Chapter thirty fiveUncle Chris opened up about his concerns regarding his daughter, Adriel, being an introvert and struggling to connect with others. "And the fact that Adriel is an introvert and doesn't get along with people makes it worse. We both know how challenging it was for you to connect with her during your visits. I don't want her to be further traumatized by this," he explained, expressing the delicate nature of Adriel's personality and the need for understanding and support.Taking a moment to consider Uncle Chris's dilemma, Charlie paused before responding. "I know a lady who could handle her well. You'd really like her. Adriel isn't a difficult child, so I believe it would be a smooth transition," he suggested, offering a potential solution to ease Adriel's social struggles. Uncle Chris's gaze lingered on Charlie for a moment, the weight of the decision and the uncertainty of the future reflecting in his eyes as he processed the possibility of finding the right person t
Chapter thirty six "Wait, Miss Victoria," he pleaded, standing up as she began to leave in haste. "I am sorry for putting you in this situation. You don't have to go so quickly.""Why should I stay? Are you a part of the Thompsons?" she asked, eyeing him suspiciously. He nodded affirmatively. "Yes, I am. I apologize for not disclosing that sooner. I am the second child and the only son of the Thompson family. I realize I should have been more upfront about my identity from the beginning," he explained, his head slightly bowed in remorse."What's all this about? Why didn't you tell me right away? I have no interest in associating with the Thompsons. I can't forgive that man named Thompson," she retorted, turning to walk away."Please, Miss Victoria, just listen to him. He was unaware of the situation as well. It was me who orchestrated this meeting. My uncle still cares deeply for you and needs you in his life. He was unable to maintain his marriage because he never loved his wife,"
Chapter Thirty sevenTears streamed down her cheeks as she poured out her heart, recounting the tangled web of events that had led to this moment. Her voice quivered with emotion as she revealed the truth behind her actions, bearing her soul in a raw display of vulnerability.In a trembling voice, she explained the elaborate plan she had concocted, the intricate dance of deception she had orchestrated in a desperate attempt to secure some breathing space in their tumultuous relationship. The revelation of her elaborate ruse, involving a staged relationship and a hired actor, painted a picture of a woman pushed to her breaking point by external pressures and inner turmoil.As she spoke, her gaze turned wistful, memories of the past colliding with the harsh realities of the present. The conflict raging within her was palpable, a storm of conflicting emotions that threatened to consume her fragile facade.But amidst the tangled web of lies and half-truths, one thing remained clear: her l
Chapter thirty eight"What did you say?" He asked her with a puzzled look on his face, and she responded with a smile."I said I like her dad, don't you like her?" she demanded, her expression filled with curiosity. He chuckled at her question."Baby, we don't need to rush things. Even if you like her, we still have to take things slowly," Chris said gently to his daughter.Miss Victoria sat beside her, reached out, and tenderly touched her cheek."Are you saying I can be your mom?" she asked, her voice tinged with both surprise and hope. The other woman nodded positively, a small glint of happiness shining in her eyes. They both gazed at each other, smiles creeping onto their faces.They hadn't expected his daughter to say yes so soon, not when they hadn't even resolved their own feelings for each other. Even if they did decide to reconcile, they knew they would still face hurdles. She wasn't sure if her parents would support this newfound relationship. The memories of the challenges
Chapter Thirty NineAs he stepped out of the car, the butler courteously opened the door for him, and Charlie descended onto the pavement. To his surprise, he saw Alexa standing directly in front of his building, her presence unexpected yet not unwelcome.Approaching her with a puzzled expression, Charlie inquired why she hadn't contacted him before arriving. "I'm sorry, but I tried calling you multiple times and couldn't reach you. I was worried and called your mom, and she gave me your address, advising me to visit you if I was concerned," Alexa explained, her words tinged with sincerity.Charlie's reaction was one of disbelief as he scoffed at her explanation, his skepticism evident in his response.His mother's behavior was becoming unbelievable. "Come inside," he ordered, taking the lead. Alexa rushed to him and held his palm."I am cold, I need warmth," she said, and Charlie had no other option than to let her do her thing.As they made their way to the living room, his stomach
Chapter fortyCharlie left the room with a heavy heart, her disappointment palpable in the way her footsteps dragged along the floor. Anger simmered just beneath the surface, a mix of frustration and confusion clouding her thoughts. She knew she needed to process her emotions before they consumed her, but sleep seemed to be the only escape she craved at that moment.In her room, Charlie sat on the edge of the bed, replaying the events of the day in her mind. She asked herself why she had allowed herself to be caught up in a situation that left her feeling so vulnerable. The person she had trusted had let her down, and she couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal.As the evening darkened into night, Charlie's thoughts turned to the stranger who had entered her life so suddenly. She questioned her own judgment, wondering how she could have let someone she barely knew have such an impact on her. Despite her doubts, sleep eventually claimed her, offering a temporary respite from the tur
Chapter fourth one"Thirdly," he began, emphasizing the significance of the next point. "As a shareholder, I believe fostering positive relationships with the companies in our vicinity is crucial for creating a conducive working environment. While there are other areas that require attention, this is a key aspect that I feel is missing from my observations," he concluded with a tone of finality, signaling the importance of his insight. Granting them the opportunity to voice their perspectives, he welcomed their input."Sir," one of them interjected, shifting the focus to the topic of shareholder companies. "Why haven't we considered applying to your father's company? It's a well-known fact that this could be a valuable opportunity for our organization." The suggestion prompted a moment of amusement from him as he chuckled at the idea."I appreciate the suggestion, and I will certainly explore that possibility. Does anyone else have contributions to make?" he inquired, opening the floo
Chapter Forty twoMichael arrived at Alice's house with four bottles of colorful, enticing alcoholic drinks. He carefully selected one bottle and skillfully poured its contents into two elegant crystal cups. With a charismatic grin, he handed one cup to Alice as they clinked the bottles together in a playful toast.Alice, driven by both excitement and naivety, accepted the drink without questioning its ramifications. Oblivious to the potential danger of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, she sipped eagerly as Michael continued to refill her cup with each passing indulgence. The allure of the beverages and the jovial atmosphere led them to finish all four bottles, their laughter ringing through the room until the bottles were emptied.Alice's world swirled hazily as she and Michael stumbled back inside, their laughter mingling with the remnants of their alcohol-fueled revelry. Despite her intoxicated state, Michael seemed to have a familiar hold over her, navigating their interactio