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
~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
…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
“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
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
…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
~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
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
A twin?Who?Violet could believe Freya was only bluffing if only her best friend hadn't looked deadly serious.She even told her Asher was in town.She told her so many things that she couldn't grasp a single statement.“Listen to me, Violet!” Even an hour later, Freya was still persistent in convincing her. “It's not like I don't trust Asher. But I have a bad feeling about all this. He found the exact replica of you and called her his wife- that's absurd, Asher vowed he'd love you forever!”Asher’s love for her wasn't the thing that mattered the most.The idea that she had a lost twin out there was what scared Violet.How?And when?As far as she could remember, she neither had any sister nor siblings.She was the only child her parents had. Her parents divorced while she was young, but her father wouldn't have a daughter who was the same age as her and also looked exactly like her.Violet thought she looked more like her mother.She'd inherited most of her physical features.“You s
…At Crawford Villa. It was still dark. If only morning could come fast.For she couldn't catch a wink of sleep.Cherish their love…Forever?Clyde's statement still resounded in her mind.She didn't know why she was losing sleep over this. She couldn't tell where this feeling of guilt was coming from. She'd planned to leave him eventually. She never planned to forgive and forget.He must have his own reasons for feeding her those birth control pills.Her feelings for him must have resurfaced, getting even stronger than before, but she had an obligation.A promise to fulfill.Asher was still waiting for her.“Violet…”In the dead night, his voice jolted her. Thinking he was deeply asleep, she glanced sideways to find him staring at her. “What's wrong?” Clyde reached out and stroked her hair. “What are you thinking about?”Should she tell him the truth?Should she lie to him?However, the idea of telling him what was really on her mind scared her.Not only because she feared the o
Hesitating at the door, a part of his mind told him not to step inside.She might yell at him, lunge at him, hit him, or even do something worse.A few moments ago when she revealed that furious side of her, he'd almost thought she was a different girl, totally different from the docile and affectionate woman he knew.“Ash, I'm so sorry!” Yet, she surprised him by apologizing first.Standing from the couch, she rushed into his arms and hugged him tight, sobbing slightly. “I'm sorry for misunderstanding. I- I didn't know she was your friend… I- I thought… I thought she might snatch you from me!”She choked on her sobs, burying her face in his chest as if ashamed to face him. What did he do to deserve this?How would she react when she found out this was all a play?Asher’s heart tightened, a foreboding heaviness settling on his chest. He wanted to hug her back, but his hands hung mid-air.No!This is getting out of hand.Could he carry on?Shouldn't be tell her the truth right now?W
“It's no wonder you ignored the phone calls,” She continued, the tears streaming down her face. “It's no wonder you want James to leave you alone.”What was she doing here?How did she even get here? Shocked, Asher didn't know how to react. As if caught red-handed committing a sin, he parted his lips, but no words came out. “Why are you doing this to me, Ash!?” She wiped her tears furiously. “You've never loved me, have you!?”She stomped forward and peeled Freya away from his arms. When she raised her hand to slap him, Asher finally reacted. “It's not what you're thinking.” He caught her hand mid-air. However, she gave him a look of disbelief full of uncertainty. She'd lost trust in him. He could see the hate in her eyes. Wasn't this what he'd been avoiding? Right now, she looked hurt and his heart beat uncomfortably. She sobbed, snatching her hand away. “Then can you explain it in a way I'll understand… In a way that won't only hurt me further?”Yeah. How was he gonna expl
…That Evening.Without a sense of direction, Asher drove down the city. He'd been driving for a long time and the sky was turning dark. Yet, he couldn't stop, the turmoil inside his heart increasing. Without any sense of direction, he could be anywhere else but that hotel. He couldn't go back there and share the same suite with her. He couldn't repeat the same mistake he made the night before. Till now, his mind wasn't at ease. For a long time, he'd preserved himself, vowing that he'd never touch a woman who wasn't his wife. He'd broken that vow, his biggest regret. Now he had to live with the guilt and the feelings of hate. The fact that he reminisced about that moment last night and still longed to touch her made him more disgusted with himself. His phone rang beside him. Asher let go of the steering wheel and picked it up. Seeing his assistant’s name on the screen, he hesitated. “What's up?”“Are you on your way back, Mr. Sydney?” James sounded worried. “I'm sure the bu
Violet arrived at Grandpa Luke's quarters to find the servants gathered in a corner outside. They were so engrossed in gossiping that they didn't notice her. “The Old Master appears mad today. Who do you think might have offended him?”“Is it Mrs. Crawford again?”“No, I don't think so. I overheard him making a phone call about someone's death. He mentioned the Young Master’s name.”“Wait, is he mad at the Young Master?”“Who knows? He has suddenly appeared in the mansion. It definitely isn't for something small.”“Who died, by the way?”“I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that it's a member of this family.”Violet cleared her throat. All the servants looked in her direction, having noticed her presence.They all gasped at once and started stuttering. “Y- Young Miss, when did you arrive?”“We- We were busy discussing work. Sorry, we didn't notice you.”“It's not what you're thinking, Young Miss-” “Shut up, all of you!” The Butler arrived. “If you don't want to lose your jobs, sto
Violet shuddered from his grandfather's tone. Because she sat very close to him, her ears caught each of his grandfather's words. Turning around to see the man's expression, a strange tremor ran down her nerves. But Clyde's expression was as pale as hers should have been by now. He looked speechless, his eyes widening. “Uhm, Grandpa. I'll come-”For the first time, she saw him stammer. And the old man didn't let him finish his words before shouting,“Well, get down here and explain yourself! Because right now, this old man is having heart pains!”Then his grandfather hung up. Clyde sprang to his feet, almost making her fall in the process. And he looked disoriented as he hurried out of the study room. “Where's Daddy going? Was it Greatgrandpa who called?” Mimi asked, hugging the new school bag to her chest. “I miss Greatgrandpa, Mummy. Can I go with Daddy?”Violet shook her head. “No, Baby. I'm not sure where he's going. Ava will help you wash up. After you've rested, how about
…Clyde stared at the phone in his hand, his blood boiling inside. He watched the several missed calls but made no attempt to answer them. Hadn't he restricted that contact before?It appeared Violet had unblocked the guy. Why the hell was he calling his wife!?“Clyde, have you seen my phone?” Violet entered the study room and he quickly hid the phone in his pocket. Clyde shook his head. “Have you checked Mimi's room?”“I did. It's not there.” She sighed frustratedly. “I- I need to check on the Cops. I must find Freya.”She barely slept last night all due to worrying about her friend. Honestly, she didn't need to call the Cops.Clyde already had a feeling about who took her friend away. “Relax, we'll find her.”“That's what you've been telling me.” She gave him a tired look. “Clyde Crawford, at least use your influence and help me find my friend.”Clyde would have long used his influence if he'd wanted to.However, the situation was out of his hands. The only person who could e
…At Twilight Hotel. The atmosphere was intense, the tension inside the room unmatched by any other. Maybe he was the only person feeling the tension. Asher couldn't believe it.He was definitely going to regret this forever. How was he gonna explain this to her when she came back to her senses… when she finally regained her memories and discovered the truth? “You're so quiet.” Her voice floated into his ears, her sighs of contentment echoing in the silent room.The serene atmosphere was nothing compared to the turmoil inside his heart. Her peaceful appearance and her relaxed muscles as she lay on his chest contrasted with his tense ones. “Honey…” She murmured. “Whoever that lady is, she's dangerous. Please you have to avenge me. What would have happened to me if you weren't there last night?”Asher didn't know the lady she was speaking about.Unfortunately, his assistant’s search turned out futile.The lady's back was facing the surveillance camera while she gave her the wine.