"Everyone sounded remorseful and angry about it except for Ian!" James slides his car keys into his pocket and heads toward his apartment. Damien, on the other side of the phone, takes a deep breath. "It’s fine. He’s always been sensitive about this. We all just needed a scapegoat for our hatred and frustration," he replies in a deep tone. "Where’s your flight?" James asks as he enters his apartment. "This evening. Carol is returning from Miami this morning." Damien grabs a towel and strides into the bathroom. The sun has yet to rise, and he couldn't sleep well last night. "Is everything going alright?" James asks while opening the refrigerator. Carol has been handling all the honeymoon plans, so James has no idea what she’s organized. Usually, Damien relies on him to handle tasks like booking rooms or arranging visas. "Yes… she’s acting normal," Damien replies while running the shower and checking the water temperature. "I’ll call you later." "Okay." Placing the phone o
**How did it happen? Damien said you were already getting treatment?** Carol hands Lucy a glass of water before sitting in the chair. Lucy is already crying. **It’s my fault. I became greedy. I became reckless once I learned that Damien married you!** Carol’s eyes widen in surprise, but she remains silent. She had thought Lucy returned because she was getting better. **Now, I think what I did has caused me a great loss. I came back here as a spy for Mrs. Crawley. Damien knows it, too!** Carol freezes, her shock apparent. **What do you mean?** she asks, a knot forming in her stomach. **Damien allowed me to return because of his mother’s death. Do you remember when he left for a week and came back with me?** Carol nods slowly. **His mother was found dead. But Damien and everyone knew she was murdered. He hated her, but she reminded him of someone he used to adore.** Carol’s expression shifts from shock to calm curiosity. She has no idea what Lucy is talking about
Next Day,As soon as the sun rises, they head directly to City X for hiking and skydiving. With such an eventful day planned, neither of them wants to waste time lounging around. Damien is especially excited for the plans ahead. He surprises Carol with a cozy bed and breakfast, a warm shower together, and even helps her dry her hair afterward. He carefully combs her hair, watches as she applies her makeup, and even learns a few techniques to assist her in the future. Carol, proud of her attentive husband and his quick learning, allows him to choose her lipstick color and dress. However, the lipstick doesn't last long—someone couldn't resist her lips and wiped away the last trace. ---Carol and Damien are now hiking with a group of people who will also be joining them for skydiving. The group includes individuals from different countries, but due to her disability, Carol struggles to make friends. Thankfully, Damien acts as her interpreter, helping the group understand her sign lan
People deal with different challenges in different ways. Some take immediate responsibility for their mistakes, feel remorse, and attempt to fix things. Others, stubborn and unwilling to acknowledge their faults, remain unbothered and expect others to simply move on. Watching the clients terminate contracts one after another, Diego Granger does nothing but sit silently in the chair of the Chairperson. His calm expression fails to mask the anxiety and fear of going bankrupt within weeks. Until now, he has managed to keep the company afloat. But the current situation offers no reprieve. Even old friends, for whom he has been there during their lowest moments, stop communicating with him. It feels as if the page has turned with no hope left. They have forgotten everything he has done for them. “Sir! Ten of our employees resign since we couldn’t pay their salaries for the last three months,” Diego’s assistant says calmly, placing a stack of resignation letters on the desk. Diego’s u
**How do I look?** Carol signs, spinning around in a bikini in front of Damien who is sitting on the couch. Her pale skin glows brightly under the light. Damien's fingers curl into a tight fist, conflicted about his feelings. He wants to tell her to change because he doesn’t want her to go out in that, but he fears he’ll sound controlling.His eyebrows arch with a guilty thought. He doesn’t want to become the kind of man who cages her like a wingless bird.What he doesn’t realize is that, even without him saying anything, Carol can read his expression perfectly. She silently grabs another bikini and walks into the changing room.When she returns, she’s wearing a less revealing bikini. She walks towards him as he clenches his jaw and raises his chin. **Your eyes should be on me. Why are you staring at the ground?**Damien’s attention shifts to her new bikini—a blue swimsuit with a fluffy skirt.He realizes his silence must have made her feel bad. Standing up, he signs, **I’m sorry. I d
" Sis!" Alex knocks lightly on Brianna's door before entering the room. Brianna, who has been visiting her parents' house very often after Carol's stepdad ran away with the money, looks up at Alex, who is standing there with a helpless expression. "Aunt Carla is forcing Dad to take her in. Otherwise, she says she’ll let her kids go to foster care facilities!" Brianna sends her files to the HR department of her company and shuts her laptop. "She’s seriously doing that?" She clenches her jaw and looks at Alex. "Where is Dad?" "In the living room. Mom is begging him not to move them in. It’s already bad enough that Sam moved back in after being kicked out of his apartment. Now his kids are staying in my studio!" "Those pathetic losers! It’s all my parents’ fault—enabling their golden child, and now he doesn’t even have a job to support his own family. All pathetic!" "Young lady! What are you saying?" Brianna’s mother storms inside with one of her nephews and yells at her.
"Hand it over!" Brianna demands, her face tense as she thrusts her hand out toward her father, who is poised to leave the house.Her father's face pales at her directness, but he feigns innocence. "What are you talking about, Brianna? I told you before, we don’t need your money."Brianna rolls her eyes, her tone sharp. "Cut the act, Dad. We know you took Alex’s card!" She crosses her arms, her frustration evident. While she’s put up with their entitlement toward her and her finances, she refuses to let Alex’s future be jeopardized by their selfishness.Her mother, stepping into the room and adjusting her coat, frowns. "What’s with that tone, Brianna? You’ve been so rude to us lately."Brianna glares at her father. "I can’t help it. Stealing isn’t something I tolerate." Her voice cold and indifferent.Her father’s face flushes red, and he glares back, but says nothing."Who’s stealing now? Are you just trying to start another drama?" her mother snaps.Ignoring her mother, Brianna steps
Mrs. Crawley adjusts her pearl necklace and leans closer to the mirror, giving herself a final glance before heading out. She has a movie date with her friends this afternoon, and, as always, she makes sure to flaunt her wealth. She wears her best outfit, a striking pearl necklace, and matching pearl earrings. Satisfied with her appearance, a small smile plays on her lips as she stands. However, her attention shifts to the reflection of her butler standing silently behind her. “Do you have something to say?” she asks, her tone calm as she adjusts her bangs in the mirror. The butler steps forward slightly and replies, his voice steady. “Master Damien has been away from the company for a week. He plans to return next week.” “Away from the company?” Mrs. Crawley turns to face him, her brows furrowing in thought. “Does your master know?” “I believe so,” the butler answers. A sly smile spreads across Mrs. Crawley’s face as she grabs her phone. “Is Harris home?” she asks while t
The culprit was caught soon. In the meantime, the closeness had turned into a strong friendship. Right now, it's Damien's 27th birthday party. Everyone is enjoying themselves. A few clients have attended the party, unaware that the Crawley family has grown close to the Martinez family. While everyone enjoys the evening, Carol is chatting with her friends, telling them about a new friend she made, when the door swings open, pushed by two security guards. "Carol!" Millie practically runs toward her, ignoring everyone in the room. She hugs Carol tightly and gives her a few kisses on the face. "I missed you." Eunice looks upset but curious about this woman. Like Carol, Millie avoids social media and reporters, so people don’t know who Mrs. Martinez is. "Who is that?" Katie asks. "Must be the new friend she’s been talking about all morning!" Sarah chuckles. Carol takes a deep breath and looks at her friends. "She’s my daughter-in-law!" Her friends stare at her in stunned
Who knew one incident could change so much in life? For Damien Crawley, that moment arrives as he leans against the doorframe, watching his wife, Carol, chatting away on FaceTime with none other than Millie Martinez. Millie, wife of Paul Martinez—Damien’s business rival—speaks animatedly, her laughter filling the room. Carol protected their son, Julian, five days ago, and since then, both of them have been talking about everything in their lives. While Martinez is still trying to get on his nerves, here his wife is having such a sweet friendship with the rival's wife. Damien isn’t particularly annoyed but can’t help wondering why Carol is friends with her. He crosses his arms and clears his throat, but Carol barely glances at him before turning back to her phone. “It’ll be close-knit,” Carol says, her tone cheerful as she discusses Damien’s upcoming birthday party. “Your family, my friends, and a few of Damien’s friends. It’s small, so don’t worry about bringing too many peopl
Damien sprints into the hospital lobby, his heart pounding harder than it had during his last board meeting. His tie is loose, and he’s slightly out of breath. He scans the room like a hawk, his sharp gaze landing on Carol seated in a corner with a blonde-haired toddler in her arms. “Carol!” His voice echoes, startling a nurse nearby. He strides over, his face etched with worry. " Are you okay? What happened? Where is Aria?" Carol looks up, startled, and immediately begins signing with her hands: **Calm down, everything is okay.**Damien freezes, confusion replacing his panic. “Why are you signing? You’re not even anxious enough to forget how to speak!” He narrows his eyes at her, crossing his arms. “What did you do this time?” Caught, Carol stops mid-sign and bites her lip, her cheeks turning pink. “Fine,” she mutters aloud, glancing at the boy in her lap. “It’s not exactly what you think. I saved a kid.” Damien blinks, leaning forward. “A kid?” His voice rises an octave. “Wha
"Are you free? I bought something for my baby!" Carol hops into the car, heading to the company to spend the evening with Damien."What did you buy this time? I told you to stop wasting money on things that won’t be useful!" she says, signaling Kiel, the chauffeur, to drive."It’s not something wasteful. I’m heading back home tomorrow. Let’s meet tomorrow evening!" Eunice responds."Fine. Be careful on your way home.""Okay, New Mama! I have to attend one last meeting before heading to the airport. Bye, and take care!"Eunice hangs up. Carol adjusts Aria’s seat and looks at Kiel, who is fiddling with the car’s temperature controls."Can you stop by and get three cups of coffee?" she asks, placing the lunchbox she prepared for Damien beside her."Okay, Carol," Kiel replies, driving on. On the way, Carol plays with Aria, who is holding her hand. Her daughter is growing up so well. She feels nothing but gratitude.While Carol is busy, Kiel glances at her through the rearview mirror.
It was as if she needed that time—to enjoy herself and reflect on everything. Suddenly becoming a mother while grappling with mental distress from all that had been happening around her wasn’t easy, no matter how strong she was. Physically, she was fine, but mentally, she wasn’t. Right now, Carol takes a glance at her reflection. Two weeks ago, Damien took her out for a dinner date to celebrate their first anniversary. Within a year, her entire life had changed. She was a mother now, free from toxicity and anyone who could drag her down. The silk dress she wears looks stunning, complementing her beautifully. She grins playfully before walking into her closet and selecting a dress for Aria as well. Today, they’ll wear matching outfits. Damien has been doing everything he can to make things easier for her, helping her heal as quickly as possible. She has stopped overthinking every little thing and is finally allowing herself to embrace her new role. After all, no matter what, she is
It feels like the strength she once had has been drained by something unseen. The motivation to move, to do anything beyond taking care of her daughter, has vanished. She looks around—lethargic and in pain. Fear, insecurities, and low self-esteem weigh on her as she keeps wondering: *Am I neglecting my daughter?* But then she realizes she’s lying in bed, her daughter nestled beside her. Across the bed, her husband is staring at her, his eyes warm and patient. She immediately sits up. “Good morning, love,” Damien greets her softly, a gentle smile on his face. Her gaze shifts to him. “Good morning. When did you bring her here? Sorry, I forgot to feed her again!” “No worries,” he says, sitting up and moving closer. “Let me tie your hair,” he adds, reaching for her. He can smell her unwashed hair, but he doesn’t care. “I’m alright,” she protests, trying to stop him as her tank top slips off her shoulder. “I know,” he replies, extending his hands to gather her hair. “Thank you,
The next day, Eunice and the others welcomed Carol and Aria with a graceful grand welcome party. From cake to sushi, to a presentation on how Damien should change diapers and how Carol should enjoy her maternity leave, everything was thoughtfully planned. Damien, without any arguments, gladly took on his responsibilities as a new father and supportive husband. The day ended with happiness and laughter, as the boys in the house promised to take care of their "madam" and the little miss of the house. After everyone left, it became a bit complicated for Carol and Damien to adjust to the new changes. Aria is a quiet girl. She only cries when she is hungry or in an emergency. Otherwise, she sleeps most of the time. Thankfully, all her medical reports came back normal. However, the situation with Carol is more complicated. Although she was initially fine with nurses helping her with medication and other tasks, she has started feeling feverish and deprived. She has booked therapy ses
“Damien,” Eunice says, her tone teasing, “are you changing diapers yet?” He grins. “I’ve changed exactly three so far. Carol’s doing most of the heavy lifting.” “Typical,” Katie says, rolling her eyes dramatically. Carol chuckles. “Hey, he’s learning. It’s kind of cute watching him try to figure out which side of the diaper goes where. But I am doing nothing. In his absence, It's the nurse who is doing everything. I am just enjoying a vacation with a back pain!” She lazily shrugs. The room erupts in laughter, even Damien joining in. Grace picks up one of the cookies, nibbling thoughtfully. “So, have you decided on a middle name yet? Or is it just Aria Crawley for now?” Carol exchanges a glance with Damien. ” No! We got one... Celeste. Aria Celeste Crawley!" Katie leans forward, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “How about Aria Cookie Crawley? In honor of these amazing snacks.” Carol laughs so hard she winces. “Oh, no, don’t make me laugh. It hurts!” “Sorry!” Ka
Damien steps out of Carol's favorite bakery with a box of freshly baked cake in his hands, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The cake, a delicate creation adorned with soft pastel frosting, is for Carol. It’s a small celebration, a way to mark another milestone in their journey. He can do anything but refuses to fulfill her smallest wishes. As he walks down the bustling sidewalk to his car, his thoughts are focused on Carol, Aria and their new life together. But then something catches his eye as he passes a small boutique window. Red shoes. Tiny red shoes, perched on a shelf in the display. His heart skips a beat as he stops in his tracks, staring at them. They’re the most adorable thing he’s ever seen. He steps closer, peering through the glass. The shoes are small, far too small for Aria’s little feet at this moment, but something about them pulls at him. They’re bright red, soft leather, with tiny laces tied in a neat bow. Despite knowing they’ll likely be t