"That's all that happened," Adrian said, finishing his explanation.Ria sighed. "I knew." She muttered Adrian raised an eyebrow, his expression a mixture of relief and confusion. "You did?""Well... I didn't know in detail, but I knew it was all Olivia's doing." Ria replied. "You might not believe me, but she's really manipulative, and always wants to have things go her way. I'm sure you might have noticed it. She would throw tantrums and often refer to things she helped you with in the past— blackmail."Adrian raised an eyebrow. He only wanted to settle things out with Ria and not listen to gibberish talk about the woman he loved."Alright, that's enough talk. Remember what I told you. Don't think we are friends just because I apologized to you. I still hate you, I just wanted you to know I'm not a monster." Adrian said, abruptly ending their discussion.But deep down, Ria's words lingered within him. On one or two occasions, he had seen Olivia act just exactly like Ria said, but it
"What the hell is she doing here father?" Adrian yelled angrily. "I thought this was a family discussion?"Charles sighed. "That's correct. It is a family discussion, and Ria is here because she is family. Your wife—to be precise. So you shouldn't stand there questioning her validity when it's all your fault she is here in the first place." Charles said, a satisfied smirk finding its way on his face.Adrian seethed in anger. "What exactly is my crime father? Tell me what I have done to you that makes you hate me so much... Is it the numbers in the company? Is it the investors? Just tell me so I can make amends because torturing me with this baby trapper is too much for me to handle!" Adrian yelled, his voice laced with a mixture of anger and sadness.Charles expression became stern. "Is this how you view Ria? As a burden? A punishment for your imagined faults? Is that what you think of her?" Charles bombarded Adrian with questions, not giving him a room to answer anyone."If you think
Adrian stormed out of the room angrily, only managing to whisper the words "I hate you," to Ria. However, Ria tried her best not to show any expression towards his words to avoid further trouble for him.Charles sighed, signaling for Ria to have a seat. "So sorry dear, Adrian could be stubborn sometimes. I know what you are wondering, and no... That's not why I brought you here." Charles said, his voice lightening the mood.Ria forced a warm smile. Her mind reeling to different reasons why Charles brought her here if it wasn't to caution Adrian in her presence."You see... the whole Adrian thing was a coincidence. He showed up ten minutes after I called you, and said he wanted us to have a family talk. Knowing you would be long, I instructed my driver to get to your place earlier than the agreed time, so that you'll meet with Adrian here." Charles explained.Ria raised an eyebrow. "So this was all supposed to be some sort of friendly discussion?" She asked innocently."Yes... I mean,
Adrian couldn't utter a word. He just kept staring at Ria as she finished speaking with only one thought going through his mind. How can one be this desperate?"Are you that desperate? Like, are you so hell-bent on getting me from Olivia that you would cook up these lies and expect me to believe them?" Adrian shot back at her.Ria tried to protest, but just like other times, it was futile. But now, she should have known that all attempts to win Adrian over by heartfelt words would go down the drain."You are really full of surprises Ria, and I wonder how your sister lived with you all her life. Not only are you selfish but a liar too." Adrian added.Ria sighed, her words hanging in her throat as she tried to defend herself. "I'll say this one more time, don't think I'll ever fall in love with you. If my father has promised you anything, then you might as well begin to kill those thoughts because I won't give up Olivia for anyone." Adrian said sternly.Just as Adrian was still speakin
Ria sat frozen on the couch, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if trying to hold together the last pieces of her shattered heart. She stared at the space where Adrian and Olivia had just walked through, their laughter still ringing in her ears. It was suffocating.How did I end up here? she thought, bitterness washing over her like a Tilda wave. How did my own sister become my worst enemy?She gripped the end of her fabric tightly, causing her fist to turn white.Tears.She wants to go to shed them. She swore to herself not to allow a single drop of tears to fall that day, but it seemed futile.I can't keep giving Olivia the satisfaction of watching me cry. She said in mind. No matter how much it hurts, I wouldn't cry.Ria felt iced to the spot where she was after Adrian and Olivia left the house. She didn't even know what to think, what to do, or even what to say.She only felt like ripping herself into two."This isn't life!" Ria yelled, pulling her hair in frustration. "T
"Am I alright?" Ria finally muttered, fighting back the tears that struggled to overflow. "Who the hell would be alright after what you just did?"Adrian shrugged. "It depends... What did I do?" Adrian asked. "It's not like I hit you or something; I mean, you are the one who's overthinking things. If you had just accepted your insignificant role in this marriage, then things would be a lot better for you, trust me."Ria raised an eyebrow. "Insignificant? I'm your wife, there's nothing insignificant about that.""You are not my wife!" Adrian shot back angrily. "Don't ever call yourself my wife again. You are just some clumsy bottom feeder that managed to fool my father into believing you are the one for me."Ria raised an eyebrow. "Fool your father? Clearly, your father is the only one with enough brains to tell you that you are being deceived by Olivia. I mean, even a ten-year-old would figure that out." Ria defended.Adrian shrugged. "Whatever makes your sinking boat float. I might b
A warm smile found its way across Ria's face as she stared at her freshly done nails, watching intently as the gloss caught the sunlight streaming into the sitting room of Charles' mansion. The atmosphere around her was light and comforting, and she felt a deep sense of peace, and her anxiety washed away— a rare feeling she clung to whenever she visited.For a moment it just felt like the joy she had always dreamt of feeling was finally hers, but it was just for a moment. When she remembered that she would still go back to the hatred of Adrian, it made her stomach sour. But for now, there was peace.Mr. Blake sat across the room, his friendly demeanor enveloping the room and creating a deeper sense of belonging for Ria.He chuckled heartily as he told Ria a story from his youth, his deep voice filling the room like a familiar old song."And then," he said, grinning mischievously, "I realized I had been trying to impress the wrong lady the whole night! The woman I thought was the may
Ria groggily woke to the continuous calling from Adrian. His voice wasn't harsh, and his hand against her skin was so soft and tender. He had never treated her this nicely before. He'd prefer to yell her out of sleep if there was something important she needed to know, or just wait until her alarm wakes her up.But that wasn't the case today. He woke her up gently, giving her a warm kiss on her forehead. Ria's eyes fluttered open, and her first gaze was Adrian's warm smile.Startled she shifted back in fright. "Woah... I hope I didn't startle you?" Adrian asked, his voice filled with concern.A dream?No... It looked too real to be a dream. However, it looked too real to be reality.What was happening?"Did you hit your head somewhere?" Ria asked, her voice still a bit raspy from sleep.Adrian chuckled. "No silly. I'm perfectly fine, why would you ask that?"Ria's gaze was enough to tell him that his actions were weird and she never expected him to be this nice to her."Oh, you mean
As the footstep drew closer to the door, Olivia's eyes darted around, her heart pounding as she looked for where to hide.She saw the doorknob twist and without waiting further she ran to the door and quickly hid, leaning against the wall, her heart pounding loudly in her chest as she took in a deep breath, shutting her eyes.Ria, opened the door and walked in. She stood at the doorway confused, her eyes darting around the room. Her brows furrowed."I don't remember shutting this door behind me when I left," she said to herself.She shrugged. "Well, maybe I did," she walked into the room towards Charles' bed, leaving the door open.Ria placed the tray of food she carried on the bedside table and turned to Charles. "Oh no you have soiled yourself." Ria said as she saw the wet covers on Charles."What do I do now? Adrian isn't around and you need a change of clothes," Ria asked, biting her lips as she fidgets.Olivia took advantage of Ria being distracted and slid out from behind the o
“Rise and Shine Mr Charles,” Ria said, smiling as she drew the curtains open. The rays of the morning sun reflected into the room, making Charles blink.Ria turned to look at him and smiled. “I know, I know... you don’t like the early morning sun.But just a little morning light is good for you. Don’t worry, I’ll close it back soon.”“I thought you might enjoy some sunlight today,” she added, glancing at him. “It’s a beautiful day outside. Not too hot, not too cold. Just the kind you used to say was perfect for gardening.”Ria walked to his bedside, adjusting the blanket covering his body. “Hope you had a good night's rest? Your grandchild said I should ask you that.” Ria chuckled, trying to crack a joke.She picked up two pillows, fluffed it up a bit and adjusted it on his back, making Charles sit up. Then she moved about the room—tidying a few things, picking up a glass cup from the bedside table, and arranging the few books on the shelf.“You know your grandchild didn't let me sleep
Ria blinked, clearly not expecting the question. She slowly turned her eyes to Adrian, expecting him to speak up for her. But Adrian didn’t say anything. He didn’t even look at her. His face was void of any expression. He just kept his eyes on his plate, cutting his meat like he hadn’t heard anything.Ria’s throat felt dry from Adrian's silent dismissal. She swallowed before answering. “I… I was upstairs in Adrian's room"" Doing what?" Betty eyed her" Well.. well I was with Adrian on his bed.” she said in a low voice.The moment those words came out, Olivia, who had just taken a spoonful of rice, suddenly started coughing. She dropped her spoon and covered her mouth, choking on the food. Her face turned slightly red, her eyes tearing up as she struggled to breathe.Betty quickly reached for the glass of water near her and handed it to Olivia. “Easy now,” she said. “Drink water.”Olivia grabbed the glass with shaky hands and took a large gulp. She wiped her lips gently with the back
The room went silent as all heads slowly turned, following Charles' gaze.Olivia?She stood there, frozen for a moment like she didn’t expect to be looked at. Her eyes moved from one person to the other, confused by their stares.Why are they are staring at me? Olivia pondered, blinking.‘They don't know anything yet.’ She reminded herself, getting rid of the fear that had enveloped her heart and forced out an innocent smile as she approached them.Still, her chest felt tight. Her hands were starting to sweat.Why won’t he stop looking and twitching at me?“Oh my God, Mr Blake, you are back.” Olivia screamed, her voice dripping of excitement, as if she was very happy to see him. “We were all scared and worried.” she continued, her voice dropping a bit low in sadness. “I… I didn’t even know he was strong enough to return home.” She muttered, staring at Adrian and then back at Charles. “But thank God, it's good to see you home.” she smiled sweetly.Charles’ eyes didn’t leave her. They t
Olivia, stood stunned, as her gaze couldn't leave Charles. Her stomach twisted. No… No, no, this can’t be happening.He’s alive? How… how is that possible? She thought, wondering.Did he tell Adrian anything? Did he say I was the one who pushed him?Olivia shut her eyes for a moment, trying to calm her thoughts.Damn it. Why didn’t he die?Adrian pushed the wheelchair towards the entrance of the house but Charles' gaze still remained fixed on Olivia until he was completely out of sight.Olivia blinked, jolting back to reality. She shook her head quickly, as if trying to push away the fear that had crept up her spine. She swallowed hard as she backed away from the window, her hands turning cold. Taking a slow deep breath, Olivia slowly made her way to the living room, her mind racing.But how's he alive?Hope he hasn't revealed all her secrets to Adrian.?Has her cover been blown? Shit! This might be the end of her.Dread filled her heart as she quietly approached the living room.
Olivia was getting impatient and frustrated.She had been trying to convince them for a while now. Every time she suggested they go to the hospital, Ria, would said no. And worse, Betty kept listening to her.Olivia stood by the side, arms crossed as she watched Betty cry and snifle in Ria's arms like a child who had lost the world.Olivia rolled her eyes as she pondered on what to do next to convince this two idiots to head to the hospital. And it's not as if she could go alone without drawing suspicions to herself.Worse still, she couldn't find the recording pen. Did that old man still hold onto it even while dying? Olivia thought. She felt uneasy at the possibility of her cover being blown too early.She decided to try one more time. “How long are we going to sit here?” Olivia asked irritated. “Your father is at the hospital, and Adrian might need help. We should go there.”Ria glanced up at her. “Adrian asked us to stay. Let’s respect that.”Betty sniffled loudly. “Ria’s right...
Betty slumped on the cold floor after Adrian and her father left for the hospital. Her hands covered her face and her shoulders shook as she cried loudly, her voice, echoing in the quiet room.Ria knelt beside her, gently rubbing her back and whispering soothing words.“Betty, please… calm down, he’s going to be okay. Adrian’s taking care of him. I'm sure Adrian and the doctors will do everything they can to make sure that Mr Charles gets better.” Ria said, trying to comfort her, but nothing that Ria said seemed to help.But Betty just cried harder, shaking her head. “He… he just dropped! Right there… I don't know if he would be able to survive that fall, his body is already getting old.”“Let's be positive Betty, Mr. Charles will survive. He might look old, but he's very strong.”Then, out of nowhere, Olivia came rushing down the stairs. Her eyes were wide, and her voice was loud and filled with urgency.“What’s going on down here? I heard someone screaming.” Her brows furrowed as s
Olivia watched from the creek of Adrian's bedroom door as Adrian slowly made his way towards Ria, handing her the juice he had taken pride in making and then hovering over her.Every move was slow and deliberate , she tried to make out the words he was saying to Ria as his voice was too low, too soft to listen to almost like he was whispering. Her chest tightened, as confusion and jealousy settled in her heart.What was going on? What was he doing? Was this part of his father's threat? Olivia thought to herself as she watched Ria and Adrian speak to one another. Her nails dug into the wood of the doorframe. "Ahem" The sound made her soul leave her body as she turned around abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest, only to find Charles staring back at her with anger burning through his eyes"You're… you're back... Welcome" she stammered, trying to swallow the lump that had formed in her throat. "Hmmm" "Sir, it's not what you think. I can explain" she added quickly, trying to kee
Charles' phone buzzed immediately. He took a brief glance and stood up, walking out of the room and shutting the door tightly behind him."Annoying little piece of two-timing, double-crossing tramp.." Adrian cussed under his breath as he descended down the stairs, his face brewing with resentment and barely controlled anger.Betty couldn't help but stare at her brother with a teasing smirk on her face as she watched him from the living room. His usual calm demeanor seemed to have collapsed and it was amusing the way he continued speaking to himself as he approached her."What's got you so worked up? Wait, don't tell me.." Betty asked curiously with a bit of sarcasm in her voice as she immediately burst into a chain of laughter quickly understanding her brothers predicament Adrian raised his brows in irritation but chose to let it go, as he wasn't in the mood to bicker with someone especially BettyHe angrily made his way towards the kitchen and brought out a few oranges to the count