“Please don't!” Elodie jumps in, her arms extended, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. Luke behind her has his eyes wide open in shock. Eugene, on the other hand, freezes in surprise, his hand hanging in mid-air. “Elodie” Eugene's voice turns soft, laced with worry. She's supposed to be in the wardroom; how did she get here? He retrieves his stick, his brows furrowing in concern “Elodie, what are you doing here, you're supposed—”Elodie cuts him off, her voice desperate. “Grampa Eugene, please don't hurt Luke. He's innocent of the accusations,” she declares. Her words surprise them both, prompting Eugene to squint “What.. are you talking about?” Elodie opens her mouth to explain further but the migraine kicks in. She staggers a bit but Luke behind holds her firm. “Elodie please be careful” Eugene narrows his eyes on Luke. Elodie murmurs, “I saw them; they're the ones to blame.” Her voice is barely audible. The entrance of a nurse breaks their conversation. She says to Eug
I knew I should've paid more attention. I knew Rose and Camila were busy plotting, but they stayed silent for so long that I forgot to keep check on things. Memories of Camila speaking to that man come flooding back. I had a feeling something was up when I saw her conversing with him. I wasn't sure then, but now I'm certain. But what exactly do they plan to do? Why is their attention fixed on the chandelier? My gaze falls back on Kendrick, who's already in front, his form right below the chandelier. Then, it hits me. My eyes dart back to the chandelier. My heart drops, racing as the sudden spark up there flashes in my eyes. My instincts kick in, my body moving on its own. Swiftly, I climb up the stage.I hear gasps and murmurs, but I ignore it, my eyes fixed on Kendrick. My ears tingle as a loud snapping sound fills the air. Suddenly, it feels like time's slowed down. My frantic gaze reaches the chandelier which had broken off from the ceiling. Kendrick's confused expression follow
I purse my lips, looking away. Avery leans back “Hmm, well I don't blame you. Your husband has a lot going on” she chuckles dryly “Can't seem to get over his ex” Her dry humor weighs me down and I slump into my chair. Avery continues, taking a more serious tone “Daddy said that Mr Eugene was the one who arranged the marriage, and I can only think of one reason” Her voice drops “It's either he wants Kendrick to stop fawning over that deceased woman, or, he's desperate for an heir from his eldest grandson before the second thinks of producing an heir of his own” I stare at her half amused. Avery is a smart, straightforward woman, and she's not afraid to speak her mind. And she's right, of course. Giving birth to Kendrick's child is my sole purpose in marrying him. Lately, Kendrick has been nothing but kind to me. He even saved me some weeks back. Regardless, convincing him to sleep with me won't be an easy task, not while his heart still beats for Charlotte. The thought of this ma
My eyes dart about nervously, where did he go?? He was just here, standing beside me! Why would he abandon me like this??I feel a wave of anxiety wash over me, I'm starting to panic. I take subtle breaths, it's okay, Elodie. You're surrounded by strangers and flashing cameras, I mustn't let everyone know that I don't belong here. I look left and right, I'll just find a place to sit. I attempt to start walking when a familiar voice calls my name. Out of reflex, I spin around, my heart skipping a beat. Ah, it's Luke! His eyes face lights up and his pace quickens towards me.I'm glad to see him. It seems like he left home earlier. Where's Camila anyway? “Almost didn't recognize you,” Luke says, his eyes filled with genuine adoration. A warm smile spreads across his face “You look absolutely stunning” he says I thought I'd smile genuinely as he compliments me but I find myself forcing a smile. “Thanks, you look good too” Luke's eyes sparkle in amusement, and he asks “Is that all?” Hi
As Grampa Eugene and I stride gracefully down the stairs, my eyes sweep across the living room below. I notice everyone's here— everyone except Luke and Camila. My lips curl up as I study each of their outfits. Zoey is dressed in an unmistakably velvet designer gown with a V-shape neck and a stunning combination of flared and straight hem flowing to the floor. Her face beams with light, highlighting her subtle yet rich makeup. Her mother, Rose, is dressed in a blue sequence gown. Her neck, fingers, and ears are heavily adorned with distinctive jewelry, sparkling diamonds, and gold. I can't even imagine how much she has spent on tonight's look. Her makeup, though beautiful, is bold and flawless, emphasizing her wealth status. My gaze drifts to Kendrick and my heart skips a beat, my smile slowly fading. His sleek, black suit, sewn to perfection accentuates his broad shoulders, giving him a completely different and sinister demeanor. His smooth, dark hair is styled flawlessly, frami
“Grampa Eugene is very particular when it comes to favoritism,” Zoey explains. She pauses a bit, recollecting her thoughts “Father was the same. Favoring brother Kendrick more than the rest of us, but he never despised brother Luke or my mother like Grampa Eugene does” My interest piqued, my brows furrow “Is there a reason why Grampa Eugene despises them both?” Zoey responds calmly, “When I was little, I assumed it was a normal family fight, you know? But it all made sense as I started to grow. Grampa Eugene never wanted his son to remarry, but he did regardless” Zoey further explains with a bitter smile, “It must be brother Luke's striking resemblance with mother. I guess it's luck on my side. Even though Grampa Eugene would choose Brother Kendrick any day, he still cares about me” My mind drifts to Luke. It sure isn't easy being neglected and despised like this for doing nothing but exist. I'm sure he's upset. Camila, on the other hand, must've been uneasy because she's Luke's