Ch. 396..400: Charmed by the Billionaire CEO Chapter 396-400

Chapter 396: Lovers apart

Another day passed and Karl was finally discharged from the hospital. Though he was fine physically, emotionally he was worn out.

That day when Grace visited him, he didn’t know how he was supposed to explain himself to her.

She was aware of the things that happened between him and Gwen, yet she was there to listen to his side story.

In the beginning, he felt a little obliged to open up as he couldn’t remember anything but then he dropped all his worries and decided to start from the start.

The entire time she kept listening to him without uttering a word and by the time he was done, there was an unexplainable reaction on her face.

"You know what kind of mess you have got yourself into" her words ranged in his mind and he snapped out of his thoughts.

Standing inside the empty bedroom Karl recalled his moment with Gwen and suddenly felt an excruciating pain surge into his heart.

"You need to get yourself together Karl. You can’t fall weak" he told himself.

Grace never blamed him for what he did with Gwen. All she asked was for him to trust himself.

He couldn’t understand the meaning behind those words but one thing he was sure of was he couldn’t ignore Gwen.

He made a mistake by breaking her heart and he will apologize to her. It would be her decision after all she wants to forgive him or not.

With this thought, he fetched his car’s key and walked out of the house.

Reaching Skylar Corps, he made his way toward his cabin and entered but his heart sank when he didn’t find Gwen’s desk anywhere near his.

Her things were missing from the cabin and that made him retreat his steps back. He was about to inquire about it to someone when he saw a few men carrying the desk to the other room.

It was then he saw Gwen who stepped out of the office. She instructed them something and turned around when she finally noticed him.

The moment their eyes met a sense of longing lingered through them but she quickly pulled back turning her eyes from him.

Karl felt his stomach churn as the ignorance stab his heart, but he pushed everything aside and approached her.

"Gwen..." a sense of yearning laced through his voice as he called the second he stood in front of her.

He wanted to hug her and beg for her forgiveness but the distance she tried to draw between them made him lose path.

"I don’t think I would be able to work with you in the same cabin. So I move in here" Gwen informed him about her decision ignoring the painful tone of his voice.

Karl had never felt so bad but the way she was being formal with him made him wonder if was there any way he could convince her.

"You should have told me. I would have moved to another cabin" he said.

Karl remembered the time she convince him to let her share the same cabin with him as she liked spending more time around him. He didn’t realize how much her presence gave him the kind of peace and happiness he always craved, but now he ruined everything between them.

"It’s fine. You don’t have to worry about it. I am fine with any room as long as you are not in front of me" Gwen mentioned putting on a straight face.

She didn’t want to be around him knowing how much he affected her. If they happened to share the same space she would always be remembered for his betrayal and she didn’t want to cry anymore.

Gwen’s words stab like a sharp knife into his heart. He wasn’t used to her indifference and now her cold words were hammering him.

Unable to handle her coldness, Karl forced a smile and silently bobbed his head. He couldn’t fathom the courage to speak to her when all she did was distance herself from him.

Turning around Karl walked away from there unknown of the pair of eyes that watched the duo silently from behind.

Linda smirked noticing the indifference between the love birds and stepped into her cabin.

Walking towards her desk, she pulled the chair for herself and settle down. Leaning behind she swirled the chair feeling a sense of victory.

Her lips curled up into a sinister smile recalling the painful look on both of their faces.

"Things have finally started to fall into my side. I just need to wait for a few more days before I explode another bomb on them" she muttered evilly looking through the glass wall as she watched Gwen shifting into a new cabin.

****

[ Max Place]

Feeling the soreness all over her body Tori stirred in her sleep slowly turning to the other side when she felt a kiss on her forehead and she slowly opened her eyes.

"Morning..." Max came to her view as she leisurely cleared her vision.

The moment their eyes met, Tori remembered the passionate night they share till dawn and soon blush crept down her cheeks. " Morning..." she answered and slowly tried to push herself up.

"Where are you going?" Max asked stopping her from leaving his side and again making her sleep next to him. This time he wrapped his arm around her waist a little firmly.

Tori stilled when she felt him bury his face into her neck. His lips brushed her skin as he asked," Just stay"

Tori didn’t know what was she supposed to do as everything was so new for her. Sweet, comforting talks weren’t something she was familiar with, but laying this way with him slowly calmed her.

"Okay," she said with her eyes looking above.

Silence engulfed the two as no one spoke a word and remained laying next to each other. It was after some time when Max finally broke the silence," Did I overdo it" he asked slowly craning his neck back.

Tori remained still as she didn’t dare to look at him. She didn’t want to admit but this morning’s look of his was turning her horny.

She remembered how unstoppable both were that even after she was sober, she wanted more of him. It was after ten rounds they finally stopped and decided to sleep.

Thankfully after round one Max remember to use a condom or else with this rate of sex she would’ve ended up conceiving.

She was too young for embracing motherhood but more than that she had things to do before she thinks about herself.

"No, you didn’t" She finally acknowledges his word and responded as she slowly turn to look at him.

"In fact you were lenient" she expressed letting out a smile.

Max was like an untamed beast but he was also considerate throughout the sex with her. He made sure his actions didn’t hurt her anyhow.

A sense of happiness passed through his eyes and he leaned forwards slowly pecking her lips.

"Thank you," he said pulling back.

Last night before sleeping Tori promised she would leave him and would stay with him. They both agreed on finding Sandra and make her confess the crimes she did.

Tori thought it was the only way to make her lessen the guilt she felt for the people Sandra had caused trouble too. She wanted to rectify the mistake she did by blaming them for something which wasn’t even true.

"Thank you too, for never leaving my side" Tori expressed her gratitude because now she understood why was he pushing her away and now she regretted saying so.

Max smiled brushing the tip of their nose together and pulled back. " I couldn’t bring myself to stay away from you either. You are like the air I breathe Tori. Your presence is my sanity, how could I stay away from you"

Though he was angry with her decision of leaving them but he couldn’t once stop thinking about her. Her thoughts carved into every nerve of his body and without her, he felt like an empty soul.

Tori was touched by his words and the next moment she wrapped her hand around his neck and pulled him for a long passionate kiss.

Kissing each other like there was no tomorrow, they finally pulled back.

"I love you so much Max" she confessed once again and those words hit like a cupid arrow in Max’s heart.

"I love you, Tori. Please never leave me" Max expressed his deepest fear. The thought of them parting break his heart and he didn’t want to go through the same phase.

"I won’t" came her quick response as she embraced him resting his head on her chest.

She will not leave him and it was a promise she made to herself and him.

While the couple was busy spending their private time, Tori’s phone began to ring.

Reaching her hand to the side table next to their bed, she picked up the phone. A deep crease marred her face staring at the number that flashed on the screen.

Without wasting another second she answered the call.

 

Chapter 397: Apologize for the trouble caused

The entire day went with Gwen avoiding Karl. She tried to keep the talk formal, limited to work, and then return to her normal self.

Linda was happy to see them act like strangers. Even now as soon as the meeting ended, Gwen walked out first without paying a glance at him, and that gave her a huge sense of relief.

As everyone vacated the place, she got up from her seat and approached Karl who was busy collecting his stuff, and called him out.

"Karl.."

Karl paused when he noticed her close to him and quickly took a step back. Even her closeness disgusted him, making him recall what happened between them.

Linda knitted her brow watching him behave indifferently, stepping back as if she was some kind of plague.

But then she quickly composed herself as she told herself it wasn’t time to get upset with him.

"I heard you weren’t feeling well and were also hospitalized," Linda asked.

The next day when she came to work and couldn’t find Karl anywhere she asked one of the staff. It was then she learned Karl had been hospitalized. No one knew the real reason except for her, but she sealed her mouth and acted surprised.

Karl finally looked in her direction and watched her concerned face. He didn’t want to associate with her in any way, but when he saw the genuineness in her eyes, he dropped his guard a little and bobbed his head.

"Was it because of me" Her next words made him look at her in shock.

"Karl, I know whatever happened between us was a mistake. You weren’t in your senses and I am ready to apologize but please Karl don’t hurt yourself because of me...The guilt of ruining such a beautiful relationship is already drowning me"

Linda began to cry her fake tears acting like she meant every word she said. If only he knew it was all an act.

Karl was shocked to see her cry and it somehow made him guilty. He knew it was her fault entirely because it was he who forced himself on her or that’s what she said to him.

He had no clue what was going on in his life anymore. That one dreadful night ended up ruing everything and he didn’t even know whom he was supposed to blame.

Heaving a sigh of defeat, Karl to a step closer to Linda and patted her shoulder. "It’s not your fault Linda. We both made mistakes, especially me. So don’t take the entire blame on yourself"

Karl felt like his heart was being ripped apart but the reality was drowning him deeper into the pool of regret. Only if he had not got drunk and stayed with Gwen, nothing would’ve happened.

While Karl was busy comforting Linda, suddenly the door of the meeting room flung open and Gwen walked in.

She came to take the file she left on the table but the scene she was welcomed with stopped her from taking another step.

Karl and Linda stood close to each other and just like that day, even now, Karl was comforting her.

Clenching her jaw she gulped the lump form in her throat as she watched them with cold eyes. She thought everyone might have left the room but she was wrong.

Glancing the two for some seconds she finally voiced out," Sorry to disturb you both. I came to get the file I left" Averting her eyes away from them Gwen walked towards the table and picked up the file and quickly turned to leave.

Karl who stood there stunned, snapped out of his trance.

Dropping his hand off Linda’s shoulder, he sprinted towards Gwen and quickly grabbed her arm stopping her from leaving.

"Gwen, it’s nothing that you think was going on..." Karl tried to explain but Gwen jerked off her hand indifferently.

Glancing at Linda she then turned her eyes to him and said," You don’t have to explain anything to me" The coldness in her voice broke Karl’s heart.

"We don’t owe each other anything" With that she glanced at him one last time before turning around and walking out from there.

Karl stood there like a broken person as he watched Gwen leave. His heart shattered with every word she spoke, but there was certainly someone who was happy with the view she witnessed.

Linda smiled watching the two. She could see how Gwen didn’t even give Karl the chance to speak and assumed everything on her own.

This behavior of Gwen was the only reason why she choose Karl to execute her plan and now she was happy with her decision.

****

Ashley reached the set and so did Riel. They had a scene to shoot together. Their previous shoot was postponed to the other day due to some change in the scene.

Even after getting thrown out by Ashley it didn’t stop Tristan from warning the writers and the director to change the love scenes between her and Gabriel.

After much brainstorming, the writers finally wrote the scenes keeping Tristan’s condition in mind and came up with a better love scene that eliminated every kissing scene between the couple.

While Ashley was going through her lines preparing for the scene Gabriel approached her.

After that day in the Brown house, Gabriel didn’t get the chance to apologize to Ashley for the trouble he cause her. He regretted not finding the entire truth and targeted her who was innocent all the time and had nothing to do with his revenge.

"Ahem... Hi" Standing next to her chair, Gabriel cleared his throat as he tried to grab her attention.

He was still ashamed to face her but knowing they had to work together as a couple for a film, he muster up the courage to talk with her.

Noticing someone’s presence next to her, Ashley raised her head and saw Gabriel standing there with a polite smile lingering on his face.

"Do you mind if we rehearse our dialogues beforehand?" Gabriel asked as he scratched the back of his head. He just wanted to start a conversation with her and dialogue practicing was the best way to talk with her.

Ashley wasn’t expecting Gabriel to approach her but now that he was standing in front of her she accepted his offer. "Sure" she answered plainly and he quickly took the chair next to her.

Gabriel wanted to forget his building feelings for Ashley knowing she was someone else wife. So he decided to act friendly around her.

Once again silence engulfed the two as Gabriel lack words to speak when Ashley asked," Is there anything you want to talk about, Riel.." she purposely used his stage name knowing how he had concealed his real identity from everyone.

Something are better concealed, she thought.

Gabriel gape at her surprisingly and watched her look at him. He opened his mouth to speak but words didn’t seem to come out. He didn’t know how was he supposed to apologize to her, knowing how awkward he felt around her.

"I... I wanted to apologize to you" he finally confessed and watch her frown.

"Apologize!... for what!" Ashley didn’t know what he was talking about, but the way he appeared all restless made her want to listen him.

Gabriel pursed his lips as he lowered his head. He was guilty for his actions towards her, so he mustered up the courage and dropped the awkwardness and confessed.

"For hurting you" he confessed.

"Huh!" Ariana was shocked by his words looked at him with utter disbelief.

’So this is what he wanted to apologize for, but... wasn’t he forgiven already’

When he sensed she didn’t speak a word he continued," I know you and Tristan have forgiven me but still I want to apologize, Please forgive me for all the troubles I cause you and the people around you"

Riel was genuinely seeking her apology, knowing how far he went to hurt her. He didn’t even spare her father and now the guilt of causing trouble to the old man widen the void in his heart.

He had developed feeling for Ashley knowing she already had someone who loved her dearly, but now the feeling were gone to far. He knew since the beginning it would be an unrequited one still he opened up his heart again but for the wrong women.

And now he wanted to keep this liking to himself, maintaining a pure friendship. He knew it was hard but he would never let anyone know this, especially Ashley.

Some feelings are better to be buried deep in your heart without expressing them.

Ashley remained silent and let him speak. She could sense the remorse he felt with every word he spoke and that somewhat changed her view towards him.

’He isn’t someone he appears to be. Humanity still exist within him’

A smile crept on her lips as she listened his genuine words and she forgot everything that had happened back then.

"I forgive you" came her quickly response that startled Riel for a few seconds but then he noticed the sincerity in her eyes and all the heaviness within his heart clamed down.

"Thank you" he said returning the smile and just like that the awkwardness between the two lessened.

Chapter 398: Eager to be a mother

Alice walked out of the studio and was heading toward her car when she sensed someone was watching her.

Her footsteps halted midway and she looked around but found no one. A deep crease formed between her brow as she got confused about how there wasn’t anyone when she could feel that someone was watching her.

Heaving out a deep breath she shoved away that nasty feeling and reached towards her car.

She was about to unlock the door when someone wrapped her eyes and she yelled.

"Hey!..." Alice almost screamed but then she heard someone whisper.

"Don’t move and just follow my lead" the familiar voice calmed her wrecking nerves and she instantly relaxed.

"Noah" she called the name of the person who wrapped his hands around her waist, snuggling his face into the crock of her neck.

"Sorry for scaring you, but I have a surprise waiting for you" she heard him say and a smile crept on her lips as she leaned back resting her head on his shoulder.

"And what is it?" she asked turning her head to her side facing him.

Though she couldn’t see him, she could sense his face closer to her and that was enough to lean forward and kiss him before pulling back.

Noah smiled at her cute gesture and said," For that, you have to come with me and you can’t remove this from your eyes" he said tracing the black cloth on her eyes.

Alice smiled bobbing her head like an obedient child and soon the couple left from there.

Throughout the drive, Alice kept asking him about where they were going but Noah only asked her to be patient as they will soon reach the destination.

Soon their drive came to an end and their car stopped. "Are we there?" she asked.

"Yes" saying, Noah step out of the car and walking to the other side, he opened the door for her.

Alice excitedly climbed out and soon she was guided by Noah somewhere. She didn’t know where he was talking to her but after a few minutes of walking, they finally stopped.

She felt Noah stand behind her as he slowly loosened the knot of the cloth as it fell down and she heard him say," Now open your eyes"

Alice did as he said and slowly opened her eyes only to find her in new surroundings.

She was still grasping where she was when she felt his arms around her waist from behind as he rested his chin on her shoulder and said.

"Welcome to our new house" A moment of realization hit Alice and she gasped turning around, staring at him in shock.

Noah smiled before he pecked her lips and made her turn around showing her their new mansion.

It was always his plan to shift into a mansion, a house they would call their home, spend their time together, make love, and start a family but it took him a while to take a decision.

Thankfully with how the events took place in their lives, Noah purchased a house and started renovating it soon after they got married.

He waited for the right time to bring her here and now that he finally got her, he couldn’t wait for them to finally move into their new house.

Alice looked around the spacious mansion and smiled happily.

"When did you purchase it and why wasn’t I informed," Alice asked.

Walking around she looked at the interior. It was designed the way she liked simple yet attractive.

"After our marriage. I wanted to bring you here as soon as possible but couldn’t knowing how we were monitored" Noah walked to her and stood by her side.

"Did you like it?" he asked and watched her bob her head like a kid.

"I love it," she said with a smile as she turned to look at him and saw him already staring at her intensely.

Alice’s smile faltered and she gulped the lump formed in her throat due to his intensifying gaze. She knew where this situation was heading, so she quickly looked around.

"Should we look around the house?" feeling her cheeks burn at his scrutinizing stare she came up with an idea to distract him.

Noah watched her avoid him but that didn’t stop him from thinking what he was going to do.

"Yes, why not. But first, let me show you our bedroom" he said with his lips curling into a mischievous smile, and the next moment Alice was picked up.

"Ah... Noah... let me down. I can walk myself" Alice was caught off guard by the sudden lift but her husband just ignored her words and carried her upstairs towards their bedroom.

While the couple was busy touring the house, there was a certain someone who had been following them secretly.

Outside the gate of the mansion, across the street, Dylan stood behind the tree with his eyes fixated on the house.

He wore a black cap and a mask hiding his identity as he kept stalking the couple the moment he returned.

Lucas assured him, he to handle everything but in return, he had to obey him, seeking revenge on the people who trapped his daughter.

Dylan had nothing to lose, everything he had was gone and now he was hiding for his life.

"Enjoy your happy days Alice, but soon you both will suffer," Dylan said as his eyes turned dark.

Standing there for some time he finally walked away, but he promised to remember this path, now that he would often visit here.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Noah brought Alice to their room and shut the door behind him.

Walking towards the bed, he made her sit. "Don’t tell me you brought me here for this" Alice’s eyes grew larger when she saw him undress.

"Or else, what did you think I carried you here personally" Tossing his suit aside, he then hovered over her and watched her fall with her back hitting the surface of their soft bed.

"B-but we haven’t seen the house yet" Alice tried to speak hoping he would change his mind, but everything was futile as he sealed her lips shutting her from taking a word.

It had been a month since the Natalie incident happened. They had been living their married life, spending time with each other, making love but still Alice thought something was missing.

They had been indulging in sexual activities way before their marriage, yet she found herself empty.

Alice remembered Noah never once used any protection only for one time when they first hand their fight. It was makeup sex and Noah didn’t want to hurt her, but after that, he never used it again.

They have been raw the entire time, yet she wasn’t conceiving, and that made her wonder if she was lacking behind.

Alice always wanted to have a family of her own and bear a child with the man she loved but nothing she dreamt about was happening.

While Noah was busy kissing her, Alice remained still as her mind wandered thinking about something else.

Noah groaned at her lack of response and immediately pulled back. Staring at her disturbed face he asked," Alice, what’s wrong?"

He could see how she had been spacing out without contributing to his initiation. He wondered what she was thinking so seriously that she didn’t even bother to kiss him back and lay still.

Alice snapped out hearing his words and watched him give her a confusing look. It took her a while to realize what she did and she immediately apologized," I am sorry... I just...wasn’t.."

Alice stuttered her words as she failed to speak her mind and pushed him aside before she pulled herself up and sat on the bed.

Noah too followed her actions and said next to her with his eyes observing her furrowed face. She looked disturbed, he thought.

"Hey, what happened?" he asked again and this time, she looked at him and this time he saw tears welling in her eyes.

Alice suddenly began to feel suffocating thinking of something which wasn’t even confirmed.

"You think I lack" Her words confused him for a second but then he notice the tear rolling down her eyes and he quickly embrace her.

"No, you don’t. How can you even think that?" Noah assured. He didn’t know from where this doubt aroused but watching her cry and pointing herself ripped his heart.

"Then why haven’t I conceived yet," she said pushing herself away from his hug.

It was then Noah realized the true reason behind her doubt. He didn’t know what made her think this way or bring up this topic. But the more he watched her he saw how much disturbed she looked.

Staring at her for some time, Noah heaved out a sigh and cupped her cheeks as he wiped off the tears from her face.

"You want to have a baby?" he asked and she bobbed her head like a kid.

Her reaction made him smile. He didn’t realize it before but now when he pondered on her words, his heart swell with happiness.

’She wanted to have a child with him and that was the reason she was crying’ he smiled thinking about how it would feel to have her carrying their baby, but then her words hit him and his smile dropped.

Chapter 399: Meeting Patrick

Noah wanted to voice his thoughts but he stopped from doing so. He didn’t want to bother her knowing how much concern she already looked.

Just like her, even Noah was curious to know the ready why Alice hasn’t conceived yet. They have been highly activated and have been doing it without any protection, then what was the reason?

While Noah was busy racking his brain, Alice watched him spacing out, and that made her sad.

"Noah" she called him breaking his trace and watching him look at her.

"You think we should consult Dad," Alice asked. She was a little skeptical but she wanted to be sure.

Wasn’t that she was doubting anyone between the two but she wanted to know the reason.

Noah gave some thought to her words before agreeing. "Let’s ask Dad," he said pulling her into his embrace.

Alice didn’t say anything and just hugged him back. For now, all she waited was for the next day to arrive so she would visit Taylor in his hospital.

*****

Ashley finished shooting her shot with Riel. Everyone was satisfied with their acting, especially Bernard.

"Okay now it’s time to pack up" Speaking to the speaker, he called it a day.

Walking back to her vanity, Ashley got changed and left the set along with Miley.

Everyone had been working very hard for the movie, giving their best. It was a high-budget film and people had a lot of expectations from them.

After the accident news circulated across the news channel, people started to wonder if the film is ever going to finish, but gladly everything was under control and the news was erased from all the media portals.

Inside the car, Ashley texted Tristan about her leave and shoved the phone back into her bag.

She was tried after given consecutive shots, so she leaned back on her seat and took a nap.

It was dark on the road with only the light of vehicles lightening ahead.

Jack made sure to keep the speed normal concerning Ashley’s current health, but even after doing so a car speeded from behind pressing the horn, startling everyone inside the car.

Snapping out of her sleep Ashley turned to look behind. The person kept honking, flashing the headlights like a crazy person.

"What’s wrong with him?" she muttered and turned toward Jack.

"Give him the way Jack," she said, waiting for the car to drive past them, but even after doing so the person didn’t leave.

The person purposely kept honking as he tried to mock them. "I think we should inform our men," Jack said as he found this situation bizarre.

Maintaining the speed of the car, Jack informed the others about the car, and in no time he was informed about the others tailed them at a distance.

"Don’t worry our men have him surrounded" Jack assured the ladies who seemed disturbed by the incident, but what made them wonder was, who dare to mess with them.

Noticing the other speeding their way, Jack accelerated the car as he tried to divert the person’s attention when he noticed the others joining him

When they were about to corner the car, it immediately quicken its speed and drove away fooling them all.

Putting on the brakes Jack stopped the car by the side of the road and watches the car drive deeper into the dark.

"What was that?" Miley questioned turning her head toward Ashley who too seemed a little taken aback by the sudden departure.

While her eyes looked ahead, she sighed deeply. Her thoughts were quite a mess but she decided to conceal them for now.

Making sure everything was fine, Jack finally started the car and soon they reached the Knight Mansion.

The moment she stepped out of the car, a strong pair of arms pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.

"Are you alright?" Tristan asked as he held her closer to him.

The moment his men informed him about the incident, he was about to run back to her but stopped when he saw them entering the gates.

Witnessing the scene in front of them both Jack and Miley excused themselves giving the couple some privacy.

"I am fine," Ashley said standing still in his hold.

Though nothing happened to her but the incident somehow sowed a seed of worry in her mind as the dream crossed her mind.

Ashley brushed off her fear and hugged him back as she caressed his back gently.

Once they both calmed down, Tristan took her inside the house, heading straight toward their room.

*****

[Inside the room]

"I want you to track the car" Tristan furiously yelled on the phone and quickly ended the call.

"I doubt they would find him" Ashley’s voice drew his attention to her as the lines on his forehead deepen further.

"What do you mean?" he asked making his way towards the bed as he sat next to her.

"There wasn’t any number plate on the car. It would be difficult for them to trace him" Ashley mentioned what she saw.

She had already noticed the car wasn’t an authorized one as it had no number plate on it. Even the glass of the car was black tainted restricting her from seeing the driver, but one thing she was sure and it was the attack was futile, only done to warn them.

"I think she knows that we know about her and now she playing with us" Ashley stated.

Tristan eyed Ashley confusingly but then when he pondered deeper into the words she spoke, it somewhat made sense.

"Then why isn’t she confronting us?" he asked.

"Maybe she is scared of getting caught by the cops for going against the law and faking her death or maybe...she is up to something which is why she isn’t showing up yet"

Whatever information she had learned about Sandra from everyone, one thing she understood about her was, she was a coward and liked to strike behind their backs.

She knew everyone was now trying to find her so now she was using some lame trick of scaring them by doing such stupid stunts.

But little did she know this wasn’t going to stop them from hunting her. Sooner or later they would drag her down and make her confess all the crimes she did with the support of her father.

*****

Meanwhile, somewhere inside the luxurious building, Tori sat on the couch across from the man, whom she never thought to meet again.

"Why did you want to meet me?" she questioned indifferently staring at the man with coldness.

Patrick was overjoyed to finally find his daughter after a long search.

After agreeing with Sandra’s terms and conditions, she immediately disclosed the information about Tori.

Since that day, he had been trying to reach her but knowing how she was always been surrounded by a man all the time, it made him withdraw his eagerness.

He couldn’t let anyone know about how he helped Sandra back then and how he turned this powerful leader of the underworld. But that didn’t stop him from craving to see his young daughter.

Since that day he never stopped following her and one fine day he finally got the chance to stalk her with no one around. But the moment he noticed where she was heading, he felt the heaviness surge inside his chest.

She led him to the graveyard, but the worst part he came to learn slipped the ground beneath his feet.

It was the tombstone under the name of his wife Alesia.

Patrick’s entire words came crashing down to his feet as his legs lost the ability to stand and he immediately fell on his knees.

’His wife was no more’

Holding his chest Patrick cried his heart out only to get noticed by his daughter Tori.

In the beginning, she couldn’t recognize the person but when she carefully observed the man her eyes widen in shock.

Pain, hate, longing everything came flooding through her mind as she stumbled back watching the man who left them dying of misery kneel before her.

His eyes staring her with pain and regret, while tears rolled down his cheeks. He looked different, he looked old.

Standing there without any sign of emotion, Tori didn’t know what she was supposed to do.

The more she watched him the more she recalled about the past. How they lived without him all those years.

Tori would’ve run to him if she wasn’t aware of how he left them when they needed him the most. His illegal business only brought them pain and disgust.

People would shame them because of his job and after he left everything became unbearable.

With the constant knocking of the cops in front of their house door, and local goons troubling them for the debts he had on his head, their life became a living hell.

Protecting themselves from all the troubles, they ended up moving to a new locality where no one knew about their past.

The young Sandra started taking a part-time job to provide for her mother with her medical condition.

Keeping her sane was the most difficult task they were burdened with, but he didn’t seem to care much because never once this man turned to look back at his family

Chapter 400: [Bonus Chapter]I still want you in my life

Awkwardness drew between the two as no one spoke a word. It was after a long debate Patrick finally asked.

"What did you want to talk my child" his tone was a little hesitant but either way he asked.

That day in the graveyard when he tried to approach her, she walked away without sparing a glance his way.

He was heartbroken by his wife’s death but what crushed his sanity was the way Tori looked at him. Those dead eyes stared at him with those unshed tears around her orbs.

He wanted to talk to her, embrace her, and apologize to her for his mistakes, but the moment she left all he left was with remorse.

The guilt slowly crawled up to his heart as he walked towards his late wife’s tombstone and fell on his knees once again.

Now he understood why both his daughters hated him so much. He was a coward who left them because he thought it was the only way to protect them from the worries he brought along with him, but little did he know... it didn’t happen the way he expected it to.

He regretted leaving them back then, but now when had everything and wanted his family back, he learned that his beloved was gone.

Tori looked at the man straight into his eyes before she opened her mouth to speak...

*****

[Skylar Corps]

The office hours ended with everyone leaving the company. Gwen too packed her stuff and walked out of the cabin when her eyes caught the sight of Karl stepping out.

She wanted to avoid going that way but she was helpless as it was the path that would lead them to the elevator.

Heaving out a sigh, she walked towards the elevator and stood next to Karl. She didn’t mind sparing a glance his way but the moment he sensed her presence next to him, he quickly turned to look at her.

From being lovers they had turned into strangers. He couldn’t believe Gwen would turn this heartless that she didn’t even bother to look his way.

Ding!

The sound of the elevator snapped him out of his thought and he watched her step inside.

Turning his way she waited for him to walk him and the moment he did, she quickly pressed the last button.

A dread silence between the two made the air between them suffocating. Karl wanted to speak with her and explain to her about the morning incident but he wasn’t sure if she was ready to listen.

’Screw this silence’ cursing mentally he turned to face her and said.

"Gwen I want to talk with you" Karl wasn’t used to her silent treatment and knowing how their equation changed after he slept with Linda, he couldn’t come to accept it.

He was missing his cheerful and naughty Gwen, who would make him do silly things just to make her happy. He missed her constant blabbering and the kisses she would give him with every sweet moment they shared.

Gwen was stunned by his sudden call and blinked her eyes when she watched him take a step closer to her.

They were still in the middle of nowhere when Karl pressed the paused button and moved back to where he stood.

His eyes intently looked at her while he took a breath deeply.

Her confidence began to crumble as his reaction started to bother her. She had been putting on a mask of being strong in front of him, but now with him being like this, she was finding it hard to stand her ground.

Quickly taking a step back she declined his words," But I don’t want to talk with you" saying she turned and was about to press the resume button when suddenly Karl pinned her on the side wall, with his face extremely closer to her.

"Why... why aren’t you talking with me," he asked even though he knew how badly he broke her heart.

No one would stand for a cheater but he was selfish. He still wanted her no matter what...

Gwen wasn’t expecting him to force her like this but the words he spoke next made her gnash her teeth in fury.

"Don’t you know the reason, then why aren’t you leaving me alone" Gwen wasn’t sweet and comforting with her words, and watching the difference ripped Karl’s heart.

His eyes turned sad as tears started to well in them. "I miss you.." his voice cracked a little as he stared at her.

No matter how wrong he was, Karl still couldn’t stop himself from forgetting her. He didn’t know what happened between him and Linda but his heart wasn’t ready to accept the fact that he cheated on her.

Gwen eyes softened a little at his confession and the next thing he did took her breath away.

Resting his forehead on her he closed his eyes and let the unshed tears roll down his eyes," I know... after whatever happened that day, you hate me... but I love you, Gwen. No matter what I still love you"

Gwen felt like someone banged her heart with a hammer and she wanted to drop her anger and embrace him but she couldn’t as the scene of their naked body crossed her mind.

"You broke my heart, Karl..." Gwen muttered breathlessly.

She didn’t want to admit but this closeness was reminding her about their moments together. The way they kissed, the way they made love, the way they slept in each other arms everything came rushing through her mind.

"I know... I know... but I still want you in my life Gwen" he confessed shocking Gwen as she gasped pulling her face back.

Just like Gwen, even Karl could feel the heat rush through his body. He wanted to make up with her just as they away did after an argument, but then what was stopping him...

He himself couldn’t understand, but one thing was sure he couldn’t leave away from her.

Thousand of emotions swirled in her eyes when she looked into his eyes.

"And what about Linda?" she asked quickly masking her stirring emotions.