"This is the baby's sack, Anne; the features are not visible yet as it's still very young," Dr. Bertha informed Anne, showing her the 2D ultrasound screen, which excited Anne even though the baby in her womb hadn't taken a recognisable form yet."Wow... But it's true, right, doc, that I'm pregnant? The result of my test pack is accurate, isn't it?" Anne tried to reassure herself."Yes, look here, the thickened area surrounding this small grape-sized hollow space, that's the thickening of your uterine wall, ready to accommodate the fetus that will develop in your amniotic sac," pointed Dr. Bertha while explaining to Anne, who was watching with enthusiasm.Her eyes occasionally glanced at the area below her navel; she still couldn't believe that a baby, her own child, was growing there. She was about to become a mother, and an incredible feeling of love suddenly filled her heart. And she couldn't stop smiling, especially when she knew that Danzel also welcomed the presence of their chil
Anne realised her childish behaviour and wanted to retract her words. She hurried to apologise to Danzel, but it was too late. Danzel had already boarded, and shortly after, his helicopter took off.Watching Danzel's helicopter fade into the distance, Anne still hoped she could rectify the misunderstanding. She cursed herself for not being able to control her words."I went too far with my words; how could I be jealous of the deceased," thought Anne. "He must be really disappointed in me... how foolish I am," she muttered to herself.As she turned to head back to her room, she passed Meha, who was smoking on the balcony. Meha noticed Anne's restlessness."What's wrong, Anne? You seem troubled," Meha greeted her. Anne stopped and took a seat next to Meha, who promptly put out her cigarette and cleared the smoke away from Anne."I think I made a huge mistake..." Anne complained with a sad face, her shoulders slumped."Is that why Danzel left with such a grim expression?" Meha asked."Ye
"Why?" I asked Gatsby, my face clearly showing anger that I couldn't hide. I had just arrived and opened the door when I threw that question at him without any previous context.Gatsby was seated in his oversized chair in the port's fisheries warehouse office, taken aback by my sudden arrival. I managed to bypass his crew's security as they had seen me visit Gatsby a few times before and allowed me in."Rupert! What a surprise. Why didn't you notify me beforehand?" Gatsby welcomed me with a broad, fake smile."Stop your nonsense and face me like a man, Gatsby. That's if you still have any dignity left in you. After the lame betrayal you did to me, you've truly shattered my trust," I lashed out, leaving no room for ambiguity.Gatsby didn't seem offended. He took a deep breath and exhaled. "No matter how many reasons I provide to you now, I'll always sound wrong in your ears. So, insult me as you wish, I'll accept it gracefully," Gatsby replied, gesturing for one of his men in the room
"Alex, come to my office," ordered Elliot to his future son-in-law over the phone.[Sorry, I have something to attend to. I'll come another time,] Alex declined. Elliot furrowed his brows. It was the first time Alex had gone against his words. In the background, Elliot could hear the whirring of helicopter blades spinning fast."Are you out of town?" he inquired.[None of your business. By the way, why did you call me Elliot? Are you planning to end our partnership? Remove my position from Merrick Corp?] guessed Alex, surprising Elliot with his accurate assumption."You're thinking too far ahead. Have you forgotten to take your calming pills today?" taunted Elliot. Alex chuckled on the other end, sounding like an entirely different person.[Oh, Elliot... This time, I'll let you feel like the all-knowing father. By the way, if you want to cancel my marriage to Camilla, your cheap and foolish daughter, I'll do it gladly. But as for the unpaid costs, they're on you, right?] replied Alex.
After sorting out my business with Gatsby, I intended to announce the letter's contents to the public immediately. However, suddenly, the system displayed an 'urgent matter' sign on the screen.‘What's happening?’ I asked.[Something is happening at the safe house. I can't access it due to limited surveillance cameras there, but I heard gunshots.]Hearing the system's report, I panicked, abandoning the press conference. I instructed the helicopter pilot to fly me back to the safe house.Throughout the journey, my mind was restless, imagining the worst and the possibilities. If something happened to Anne, I would never forgive myself. Especially since the last time we met, we ended it with anger and misunderstanding. At a time when I should have showered her with affection because she carried our child, I made her uneasy with my own feelings.How I wished she knew now the depth of my love for her. Whatever she said wouldn't make me turn away; I would be happy to welcome her pregnancy,
"Alex! You monster! Let me go!!" Anne screamed, pounding on the door of the room. Alex had locked her in at Merrick Mansion. Yes, he had moved there, repairing the damaged building caused by the previous owner and enhancing its security. It was the most suitable fortress for him to shield himself from his enemies' attacks.He had anticipated this thoroughly, the time to rise from being a man oppressed by his own family and acquaintances to becoming a strong, powerful, and cunning man. Since taking over as the CEO of Merrick Corp, he no longer needed to hold back.Anne screamed with all her might, demanding to be released, cursing Alex with some choice foul language she knew. Alex stood silently outside, listening to Anne's screams while smiling faintly. Her behavior made him cherish her even more; he was determined to make Anne his woman. He didn't care about Anne's status because, to him, status was just on paper. Anne still loved him.Anne's punches on the door grew louder and rough
‘Can you arrange the holding of their bodies for me and Anne? I want to give them a proper funeral when the time comes,’ I asked the system.[Of course, that's a wise decision. I'm sure Anne would want the same.]‘Thank you. Now, back to the main issue, what strategy can we use to fight against Alex?’[That's what I wanted to tell you. I can't assist you.]Upon hearing the system's response, I furrowed my brows in surprise. What's going on? Why is it suddenly withdrawing?‘But our goal hasn't been achieved yet. Why are you unilaterally deciding to end our cooperation? I still need you, and Elliot hasn't received a response for his actions,’ I replied vehemently.[Not to that extent, but I can't access Alex's fortress. I don't know how he thought to disable all surveillance cameras, replace their communication devices with outdated technology and closeband. I can't get in,] the system explained. That's when I understood the problem and nodded.‘Strange... Is he suspicious that I'm gett
"Even his name was 'Mad Alex' back then," Bash enthusiastically recounted, "Mom said so he is mental because he fell off the bed as a baby.""Well, congratulations then. You managed to push my family away only to end up with someone even crueller. Haha, how ironic," Bash added. "How amusing that turned out to be."Erwin and I exchanged glances, unsure if Bash was serious or just weaving a fictional tale.“Why so silent? Has Alex made his move now?” Bash guessed, raising an eyebrow."By the way, Rupert, was my mom with you when she died? But why are you still alive on your own? Did you kill my mom?" Bash smirked, his breath making me queasy."Are you seeking catharsis? You know well enough it was Elliot's doing, don't you? But fine, I'm at fault for not being able to protect her. She hoped to see you again, Bash. That was your mom's wish.""Enough, stop talking about her as if you knew her.""She came to me herself, Bash, not the other way around. The games you all play are dangerous.