At the bakery. There is staff added inside the bakery shop and at the cafeteria so the work is efficient and fast. They already reached many customers after weeks they opened their business. "Adamson is so busy lately, but he texted me that he can still come here later in the afternoon, we'll just wait for him," said Julie who took over the business while Adamson was away, "Adam is such a workaholic. Does he even get enough rest?" "Yes, he is. He just focuses his mind on working, and running some businesses, he can't think of anything else but work. He hasn't had a girlfriend because he's so busy," Oliver shared as he was taking his lunch, "He's just an anti-romantic Adam, he's not into dating girls. He's a lonely man so I'm just wishing he has some time to date." "Funny. Adam and I are the same. I also don't have some time for dating. I just love to occupy my mind on working to provide my needs," Julie also started eating her lunch, she and Oliver were facing each other at the tab
When Julie went out, she looked for Merideth outside, he wandered around and she was frightened when someone pulled her to the corner. "What are you doing here Merideth? C-can you now remember me?" she asked directly and Merideth nodded. "I can now remember you. I'm also here because we need to talk," Merideth replied and pulled her inside her car. "For what and where are we going?" "Just shut up 'cause I'll find a safe place for us to talk," Julie just followed her and went inside the car and Merideth drove somewhere. Julie was sitting in the other seat just looking at Merideth who looked serious as she drove down the road. He also noticed that Merideth was watching the side mirrors as if she was looking at something. Julie looked back and didn't notice anyone following, "I just ran away from the mansion today," said Merideth, "I'm not allowed to go out but I just want to talk to you today, Julie.""S-sure, I'm just nervous now 'cause you suddenly came without telling me," she wip
Thirteen years ago, Merideth ran away from their home because of many problems in her family, her dad almost put her in danger and she wanted to separate from him and her mother already died. She also cannot afford to provide for her needs alone. She's still a minor and depends on her dad to survive. Merideth was accompanied by her Nanny who packed her things, she would help her escape so that his father can't use her to pay for his debts."Where are we going, Nana?" The young Merideth was crying and doesn't even know why her nanny was panicking, "Intruders are coming here, you have to escape before they take you," after packing they rushed out the back of the mansion, but there were guards outside."There's another way out," they went through an underground and managed to get out and they stopped in the garden. They hid for a while behind the bushes when they saw cars parked in front of the house, and men wearing suits got out from there. "Who are they, nanny?" Merideth asked but h
Both of them still remember the terror night. They won't forget it but they replaced their nightmares with good memories. They have trauma whenever they pass the park they changed themselves to enjoy it there and believe that the gunmen are no longer there. They always go there after class and the two have a picnic, spending time together. "If you hadn't come that night, I might be dead now," Merideth thanked her friend for saving her from danger."You will survive even if I didn't come that night. I know you are brave enough as a woman Merideth, I know you can protect yourself," Julie smiled, she wiped the tears falling on Merideth's cheeks, "The truth is I'm really weak, I can't fight for myself. I made bad decisions that I didn't think twice about. I'm trying to turn into someone just to act as if I'm strong and independent. The worst thing I ever did is try to kill myself because I don't know what's happening in my life anymore," Merideth poured out her burdens, some problems tha
"Uncle!!" They both stood up and welcome their uncle who came from vacation in the province. "I have something for the two of you," he greeted them while he gave them strawberry jam made from the farm. The old man also sat on the bench so they make space for him so he can sit. "How are you, Merideth? I've heard you're already married," Merideth forced a smile, she didn't want to show that she was crying earlier but it was obvious, her eyes were swollen, "Yes, I've been married to a CEO's son for five months," she answered. "I'm happy for you Meri that you have found someone who will love you truly," Uncle Ben smiled at her, "You married a rich man so I guessed your living your life to the fullest?" "My husband and I enjoyed our vacation and honeymoon in Switzerland. We were only there for a few weeks and we're now back in town because he needs to do a lot at the company," the time she was with her husband was only for a short time and she was left alone in the mansion. "How about y
"There's a problem within the company," said Adam when he returned to the bakery shop. He and Oliver were in the cafeteria while Julie had not returned there. "What happened?" Oliver wanted to know."Carter didn't do his part. He let the workers suffer and many workers left the company and the CEO was hot-headed," Adam answered, "Your dad was disappointed in your step-brother. He deserves to be scolded, very arrogant, and mocking other people. Very callous.""Hmm...if workers leave because of mistreatment then they did a good decision. They don't deserve that. While the company should take action to resolve the problems of each worker," Oliver was looking around looking for Julie who hadn't been able to return. "The HR department's new policies suck. When you take sick leave, doctors' statements as oof of sickness aisn'tallowed anymore," Adam showed him a printed paper on the company's policy that he needs to analyze as the CEO assigns him to change the policies. "What?! Are they t
Earlier when Adamson was inside the company, they had a heated fight with Carter who was upset when he found out that he was the one reporting to his dad about what he was doing in the company which destroyed his plans. "Are you now betraying me?! Maybe you forget that I can do something to end you!" He threatened but Adam didn't show any fear if he exposed his secrets. "Then do it. I don't care. I'm already born a traitor but my loyalty is always to my best friend. I'll do anything to defend and protect him," he countered, he no longer fears Carter making him submissive. "You're too much! You've done nothing but destroy. You hate Oliver that much 'cause you can't admit that he's better and your dad prefers him more than you!" Adam was almost punched but he grabbed his wrist. He pushed Carter against the wall. "How dare you turn your back on me!" Carter pulled Adam, "You'll regret disobeying me. Tomorrow you won't be able to show your face here!" He strangled him using his necktie
When Carter returned to the mansion, he was greeted by his wife who was waiting for him to return. Merideth also just got home from meeting Julie and Uncle Ben at the park. No one noticed that she left, her husband and mother-in-law forbade her to go outside alone so she's careful when going outside."What's wrong? Why do you look stressed?" Merideth took off his clothes, she took a towel to wipe her husband's sweat. "I'm going to rest first love, I have a tough day," Carter said sitting on the sofa, while Merideth just hugging on his back, We'll talk later when I'm in a good state of mind." "Sure. Take a rest honey, you're gonna be okay," she said calmly and Carter held her hand in his belly. "Thank you for being here my love, I love you," he whispered and Merideth kissed his right cheek. She assisted him to move, she lies him down on the spacious comfortable bed. "I love you more. Just relax okay, I'll cook food for our dinner later," she left the room and went to the kitchen whe
Oliver walked into the computer technology company feeling a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. After all, he had been away for a couple of months on summer vacation, and he was worried that he might have missed out on some critical developments. However, he was also eager to get back to work and tackle any new challenges that awaited him.As he walked through the corridor, he couldn't help but notice that things looked different. There were some new employees who seemed to be busy working on some project, and there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. He made his way to his office, where he was greeted by his colleague, Karen."Hey, Oliver, welcome back!" she said, giving him a warm smile. "How was your vacation?""It was great, thanks," he replied, feeling a little awkward. "But I'm glad to be back here.""Good to hear that," Karen said. "There's a lot of stuff that we need to catch up on, so let's get to work."As they settled down in their chairs, Oliver felt
Oliver sat on the edge of his bed, surrounded by a sea of clothes and souvenirs from the past two weeks aboard the cruise ship. He had been having the time of his life, soaking up the sun and enjoying all the activities the ship had to offer. But now, it was time to face the inevitable - packing up and heading home.He let out a deep sigh as he began sorting through his belongings, separating the clean from the dirty and the souvenirs from the necessities. As he worked, his step-brother Carter walked into the room, a smile on his face."Hey man, how's it going?" Carter asked, taking a seat on the edge of Oliver's bed.Oliver sighed again. "I'm good, just trying to figure out what to pack and what to leave behind. I can't believe the trip is over already!"Carter nodded sympathetically. "I know, it went by so fast. But hey, at least we have some awesome memories to take home with us, right?"Oliver smiled at that, grateful for the reminder. "Yeah, you're right. It really has been an am
Oliver was thrilled when his stepbrother Carter invited him to join him on their weekly swimming trip. Oliver didn't have a lot of experience swimming, but he loved being in the water, and he was excited to share this activity with his family. He planned to bring Samantha, his fiance, along for the ride as well.When they arrived at the local pool, Carter was already there with his wife Merideth. Oliver and Samantha greeted them warmly and settled in for a fun day of swimming.As they waded into the pool, Oliver looked around at the other family members who had joined them. There were aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents all gathered around the edge of the pool, watching the swimmers with great interest.Carter and Merideth were naturally the strongest swimmers, and they wasted no time showing off their skills. Oliver and Samantha watched in awe as they glided effortlessly through the water, diving and doing flips with ease.As they swam, the group chatted and laughed, sharing sto
As Oliver and Samantha walked onto the deck of the cruise ship, they were greeted by the sparkling sun rising over the horizon. The sky was painted with a stunning array of orange, pink, and purple hues, while the gentle waves of the ocean rocked the ship in a soothing rhythm. Oliver was overcome with a sense of peace and contentment as he looked out at the vast expanse of water, feeling grateful for this moment in time with his beloved fiance by his side."What a beautiful sight," he whispered, grasping Samantha's hand tightly.She smiled up at him and nodded in agreement. "It's breathtaking. Thank you so much for bringing me here, Oliver. This is the trip of a lifetime."Oliver beamed with pride as he led Samantha to a table overlooking the ocean. They sat down and glanced over the extensive breakfast menu, eager to indulge in the delicious cuisine that awaited them. Just then, they heard a familiar voice greet them from across the table."Good morning, lovebirds!" Carter exclaimed,
Oliver had always been fond of Samantha. They had been engaged for six months, and their families had already arranged the wedding. Although everything was going fine, Oliver was a bit apprehensive about some of Samantha's qualities. It wasn't something he could easily explain, but he always felt a little uncomfortable when Samantha was around.Oliver's family had planned a family vacation out of town, and they were all excited about it. However, Samantha had insisted on joining them on this trip. Oliver wasn't expecting her to come along, and he had mixed feelings about it. He loved spending time with Samantha, but he also wanted to have some time alone with his family.Samantha had been invited by Carter, Oliver's elder brother. Carter had explained to Oliver that Samantha would be joining them so that he wouldn't feel left out on the trip, as everyone else had partners. Oliver was grateful to Carter for this gesture, but he was still unsure about how to behave with Samantha during
Oliver leaned against the railing of the cruise ship, breathing in the salty sea air. He looked out at the vast expanse of blue before him, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. He had always been drawn to the ocean, to its wildness and its beauty, and it was one of the things that had compelled him to accept his stepbrother's invitation to join them on this journey.As he stood there, lost in his thoughts, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching from behind him. He turned to see his stepbrother, Jack, and Jack's wife, Sarah, walking towards him."Beautiful, isn't it?" Jack said, standing next to Oliver and gazing out at the sea."Yeah," Oliver replied, nodding his head. "It's incredible."Sarah stepped closer to them, a small smile on her face, but Oliver could see the tightness in her jaw, the way her eyes narrowed slightly when she looked at him. He knew she didn't like him, didn't approve of him, and he couldn't help but feel like an intruder in their family."It's lovely, d
Oliver sat on the edge of his bed, staring blankly at his phone. The message from his step-brother, Carter, still flickered on the screen."Hey, man. We're planning a family vacation and we want you to come with us. Think about it, okay?"It had been three days since the message arrived, but Oliver couldn't make up his mind. He felt both honored and hesitant at the same time.Oliver was a bastard. His mother had an affair with a married man and Oliver was born out of wedlock. His father left them shortly after he was born and his mother struggled to make ends meet on her own. When Oliver was ten years old, his mother met and fell in love with a man named Richard. Richard had a son already, Carter, who was six years older than Oliver.At first, Carter and Oliver got along really well. Carter was the older brother Oliver had always wanted, and Richard was the father figure he had always needed. But as they got older, Carter became distant. He went to college and started a career, while
Oliver had been out of the game for a while, but he couldn't deny the thrill of being back in the game. As a computer architect, he had worked on some of the biggest projects in the industry, and now, he was eager to see what the future held.He couldn't help but smile as he walked into the offices of his new company. The energy was palpable, and he knew that he was going to enjoy working here. As he made his way to his new office, he noticed a lot of changes in the industry.The technology had evolved so much over the years, and Oliver couldn't help but feel a bit behind the times. However, he was ready to learn and work hard to catch up.As he settled into his new office, he noticed that his step-brother, Carter, was the CEO of the company. He couldn't help but feel a little uneasy about working under his step-brother, but he knew that he had to put those feelings aside and focus on the job.A few days into his new role, Oliver bumped into Carter in the hallway. He noticed that his
Oliver sat in his apartment, staring at the saved CCTV footage on his laptop screen. He had been watching it over and over again for hours, trying to figure out if he recognized the person who had tried to burn down their building.Carter, his stepbrother, walked into the room and sat down next to him. "Anything new?" he asked.Oliver shook his head. "I've watched this thing a million times and I still can't make out his face. But I know he's in this building somewhere."Carter leaned forward and looked at the screen. "Maybe we should start asking around, see if anyone saw anything."Oliver sighed. "We've already asked everyone in the building. No one saw anything."Carter crossed his arms. "Well, we can't just give up. Our home was almost burned down. We need to find this guy and make sure he doesn't try anything like this again."Oliver nodded. "I know, I know. It's just frustrating."Carter stood up. "Come on, let's go talk to some of the neighbors again. Maybe someone will remembe