***Jacob’s Pov***The moment I realized why Lily showed up in Claybourne again, I decided to befriend the woman. When she casually mentioned killing Bethany, I feared that she has become someone unreasonable and blind to avenge the wrongful death of her twin. Before leaving the office, I tried calling her, and I was glad when she answered my call. “Hello Lily, are you available later?”“Tonight?”As I listened to her speaking on the other line, I was drawn to her sweet and honeyed voice. “I wonder if you can join me for dinner tonight,” I told her.“Hmmm I have an appointment tonight but I think I can meet you for coffee,” she suggested.“Alright. I will be in Mug Shot in thirty minutes,” I told her before disconnecting the call, and then I texted the address in case she was not familiar with the closest coffee shop from the mayor’s office. I knew it was rude to disconnect the call before she could say yes but I couldn’t give her the opportunity to refuse.When I arrived at the coffe
***Bethany’s Pov***Five years later… I worked so hard at Mr. Navarro’s logistic company and because of my hard work and the willingness to learn everything about the business, I got an increase in salary. After one year of working with them, I realized that the sales department could help me in achieving my goal. Their schedules were flexible. As long as I could meet the required sales quota, I could clock out anytime, so I talked with my boss about it.Initially, I was nervous to discuss it with him, but I was glad I did because he agreed. In fact, he offered another incentive for the sales team, whoever wanted to pursue a degree related to the job, he would offer a subsidy for our tuition on top of the sales commission. Of course, I couldn’t just enroll immediately without testing the waters.For three months, I worked under the best sales representative as his assistant, and he was so helpful in teaching me. During my second month, I hit the quota for the first time, and I was s
***Bethany’s Pov***I could not believe I had returned to Claybourne, a community with five-star hotels, luxury apartments, and condominiums, after five years. Claybourne has everything including the man who broke my heart again and again. I heard from Dale that Jacob had no choice but to marry his ex-wife’s sister, as it was customary to the other clan, or Dark Furs would face extinction. After five years, Claybourne had a lot of improvements, but it also enhanced its existing assets, especially the beaches with fine white sands.Claybourne, which was founded on the outskirts of a bustling neighborhood, was a prime example of a contemporary metropolis. In addition to its attractiveness, the city was shaped by the backdrop of an ever-clear sky. Due to the fact that the vast majority of buildings have been constructed with numerous glass and light features to mimic the aesthetics of the blue sky. Claybourne has received a great deal of attention due to its excellent recreational facili
***Bethany’s Pov***He walked with me until we reached the boardwalk, at which point he said his final goodbyes. “Would you like to accompany me to the house?”“Miss, he dislikes crowds. Have a fantastic time!” He said and returned to his sailboat. He signaled with a hand gesture that he was only a phone call away by waving his hand at me from the upper deck.I gave him a friendly smile as I began my stroll on the boardwalk. If I had known, I would not have worn high-heeled shoes on a private island. The long trek had left me with painful blisters, and I desired to sit down immediately. A few minutes later, I was standing in front of his island residence, and I couldn’t help but be amazed.The exterior of the bungalow appeared magnificent. It was constructed with red bricks and mahogany-colored wooden ornamentation. Small, half-rounded windows illuminate the home and give it an asymmetrical, contemporary appearance. The structure was constructed in an L shape.The expansion continued
***Bethany’s Pov***“Can you imagine how excited I was when I learned that you scheduled a meeting with me?” he asked, his adorable grin bothering him!I told him, “At least one of us was excited.”“Bethany, where have you been? I've been searching for you all these years.”“Really? Wow, that is incredible. Do you believe you can deceive me again?”He replied, “I'm not trying to trick you,” and I scoffed at his response.“If you say so,” was my response.“Don't be arrogant, Miss Middleton. Come and have breakfast with me.”“Thank you, sir, but I'm already satisfied.” I declined his invitation to share a meal.“Shouldn't you make an effort to treat me with courtesy?” Jacob inquired with constricted pupils.“I don’t think I can discuss business with you, Jacob, so I’d rather just go home. My boss could just send another representative,” I told himAgain, he issued his ultimatum: “Join me for breakfast, or you'll regret it.”I was compelled to follow him to the kitchen, despite the fact
***Bethany’s Pov***My smile began to fade as soon as I realized that we would be alone in his room. His response was, “I don't think it's a good idea.”“Why? Are you concerned that I might behave improperly with you?”“Yes,” I humbly admitted.“For instance, kissing you on the lips? Or would you like me to put you in my bed?” I scowled at him after he made some obscene suggestions because I believed he was a jerk.My current thoughts were completely out of the ordinary. I had no choice but to sneak up behind him and photograph him as he opened the door to his bedroom. Then, I regarded the photograph for a moment and exhaled deeply.“Are you not entering?” As soon as he noticed I was still standing outside his door, he inquired.I replied, “Wait,” and entered his den slowly. Even though his appearance made me feel uneasy, I had no choice but to tolerate him! But it would be nice if he wasn't so ridiculously attractive! His room, along with the rest of the house, was decorated in a con
***Bethany’s POV***When he mentioned starting a family, it left me with a negative impression. “Do you believe you're capable of starting a family?” My voice likely trembled when I inquired about his plans to start a family.“Above and beyond capable,” he responded with assurance.“Then, I recommend that you impregnate your wife as soon as possible,” I suggested.In response to the question, he responded, “No, I am going to file for divorce soon. I already have someone in mind who is suitable to bear me children.”I was intrigued by the woman, but I refrained from asking for more information. A few minutes later, I was unable to refrain from asking. I was extremely curious about the woman he was talking about. “Would you mind revealing whether she is an heiress or an alpha’s daughter?” He responded with a chuckle to my inquiry.“For the time being, it will remain a mystery,” he replied.When he refused to disclose any information about his relationship, I could finally exhale a sigh
***Bethany’s Pov***I declined to answer his question by shaking my head. “I'm not sure what's wrong with you, but I have no reason to remain here. I’m sorry for wasting your time, Jacob,” I bid my ex-boyfriend farewell and returned to the living room, where I had left my bag.On my way out, I attempted to dial the boatman’s number but was unsuccessful. Multiple attempts were made, but it appeared that he had turned off his phone. I bit the inside of my lower lip as I pondered why he changed his phone after I made it clear that I needed to return to the mainland after the interview.“Is there something amiss?”I responded to Jacob's inquiry, “I'm unable to contact him,” after being startled by his voice from behind me.When he inquired “Who?” A crease appeared on his forehead.“The boatman,” I answered. “Does he have any other means of communication besides his phone?”Jacob responded, “I'm sorry, but all he has is his phone. What will you do if you are unable to contact him today?”“