Devon’s PovBut the person at the door wasn’t Lauren. It was Sofia, standing there with that ever-present calm on her face that made me want to either hug her or push her away. She has been my maid for years and somehow I don't see her as a maid but a friend because we talk like friends most of the time not always though.“Devon,” she murmured like someone who was with a burden in her heart, her voice soft as always. “What is going on? This is not you Devon, everything is just like a movie that doesn't have an ending.” She explained with a sad look that plastered on her faceI leaned against the door, crossing my arms. “Why do you care?”I snapped rolling my eyes at her and she sighed, stepping closer, her eyes were on mine. “Because this is getting worse, Devon. You and Karen… and now Lauren. It’s all becoming out of control.”She uttered, playing with her fingers trying as much as she could not to get on my nerves because she knows I get annoyed easily.“I don’t need your lecture, S
Karen’s PovI sat by the window, staring out space while playing with my hair, just enjoying the serenity that comes with being alone, but the events of the evening played over and over in my head like a movie scene that couldn't be wiped off. I just couldn't get my mind off what happened because it made me laugh so hard.I cackled as the memory of Lauren’s face, twisted with anger as she left the mansion, replayed in my head and I giggled.It wasn’t as funny as this when it happened, but right now the whole scene seemed surreal and unreal to me. I’d never stood up to anyone like that before, and it still felt strange and funny But I had enough of her bullshit because it was becoming too overboard.For the first time, I wasn’t the one hiding behind my shells and keeping calm like it didn't hurt and broke me into pieces.My thoughts drifted back to a few hours ago, and I couldn't help but burst out laughing loudly again, I haven't laughed like this for days but it seems everything is
Karen’s POVThe rays of the sunlight shone on my face and my eyes opened wearily with a blurry vision at first but after a few minutes, I regained my sight.I stood up from my bed abruptly feeling different, I hadn't felt like this for a long time but today felt different.I stood in front of my mirror, choosing the most exposing dress I owned. A tight, black mini-dress that clung to every curve in my body. I stared at the dress dramatically and giggled as it stopped at the top of my thighs. I paired it with high heels that added inches to my height, making my legs look long. My makeup was bold, with smoky eyes and red lips that screamed confidence and fearlessness.For once, I wasn’t trying to hide or tone it down. As I looked at my reflection, I felt a surge of pride. I looked damn good and hot. It wasn’t for Devon this time around or anyone else, It was just for me.*****It was already Evening when when I descended the stairs majestically, ready to head out. The house was quiet as
Devon’s POVImmediately she left, I was filled with anger, the kind that burned slowly before it erupted. My fists clenched at my sides, my knuckles became white with the effort to keep myself from lashing out. The nerve she had to walk out like that, dressed like a prostitute forgetting the fact that I am a public figure and is fucking married to me irrespective of our differences.I spun around, my eyes falling on Lauren. She was sitting back on the couch, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips.“She thinks she’s something now, huh?” Lauren muttered playing with her fingers as she talked. “Walking out like she’s not a whore.” She added hissing out loudly and I had enough of that.I clenched my jaw. “Shut up, Lauren,” I growled, my voice calm but dangerous.She raised an eyebrow, sitting up straighter. “What? Am I wrong? She looked ridiculous and stupid.” her like drew back in a snarl unbothered.I turned away, pacing to and fro, trying to get a grip on myself. I felt Lauren’s ey
Devon’s Pov Karen’s figure came into view as she walked down, towards the direction my car was without her realizing that I was watching her every move. She didn’t notice me until I was right beside her, my hand gripping her arm in a tight hold, stopping her in her tracks and that was when it dawned on her, She was now in the devil’s webs.She turned, startled, and when her eyes met mine, I could see the shocked look that was plastered on her face. She felt a sudden freeze of disbelief as the reality of what was happening sank in.“Let go of me, Devon,” she spat, trying to pull her arm free from mine but I tightened my grip, pulling her closer so she had no choice but to look up at me.“Get in the car, now!” I growled, the words coming out more like an order than a request which it was thought.She jerked her arm again, still trying to wrench herself free, her eyes flashing with anger. “I’m not going anywhere with you, Devon so let me be!” She screamed and that was when I had enough o
Karen’s PovDevon's phone rang and he whispered inaudible words in Laura’s ear which made her giggle and he stormed out of the room leaving me alone with a witch who was staring at me like she was gonna kill me any moment from now.In as much as I wasn't scared of her, a little bit of fear glinted in my eyes but I didn't show it in other not to boost her ego.Silence filled the room as Laura closed the door, her eyes on me sending shivers down my spine. I was bound to the chair and couldn't even move my body while feeling the raw ache of the ropes digging into my wrists and body, but I refused to show even a little hint of pain. I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction to mock me, The silence cut deep in the room, and then She stepped forward, her sly smile mixed with a grin that plastered on her face as she walked towards me.“You think you are brave, don't you?” Her lips drew back in a snarl and she crossed her arms as she talked.“Well, look at you now,” she sneered as continued talk
Karen’s PovMy eyes blinked open but it was a blurry vision so I struggled to open it properly but I finally opened it. When I opened my eyes properly, I felt the weight of pain hit me at every part of my body, aching even with the slightest movement. I blinked my eyes repeatedly, staring at my surroundings. The soft bed I was laying on, the dark lighting, and the familiar decor and they were when it dawned on me that I was in Devon’s room.I tried to sit up, ignoring the throbbing pains that were hitting me in my limbs, but the dizziness forced me back against the pillows. A sound coming from a particular direction in the room caught my attention, making me wonder who was in the room with me.And that was when I saw Devon. He had been there all this while and I couldn't even notice him not until I heard the sound.And there he was, sitting in a chair across the room, watching me silently like someone who was lost in his world, his expression cold and unreadable as usual.“You’re awa
Laura’s POVI paced back and forth in the living room reminiscing about the scene I saw earlier and it was beginning to piss me off.I clenched my fists, anger swirling inside of me and I wasn’t even trying to quench it down. that The nerve of that slut lying there in Devon’s room, looking all vulnerable, as if she hadn’t done everything to ruin him, to ruin us.“Ruin us how?” my subconscious mind taunted me and I hissed ignoring that thought. Although she was in the picture for a long time he was meant for only and no matter how I try to split them, something always comes my way and I don't know why he can't just let her go.“Stupid little riffraff,” I muttered under my breath, gnashing my teeth together furiously. “Why didn’t she just die huh? I was so close, very close to finally getting rid of her but boom her savior came to ruin my plans. Haven't he done enough huh?” I screamed ruffling my hair frustratedly.All my work and careful planning, and in the end, Devon had to come swe
Karen's POVThe throbbing in my head was relentless. I pressed my fingertips to my temples, trying to ease the ache, but nothing worked. It had been one of those mornings—exhausting, emotional, and everything in between. The kids were at the park with Jordie, and for the first time in days, I was alone, which should’ve been a relief, but all I felt was the weight of everything crashing down on me.I sank deeper into the couch, hoping for some peace, but the silence of the house felt deafening. The walls seemed to close in, and I found it hard to breathe with the pressure that had built up inside me. The events of the past few days were replaying in my mind—my argument with Devon, the overwhelming stress of trying to keep everything together for my kids, and the loneliness that had become so familiar.The quiet was interrupted by a knock at the door, and I froze. Who could that be? I wasn’t expecting anyone.I forced myself to stand, my head spinning as I made my way to the door. When
My grip on the seat tightened as the car pulled into Karen’s driveway. The house loomed in the dim light of the streetlamp, but it wasn’t the familiar structure that caught my attention—it was Karen.She was leaning over the hood of her car, a bottle of something amber-colored clutched in her trembling hand. Her hair was disheveled, and even from this distance, I could see her shoulders shaking.My heart dropped. Karen wasn’t the type to let herself unravel like this.The car came to a stop, and I stepped out, my boots crunching on the gravel. She didn’t even look up as I approached, too consumed by her own tears and whatever thoughts had driven her to this state.“Karen,” I said softly.Her head snapped up, and her glassy eyes met mine. “You came,” she slurred, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “Of course, you came. Always the hero, huh?”“What the hell is going on?” I asked, my tone gentle but firm as I took the bottle from her hand.She didn’t resist, just waved vaguely at the air.
Devon's pov He hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to leave, but her words cut through his resolve. “Come on, Devon,” Lauren said, her voice low and inviting. “Don’t you want to know? Aren’t you curious about what I have to say?”Her eyes locked onto his, a smirk tugging at her lips as she patted the space beside her on the bed. Against his better judgment, he moved forward, his jaw clenched as he lowered himself onto the edge of the mattress, keeping a careful distance between them.Lauren shifted, her posture relaxed yet calculated, her knee brushing against his. “You look tense,” she purred, her voice dripping with false concern. “You’ve always carried the weight of the world on your shoulders, haven’t you?”“Lauren, if you’ve called me here to waste my time—”“I called you here because I care, Devon,” she interrupted smoothly, her hand sliding onto his thigh. “I’ve missed you.”Her fingers trailed upward, and he stiffened, his gaze snapping to hers. Lauren leaned in, her pe
Devon's POVThe phone buzzed on the corner of my desk. O’Hara’s name lit up the screen for what felt like the hundredth time in the past two days. I’d ignored it, silenced it, even turned the damn thing face down in the hopes it would stop. But now, as I sat in the dim light of my office, the soft hum of activity from the floor below echoing faintly, I knew I couldn’t avoid it any longer.My hand hovered over the phone, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. Finally, with a resigned sigh, I picked it up and swiped to answer.“O’Hara,” I said flatly, my voice betraying none of the turmoil swirling within me.“Devon,” came the familiar oily tone on the other end. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten all about me.”“Been busy,” I replied curtly, leaning back in my chair.“Well, I hope you’ve been busy getting me something useful. Any updates?”I hesitated, staring at the papers strewn across my desk. My fingers drummed a restless rhythm on the wood as I considered my respon
Karen's POVI picked up the phone, my fingers trembling slightly as I dialed Troy's number. The seconds felt like hours as I waited for him to pick up. When he did, his voice was a welcome comfort, steady and reassuring."Karen?" he asked, his tone instantly alert. "What's going on?"I hesitated for a moment, weighing my words carefully. "I just got a call from the police. They want me to come down to the station. Something urgent about my case," I said, my voice tight with a mix of concern and frustration.There was a pause on the other end before Troy responded, his voice low and serious. "Do they say what it's about?""No, they wouldn’t tell me over the phone," I replied, glancing at the clock again. "I’m heading over as soon as I can. I just... I don't know what’s going on, but it doesn't feel good."Troy let out a quiet sigh. "Alright. Keep me posted. Be smart about your movements. Don't do anything rash. We don't know if this is just about your case or if it’s something more."I
Karen's POV My fingers trembled as I read the note again, each word feeling like a dark omen.I set the note down, my thoughts racing. The fruit basket seemed harmless enough, but I wasn’t about to let my guard down. It was the small things, the subtle gestures, that always made me question her intentions. She had played me before, and I couldn’t afford to be a fool again. I reached for my phone, my mind racing through possibilities. I knew Troy would be the first person I’d need to consult, but as I pulled up his number, something caught my attention— the address on the note was different from what he had told me. The location wasn’t familiar. It wasn’t the one he’d mentioned in our previous conversations. My heart skipped a beat. Lauren was playing a game I didn’t understand, but I wasn’t about to let her win.The question gnawed at me: Should I go, or should I stay? It was already late, and I felt the weight of exhaustion settling into my bones. My body screamed for sleep, but m
Karen's pov.I was about to get into my parked car when my phone rang, looking up at it, I saw it was Troy.We haven't talked since I told him about Lauren and he decided to offer his help. As of last week, I hadn't been present at work all through. I needed to make sure I cracked the Laurens case and what she was truly on to. Several police updates showed some results but they were rather slow then frequent.The call missed before I had the chance to pick up and I immediately called back. He picked up after the second ring. “Hello, Karen.” His voice rang out. “Hey. Any updates?” I didn't have the time to beat around the bush and as much as I knew the words didn't come out in my most friendly tone I wasn’t still going to rephrase it.“Fortunately, yes. Lauren was spotted,” Troy said, his tone measured but firm, as though he was carefully weighing every word.My heart skipped a beat. “Where?” I asked, the question spilling out before I could stop myself.“My team tracked her to a c
Devon’s POVThe drive from O’Hara’s office back to my place was a blur. My mind was spinning, caught between the pressure of what O'Hara had demanded and the situation with Lauren and Karen. I had been so wrapped up in trying to keep O'Hara from pulling the trigger that I hadn't fully processed the weight of what was happening with Lauren. The bitch was dangerous.And she was playing her games again.It had been a long time since I’d thought about Lauren—since the fallout from our relationship had torn us both apart. But now, she was back in my thoughts, like an old wound that refused to heal. I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t seen it before. Maybe because I was trying to protect Karen from the mess of my past. Or maybe because, in the end, I just wanted to distance myself from the people who had only ever caused me trouble.But Lauren was a problem that couldn’t be ignored.I pulled into the parking lot, turned off the engine, and sat there for a moment, staring at the dashboard. I had a ch
Karen’s POVSaturday morning greeted me with a calm I didn’t feel. The sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, warming the hardwood floors, but it was a stark contrast to the chill in my chest. I sipped my coffee, staring out at the backyard where Paris and Aiden were playing with a small soccer ball. Their laughter floated in through the open window, a sound so pure and carefree it made my heart ache.I had spent most of the night tossing and turning, unable to shake the image of Richard’s lifeless body or the venom in Lauren’s imagined smirk. Devon’s visit hadn’t helped either; it had left me with a knot of unresolved anger and fear that I couldn’t untangle.As I took another sip, a knock at the front door startled me. I set my mug down and walked toward the door, trying to compose myself.“Troy,” I said, opening the door to see him standing there with his easy smile. He was dressed casually, a leather jacket thrown over a simple black shirt and jeans, but he still exuded the q