Be Your Lover Forever (Alicia)

"What are you doing here?"

He was aloof the entire time until he saw his beloved Alicia, pulling her into his arms and taking her aside.

"Who said you could come?"

Hadn't she a clue how dangerous things could get? And even dressed as a bodyguard?!

Frederick was furiously mad to see her. He couldn't believe he didn't even notice! Thank God she wasn't hurt! Steve had a gun, and fortunate enough, the bullet misfired at the beams, but things could've gotten uglier if they weren't careful! He didn't even notice she snuck in!

Seeing he was upset, Alicia quickly bowed her head and snuggled in his arms. "I was worried about you guys. I... I've only just come in!"

She had only wanted to stay by his side! And if nothing happened to him, she would've left as quietly as she came!

Remembering the situation they were in, she checked his injured hand. "Look at how red it is. Are you really okay?"

Frederick poked her forehead, feeling both angry and annoyed, but his voice softened. "I'm fine. He just got me a little. Don't leave my side!"

Hallie came out supporting Penny just then, and everyone froze as their gaze met.

Right on cue, Gary and Christian walked over from the other side, and things got awkward as everyone looked at each other. None spoke for a long time; only Penny's sob echoed in the space, looking like a mess at the same time. Sweeping her gaze across the room, Penny faced her back to them but turned around the next second and landed her vision on Frederick's obviously hurt arm.

"Thank... Thank you!"

Just coming out of a life and death situation, the strangle mark on her neck was still clearly visible. The revelation and experience she never imagined would happen left a significant impact on her then.

Never did she think Steve would be so heartless when the stakes were high or that Frederick would be the one to save her in the end. "Mm."

Indifferent as usual, Frederick only held Alicia tighter in his arms.

Feeling defeated utterly, Penny only turned her gaze over to Christian and Gary and said faintly after what felt like a century had passed.

"Alas, the truth will out! Christian, I've never wanted to harm you, nor have I ever meant to be unfaithful. I just wanted a little security for my children's future, for mine! I am selfish; I admit that! But the heavens have arranged such a destiny for me. One I cannot avoid! Penny covered her face with both hands. No one knew if she was repentant or that she had come to realize her wrongdoings, only that she choked on her words.

Christian's grip on the walking stick tightened as he took a couple of steps forward. He pulled out a handkerchief and extended it to her but looked away. In the end, Gary was the one who handed it to her.

Taking it with trembling hands, Penny broke down in an instant. "Gary, why aren't you saying anything? You're the root cause of all of this!"

Her words stunned the floor, and everyone looked over.

Even Alicia was shocked. What was she talking about? She and Uncle Gary?

Gary was also baffled, but he said nothing. Meanwhile, Penny looked over at Christian.

"Hadn't you always asked why I'm willing to give up the status? Why I'm willing to become a stepmom, willing to be with you even if I had to wait for ten years? I'll tell it all today! Because the person I truly loved back then was Gary Clements, the second son of the Clements family! We'd see each other every day back then, and just like that, we've talked for nearly ten years. I thought he had been willing to talk to me because he knew my feelings for him, but he never stated explicitly. Just when I was about to confess my love for him, he, out of nowhere, told me he had gotten himself a girlfriend, and they'd marry soon! Huh, ridiculous, isn't it? The first time the man I loved talked to me at length was to tell me he was to marry someone else! A gentle, beautiful woman from a wealthy family at that. And they were even very much in love! But I was too lovestruck back then. So much so that I'd be happy just looking at him. I was very full of myself as well, thinking only I knew him best and that he wouldn't be devoted to a woman he met on a blind date. So I gave him my blessing with a smile while waiting foolishly for his misery, waiting for the day he wakes up and comes back to me..."

Shutting her eyes, tears streamed down her face.

"All of you must think I'm a wicked woman who is unfaithful and will stop at nothing, am I right? Who'd believe the past me could be so sincere that I could do everything but ask for nothing in return? But the reality still gave me a tight slap in the face. They were not only madly in love, but they also conceived a son very quickly! And just like that, my dream of him ever becoming mine shattered day by day right before my eyes! Later, I realized this dream had become the entirety of my love. So I was happy as long as I could see him every day, even if it brought me immense pain. It was also then when I met you!"

Penny's expression then became indescribable as her gaze landed on Christian.

"I married you not because of your money or your status! Because I felt guilty, I agreed to whatever conditions! I thought I'd be able to wait for the day to come, or at least get a chance even if I can't! I've poured all my heart and soul out; there's no way I'd get nothing in return, right? Stubborn, I know, but this is me! I could give up everything just for a chance to be close to the man I loved. I was that crazy back then. I endured it even when I couldn't have the status, had to be a stepmother, and even was

unaccepted by others! But you were too kind to me. Apart from our issue with children, you'd answer nearly all of my requests. I really can't find fault..."

She cried harder as she confessed, choking with sobs.

he'

"Why did the heavens treat me like this? I thought they compensated me by letting me meet such a sweet man. I thought I could die without regrets when you still treasured me even if I gave you a daughter! But just when I wanted to put that unrequited love behind and love you wholeheartedly, I discovered the one you truly doved was still your first wife. You'd call to her, to Frederick, and recount your regrets in middle of the night when you're drunk! Frederick's right there by your side, yet you're willing to drive miles away to see him when you start missing him in the middle of the night, even if he doesn't acknowledge you as his father. You'd even lie to me when you return, saying you've only gone to the construction site! Why are you all so nice to me when you have a beloved woman, yet neither of you wants me and even deceive me? Do you know how I had Mason? I discovered you have always been lying to me on that birthday. Frederick has and will always be your dearest. That's why I got drunk at the bar and... The heavens pulled a prank on me, and I can never escape from it!"