Her Story: Rise Of Tiffany

Victor struggled to rise from his hospital bed. His butler rushed to stop him. “Sir, you’re still injured! The doctor said it’s a miracle you’re even alive. Please, don’t move around!”

“It’s not a miracle…” Victor shook his head vigorously, his voice breaking. “It’s my daughter, Faith. She saved me…” His voice trailed off, nearly choking with emotion. The butler paused, surprised.

Faith Ashton had become a taboo subject in the Ashton family-o one dared to mention her name. She was Victor’s most beloved daughter. Twenty years ago, in a fit of rage over her relationship with a poor boy, Victor had banished her from the Ashton family. He had even declared that if she stepped out the door, they would be dead to each other forever.

Faith then left without looking back. Victor had hardened his heart and chosen to ignore her existence, and their relationship had frozen in time.

For three long years, Victor had thought of Faith often. Eventually, he sent someone to quietly gather news about her, thinking he could at least make amends, but instead, the man returned with devastating news. She had died.

It turned out that six months before Victor had sent someone to inquire about Faith, she and her husband had already passed away.

At that time, Faith had just given birth. While on the run, she endured the agony of hiding her newborn daughter to protect her from danger. Later, Faith and his husband had been chased down, and in the end, they had both been killed.

Upon hearing this, Victor was overwhelmed with regret, falling into a deep depression that aged him a decade overnight. He had spent years searching for the baby Faith had hidden but to no avail. If the child were still alive, she would be eighteen now-growing into a lovely young woman.

As memories flooded back, the butler’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Sir. I know you miss her, but Miss Faith has been gone for years. You need to look forward…”

Victor sank back onto the bed, tears streaming down his face. But after a long moment, he suddenly opened his eyes, determination flaring within them despite his tears. “Keep searching! No matter what, I want to find my granddaughter!”

*****

Meanwhile, a plane landed at Royal Bay. It was six in the evening, and Tiffany hoped to make it home in time for dinner. As she stepped into the car and was about to head home, she looked out at Richard standing alone in the sunset, she couldn’t help but think that he always seemed to be by himself.

Before she could think twice, she called out, “Why don’t you come home with me?” Immediately, she regretted the

vitation. ‘Will Dad and Mom be okay with Richard coming over?’ she wondered.

Richard raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. A few moments passed before the wind carried his response. “Sure.”

When Tiffany turned to look at him, she found his handsome features lit up with a genuine smile, bright like the moon rising over the mountains. It made her heart flutter, sending ripples of warmth through her.

The Kelley family had prepared a feast for Tiffany, but when they saw Richard, their surprise quickly turned to warmth and hospitality.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

At the dinner table, Tiffany’s father, Charlie, said, “Thank you, Mr. Hampton, for looking after my daughter. If she’s been a handful, please forgive her.”

“Not at all,” Richard replied graciously.

The family dinner lacked the usual formalities of business gatherings, creating a cozy atmosphere.

After they finished eating, Tiffany’s mother, Thalia, nudged her to see Richard home. She wanted Tiffany to personally ensure that Richard, who had been drinking, made it back to Royal Bay safely before returning.

“Wait, what?” Tiffany nearly thought she misheard. After confirming again, she replied, “That’s not necessary. He has a driver. Besides, he’s not even drunk.” Deep inside, she thought, ‘He seems perfectly sober!

Just as Tiffany was about to decline, Eric looked at her earnestly, adopting a wise-beyond-his-years tone. “Richard brought

back from Traron City. It’s only fair you return the favor. Go on!” With that, he gave her a gentle push out the door.

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Tiffany couldn’t mutter a word.

Richard laughed softly, “Your family is quite charming.”

“Just go!” It dawned on Tiffany that if she didn’t complete this task tonight, she might as well forget about going home. So,

she grabbed Richard and shoved him into the car, slamming the door and ordering the driver to head to Royal Bay. She was thinking that the sooner she dropped him off, the sooner she could return to bed.

Meanwhile, Charlie was still puzzled and asked, “Wait a second. Why would a grown man need my daughter to personally see him home?”

Without missing a beat, Thalia replied, “Our daughter owes him a favor, so she should repay it herself.

Eric nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly, Dad! Didn’t you teach me that?”

“Uh, I guess that makes sense.” Charlie scratched his head, slightly convinced but still feeling something was off. Before he could figure it out, Thalia dragged him away. With no further thoughts on it, Charlie went along with her.

Twenty minutes later, Tiffany finally dropped Richard off at Royal Bay. She waved. “Well, I’ll be on my way.”

“Alright.” Richard stood still, silently watching her leave.

Tiffany felt something was amiss and asked, “Are you alright? You seem a little off tonight…” He seemed more serious than usual.

“I’m fine.” Richard gave a faint smile, his expression unchanged.

With that, Tiffany climbed into the car and left.

The driver, who worked for the Hampton family, had taken Tiffany and Richard straight from Royal Bay to the Kelley residence earlier. Just as they pulled away, he suddenly said, “Miss Kelley. Today is actually Mr. Hampton’s birthday.”

Tiffany froze in shock.

****

At Royal Bay, the tall figure of Richard sat on the hillside, surrounded by rows of red wine bottles-two of which were already empty. The stars twinkled brilliantly in the clear night sky. The view from the hillside was always beautiful, though the breeze was a bit chilly as if it could reach deep into one’s soul.

Richard casually tossed his wine glass aside and loosened his tie. With the top two buttons of his black shirt undone, his lean chest and prominent collarbone became visible. Despite his relaxed demeanor, there was a striking elegance to him- handsome and captivating.

He gazed out at the scenery, but his mind was plagued with darker memories. Flashes of blood, people crying, others laughing, and desperate calls for help filled his mind.

The memories came rushing back like a suffocating wave; they were reminders of his childhood-those days filled with darkness. He could see a four-year-old boy desperately holding onto a pair of hands belonging to a poised woman. She lay in a pool of horrifying crimson, yet she smiled as she wiped away her son’s tears, saying, “Don’t be scared, don’t be scared…

Then, she fell into eternal sleep.

Laughter echoed around themi.

Richard’s handsome face hardened, and a menacing aura radiated from him. Just then, footsteps sounded behind him. Irritated, he turned around, only to be met with the sight of a slender figure stepping into view.