As Marianne continued to grapple with her conflicted emotions, the days passed in a haze of awkwardness and tension. Each interaction with Felix was clouded by the memory of that stolen kiss, a kiss that seemed to have unraveled the carefully constructed walls she had built around her heart. "What's wrong with me? I shouldn't be thinking about him! I shouldn't be thinking about that kiss! What we have aren't real after all. You shouldn't be falling in love with a man like him, Marianne," Marianne scolded herself inside her room as she was looking at the mirror, fixing herself before she went out. Despite her internal struggles, Marianne couldn't escape the growing awareness that her feelings were slipping beyond the bounds of their contractual arrangement. The realization only intensified her frustration. She found herself torn between the rationality of their agreement and the undeniable emotions that had been stirred. As she went outside, Felix was there standing before her. "Ar
Amid the dimly lit ambiance of the bar, Ethel moved with practiced grace behind the counter, expertly mixing drinks for the lively crowd. The air was thick with the mingling scents of various spirits, laughter, and the distant beat of music. As the night unfolded, the bar became a sanctuary for those seeking a temporary escape from reality. In the midst of the energetic chatter and clinking glasses, the door swung open, and a figure stepped in from the cold night. The door chimed, announcing the entrance of a new customer. Ethel glanced up, momentarily diverting her attention from the cocktail shaker in her hands. Her eyes met those of a solitary man who seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. She narrowed her eyes as she remembered that man, it was the man who bumped at her; the rude man. The man, oblivious to the recognition in Ethel's eyes, scanned the bar before making his way to an empty stool. He took a seat, his gaze fixed on the assortment of liquor bottles
As Ethel walked down the dimly lit streets, her mind was filled with a mixture of thoughts about the night at the bar. Nate's unexpected intervention had left an impression on her, and she found herself pondering the intriguing turn of events. The chilly night air wrapped around her, and the distant city lights created a gentle glow. Ethel's steps echoed against the pavement as she replayed the night's encounters in her mind. She couldn't deny that Nate's actions had sparked a curiosity in her, a curiosity that went beyond their initial encounter. "That was the first time someone stepped into just to save me from a situation like that," she uttered to herself as she had a though life after losing her parents. She's all alone now, and working for survival. The smile slowly fades from her lips when she remember that she shouldn't be focusing on other things, but work. The following day, Ethel found herself back at the familiar setting of the bar. The lively atmosphere, the clinking o
"Felix?" "Yes, Father?" "Next week, you will be having your formal announcement for getting married with you wife, and... there are reporters, make sure not to get into trouble," his father uttered. "I know, father." In the dimly lit study of the Anderson residence, Eric leaned back in his leather chair, a sly grin playing on his lips as he and Charlotte hatched their sinister plan. The room was filled with the scent of aged mahogany and the soft glow of antique lamps, casting an eerie ambiance over the scene. "So, Charlotte," Eric said, his voice low and conspiratorial, "we need to play this smart. We can't leave any room for mistakes. Once Marianne is out of the picture, Felix will come running back to me for support, and that business will be mine again." Charlotte, dressed impeccably in a sharp suit that mirrored Eric's ruthless demeanor, nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Eric. We have to be strategic and discreet. We can't afford any slip-ups. What's our first move?" Eric
One month later... Everything went back to normal after what had happened. The chaotic events that had unfolded were now just a distant memory, fading like echoes in the wind. The company, once gripped by tension and fear, gradually resumed its usual rhythm. Felix had been announced as the official heir of the company, while Eric got his punishment for what he had done to the family's business and reputation. The crisp autumn air carried a sense of renewal as the town embraced the calm after the storm. Felix, now shouldering the responsibility of the family legacy, worked tirelessly to rebuild what had been tarnished. The townspeople watched with curiosity and respect as he navigated the challenges that came with his newfound role. Despite the trials, Felix managed to inject a fresh perspective into the company. He implemented ethical practices, fostering a more transparent and inclusive corporate culture. The employees, once skeptical, began to appreciate the positive changes. S
"Don't play with my emotions, Felix. I can't handle any more confusion and let's just stay what we really are."Felix noticed the change in Marianne's attitude after what had happened between. He knew that they're just doing business, but Marianne seems to develop some sort of real feelings towards him. As the day passed by, Marianne and Felix's relationship got even more apart. Marianne focused herself at work, to avoid any thoughts about Felix and her feelings. She always stay late, just to entertain herself with some other stuff that can make her feel fine. As she glanced at the clock, it was already pass 7 pm. The office was nearly deserted, with only the hum of the air conditioning and the distant sounds of the city filtering through the windows. Marianne sighed, realizing that she had been avoiding the inevitable confrontation with Felix. The unresolved tension between them hung in the air like an unspoken truth.Felix, on the other hand, sat at his desk, staring at the comput
The next morning, Marianne felt the heaviness on her head. She gently massages her head as she slowly got up from her bed. As the past events came back to her, her eyes widened, thinking about that night she shared with Felix. "Wait... was that real? Or a dream?" she asked herself, and then she looked at her body. She found that she was wearing another dress. Marianne's heart raced as she looked around the room, trying to piece together the events of the previous night. The familiar surroundings of her bedroom offered no immediate answers. She felt a mix of confusion and disbelief, wondering if what had transpired between her and Felix was indeed real or just a product of her imagination. As she was about to walked towards the door, the door creaked opened, and her eyes widened. "Oh my! You startled me," she uttered in shock. Felix, on the other hand, stared at her with confusion. "Are you okay? How are you feeling? You get drunk last night-" "I know," she cutted his sentence. "
The rhythmic sound of crashing waves provided a comforting backdrop as Marianne strolled along the shore, the golden hues of the sunset reflecting on the water. The beach held a special place in her heart, a sanctuary where the vastness of the ocean seemed to absorb her worries and grief. As Marianne walked, she couldn't help but recall the countless childhood memories spent with her father by the sea. He used to build sandcastles with her, teach her how to skip stones, and share stories of his own youth. The beach, once a place of joy, now held bittersweet nostalgia. With each step, Marianne felt a subtle transformation within. The gentle lapping of the waves and the distant calls of seagulls created a soothing melody, inviting her to let go of the pain that clung to her heart. She found a secluded spot and settled down on the warm sand, staring out into the horizon. A soft breeze carried the scent of saltwater, and Marianne closed her eyes, allowing herself to be enveloped by the