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132: Benefit of the Doubt
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2024-08-11 20:48:39Related chapters
Winning My Ex-Crush 133: Cater to My Needs
Fenella’s POVAt exactly 5 p.m., Jessy dropped me off in front of Laird's office building. One hand clasped a large bag of Chinese food. Honestly, I didn't know what he would like, so I ordered the menu items he often ordered and a few other dishes that looked delicious in the menu book pictures.I entered the lobby, which was crowded with employees leaving work. As I walked in, everyone stared at me as if I were an alien. Perhaps it was because I was the only one walking against the flow as everyone headed towards the exit doors."Hey, Fenella." Laird walked toward me with a faint smile. As he had informed me through a text message, he was waiting for me in his office."Hi, dear." I quickly pecked his lips, but Laird quickly moved back before our lips touched."Why?" I asked, puzzled."This is the office," he replied, clearing his throat and looking around."Oh."I looked around and saw that most desks were already empty. There were only a few people left, but it seemed like Laird st
Last Updated : 2024-08-12Winning My Ex-Crush 134: Social Campaign
Fenella’s POV“We are here to voice our rights.” Mallory’s voice echoed through the speakers mounted on either side of the stage.“The right to get protection, the right to form healthy relationships with others, and the right to live comfortably in our environment.”“We cannot achieve any of that if we continue to close ourselves off from what can protect us. Avoiding the topic because we consider it taboo will only lead to misunderstandings. By spreading knowledge about the subject widely, I’m confident we can protect ourselves from the diseases affecting our community.”“Wow! Yeah, I’ve always felt that sexual education should start as early as possible. I really appreciate this movement you’re advocating.” The host exclaimed, clapping to encourage a round of applause from the audience.Since 8 AM until now, which was 10 AM, I have stood on stage with dozens of celebrities, models, and actresses in Mallory’s circle of friends. We were wearing matching white shirts with a red ribbon
Last Updated : 2024-08-12Winning My Ex-Crush 135: Eureka!
Laird’s POVI glanced at the message from Fenella that she sent yesterday. All night, she didn't reply to my messages and only answered my call once. From her voice and way of speaking, she sounded tired. Jessy was also hit by the negative reactions flooding Fenella's personal social media and Gene's office. After some considerations, they decided to stay away from the public eye until the ad dropped.It seems like the ad launch is facing major issues. Yes, I promised not to ask about that ad, even though I'm curious. I have intentionally given her space to calm down, and maybe I'll visit her later in the evening after work.I think it's not going to be a problem. Moreover, next week is the start of the winter holidays. We will go back to Boston to celebrate Christmas with our families. After the chaos and dilemma with Alan, maybe calming down with her mother is the right decision.I rubbed my chin and considered canceling my winter holiday plans with Fenella. Initially, I wanted to
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Winning My Ex-Crush 136: Highest Boiling Point
Alan’s POV"Oh, yeah, I don't know why people have been so easily offended lately, but really, no one is harmed, right?"The man on the other end of the phone rambled on about general ethics, social norms, and various other nonsense. I stayed silent, swallowing all of his unhelpful lectures. My eyes rolled upwards every time he recited sections about advertisement broadcasting."Alright, sir. I understand. How about we meet to discuss this matter, hm? Talking in person will surely feel different, right?"Usually, this trick works with some hush money. What else did they want but money? Moreover, in my opinion, this controversy was completely groundless."No, no. I'm not trying to bribe you, sir. I just want to
Last Updated : 2024-08-13Winning My Ex-Crush 137: Killer Mode
Fenella’s POV‘She was such a mess!’‘What was Mallory thinking when she approved an ad like that?’‘I thought the ad was pretty funny and creative.’‘She and her friends and her models should have died and gone to hell!’I sighed as I read the comments on Mallory West's official social media page. The internet was still buzzing with arguments about the ad that was released yesterday for the HIV/AIDS prevention campaign. Driven by intense curiosity, I finally opened my own social media page.‘Why did you accept a job like that? The ad only ruins your reputation as an elegant model.’‘I thought she was getting more famous, but it seems she's running out of work.’‘Isn't it her agent who chooses the jobs?’‘No excuses! She should have refused if she didn't want to. This shows that she was okay with doing the ad.’‘I don't know. I thought the ad was pretty funny and creative.’‘People are reacting as if it's the first time they've seen something like this. You can see more scenes like th
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Winning My Ex-Crush 138: All Hell Loose
Fenella’s POV"Who? Are you sure you didn't read it wrong?”Jessy was still speeding down the road, maneuvering sharply to avoid other vehicles. He also drove through alleys and side streets to avoid the city’s traffic in New York.I repeatedly checked and read the document Laird had sent me. Reading a document on my phone while in a recklessly speeding vehicle was a bad idea. My head started throbbing, compounded by the movement of the car.I reflexively gagged from nausea but managed to hold back from actually vomiting. I briefly opened the car's dashboard, grabbed a small plastic bag from it, and covered my mouth before finally throwing up.“Sorry,” I said, wiping my mouth with a tissue after my stomach calmed down.“Are you okay? Maybe we should stop for a moment and take it easy,” Jessy suggested as he slowed the car down.“No! Keep going, Jessy. We have to stop Laird from going too far.”“Alright. But you need to stop reading that document. Reading it over and over won’t change
Last Updated : 2024-08-14Winning My Ex-Crush 139: Broken Pieces
Fenella’s POV"How dare you tell me to calm down?! How could you do this to me? Goddamnit!"I yelled again, both of my hands clenching the air. My eyes glared at Alan. He swallowed as I continued to curse him with harsh words."Fenella, darling," Jessy said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and squeezing them tightly to help me regain control of my emotions."Tell me, Clark. What makes you hate me so much?" I ran my fingers through my hair as tears kept streaming down my cheeks.I never thought that the man I believed was always helping me would turn out to be my schoolmate. The one I rejected before, the one bullied by Amy, is now part of Amy's family?"Is it true that Amy told you to ruin me?!" I asked him again in a high-pitched voice.There was no answer. The man just stood there, frozen, watching me lose control of myself. Jessy kept squeezing my shoulders, and slowly I started to feel the physical pressure, helping me stay on my ground."It's not like that at all, Fenella. J
Last Updated : 2024-08-15Winning My Ex-Crush 140: Calling All Angels
Fenella’s POVI hadn’t called my mother in a long time. The last time I called her was at the beginning of the new year. My mother wasn’t too interested in my career as a model, and she often worried about me. She worried about me so much, in fact, that I ended up distancing myself from her.My father had passed away for five years. During my first year in New York, my father was still paying for my tuition and living expenses. When he died in my second year, I began looking for a job to pay for everything on my own.He didn’t leave much of an inheritance for us. The company he had built over his lifetime with hard work had to be sold to someone else to cover the company’s debts. Even his life insurance money had to be sacrificed to pay off the bad debts.From riches to rags. I was forced by circumstances to become more independent. That’s why I insisted on working while studying, even though my mother disagreed. But I felt that was the only way to support myself, and I didn’t want to
Last Updated : 2024-08-15
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Winning My Ex-Crush 210: Revenge Served
Fenella’s POVThree months later…“State of New York vs. Alan Schmidt! All rise, and please be quiet!”The bailiff announced the case name in a loud voice. I sat in the audience with my heart pounding and my feet restless. The reporters waiting in the back of the room fell silent, capturing every moment as the judge entered.I squeezed Laird's hand to quell my nerves. He smiled at me and whispered that everything would be okay. I nodded and offered a small, reassuring smile in return.This was the final appeal at the Supreme Court. After this, Alan wouldn’t be able to appeal again until his sentence was served. After two long years of a drawn-out case with various appeals from Alan’s side, we had finally reached the finish line.The judge began reading various considerations and court notes. They took turns reading the decision documents. Time seemed to crawl, and I began to feel drowsy.I occasionally glanced at Alan, who sat in his prison jumpsuit. His once curly, neat hair had grown
Winning My Ex-Crush 209: Award Winner Supermodel
Fenella’s POVTwo years later…I held Laird's hand, squeezing the palm that felt damp with sweat. A smile appeared on my lips as I tried to calm the nervousness he had felt since we left the house. This was the first award ceremony for him, Dave, and Rowan. They couldn’t sit still in their seats either.I couldn’t deny that I felt the same. My heart raced, even as the host made jokes that had the audience laughing. Still, I tried to remain calm because I didn’t want to make him more anxious than he already was.“The winner of the Best Mobile Game of the Year is...” The music stopped, the announcer paused, tension built, “My Supermodel!”“Oh! Thank God!” I exclaimed behind my hands that covered my open mouth.“Congratulations, honey!”I immediately stood up and hugged Laird tightly beside me. I cupped his face in my hands and kissed his lips strong and quick. He smiled broadly and whispered for a moment, “I love you, baby. Thank you.”“Congratulations!” I shook hands with Dave and Rowa
Winning My Ex-Crush 208: You and I
Fenella’s POVI stood at the edge of the balcony. My hands are firmly gripping the iron rail of the balcony as my eyes gaze at the nighttime scenery in the distance. Puerto Vallarta, a cliff with a stunning coastal view that showcases the beautiful side of Mexico.Perhaps there is truth in the saying—including Lloyd's yesterday—that bad memories must be replaced with good ones.Since arriving in Mexico until now, all the bad memories have been erased and replaced with the beauty of a honeymoon vacation with the love of my life. It's not bad, really.Despite the heavy trial we went through yesterday, we finally had some peace of mind. The night breeze blows through my hair. There's a strange sensation, but I don't want to go into the room yet. Until Laird came from the balcony door and immediately hugged me, enveloping me in soothing warmth.“Hey,”“Hi, baby. Are you done showering?” I asked, raising my head to look at Laird's face for a moment.“Yup.”“You smell nice,” I said as I inh
Winning My Ex-Crush 207: Objections!
Fenella’s POV“Oh, sweet Mother, that was divine!” Jessy took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Then he opened his eyes wide while his mouth continued chewing my mother’s crab cakes. The murmurs and cheers were still heard until he finally finished his last bite.“I was glad you liked them,” my mother smiled broadly.“I didn’t just like them. I loved, loved, loved them!”Everyone around us laughed at Jessy’s confession. We felt the same way because my mother had succeeded in making a super delicious wedding reception dish. Truly, our Baxter family home was filled with guests. Even though we had invited only a small number of people, our home had never been this lively.The decorations of pink, white, and red flowers and balloons filled the entire room. The furniture had been rearranged to create enough space for the guests to dance or chat. Soft music played through the speakers set up in the corner of the room.Occasionally, guests would step up to change the music, hold the microph
Winning My Ex-Crush 206: Little Happiness
Fenella’s POV“Honey, you looked absolutely stunning,” my mother said. “Thank you, Mom.” I smiled wide upon hearing my mother's compliment. She handed me a bouquet of wedding flowers that was a mix of pink, red, and white colors. I then grabbed the small bouquet and held it tightly. “I couldn’t believe we pulled this off all in just a week.” My mother shook her head, her eyes wide. “We even thought to get married the day after he proposed, but I remembered your words about wanting to prepare every detail of my wedding. You only have one chance because I'm your only daughter, so here we are.”“I just hoped those fruit tarts and crab cakes would be enough for all the guests.” “It’s okay, Mom. If the food wasn’t enough, we could stuff them with the wedding cake. That’s the job of the five-tier cake you ordered.”“You're right. I'm grateful that Mrs. Maddox's bakery shop is willing to take on the order." She sighed and stared at my face."Oh, I wish your father could see you, even th
Winning My Ex-Crush 205: Will You?
Fenella’s POV“Fenella.”“Yes, Laird.”Laird called me right after I arrived at the apartment.“Where are you right now?”“I'm at the apartment,” I replied quickly as I grabbed a glass of mineral water from the dispenser.“Oh, thank goodness. I'm on my way home,” he said.The apartment door opened, and I immediately saw Laird's figure enter. My mouth was slightly agape, with my eyes widening. My forehead wrinkled as I watched him walk in. I glanced at the clock on the table and realized it was 2 p.m.“Fenella,” he called in his distinctively low voice.He stepped inside and met me in the kitchen. I hurriedly set my water glass down on the dining table. For some reason, Laird's face looked different. There was a hint of a happy smile on his face, though the look in his eyes was dark, and I couldn't describe the meaning behind it.“You're home? One second you're calling me, the next you're standing in front of me,” I chuckled.Suddenly, he let down his backpack on the floor. Then he hug
Winning My Ex-Crush 204: Daddy Issues
Laird’s POVI took several deep breaths and let them out. I couldn't help but feel uneasy and anxious, and various bad thoughts were raging in my mind. My hands repeatedly smoothed my tie or combed my hair. Hell, I couldn't calm myself down!This wasn't the first time my father had gone this far. Using bodyguards to pick up other people by force, who does he think he is?I hate his methods. He's called the shark of the legal world for a reason. This is how he acts. Stalking, coercing, and making people bend to his will until they're crushed by Hugo Evans' ambition.Now he was after Fenella. He flew from Boston to New York for her. I just knew it.I almost know what my father wants from my girlfriend. Maybe he wants to tell her to stay away like some of the girls I dated at university. It could also be that he wanted to ask about the case involving me and Malgolm Golden together.Whatever it was, I was waiting for a call or mes
Winning My Ex-Crush 203: Please Don’t Preach
Fenella’s POVMy eyes blinked after hearing Mr. Evans' words. My brow furrowed as I tried to understand his reasoning and failed miserably. I remained silent, but eventually, my heart was stirred to dig deeper.“Excuse me? Why is that?” I asked slowly, being careful not to make a misstep.“Because he helped my enemy,” Mr. Evans replied firmly.Again, I could only blink. An enemy? Yes, Laird had told me how Mr. Golden had an affair with his mother. But wasn’t that ten years ago? In fact, Mr. Evans had been busy with his young girlfriend.Still, Laird had helped to do the right thing. I didn’t want to argue with him, but I began to feel that Mr. Evans' disappointment in Laird was beyond reason.“But he helped capture criminals. He has contributed to the community.” I voiced my opinion again and swallowed to ease my nervousness.“You don’t know anything, kid. He helped my arch-enemy without considering my feelings.” Mr. Evans scoffed in frustration. “How dare he? Sometimes Laird can be u
Winning My Ex-Crush 202: Live Location
Fenella’s POVI willingly got into the black van, leaving Jessy alone on the sidewalk. I was sure he would immediately contact Laird. Maybe he would explain the situation to him, and Laird would call me right away.Sure enough, my phone rang just minutes after the van had driven away from Laird’s office building. I answered the call immediately.“Hello, Laird.”“Hey, Fenella. What is this about Jessy seeing you being abducted by a black van? He said you willingly got into the vehicle and mentioned it was my father’s men.”Laird asked with tension in his voice. His breath sounded hurried on the phone, but I didn’t want to make him more anxious.Well, yes, I was panicking too because suddenly I had been approached by men in black suits who resembled mafia. However, they mentioned Hugo Evans, Laird’s father. I didn’t want to give his father a bad impression, or I would lose th
