Chapter thirty seven: What do I want?My mom arrived fashionably late as usual. "I'm finally here!" She announced as she sauntered in with the confident click clack of her heels. "Hope the party did not start without me?" She said."I'm still trying to force her to wear a dress," replied Rachel with a groan."All these dresses are not my style. I'm not even sure I want to wear white," I grumbled, crossing my arms in a defiant stance."Okay then. What exactly do you want, Raye?" asked Mom."I don't know. I don't know what I want. Why do I have to choose? White or Red? What if I choose Red and then later want white? What if I go with white and it turns out to be the biggest mistake of my life? Why do I care about red getting engaged to someone else?" I ranted pacing nervously around.Rach and mom stared at me in silence for a minute."Are you okay, Jess?" Rachel's concerned voice said."Is something going on? Did Scott do something to you?" My mom said as if she was ready to unleash he
Chapter thirty eight: Pure, unadulterated hate!People always said I and Scott had a love-hate relationship. But that isn't true. I just hated him- as simple as that!I hated his smug grin, his arrogant attitude, and the way he always seemed to think he was right about everything. I hated how he could charm the pants off anyone with his smooth words and charming demeanor, even when I knew he was full of it. And most of all, I hated having to pretend to be in love with him.Every time I was on a talk show, all the host wanted to do was ask me about me and Scott. It's like they thought we were starring in some twisted romantic comedy, and I was just playing along to keep the ratings up. Well, newsflash: real life isn't scripted, and my feelings for Scott are about as genuine as a reality TV show!"So, Jessica, what's the deal with you two? How did you meet and when did you know he was the one?" they would ask.And every time, I would plaster on a fake smile and spout some rehearsed line
Chapter thirty nine: Wedding day: will she or won't she?On the morning of the wedding, I was already bustling about my room, surrounded by a whirlwind of activity. My hired bridesmaids were buzzing around me, making final adjustments to my dress and ensuring every detail was perfect for the big day.Just as I was about to take a moment to myself, there was a knock on the door. Startled, I turned to see David standing in the doorway, looking both nervous and determined."David? What are you doing here?" I asked, my heart racing with a mix of surprise and apprehension."I need to talk to you, Jessie," said David, his voice urgent."Come in," I said finally, stepping aside to let him enter.I glanced around at the bridesmaids, silently indicating that I needed a moment alone with David. They nodded understandingly and left the room, closing the door behind them.Alone now, I faced him with my emotions guarded. "This isn't really the best time, David. I'm getting married today.""I know,
Chapter forty: Why and what ifs...There are certain random thoughts that occupy my mind for no apparent reason. Like, seriously, why is the sky blue? Did someone spill a giant bottle of blue paint up there, and now it's just stuck like that? Or maybe it's just Mother Nature's way of saying, "Hey, I like blue, let's make the sky match my favorite color!" And what if the sky decided to change colors one day? Would we all freak out and think the world was ending?The same way, my mind sometimes veers towards darker thoughts. Like why did my sister, Laura, pack her bags and leave us in the dust just for a silly little boyfriend? Was he really worth abandoning her family for? Would she ever come back? Was she even alive or dead? How was she doing?The last time I heard from her was when she sent me a postcard from Greece. People said that she had turned to the life of crime but I refused to believe. She was my sister, my own blood after all. But I saw her face on the FBI's most wanted per
Chapter forty one: The secret is out"Laura, what's going on? How are you?"She didn't reply. Instead, she offered me a tight-lipped smile, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for something. "Look at this huge ass office for only you. It's way bigger than the tiny apartment we grew up in. Jason, mom, dad, you and me all squeezed together. Do you remember that excuse for a home we lived in?" She said with a bitter laugh."You look... different," I simply stated."Really? Well, not much has changed for me," she said as she sat on my table, instead of the chair like a normal person. "I got a few tattoos, robbed a few banks, got a nipples piercing, pulled some heists, got arrested and sentenced, escaped from prison, died my hair green, robbed a jewelry store, stole some diamonds but I'm still not as rich as you. I still don't got the shit that you do. Life works in twisted ways, right?"My eyes widened in disbelief as Laura casually recounted her wild exploits as if it was so
Chapter forty two: Hear my truth.I could not risk helping a wanted criminal with a heist. The only thing I had been stealing those days were hearts – metaphorically, of course. Need I mention that I'm too pretty to go to jail – and far too fabulous for a life of crime. I knew for sure that I was not cut out for life behind bars? I mean, orange may be the new black, but it's definitely not my color, darling. Plus, have you seen the food they serve in prison?On a more serious note, there I was, a successful CEO with everything to lose, being blackmailed by my own sister, a fugitive wanted by the FBI. It was like something out of a twisted crime thriller, only this was my reality. I had worked too hard to build my reputation and my empire from the ground up to throw it all away for a daring heist. I had clawed my way to the top, overcoming countless obstacles and naysayers along the way, and I wasn't about to let my sister's reckless antics derail my hard-earned success.No, I had to t
Chapter forty three: The tattoo studio.Scott took a u-turn at a very familiar street. At the end of road, I saw a neon sign looming ahead. It was the tattoo studio where I had asked Scott to marry me."Why are we here?" I asked."Just follow my lead," he replied cryptically.We parked in front of the studio, the neon sign casting an ethereal glow over the pavement. Stepping out of the car, I followed Scott as he strode purposefully towards the entrance. "Hey, boss," they greeted him.Butch, the tattoo artist, a burly man with a bushy beard, looked up from his workbench and greeted us with a nod."Back so soon with the wifey?" he asked, his tone gruff yet friendly.Scott flashed him a wry grin. "I'm not here for tattoos this time," he said, motioning towards me.He took me to his inner office. The walls were adorned with an eclectic collection of artwork, dominated by nude, obscene paintings of women in provocative poses. The scent of rich tobacco cigarettes hung heavy in the air, min
Part 2: Who is Laura?Once upon a time, Laura had been a young and ambitious teenage girl with a thirst for adventure. She was always a thrill-seeker, looking for excitement in all the wrong places. She met Big Tony, the notorious leader of a small-time gang, at a rundown bar on the outskirts of town. Despite his rough exterior, there was something charming about Tony that drew Laura to him like a moth to a flame. They quickly fell into a passionate whirlwind romance, fueled by adrenaline and the promise of a life less ordinary. They were partners in crime, planning heists and pulling off daring robberies across the city.The infamous robbery that sealed their fate was at the city's most prestigious jewelry store. Laura and Tony orchestrated an elaborate plan to steal a collection of priceless diamonds. This diamond was not just any gem; it was rumored to be a priceless heirloom with significant monetary value. With Laura's cunning and Tony's muscle, they successfully executed the he
Chapter forty sixThere was one feeling I loved more than anything in the world. It was a feeling I cherished above all others, that I would do anything to hold onto. No, it wasn't the joy of winning the lottery (though that would be nice). It wasn't the thrill of skydiving or bungee jumping (let's be honest, that's more like heart-stopping terror than love). It wasn't even the satisfaction of finding the last slice of pizza in the fridge at midnight (although that's pretty high up on the list).It was the feeling of being truly understood. The feeling of being seen, not just for the mask I wore or the role I played, but for the person I was at my core. To have someone look into my eyes and see the essence of who I am, to hear my words and understand the thoughts and emotions behind them, that was a feeling unlike any other.I only felt that way in the arms of Scott Sanders, my husband. I felt truly alive, truly connected, as if I had found my place in the universe. After a long day a
Chapter forty five: Threats and PowerAs the morning light streamed through the curtains, I slowly opened my eyes to the sight of two warm, captivating brown eyes fixed on me with unabashed adoration. It was Scott, my beloved, greeting me with a tender smile."Good morning, beautiful," he greeted with affection.I chuckled lightly. "Have you been staring at me again, mister?" I teased, the corners of my lips lifting into a playful smile."How did God create a woman so perfect in every way?" he mused, his fingers tracing a delicate path along my right cheek."I guess we'll never know," I replied, meeting his gaze with a playful wink, knowing that in his eyes, I was indeed perfect.As Scott leaned in, his lips poised to meet mine in a tender morning kiss, I playfully swerved away. With a giggle, I swiftly pulled the sheets up, covering myself completely. "Oh, no you don't," I exclaimed, my laughter bubbling up as I hid beneath the cozy fortress."Come on, don't hide from me," he tease
⚠️ Warning: This is for readers 18+Back in my house, as I slipped out of my clothes and into the soft silk of my nightdress, my mind kept circling back to that tense encounter with Scott earlier in his office. It was the first time I had seen that side of him—assertive, calculating, and unyielding. And strangely, it ignited a fire within me that I hadn't expected. As much as I wanted to resist and stick to the marriage contract, I found myself drawn to the raw power he exuded, the way his eyes gleamed with intensity. I realized there was a side to Scott I had never explored, a side that awakened desires I never knew existed. And as I stood there in the dim glow of my bedroom, bathed in the soft light of the moon, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted more. I wanted his touch to linger on my skin and ignite a hunger that burned deep within me. I craved the feel of his hands, the heat of his body pressed against mine. It was intoxicating, irresistible.But as much as I yearned fo
Part 2: Who is Laura?Once upon a time, Laura had been a young and ambitious teenage girl with a thirst for adventure. She was always a thrill-seeker, looking for excitement in all the wrong places. She met Big Tony, the notorious leader of a small-time gang, at a rundown bar on the outskirts of town. Despite his rough exterior, there was something charming about Tony that drew Laura to him like a moth to a flame. They quickly fell into a passionate whirlwind romance, fueled by adrenaline and the promise of a life less ordinary. They were partners in crime, planning heists and pulling off daring robberies across the city.The infamous robbery that sealed their fate was at the city's most prestigious jewelry store. Laura and Tony orchestrated an elaborate plan to steal a collection of priceless diamonds. This diamond was not just any gem; it was rumored to be a priceless heirloom with significant monetary value. With Laura's cunning and Tony's muscle, they successfully executed the he
Chapter forty three: The tattoo studio.Scott took a u-turn at a very familiar street. At the end of road, I saw a neon sign looming ahead. It was the tattoo studio where I had asked Scott to marry me."Why are we here?" I asked."Just follow my lead," he replied cryptically.We parked in front of the studio, the neon sign casting an ethereal glow over the pavement. Stepping out of the car, I followed Scott as he strode purposefully towards the entrance. "Hey, boss," they greeted him.Butch, the tattoo artist, a burly man with a bushy beard, looked up from his workbench and greeted us with a nod."Back so soon with the wifey?" he asked, his tone gruff yet friendly.Scott flashed him a wry grin. "I'm not here for tattoos this time," he said, motioning towards me.He took me to his inner office. The walls were adorned with an eclectic collection of artwork, dominated by nude, obscene paintings of women in provocative poses. The scent of rich tobacco cigarettes hung heavy in the air, min
Chapter forty two: Hear my truth.I could not risk helping a wanted criminal with a heist. The only thing I had been stealing those days were hearts – metaphorically, of course. Need I mention that I'm too pretty to go to jail – and far too fabulous for a life of crime. I knew for sure that I was not cut out for life behind bars? I mean, orange may be the new black, but it's definitely not my color, darling. Plus, have you seen the food they serve in prison?On a more serious note, there I was, a successful CEO with everything to lose, being blackmailed by my own sister, a fugitive wanted by the FBI. It was like something out of a twisted crime thriller, only this was my reality. I had worked too hard to build my reputation and my empire from the ground up to throw it all away for a daring heist. I had clawed my way to the top, overcoming countless obstacles and naysayers along the way, and I wasn't about to let my sister's reckless antics derail my hard-earned success.No, I had to t
Chapter forty one: The secret is out"Laura, what's going on? How are you?"She didn't reply. Instead, she offered me a tight-lipped smile, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for something. "Look at this huge ass office for only you. It's way bigger than the tiny apartment we grew up in. Jason, mom, dad, you and me all squeezed together. Do you remember that excuse for a home we lived in?" She said with a bitter laugh."You look... different," I simply stated."Really? Well, not much has changed for me," she said as she sat on my table, instead of the chair like a normal person. "I got a few tattoos, robbed a few banks, got a nipples piercing, pulled some heists, got arrested and sentenced, escaped from prison, died my hair green, robbed a jewelry store, stole some diamonds but I'm still not as rich as you. I still don't got the shit that you do. Life works in twisted ways, right?"My eyes widened in disbelief as Laura casually recounted her wild exploits as if it was so
Chapter forty: Why and what ifs...There are certain random thoughts that occupy my mind for no apparent reason. Like, seriously, why is the sky blue? Did someone spill a giant bottle of blue paint up there, and now it's just stuck like that? Or maybe it's just Mother Nature's way of saying, "Hey, I like blue, let's make the sky match my favorite color!" And what if the sky decided to change colors one day? Would we all freak out and think the world was ending?The same way, my mind sometimes veers towards darker thoughts. Like why did my sister, Laura, pack her bags and leave us in the dust just for a silly little boyfriend? Was he really worth abandoning her family for? Would she ever come back? Was she even alive or dead? How was she doing?The last time I heard from her was when she sent me a postcard from Greece. People said that she had turned to the life of crime but I refused to believe. She was my sister, my own blood after all. But I saw her face on the FBI's most wanted per
Chapter thirty nine: Wedding day: will she or won't she?On the morning of the wedding, I was already bustling about my room, surrounded by a whirlwind of activity. My hired bridesmaids were buzzing around me, making final adjustments to my dress and ensuring every detail was perfect for the big day.Just as I was about to take a moment to myself, there was a knock on the door. Startled, I turned to see David standing in the doorway, looking both nervous and determined."David? What are you doing here?" I asked, my heart racing with a mix of surprise and apprehension."I need to talk to you, Jessie," said David, his voice urgent."Come in," I said finally, stepping aside to let him enter.I glanced around at the bridesmaids, silently indicating that I needed a moment alone with David. They nodded understandingly and left the room, closing the door behind them.Alone now, I faced him with my emotions guarded. "This isn't really the best time, David. I'm getting married today.""I know,