Bmitey looked at Charmine fretfully; she was overwhelmed with anxiety.What was Charmine’s plan? Could she turn water into wine? This was next to impossible.Meanwhile, Tiffany was seated on a flamingo, a sweet smile adorning her face as she did. She looked like an ethereal fairy, protected and unaware of the ongoings around her.The avocado green and pink-colored flamingos made a perfect match. The combination looked so aesthetically pleasing that one could almost forget about the midsummer heat.In contrast, Charmine’s large red top paired with a loose-fitting skirt kept her covered up tightly. Both her chest and legs could not be seen. How could she best Tiffany at this rate?Everyone present was curious, but the nonchalant Charmine merely turned to ask Tiffany, “Are you sure you want to sit there in this manner? Won’t you regret it?”“Yes. Why not? Can’t you think of any poses to match mine?” Tiffany replied.Though it was not so obvious, Tiffany’s reply was laced with sarca
It was only after Tiffany spoke that the photographer remembered she was there as well. He took a closer look at the photograph.While Tiffany did well, the background was colored pink just like the flamingos on set. Tiffany’s green clothes paled in comparison, and the eye could only notice Charmine’s flaming-red outfit.Her pale colors automatically made her fade into the background, and it looked as if she was Charmine’s supporting prop.It did not help Tiffany’s case that Charmine was leaning onto her as Tiffany looked into the camera with a smile, clutching on to the flamingo’s neck. Somehow, she managed to look like a dutiful and diligent coffee table—a mere prop. The other interpretation to the photograph was that she looked like Charmine’s slave or servant girl as she made way for Charmine.Nevertheless, other than the fact that Tiffany somehow became a supporting cast, it was a perfect photograph.“No need for a second shot,” assured the photographer. “it's great! You ca
Everyone in the room was shocked, especially Peter.His camera was worth millions, and it stored a whole day’s worth of hard work!He kneeled on the floor and cradled his broken camera with trembling hands.Though there was a small cut on Tiffany’s forehead, it did not matter to her. Immediately, she hung her head low and continuously blurted, “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it…! I really didn’t mean it! Let me know how much this camera cost, and I’ll compensate for it no matter the cost!”“How can you compensate me?! The camera contains all the footage from everyone’s hard work today!”It was the first time Peter got angry at a beautiful lady, and the first time he felt like hitting a woman.As her eyes turned glossy, Tiffany kept bowing at everyone around her, apologizing again and again. “I’m so sorry! My manager didn’t see where she was going... It’s all our fault. I’ll compensate for your camera, your photos, and even your advertising fees. I’ll even compensate for your salarie
Was it repairable? How could an SD card snapped in two even work?Tiffany’s brows were raised, and she instantly chased after Charmine. “Charmine, don’t fool around. How can this SD card be repaired? Even if God is real, God can’t do anything about this. Just give it to me; I’ll buy a new one for Peter tomorrow.”“Just because God can’t do it doesn’t mean I can’t. Now, get out of my way!”Charmine shoved Tiffany away from her and walked toward the computer. She took a seat in front of the computer to invert the chip. She spliced it and fixed it. At that moment, her fair and slender arms looked agile and beautiful.Peter had already noticed Charmine’s beautiful arms during the shoot, and seeing her in action improved his mood. Even if the SD card could not be salvaged, he knew he would get a good shot of Charmine during the reshoot.Charmine remained focused as everyone stared at her with bated breath. No one dared to interrupt her as they waited expectantly. Only Tiffany’s breat
The approaching man was actually Julian’s assistant, Oliver. It appeared Julian had resolved to marry Charmine.‘As long as Charmine married him… Well, any married woman would find it difficult to be a model, what more if she’s pregnant…’ Tiffany mused to herself, and her mood improved right after.“Are these roses for Charmine? Better be nice to her,” reminded Tiffany. “Yes.” Oliver lowered his head, but it was clear he was riddled with questions. He thought that Chairman Julian was supposed to be dating Tiffany. Why was he pursuing Charmine now? Why was Tiffany not jealous but seemed supportive instead?He knew he was in no place to ask these questions; he was only here to deliver flowers.Not far away, a black luxury car was parked at the side. Anthony was sitting in the backseat with 99 red angel’s trumpets. There was a card on top of the bouquet, and it read, [You are so beautiful.]Anxious, Anthony asked, “You think Charmine will like these? Flowers will work for her, righ
Oliver felt an uneasy feeling stirred at the pit of his belly; he could not understand why he felt this way. Suddenly, Charmine raised her long leg swiftly, and with a sweeping kick, the sound of something crumpling could be heard. Just like that, the once fresh and vibrant angel trumpets were crushed by her force. As they laid on the ground, only bare stalks devoid of flowers were left in the bouquet Oliver was still holding onto. “If we’re done here, you should scram!” Charmine snapped at the still-rooted Oliver.Charmine used to be soft and docile. When did she become so wild and willful? She was too much of a savage!Chris, who was sitting in the car, gleefully clapped as he chirped, “Mommy is so beautiful! That’s how you do it! Daddy, you should hurry up and pursue Mommy. You still have a chance! Hurry up and win her over! You can’t let the other guy steal her!” Anthony appeared to ponder the boy’s words. ‘Pursue her? How do I do that? With Charmine’s personality, it was ver
Charmine frowned as she turned her gaze to Chris, who was in her arms. “Momo, what’s wrong? Your dad cleared his day so he can bring you to an amusement park. Why don’t you want to go? As long as you don’t run around madly, you won’t be lost from your dad.”Chris pitifully sobbed before he muttered, “I don’t... I don’t want to go to the amusement park anymore.” The boy continued to cry again after that.Charmine was usually apathetic and unconcerned about anyone or anything. However, for reasons unknown, her heart felt like it could break as soon as she saw Chris crying. She hugged Chris even tighter. “Momo, what happened? You can tell me. I’ll give your dad a stern warning, and I won’t let him bully you.”The boy sniffled before he replied, “It’s not Daddy... It has nothing to do with Daddy. The reason the teacher organized this family trip was to have a family, with both mom and dad there with us kids, at the amusement park. The other kids will have their moms and dads there. Earl
All of a sudden, Chris—who writhed and twitched on the ground mere seconds ago—sprung up in joy as he cheered, “Hooray!” He then jumped right back into Charmine’s arms.Charmine was speechless. ‘How did he recover so quickly? This… This feels like another trap!’The moment Chris noticed the shift in Charmine’s mood, he stretched his chubby hands to hug her neck. “Mommy, Uncle Nial said that my twitching is psychological,” he quickly spoke, “so if I take some medication, I’ll get better bit by bit. You promised me, so you can’t break your promise now. You’re coming to the amusement park with Momo! Adults can't break their promises, and they can’t teach little kids to lie.”What else could Charmine say? She could only lightly pinch Chris’ chubby cheeks and responded, “You cheeky little devil, you. Relax! I promised you, so I’ll see through that promise and go with you. However, in the future, you need to work hard so that you’ll be a tough kid. You’re tough as nails! You’re not going
There was an unnoticeable glint in Sonia's eyes. She nestled herself further into Harry's arms as she added, "Let’s go to Pares. We'll come back after I give birth to the baby.""Alright."Harry stayed by Sonia's side as he watched over her, cared for her, and talked to her until she finally slept in his care.He stood up tiredly and walked out of the room to sit in the living room.Thuck!Something fell out of his pocket.He narrowed his eyes to the source of sound and spotted a USB.Since when did he have a USB in his pocket?With a small frown on his face, Harry curiously picked it up and noticed the front side of the USB glowing. Something was carved onto its surface, too.[Granger].Was it Dior’s USB? Why was her USB inside his pocket?Harry’s clear fingers held on the USB tightly. He thought for a moment before he took out a laptop, turned it on, and plugged in the USB.A moment later, the screen showed what seemed to be peculiar surveillance footage with a descriptio
Dior was still lost in her storm of thoughts when a shadowy figure zipped past her and ran toward Harry.When she spotted this familiar figure, she reacted quickly and held onto him."Let go of me!" growled Guy. "How dare he slap you and misunderstood you? I have to beat some sense into him!"Harry broke free and chased after Harry.Dior, despite having lost all hope and life in her, mustered the last strand of her will to chase after Guy and reeled him back. "Brother, don't," she muttered, "spare your energy…" Her sorrow clouded her eyes as she mumbled, "He’s the man I love. Even though he hates me, I won’t allow you to hurt him. As for the explanation…"Dior smiled ironically. "Whatever. That slap decimated every beautiful daydream I have about him, anyway."She no longer expected anything from him.He had no trust in her, so what would it matter if she finally got him? He did not even love her, and he did not trust her either.Dior smiled elegantly, but her eyes were fille
Dior looked forward to that new shift.She watched as Harry made his way into the restaurant silently, unable to deter her mind from the daydreams she had of him, of the new chapter of their story they would have.He would apologize to her, trying to redeem himself, and kiss her dearly as he embraced her. Later down the line, they would have a child of their own, too.Harry's long legs walked in strides, his dark gaze trained on Dior.The bright light shone on Dior’s delicately stunning face, and she also wore a red dress.He remembered her wearing this back in Mount Village.He could remember how alluring she looked back then, how they stayed in the same room, how she put down her ego to treat him with so much gentleness.Harry’s cold face mellowed down, but recalling a certain memory, the vague wistfulness in him vanished and he sat in front of her.Dior looked at him fondly, like she always would. "Long time no see."Her eyes burned brightly as if she wanted to drink in his
Dior examined the footage the moment she received it.True enough, it showed Sonia and George talking about their little deal. It also showed how Dior was telling the truth while they both ganged up on her.Dior’s frail heart felt as though it was rejuvenated once more, feeling as though blood was once more pumped into her heart. Her dull eyes devoid of hope regained their lost luster once more.Not thinking twice, she dialed Harry's number with this evidence, though he had to be busy, seeing as he did not pick up even after the phone rang for a long while.Just as she was about to hang up, Harry picked up the phone."What do you want?"On the other end of the call was the voice that she had missed for so long. His low, hoarse voice sounded so cold and emotionless.Hearing his voice brought Dior back to the image of his handsome face, and her heart skipped a beat.She tried her best to restrain her fluttering emotions as she tried to speak calmly, "Do you have time? I’d like to
At Mount Village…Inside the elegant bamboo house was Dior, dressed in a beige dress. She sat in the front yard as she took sips of her wine.The sunlight shone past the leaves and illuminated her, yet she exuded an air of loneliness.She swirled the glass and could not help recalling the moments she spent with Harry.In the beginning, she was attracted by his looks; he looked so gentle and elegant.She gave him money, kept him company, and continuously showed up around him in hopes of conquering him.Alas, she ended up in this state.The time she spent with him in Mount Village was the happiest time she had ever had. They had lived inside the bamboo house together, where he took care of her and claimed her to be his woman.They even laid inside the same room.Everything was so beautiful.Cursed was her luck, however, that it was just an illusion. He had been using her from the start, while he chose to stay with the woman who lied to him and even hurt him!No matter how mu
"Although Susan was unhappy, she should've voiced out her displeasure instead of bottling things. Cheating is wrong, regardless. Furthermore, if she wanted a career, she didn't have to stay home and depend on her husband."Grandma Bailey halted.Was that what Charmine truly thought of?Grandma Bailey thought Charmine would find Susan too aggressive unto herself.Charmine glanced at Susan again and apathetically commented, "She doesn't want to make money on her own, but she wants to be rich while complaining about her man not making time for her and taking care of her? If a woman has no ability of her own and also blames others for her miseries, all she's worth is to sit quietly at home and wait for her husband to come home. She also has no right to cheat! This is how the world works."Charmine patted Grandma Bailey’s shoulder and held Anthony’s hand, her words met with everyone's evidently surprised gazes and their silence.Grandma Bailey was shocked. Sure, Charmine sounded rathe
The colossal cruise started to drift away from the pier.Eric stood on the cruise and let the wind blow at him, loneliness and hatred still oozing from his being.He stared at the blue ocean ahead of him as Charmine's words rang in his mind unceasingly.'Will you really feel good after you've killed them?''You saw Susan suffering from a serious wound; would you still kill the one sibling you have left in the world?'"Forgive them and yourself.'Deliberating everything carefully, his lips curled into a bitter smile.It was true, after all, that Charmine understood him the most.Eric poured himself another drink and downed it with loneliness as he allowed the cruise to bring him wherever it would take him.…Susan was still inside the operating room when Charmine and the rest of the Baileys rushed into the hospital.Darryl stood before the room, his expression blank, his figure lonely and helpless.So many things had happened in half a day.He found out about his wife's inf
"No one's stopping you now. Eat!"Anthony clenched his hands tightly and took another glance at Charmine. He was more determined than before, and he was close to eating the pills in the bottle.Charmine, who was held hostage, gradually opened her eyes at that moment. Her gaze drifted toward Eric before she asked, her tone challenging, "Will you really feel good after you've killed them? You saw Susan suffering from a serious wound; would you still kill the one sibling you have left in the world?"Eric halted, and his eyes darkened.Charmine had just woken up, yet what she said…He cast a cold glance at Charmine. "It's my business, and it has nothing to do with you!"They were his family, and he did not want a family like this!Charmine looked squarely at him. "Eric, I don’t care if you used me or plotted against me all these years; I've treated you like a true friend, nothing more nor less. You were the only person who stayed by my side in the past five years, so I hope that you
Anthony's breath hitched when he saw Charmine.He clenched his fists and, without doubting himself, relented "I can agree to your terms, so let her go right away. This has nothing to do with her; you only hate me after all. As long as you let her go, I'll take the pill. Everything will end right away."Susan shook her head. "We'll die after eating the pill. I’m not taking that!"She had just reunited with Eric, and she did not want to die yet. She looked at Eric and begged, "Please let Anthony be, why don't you? He’s your brother, after all, and he doesn’t even know about your existence. If you’re really angry, just kill Charmine, and I'll make it up to you—"Anthony's expression contorted in sheer fury upon hearing Susan's plea, and he glared at her with murderous intent."This was all your fault, so what right do you have to make Charmine take your blame?!""What on earth are you going on about?" snapped Grandma Bailey. "Charmine has been kidnapped because of you, yet you want