~SophiaThe warmth of the Jacuzzi wrapped around me like a soothing embrace, washing away the tension of the evening. As the gentle bubbles massaged my skin, my mind wandered to the chaotic series of events that had led me here. When Nathaniel and I exchanged vows on that sun-kissed beach in the Maldives, I had told myself it was a mistake. An impulsive, reckless mistake. I’d planned to annul the marriage the moment we returned. But now, as I leaned back against the tub, the truth settled in my chest with surprising clarity: I didn’t want to annul it. Ethan had made sure of that. His arrogance, his audacity to cheat on me with Sarah, my so-called best friend, and then call me a gold digger? I laughed bitterly at the thought. No, Ethan deserved every ounce of this. He would regret what he did to me—every day for the rest of his life. And the irony? Nathaniel. Ethan’s father. That twist of fate was too delicious not to savor. The bathroom door creaked open, pulling me from my th
~SophiaThe limousine glided smoothly through the bustling streets, its plush leather seats and darkened windows cocooning us in a private world of luxury. I leaned back, my gaze fixed on the diamond ring in my hand, the way it sparkled under the soft interior lights. It wasn’t just a ring; it was a statement. A reminder of how drastically my life had changed in just a few short weeks. I turned the ring slowly between my fingers, my heart swelling with disbelief and excitement. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d become a trophy wife to a billionaire,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head. Nathaniel, seated across from me, chuckled, his deep voice resonating in the enclosed space. “Trophy wife?” he teased, his lips curving into a sly smile. “Is that how you see yourself, Mrs. James ?” I looked up at him, my cheeks warming. “I mean, look at this ring, Nathaniel. It probably costs more than my entire existence.” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he
~SophiaThe massive glass doors of the James Corporation opened with a soft whoosh, and I stepped inside, my hand resting lightly on Nathaniel’s arm. The lobby was a blend of elegance and modernity, with marble floors gleaming under the natural light that poured in from the skylights above. Employees in sharp suits and pristine dresses moved about with an air of purpose. Nathaniel, as usual, radiated authority. His calm demeanor and confident strides drew attention as soon as we entered. “Good morning, Mr. James ,” several employees greeted him, nodding respectfully. Nathaniel acknowledged them with a smile or a polite nod, his charm never wavering. But as we walked deeper into the building, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of attention directed toward me. I wasn’t expecting a red carpet, but the fact that no one even spared me a second glance stung. Did I look so out of place? Was I just a shadow trailing behind him? I tried to shake off the unease and focus on Nathanie
~SophiaOne week. One week until I became Mrs. Nathaniel James. The thought sent a mix of excitement and nerves coursing through me. As I sat across from him at breakfast, watching him sip his coffee, I couldn’t help but smile. This man—this incredible, unexpected man—was about to change my life forever. Nathaniel glanced up from his tablet, catching my gaze. His lips curved into a knowing smirk. “You’re staring again, Mrs. Soon-to-be James.” I laughed softly, playing with the edge of my toast. “Maybe I’m just memorizing my last few days of being Sophia… whoever I am now.” “You’re impossible,” he said with a chuckle. Then, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his black credit card and slid it across the table. “What’s this?” I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. “It’s a blank check,” he replied, leaning back casually. “Go shopping. Buy whatever you need to make yourself sparkle on our wedding day.” I blinked, momentarily stunned. “Nathaniel, this is—” He held up a hand,
~SophiaThe engine of Nathaniel's black Ferrari purred smoothly as I sat in the plush leather seat, my fingers lightly tracing the contours of the interior. It was a gift from Nathaniel, something temporary, he had said, until he surprised me with a car of my own. His idea of spoiling me was excessive, but I wasn’t complaining. The sleek, powerful car was impossible to ignore as it turned heads with its glossy black finish. I didn’t even have to pay for gas, much less parking. It was his world, and I was just living in it. But it was never just about the material things with Nathaniel. It was the way he looked at me, like I was something worth having—something he wanted to keep. That possessive nature of his both thrilled and unsettled me. I still didn’t know if I was ready for everything he was offering, but I was starting to understand the world I had stepped into. Charles, the ever-efficient driver Nathaniel assigned to me, exited the car and opened the door. “Ma’am,” he said p
~NathanielThe sleek black car hummed steadily as it glided through the streets, and I leaned back in the leather seat, letting my thoughts wander for a moment. My driver, Mark, had been with me for years. He knew when to speak and when to stay quiet, and today, he seemed to understand I wasn’t in the mood for idle conversation. “Is everything okay, Mr. James?” Mark asked after a brief silence, glancing at me through the rearview mirror. I offered a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Yeah, everything’s fine.” I wasn’t lying—at least, not entirely. There were just a few things swirling around in my head that I couldn’t shake. Reaching for my phone, I unlocked it and opened Sophia’s number, my thumb hovering over the screen before I tapped it. The phone rang a few times before she answered, her voice soft and warm as always. “Hey, babe,” she said, and I smiled, hearing the familiar sweetness in her tone. “Hey, how’s your day been?” I asked, trying to push the weight of my own
~SophiaThe sound of water dripping from the faucet echoed in the bathroom as I stepped out of the shower, my skin still warm and dewy from the steam. I wiped the fogged-up mirror and caught my reflection—my hair still damp, my face flushed with the freshness of the bath. I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of calm that only a quiet evening at home could bring. After the madness of the day, I needed this moment. I ran a towel through my hair and wrapped it around myself, leaning against the bathroom counter as I let my mind wander. Ethan. The thought of him made me chuckle. What a clown. I muttered under my breath with a smirk. I quickly dressed into my soft, silk nightgown, the fabric cool and smooth against my skin. As I reached for the bottle of perfume on the counter, I sprayed a light mist into the air, letting the floral notes fill the space around me. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. “I need to smell nice for Nathaniel,” I whispered to myself, half-amused by the though
~SophiaThe sound of water dripping from the faucet echoed in the bathroom as I stepped out of the shower, my skin still warm and dewy from the steam. I wiped the fogged-up mirror and caught my reflection—my hair still damp, my face flushed with the freshness of the bath. I smiled to myself, feeling a sense of calm that only a quiet evening at home could bring. After the madness of the day, I needed this moment. I ran a towel through my hair and wrapped it around myself, leaning against the bathroom counter as I let my mind wander. Ethan. The thought of him made me chuckle. What a clown. I muttered under my breath with a smirk. I quickly dressed into my soft, silk nightgown, the fabric cool and smooth against my skin. As I reached for the bottle of perfume on the counter, I sprayed a light mist into the air, letting the floral notes fill the space around me. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply. “I need to smell nice for Nathaniel,” I whispered to myself, half-amused by the though
~NathanielI sighed and ran a hand through my hair before stepping down the stairs. Isabella was still on the floor, one hand on her ankle, the other gripping the railing like she had just survived a near-death experience. "Can you stand?" I asked, my voice neutral. She shook her head dramatically. "No… the pain… it's too much." I clenched my jaw. This woman was unbelievable. Biting back my frustration, I bent down and scooped her up in my arms. She gasped, clutching my shirt. "You could be a little more gentle!" she whined. I ignored her, carrying her to the sitting room and placing her carefully onto the plush chair. She let out a dramatic sigh, as if she had just been through war. I turned to the maids standing nearby. "Get the first-aid kit and some ice." They nodded and rushed off. I was about to step back when Isabella suddenly arched slightly in her seat, pressing a hand against her waist. "Ouch… my back. Nathaniel, help me," she breathed. I froze. Help
~NathanielI took a slow sip of my wine, letting the rich, velvety taste coat my tongue as I leaned against the balcony railing, staring at the city lights. The night breeze was cool, but it did little to ease the frustration boiling inside me. Isabella’s voice rang through the house like an unbearable alarm clock, sharp and grating, pulling me from my moment of peace. “I told you, Linda, I’m back in my husband’s house! Can you believe those snakes thought they could get rid of me? Ha! As if! I own this house. This marriage is far from over.” I pinched the bridge of my nose, exhaling slowly. Two weeks. It had been two weeks since I returned, expecting my lawyer to have the divorce papers ready. Yet, here I was, still enduring Isabella’s endless rants, her dramatic speeches to her friends, and her shameless declarations of a marriage that was already six feet under. If only I could just kick her out myself. But no—laws, procedures, formalities. Bullshit. I gripped my gl
~SophiaI stormed into my room, slamming the door behind me, my chest rising and falling rapidly. My fingers trembled as I wiped my lips furiously, as if trying to erase the sensation of Ethan’s kiss. How dare he? How dare he put his lips on mine as if he still had the right? I let out a sharp breath, pacing back and forth, my mind spinning. My heart was hammering so fast I could hear it in my ears. It wasn’t just anger. It was something else—something far more dangerous. The kiss had reminded me of the past. I swallowed hard, my hands clenching at my sides. I closed my eyes, gripping the edge of the dresser for support. The way his lips felt against mine—it wasn’t foreign. It wasn’t something I had forgotten. No. It had felt… familiar. The heat, the roughness, the way he held me for that fleeting moment—it was the same as before. And a part of me—damn it—a part of me had enjoyed it. I let out a choked gasp, my hands flying to my face as my eyes burned. Tears spilled
~EthanThe whiskey burned my throat as I took another swig, my fingers tightening around the glass. The garden was quiet except for the chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves in the night breeze. The same garden where, years ago, I used to sit with Sophia, laughing, planning a future together—one I’d thrown away for Sarah. I scoffed bitterly at the memory, shaking my head. I deserved this. I deserved every ounce of pain Sarah had put me through. I had left Sophia, shattered her heart, and for what? A woman who was now carrying another man’s child. My best friend’s child. I closed my eyes, trying to drown out the memories, but they came rushing back, stronger than ever. Sophia. I had loved her—deeply, foolishly. She had been my safe place, the one person who truly saw me. And I had betrayed her. Sarah had been nothing more than a temptation, a sin I had indulged in. She had known exactly how to lure me in—her touches, her whispers, her games. At first, it
~EthanThe car was quiet as we drove back from the church, the weight of the upcoming wedding pressing on me. A week. Just one week, and I'd be married to Sarah. It wasn't a decision born out of love. Hell, if anything, it was born out of obligation, something to fix the mess we’d gotten ourselves into. She was pregnant. And marriage was supposed to be about love, not just some fix for a problem. Was I doing the right thing? Was I really going to marry her?I glanced at Sarah as she sat next to me, her hand resting on her stomach. The same stomach that carried a child—our child, at least, that’s what I had thought. But now, with my mother’s words ringing in my ears, I wasn’t so sure.She caught my eye and smiled, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts. "The priest said everything is set for next week. We'll sign the documents, and it’s official. You’ll be my husband, and I’ll be your wife."I smiled weakly back at her, but the words didn’t hold the warmth I’d hoped they'd have. "Yea
~Sophia The moment I stepped out of the car, I could feel the shift in the air. The towering glass building stood tall and imposing, gleaming under the morning sun. Nathaniel’s empire. And for now, I was the one running it. The security at the entrance straightened the moment they saw me, greeting me politely. “Good morning, Mrs. James.” I gave them a nod and walked in, my heels clicking against the marble floor. Employees moved swiftly around the spacious lobby, some engaged in quiet conversations, others hurrying to their destinations. As I made my way to the elevators, heads turned, whispers followed, but I ignored them. My personal assistant, Laura, was already waiting for me by the elevators, holding my briefcase. “Good morning, Mrs. James,” she said with a bright smile. I nodded. “Morning, Laura. Let’s go.” She followed me into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. “Everything is set for you,” Laura informed me as the elevator doors closed. “Your o
~Sophia“Hey, baby.”“Hey,” Nathaniel replied, his voice warm. “How’s everything? Is everything okay?”I smiled, though it didn’t reach my eyes. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just a few little things to deal with. Nothing you need to worry about.”“Alright,” he said, and there was a slight pause. “I can’t wait to come home. I miss you.”“I miss you too,” I said, a genuine smile on my face. “How’s everything on your end?” I asked, my fingers absentmindedly tapping against the kitchen counter as I waited for his to reply. “Everything’s good,” he replied, his voice smooth. “The issue is getting sorted, the team is handling it. We should have everything under control by next week. What about you? How’s Lilly? And the house? Everything alright?”I couldn’t help but smile at his concern. It was one of the things I loved most about him. Despite everything, despite all the days of distance, he still cared. “Lilly’s good. We’re both good, just... trying to keep everything running smoothly here.
~EthanI sat next to Sarah on the bed in my mother’s room, her small, warm hand in mine. The tension in the room was thick enough to slice with a knife. For the past two hours since we returned home, my mother hadn’t said a word. She had been pacing back and forth, her glasses perched on the tip of her nose, deep in thought, completely ignoring us.Sarah, her patience running thin, turned to me with a worried frown. “Is everything alright, Ethan? What’s going on? Why’s she acting like this?” I squeezed her hand, trying to comfort her. “Shh, it’s just... it’s how she is when she’s thinking. You know how she can be. Don’t disturb her. Just let her do her thing.”But even as I said it, I wasn’t sure if I was comforting her or myself. My mind was all over the place. My mother had been acting strange lately, and I couldn’t figure out why she was so insistent on getting me back home tonight.Suddenly, my mother stopped pacing, turned around sharply, and fixed her gaze on Sarah. Her sharp
~EthanI lay there in the dark, staring at the glow of my phone screen. It was late, but I couldn’t sleep. The light from my phone cast strange shadows on the walls of the room. My mind kept racing, replaying everything that had happened over the past few weeks.The phone buzzed in my hand, an incoming message from one of my buddies at the gym. I barely noticed it. My eyes kept flicking back to Sarah, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding her phone up to her ear, arranging something. She’d been acting distant lately, and I hated that feeling of not knowing what was going on with her. Her voice, soft but sharp, broke my thoughts. “Yes, the makeup artist is confirmed. Just make sure she’s there at least two hours before the ceremony. The last thing I need is someone messing up my makeup on my wedding day.” I clenched my jaw, my gaze narrowing as I studied her from across the room. I didn’t know what was bothering me more—the fact that she was so busy with wedding preparati