Chapter: 11. Unwelcomed AllianceDianeBy the time I finally pulled into the underground parking lot of my office building, it was already 10:28 a.m.I checked the mirror. My lipstick was still in place, but the slight shine on my forehead told me I was already stressed—and the day hadn’t even properly started.I stepped out of the car, straightened my black pencil skirt, and slung my bag over my shoulder.As soon as I reached the private elevator that led directly to my floor, the doors opened and Jane stepped out, her arms folded and her usual playful smile in place.“You’re twenty-eight minutes late,” she said, holding a paper cup of coffee in one hand and a folder in the other.“And yet, the building still stands,” I replied dryly, walking past her into the elevator.She followed me in, passing me the coffee. “Black, no sugar, just the way you like your lies.”I shot her a look but took the coffee anyway. “What’s the mood? I’m guessing no one’s happy.”“They’re smiling like they’ve just won the lottery. But it’s
Last Updated: 2025-04-13
Chapter: Numbers Don’t LieDianeMy eyes blinked open as the first rays of sunlight flooded into my room. I groaned, rolling to my side and hugging my snow-white pillow as I forced myself to go back to sleep, even though I knew that was impossible.But regardless, I smiled into my pillow, feeling contented and grateful for a new day. Mornings like this were rare and it to last just a moment longer.Being CEO came with a lot of privileges, one of them being that I didn't have to work full day all week, plus I have the most competent PA that I could ever ask for. I would have loved it, more than anything else, if I had woken up later than 6am, but that has never worked for me. Unfortunately, my body wakes up as soon as the sun rises, not minding if I had slept late the previous night or not. And then, there was Anika. My little hurricane of joy needed her mummy to take her to school, but before she came storming into my room, I wanted to enjoy the serenity that the morning brought just a little longer.I closed
Last Updated: 2025-04-05
Chapter: 9. Call It Fate.LucaThe screeching sound of the curtains being slid open was the first thing that woke me up, but I didn’t want to leave my position, even though it was a bit uncomfortable.“Good morning, Sir.” John’s calm, polite voice was the next. I groaned, opening my eyes, and was hit with the bright rays of the sunlight which made me immediately shut my eyes again.I groaned again, rubbing my temples as a sharp pain shot through my skull. My mouth was dry, and the horrible taste of whiskey still lingered on my tongue.“Too damn bright,” I muttered, barely lifting my head from the chair.And as expected, John didn’t respond. Instead, I heard the soft clink of a glass being placed on the table beside me. “Water, Sir. And some aspirin.”I cracked one eye open and saw him standing there, completely unfazed by my current state. His crisp uniform was as neat as ever, his posture straight, and his expression was unreadable, as usual.“Remind me to fire you one day,” I mumbled, forcing myself to sit
Last Updated: 2025-03-19
Chapter: 8. What was it all for?LucaAfter a while, driving at normal speed wasn't doing much to calm the thoughts that swirled in my head. If anything, it only made me more angry at myself and the world at large. My fingers gripped the steering wheel so hard that my knuckles began to turn white from the pressure. The only sound that could be heard in the car was from the engine and the occasional curses I spat at myself under my breath.Five years.Five years of grinding, bleeding, and pushing myself past exhaustion till I finally did what I promised myself.I became a wealthy hotelier. A man of influence and power. My name made it to Forbes Under thirty-five list. I built an empire from the ground up, stacking achievements like bricks until I stood taller than anyone who doubted me. I have obtained everything I wanted and more in half a decade—which is a short period for most people my age, but not for me.I had always laughed whenever I read on blogs that it was either luck, joining some secret organization, or
Last Updated: 2025-03-17
Chapter: 7. Rebound LucaI turned to the lady with a flirtatious smirk playing on my lips, letting my fingers brush against her waist. I pulled her closer till there was no space between us.And just like that, I gave Diane a reason to look. I didn't check to see if she did. I didn't allow myself to hope for a reaction, but my instincts told me that she glanced in my direction.I leaned in towards the woman, whispering into her ear. “Pardon my ungentlemanly manners, darling. You look beautiful as always. So beautiful that I wanna change your name to Cleopatra.”“Oh, Luca. You flatter me too much, but I prefer my actual name, Sophia, to Cleopatra,” she let out a giggle that sounded annoying to my ears, but at least it did the trick. Now I know her name.“Let’s get out of here, Sophia,” I murmured loud enough to catch Diane’s attention.Sophia flashed her perfect set of teeth in a wide grin, oblivious to the real reason behind my sudden attention. She looped her arm through mine, giggling as I led her awa
Last Updated: 2025-02-07
Chapter: 6. Getting The Queen’s AttentionLuca I stood there for a moment, watching the man display his affection towards Diane on the podium—he hugged her, and even offered her a bouquet. My fingers curled tightly around the glass of champagne in my hand, almost cracking the glass as jealousy surged through my veins. I couldn't stand this. I couldn't bear watching another man be with her that way. If only I wasn't stupid enough to let her go, then that would have been me on the podium with her, not another man. Still seething, I turned around, heading back to where I’d left Diego, and I wasn't surprised to see him flirting with a slim lady, who I was certain was a model. I ignored them both, respecting their privacy as I sipped on my drink quietly with thoughts of Diane clouding my mind. I watched her attentively as she gave her speech. I noticed the movement of her body, her hands, and the occasional smiles she threw at the audience. I was mesmerized, and captivated even, by her growth and progress. Although I was
Last Updated: 2025-02-07
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