verily, they were perfect together. “Clyde doesn't know you're here.” Cora switched demeanor, her cunning smile transforming into a stern look. “You’d better stay out of my man's way.”Violet laughed again. When they both deserved each other, who was she to interfere? Clyde!The most heartless man in history.“You both go and rot in hell!”“Whatever.” Folding her hands across her chest, Cora rolled her eyes. “If you're serious, do the engagement fast!”“Vi…” Someone knocked at the door.Asher. “Violet, are you alright?” His anxious voice sounded again.Cora's switched on her smile. Saying, “Yeah… everything's fine,” she turned and opened the door. “Viol
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
…At Eden Suites Hotel. Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, Clyde's mind, as well as his thoughts, were somewhere else despite his gaze fixated on the city down below.His mind pondered the same word again and again,He wasn't sure if she would grant his request.He wasn't confident that Violet wouldn't disappoint him.After all, he was now a different person in her eyes.She wouldn't give in just easily despite telling him that she'd think about it, giving him a little hope. Back at the hospital, he'd wished the visit would last longer. He couldn't let them go, but he had to because she'd given him a condition.What if she didn't fulfill her promise, though? His phone rang, cutting through the deep silence inside the suite.Staring at the contact display name, Clyde contemplated if he should answer it or not. All he knew was that a phone call from his grandfather wasn't always good news.He would either receive an earful or get impossible instructions.Ever since Violet left