Nine months too late: After divorce

Sylvie's grip was firm on her luggages as she rolled it out of the Arrival section of the airport.

A middle-aged man walked up to her.

"Sylvie Cheng. I was assigned to pick you up."

When she nodded, he took her luggages and rolled them toward the car he had parked outside.

In a minute, they were heading out of the airport with Sylvie at the backseat.

The

Her hands balled into fists beside her at the reality of being back in this place. After four years, she had thought she wouldn't feel a thing. How wrong she had been. memories as well as the pain still felt fresh. She suddenly regretted coming back. it.

She actually never wanted to come back, but Ruby had forced

Four years ears ago, she had moved to Australia with Ruby where she lived with her husband. But a year later, Ruby started talking about her getting involved in the family business so she could make a name for herself. Sylvie was against it, but she forced her into it and even had her enrolled into a fashion school. Now, Sylvie was back 'home' when all she wanted was be away from it.

She wasn't ready to face everyone. The woman that had taken her kids from her was still out there - living freely. Ruby had been assisting with the help of the authorities, but they were yet to find her. With no actual photo or evidence of her, it was hard for the authorities to know who she was.

Sylvie's life had not been the same. She lost her babies, and each time she had to think of it, it filled her with a raw aching pain.

The car pulled over at the Cheng family mansion. While a maid took care of her luggages, Sylvie made her way into the house.

The moment she reached the living room and met June-one of her cousins-she tightened her hold around her bag. "Wow! She's home!" June exclaimed with a smile that was less amusing.

a bum short and crop top, she left the couch where she'd been sitting.

Wearing a

"What a pleasant sight, Sylvie. It's been what, four years? How have you been?"

"I've been fine," Sylvie mumbled, avoiding her gaze.

During the time she had been at the house before moving to Australia with Ruby, Sylvie had had a few encounters with June. She was a witch who always wore a deceptive smile.

She had made it clear back then that she didn't like Sylvie and wished Ruby hadn't found her.

"Well, that's bad news, isn't it?" June chuckled. "Anyway, you're just in time for dinner. You should go in and freshen up." She cupped her hand near her mouth, dropping her voice to a conspirational whisper. "My fiance will be joining us."

She returned to the couch, picking up her phone.

Sylvie continued holding her breath until she was up the stairs and away from June.

She had hea

She

of the engagement as well to Mr. Lex-a well-known software developer.

June had managed to capture a man that was the family's 'standard' and for that, she was Galen's at-the-moment favorite grandchild. Not that he treated her much better than the rest of them. As soon as she was in her room, she leaned against the shut door taking a deep breath.

You can do this, Sylvie. Stay calm. Stay collected.

She repeated the words to herself until she felt much better. But June was right. She needed to get ready for dinner.

The family only ate together once a week, at Galen's choosing. So, since Sylvie was around, she was required to join them. Nobody could miss it for any reason. She pulled off her shirt and the diamond piece came falling out.

Her eyes dimmed as she stared at the necklace on her. Out of habit, her hand moved to the pendant, opened it and read the inscription like it was new to her:

'I own his heart.'

It was stupid. This should've been trashed four years ago. A part of her hated it so much as a result of the pain it brought her, yet there was another weaker, foolish part of her that couldn't let it go. You're weak.' that voice mocked her. 'This was why you couldn't protect your

She inhaled shakily, pulling her hand away and running into the bathroom.

Kids. kids.'

Yet, her demons followed her. The shower glass was transparent, and when Sylvie looked at it, her eyes fell on the scars on her back. Her ugly scars-the ones that reminded her of the torture she'd endured that night. The worst night of her life.

She closed her eyes, a shiver rippling through her shoulders.

I be fine," she told herself.

"You'll b

But it wasn't working. In the end, she bursted into tears.

***********

The Cheng's family dinner wasn't as 'normal' as anyone would think a family dinner should be. Nothing about the Cheng family was actually normal.

It was one of the few moments where the sisters had to brag about their achievements to Galen, so he could see them as a better granddaughter.

Initially, when Sylvie was new in the family, she had been confused as to why the sister needed to prove themselves to him, not until she understood that the power of Astréa Label was on the line.

Apparently, Galen was yet to chose an heir for Astréa Label. Being an heir to one of the world's most famous fashion brand was a position a lot of people would kill for. The power was immense, and the sisters were running wild for it. Astrea Label was a multi-million dollar company that was respected all over the world. No one would want to lose such an opportunity.

As they gathered at the table, eating dinner, Sylvie wished she didn't have to be there. June was sitting next to her fiance who Bu Chapter 110

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was in turn, sitting next to Sylvie. June kept making jokes and reference to him. He was obviously her biggest achievement in the family. "Why don't we start with our achievements so far?" Astrid began, a bright smile on her face. But even

But Sylvie could see how fake it was. Herun

She turned happily to Galen who was working on his vegetables. "Gramps, I've finally closed the deal with Silver Screen Studios." mother-Scarlett-clapped

I her hands in excitement. Sylvie found the whole drama amusing. She was certain that everyone, including Galen must already know of the deal, yet announcing it at dinner sounded like a different achievement. "You've been doing incredibly well for the company, Astrid." Scarlett beamed, touching her cheek. "Your designs are always spectacular. It'd be hard for anyone to resist them." Sylvie caught June roll her eyes with a huff.

"Thank you, mum." Astrid smiled at her mother.

"Congratulations, Astrid," Natalie said with her usual cold eyes. The woman was almost as grumpy as her husband was. Sylvie had never seen a more perfect match. grandma."

you,

"Thank y

Galen, however, didn't look up from his plate as he launched generous bites of stir-fried vegetables into his mouth. "And," Astrid continued. "Timeless Tale Productions and I are sixty percent close to finalizing our deal. By Monday, we'll-" "You really think you're capable of snatching that deal from Chic Mirage?" June cut in, a scowl crossing her features. Astrid, masking her annoyance pretty well, turned to June with a solid smile. "Of course. Like I said, we're sixty percent close."

Timeless Tale

Tale Productions and Chic Mirage have been working together for years. To be honest, I think Timeless Tale is simply leading you on. He'd never leave Chic Mirage to sign with you." Astrid's smile turned frosty. "I guess that's the difference between you and I, June. You always seem to have such little faith in yourselves, I don't. I've gotten deals more complex than this.Belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

"Really?" June's laugh was mocking, it hardened Timeless Tale was a top movie production company. For years, Chic Mirage which could be regarded as Astréa Label's strongest competitor has been designing their outfits. Astréa Label had been trying to get them on their side for quite sometime, and Astrid believed she was close to achieving that.

At this point, Astréa Label didn't fight for deals and clients for the money involved. It was all about networking and rank now. All about having the big guys on their side. So, when people looked at the list of companies they worked with, they'd see how far gone they were, and that would bring them connection money would be unable to.

If Astrid, indeed, managed to close the deal with them, it'd earn her a huge point from Galen.