Mark was hurt and disappointed because his father had ignored him his entire life. He always knew that the favorite in the Emory family was the eldest son, Ayden. And why wouldn't he be? He was the son of the woman his father truly loved. Everyone knew that Gerard Emory had married Mark's mother only because she got pregnant; he didn't want to bring shame to his family and create a public scandal.Just as Gerard had once pressured Ayden for a child, Gerard's parents had pressured him to marry again. That's how he ended up marrying Mark's mother. She had been a woman of the night, that's how Gerard met her, in a nightclub, so to speak.While Gerard loved his children, his disdain for Mark had grown in recent years as he realized who his son really was and what he did behind closed doors. He couldn't say anything because exposing him would be a matter of public scandal, so he chose to remain silent. After all, the only one who had always seen the truth about Mark Emory had been Ayden hi

Chapter 64 ProposalBefore leaving the hotel, and once they are alone, they draw closer. Ayden had risen to buy her some flowers."It might sound redundant, but you look beautiful," Ayden remarks as he takes Arya's hand. "I hope you don't mind that I brought you flowers. I just wanted...""I love them," she says as she takes them and inhales their scent. "Their fragrance is intoxicating."Arya releases his hand for a moment to place the flowers on the dresser and fill a vase with water to put them in."There you go," Arya points out, leaving them in plain view for everyone in the room. "Thank you so much, they look lovely.""Don't thank me, it's just a gesture," Ayden offers his arm, and she takes it. "Let's go; everyone is waiting for us."Then, everyone leaves the hotel for a tour of the Mamanuca Islands, which can only be reached by boat, thus relieving the stress of transportation planning as everything is organized for them. After being picked up from the hotel on Denarau Island,

Sebas and Bea had been calling, asking what had happened and why they had suddenly left. Ayden had told them not to worry, that it was related to the investigation. Arya had been feeling isolated since the 24th when the detective called her. It was December 27th, and Ayden seemed evasive. Since they had arrived, he hadn't paid much attention to how she was feeling. The young doctor had reached an arrangement with her new boss, who would allow her to start working at the hospital next year. This allowed Arya to stay at home with her son and get to know him better while enjoying time with him. They had breakfast and lunch together. Sebas, Bea, Robin, and Daniel with his girlfriend would arrive in a few days, so Arya was determined to go home with Robin as soon as he arrived. Putting some distance between her and Ayden seemed like the best option for now, as Ayden was overwhelmed by the investigation. In the meantime, the handsome millionaire had sent for George. "Did you call me, Mr

"So you were the breadwinner for your family," Arya deduced from Olivia's response."Yes, that's right. I support my house, my husband, and my children," the woman expressed, feeling a bit embarrassed because the conversation was heading in a direction she didn't want. She didn't want them to get the wrong idea about her and her life.Arya responded with a simple surprised look and a slight "oh" as a brief comment. It wasn't because of a lack of interest; it was because Olivia's situation reminded her so much of her life five years ago."Okay, I have to go now. I'll be here tomorrow morning, and once again, thank you very much for the opportunity," she said excitedly, with a big smile on her face.Arya liked the energy and positivity that Olivia projected despite her problems. That's what she needed for her son, someone who radiated energy and good things."Thank you, too, for accepting the job. I know it might be a bit challenging, and it's not that my son is disobedient, but it's ju

It was the 6:00 AM alarm that woke her up. Quickly, she took a shower and got ready for her long day. When she was about to leave, Robin woke up."Hey, good morning!" he greeted sleepily. "I didn't know you were coming today. Did you finally set the alarm?"Arya looked at him confused. "I don't know what you mean, but I'll be staying here. It's late, I have to go. See you tonight."Arya grabbed her bag and left, leaving Robin very confused. "Yes, goodbye!" he called out so his friend could hear him.Arya stepped out onto the street and noticed one of Ayden's cars waiting for her."Good morning, Miss Harley," greeted the designated bodyguard, Harry Staton. "I'm Harry Staton, your new driver and assigned bodyguard."Arya felt her personal space being invaded, but with Gerard's death and the uncertainty about finding the culprit, none of them were sure."Pleased to meet you, Harry," she replied, shaking his hand. "Please, call me Arya."Harry, who couldn't be more than thirty-five, smile