Keith laughed afterwards. He had already lowered himself just so he can have her forgiveness and yet this was all he can get? He will be thrown out again like before. He’s starting to see the pattern now. Amanda was playing a dangerous game with him.She was traversing to this path where she thinks she had the upper hand. Well, hell no. Amanda should have realized she had no power over him to demand something like this. That she should be satisfied that he still wanted her in his life for those two things his grandfather had used to manipulate his life— their marriage and an heir only with the first wife.He raked his both hands through his hair before looking back to his naive wife. No matter how she changed, Amanda was still as naive as before. She hasn’t learned yet how life and business works. And to think that he had made the first move was a great deal that she shouldn’t have refused.“I was thinking it through,” he took a few steps forward slowly, like a predator to its prey. H
She didn’t usually wear make-up. She always likes her face to be bare minimum—a little bit of face powder and lip gloss and nothing else after. But today, Amanda opted to try to be different. And she used the make-up kit she hid in the closet for this occasion.It's a weekend and the last time Richard was with her, he invited her to attend the birthday of this special person. It will happen today, Saturday, at the celebrant’s residenceAmanda made a quick shower that morning and got another chance to see her growing bump in front of the mirror. It’s always a delight to see that her baby was growing steady and healthy inside of her. She always caressed her tummy along with telling the baby sweet things even until she fell asleep. The doctor had said before that the mother and the baby are connected not just physically but emotionally as well. And anything you feel, the baby will feel it too. And anything you say, they will surely hear it too.After drying her hair with a blower, she we
Amanda remembered the proposal like Richard had only proposed yesterday. It was ridiculous, she thought but he made her realize that with him by her side, anything was indeed possible. And the most interesting part was she could fight Keith and his lover heads on.She doubted the proposal, saying that it may cost her more than she can bargain for. No man would make such a gamble without sure returns, and Richard was a businessman after all. He sure would want something in return for his so called kindness. And even if he said sincerely that he just wanted to help and would not ask in return, she was hesitant at first.Yet it turns out that he uses his business minded skills on her so she could say “Yes”. That they should treat anything like a business deal if that’s what her mind will be at ease. And for the “payment”? He could have it after, no definite date.It was a risk, Amanda was well aware of the circumstances of engaging herself with his plans. But it’s her only way. There’s n
Even the dining hall was as impressive as the rest of the mansion. It was adorned with a grand piece of art in the middle of the wall and a classic chandelier on the ceiling. The long, burgundy drapes of the floor-to-ceiling window were pulled off, showing the majestic view of the outside.The food was already served to the long table. Then the butler called the attention of maids and lined up beside the entrance of the dining hall.Everything was perfectly made. But it’s just that the atmosphere had totally changed now that Keith and Sarah were already here. Amanda suddenly lost her appetite and just wanted to go home. Richard must’ve sensed her reluctance and grabbed her hand. He squeezed it lightly as if telling her that it's gonna be alright and that there’s nothing to be afraid or reluctant for.Why didn't it ring a bell the first time she heard the surname? And to think that Sarah shared the surname of the chairwoman hadn’t sparked the curiosity. It's only now that Shaina hugged
“Divorce?” Shaina was confused when she looked back at her. “Did I hear it right?”“You’re already married?”Amanda opened her mouth to her defense but no words came out from it. She wasn’t ashamed of being called a divorcee or that she had been divorce before. But hearing it now, it felt different. It was belittling. It was as if it was her fault for getting married early then forcing her way out with divorce.Maybe the Chairwoman was just naturally curious, but her hormones were ruining her senses making her feel extra sensitive at that moment. Amanda can’t help her eyes as they get watered. She was holding it back, fighting herself not to show any weakness in front of the Chairwoman and most especially to those two at the other side of the table.Amanda didn’t want what Richard was always doing—always saving her even if she didn’t ask for it. It felt like she’s indebted to him. A part of her wanted to stand alone and never used anyone as leverage. And yet it’s the exact opposite of
Keith had dressed himself well, so was Sarah. They just arrived at the Ferrer’s mansion to celebrate the birthday of her mother, Shaina Ferrer. He hadn’t met the Chairwoman of the Ferrer Properties among all the business conventions he had attended so far. And he was enthusiastic to meet her not just to make acquaintances but also for future projects between their companies.It was supposed to be a good time to make his name appealing to the Chairwoman hadn’t he seen Amanda with that Richard Rodriguez.He was surprised to see them together but hid it on purpose. Keith didn’t want to disappoint Sarah nor cause a scene in front of Shaina Ferrer. The fact that that man was holding his dear wife closer was what kept his blood boiling inside. Keith was near strangling that pretty little neck of Richard but Sarah had stopped him.The introduction came out well until he learned Richard was in fact a godson of Sarah’s mother. But Keith was shocked when he discovered that Amanda and that man w
“How is Uncle Kennedy now?”That question had brought Keith back to his senses. He cleared his throat and focused his attention on the subject matter. He can’t let his mind wander that long. It would probably make the Chairwoman think that he often or not paying attention.“He’s doing fine by now. Although he was hospitalized a few days ago due to a mild stroke and high blood pressure.” he gave the details as brief as possible.Shaina covered her mouth in shock, her eyes widened on her discovery. “Oh my!”“Please tell him that I’ll pay him a visit one of these days,” Shaina asked her butler to note on her tight schedule to squeeze her plan to visit his old man. “I have a lot to say to Uncle Kennedy…”“She’s one of the few individuals I wanted to see since I’m planning on socializing again,” Shaina told them. “I wanted to get back on track, and I wanted to be active again in the business.”Keith nodded, and could only agree with the decision of the Chairwoman of the Ferrer Properties.
Don Kennedy had learned the unfortunate news at the comfort of his home. He just got out of the hospital a few days later and one of his trusted men informed him about the result of the divorce file by Amanda herself. And it was approved by the court on a record’s time.That grandson of his surely outdid himself again. Just when he thought that Keith would take care of the problem even without his supervision then this happened. And it all in the span of days when he’s still in recovery. How fishy?He knew Amanda quite well. Her naivety had been susceptible to other people’s subtle manipulation. Her heart was just as pure as her soul that it was now tainted with pain and betrayal, of loss and regret, of revenge and sadness. He could no longer insist her to stay with his grandson. Not when her eyes said her decision had been absolute.But he purely believes that Amanda couldn’t make it this far without someone to back her up. A fine man with a high position is a very formidable ally. I