June 11, 2024. Chapter 1-2.
"My Dad wasn't always around. I told you that already," Adrian said. "The company came first before me and my mom. Even with my grandfather's scolding, my father was addicted to work and the success that came out of it: the money, the lifestyle, and the connections he made.""As I grew up, my father's absence became a norm," Adrian reflected. "I became accustomed to it, almost like it was a part of our family dynamic. Of course, I was occasionally spiteful about it, but mostly, it left a void in my heart that I couldn't quite fill.""I'd purposely offend him, saying things like, of course, you are not going. Why did I even ask? Right, you're married to your job," Adrian simulated the words he used to say to Anthony."Everything changed when Mom got sick," Adrian described, his voice trembling with the weight of the memory. "I was in high school, leading a sports camp in Dowel. I was the basketball captain, and Mom attended the final competition. She got sick after that. She thought she
"This is the share certificate, and this is a copy of Miss Allen's identification and portfolio," Clint said while passing documents to the chairman of the board, Anthony King. The same set of documents was then passed to the rest of the shareholders and the executives. "In 20XX, the National Jewelry Awards awarded Miss Allen the best newcomer jewelry designer," Clint proudly presented. "She used to be the jewelry designer at Brey Jewelry & Apparel Co.-""Brey? I have a few pieces from Brey Jewelry," one lady said with an exquisite look. She showed Riley her diamond bangle and said, "This is one of my favorite pieces."Riley smiled back at the lady and said, "Yes, I designed that, but my work with Brey is done, and I'm starting a new jewelry company with Adrian."The lady's mouth rounded. She exclaimed, "Oh! No wonder I did not like the new designs at Brey. I was checking their website but could not decide to buy anything.""Riley, this is Haley Johnson. She is one of our company sha
"Let's face it. You haven't been a father to me for a very long time," Adrian said through gritted teeth. "You -" Anthony was clearly about to explode, but surprisingly, he held back and instead raised, "And what about the shares? Were those Mister Pie's shares?""Mister Pie had long sold his shares to me. I decided to name it under Riley," Adrian said. "She had no idea about this."Adrian turned to Riley, saying, "This was my advance wedding gift to her.""But why are you giving her company shares?" Anthony questioned. "Because she will soon be my wife, and I love her. I want her to be part of the company," Adrian answered. "But she knows nothing about our company," Anthony objected. "On the contrary, she does. I told her about the company, and she will learn more in the years to come as my wife. Why is this an issue? You gave Tonet and Fredrick shares of the company that easily, so why can't I give some to my fiance?" Adrian pointed out. "you are not yet even married!" Anthony b
"William, you need to leave," Claire said, holding her ground. "Is this how you repay me, Claire? After everything I've offered you?" William's voice cracked with emotional distress as he forcefully entered the villa. "Why, Claire? Why did you do this to me?"Claire was in a panic. She kept looking past the door and the villa's gate, worried if Brian would turn up. "You - you wouldn't leave your wife!" Claire snapped. "What was I supposed to do, William? Will I be your mistress forever?""Whose house is this?" William's voice filled with disbelief as he scanned the lavish furnishing around the villa. "Does your new man know about us? He must be someone much richer than me and maybe much older!""You are wrong, William! You are wrong! I'm with a better man. He loves me, and I love him too!" Claire kneeled on the floor, begging, "Please, leave me alone, William. Set me free. I am happy now."William nearly pulled his hair out of frustration. He took a full turn and screamed, "But you l
"What's going on with Riley, Brian?" Claire's voice was laced with concern, her eyes searching for answers. She and Brian were in the living room, talking. Brian took a deep breath. He looked sideways and then back again to Claire. In each second that passed, Claire understood that Brian was second-guessing their relationship. They had their first fight just over a week ago, thanks to her little party at the house. Back then, Brian was so mad. He made it a point to remind her that she had no right to invite people without permission. Only after their disagreement did Claire realize she had overstepped her boundaries. After all, Brian had not married her yet."There is a problem with the company, and I don't know if I can handle it without Riley," Brian said. "Our VIP clients are not ordering from our recent limited edition pieces. What if -""Brian, you are not thinking about getting back with Riley, are you?" Claire stood up and walked over to Brian's side. She embraced him and wep
"What?" Zia asked in shock. "Say that again.""We are getting married on Wednesday, and I'm inviting you to our engagement dinner tomorrow and our wedding," Riley repeated. Before heading home that night, Riley dropped by the hospital to check on her mother. At the same time, to formally invite Zia. Zia's mouth rounded. Then, she laughed excitedly and exclaimed, "I knew it! I knew it!"Riley was puzzled at Zia's reaction. Things only became clear to her when Zia finally voiced her inner thoughts, "I knew the Brazilian wax would work wonders, but damn! Marriage? That was still unexpected! I should get a man really quick, get eaten out, and get married ASAP.""Pffft!" Riley could not help but laugh hysterically. She said, "No, actually, it had nothing to do with me getting eaten out. We are in love!""Oh, come on!" Zia made a face that was so amusing that Riley kept on giggling. She said, "I bet it helped a lot. The boss was smitten over your taste!""Haha! I don't know what to do with
"What?" Tonet frowned. She looked around at the empty tables and chairs. "What's going on?""Where is everybody?" Fredrick asked, and even her friend, Lucy, expressed the same. "Tonet! Where have you been?" Anthony's voice cut through the silence on the right side of the ballroom. Tonet's eyes darted to the small gathering and identified Adrian, Riley, Abner, Clint, two board members, and a few unfamiliar faces. "I have been calling you!"Tonet's eyes landed on the used empty plates. When she realized the gathering was over, she asked furiously, "How can the dinner be over?""You were late, stepmother," Adrian curtly said from afar. Tonet knew they were late. That was the plan, but how could everyone be already gone? She expected to humiliate Riley in front of fifty guests, not a mere group of ten people!"The engagement dinner started at five in the afternoon. So, of course, the celebration is over!" Anthony pointed out. "Some guests were asking about your presence, and I said you w
When Anthony arrived with Abner at the engagement venue, he saw prominent figures, not just from Halliport but from other cities too. He had heard from Clint that such guests would be attending, but seeing it with his own eyes astonished him. At five-thirty in the afternoon, Adrian introduced Riley to each notable guest. Of course, Anthony and Abner followed to maintain the image of the Kings. In public events, they will always be united, regardless of their differences. "This is Mr. Cedric Ventura and his wife, Sienna," Adrian greeted the first table. "They are the founders of the Ventura Cancer Foundation of Shenmon City. They are also the owners of Ventura Mining Corp.""Mr. and Mrs. Ventura, this is my fiance, Riley." Adrian held Riley's hand before referring to him and Abner. He said, "And this is my father, Anthony, and my grandfather, Abner.""Riley!" Sienna Ventura, a woman in her mid-fifties, rose from her seat and hugged Riley. "I always love your jewelry pieces. I can't ge