Although Steven anticipated the bank manager's regret, he was taken aback by his admission. The unexpected display of contrition brought him a sense of satisfaction, prompting him to say, "Thank you very much, sir; I truly appreciate it." "Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" the bank manager inquires. "Absolutely not, sir," Steven replies. "In that case, you may take your leave," the bank manager instructs. Steven exits the bank manager's office with a smile. "Hmm, did he just express guilt? How intriguing; he possesses a heart, yet he remains unwilling to promote me. We shall see how this unfolds," Steven muses to himself. Conversely, the massage team arrived, it consisted of one female and one male member. Regrettably, only the female, Cassandra, attended, and she knocked on the door. "Knock! knock!" Cassandra announced. "Yes, who is it?" Ethan inquired. "My name is Cassandra, and I am here to provide a massage for Sir Ethan," Cassandra replied. "Oh, it i
as I was not vigilant and ignored your advice about exercising caution with Steven. Look at the situation it has led me to; had I known is the brother of Mr. Late," Ethan lamented. "Calm down, my love. Such is life, and you cannot alter what has already transpired; rather, you must learn from it and exercise caution in the future. Alfie was indeed correct in his note when he stated that you require rest and a soothing massage. So, lie down and allow me to massage you; by the time I finish, you will feel much better," Angela instructed. Ethan smiled, and as Angela began to massage him, he soon drifted off to sleep. Ethan slumbered soundly until evening, remaining asleep when Alfie returned. "Indeed, he must have received an exceptional massage from my massage team," Alfie remarked to himself, before gently patting Ethan, which roused him from his slumber. "Woah, Alfie, you're back! Welcome," Ethan exclaimed. "Yes, I have returned. Thank you," Alfie expressed his gratitude. "When
to take naps regularly, as you require it now more than ever. You have noticeably lost weight," Alfie suggested.Ethan's expression grew somber as he replied, "Alfie, how can I possibly relax when my peers are out there striving? I cannot reconcile the fact that I have nothing to contribute; I feel utterly useless at this moment.""Hmm, Ethan, it is essential that you practice self-compassion. You have previously conveyed to me that life is filled with challenges, and you have also encouraged me to persevere regardless of the circumstances I encounter. I have heeded your counsel and am currently in a better place, so let go of the past and concentrate on your future. I firmly believe that God has significant plans for you," Alfie advised.Ethan nodded and inhaled deeply.Alfie then discreetly signalled to Angela, who approached Ethan to offer her guidance."My dear, it is imperative that you take it easy on yourself; your life does not culminate here. Let the past remain in the past,
not want me to accompany her at first, but she changed her mind after I mentioned I would feel unwell if I remained at home longer," Ethan expounded. "Alright, and what were her reasons for not wanting you to accompany her initially?" Alfie questioned. "She told me to go inside and rest," Ethan replied. "Ah, I understand; please take a moment to freshen up, and do so promptly. We can discuss matters further when you return," Alfie remarked. Ethan proceeded to freshen himself up, and fifteen minutes later, he was prepared to leave. He hurried downstairs, only to find that Angela had already departed. Calling out her name loudly twice elicited no response, and at that moment, he felt a wave of sadness wash over him as he sat down, visibly disappointed. "Despite my entreaties, she still had the audacity to go to the market without me. I had hoped today would be different for us after this past month. How foolish I am to think that Angela would still care for me and not feel ash
to teach her a lesson," Angela replied. "Consider this: what if, in your anger, you accidentally harmed her, and she collapsed? What would be the consequence for you?" Ethan asked. Angela rolled her eyes and muttered, "Whatever." Subsequently, she ascended the staircase, visibly irate. Meanwhile, Ethan scrutinised his reflection and shook his head in sorrow. At that moment, Alfie descended the stairs and inquired, "What happened mate? I could hear Angela’s voice." "Indeed, we were subjected to an unpleasant encounter at the market by a vendor, and Angela is upset because I did not permit her to confront the seller directly," Ethan explained as he took a seat slowly. "Hmm, may I ask why a vendor would treat you both so poorly? What circumstances led to such an altercation?" Alfie queried. "That is an insightful question. Angela and I had gone there to purchase some groceries, and the vendor claimed that the prices had increased. Angela retorted, pointing out that she had bought
other four friends arrived and inquired why I had injured Levi, I explained the situation, and when they asked who my fiancée was, I stated it was Gloria. Can you guess what happened next?" Alfie continued his narrative. “What!” Ethan exclaimed. The group erupted into laughter, and one of them named Mike asserted that Levi was indeed correct, claiming he could attest to this because he had been intimate with her on multiple occasions. The other three concurred, laughing heartily as Mike informed me that they all had been involved with her, thereby justifying Levi's label of her as promiscuous, which Alfie recounted with evident sorrow. “Oh my goodness, that is quite troubling. Did you confront her about it?” Ethan inquired. “Indeed, I did, but she denied everything,” Alfie replied. “They will invariably deny such allegations. What actions did you take next?” Ethan pressed. “Well, I informed my friends that they were lying. Mike then reassured me, stating that he would invite her
indicating that we would depart at dawn. When I asked why we could not take an evening flight, he mentioned he was expecting someone, to which I agreed and then retired to my room to rest,” Alfie continued. “Please, go on. I am all ears,” Ethan encouraged. The following morning, which was two days prior to my wedding, I awoke and awaited his arrival to call me so we could board our flight back. However, he did not come. Nonetheless, I chose not to disturb him, as I was under the impression that we would be departing from Vancouver that day. Consequently, I picked up my phone and call my fiancée, Lucy, who informed me that she was en route home with her friends. Shortly thereafter, Calvin knocked on my door, expressing a desire to speak with me," Alfie recounted. "What did he say? I trust he has not changed his mind about being your best man?" Ethan inquired eagerly. "Not at all, he had a different matter to discuss," Alfie responded with a laugh. "Very well, what was the nature
which is why I have chosen to withdraw. Since that time, I have been apprehensive about entering another relationship, as I am uncertain of the behaviour the next woman I date may exhibit, and I am unwilling to subject my parents or relatives to further humiliation," Alfie elucidated. "I understand your sentiments, but do not dismiss the possibility that you have yet to encounter the right woman. It is not obligatory to marry anyone you date; take the time to truly understand her before making such a commitment. Moreover, why the urgency to marry?" Ethan inquired. "Ethan, how long should one date a woman before proposing marriage? I was in a relationship with Gloria for a year and with Lucy for eight months. Ultimately, it seems inconsequential. I have come to realise that neither was truly compatible with me, which is why I adhere to the adage, 'Man proposes, God disposes.' However, as I am now in my thirties, I seek companionship and someone to call my own. This is why I desired t
"Thank you for your understanding, ma’am," Ethan expressed gratefully as he returned to sit with Harper. Without posing any inquiries to Ethan, Harper erupted into laughter. "Haha, I was aware she would not pay you any attention, and now you have embarrassed yourself. I attempted to dissuade you, but you disregarded my advice. Drink up; let us return home," Harper chuckled while giving instructions. "Hehe, and who claimed she did not give me her attention? Allow me to astonish you; she will be joining us shortly," Ethan retorted. "Are you being serious at this moment?" Harper asked, amused. "Certainly I am," Ethan replied with confidence. "Wow, how did you manage that?" Harper inquired eagerly. "I employed my initiative and the strategies I shared with you," Ethan responded. At that moment, Sophie approached and sat down with them, leaving Harper astounded. "Ethan, I am here," Sophie announced. "Thank you for keeping your word," Ethan expressed his gratitude. Sophie smiled
all motivated by a desire for tranquility at work, correct?" Harper asked. "Indeed, it was a source of distress for me, as each morning when I awoke and prepared to go to work, I felt a profound sadness knowing that I had an adversary. I was apprehensive that he might choose to eliminate me at some point. However, I was unaware that his intentions would manifest when he drew closer to me. All I desired in my workplace was the freedom to breathe and to feel at ease, without the burden of enemies. This was the reason I accepted his apology and agreed to befriend him immediately," Ethan elucidated. "Is it accurate to say that you chose to embrace a state of peace and naivety towards him solely for the sake of tranquillity?" Harper inquired. "Precisely, although I was unaware of the implications of my actions. Nonetheless, I find myself in a position where I must accept my circumstances," Ethan replied. "Hmm, observe the consequences of your quest for peace of mind," Harper remarked w
him until my first promotion, after which everything changed. His behaviour shifted, leading to feelings of animosity and jealousy, and ultimately resulting in my current predicament,” Ethan elaborated. “Please, be gentle with yourself. You earned that promotion through hard work and determination. You erred in befriending your adversary, but as I mentioned, it was not your fault, as you could not have predicted these events,” Harper clarified. "While I acknowledge this, I must question the benefits of the promotions I received; had I not been promoted, none of these events would have transpired," Ethan lamented. "In that scenario, you would have declined the promotions when they were offered to you," Harper asserted. "I made an effort to do so, yet the bank manager insisted that I deserved the advancements. I had no foreknowledge that it would lead to this outcome; had I been aware, I would have persuaded him to confer the promotions upon someone else. I suppose I was merely
saying, “Here you go.” “Thank you,” Charlotte expressed her gratitude. Ethan nodded as he sat down, and a momentary silence ensued until Charlotte broke it by saying, “Ethan, I wanted to ask how everything transpired between you and Steven.” Ethan feigned ignorance. “What are you referring to?” Ethan questioned. “Well, a month ago, you and two of your friends visited my home seeking information about Steven. When I inquired why you needed such information, you indicated that you suspected he was involved in framing you. I requested feedback, yet I have not heard from you since,” Charlotte elucidated. Ethan found it necessary to prevaricate, as he wished to conceal from Charlotte the fact that Steven was responsible for framing him; he also aimed to prevent her from pursuing legal action against Steven, as he preferred to seek retribution on his own. "Ah, well, we conducted our investigation and discovered that he was not involved. I did not wish to cause you undue stress, which
from me," Steven mused to himself. Meanwhile, Angela, intrigued, immediately asked, "My love, what did Steven say he wanted this time?" "Actually, he called me yesterday regarding an issue with his bank manager, and I encouraged him to apologise," Ethan replied. "Hmm, I do not wish to know the specifics of his issue with the bank manager; whatever predicament he finds himself in, he undoubtedly deserves it," Angela remarked. Ethan smiled and said, "My love, please remain calm. I am aware you have a dislike for Steven, and he has indeed received his just desserts. I only wish he would encounter further difficulties at work." "You can say that again," Angela concurred. "Let us take a nap; I am quite exhausted," Ethan suggested. "With pleasure," Angela replied happily. Conversely, Steven remained profoundly distressed, as he aspired to secure a promotion that the bank manager was reluctant to grant. Furthermore, he contemplated ways to dispose of the manager but realised he could
"My love, ignoring her calls will not resolve anything. Simply answer and ascertain the reason for her call, and act as though everything is normal," Angela urged. When Olivia called again, Ethan finally answered. "Hello, dear sister," Ethan greeted. "Good day, big brother. I have been attempting to reach you, but you have not been responding," Olivia retorted. "I apologise for that; I was occupied," Ethan replied. "It has been a while since I heard from you, and you seldom call, so I decided to reach out today to see how you are faring," Olivia said. "I am doing well. And you?" Ethan inquired. "I am faring well, and I am reaching out to you as I require financial assistance for my tuition fees and monthly expenses. I spoke with Father, and he informed me that he has yet to receive his salary, insisting that I contact you," Olivia explained. Upon hearing this, Ethan was taken aback, while Angela subtly encouraged him to continue the conversation. "Um, how much do you
which is why I have chosen to withdraw. Since that time, I have been apprehensive about entering another relationship, as I am uncertain of the behaviour the next woman I date may exhibit, and I am unwilling to subject my parents or relatives to further humiliation," Alfie elucidated. "I understand your sentiments, but do not dismiss the possibility that you have yet to encounter the right woman. It is not obligatory to marry anyone you date; take the time to truly understand her before making such a commitment. Moreover, why the urgency to marry?" Ethan inquired. "Ethan, how long should one date a woman before proposing marriage? I was in a relationship with Gloria for a year and with Lucy for eight months. Ultimately, it seems inconsequential. I have come to realise that neither was truly compatible with me, which is why I adhere to the adage, 'Man proposes, God disposes.' However, as I am now in my thirties, I seek companionship and someone to call my own. This is why I desired t
indicating that we would depart at dawn. When I asked why we could not take an evening flight, he mentioned he was expecting someone, to which I agreed and then retired to my room to rest,” Alfie continued. “Please, go on. I am all ears,” Ethan encouraged. The following morning, which was two days prior to my wedding, I awoke and awaited his arrival to call me so we could board our flight back. However, he did not come. Nonetheless, I chose not to disturb him, as I was under the impression that we would be departing from Vancouver that day. Consequently, I picked up my phone and call my fiancée, Lucy, who informed me that she was en route home with her friends. Shortly thereafter, Calvin knocked on my door, expressing a desire to speak with me," Alfie recounted. "What did he say? I trust he has not changed his mind about being your best man?" Ethan inquired eagerly. "Not at all, he had a different matter to discuss," Alfie responded with a laugh. "Very well, what was the nature
other four friends arrived and inquired why I had injured Levi, I explained the situation, and when they asked who my fiancée was, I stated it was Gloria. Can you guess what happened next?" Alfie continued his narrative. “What!” Ethan exclaimed. The group erupted into laughter, and one of them named Mike asserted that Levi was indeed correct, claiming he could attest to this because he had been intimate with her on multiple occasions. The other three concurred, laughing heartily as Mike informed me that they all had been involved with her, thereby justifying Levi's label of her as promiscuous, which Alfie recounted with evident sorrow. “Oh my goodness, that is quite troubling. Did you confront her about it?” Ethan inquired. “Indeed, I did, but she denied everything,” Alfie replied. “They will invariably deny such allegations. What actions did you take next?” Ethan pressed. “Well, I informed my friends that they were lying. Mike then reassured me, stating that he would invite her