Theo grabbed his chest in pain and fell over the rain, into the ocean.Maia stood rooted to the spot as she felt Theo fell into the waters by the boat. She was still shaking in fear as her legs threatened to give way. Cedric watched Maia closely as he comforted her through the megaphone. When Maia heard his voice, she turned to look at him, her face still pale from fear. She knew that he was coming toward her.As his boat was closing in, an arm shot out of the water and grabbed the edge of the boat that Maia was in. Seconds later, Maia felt a grip on her ankle, and she was dragged into the water too. Without a second thought, Cedric dove straight into the water as Baz shouted after him in panic. …Maia could not hear a thing as she struggled in the water. She could feel herself losing air as she tried to swim toward the surface. However, she was still too weak and her body felt heavier the more she struggled. As she was about to lose her consciousness, a pair of sturdy ar
“Ms. Maia, do you feel pain anywhere on your body?”Maia looked at the doctor and shook her head. She turned back to Cedric and continued to study him in silence. After the doctor was done with the inspections, he turned to Cedric and said, “Mr. Cedric, the wound on the back of her head would probably hurt for a few more days. Since she’s awake now, it means that she hasn’t suffered from a concussion.” Cedric nodded and turned back to Maia. When the doctor was walking out of the room, Maia finally spoke, “Why am I at the hospital?”The doctor stopped in his tracks and turned around to ask, “Ms. Maia, you don’t remember how you got hurt?” Maia shook her head and turned to Cedric as she asked, “Honey, why was I injured?”Cedric was surprised at the way Maia was addressing him. “What did you just call me?”“D-Did I say something wrong? If you don’t like me calling you honey, then I won’t. Please, don’t be mad.” Maia furrowed her eyebrows as she replied in confusion. This Mai
Baz swiftly pulled Tess out of the ward. However, Tess continued to protest loudly, hoping that Maia could regain her memory.Soon, there was a loud "bang," signaling the closure of the ward door. Once closed, the room returned to its previous quiet state. He was the first to break the silence."You played it well," his confident words echoed in her ears. He still held her with one hand, showing no intention of letting go.Maia's body tensed slightly, but she raised her eyes to look at him, puzzled. "What are you talking about? I don't understand…"He chuckled, lowered his head to kiss her forehead, and spoke with a fond tone, "It's okay if you don't understand. Just know that no matter when you do, I'll cooperate. That's enough."Maia didn't say anything, just blinked her clear eyes at him. She remained in his embrace without any other moves.But what she never expected was that he seemed to see through her thoughts. She didn't know which part went wrong. Did he believe she was
"Eat up." The two simple words were so authoritative.Maia pursed her lips and could only open her mouth. As she chewed, his deep voice sounded, "What are you referring to? The affair between her and Theo?"His tone was casual, but the moment Maia heard those words, her expression changed dramatically.She grabbed his clothes, finding it difficult to accept, and asked, "What did you say? Cedric, what did you just say?"An affair? How could these two have an affair?"Just as you heard." He knew Maia couldn't believe it, but he confirmed what she heard was not false. Maia felt a buzzing in her ears. If these two had such a relationship, then this kidnapping must be a collaboration between them!"How could this happen... This, how is it possible..." Maia still couldn't believe it, finding it hard to accept for a while. Compared to Maia who was in disbelief, Cedric remained calm. He only cared about her well-being. Then, he handed a shrimp to her mouth."Theo is not related to P
"Never, that’s never happening again."His firm tone echoed, and when he reached out to pull her into his arms again, she avoided it.Maia's body tensed slightly. She didn't speak, just shifted her body to the side, keeping a certain distance from him."Perhaps what you said is true, but I won't believe it anymore."His expression changed. His deep eyes reddened for a moment, but in just that fleeting instant, he returned to his expressionless demeanor, as if nothing had happened.Right at this moment, there was a knock on the door.Maia immediately sat up alertly."Mr. Cedric, Buck and Miss Hope are here," came Baz's voice from outside the door.Then, the door was opened. Hope rushed into the room.Seeing Maia sitting on the bed, she called out, "Sis, how are you? Why is the back of your head wrapped in bandages? Is it serious? Do you still feel uncomfortable anywhere? I heard from Mr. Baz that you've lost your memory? Do you remember me?""Hope." Maia's tone was calm, but h
Maia looked at Hope and Buck's reactions. Did these two really not see through her act? Was she that good at acting, or did Cedric act along really well?It seems Cedric was even better at acting than she is...After Cedric went to the next empty ward for a video meeting, Hope stayed in the room, chatting with Maia and patiently telling her about recent events. She managed to make Maia laugh several times.Buck started chatting with Baz."Ms. Maia's memories have reverted to two years ago, and there's a lot of businessed at Starlight Entertainment waiting for her. I really don't know what to do now. I wonder how long Miss Maia will need to get a grip on the conglomerate's affairs?""Why are you worrying about that?""I work at Starlight Entertainment, so how could I not worry? Miss Maia is my immediate superior!"Baz took a few sips of soda and said again, "Just rest assured. Even if Ms. Maia never recalls anything, Mr. Cedric will take full responsibility for her. “With Mr. C
"Yeah, Maia, let's go home together," Tess quickly added. Today was also her discharge day.Then, Tess swiftly stepped forward, extending her hand to hold Maia's, "Maia, come home with us. It doesn't matter if you don't remember the past. Errol and I will take good care of you. With us, your family, no one will dare to bully you."Tess's words were like a veiled message for Cedric. Maia took note of every word. Was she truly so afraid of this man? Maia took the initiative to hold Cedric's hand, "I'll go back with him."Maia's statement left Tess momentarily stunned, "Maia, d-do you know what you're saying?""Aunt, I know exactly what I'm saying." Maia nodded, giving a confident reply. Furious, Tess exclaimed, "Maia, be more sensible! You can't go back with him!""Why not?""I’ve told you before that he has hurt you. You're divorced, and you promised to keep your distance from him! This man will harm you. I won't let you go back with him. Come, let's go, get in Errol's car. He cam
His ungrateful wife was in denial again. Cedric glanced at her sorrowfully. Then, he said, “It’s hard being me.”Maia was startled. Did he just say that? Did he not have a single shred of modesty within him?They had been on the road for about twenty minutes. Maia looked out the window. She had been sure that they were headed to Prismara Hill, but they were going to Cloud Nine Residences instead!“This isn’t the way to my place, Cedric.”“I know.”“I’m sure you’re aware that we’re supposed to be en route to Prismara Hill. I want to go home!”She had no wish to step foot into that place again! Cedric looked at her sternly. “We have to live together so Tess wouldn’t be suspicious of anything.”Maia was puzzled. What he said made sense, but why did she get the feeling that Cedric was taking advantage of her? She was no fool. She knew he would do anything to get his way.“We can live together, but there have to be rules.” Maia took out her tablet and wrote them down. Once she ha
Amanda came to sit next to Maia as she said, “I’m glad you’ve noticed this as well. Lauren is usually quite into the drama that she’s watching on TV. Today’s episode was a sad one, so I was wondering why she was still so happy watching it.” Lauren smiled back at them and replied, “I’m just really happy. I’ve never thought that I’d be able to see my eldest son again and that he has such a kind and beautiful wife by his side. “Eddie was also able to find his loved one, and I was lucky enough to be a grandmother. I never thought that I’d be able to go on a family trip with all my sons.” She started to tear up.“Lauren, don’t cry,” Maia said as she handed Lauren a handkerchief to dry her tears. Lauren wiped her tears as she smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry about me. I’m just being dramatic.” She looked around and asked, “Where’s Cedric? Is he with Eddie?”Maia nodded. “Yeah. This new project is a bit of a hassle, so he went over to try to help.” Lauren sighed, “Eddie’s father an
Cedric just smiled when he saw Maia’s worried reaction. “You sure you’ll keep your promise?” Maia tugged the blanket closer to herself and nodded. Maia would not dare to say no. If Cedric decided to do as he had said, she would just end up in bed the whole morning. “We can register our marriage anytime. You mean it?” She knew that Cedric was just baiting her, but she had no choice. She did not know what he would do next. When she glanced at his handsome face, her heart could not help but skip a beat. Just then, Cedric took out two pieces of paper from the bedside drawer. Maia was taken aback as she saw the document. They were marriage registration forms, and they were already filled in. “T-This was a setup! You’ve already had this all planned out from the beginning!” Maia scanned through the forms and was surprised to see that the only section left empty was the signature. Maia did not know when Cedric had started to prepare all this, but it looked like it had been a whil
Cedric glanced at Baz and asked, “How does it feel to miss someone so much?”Baz’s smile froze as he shook his head quickly. “Now, I can finally understand why you hate being separated from Ms. Maia.”Cedric just looked at Baz coldly. Baz quickly added when he noticed Cedric’s glare, “I’m just saying that you love your wife very much, and that man who’s like you would definitely understand.”“That’s a fact,” Cedric replied as he turned around and walked back into the bedroom. Baz immediately stopped him as he asked. “Mr. Cedric, why don’t you tell Ms. Maia the real reason why you’re so against calling Ms. Lauren your mother? Why didn’t you tell her the scars on your back were inflicted by Ms. Rita?” It was a horrible and unimaginable part of his childhood. “I don’t want to frighten her.”“But it’s difficult for you as well, Mr. Cedric. Calling Ms. Lauren your mother brings back horrible memories for you too.” “It doesn’t matter. I’ll do anything for her.” Cedric replied as he
“Is that true?” Gigi asked her grandmother.Lauren nodded and said, “Of course it is. Has grandma ever lied to you?”“Wow! Grandma, what was Daddy like when he was a kid?” Gigi was excited. She was not sleepy anymore as she pestered Lauren to tell her more. “Whenever I brought him to attend events, he would always cry. I still remember he had wet his pants once in kindergarten.” Gigi covered her mouth and giggled happily. Amanda laughed and looked at Eddie. “Did you really wet your pants?”Eddie palmed his forehead and told his mother, “Stop embarrassing me in front of my daughter, Mom.” Lauren just smiled happily back at her son. At the same time, Maia tugged on the hem of Cedric’s shirt and questioned cheekily, “Did you wet your pants when you were a kid?” Cedric drew her into his arms in response and threatened, “Maia, it seems like you won’t be able to go to bed tonight.” “I’m not afraid of your empty threats,” Maia replied. “Are you sure about that?”Maia nod
It was hard to believe he’d change his mind out of nowhere. She blinked and gawked at him. She almost forgot to breathe because of the sheer shock. Her face turned red from it, too. “Hey, breathe.” Cedric frowned. He realized her eyes were widening and her cheeks were completely reddened. Then, her lungs worked, and she started drawing breath again. She gripped the hem of his shirt instinctively. “Hmm?” Cocking his brow, he looked at her casually while taking her hands in his. “Do you want to know why I changed my mind?”She nodded immediately. Needless to say, she wanted to spring that question on him, but she wondered if she should. On the other hand, he merely chuckled and didn’t say anything. All he did was fix a deep, passionate stare at her. His eyes were filled with love and affection when he did it. Realizing that he wasn’t going to talk, she was bewildered. “W-Why aren’t you saying anything?”His grin widened at what she said. Reaching out, he pinched her fair ch
Taking his hands, she rested her fair cheeks on his palm.“Is there another reason you did it?” She asked. “I had someone plant something in the painting.”“What do you mean?” She pressed.“A wire.”Then, it hit her. “D-Does this mean you knew Fidelia would buy the painting at all costs?”“Mm-hmm.” He nodded.Pursing her lips, she said, “I guess it tracks. After all, Fidelia will surely buy anything you donate to Nordic College. She loves you so much that she peeled an entire bowl of prawns for you.”“Do peeling prawns mean she loves me?” He cocked his brow.She nodded instinctively.“Well, then. Do you know how much I love you now?”Maia was initially pondering something, but she was scattered the moment she heard what he said!Her face turned red. She couldn’t decide if she should nod or shake her head now. The only thing she could do now was change the topic. “Wait a minute. I just asked Gigi to bid on it. Did I almost mess up your plan?” Her brows were furrowed. She
“Maia!” Amanda called out to her and hastened over. “D-Did you just say I was already on trending search?”“Mm-hmm.” Nodding, she handed her phone to Amanda. Amanda saw the search topic ‘Amanda Tate Burst Out Laughing.’ and was rooted to the spot.“H-How’s this already up there?”Maia chuckled. “There are so many people in the dining hall. There’s no way you can keep it from spreading on the internet for long. Even Gigi and Eddie got on the trending search. They were right behind you. “Valentines Group has also started working on the public relations angle. I browsed the internet and didn’t find any overly vicious remarks either. None of the marketing accounts were trying to stir up trouble either. All of Gigi’s pictures were censored as well. So, there’s nothing to be worried about here.”Amanda let out a sigh of relief at what she said. “It’s a good thing that no one attacked Gigi on the internet. Otherwise, I’m going to start chasing them with a machete that’s one foot long!
“Why, you!” Fidelia took the glass of fruit juice from the table and spilled it all over him!The sticky juices clung to his cheeks for a second before rolling down them.“Listen up, plastic face! It doesn’t matter if I can’t lay a finger on Maia because Cedric loves and protects her. It isn’t your place to make fun of me! Who do you think you are, Neilson? “You’re nothing more than my family’s lap dog. Look at how stiff your face is. You’ve wasted a perfectly good glass of fruit juice!”Staring at him angrily, Fidelia warned him nastily. She was so gripped with rage that her chest was rising and falling hastily. Then, she gritted her teeth and threw the empty glass at him.Catching the glass midair, he lowered his head. “You make a fine point, Ms. Fidelia.” Wiping the fruit juice from his cheeks, he apologized again. “Please calm down, Ms. Fidelia. You have to look at where we are now. It’d be wise not to make Mr. Thomas mad again.”“Are you seriously warning me again? Who do
Maia made up a reason so Amanda could take Gigi away. Amanda nodded, carried her daughter, and left the scene. All Gigi did was speak the truth, but Fidelia’s face grew grim and shot the three-year-old girl a terrible look. It was clear that Fidelia might do something outrageous to Gigi again if she didn’t divert her attention from the little girl. After all, Fidelia didn’t care about the consequences of her actions at all!So, she looked at Fidelia and said, “I’m not sure why you kept trying to win my husband’s heart, but I’ve been sitting here the whole time. Are you ignoring me on purpose? Or, are you so arrogant that you care only about Cedric and nobody else?”Fidelia immediately shifted her gaze to Maia. Glaring at her, she directed all of her anger and frustration at Maia. “What are you trying to say, Maia? My dad saved Cedric’s life. So, is there anything wrong with me peeling the shrimp for him? What’s the problem if I try to win his heart? What does it have to do with