"You're here to play nurse, not to pretend you care," he snapped, his cold gaze locking onto hers. "And you are here to waste your life because it's easier than fighting for it," she shot back, her voice shaking but defiant. He wheeled closer, his jaw clenched. "Don't think for a second that you can fix what is so broken." I'm not here to fix you," she whispered, her eyes unrelenting. "I'm here because I believe there's more to you than this bitterness. He was the untouchable golden boy of his family, a magnetic presence destined to inherit a sprawling empire. His charm, his power, and his perfection made him unstoppable until a car crash shattered his life and left him confined to a wheelchair. His once-loyal followers turned their backs, leaving him drowning in the bitterness of betrayal. She was living proof of her family-a forgotten daughter whose dreams of becoming a doctor kept her sane amidst years of neglect. All she wanted in life was freedom, but fate had other plans. Forced into a contract marriage with the epitome of misery, she found herself engulfed in a battle she never asked for. Their worlds collide in a storm of resentment and vulnerability. Underneath his bitterness, though, lies the ruins of a man who had everything to lose-and the dim hope of someone who could help him find it again. As she works her way through his fury, and he pushes against her kindness, a bond forms-a bond neither expected. But with jealous rivals scheming in the shadows and old wounds threatening to tear them apart, their fight for love becomes a war for survival. Can two broken souls find strength in each other, or will the scars of their pasts destroy them both?
View MoreChapter Nineteen: The Invitation.One of the investors stood up and cleared his throat."You both did extremely well at your presentation. Your ideas are brilliant and valid." He adjusted the frame of his eyeglass. "My colleagues and I will be needing some time to discuss about this. We will get back to you when our decision is finalized. This meeting is hereby adjourned. Thank you."Maya walked up to the investors; she quickly shook hands with them and Thomas who was already standing there."You did great," Thomas said as he shook her hand."More than you expected." She smirked as she withdrew her hand from Thomas's."Honestly, I never...." He paused and inhaled deeply. "I never expected such manner of presentation and boldness from you. And your ideas," he kissed his fingers. "They were mind-blowing. You swept me off my feet. Well done, Maya.""Thank you." Maya tossed her hair over her shoulder, and turned to leave. "And you too," she stopped midway. "You did well. Your ideas were b
Chapter Eighteen: The Presentation.The investors burst into laughter. Thomas face turned red as he gave Maya a cold stare."Mr. Thomas, can you please take your seat? There is no need for this argument. Remember you kept us waiting; don't waste more of our time. Let's get to business." One of the investors said as he tapped the table."Can I be the first to present while that bitc.." he bit the inside of his cheek and cleared his throat. "Sorry, I mean Mrs. Caldwell prepare herself?" He asked, correcting himself."Okay, you can start." Another of the investor said."Thank you," he bowed slightly as he stood up and walked to the podium. "I will go straight to the point without wasting much of your time." He clicked on the projector. "Since the plan your company has is for the rural area, I think it's best you construct a cable-stayed bridge from the county," he touched the screen. "Down to the city since they lack a good bridge, and just imagine the Thomas company doing such a thing
Chapter Seventeen: The Confrontation.Immediately George drove through the massive iron gates; Maya quickly glanced through her plans once more. She noticed the car has been moving in circles in the parking lot."George, why are we still moving? Isn't the car supposed to be parked by now?" She asked as her fingers moved swiftly on her keyboard."Sorry, ma'am, I can't see any vacant space in the parking lot; they are all filled up." George replied as he tries to maneuver his way through the cars.Maya looked up from her laptop, "what the fuck?" She murmured under her breath as she glance through the tinted window. "How about the VIP and the private section?""All filled up ma'am. Judging from the type of cars here, I guess the president or some top dignitaries are present today. Because these cars," He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. "They look more like a convoy.""Okay, George, if I keep on sitting here,I will be late for the meeting; it's best I drop here. Look for a sp
Chapter Sixteen: The Edit.Ethan wheeled his chair to Maya's room; he stopped at the entrance as he took in the view of the room: sheets of paper scattered across the wooden table and the floor, a notepad on the cushion, a cup of coffee and an empty bag of chips on the floor, a drawing board with different diagrams on the wall and Maya seated right behind the wooden table as she focused on the laptop before her with squinted eyes as she typed some things on the keyboard of her laptop, surfing through the internet and jotted down something on the jotter beside the laptop, that she barely noticed his presence."Getting ready for tomorrow?" Ethan's rich baritone voice filled the room, thereby making Maya jumpy."My gosh!" Maya gasped as placed her hands on her chest. "I didn't even notice you were here." The corner of her lips curled up into a quick smile. "How long have you been watching." She tucked some strands of hair behind her ear.Ethan's lips pressed into a thin line as he shrug
Chapter Fifteen: The Call.Ethan sat in his studio as he thought about what Maya said. He knew there was no way Maya could have won Thomas at the meeting; a part of him felt pity for the embarrassment she had to go through because of him but moreover, he didn't force her to go, but she insisted on going despite his warnings and pleas. She deserved what she got.He was amazed at her persistence; even after everything she went through, yet she is still adamant to go represent him for the second time. He exhaled loudly.The vibration from his phone, interrupted his thought as he looked at the caller ID.Mum.Can't she stop calling him and leave him the fuck alone? He sighed.He took in a deep breath as he leant his head on the chair headrest and closed his eyes, guessing after the first ring, she would stop calling. But the phone rang again for the second time, and at the third ring, he clicked on the answer button."Ethan, what the hell is wrong with you?! Don't you think you are makin
Chapter Fourteen: The Discussion.Ethan sat up on his chair and adjusted his pants once more. "Okay, if you say so. Tell me what happened." Maya inhaled deeply and rubbed her temple. "I was left out." Her lips pressed into a thin line. Ethan chuckled.Maya rolled her eyes and continued. "Your mother didn't give me the support that I needed." She sighed deeply as she tried to control her emotions. "I was all by myself in that conference room while Thomas and the investors were having their mutual connection. Your mother sat there, looking at me like am a stranger." She exhaled loudly and swallowed hard. "You know, Thomas has been in the business for a long time, so it was all easy for him since the investors already knew him."Ethan burst into laughter. "If only you had listened to me, you would have saved yourself from all this embarrassment. I told you not to get involved in that business deal, didn't I?" He gaze sternly fixed at Maya. "Were you actually expecting my mother to supp
Chapter Thirteen: Home At Last.The soft glow of the lamp cast a warm hue over the living room, Maya dragged herself through the front door and slumped into the sofa, as she kicked off her heels, pulled off her blazers, and undid her buttons. She exhaled a long, exhausted sigh as she thought about the whole meeting process with the investors. Today has been a diaster; it's weight clung on her like a heavy coat. The disapproving words of Mrs Caldwell kept on repeating in her mind, Thomas rough voice and annoying laughter lingered for a while, and the dinging sound of the tiny center bell the investors kept shaking for approval, won't stop ringing in her ear.She groaned as she placed her hand on her pounding head and massaged her throbbing temples with her fingers. She let out a sigh and stretched her hurting feet on round brown oak centre table.She just want to have a nice warm bath and sleep it off. But something was off; why is the house so quiet? Where is Ethan? She looked around
Chapter Twelve: The Argument."Maya!" Mrs. Caldwell walked up to Maya and pulled her by the hand to where her car is parked. "Stop saying that shit; this madness is getting out of control. Stop it, please!" She stamped her feet and grunted with a low voice.She walked up to Thomas. "don't listen to what that bitch is saying. Ethan is coming; I guess he should be close by now, he is already on his way here." Her voice was sharp and fierce.Then she walked back to where Maya was standing, and she leant her back on the car. "For the last time, I am going to say this; I don't want any form of embarrassment out here. You don't know Thomas very well, do you?" She asked coyly as she toyed with the fancy pendant on her gold necklace. Maya shook her head. "But I do." Mrs. Caldwell continued. "I knew him right from when he was born. I know his parents, his family included." She paced in front of the car, her hands clasped behind her. "Thomas is not someone you toy with. And you don't conten
Chapter Eleven: The Rival.Mrs. Caldwell let out a loud laugh. "Do you think this is some sort of joke? Anyway, I know that Ethan loves running away from responsibilities, but this?" She shook her head. "It's a shame; a disgrace to the family name. What is Ethan trying to prove?" She asked herself and turned to Maya, "I'm telling you for the second time to go back home and tell Ethan that he is needed here and am not going to take no for an answer." Her tone, sharp and rigid."Neither am I here for a joke Mrs. Caldwell. And I am not going back home. You want to pass a message across to Ethan, then call him on the phone. This is a serious business deal, and I think I can handle it." Maya insisted as she rushed into the car to bring out her tablet and jotter."You think? Did Ethan evaluate your business qualities before he sent you out here, as you claimed?" She shook her head in disappointment. "You ain't even sure of yourself in the first place. Then how do you intend to get this co
Chapter 1 Broken Promises“Ethan, you can’t keep pouting in then like some woeful idol. It’s disturbing,” Victoria Caldwell’s voice sliced through the silence of the dimly lit study like a blade.Ethan slightly squinched. His reflection in the mirror held his attention, indeed as his mama stood brewing in the doorway. “Sulking? I didn’t realize gaping at the wreckage of my life qualified as a hobby.”Victoria stepped closer, her heels clicking against the hardwood bottom. “Enough of this self- pity. We’re having dinner tonight — an important dinner. You’ll attend, and you’ll bear.”He swirled his wheelchair slightly, eventually admitting her presence. “Dinner? Why? Another one of your charity galas to parade your imperfect son around?”Her sharp inhale betrayed her irritation. “You’re marrying Maya.”The words hit him like a physical blow, though he kept his expression neutral. His fingers tensed on the armrests. “Come again?”“Maya Harper. You’ve met her father, Gregory. He’s. useful...
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