Politely, Andrew turned down Asher's invitation, citing their departure scheduled for the following day. Alice, though taken aback by the news since there was still a week left before their journey home, opted not to comment."You're probably wondering if I misled Mr. Williams," Andrew queried Alice as soon as they entered their room."Of course not; I trust that you have your own reasons.""Grandma requested our presence at the New Year's party they're organizing."Using the party as a cover, Andrew made his exit, an event he'd been dreading and firmly opposed attending. Despite the guilt of his fabrication, he couldn't hide his jealousy at seeing Alice so connected to another guy, especially an old friend."Ah, the New Year's celebration. That's alright with me."Alice puts aside her dislike for social celebrations, enduring them for the sake of Andrew and his family.The following day, Andrew and Alice strolled through Marco Polo Airport, catching an early flight to LA, hastening t
"What's wrong, Alice? Is something bothering you?" Andrew held her face and asked gently.Alice remained silent, burying her face in Andrew's chest, tears streaming down quietly. Andrew's heart sank as he felt her tears."You invited Alice's family? Do you not know how they treated her?" Asher's voice held a hint of frustration as he murmured near Andrew's ear."Alice's family? What the f**k?" Andrew was taken aback by the new revelation and turned to look at the bidder around his age, who had won because both Andrew and Asher were preoccupied by Alice's distressing state."Yes, that's Alice's brother, Jack Cooper," Asher indicated towards the successful bidder. "And those individuals are her parents, while the older folks are her grandparents. The entire family is here," he explained, indicating the group that joined Jack with cheerful expressions."We've secured the win. Thank you, Jack," Alice's father, Barney Cooper, exclaimed, expressing his gratitude.With eyes gleaming, Alice's
Alice was aware that Andrew intended to convince her to visit her family, which is why she promptly declined the proposal before he could even broach the subject.With a loving touch, Andrew held Alice's cheeks and spoke softly, "Alice, my dear, I can feel your pain, but hiding forever won't solve anything. You'll have to face it sooner or later. And remember, you've done nothing wrong, so there's nothing to fear. They can't harm you anymore.""Sunny, it's not their presence that scares me. It's about the emotions I've kept bottled up inside. They could unleash a storm once I face them," Alice admitted, her eyes welling up."So be it. You have every right to speak about the suffering their negligence caused you, and they must listen."After delivering his motivational talk, Andrew leaned in to gently kiss Alice's forehead, then affectionately patted the back of her head while holding her in a comforting hug.Even in the embrace, Alice shook her head from side to side and softly murmur
"Alice, we traveled across states to be here, just to see you. It's disheartening to be overlooked like this," Grace said pleadingly, but her demeanor was stiff, holding Alice's hand firmly.Alice's voice held a firm edge. "Grandmother, when have I ever ignored you? We just had an honest conversation, something we never did in those 22 years I lived with you."She strained to release her hand from Grace's unwavering hold, but to no avail. In a soft tone, Grace commented, "You're referring to it as a heart-to-heart conversation? You're only undermining your own family."Marie stepped in, a frown creasing her forehead, and gently untangled Alice's arm from Grace's grasp. Her voice was stern as she requested, "Mrs. Cooper, could you please have this conversation from a bit of a distance? Let's not cause unnecessary distress.""Mrs. Kingston, I deeply regret my outburst, but can't you see how she's growing harsh with us? We're her family, after all." Grace's voice wavered with a hint of h
Andrew muttered fiercely, "I won't allow them to drag Alice into this and reopen old wounds. I'll shield her forever." He seethed, gazing out from the balcony.He was then submerged in the recollection of an hour ago, when he gently persuaded a troubled Alice to sleep, too preoccupied by suspicions to find rest himself. He paced incessantly, his mind fixated on the peculiar behavior of the Cooper family."I've had enough. I'm going to confront them directly about the purpose of their planned visit," Andrew blabbered, fetched his jacket, and stormed out of the room while donning it.He walked purposefully to the 47th floor, where the VIP room, reserved for his most important guests, awaited."Evelyn, why did you intervene when Jack was about to reveal the truth?"As he approached the end of the corridor, a cacophony emanated from a room ahead, and he immediately recognized Barney's voice, noticing the slightly ajar door."What is the truth they're discussing?"Driven by curiosity and a
"Mr. Kingston Monica's health is deteriorating rapidly, and her time is limited."Andrew was taken aback by Evelyn's soft yet unwavering revelation. While he harbors a dislike for Monica because of the pain she caused Alice, he never wanted her life to end so tragically."Oh god gracious, how could that be?" Andrew uttered in stance."Monica's pregnancy has taken a dangerous turn, and it's doubtful she'll make it through delivery. Her medical prognosis suggests she might not survive after giving birth, as she'll be expending all her strength in the process." Samantha broke the somber silence with this grim account of Monica's condition."This is really distressing news. What about the baby then?" Andrew's voice was filled with grief and concern.He felt a deep sorrow for the unborn baby, knowing the pain of losing a mother. Although he was five when he lost his own mother, the thought of Monica's child becoming an orphan so soon after entering the world was heartbreakingly tragic."Th
Andrew, in a sharp and unforgiving tone, said, "Your hidden daughter, sheltered by your sister to keep your secret safe, It's no wonder you've shown Monica favoritism. She's your own flesh and blood, leaving Alice in the shadows."From the moment Alice let slip her family's tale in a drunken haze back in London, Andrew couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it. This suspicion led him to instruct Vicky to unearth the whole truth, and the revelation about Barney was nothing short of shocking.Despite Sophie's attempts at blackmail, he knew he had to make a stand to safeguard it. If not, Alice's reputation could have been irreparably tarnished.Barney was astounded beyond words. The thought never crossed his mind that the secret he had hidden for so long would come to light in front of his son-in-law.His face went ashen as he posed the question in a shaky voice, "Did you confide in Alice about this?"If she becomes aware, it could signify the closing of the door on any chance
With a graceful gesture, Andrew invited Alice onto his opulent yacht, and their eyes met in astonishment at what lay before them.'I entrusted Vicky with prepping the yacht for the evening, and to my surprise, that troublemaker decked it out for a romantic and cozy rendezvous.'Andrew quietly swore at Vicky upon seeing the yacht adorned with opulent arrangements of fresh flowers. Cascades of roses, peonies, and orchids are nestled in crystal vases, their fragrance mingling with the salty sea air. Petals are scattered artfully all over, adding a touch of beauty."This is yours?" Alice questioned, awe evident in her eyes as she admired the lavish yacht.Would you like a tour of the yacht?" Andrew asked, his lips forming a warm smile.Though Alice found it enchanting, Andrew was still taken aback by the decoration, meticulously taking in every detail.The yacht is adorned with elegant ivory curtains that hang delicately, catching the sea breeze. It offered both privacy and a gentle, warm