"Didn't I already tell you? Elice doesn't love you. She came to you because she wanted your money. She's only after your wealth, Ariel. And you don't believe what I say? Huh?! Love? Hahaha."
At the dining table, where life should be as smooth as the food served there, Farrah was seen slamming a photo. Right next to Ariel's plate. Pausing his breakfast, the sight caused Ariel's focus to shift. To that portrait.
Ariel picked up the photo with shaking hands. His eyes widened in disbelief at what he saw. Farrah chuckled and crossed her arms.
"Isn't that proof enough for you?" Farrah taunted her son. "Isn't this reason enough for you to open your eyes, Ariel? Oh my God! I told you repeatedly. Elice is just after your money. She's just liked any other common woman. Getting close to a rich man to secure her life."
Ariel struggled to swallow. He shook his head, either trying to reject his mother's words or refusing to acknowledge the scene in the photo.
"D
Just by hearing her voice, Garrett could guess what had happened to Elice just by hearing her name. Of course, the woman was not in a good condition. And that immediately made him uneasy. "Elice," Garrett said her name. "Where are you now? Are you okay?" Inside the moving car, driven by his private chauffeur, Garrett couldn't contain the pressure. He had contacted Elice after learning that Daphne and Carolus had met her at his office. He was sure that Elice must be in shock. "I'm in the office, Garrett. And what is happening right now? I don't understand at all. Earlier there was an old lady..." Garrett dramatically closed his eyes. His jaw tightened immediately. "...talking about a lot of things I don't understand. Oh God. I'm really confused right now." Garrett took a deep breath. He had to stay calm. That was the most important thing right now. "I think we should get together, Elice." Amber, who was sitting right nex
Garrett's explanation didn't make Elice feel any better. On the contrary, she rose from her seat. With a terrified expression on her beautiful face, she shook her head repeatedly.Elice's feet took a step back. When Garrett also stood up, he immediately created a distance and did not allow him to approach her."Elice."Garrett's outstretched hand was powerless against the silent rejection Elice gave him. His large fingers hung in the air, unable to reach their target. Only to find the emptiness of the air.Elice shook her head again, trying to deny the reality that was now before her eyes. The reality that finally made her understand why her name had been spread everywhere in the form of humiliating articles."Is that why?" Elice asked incredulously. Her voice sounded shaky. "Is this all because you are getting married soon and I happened to be there?"Garrett really did not like the last question that came out of Elice's mouth. But of all t
The soft knock on the door made Elice lift her head. She turned to find Amber entering. With both hands apparently clasped together, the middle-aged woman seemed hesitant."Uh... it's late. I think you should eat. You haven't eaten all day, Elice."Eating was the last thing on Elice's mind. She didn't need it right now. What she needed was to be free of all these problems.Elice shook her head and declined the offer. "I'm fine. And I'm not hungry."Amber sighed deeply at the refusal. Not taking it lightly, she decided to step forward. She entered and approached Elice, who was sitting on the edge of the bed in a disheveled state."You need to eat to get through a situation like this. Getting sick is not good for you right now."What Amber said was true. However, Elice noticed that her stomach did not feel hungry at all. It was as if her body was collectively shutting down because her mind was being driven almost insane by the circumstances.
"W-what did you say, Ariel? Elice is your lover?"Daphne felt as if her body would collapse at any moment. But before that unfortunate event happened, Norah immediately approached her mother-in-law. She reached out and made sure the older woman didn't actually fall. Ariel's words had successfully caused both of her knees to wobble.Ariel chuckled. His face mocked Garrett as he looked at Daphne."Ah, turns out you didn't know, Nana?" Ariel asked with a teasing grin aimed at Garrett. "Elice is my girlfriend. We've been together a long time."Shock was immediately visible in Daphne's eyes as they turned to Garrett. The same was true for Norah. Both older women couldn't believe what Ariel was saying. But with such confidence on his face, who could doubt him?A small laugh escaped Ariel's lips. Then, ignoring any form of etiquette, he sighed once."So desperate, Garrett? To get all that wealth, you didn't even think twice about stealing my girlfr
"How could you not check?!"A shout greeted Carolus that morning. Just as he visited the Morales residence after learning of Daphne's condition. Thinking that Daphne was really sick as reported, he was not prepared for the anger that erupted right in front of his face."This woman is Ariel's ex-girlfriend! Why didn't you check her background?!"Carolus swallowed hard. His hands clasped in front of him in a polite and accepting posture. He made no attempt to evade the accusations he had received."I'm sorry, madam, but everything happened so fast yesterday, and—""Silence!"Daphne snapped. The traces of emotion were clearly visible on her aged face. Her breath was racing, a sign that the current situation was truly testing her limited patience."Well, what can we do? What can we do? The whole world knows about Garrett and Elice's relationship! Everyone knows, Carolus!"Daphne clenched her fists. Then she slapped the arm of
"Elice, I beg you. Don't do this."Trying to calm Elice down, Garrett tried to block her way. But Elice did not give up. She pushed Garrett away even though it had no effect. Garrett stood firm. His strength was obviously no match for Elice."No, Garrett. I beg you. Please, I want to go, Garrett. So don't stop me."Garrett held on to Elice. "Not in this condition, Elice. No. You're a mess, and I won't let you go with your mind in such chaos.""Oh, God! Please. Just let me go, Garrett," Elice demanded. Unfortunately, it was not enough for her to free herself from Garrett's restraints. "Don't you know what caused this mess?""I—""You!" Elice cut Garrett off. "You're the one who made a mess of everything. And it got even more chaotic when I found out that you're Ariel's cousin."Garrett could not move. At first glance, what Elice had said was true.However, everything had not completely fallen apart for Garrett. At least no
When Elice entered Rita's residential area, the clock on her wrist already showed eleven. A long time had passed if she had not decided to pick up her car at the Metro first. But at least Elice could be sure to get home on time. The situation seemed calmer and more under control.Elice got out of the car. In the urgency of missing Wilda and worrying about her, she hurried to open the gate door. Only to find the bright light blinding her eyes.Elice blinked her eyes. At the same time, her hand spontaneously lifted from the gate key. Trying to ward off the glare that disturbed her vision.The sound of a car door opening was heard. Followed by the sound of the car door closing with the impression of being half slammed. As if the person was in a hurry.However, it seemed that this person was indeed in a hurry, for his steps were large and swift. Taking advantage of the glare that left Elice motionless in her standing position, he approached her, reaching out
"Miss Elice has left the apartment, sir."In the car parked not far from the apartment where Elice had stayed last night, Garrett was accompanied by Amber and the driver named Dariel Martin. It was unclear how long they had been there; it seemed like countless hours. During that time, Amber waited patiently for a report from her informants, while Garrett tried to remain calm and take the opportunity to work briefly on his laptop, which was open on his lap.Garrett sighed deeply. Without taking his eyes off several colorful graphs on the laptop screen, he said, "Follow her.”Amber looked back, seemingly incredulous at what her boss had just said."Quickly," Garrett said again. "Before she gets too far."Amber had no choice. She motioned to Dariel, and not long after, the car was speeding through the streets. Now it was getting harder and harder for Garrett to concentrate on his work."Is she going straight home?" Garrett could not conta