David's lips inched closer to Rowan's, her heart fluttered with a mix of nervousness and longing. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for the touch she secretly craved, even though she knew deep down that David didn't love her.
Still, in her quiet submission, she hoped to win his affection, willing to endure the pain and humiliation that came with it.
Just as their lips were about to meet, a sudden buzzing from David's phone shattered the fragile moment. David's gaze fell upon the screen of the phone, revealing Flora's name as the caller. He removed his hand from the wall, leaving Rowan standing there, her desires unfulfilled.
David's lips formed a sly grin as he turned his gaze back to Rowan, finding her eyes still closed. She didn't want him to witness her desire for his kiss, afraid of the scorn he might cast upon her. With her eyes shut, she hoped that he would take the phone call as a chance to exit the room without catching her in such a vulnerable state.
"Did you think I would stoop so low as to kiss you?" he jeered, a touch of cruelty in his voice. Instantly Rowan's eyes widened, hurt and confusion flickering in her gaze. She struggled to find her voice, her heart sinking with each passing moment.
"I... I didn't expect..." she stammered, her words trailing off as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had dared to hope, to believe that maybe, just maybe, he would reciprocate her feelings.
David chuckled, the sound dripping with disdain. "Your face tells a different story. Your flushed cheeks and eager anticipation betray your desires," he remarked, relishing in her vulnerability.
His words pierced her heart like sharp daggers, and a pang of self-doubt washed over her. She felt foolish for allowing herself to hope, for believing that she could break through his cold exterior.
Just as the disappointment settled in, David's phone interrupted their interaction once again. He answered the call, his voice softening as he spoke and called Babe over the phone.
A blend of anger and hurt filled Rowan's eyes as she watched David engage in an intimate conversation with another woman. Knowing it was Flora made her feel even more vulnerable, as she had always been aware of their love for each other. Now, she felt like an intruder in their love life.
Frustration and anger surged through her, mingling with a sense of guilt that made her question her selfishness. Without uttering a word, she swiftly turned on her heels and exited the room, seeking refuge in a nearby chamber. She longed for a moment alone to gather herself, to protect her wounded heart.
After composing herself, Rowan returned to the parlor, her gaze focused and her resolve strengthened. As she approached her previous spot, David descended the stairs, a nonchalant expression on his face.
"You needn't wait for me tonight," he stated dismissively, his voice lacking any hint of remorse. The words struck her like a blow to the chest, stealing her breath away.
Confusion and concern furrowed her brow as she mustered the courage to speak. "But... where are you going? It's our wedding night," she questioned, hoping for a glimmer of reassurance.
David's face contorted with anger, his eyes ablaze with disdain. "Whether it's your wedding night or any night, you must never forget your position," he hissed, his words piercing her like a dagger. "You are nothing but a maid, someone who deceived and drugged me to satisfy your selfish desires. Don't you dare forget your place?."
Tears welled up in Rowan's eyes, her voice quivering with a blend of pain and determination. "I am more than just a maid," she whispered to herself as David forcefully shut the door behind him.
Her words held a resilience she never knew she had. "I may have yearned for love, for a deeper connection with you, but I possess a strength that surpasses your expectations. Your words will not shatter me."
Just then Rowan's phone vibrated in her hand, indicating an incoming call from Tessy. She quickly stifled a sob, not wanting Tessy to hear her crying. Tessy advised her to go through with the pregnancy alone, knowing the kind of person David was.
Despite Rowan's fears, she had assured her that she would be strong, reminding her of the financial burden she would face if she chose to raise the child with her mother's medical expenses. Rowan held onto the hope that within the two years of their agreed marriage contract, she would find a better opportunity for herself and her baby.
Through her trembling voice, she greeted Tessy, attempting to conceal her sadness. But Tessy's keen perception detected the tears welling up in her eyes.
"Are you alright? Are you crying?" Tessy inquired, prompting Rowan to swiftly adjust her tone to a more pleasant one.
"No, why did you call, Tessy?" Rowan feigned ignorance, pretending not to know.
Tessy refused to be deceived. "You shouldn't lie to me, even if you deceive others. I can discern the sound of your tears or laughter. Please, tell me what's troubling you," she insisted.
Rowan, who had been longing for this moment, could no longer hold back her tears. They cascaded down her cheeks uncontrollably.
"He went to meet Flora on our wedding night. He insulted me, accusing me of drugging him for my own selfish desires. He declared that he wouldn't be coming home tonight, on our wedding night..." Rowan's voice faltered, and she paused to clear her throat.
Aware of her misplaced emotions, Rowan acknowledged, "I know I shouldn't feel jealous or angry that he went to see her. I have no right to be jealous. I realize it's selfish of me to experience such emotions, but I can't control how I feel. It's painful to know that he will be with another woman on our wedding day," she admitted, her tears continuing to flow.
"I'm sorry, Rowan. I told you before that you love him, even when you denied it. That's why I didn't want you to marry him. He loves someone else..." Tessy began, but Rowan swiftly interrupted her.
Rowan's voice trembled with resignation. "I know, Tessy. I know I shouldn't feel like this about him. I guess I'm just as selfish as he always said I was."
Tessy's response came with determination. "No, Rowan. You're not selfish."
Rowan's voice grew firm. "I am, Tessy. Please don't try to make me feel better. I know it deep inside."
Tessy refused to let her believe that. "You're not, Rowan. You're trapped in a situation beyond your control. And remember, you didn't drug David that night."
"That's why I called you. I asked my uncle, who is a doctor, for help. I explained everything to him. He said it's possible David was drugged with a substance that causes sexual arousal. He also mentioned that the sweat or clothes of someone who was drugged could be examined to confirm if they were indeed drugged. Since you mentioned that David didn't allow anyone to wash the clothes he wore that night and that you noticed a strange scent coming from his body inside the bag his girlfriend brought to the mansion the next day, I suspect something suspicious. I suggest you look for those clothes, and we can take them to my uncle for examination. Maybe finding the truth will give you both a chance to work things out for the sake of your child. I don't want him to resent his child because of you," Tessy revealed, causing Rowan's eyes to widen.
Rowan's voice shook with anticipation as she asked, "Are you sure, we can prove my innocence "
Tessy's response carried a glimmer of reassurance, "Yes."
A surge of hope swelled inside Rowan, and a hopeful smile adorned her face. She understood that there was a possibility to make David see her innocence, to dispel the accusations that had plagued their relationship. Without dwelling on Tessy's other words, Rowan said a quick goodnight, ending the call. With determination etched on her face, she entered David's bedroom, hoping to find the clothes he wore on that significant night.
Her heart raced with a mix of nerves and resolve as she carefully searched the wardrobe, her hands trembling slightly. Each item of clothing she examined held the potential to reveal the truth, to free her from the burden of false accusations. The room buzzed with tension, a silent struggle between her desperate need for vindication and the fear of what she might uncover.
Then, amidst the neatly hung shirts and folded trousers, she spotted it—a crumpled shirt tucked away behind the others. Holding her breath, she cautiously picked it up, feeling a rush of emotions flooding through her. This piece of clothing, once ordinary, now held the key to redeeming herself.
Tears filled her eyes as she held the shirt close, tightly pressed against her chest. The fabric stirred memories of a painful and uncertain night, but it also carried the possibility of clearing her name and rebuilding what had been shattered. At that moment, hope and determination mingled within her, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next day so she could seek out the truth.
David arrived at Flora's luxurious mansion, parking his car and making his way towards the entrance. He had been invited under the pretense that Flora was unwell, but as he stepped inside the room, he found her standing there, elegantly dressed in a transparent nightgown, radiating an unexpected vitality.A mixture of surprise and suspicion crossed David's face as he broke the silence. "Flora, did you trick me into coming here? You don't seem sick at all."Flora, her lips curved into a seductive smile, met his gaze. "What did you expect, darling?" Her voice dripped with intrigue.As Flora tapped her toes on the ground, she slowly closed the distance between them, wrapping her hand around his arm. Sensing her intentions, David managed to subtly evade her grasp, his eyes fixed on her. "Flora, I must return home. I came here because you said you needed me."A flicker of anger danced in Flora's eyes, and she turned, backing David, her voice tinged with disappointment. "So, you'd rather sp
Rowan stepped out of the cab in front of the restaurant and quickly paid the cab driver. She walked with purpose into the restaurant, her eyes scanning the restaurant for a suitable place to sit. Finding a spot near the edge, she settled down and took a moment to observe her surroundings.As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, an attentive server approached her with a warm smile. "Good evening, ma'am. Is there anything I can assist you with? Perhaps a drink or something to eat?" the server inquired.Rowan's throat felt parched, and she longed for a refreshing drink. She checked her purse and realized that she didn't have much money on her. She mustered a polite smile and replied, "Thank you for asking, but I'm actually waiting for someone. I might consider ordering something if the person arrives." She said politely wanting to discharge the server and at the same time, not wanting the server to make her leave since they won't allow you to sit inside the restaurant without buying, one
Flora angrily stepped out of her car, parked it in the assigned spot, and entered the house. The maids hurriedly came down to take the bags from her hands and greeted her, but she didn't bother to respond. The servants working in the mansion had learned to expect her mistreatment. They relied on her for their livelihood, so they had no choice but to endure her shortcomings. As Flora ascended the staircase, she wearily removed her high heels and slipped into the comforting embrace of her fluffy slippers. She entered her bedroom, intending to shed the burdens of the day, but her tranquility was abruptly interrupted by the buzzing of her phone. Curiosity mingled with trepidation as she glanced at the screen, hoping to confirm the caller's identity. To her dismay, it was her beloved father on the line. A surge of anxiety gripped her heart as she contemplated what her father might reveal. She dreaded the possibility that he had discovered the recent decline in their company's stock value
Rowan was left awestruck as she reconnected with her long-lost friend, Rolland. A mixture of nostalgia and delight washed over her, bringing a smile to her face as she reminisced about the incredible times they had shared together.Little did she imagine that Rolland had transformed into an extraordinary man, far surpassing her expectations. The memories of her once harbored aggression towards him now seemed trivial, and she couldn't help but marvel at the person he had become.Yet, amid the joyous reunion, Rowan found herself unable to fathom the motivations behind Flora's decision to administer sexual enhancement pills to David. A surge of anger welled up within her as she clenched her fist, remembering the humiliating incident when Flora carelessly spilled a drink on her. It was unjust that David had been mocking her because of his girlfriend's thoughtless actions, for which Rowan was blameless.As Rowan's imagination wandered, thoughts of Flora's words filled her mind. She wondere
Rowan remained rooted in place, her gaze scanning the area in search of a familiar face. Time seemed to stretch on endlessly, yet no one she knew came into view. She contemplated leaving, tempted to give up on her quest. However, the possibility of encountering David's assistant, with whom she had interacted before, kept her lingering. But she couldn't simply introduce herself as David's wife to the security personnel. The contract that bound them together prevented her from doing so. The memory of David's words from the day before their marriage resurfaced in her mind, his tone dripping with arrogance and pride. The rules are clear if you want to bear the title of Mrs. Donovan. Your way of life must be pure, without scandal. I don't want to hear about any involvement with another man during the two years you bear my surname. You are not allowed to befriend any man, and you must keep your identity as Mrs. Donovan hidden until we divorce." Rowan couldn't help but pout as she reflecte
David had never wanted to see Rowan again, but circumstances forced his hand. He had no choice but to witness the chaotic scene she was causing. Although he couldn't explain why, he felt a surge of irritation when he saw the security guards dragging her forcefully. Their tight grip on her hand seemed to intensify his displeasure. Adding to his frustration, his staff members glared at her with disdain."Stop pushing her around. Let her come in," David snapped at the security guards, his outburst catching him off guard.A wave of embarrassment washed over him, while Flora, who was nearby, was shocked to hear David standing up for Rowan. Instantly, anger ignited in Flora's heart as she realized her friend's advice about the danger of allowing her partner to be involved with another woman for two years.David sighed as he observed the expression on Flora's face. Without a word spoken, he understood the meaning behind her look, but he felt the need to address his mistake before anything el
After hours of darkness, Rowan slowly opened her eyes, only to be confronted by the suffocating void of the dimly lit room.Her legs were tightly bound to the bed, leaving her feeling powerless and trapped. Panic surged within her, prompting her to scream for help, tears cascading down her cheeks. The weight of her mother's deteriorating health in the hospital hung heavily on her heart, intensifying her desperation.Her hand traveled down to her stomach and the tears flowed down the more hoping that her baby won't be in danger, now she was scared and afraid of who might have kidnapped her here.Rowan's anguished cries echoed through the room, reaching the ears of two men who swiftly unlocked the door to her prison. The heavy footsteps of the intruders reverberated, sending shivers down her spine. Fear gripped her, but she refused to let it consume her. She knew the lives of her unborn child and her dying mother were at stake, urging her to gather whatever courage she could muster.Con
David sat inside the car, engrossed in reading a newspaper article. The quiet hum of the engine and the rhythm of the passing traffic filled the atmosphere. At that moment, he looked up from the paper and turned to his Personal assistant, Richard, who was driving."Richard, did you send out those proposals to the company?" David inquired, his eyes searching for confirmation.Richard nodded and replied, "Yes, sir. I submitted them earlier today as you requested."A brief silence fell between them before Richard spoke again, breaking the stillness. "Sir, may I confirm if you still want me to drive you to Miss Flora's house?" he asked cautiously.David glanced at Richard, contemplating his response. After a moment's pause, he replied, "Yes, I still want to go. It's important."Richard hesitated, gathering his thoughts. "Sir, I understand your intentions, but perhaps it would be better if you stayed with your wife at home. She's going through a difficult time with someone close to her adm