Shaking her head, Violet returned his smile.Although she would love to leave this place, she couldn't leave her daughter behind.Not in Clyde's hands. “It's okay. I'm fine.” Aside from that, she was relieved that Asher didn't think much about Clyde's words.He must have brought up that topic to anger him. Violet slowed down her footsteps, focusing on her thoughts instead of Clyde's conversation with Mimi. Completely aware of the storm brewing behind her, she walked hand in hand with Asher towards the noodles stand. If looks could kill, she and Asher would have probably dropped dead by now.Funny how she could feel Clyde's presence no matter how hard she ignored it.She could feel his anger and annoyance.Despite his light tone as he conversed with her baby, the hidden rage underneath the surface couldn't be overlooked.Finally, they arrived at that spot. The noodles tasted great as Violet had imagined.On a long table, she sat across from Asher, while Clyde sat across from Mimi
How would he be able to leave her?Clyde only wanted to find somewhere private and throw up the horrible food Violet called the best noodles in the world.He'd never tasted something so bland and spicy.Violet must have done this intentionally.Ever since they arrived here, she'd been looking for excuses to take Mimi away.She even resorted to summoning Asher here and putting up that stupid act in his presence. True. He wasn't so thick-skinned when it came to her.Clyde couldn't believe that he'd let Violet's provocation affect him.Now he regretted it.Mimi's knee was bleeding and it was all his fault.The little girl seemed to be in so much pain as she clung to him tightly. “I'm not leaving, Baby. Let's get out of here,” he murmured, patting her hair gently. If only that would take away her pain.Clyde pressed on the Bluetooth on his ear, summoning the bodyguards. “Get the car ready.” He walked away, but Violet stopped him. Her eyes betrayed no emotion. She looked so fearful as
~It took two hours for his car to get repaired.Asher couldn't believe it.Would Clyde really stoop this low to get what he wanted?Right under his watch, he had the bodyguards deflate the tires of his car. It was a funny but ridiculous thing. Asher had no other choice but to let Violet go with him.And he regretted it. What were they up to?Why wasn't she back yet?They were supposed to go to the hospital and have Mimi's bruise treated. Something that could be handled with a simple first aid. Pacing back and forth outside the large doors, he glanced at the gates now and then, anticipating their return.It was almost evening. It shouldn't be that Clyde took them away, did he?Damn!What was he thinking?Of course, Clyde would take them away at any opportunity he got.Asher shouldn't have let them go… but he'd expected Violet to up a protest which she didn't. She'd willingly followed Clyde to his car. “M- Master, don't worry. I'm sure they'll be back.” The maid stood behind him,
…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
… 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
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
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
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
~Cursing under his breath, Clyde tugged at his necktie, yanking it off as he returned to the bedroom.The place was empty.Violet must still be inside the closet.Well, he'd think twice before approaching her now.Who knew if another bottle of perfume would be thrown at him? He removed his jacket and then his bloodied shirt and tossed them in the trash. The metallic stench from Cora's blood lingered, and he wrinkled his nose, fighting the urge to belch.Clyde stripped out of his entire clothes. He needed a long warm bath to get the dirt off him. Damnit! He couldn't believe how much blood she had lost. He still couldn't believe that Violet did that to her as well. Stepping into the bathroom, Clyde headed straight to the shower. He turned the tap on, letting the warm water fall on him, the effect gradually soothing his nerves. When he closed his eyes, his mind flashed back to the scene inside the closet. Heaven knew how much he wanted her, and how much he meant his words. The
~Clyde hadn't left the building yet when a piercing scream tore through the silent atmosphere.He came to a halt in the hallway, frowning. That voice. Was that scream from the room he just came out from or was it just his imagination?The realization that Violet might be in trouble had him turning on his heels and hurrying back. The closer he got to that room, the louder the screams became.“Violet!” He called out but nobody answered.His heart beating with devastation, Clyde headed straight to the closet- and a perfume bottle came flying in his direction, missing his face by only a few inches.“Honey, you're here. Please help! Save me from this crazy woman!” Cora sat on the floor in a corner, trembling and holding her bloodied forehead. The person who had thrown the perfume bottle was none other than Violet.What was going on?Five minutes had not passed since he left this place, yet a lot had already happened. “Violet, what's going on?” Violet rolled her eyes, picking up anoth
Violet stiffened up, holding her breath. She dared not to turn back, due to their proximity. His question was out of the blue.Was it even necessary?“State a single reason why I should,” She murmured, staring at his reflection through the standing mirror. For a man who had cheated right in front of her, should there be any other reasons why she should give him her trust? She wasn't a fool. Violet wasn't a kid either. Five years ago, she knew what she saw, and she knew that he already knew she'd discovered. “My relationship with Cora isn't as you think.” Staring at her reflection too, he snaked his arm around her waist, holding her close to him.Violet struggled between ignoring his touch and focusing on his words. Who would even believe that?“Violet…” Clyde went on. “I still want us to be a couple… I mean it-”“I no longer want to be with you,” she whispered. “Is that too hard to digest?”And what the hell was he doing? Clyde leaned forward, holding her waist with his other
Violet gulped, cowering until her back was pressed to the wall.Did she embarrass him?Well, that was exactly what she'd planned. She not only planned to embarrass him but also make his family despise her so much that they couldn't stand her sight.But the heartless man just had to foil her plan.Violet didn't see the kiss coming.She never expected him to turn the situation in his favor.“Violet Harris, tell me how I should deal with you.”He was too close, his intimidating presence suffocating the atmosphere. Rage was obvious in his eyes, boiling like a volcano.As much as she tried, Violet couldn't compose herself, his dangerous presence making her shudder. She swallowed before opening her mouth. “Did I do something wrong, Mr. Crawford? Do we even know each other?”“You-”“Stop harassing me!” She stuttered. “However I dress or act is none of your business. If you or your family don't like it, is it my fault?”Violet couldn't believe she was stepping on the Lion’s tail despite ba
His eyes had to be seeing wrong.Clyde sprang to his feet, shock overwhelming him.That wasn't Violet and her friend.It definitely wasn't Mimi standing with them. Where was the limo he'd sent to pick them up?And where exactly was Cora?They not only arrived in a taxi, they were wearing faded jeans and blouses, and his daughter wore just another jumpsuit.Their makeup was more horrible than anything he'd ever seen. What the hell was happening?“Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Who are they?”“Who invited these kinds of people?”“Are they beggars?”“Who allowed them in here?”Clyde's eyes darkened, a fit of rage suddenly boiling inside him. Indeed, they looked like beggars, especially Violet whose hair was so messy and unkempt.Was this what Cora had been trying to warn her about? This cunning woman!“Becca, I hope this is not your daughter-in-law and granddaughter.” Olivia clicked her tongue. “Tsk, if not, your family's reputation ends here.”“O- Of course, not!” Rebecca exclaimed. “How c
…At The Crawford's Family Mansion.The whole family was ready as well as the servants. The extended family literally.Clyde didn't expect the news to spread so fast. When he arrived home, he didn't look forward to seeing this crowd.The vast dining table was filled to the brim with various delicacies, and the whole family sat on the chairs surrounding it.His nephews, cousins, aunties, and uncles; literally, everyone was here. He should have seen this coming when his grandfather sounded very happy on the phone.This crowd was too much though.What if Violet and Mimi weren't prepared for this?Wouldn't they scare them off? “Oh, I assure you, Becca, your granddaughter's gonna be a beauty just like you.” His Aunt, Natalie, sat beside his mother, showering praises on her. “I'm just worried that she'll be too smart for her age.”“Isn't that a good thing?” His mother chortled. “My granddaughter must have the best qualities.”“Right!” Clyde’s father butted in. “In the next fifteen to tw
She walked over and took Mimi away from the cunning lady.The little girl only looked more confused, glancing between her and Cora. “Mummy…”“Hey, Dear. How about we go down and get something to eat after washing up?” Violet asked.She wasn't a fool to eat anything offered by Cora. Seriously, she didn't know what Clyde was thinking.“But there's food, Mummy…” Mimi pointed towards the large table. “I think Aunt Cora wants us to eat them.”Violet nodded, smiling at the girl. “But Mummy plans to feed you all your favorites. None of them are here-”“Mummy, you're amazing!” Mimi's confusion gave way to happiness the moment she heard about her favorite foods.Convincing her baby was a piece of cake. Violet couldn't tell her baby outrightly that Cora was a bad person because her foolish father trusted the lady. Minutes later, Freya emerged from the bathroom wearing a towel. “Great! Food is here and…”It only took a single glance from Violet for Freya to understand what was happening.She
~Her smile was too fake.It was more menacing than kind.Who was she kidding?If Violet didn't know the girl's true color, she would have almost believed that her intentions were genuine. Oh, goodness! How she wished she could smack Clyde on the head.Did he leave them in Cora's care to humiliate her?Wasn't that man unbelievable?Of all people…“Food will be ready soon,” Cora announced, her lips stretching into a smile. “Please feel at home, Girls. I'll be back in a jiffy.”Then she went ahead to pat Mimi's hair before leaving.Violet could finally breathe normally.She'd been trying so hard to keep in her rage from having to see Cora's face. “I don't like her, Vi,” Freya whispered to her the moment Cora left. “Her actions are too forced.”Even a child would know that Cora was only faking it.Violet didn't miss the anger and hate in her eyes.She didn't miss the jealousy in her eyes when she took Mimi from the bodyguard. Well, she was more worried about her baby than Cora. Mimi
…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