Married To My Sister's Husband

Shanghai,

PENELOPE

After much deliberation with my family, my dad finally agreed to let me get a job.

At first he insisted I worked at his company- Ager automated, one of China's best automation control companies- 2years in a role, but I refused.

I knew my father so well, he would have just had me sit in a pretty office all day without giving me any real or serious task to handle, and that would be even worse than staying home all day.

Being the only daughter and the last child with 3 older brothers, my life have literally been a bed of sweet roses and I didn't like that much, I needed to challenge myself.

I was never allowed to do anything meaningful, and was always babied even though I'm already 23.

I've always envied and longed to be like the women in 2 of the most popular families of Minnesota- the Luthels and the Winfreys, so industrious and independent.

So, after college I tried running away to a smaller country and live a while there in solitude, but my father found me and there I was again, asking for my freedom.

My brothers didn't help matters as they took the roles of big brothers to a whole different level.

So, even at 23 I still never really had a life or pretty much a love life- in general, my life sucked.

That was until I blackmailed my way into convincing my parents that I'ld work for a year before getting married to whomever they've chosen for me, unless I'll just have to tell the whole of China that Ager automated exports faulty products.

Since the Xiang family take great pleasure in deciding who their children's life partners would be, mine was already decided at the age of 17.

But, unlike my cousins and aunties before me, I had the privilege of a year of freedom from my hellish family, so I took it.

I went for an interview at S.Group for the position of Creative Executive that just opened up, and I got the job.

But, the day that was my happiest was my family's saddest and I loved it. I needed space from them, and I wasn't turning back now.

I was also thinking of getting an apartment far from home for the next one year, completely and totally dependent on only what I earn as an office lady.

My plan was simple, get a job, move out, make friends I can drink and have hot-pots with on weekends, go clubbing and stay out late without anybody sending troops of bodyguards all over the city to search for me, and I had just a year to do all these.

I was beyond excited, not just because I was about to take my first step into womanhood, but also because I was about to meet one of my favorite celebrity in the world- my idol, Heather Winfrey.

You can only imagine my disappointment when I found out that there was a new CEO at S.Group. And worse of all, he hated everybody and always yells when something wasn't done right.

My first week here, I had already done an all-nighter 3days in a row, and as the creative minds of the company, it sucks staying up 3nights in a roll.

But today, I still got up from bed, took a shower and hurried to work, because I wasn't going to let a horrible boss ruin my perfect one year plan for freedom and independence.

I presented the pitch my team and I had had to redo for the 3rd time this week, while he just sat there grumpy and ready to judge.

"And what if the cost of projections declines due to the current phase in distribution, what then do we do?" he asked in a serious tone, immediately I finished my presentation.

"Well, the marketing team will have to push up the distribution channels and make it wider, that way even though the cost of projection declines, it won't hurt us. But we cross our fingers and hope there will be no decline in the projection, Sir." I concluded, setting relief in the hearts of my co-executives present.

I looked at him sternly, praying he doesn't ask for a redo, and thankfully for the first time this week, I got a well-done from my overly serious, always yelling boss, Mr. Daniel Winfrey.

But right there and then, he gave another task that we had to present on Monday. I mean it's freaking Friday, and spending my weekend doing work wasn't part of my plan.

I have to do something about this before it turns into an every weekend thing- like, what is the hurry?

It's always as though he's trying to finish a year's work in just one month, and it's starting to take a toll on everyone at the office.

I decided to stay behind after work hours and work on the task alone, while giving my team an off from the week's stress. No way Mr Winfrey was going to ruin my weekend and theirs too, I won't let that happen.

I finished by 2am and was about heading out when I heard him talking to someone on the phone.

Wow, he even keeps late night at the office? What a workaholic.

"Livy, I won't let anything happen to you, but you have to calm down and tell me what is going on?"

"You are not going to be alone, never."

"You need to calm down and listen to me please, you can't... hello?! Hello?! Livy?!..." he yelled through the phone.

Wow, it seems like trouble in paradise, and my curious mind couldn't help but wonder.

Could it be his girlfriend on the phone? I wondered what she had just told him that sent him into a panic.

I was lost in my own imagination that I didn't see him coming out of his office as he bumped into me, throwing me down on the floor.

Why is he always in a hurry all the time?

"Ms. Xiang? What are you doing here at this late hour, shouldn't you be home?" he asked suspiciously, like I was a thief.

"Actually, I was about to head home when I saw your door slightly open and the lights were on, so I came closer to make sure you were the one in there." I lied.

I was eavesdropping, and now I've been caught.

"How long have you been working here?" he surprisingly asked me.

I...have been working here for the past freaking month, how could he not know that? He employed me after all. Am I that dispensable and irrelevant?

"Over a month now, sir." I replied feeling abashed.

Now, I'll really get an ear full for eavesdropping on his phone call. I could tell he's all tensed up, so a yelling is well on its way.

"Ah, so it's been that long. How time flies when you're trying so hard to catch it. I have stayed away too long, and now I'm afraid some damages might have already been done." He stated, catching me by surprise.

First of all, it's how time flies when you are having fun. And secondly, I was expecting some yelling at, not this. This is my first time seeing him tensed and calm at the same time.

Now, I was dying to know what that call was about and who that was Livy? It's a problem I have, my curiosity most times gets the better of me, but what the hell...

"Is Livy the reason why you always act like you are running out of time every single time?" I asked.

Shit, Penelope not again...

"I knew it. Ill have you know that it's rude to eavesdropping on your boss's conversations. Next time this mistake repeats itself, it won't be forgiven. I promise you that" he replied angrily.

Good job Penelope- just perfect.

Now your boss thinks you are a creep, when he's actually the weird one.

I gave up, so I just bowed and let him have the last words as he walked out from my presence.

I might be going insane, but now I'm really interested in knowing what was going on behind that mean and rude demeanor of my boss.

Minnesota,

JUDY

(2weeks ago)

Frank had returned with clues as to who had given those pictures to Livy, and it turned out to be Daniel.

But Daniel didn't start investigating until after he got the pictures from someone else- which he later handed over to Livy, so we had to find out who sent him the pictures in the first place.

I had to call Livy over to talk about it, because if someone else knows about the incident that happened almost 4months ago, then we have bigger problems than we thought.

"Does the name Carlos Gillian ring a bell?" I asked her, as I passed some photos to her- Carlos Gillian's photos.

She looked at the pictures puzzled for a moment, then looked back up at me.

"Yes, it does. He and Sophy used to date, but that was before her marriage to Markian 2years ago...Why are you having him followed?" She asked me curiously.

"Well, it seems this man was present the day of Sophy's accident. She had been seeing him behind Markian's back and was going to run away with him if the accident never happened." I revealed, and I could see the color lift from Livy's face.

"So...this is some kind of revenge?" She asked anxiously.

"Daniel was just a start. I believe he plans to get these pictures to Markian next." I stated.

This threw Livy into a frenzy as she suddenly stood up from her seat. She tried to brush her hair from her face with her fingers, but somehow her hands just froze in her hair as she paced back and forth.

I could see she was suffering as beads of sweat made their way down the side of her face. She was panicking and pacing around my desk without saying a word.

"Livy, we..." I started, but was interrupted with a rather confusing question.

"Why would I kill Sophy, mother? She was my sister and I loved her! I keep trying to fix this puzzle, but no good reason comes to mind as to why I would what to hurt her... Mother, please- please, I need my memory back." She pleaded.

Not this issue again, I thought we were way past these already? I'm suddenly feeling very agitated as to her lack of understanding of the situation we're facing now.

"Why?! Why would you want the memory of you killing your sister back?! Whatever would getting back such a sickening feeling change? Do you think that I just enjoy putting you in harms way? Livy, it was a dangerous decision I had to make that your painful memories be repressed. If I could take your place and forget all the terrible things you've done, I would because it's driving me insane!" I exploded in a fit of anger.

Shit...that came out wrong- no, it shouldn't have come out at all.

"I know that you don't trust me and that you're hurting from my past mistakes. I...know that each time I screw up, it must have been bothersome that you always have to save my ass and cover up my crap. And I know that I'm a terrible person...but I did not kill Sophia. All I'm asking for is just to have my memories back and prove that I didn't do it." she requested eagerly.

can't take that risk,

anything in return for my memories. Please mother, I beg

one condition... that you take over Luthel Inc and my seat at the Verc." I obliged to her need to strike a deal for

request must have shocked her to the bones as she looked at me with pure terror

or have anything to do with

lost memories naturally. But if she agrees, and I restore

times responsibilities are the only things that tend to draw out her uttermost grace and strength, and I pray they would

Dr Joe- Livy's psychiatrist, a few days ago and asked if it was possible for Livy to regain her memories naturally, and he said yes.

He just said that the body had its own way of doing things, and since

balance, the mind would work it's hardest to heal itself as a defense mechanism. Which would result in all hidden memories dug up to the

to

of Luthel Inc and our Legacy, this was my last chance to set things in place since I don't know

you the right to just dump everything on me

you...find out?" I

surgery- like...why wouldn't you want to live? And now it all makes sense. You were planning to guilt-trip me into taking over from you from all along. I- mean absolutely nothing to you, other than a valuable asset. This company, the Luthel family name is all you care about and not once did you stop to think of how much losing you would make me suffer!" She yelled, trying very hard to hide her tears from falling but

a mess and it broke my heart to watch her suffer like these. But he who

take over Luthel Inc and the Verc since it means so much to you than your family. Just give me back my memories and do the damn surgery. I- really want you to live and see the monster you created." She

didn't ask for any of these, I never

I'll do much more than

Shanghai,

HEATHER

(2weeks ago)

was well on the way to being

Livy wasn't one for elaborate and loud

the Glenwood dog park- Livy enjoys watching dogs but I'm not sure

to see some arts. Thirdly: a drive to Northside Lake for a little packed picnic

their picnic, they could go see a play at Guthrie theater, and then wrap up the evening with homemade candlelight-dinner and wine

thought so too, until Markian called me to tell me that Livy wasn't planning to

work and for nothing? I couldn't let that happen, so I called Livy on the phone. She didn't answer, not until I

where are you?" I asked clearly

home, why?" She questioned

be-

Saturday, and it was a perfect day to have a date, also it was the day in the week Livy wasn't busy. Markian had asked

would be leaping for joy at the mere idea of a date with Markian. What has happened to her all

been lying about

all? I thought Markian have been acting rather strangely and nice lately, it's been your influence all along, am I right?"

and I'm dying to know who's influencing you. The Livy I knew would have already called me a hundred times just to ask me for an assurance that she wasn't dreaming. What happened to you?" I

up every single minute. If you don't have

rudeness, but before she could end the call I

Were you only pretending and telling me what

You like to get involved in other's business, don't you? Could it be because you're too pathetic to handle your own shit so you try to manage other people's own? How dare you ask me if I ever loved Markian! Who are you to ask me about my personal life, huh?! If you cared about your cousin so...much, then you should want what is best for him, right? Do I look

I tried to help

people I claim to care about. No matter what Markian had done in the past and how he had treated you so far, it's not enough reason for you to hurt him in such a way. You are right...you're not the best for him, but he deserves to hear it from you. If you ain't a coward, then go on a date with him today, sit through it all, then look him in the eyes and tell him his efforts at futile. Tell him to his face that you don't love him and that he should stop trying to fix your marriage. I'll only stop meddling if you're bold enough to say those words to Markian. So stop being a coward and follow your heart like you always have. That's what

did sting a little, but there was a certain bitterness and sorrow in them too.

hard to hate everyone and everything? But most importantly, why was she trying to getting

what part of what I said got to her, but she went to meet Markian that day and they had their

thank me for my help, and he sounded very happy making me feel

what Livy had said was actually true

give really good advice but, terrible when it comes to following them myself. Which was why I decided to make things right with Kevin no matter how pathetic I might look

(Present day)

the

think I've ever humiliated myself as much as I've done this past week. I'll be returning to Minnesota

in hope that maybe, just maybe something good might come out at the

or how it happened, but I may have really liked Kevin a whole lot than I actually thought I did. And believing that he was always

I had to be true to my feelings at last.

flight, but I had a lot of meetings and follow-up meetings to attend, I also had some work I needed to turn in

team needed to be introduced to their new CEO personally, and it was

was finally standing in front of the hospital where Kevin works. I could see

still had a disguise on. I had a scarf that covered my head and neck, and I

asked for Kevin to be called out if he wasn't busy, so all I just had

Damn...I suddenly remembered why I fell for him in

hospital when I first saw

over at the receptionist desk, something about a patient's

was still able to understand

our eyes met and I immediately blushed. I quickly finished signing off my examination file and

so bold and I liked that about him, so

we met up at a

started out as a fling was going to turn into whatever I was feeling now, which is compelling me to do things I've never

me by the hand to the parking lot like he didn't want

first I was abashed, but I remembered that that was the plan, at least until

what are you doing here?" He asked worried or should I say

like we were doing something suspicious or wrong, and I didn't quite understand why.

came to see you. Since you've not been returning my calls or messages, I thought I should

important, and he was being distracted with

touch of his

pulled him in and kissed him with everything I had. I sensed what was coming next, I had seen his eyes and his

I was already here, and rejection have never been

next moment he was trying to push me away, to break away

shouldn't have done that, Heather- you shouldn't have..." he warned breathing heavily and so

that I was sorry, and that you're not just a booty-call or a boy-toy to me. I should never had treated you like one either,

enough to wipe my tear with

I had a tight knot in my stomach that was

meaning to what we had...It was wrong

we can start again."

point my heart was breaking, because I knew exactly what he was about to say and I just couldn't bear to hear, so I kept shaking my head in

stirred up these feelings in you and that

like a kid who

woman for

feeling, Kevin... don't treat me like a fool because I'm not" I replied, irritated by

I wouldn't reply. I don't think one needs a big event to cause a realization in their heart of

mistake by taking you for granted, because...because I never really thought you'll ever leave. I don't want to not have you in my life...isn't that

feelings, while for some it's love at first sight.

right person for you, Heather. I'm so sorry." He revealed as his hands slowly

for no damn break up. I came here to get my man and that's

now, we can both go on dates and hold hands in public- anything you want, I'll do it....Hell- I'll even stay in Shanghai if that's what it takes." I proclaimed stubbornly

a lot. We are still getting to know each

but with anger not surprise. How long has it

wealthy? Does she know you as much as I do? Does she know how you love to scream my

appreciate that you think you love me, but I'm not me when I'm with you. Have you thought about what happens next? Fine, we kiss and make up and eventually starts dating, then what else? You'll always have to pay for every meal, every ticket, and I'll always have to concede to you

can learn to step back, to concede and let you take charge..." I

when I say i didn't make this decision in a haste. I thought long and hard before making it. I'm so sorry, but- this is the end for us" he concluded, as his hands completely dropped from my shoulders and he walked

stood there sobbing uncontrollably, unable to move a muscle.

decides when it the ends? How do people manage these feelings after a breakup? Because, my feelings were all over the place. I felt like

the first place- I should have just taken the hint already. Or if I had tried to fix things earlier, before going to Minnesota,

long time, I felt something strong for

the parking lot and that wasn't me. I don't cry, I haven't done it in a while- but today I just can't control myself at

scarf that covered my head and neck were getting soaked in tears when I had a

crying here- all alone?" he asked making me

was being so insensitive to my pain, there he was in all his

JEFFERY

really excited to be working with Heather because, I've heard so much about

beyond my expectations as she carried herself with such poise and

I heard

her discontentment towards me increased

I thought it was her battle with her brother that was getting her on edge and making her

my jealousy and irritation so I became a

heard she even gave me a nickname (Mr. Rude), but I didn't mind

that I've never really given romance a chance, but something about her just beckons me and no matter how hard I

if there was anything I could do to help out with the shareholders' voting

was eligible to vote for

that we could continue with the Decels Digital project together, but it didn't happen- and she even got furious at me.

Markian had suggested that marriage pitch, I hoped he wasn't joking because I

get me wrong. I've never been a fan of arranged marriages, but if

wanted to help her by giving her my

really hate me and I don't even

showed up, neither did she want to be friends. Like I've held out an olive branch to her several

to see her again when she comes back

not once did she try to meet her brother at the company, neither

it, I went to Xia Lufang Hospital to do some donations and there she was at the parking lot with

that moment and

at there, it's her private matter but I

was that bastard saying to her

up to them and put an end to this torture. Yes! Watching her cry for another man tore my heart into bits and piece, and I wanted to comfort her so

right now, I wanted to be the one who

moved closer, staying in the shadows as not to cause her further