ra

ng too much on what I just h

on's daughter passed by, accompanied by three children who dashed across the tiled

ncluded their game, leaving behind a trail of orange peels, biscuit wrap

Philip asked me to remind you about tonight's dinner at the Heritage Harvest Hotel. Don't forget!" With that f

nniversary with Philip, and I couldn't shake the thought

ay. Then, I spotted two trucks loaded with equipment not far off. Someone was moving into the villa

attention. There was no avoiding it; I had to tidy up before heading to th

*

ith nervous anticipation. Thirty minutes behind schedule, I had rushed to e

t?" I inquired of a passing staff member

here, ma'am!" she

spotting Philip and Megan outside the restaurant. Instinctively, I

glimpsed the night before. A mix of surprise and delight adorned Megan's features as sh

gers coiling tightly around my pounding heart. Waves of tremors convulsed throug

e wasn't me

this gat

for Megan

g weight of understanding that engulfed me. With a heavy, defeated ex

oping for? You've known all along that Ph

cult to draw in a breath. Sarah's presence loom

gh his half-sister Jane, who was my college classmate and closest friend. Jane, the produ

uently utilizing their mansion as a study spot and, adm

to marry Megan. However, fate intervened cruelly on their wedding day w

o now? It's embarrassing to have investors and Luminary Productions supporters waiti

! I can't face my business partners empty-handed

ently despite it being slightly open. Gathering my courage,

namored with Philip that I would sacrifice my youth for him. Becoming h

cate the boundless love swelling within me, growing more fervent with each passing day

versity kindly offered to me. I focused on Advanced Programming, keeping it a secret because I didn't want any trouble from M

chill seeping into my skin a

it was Jane calling. She is currently in London for training, while I remain in Highland Hills City

tears before answering wit

tie!

ry!" she cheerfully gree

aged, but tears we

ith her brother, yet Philip seemed oblivious to my absence at the

nthusiasm on the other end int

so I could hug you tightly," I said, my

u?" Jane's concer

eally? I am

ercome this challenge on my own, without worrying her abo

e," I repli

er soon! I have to go! I'm feeling sleepy. Enjoy

hand, I composed myself, fighting back the overwhelming tide of tears threatening to engulf me. The ominous sky above seemed to echo my turmo

e me, its door sliding open. I couldn't react fast

ked around at passing veh

smell invaded my nostrils, and my strength waned instantly.

f in the bed I shared with Philip besid

and recoiled. Fear and self-asses

aling Philip, still clad in the three-piece suit from the hotel

oice thundered, intensifying the di

unleashed a forceful punch. I screamed in terror as the man ha

the desire to hurt me, but he restrained h

me! I was kidnapped! I don't know wha

it! I've been telling you, Philip! That's why I've been coming to Serenity P

I interjected, my voice t

ed out some photos from her bag

ersation. He was his usual self, sporting his trademark hoodie jacket, while I wore a radiant smile in those snap

d on me as I recalled that the man I ha

And now, you've even brought them to your own room?"

accusations crashing upon me like waves against a rocky shore. Desperately, I foug