“Dad, it’s not what you think.” Catherine left her husband's embrace, staring at her father-in-law warily. “Ivy framed Jane for stealing a diamond necklace at the mall yesterday,” Catherine explained. Sir Edward's gaze flickered, but he still appeared unconvinced. “And you believe Ivy who I single-handedly raised since childhood would do such a thing?” His tone dripped with disapproval, not believing Ivy was such a person. Reginald, who was observing their word exchange, stepped forward. “Father, we can discuss this later. Let’s not jump to conclusions based on someone's statement.” Taking hold of his father’s hand, Reginald helps him to the sofa in the lounge. “Come on Dad, let’s sit and talk about this.” Sir Edward snorted, pushing Reginald's hand from his grip. “I can walk by myself.” He angrily said as he used his walking stick as support, before walking away. Catherine sighed before following Sir Edward to the lounge room, together with her husband. “Won’t you explain yo
“Honey, you have a call, it’s your son. Reginald called out to his wife. Catherine, who was selecting an outfit shouted from the closet. “Pick up the call, I’m coming.” “Yes Leonard, what’s up?” Reginald said after picking up the call. “Where the hell is mum? Why are you picking up her call?” Leonard's irritated voice sounded from the other end. “Hey young man, watch your language. And why are you calling my wife this early morning? Are you that bored?” Reginald tried easing up the conversation, knowing the reason why Leonard was calling. “Don’t even try your tricks on me, Dad. I knew you knew the reason I was calling. Just give the damn phone to mom.” “Alright, I will pass it to her right away. Oh, here she is.” Reginald passed the phone to his wife after tapping at the speaker, so he could hear from the other end. He shook his head at his wife trying to warn her to mind what she said to Leonard. “Good morning Leonard, how was your night, and how is Jane, I hope she slep
“Aren’t you late for work already?” Leonard heard Jane’s tiny voice say. Disentangling herself from his embrace, which made Leonard frown, Jane pushed his chest slightly, pointing at the wall clock. “You are almost late. Go take a shower and prepare for work.” Leonard's grumpy voice sounded. “I’m the boss, I can go to work anytime I like.” Jane nodded, making Leonard's eyes shine in happiness thinking she agreed with him. The next thing Leonard heard was “You being the boss doesn’t mean to have a bad attitude to work. If the boss is late, the employees will follow suit. You need to set a good example, Leonard,” Jane said, her voice firm but playful. Leonard's grin faltered, surprised by Jane's unexpected lecture. “You're scolding me?” Jane's eyes sparkled with amusement. “Someone has to keep you in check, big boss.” Leonard chuckled, pulling Jane into a gentle hug. “You're the only one who can get away with this, you know that?” Jane smiled, her voice softening. “That's be
Los Angeles. As the Banks couple were enjoying their happy life together, Ted, who had almost gone crazy looking for Jane, his ex-wife, stumbled into the living room, looking drunk. “Ted,” his little sister, Milly, who was sitting in the living room, called out to him, as she walked towards him, supporting his swaying self. “What the hell have you turned yourself to? For a month now, you have been coming home drunk. Are you losing it or what? Milly snapped at her brother, as she guided him to the couch. Ted collapsed onto the cushion, his eyes unfocused. Ted's mother, who heard the commotion, walked out of the lounge room where she was resting earlier. Seeing her son, looking wasted, she gritted her teeth as she walked to him. “What’s the meaning of all this Ted?” His mother's voice sounded as she walked up to them. Ted closed his tired eyes, pretending he was sleeping, not wanting to listen to his mother’s rants. “How did you want Ava to feel, seeing her future husband get
Ted sat down on the sofa, his eyes fixed on the diary as he gently opened it. The pages were filled with Jane's handwriting, and Ted's heart skipped a beat as he saw her words. He had never seen her handwriting before. Since a year they had been together, he wasn’t able to spend time with her, not to talk or see her write anything. As Ted gazed at the pages of the diary, he was struck by the beauty of Jane's handwriting. The letters were elegant and refined, with a subtle flair that seemed to dance across the page. The curves and lines were perfectly balanced, creating a sense of harmony and flow. Ted's eyes lingered on the way Jane's handwriting seemed to capture her personality, the bold strokes and confident flourishes spoke of her strength, while the delicate loops and curls hinted at her softer, more vulnerable side. Ted's fingers gently traced the curves of Jane's handwriting, feeling a deep connection to her. He felt like he was touching a part of her like he was holding a
“Excuse me, but this dress is mine. I saw it before you, and I’m paying for it, sorry.” Lucy glared at the woman. She didn’t think people with this behavior were still roaming about. How would someone be snatching things in broad daylight? The woman's face turned red with anger, but she didn't back down. “I don't care if you saw it first,” she spat. “I want that dress, and I'm going to get it.” The woman was followed by two bodyguards. Seeing Lucy was being stubborn, she called out to them. “What are you standing there for? Strip her.” She commanded. Lucy and Jane were shocked at how arrogant this woman was. Jane felt something was not right. It’s not like they knew her from somewhere, why is it that they were the only ones she wanted to snatch their dress? It’s like there is history between this woman and Lucy, Jane thought. But on second thought, Lucy’s body language didn’t show she knew this woman. What was her agenda? “Are you crazy?” Lucy shouted as the bodyguards walked tow
Banks enterprise. The Banks enterprise was busy as usual. All employees were busy with one thing or the other. Leonard walked out of a meeting room with his assistant, Rachel. “Good day sir,” a different voice from a different angle greeted Leonard as he walked to his private elevator. He nodded at them, a small smile could be seen at the corner of his lips. He entered the elevator with Rachel, going back to his office. As the elevator closed, the employees started gathering together. “Have you noticed that the president has been smiling much lately?” A female employee with a big chest said. “That’s true, his cold face has some warmth on it nowadays. Did you think the president had a girlfriend?” Another female employee asked, her face full of gossip. “That’s impossible, president Banks has never had any scandal of having any girlfriend before, dismiss that thought.” Someone scolded. They all said their opinion before going back to work. “Sir, assistant Rachel's voice sou
“Welcome President Banks.” Mr Robert greeted Leonard with a small smile on his fat face, stretching his hand forward for a handshake. Leonard nodded curtly at Mr. Robert, his expression unreadable as he took his hand. “Please, let's get started. I'm sure we're all busy.” He took his seat at the head of the table, his team and lawyer following suit. Mr. Robert cleared his throat, his voice booming through the room. “Of course, Mr Banks. I appreciate your time. I'm sure you're aware of why I'm here today?” Leonard's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing. “I believe so, Mr. Robert. You're here to discuss the potential collaborations between our companies.” Mr. Robert smiled, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Exactly! I believe our companies would be a perfect fit, and I'm willing to make a very generous offer to make it happen.” Leonard leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he regarded Mr. Robert thoughtfully. “I'm listening,” he said, his voice neutr
“Welcome to Ristorante Amore.” A waitress greeted Jane and Leonard the moment they stepped into the restaurant. “Thank you.” Jane gave the waitress a small smile before she leads them to the table that has already been reserved for them.As they settle down, another waitress came to take their order. After a few minutes, Jane and Leonard was left alone to enjoy the view of the restaurant.“Wow, this restaurant really represents its name. Look at how beautiful the interior was decorated. All are screaming about love.” Jane compliments as she looks around the restaurant still seated.Leonard didn’t bother to look around. His eyes were on Jane throughout. He was happy that she was satisfied with his choice of restaurant.I need to give Rachel a raise after I go back. Leonard thought. It was his assistant that had help in booking the restaurant for lunch.“Babe, don’t you think this place is worthy of its name?” Jane eyes were bright as they finally landed on Leonard, whose eyes were smi
Two days later.“Jane, I’m glad you are okay. What happened two days ago? Why did you go missing?” Lily rushes towards Jane as she walks into the finance department. She was so worried about Jane throughout the weekend. Although James had inform her that Jane was fined her mind wasn’t at rest until she saw herJane had a small smile on her face seeing how Lily was concerned about her. “I’m fine. Nothing happened. I met a friend of mine, that's it. We were just having fun.Jane didn’t want to tell Lily about the details of her kidnapping. She doesn’t want to make the little girl worry.Lily immediately understands that Jane doesn’t want to talk about the kidnapping issue, so she doesn't ask anymore.“Today’s meeting had been canceled. I don’t know the details yet. And some files had been submitted on your table. You have to clear them before the end of today.” Lily informed Jane.“That’s unusual.” Jane was surprise. This is the first time the weekly meeting that’s carried out on Monday
“Lucy, you are awake?” Jane voice filled the hospital room when she saw Lucy open her eyes. She had been watching over her throughout the night.Lucy squinted her eyes due to the bright sunlight that seeped into the hospital room through the window. After getting use to the brightness, she finally open her eyes. What greeted her were Jane’s concerned filled eyes, looking at her like a mother who was worried about her sick child.“Jane?” Lucy was surprise to see Jane. All that happened yesterday and where she was at the moment hadn’t registered in her brain yet.“Yes it’s me, Lucy.” Jane sat beside her on the bed, her thumb caressing her cheek. “How are you feeling now? Are you okay? Is there any place you are feeling pain?” Jane brush aside a loose strand of her hair that was blocking her view.“Where am I?” Lucy was confused with Jane’s questions. She finally look around her and finally notice the beeping noise coming from her left. That was when she finally remembered what happened
Aaron, who just finished dealing with the thugs, drops the rod he had used in beating them to the floor. He turned around and his cold gaze softened at the sight of Jane’s face. His eyes were filled with concern for her.“Cupcake, are you alright?” Aaron moves forward to check Jane’s body whether she was injured or not.“I’m fine. Why are you here?” Jane’s eyes were filled with suspicions. After her wedding with Leonard, this would be the first time she would be seeing Aaron. With her investigation from Leonard, she was told that Aaron had left the country the day they wedded. She was surprised to see him here.“Ouch, cupcake, is this your attitude to someone who just saved you. My heart has been broken by you.” Aaron held his chest like he was in pain, his eyes glancing towards Jane like he was seeking her pity. His act made Jane forget that he didn’t reply why he was here.“Stop your act already. You single-handedly beat more than twenty people in college back then. I won’t fall for
Jane sped away in her car. It was night, and the road was quite free. All her mind was full of worry for Lucy, who just called her. Lucy had never reached out to her in such a way before. And with the way the call ended, she knew Lucy was in danger.She immediately dialed a number on her phone. A minute later, the call was picked up.“I will send you a number right away. Help me track the location.” Jane immediately hung up not waiting for the other end's response. Lucy, please be safe. Nothing must go wrong with you. Jane prayed in her heart.Five minutes later, she received a message, indicating where Lucy’s last call was made from. Jane stepped on the accelerator of her car, making it shot forward, increasing its speed.She wishes she could have some supernatural powers that could make her appear in front of Lucy at the moment, and rescue her from whatever situation she was in.Just when Jane was a few minutes drive to Lucy’s last location, her phone rang. She wasn’t in the mood to
“Hmm,” Jane groaned in pain as she lifted her upper body up from the bed. Her waist felt like it was broken. Her whole body didn’t feel like it was hers. She hissed in pain as she held the bed headboard to stabilize herself.“Leonard, you are so cruel!” Jane cursed as her legs wobbled under her. She fell back on the bed the moment her legs made contact with the floor. Her gaze shifted to the bedside clock to see that it was half past five in the evening.Her eyes widened in shock after realizing she had slept throughout the day. Her face was tinted red as she remembered all that happened last night. Her voice was hoarse from Leonard’s hours of torture. It was all that beast-like man’s fault, who didn’t stop torturing her until she passed out.After Leonard carried her to their bedroom, he harshly dropped her on the bed, and took off the towel covering her wet body, which had already turned red from staying too long inside the cold bathtub. Without saying any word to her, he started t
Leonard mansion.The moment the black SUV drove into the mansion, Leonard didn’t say anything to Jane before he alighted from the car, without sparing her a glance.Jane knew Leonard was definitely angry at her. Their journey home had been filled with an awkward silence. She had tried to say something to him, but he ignored her. Jane kept quiet after that. She doesn’t want to say anything that would infuriate Leonard with the driver in the car.“Welcome, young mistress.” Butler Jenkins greeted Jane, who also alighted from the car five seconds after Leonard. The butler immediately knew that something was wrong with the couple, when he saw the panic written all over Jane’s face.Jane gave Butler Jenkins a small smile before marching forward to catch up with Leonard. However, her short legs couldn’t cover the distance Leonard's long legs had covered in time. Since Leonard took the stairs, she rushed toward the elevator and boarded it in time to meet with him on the third floor.James, J
Teddy groans in pain as Leonard continues hitting him. He wanted to push him away and retaliate, but Leonard didn’t give him the chance.Jane rushed out of the car immediately after she got back her strength. She circled the car and ran towards Leonard. Although she enjoyed how Leonard was teaching Teddy a lesson, she couldn’t stand and watch Leonard kill someone.“Leonard, that’s enough!” Jane yelled at the top of her voice, but it seems like Leonard didn’t hear her at all. He continued his assault on Teddy, whose face was already swollen, with blood trickling down the corner of his mouth.As Jane saw that Leonard wasn’t ready to listen to her, she stepped forward and held his fist which was raised in the air to punch Teddy. “Leonard, that’s okay. You can’t continue hitting him like that.” Jane shook her head at Leonard when she realised that she had his attention. Leonard shut his eyes, trying to control the anger that was still brewing inside of him.“Are you feeling sorry for him
On the highway.“Hmm,” Jane squinted her eyes as she moaned in pain due to how uncomfortable she was feeling. She didn’t know where she was as her brain was yet to register what’s going on.“Dear ex-wife, you are awake.” Teddy voices out behind the wheels immediately he hears Jane’s painful moan. It was then it dawned on Jane that she had been kidnapped. She didn’t know what happened to her earlier that made her lose consciousness. She also noticed that she was in a moving car. She was resting her back on the car backrest with her hands tied behind her.The first thing she did was to check her surroundings. She noticed the car was going downtown, almost making its way out of Manhattan.“Teddy, where the hell are you taking me?” Jane said calmly, not wanting to give her abductor the impression of being scared. She prayed in her mind that someone should have notice her disappearance by now. She regretted why she didn’t call Leonard earlier and inform him about Teddy, who mysteriously b