"Mrs. Rowland."Denovon’s deep voice was low, almost tender, as he brushed a stray strand of hair away from Emily’s face. She stirred lightly, lashes fluttering before her sleepy eyes blinked open.“Hmm?” she mumbled, her voice still soft with drowsiness. She realized she had dozed off against his shoulder.“We’re about to land,” he said with a faint smile tugging his lips. “Fasten your seatbelt.”Emily sat up slowly, still half-asleep, and fumbled with the belt. Her fingers trembled until Denovon leaned in, his own hands brushing against hers as he clicked it into place. His touch lingered a little longer than it needed to, and when their eyes met, Emily’s heart skipped.The plane dipped gracefully, descending over the city of Switzerland. Through the oval window, snow-dusted mountains rose proudly, their peaks glowing like crystals under the soft sunlight.This was their honeymoon. Switzerland had been Emily’s choice. She had always dreamed of its white peaks, wooden houses, and end
The car rolled to a slow stop before an old, abandoned mansion. Its gates hung loosely on rusty hinges, and the walls were covered in cracks and moss. The air smelled of damp earth and forgotten years. Even in its broken state, one could still tell that this mansion once spoke of wealth and power.The driver lowered his head and said softly, “We’ve arrived, sir.”The back door opened, and Martin Rowland stepped out slowly. His legs trembled with the effort, his old hands clutching his walking stick. For a long moment, he simply stood there, staring at the mansion. His face, lined with deep wrinkles, looked cold and unreadable, but his eyes carried storms within them.It had been over fifty years since he last stood here. Fifty years since the mansion was alive with voices, light, and laughter. Now, all that was left was silence, shadows, and ghosts of the past.His throat tightened. He lifted a shaking hand and rubbed the corner of his eyes. He didn’t want to cry. Not here. Not now. B
The wedding hall was filled with music, soft chatter, and the warm glow of lights. Guests laughed, clinked glasses, and shared in the happiness of Denovon’s marriage to Emily. But at one corner of the hall, a storm was quietly brewing.“Greg,” a cracked old voice called suddenly, cutting through the lively atmosphere.Grandfather Gregory stiffened. He had been sitting with his son Richard, watching the dance floor with calm pride, when that voice came from behind. Slowly, he turned, his sharp old eyes narrowing.“Martin…” Gregory whispered, uncertain at first, his lips trembling slightly as he observed the old man standing before him.The man was thin, his back bent with age, leaning heavily on a polished walking stick. Deep wrinkles stretched across his face, his faint smile only making them more pronounced. He looked frail, but there was something in his eyes..something dangerous, something alive...that hadn’t dimmed with time.“It’s good to see you after so many years,” Martin said
Evelyn squeezed Vivienne’s arm, her smile brighter than ever. She was very happy now that she had her doctor by her side. The hall was filled with music and soft chatter, the glow of lights making everything look like a dream.They reached Emily and Denovon’s table. Evelyn slowly unhooked her arm from Vivienne and let her step forward.“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Rowland, on your wedding,” Vivienne said softly. “I’m sorry I arrived late.” She paused, her eyes kind. “I had an appointment earlier today, and that delayed me.”Emily’s face lit up. She stood from her chair and pulled Vivienne into a hug, her smile warm. Denovon only nodded in acknowledgement, but his eyes briefly swept over her with calm interest.“Thank you,” Emily said sincerely. “And thank you also for Evelyn.”Her words carried more than one meaning. She was thanking Vivienne not only for attending the wedding, but also for her effort in helping Evelyn get better.Emily remembered the first time she had seen Dr. Luk
“Dr. Lukeman, it is good to see that you made it!” Evelyn said with a bright smile as she hugged Vivienne tightly. Her happiness spilled over in her voice, as if seeing Vivienne had taken away the nervousness she felt earlier. To Evelyn, Vivienne was not just her specialist doctor but also a woman she now called a friend. Someone who listened without judgment. Someone who had understood her struggles not just because she was paid to, but because she, Vivienne, seemed to carry the same kind of pain in her heart. That was why Evelyn had begged Emily to invite her to the wedding. At least then she would have someone she could talk to, someone she could lean on while surrounded by strangers since Emily is the bride and won't have time for her and George would be busy too.“You wanted me here, so I had to come. Sorry I was late,” Vivienne replied with a small smile as she returned the hug warmly.“No issues at all. At least you are here now,” Evelyn said happily as she pulled back from the
“It’s truly you, I thought my eyes were playing tricks,” a woman’s voice said as she walked toward their table.Vivienne froze. She didn’t need to lift her head to know who it was. That voice was too familiar, one she could never forget.Serena Turner.The heiress of the Turner family. Her best friend in college or so she thought. Daniel Trent’s girlfriend. Or maybe ex-girlfriend now, if the rumors were true.Vivienne’s stomach twisted painfully. Her breath caught in her throat.“Yes, it’s me,” Daniel replied, his tone flat, as if he wasn’t excited to see her.Vivienne scorned in her heart at the sound of his pretentious voice. Of course. It all made sense now. He hadn’t asked her here out of love. He had asked her here to use her. He already knew Serena would be at this restaurant today. He wanted to prove something to her. It was still Serena. Always Serena.“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Serena said with a smile.“I didn’t expect to see you either,” Daniel replied smoothly. He