All Chapters of Profitable Marriage With A Mentally Unstable CEO: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

My face falls, my expression dulling slowly at his words. “A death anniversary?” I ask again just to be sure. Luke gives me an acknowledging nod, his eyes locking onto mine. “I’m certain by now you're familiar with the Hawkins family?” Realization dawns on me but I keep my face steady. He's talking about Charlotte? They're planning to have an anniversary for Charlotte? A death anniversary? My mind slowly creeps back to last night's terror. I merely held Charlotte's photos and Kendrick went haywire. This? He might end up loosing his mind forever. Luke continues “The Hawkins family lost their daughter, Charlotte Hawkins.” He hesitates a bit, collecting his thoughts, before saying “The Hawkins have been like a family to us, honoring her would mean the world to them” I mouth an ‘oh’, casting my gaze downward. I notice Luke didn't mention particularly that Charlotte used to be Kendrick's lover. Did he keep out that part intentionally to protect me? I wonder. Luke turns to the direct

“It's all that woman's fault!” Camila sneers and I frown deeply, my gaze narrowing dryly. I should've expected it'd be her. Luke sighs “If anyone's to be blamed, it's Kendrick.” I find myself nodding instinctively at his words. It is indeed Kendrick's fault. My denial is short-lived as his next words catch me off guard. “Regardless, Elodie should've kept her word.” The entire weight of the failed evening falls upon my shoulders once again. The guilt presses down even more as he adds “Now I doubt I'll be able to face Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins again, They might just cut us off for good this time” Sadness clouds me. It was an important day for them but I ruined it. The maid was right; even if I was invited to have dinner with the rest of the family, I would've been too ashamed to step out. “Exactly why you shouldn't be taking that woman's side. She's bad news,” says Camila and I roll my eyes. There's a small pause before Camila's voice suddenly drops to a hushed whisper. I cringe as her

I might be with the Hollands for now but what about the future? Who would care for me and my father? I can't guarantee how long it'll take until I can secure another good-paying job. I can't lose this one. My pleas go to deaf ears as Mr Lee responds, “I wish I could stop this, Miss Rykard, but it's not just about you. Like I said, I don't know who the person is or what they want, but they've got influence, and I don't want to get caught up in anything that'll ruin me,” I bite my lower lip and avert my eyes, blinking rapidly. I feel a lump in my throat as tears threaten to fall. I bottle up my emotions and put on a tough facade. I nod at Mr Lee and leave. Reaching my cubicle, I pick up my bag, ignoring the stares coming from my colleagues. In all my three years here, I have no one to call a friend Mrs Ibello offers to see me out but I decline, insisting I hold on to whatever pride I have left. Reaching outside, I frown deeply. Who has done this to me? I feel my insides boil with a

Luke slides the glass to me and I catch it just in time. He looks distressed, his left arm resting on the counter and his right playing with the rim of his glass with his index finger. My shoulders sag with unease. I wonder if Mr and Mrs Hawkins have confronted him already. With a sigh, he starts “Elodie, I want to apologize on my brother's behalf for all the trouble he's caused you” His words take me by surprise and I immediately object “No, I'm the one who should be apologizing” Luke stares at me, his head tilted as if puzzled by my response. His silent scrutiny only adds to my guilt. So I explain “...about the anniversary and Kendrick ruining everything. I should've kept to my word but I didn't and,” I pause, noticing him avert his gaze from me to the counter. He stays silent, tracing the glass’s rim with the tip of his index finger. Nervously, I gulp down the entire drink, the sweetened texture leaving a bitter aftertaste at the back of my throat. My gaze drops down to the g

That's funny, I was told a therapist would be coming, not a stylish diva. I give her a once over. She's wearing a fitted white blouse, the first two buttons opened, revealing her cleavage. A knee-length blue skirt that accentuates her curves. Rectangular glasses that rest on her nose bridge. And to top it all off, her raven-black hair is neatly packed in a ponytail. I can tell by her face that she's younger than I am. Something doesn't feel right with this woman. No wonder Kendrick doesn't want her to come. I force a smile “Come in, I’m Elodie,” I extend my hand for a shake. She takes it, plastering an equally fake smile on her face. “Mr Holland's caretaker?” She raises her brows. I smile sweetly at her while responding, “No, I'm his wife.” Somehow, it makes me feel superior to her. I notice the sudden shift in her eyes but it disappears, leaving no trace. She enters and sits on the couch, her eyes locking onto Kendrick who's sitting rigidly on the bed. Kendrick gives me a helples