Charmine could not shake off the memory of how Anthony always evaded moments of true intimacy.Did he…have an 'illness' or something?If he was healthy, he would not be able to hold back his desire for so long. He stopped her halfway through every time they were so close to consummating their marriage.Was the guilt in his eyes reflecting the guilt he felt toward her, that he could not please her?Charmine was more certain of her guess.She frowned. Since when did he have such an illness?Why did he not tell her earlier?Charmine resolutely removed the blanket off of her frame.She wanted to speak to Anthony, wanting to tell him that he should go to the doctor instead of feeling guilty. However, just as she got out of the room, she thought of something else.Anthony was a proud adult man. If she said this to him in front of his face, would it not fluster him?After all, this was a sensitive topic.Moreover, she knew he did not like stopping their intimacy either.As his w
Annabel then saw… Felix, in a secluded corner, was digging a hole beside the tree in secrecy. He placed a small black bottle into the hole as well.Felix was hasty in his work, and his oily face looked anxious.Since yesterday afternoon, Charmine and Anthony had been looking for the black gasoline inside this bottle. If they found this, he would be done for! He moved even quicker at the thought of this. He had to get this done before everyone came to work so that he could get out of it!What a pity that Charmine did not die yesterday.Annabel saw the half-buried bottle. With a serious expression, she made her way toward Felix and caught his hand."It’s you, just as I expected! I noticed you acting strangely yesterday, but I can’t believe this is true… How could you do such a thing to your niece?"Felix’s face stiffened. He did not expect anyone to see him here so early in the morning.His gaze darted around as he then swung Annabel’s hand off of him. He resumed his blank and
With that said, Felix’s face sank. He lifted his hand and crushed her phone before her eyes.Annabel, having suffered from her fall, felt even worse when her phone was ruined. Tears brimmed her eyes as she looked at Felix, not wanting to give up just like this. "I’ll tell Ms. Charmine!" she remarked.Felix laughed and pulled her by her hair and dragged her along the way. "You’re not afraid of death, are you? You want to lose your life for someone unrelated to you!?"Annabel had no idea what Felix wanted to do with her, but she felt something warm rushing out from her lower half.She lowered her head to see her pants painted with blood. Her blood.Annabel was so scared that she could only beg, "Okay, I won’t tell! Let me go…!"If this went on and she died, Ms. Charmine would never find out the truth!Felix scoffed and tossed her away. "If you say anything about this, I won’t let you go the next time!"With that said, Felix smirked and left, leaving Annabel on the ground with h
Charmine felt off when she noticed Annabel's stare toward her. "Don't be afraid to speak up," she insisted.Susan, however, scoffed. "You made it sound easy. Didn’t you see the way Annabel looked at you? She’s so afraid that she doesn’t even dare to speak up! What I think is that you did something to her!""Shut up!" Grandma Bailey had an evident glower on her face as she snapped, "Listen to Annabel! Annabel, just say whatever that happened."Annabel, despite her initial hesitance, slowly regained herself, knowing that things had reached a certain point. Thus, she carefully chose her words and explained, "Please don't misunderstand Ms. Charmine. She’s very kind to me and will never hurt me. I looked at her because…"She turned toward Charmine before she continued, "Ms. Charmine, I heard from you that the superbikes malfunctioned due to added gasoline. I then remembered how your uncle had been suspiciously close to the bikes yesterday, raising my doubts. I went to question him in th
It was simple, to Susan. She would host a grand celebration for Annabel and make sure everyone knew that Annabel was staying at the Bailey mansion, treated as Mrs. Bailey. She wanted to use Annabel to trigger Charmine.Grandma Bailey, on the other hand, did not think too much into Susan's suggestion. After all that happened recently, she did quite like Annabel as well.She nodded. "We'll invite special guests, then. Make it grand."Annabel was so terrified that her face went pale. She quickly waved dismissively, politely. "Grandma, Madam, let’s just keep it simple. Doesn’t have to be grand," she spoke in a cautious tone as she was afraid of causing too much trouble.Grandma Bailey sat at Annabel's bedside and held her hand. "You have a baby, who's also a Bailey, in your womb, and you're a person of kind nature as well. You almost got in trouble because of Charmine, so of course we must treat you better.""That's right," Charmine chimed in. "Anthony and I have time tomorrow. We'll
"Actually, what I really hope is that you could bring me a great-grandchild soon. I'd prefer a baby from you."Charmine was at a loss for words at Grandma Bailey's words.She wanted to as well, but it was all down to Anthony.Charmine commented nothing on the matter as she nodded. "Alright then, wait for my good news."On the next day…The family brought Annabel home. When Annabel entered through the gate and saw the lavish-looking roses in the front yard along with the bells ringing on every tree, her eyes became misty. Her shaky hands made their way to her face as she clasped her mouth. "Grandma, Madam, Ms. Charmine, thank you for treating me so well. I’m so touched!"Grandma Bailey said gently, "Charmine designed these herself."Annabel instantly turned to look at Charmine. "Ms. Charmine, thank you. Really…I never expected you to treat me so well. Nobody had ever treated me so well before…and this might as well be the biggest birthday celebration I’ve ever had. Really, thank
Everyone looked over to see a family of three standing outside the door: Derek, Yvette, and Coco.Derek was in his fitting grey suit. He was gentle and handsome-looking, exuding an air of gentleness and elegance.Yvette, on the other hand, donned a luxurious gown and had a luxury-branded bag at hand, looking like a wealthy wife.Lastly, Coco, like a proud member of royalty, was dressed in a gown styled like a princess's, her hair braided into two high ponytails. She even had a pink backpack to boot.The three of them walked into the venue like a happy family of three, and Derek handed the expensive gifts they had brought to Grandma Bailey. "Haven’t seen you in a while, Grandma. How have you been?""Not bad." Grandma Bailey looked at the three of them and said, "Aren’t you all busy? Why did you come?""It’s an important occasion," said Derek, "and we had to come, however busy we may be!"With that said, he turned toward Anthony and gave him a gentle smile. "Bro, what century are
Chris recited a series of names, to which everyone praised him.Chris smiled proudly and said, "Don’t worry about me, Mommy, I can take good care of myself. What you should do now is to make a little sister for me to take care of."Grandma Bailey, upon hearing Chris' remark, visibly eased off of the anger Coco had caused. The elderly's expression shifted into one of affection.Chris was indeed a mature boy.Charmine’s fair face softened shyly. She turned to look at Anthony and sharply caught the unnoticeable hint of awkwardness evident on Anthony’s face.She smoothened Chris’ hair. "Okay, I'll try."When Anthony heard this, his eyes darkened.It seemed that he had to quickly find the right time to explain the truth to her."Yay!" Chris, pleased by this response, cuddled into Charmine's arms, placing his heart and trust onto her.Yvette was dumbfounded at this, however.She looked at Chris and asked, "Dear, your birth mother is here, but why didn’t you greet her at all? What y