Devon’s POVThe tires rolled through the garage as I pulled up to the house with Laura sitting with me. Laura’s dramatic laughter rings in my ears like a mosquito noise when they want to sting you. I shot her a sideways glance, watching her as she got down from the passenger seat, her red lips curving into that sly smile like she was about to do something evil which was happening anyway.“Ready to have some fun?” she mouthed while eating the remaining pizza she was holding. She slid her hand up my thigh but I didn’t give her any reply. She was beginning to cross her boundaries and I stared at her disgustingly. Women will forever look like a whore to me, I don’t think I would ever take them seriously ever again because all they do is tell lies and cheat. They are never satisfied like Karen. I clenched my jaw at the thought of her, at the mess she’d become. How she was once everything I needed and wanted, but now? She was just another problem, I had every intention of erasing, Slo
Devon's POVKaren’s shoulders stiffened, and for the first time, she paused in her task. She turned, looking at Laura and then at me. Her lips parted as if she was about to speak, but then she closed them again, her gaze dropping back to the food reserving her words back to herself.“You should hurry up with whatever you are doing because I don’t have enough time to waste here.” I roared, running my hands on my hair tiredly.She turned back to the counter, continuing her cooking in silence as usual. The smell of frying meat filled the air, but the tension in the room was enough to make the room suffocating for her than the aroma of the food.Laura walked towards me, settling herself onto my lap, her arms wrapping around my neck. I could feel her breath on my ear, her lips brushing against my skin. But my eyes were on Karen watching her every move and her facial expression. I want to see the hurt look on her face.This was her punishment, And I was going to make sure she felt every sing
Karen’s POVThe morning light shone through the curtains, casting soft rays over the bed. I blinked my eyes open, the memories of yesterday rushing into my memories like it was something I was hoarding onto. Devon’s harsh words, Laura’s taunting smile, it all played back in my mind, but I refused to let it break me, Not today.I sat up, my body light like someone who doesn't eat anything at all. I can’t even blame myself because if I eat when all this is happening, I can't even find my peace anymore. The Mansion was quiet as always, but I welcomed the silence almost all the time. It gave me space to breathe, to think, and for clarity. Devon’s cruelty had reached new heights, but I couldn’t afford to crumble now. I had to prove to him that I wasn’t the weak woman he thought I was and must make sure I proved to him while planning other things in my head.Taking a deep breath, I slid out of bed, my feet sinking into the cold floor. Today had to be different, I need to try something els
Karen’s PovThe moment I was out of sight, my composure crumbled. Sobs filled the room and I hugged my knees to my chest, the pain of Devon’s rejection, his cruelty, and Laura’s taunts hitting me all at once again. Nothing hurts so much when the person you love treats you like trash, it’s not about him anymore but just clearing my name from this shit and letting him go. When I am done making him realize his self, I would let him go but not until I see him vulnerable.But even amid my pain, a small voice inside me refused to give up, I wasn’t done yet.Wiping my face, I sat up, forcing myself to breathe slowly. They thought they’d broken me, but they cannot, Not completely. There was still a part of me that refused to let go. I believe that there was still something worth fighting for. I wasn’t going to let Devon win, Not like this. In as much as the tormenting goes on then fighting back to clear my name still holds unless he decides to chase me out of here which I will gladly accept
Devon’s POVI headed to my room with different thoughts running through my head, my head was already messed up. I ruffled my hair frustratedly as I sat at the edge of my head reminiscing about everything.I expected a different reaction from her but it seemed, I would never get what I wanted. I expect her to be in tears anytime I speak harshly to her but it was always a different reaction I get all the time. I want to feel the same way she made me feel that day, I have never felt so useless and stupid before. She made me feel like a fool in love and I want her to get in a hundredfold. I want more of her breakdown, tears, and apology, anything that would confirm my control over her. But she didn’t give it to me, rather she threw my own words back at me.I couldn't believe that pouring that food on her wouldn’t make her react in some type of way instead she was quiet while the food was dripping off her hair like a lost puppy. Her stubbornness was something else and she was beginning
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
EpilogueSix Months LaterThe shopping mall bussied around Karen as she wove through the aisles, her heart hammering in frustration."Austin!" she called, glancing around the shelves filled with colorful toys.No answer."Paris?" she tried again.She spun around, her eyes scanning the store, but the two little troublemakers were nowhere to be found. A pang of panic crept up her spine. Jordie, who had been helping her keep an eye on them, jogged up, her face mirroring Karen’s concern."I swear, I just saw them two minutes ago," Jordie said, glancing around.Karen let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand through her hair. "They're fast. Too fast."She pushed past the rows of toys, checking behind shelves and peeking into play areas, but the kids were gone. Her heart pounded harder.Then, suddenly—"You might want to be careful with these two."A deep voice—steady, familiar.Karen turned sharply, and her breath caught in her throat.A man stood a few feet away, holding both Austin and
Karen’s POVThe door burst open with a thunderous bang, the sound echoing through the cold night air. My breath hitched as a swarm of armed officers stormed in, their guns raised in precision, their movements swift and practiced.“Hands in the air! Nobody move!” a commanding voice barked.The room shifted instantly. The arrogant smirks on Liam and Troy’s faces faded, replaced by something I had never seen before—fear.“What the hell is going on?” Liam hissed, his eyes darting toward the doorway.And then she walked in.Lauren.Clad in a sleek black jacket, her presence radiated confidence. She stepped forward, unbothered by the chaos around her, her gaze sharp and unyielding."You forgot about me," she said, her voice dripping with amusement.Troy’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. "Lauren," he spat. "I should’ve known you’d stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong."She smirked, stepping closer, her gaze sweeping over the room before landing on me. There was something in her eyes—
Karen's POV I forced my eyes open, but my mind felt sluggish, struggling to catch up with my surroundings. A dull ache pulsed at the base of my skull, and my body felt impossibly heavy, as if every limb had been weighed down. The sharp sting of cold air sent a shiver down my spine, and a strange, salty scent filled my lungs. This wasn’t the alley. I blinked rapidly, my vision adjusting to the dim light. Instead of damp concrete and graffiti-stained walls, I saw open space. The ground beneath me was rough and uneven, dirt and gravel scraping against my skin as I tried to move. A cold breeze brushed against my skin, sending a shiver through my body. My limbs felt heavy, but I forced myself to move, shaking off the haze.Where had I been?The last thing I remembered was the alley—Devon tied to the chair, Troy’s grip on my arm, Liam’s smirk—then, darkness.As my vision slowly sharpened, I realized we weren’t there anymore. The damp, suffocating alleyway had been replaced with an op
Karen’s POV“Alright, they’ll be back this afternoon.” Jordie’s voice came through the phone, warm and reassuring.In the background, I could hear the kids giggling and playing. My heart ached with how much I missed them.“Let them stop over at the ice cream shop, okay? There’s no rush,” I said with a small smile.The response was immediate—excited squeals and the sound of tiny feet shuffling around.“Mommy!” Austin’s voice piped up next. “Luna and Lucas told us stories!”I chuckled. “Oh? What kind of stories?”“About a pirate and a lost treasure!” he said excitedly. “But Lucas says the treasure was actually a puppy!”“That sounds like a fun story,” I mused. “Did you like it?”“Yes! But Aiden said the pirate should’ve had a pet parrot instead.”Aiden’s voice came in the background. “Because pirates always have parrots, Mommy!”I laughed softly. “Well, I can’t argue with that.”“Can we tell you the story when we get home?” Austin asked hopefully.“Of course, sweetie.” I smiled, my hear
Devon’s POVThis was it.The final move.If I wanted to fix the mess I had created, if I wanted any chance of making things right—not for myself, but for Karen—this was what I had to do. Even if it was the last thing I ever did.Stepping out of the cab, I adjusted my coat and walked toward the elevator. The security at the front barely acknowledged me; Liam had always been arrogant enough to think no one would dare come after him.The elevator ride up was suffocating each passing second amplifying the weight pressing down on my chest.As soon as the doors slid open, I stepped into the hallway leading to Liam’s office. The air carried a faint scent of cigars and leather, a familiar stench that brought back too many memories I’d rather forget.I pushed open the doors without knocking.Liam was seated behind his oversized desk, a whiskey glass in one hand, his other hand lazily flipping through documents. The moment he saw me, his lips curved into an amused smirk, his dark eyes glinting
Devon’s POVThe night was thick with silence, the kind that settled deep into the bones and made a man question everything. The cold metal bars in front of me felt heavier than they should, the dim flickering light above casting elongated shadows across the small, suffocating cell.I leaned back against the wall, running a hand through my hair as my mind spiraled into the past—into the mess that had landed me here.Karen.Her name echoed in my head like a ghost refusing to be forgotten. I remembered the accusations, the way they had thrown my name into the fire, claiming I had been the one threatening her and the kids. The sheer disbelief in her eyes had stung more than I cared to admit.Had it really come to this?A sharp rattling sound jolted me out of my thoughts.I straightened, my instincts kicking in as I turned toward the cell door. The metal groaned, the lock shifting before it swung open.Troy stood there, his face impassive but his eyes burning with something close to contem
Karen’s POVMy breath caught in my throat as I stared at Lauren. The weight of her betrayal hit me like a punch to the gut. I had suspected, but now the reality of her involvement was undeniable."You've been sending me messages," I said, my voice trembling with a mixture of rage and disbelief. "Threatening me, threatening my kids. What the heck do you want? And then you go ahead and kill somebody. You're a psychopath." The words spilled out, the anger rising in me with each passing second.Her lips curled into an almost sinister smile. She didn’t even flinch at the accusation. Instead, she laughed—a soft, mocking sound that made my skin crawl."I hate you Karen,” she said. "And yes, I’ve been sending some messages. But it was only to check up on you. Nothing much. Just checking how things were going." Her voice dripped with sarcasm, as if everything she had done was just some petty game.I could feel my blood boiling. "You killed somebody," I snapped. "How can you sit there and act
Karen’s POVI sat in the small office at the station, my fingers curled into my lap as I tried to steady my breathing. The tension in the room was suffocating, thick with the weight of everything that had just happened. Troy stood in front of me, his arms crossed, his gaze hard and unyielding.“They have leads, Karen,” he said, his voice firm. “And all of them point to Devon.”I shook my head, my stomach twisting uncomfortably. “That’s impossible,” I whispered. “Devon wouldn’t do this. He—”Troy cut me off, stepping closer and placing a file down on the desk in front of me. “We just got this,” he said. “And I need you to face it.”Slowly, I reached forward, my hands trembling as I flipped the folder open. My breath caught in my throat.It was the same photo. A blurry image of a man, caught in the act of what looked like a secret exchange. The shadows obscured his features, but the shape, the stance—It was Devon?I felt like the air had been sucked out of my lungs.“No,” I murmured, m
Devon's pov.The next day, I walked into Karen’s office, my mind still reeling from the night before. The memory of her lips, her body pressing against mine, and the raw emotions we had shared clung to me like a second skin. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, couldn’t stop feeling it.I had barely slept, replaying every detail in my head, wondering what she must be thinking now. Did she regret it? Did it mean anything to her? Did it mean as much to her as it did to me?Her office door was slightly ajar, and I caught a glimpse of her inside. She was seated at her desk, her expression neutral, focused on something on her computer screen. But I knew her well enough to notice the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers tapped absently against the edge of her desk.She was thinking about last night too.I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and pushed the door open fully. She looked up, her green eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The air between us felt char