Guilt washed over me like never before.I should never have gone there.If I knew my presence would have that much effect on my grandfather, I wouldn't have thought about visiting him in the hospital.Does the old man despise looking at me so much that he would faint at the sight of me?The outcome wasn't something anyone had expected.When the Doctor told me that he'd slipped into a coma, imagine my devastation.“Mr. Wellington, the patient’s heart is weak. Experiencing any kind of intense emotions can lead to a heart attack. Thankfully, his brain worked fast to prevent that by putting him in a vegetative state. Nobody can tell when your grandfather will wake up.”This is bad. I only made things worse.They told me Grandpa was already recovering. They told me that he could get discharged at any moment.However, my appearance just had to ruin everything. Why?“Don't beat yourself up.” The little boy patted my shoulder. “It shouldn't feel that bad that you're so scary enough to make a
Jessica!What brought her here? I thought I'd told the secretary to tell any visitors that I'm busy.Right now, I'm not in the mood to speak with or see anyone.She strolled forward, swaying her hips, her high heels making the usual disturbing noise.I bet she had another plastic surgery while I was away. “Oh, I'm so happy to see you again, Honey.” She stopped in front of me, leaned down for a brief hug, and then tried to kiss me.I averted my face and her kiss ended up on my cheek. She blocked my vision and all I could see was her wide assets flashing in front of me.Why can't she dress decently for once? “You left without a goodbye. I called you many times but your number was unreachable. It's not fair, Honey. I couldn't even eat while you were away.”As Jessica went on complaining, my gaze traveled to the little guy who was strangely silent.We were in the middle of a conversation when Jessica barged in.He didn't look pleased. He appeared mad in fact.Glancing between me and Je
…Jessica's POVShit!I wish I could strangle that little devil and throw him out of the window.Where did that boy come from?Who were his parents?And why didn't Theo say anything while the little boy blatantly insulted me?It's unlike Theo…I know the man's personality of not mingling with just anyone. I know him well and I'm so confident that even relatives never got close to him.Of course, I know the little arrogant boy wasn't his assistant’s son. I just made it up to see if Theo would tell me who he really was.He didn't mind that the boy insulted me.He didn't stop me when I left in anger.No… It can't be!My head pounded with so many thoughts as I raced my car down the city, my heart burning with an unforgiving fury I feared it would burst.These days, I've been restless.Theo doesn't pay attention to me like before. It's as if he's gradually losing interest in me.My anxiety only increased when he left for Switzerland without telling me. I don't even know what he went to do
But I'm not here because of Theo’s grandfather.I wish the old man would have a relapse or something- I just wished he would fall into a coma or die so we wouldn't have to hear about him again.With the old man gone, my life would become easier.“Speak to me, Dear…” Theo's mother went on. She reached out to hug me, but I pulled away. “If you don't speak, it'll make me worry. Did something happen to my son? I couldn't reach him on the phone.”“Theo is back!” I choked, sobbing bitterly. “He's back with a little boy, Mom! That bitch, Olivia, is also back!”The woman frowned, giving me a puzzled look.She looked as if she didn't believe me.Gasping in shock, she sprang up. “You're joking!” “No, I'm not!” I sobbed harder. “I saw them with my eyes. I saw Olivia visiting Theo’s grandfather, and that boy…”I trailed off, watching the woman's expression shift from shock to worry.“Are you sure, Jessica? Theo isn't cheating on you. He doesn't have a secret child, and that girl Olivia is dead
…Olivia's POV It's too risky to go back.I can't return to Geneva when my son could be here in L.A. The Nanny told me the kidnappers are heading here, and maybe it's true.It's as if Dave has vanished into thin air. News returned from Ethan's father that they found no traces of him. The authorities could do nothing about it either,And the only person I could rely on… My only last hope, Theo’s grandfather, has slipped into a coma. I've never felt this much sadness before. Not even when Theo and I divorced. The Nanny gave me feedback from Switzerland that the authorities found no traces either.Those kidnappers must be skilled in their job. To avoid the authorities, they had skillfully erased their tracks.“Can you at least take some water, Olivia…” Ethan urged me. “Please don't lose hope yet. Look, in just one day, you've already lost weight.”Am I not a bad mother?I should have seen this coming when I've constantly ignored my son. Dave is a smart kid. He wouldn't follow just
I was thrown into speechlessness at first.I didn't know what to say or how to react. Never had I expected to meet Bonnie in such a bizarre way. I thought she was out of the country,I thought I might never get to see her while in Los Angeles. Is it even my best friend? Isn't it someone else who looks exactly like her?“Olivia!!!” The piercing scream echoed in my ears, snapping me out of my trance.Before I knew it, Bonnie crashed into me and hugged me tightly, almost crushing my bones in the process.Urgh! Can't breathe!“B- Bonnie,” I stammered.Bonnie still hugged me tight without any sign of letting go. “Damn, Olivia! Did I make it to heaven? How did that dumbass get to knock me out? If it's really you, then heaven has you in it.”Wait…What's she talking about?I wiggled out of the embrace, confused at her words. Watching Bonnie's tear-streaked face and puffy eyes, I realized she wasn't just being funny.Heaven?How can I go to heaven when I'm still alive? “Olivia.” Ethan joi
“Uhm, what?” Bonnie blinked at me, giving me a look as if I'd just spelled out the weirdest words. In my hastiness, I didn't hesitate to mention my son. She looked so freaked out right now, I wouldn't be surprised if she screamed.“You're kidding!” She gasped. “Olivia, you have a son? When? How?”Ethan started the car.Throughout the car ride, I was bombarded with different kinds of questions by Bonnie.I didn't know which to answer as she didn't give me a chance to speak.When we arrived at the hotel and all got inside the building together, her attention diverted to Ethan. “Why's he following us?” Bonnie had whispered when Ethan followed us inside my suite.But I seriously couldn't address her questions right now when my mind was bugged with so much worry.Suddenly, Bonnie stopped walking, dragging me to a halt as well. She let out a huge gasp that startled both me and Ethan and the weird look she was giving us crept me out the most.“Olivia…” Bonnie stammered, her expression shi
…Theo's POV I just want to be left alone. Knowing very well the reason why my Mom summoned me, I'm pretty sure this meeting isn't going to turn out in my favor.She rarely calls me to the mansion and whenever she does, it's always about one topic.I sighed, rubbing my throbbing forehead, dreading the upcoming headache. “Boss, you can just admit it. I- I won't judge you.”“Hmph! Ridiculous, what would I gain from stealing your phone?”“Haha, it's not like that… I have important information inside it, Boss… Y- You can ask Mr. Wellington. Please give it back, Boss.”I don't want to take part in my assistant's conversation with the little boy. I hate that he was trying to drag me into it. Currently, I'm going through a lot. My grandfather hasn't woken up yet, and my mother is just about to pressure me into something I'm not ready for.“Mr. Wellington, please ask him to give back my phone.” Jake turned to me, pleading with his eyes. He was sitting at the front on the passenger’s sea
Damnit!This is dangerous!Who can penetrate my privacy?It's not like others haven't tried it before, but they were instantly caught the moment they made an attempt.How could this person be successful then?Where are they from?“I didn't sell any of those Islands. Start an investigation, Jake! I need results instantly!”After commanding Jake, I ended the call.The sold Islands didn't bother me as much as the realization that someone out there could carry out a transaction under my name.What will they do next?Sell the entire fortune of the Wellington Group? The earlier the culprit gets apprehended, the better.I stared at the sample again, knowing I couldn't waste time. “Take me to the hospital first,” I ordered the driver. After submitting the samples at the Lab, I finally headed to the company.I was late for the meeting and the entire conference hall was in a chaotic state. It took several minutes to bring order in the place and even longer to address the employees and resta
How strange and unfortunate that I didn't realize it at that time despite my mother insisting.She'd seen the resemblance while I never did until it was too late.Well, is it worth reminiscing right now? Knowing that I couldn't reveal this truth to my mother now because she'd only dig deeper and potentially hurt Olivia, I should keep acting oblivious.After all, she never hid her hatred for her, and if she knew that Dave was Olivia's son, I'm not sure what her reaction might be despite knowing it's not going to be a good one. “You worry too much. Dave has left with his parents,” I answered her before walking away.Thank goodness she didn't follow me or stall me any further.As I sat in the backseat of my car while the driver drove me to the company, I brought out my phone.It's not going to be easy to find Olivia now that she'd left her apartment.I can't go back to Geneva and start from scratch again. I need leverage. How else can I make her admit it?Before I dialed a number, my g
The earlier I get Jessica treated, the better.I can't put up with this.I can't tolerate her drama.If I knew that I'd come back and meet her like this, I wouldn't have left Geneva. I'd very much prefer suffering in Olivia's hands than this!While I got ready, I could hear her breaking things in the bathroom.Knowing I wasn't following Dr. Raynold's orders, I felt a little guilty.Maybe I should be a bit lenient with her. But pretending to be her husband is something I cannot do. I was taking breakfast downstairs when she joined me, looking more haggard than I'd expected.She looked depressed as she silently ate her food.Even when her phone rang, she didn't answer it.Worried, I reached out and patted her hand gently. “Lighten up. I have a surprise for you later.”Jessica's expression became bright and she jumped to her feet.“Really? What's the surprise, Honey? When can I see it?”Actually, it's just a decision I made now. Not really that much of a surprise.“I have purchased a n
Smiling brightly, she lifted her head from my chest and sat up. “Sorry, I slept off in the living room. I couldn't join you last night.”She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and blushed. “The party took over me, I guess.”Not really.Doesn't she recall a thing?I sat up, frowning in confusion as her innocent eyes wandered across the room. They widened in shock, and she gasped, covering her mouth. “Who did this, Honey? Why's the room a mess? Did you get drunk last night?”I followed her gaze to the broken lamps and torn curtains.A conflicted feeling hit me instantly, leaving me in utter disbelief.I sighed, shoved away the bedsheet, and entered the bathroom.I took a long time under the shower, trying to collect my thoughts.My confusion is no more, and my mind is now troubled.How long will it take for her to recover?Is there really no other way as the Doctor had said?No!I can't just believe him.There are great neurologists out there that I can reach out to. They'll defini
Traumatized?How?That sounds ridiculous. And why wasn't I informed about it until now?Jessica sounded alright on the phone. In fact, she looked alright to me.“The rejection had a great impact on her mental health…” Dr. Raynold added. “That's why she's like this. Once in a similar situation, her trauma will be triggered. Did you perhaps do anything that made her feel unwanted, Mr. Wellington?”Does telling her to leave my bed count? I also told her that we're not married. I ordered her to come to her senses.What now?I thought she only fainted at the wedding venue due to the shock.So Jessica is crazy now.“Who else knows about this?” I asked. “And can she be cured?”Dr. Raynold looked around before answering my question as if he was being secretive.“You know Jessica has a sensitive identity; that's why I hid her situation from everyone, including your family…” The Doctor explained. “As a celebrity, words can leak out, and people will label her as a crazy person, which can affec
Opening my eyes, her deep fragrance alone was enough for me to know that it was her.“What are you doing here?” Frustrated, I tried to keep my voice low.What's she doing in my bed?Is she out of her mind?What's she doing in my house in the first place?“Honey, I don't understand…” Jessica sat up beside me, looking very confused.I wonder what I'd said wrong or which word I'd mispronounced.“Where else am I supposed to sleep if not here?” She continued. “Come on, stop scaring me, Honey. I thought-”“Stop calling me that.” I also sat up, annoyed by the fact that she was acting oblivious.Her puzzled look confused me. Does she think this is okay?“I- I should stop calling you that?” Jessica stammered, staring at me in disbelief. “Why? Aren't we married? Aren't we a couple?”Does she even listen to herself?I was right in thinking something was wrong with her by the way she acted carefreely.When did we get married?“Come on, stop scaring me.” Jessica clasped my arm, her eyes welling up
My mind traveled back to some weeks ago.As usual, Dave had followed me to the office. Although he was always blunt and cold towards me, he never disturbed me while I worked.While I was busy testing out the new camera the company was about to invest in, he was engrossed in staring outside the large floor-to-ceiling window as he sat beside it.That was when I took this photo.Seeing the deep frown on his face as he stared at that particular spot, I'd thought he was sad because he missed his mother,Yet, reading his expression clearly now, something tells me it was just a look of disappointment.He'd known all along that I was his father, yet he chose to stay with me.Dave was very smart and he could easily find Olivia, but he didn't.Maybe he'd genuinely wanted to spend some time with me, and…Where did I go wrong?Was it when I shouted at him because of Jessica?Was it because of the wedding?But I'd apologized and the wedding was also canceled. I stood and paced the space of my of
…Theo's POV What a wasted effort.Another failed mission.I slammed the steering wheel several times, the loud honking of my car echoing on the long highway.Stuck in a tight traffic, my frustration increased drastically.Why's she giving me a hard time?Why's everyone against me?I can't believe Dave would reject me too. He never really liked me, but I'd looked forward to a different reaction from him. I was so close.Very close. I could get a strand of his hair, carry out the DNA test, and get my own physical evidence-If only Dave hadn't raised an alarm.Of course, I didn't mean to take him away. I'd planned to return him once we were done shopping and I also got what I wanted. But my little trick didn't work. What now?Do I have to return to that place?What if I don't find her there, what if she runs to another place? My phone rang but I ignored it.Currently in a bad mood, I don't want to speak with anyone.However, the phone call persisted. Seeing Jessica's name on the
I turned around, nodding to his question.Reading the seriousness on his face, I could guess he wanted to discuss an important topic.“I'm all ears,” I said and sat on the bed. Ethan sat beside me. “Are you sure about this, Olivia? Me acting with you as a couple…”I looked down. Well, I hadn't thought much into it.That day, at the hospital, I jumped into the act when Dave addressed Ethan that way. I didn't think whether Ethan was comfortable with it or not, and I continued with the act whenever Theo was present at the scene. “Sorry for dragging you into this…” I looked up, reading his expression for any signs of discomfort.But Ethan smiled at me. “Why do you apologize? I'm not complaining. I just thought maybe that-”“Theo will see through our lies?” I completed his words, convinced that's what he wanted to say. Well, that's something else. I don't want Theo to know that I'm putting on this act all because of him. I have no problem with spiting him by acting like a couple wit