There is a need for endurance in bearing a knowledge of a thing that was supposed to be a secret. But while Essi has to wait for Oneil, she can't deny the pressure rising against her chest by noticing that it has been days since the last time that Onel told her that he would come to her. Back then, it was her subtle jealousy that made her impatient for his calls. But now, it is her worry for him. It feels like somewhere in the manor, Oneil was talking with the other Mercators, painstakingly making the best solution on how they should deal with the issue of the Doltos if worse case scenarios might come tapping the fragile popularity of the Mercator Group.She was staring at her phone, estimating when it would be the best time to call him again since he missed the first one for this day. She was holding back in trying to ensure that she was not disturbing him in her meeting. But is it a good choice to not insist?She glanced around and found Julia outside her office excitedly bringing a

How does it feel to have dinner with the potential in-laws? Back then, Oneil was confident. There was never an inch of thrill and trouble in his mind on how he should deal or interact with them. But now, he could feel his heart rival the milliseconds in beating. Cold wind was embracing his skin. For it seems like a first time to meet them with Essi. Indeed, he was only confident back then because of the arrangement. He knew that the Paulssons would receive him right away and his parents are his wingmen. But now, he got nothing. He cannot stick on the arranged marriage agreement as his sole basis to have a right on entering the chateau as Essi’s beloved. “Oneil?” Essi called him as she looked back. She smiled an ever gentle one. It soothed his nervousness. This scene has only made Oneil realize that if he had his confidence back then just because of the arrangement, this time, his confidence is Essi’s affection for him and his to her. This is stronger than the arrangement that can be

Dahlia just found out that Oneil went with Jacques to get Corrine. Today was supposed to be Jacques’ turn to deliver some bulk supplies of cotton tops to their partner merchant. Essi was also there to find a good present for her cousin who is graduating. Since Dahlia has an hour of break, she took it as a good time to talk with Essi. Essi lets her sit next to her as they have their coffee.“So Jacques went for her. Surely, Jacques still cares for Corrine,” Dahlia uttered with a bittersweet smile. “Corrine is his first love after all. He cannot quickly give up when he sees that Corrine needs his help.”Essi only stared at Dahlia, suddenly understanding that she must have cared for Jacques as well. She understands Jacques because that’s what she has been with Oneil. It was hard to let go because she refuses to do it. She keeps on believing that at some point, Oneil would look at her and hear her heart. The wishful thinking that Jacques must be having now is also of the same kind that k

Before the business of the Mercators and the Doltos, what else was Essi up to was to attend in the special call of Miss Mansha. Indeed, she found a friend with the royalty that Mansha even loved to call her personally. Mansha informed her that she is in her mansion in the outskirts of Bordeaux. Essi hurried to meet her without any one else by her side. When she arrived at the scene, Mansha greeted her hospitably.“Sit down my dear. How have you been?” Mansha asked as she took hers.“I’ve been doing well,” Essi smiled. “Really? Why does it feel like there is something great that happened to you?”Well, the last time that Essi met her personally, she wasn’t able to tell her about Oneil. But before she could begin talking about that, Mansha assured that she would not disturb a thing that she might have deemed private.Essi rather has a hint that Mansha must have done another background check of her. She could only hope that her friendship with Mansha is not ruined by that.“You know tha

Essi never meant to be harsh on Oneil by hook or by crook. So when the call ended last night with Oneil’s sheer hope that everything will be alright, she pushed herself on courageously facing her grandfather after the announcement that he already arrived at the chateau. She left her phone on her office desk and proceeded to greet him.Essi thought that Mr. Arlelle was alone or at least his company were just his guards. But he rather brought a guest that Essi cannot even recognize. Even Essi’s mom got astounded by the appearance of the man because he has a pleasant and respectable personality. Other lady cooks were squealing upon seeing his features. He looks both graceful and chivalrous. He is more stunning because of his beard shaping his face and his amber eyes shining in delight to Essi. He was also polite in greeting the Paulssons. He kissed the hand of Deleila as a greeting. But Essi didn’t like that kind of gesture so she immediately dug her hand into the pot of a snake plant an