Kamille's POVGlancing at the clock, I realized that time was running late, and I needed to prepare the promised cookies for the kids before they returned from school. But who to look after Royer was my concern. Belle was not yet back, Zeke too had not appeared since he left with his friends. I felt an urge to call Zeke tug at me. He may say he's busy. I reasoned, and I didn't want to burden him with unnecessary concerns.Instead, I reached for my phone and dialed Belle's number. “Hello bestie.” I greeted warmly as she answered the phone. “I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but please I could use a bit of help.”“Hello Kam. It's fine.” She replied. “What do you need?” She asked.“I'll send it to you. Just a couple of items I'll need for the cookies.” I replied.“Alright Kam. I'll be there soon.” She replied warmly.“Thank you so much, Belle.” I expressed, genuine appreciation coloring my voice. “I really appreciate your help.”“It's no problem at all Kam.” Belle reassured me, he
Zeke's POV I watched as Kamille took the cookies out of the oven and waited for a few more seconds before turning to face me. But even as she turned her eyes were everywhere but on me.“I will be going then. I just wanted to see you and be sure you are good.” I said, my eyes not leaving her as I watched her every movement.“Okay, Zeke.” She replied, raising her head to me but still avoiding my eyes.I walked out of the kitchen. The tension that clung to the air was suffocating, so I adjusted my necktie to give me a little breathing space.As I walked outside, my mind twirled as it replayed the last few hours since I arrived at the penthouse. Fuck! What was I thinking?Was I too forward? Was she still angry with me? Or was it the damn oven that chimed at the wrong time? I tried to make sense of what could have gone wrong. But I was definitely sure that she felt the same way I did. She kissed me back, she grabbed my hair, and she felt it too. Arriving outside, I heard the door slam s
Ellen's POV I sat in my room with an open bottle of pinot noir as I let the events of the past few days swirl through my mind like a wind of chaos. Liz and Gabriel were both taken in on charges of physical abuse. The similarities between their situations were too striking to ignore. Both pieces of evidence released against them had Kamille at its center.If Kamille was dead, then who the hell was scheming on her behalf. I began going back memory lane to recall if she had any close friends from high school but none was forthcoming. I had made sure of that anyway. What about college? Did she have any friends then? After college, before and after her marriage to Zeke did she make any friends I did not know about? But try as I might, I couldn't recall a single name. Kamille had been meticulous about keeping her distance from others. She had avoided people like a plague.Fuck! I cursed inwardly and with a frustrated groan, I reached for the glass of wine on my bedside table and took a s
Kamille's POV Going back into the hospital, I placed my hands gently over my chest and felt it beat heavily. I paused before opening the door to the ward and took a deep breath. I had put on a show in front of Zeke but in earnest, I was still caught up in the heat and tension of what happened in his kitchen. Just the mere thought of it made heat creep up my neck.I stepped into the room after standing outside for a while, hoping my emotions were not so bare to the naked eye. But Belle's sharp eyes caught my flushed cheeks the moment she set her eyes on me. “Hey, Kam.” She greeted me. I noticed her gaze was lingering longer than it should. Her brows furrowed slightly as she took in my nearly disheveled appearance. “You look like you've seen a ghost. What's going on?”I forced a smile on and tried to brush off her questions. .“Nothing Belle. I slept off while the cookies baked in the oven.”“Hmm, I see,” Belle replied, clearly not buying into my lie. But Belle wasn't buying it. “Hmm,
Ellen's POV After Max's message, I knew father was the best person to inform about the kids. But if those kids belong to Zeke, then could that lady from the photo be their mother? Why keep them at his penthouse instead of the mansion? Tired of staying indoors, I decided to make a trip to the salon. At least over there I would be able to worry less because of the gossip I would gladly partake in.I rose from the bed and entered the restroom to freshen up. Stepping out of the restroom, I began to get dressed. I opted for a casual yet stylish outfit. I chose a pair of snug black jeans that accentuated my curves, paired with a breezy white linen blouse. I slipped into a pair of crisp white sneakers. I adorned myself with a delicate gold pendant necklace and let my hair fall loosely around my shoulders.After a final check in the mirror to ensure everything was just right, I grabbed my car keys and headed out the door. After a few minutes on the road, I arrived at the salon. I parked at
Ellen's POV“Go to your room, freshen up, and meet me in my study when you're done,” Father said standing up to do the same.I nodded in response and hurriedly went into my room. I had a quick bath and dressed up in comfortable shorts and a cropped blouse. As I was about to step out of my room, I saw an incoming call from Becky.“Finally someone actually has the courtesy to return my calls.” I said, rolling my eyes as I stepped back into my room.“Sorry about that El. I was in the ER when you called. How are you doing?” Becky asked. Her voice bore tired strains. “Well, everything has been fucking chaotic as usual and I had something I wanted to ask you.” I replied. I had to hurry so I would not keep my father waiting for long.“And what could that be?” Becky asked.“Well, remember that nerd Kamille was friends with back in college. I heard she later became a doctor. Do you by any chance remember her name or know where she works or just anything at all on her. Do you?” I said quickly.
Dressed in a tailored charcoal gray suit that accentuated my sturdy frame. My crisp white shirt peeked out from beneath the jacket, the collar fastened neatly with a silver tie clip. On my wrist, a gold watch adorned and my cufflinks gleamed subtly. Then I had a black coat of fine fur hang loosely over my broad shoulders.Sitting in the dimly lit balcony, surrounded by murmur of voices, loud music and the haze of smoke, I watched as my den thrived before me.From the way the half naked strippers with masks on, swayed gracefully around poles, their movements hypnotic as they entertained the eager crowd. Men huddled around tables, their faces illuminated by the flicker of cards, their laughter mingling with the clink of chips. People made money. Many others lost. Some were even killed.In the corners, shadowy figures exchanged whispers, their eyes darting around suspiciously as they indulged in their vices. But amidst it all, I remained still, my gaze unwavering as I surveyed my kingd
Kamilles POVAt the break of dawn, I was jolted awake by Royer's gentle shaking, his voice filled with a pitiful cry. "Mom, wake up." He tapped me again. "I feel fine and I want to go to school with Reon, Torin and Tyris today," he insisted, his eyes pleading with me to understand.Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I couldn't help but smile at his eagerness. "Hold on, Royer. Let's wait for the doctor to give the final word," I replied, my voice soft but firm.Already awakened by Royer, I freshened him up and got him dressed. His excitement was beautiful to watch as chattered animatedly about his plans for the day. Despite my lingering worries, his infectious enthusiasm brought a smile to my face.Once Royer was ready, I took him to the mini kitchen in the private ward and prepared a simple breakfast for the two of us. After breakfast, I made my way to the doctor's office. Royer's hand was clasped firmly in mine as I approached the receptionist, "Excuse me, could I speak to Dr. John abo
Belle's POV The sun was warm on my skin, the breeze gentle and soothing as it drifted through the open patio where we all sat, the laughter of our loved ones filling the air. It was a picture-perfect moment—the kind of moment I used to dream about but never truly believed would come. We were all gathered around the long, sun-dappled table, the warmth of the day reflecting the joy that radiated from everyone’s faces. Zane was sitting beside me, his hand resting comfortably on my leg, our twins, Sean and Clara, gurgling happily in their bassinet close by. The twins were the center of attention today, as they were most days. Kamille’s kids, Reon, Torin, Tyris, Royer, and little Phoebe, were running around the patio, shrieking in delight as they chased each other. I glanced at Kamille and Zeke, who were sitting across from us, laughing and chatting while keeping a watchful eye on their children. Amanda, was helping prepare the meal, occasionally smiling in our direction as the kids d
Zane's POVI stood there, fists clenched, staring Dave Scott down. Every fiber of my being wanted to lunge at him, to make him pay for everything he’d done. But I couldn’t—at least, not yet. The recorder in my pocket was still running, capturing every damning word that fell from his mouth. I could feel it, a tiny weight pressing against my ribs, reminding me that I had to play this smart. For Belle. For Kelly. For justice.Dave, on the other hand, was as smug as ever, leaning back with that infuriating smirk plastered across his face. He had no idea that his time was running out.“You think you can just waltz in here and act like you own the place?” Dave sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance. “You’re nothing, Zane. A nobody playing hero in a game that’s way beyond your league.”I bit back my anger, forcing myself to remain calm. His words didn’t matter. Not when I had the truth on my side. I took a deep breath, my fingers brushing against the stop button on the recorder hidden
Belle's POVWalking into the living room wasn’t easy. My legs felt heavy, like I was dragging weights with each step. The air in the mansion was suffocating, thick with tension and unspoken fears. My heart raced, a wild, chaotic rhythm that matched the pounding of my thoughts. I could still hear my mother’s frantic voice behind me, begging, pleading for me to stay with them, to hide, to escape into the secret bunker.“Belle, you don’t have to do this!” she cried, reaching out as if she could physically hold me back. Her eyes were wide with fear, her voice trembling. “Come with us. We can hide. We can survive this.”I stopped, my hand resting on the doorframe, my back to her. I couldn’t turn around. I couldn’t let her see the turmoil etched on my face, the way my hands trembled from the weight of what I was about to do. My family was scared—terrified, really—but the idea of running, of leaving Zane behind to face this monster alone, felt like a betrayal I wasn’t willing to commit.“W
Dave's POVI had been waiting for over an hour, sitting there, staring at the doors leading to the rooms, expecting Belle and Zane to finally step out. It wasn’t like them to hide this long, especially Zane. But instead of the two people I was dying to confront, what I got was the Perri family, practically groveling before me. Pathetic.The Perri patriarch, Mr. Perri, stood in front of me with a forced smile, his hands clasped in front of him as though in prayer. His wife hovered behind him, wringing her hands nervously. “Please, David,” her father began, his voice trembling. “We don’t want any trouble. Just… drop the lawsuit. We’ll leave quietly, I swear. We won’t cause any problems.”I couldn’t help the smirk that stretched across my face. They were so desperate, so weak. This was the kind of power I craved, watching them squirm, knowing I held all the cards. “You won’t cause any trouble?” I repeated, mocking his words as if they were a joke. “Oh, trust me, you wouldn’t be able
Zane's POVBelle’s tears were too much for me to handle. The way her shoulders shook, the soft sniffles she tried to hide—it broke something inside me. I couldn’t stand seeing her like this. Without thinking, I reached out, pulling her into my arms once more, holding her as tightly as I dared.“It’s going to be okay,” I whispered, my lips brushing against her hair. “I swear to you, Belle, this will all end today. I’ll make sure of it.”She pulled back slightly, her wide, tear-filled eyes meeting mine. There was a small, hopeful smile on her lips, but I could see the doubt lingering beneath it. It killed me to know that she still didn’t fully believe everything would be fine, that she didn’t fully believe in me. But I didn’t blame her. After everything that had happened, after all the lies, how could she?God! I needed her to trust me.I leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her lips again, my hand cupping her cheek gently. When I pulled away, her eyes fluttered open, and I saw a leve
Belle's POV“I’m scared, Zane,” I confessed. My voice trembled, and my arms tightened instinctively around my belly. I felt so vulnerable, standing there in front of him, exposed and raw. How was I supposed to face Dave? What would he say? What would he do?Zane hugged me tighter. His warmth, his strength—it was like a lifeline, grounding me in the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. He pressed a soft kiss to my hair, his lips lingering there for a moment before he spoke.“You don’t have to be scared,” he murmured into my hair, his voice gentle yet filled with quiet resolve. “I’m here. No one is going to hurt you. Not Dave. Not anyone.”I closed my eyes, leaning into his chest, letting his heartbeat steady mine. His words were soothing, like a balm to my frayed nerves. Dave had always had a way of getting under my skin, and now… with everything that had happened…“Go get refreshed,” Zane said, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes. His fingers brushed a loose strand o
Zane's POVI cursed under my breath as we broke the kiss. I let her take a while to arrange her silk gown. I moved a bit from her as my mind played over what happened the night before.Belle couldn’t sleep all night; I could tell from the way she kept shifting in bed, her body tense beneath the silk sheets. I lay beside her, watching her.I thought back to earlier that night when I walked into the Perri mansion, my mind filled with chaos, only to be confronted by an entirely different reality. I remember the way Belle’s mother was yelling, her voice shrill with rage, but none of that mattered the second I saw Belle. She stood there, so fragile and strong all at once, and without thinking, I crossed the room and pulled her into my arms. Her soft, warm body pressed against mine, grounding me in the middle of the madness. She was everything. The only thing that made sense. The world could be burning down around us, and I wouldn’t care, as long as I had her.Belle’s mother, however, didn
Belle's POVI hadn’t moved from my spot on the bed. Not an inch. I sat there, staring blankly at the wall across from me, my mind heavy with thoughts, swirling memories of last night that I couldn’t quite shake. Everything felt so distant yet so vivid, playing over and over again in my mind. The weight of it all bore down on me, rendering me numb.Opposite me, Zane sat with his back against the headboard, his eyes wide open, just watching. He had been watching me all night. He hadn’t said much, but I could feel his presence, steady and unwavering, like a tether keeping me from completely unraveling. His gaze hadn’t left me, and for some reason, I found comfort in that. My thoughts drifted back to the moment it all came crashing down. The nausea that hit me like a brick after the shouting match with my mother, the way she had followed me into the bathroom after I threw up, concern etched across her face despite the earlier anger.“Belle, are you alright?” she’d asked, her voice surp
Dave's POVThe sun was barely up, casting a dull, gray light over the city, but the weight on my chest was already heavier than the day before. The shipment I had been waiting for was just a few hours away. The timing couldn’t have been worse, not with Belle out there and Zane still breathing. I needed to tie up loose ends, and fast.I sat on the brown leather swivel chair in my study, my hands running over my face as I tried to think. I needed to find a way to get the attention of the drug enforcement agency off my back before the shipment arrived. Every second counted, and I knew that one wrong move could bring it all crashing down.I reached for my phone, my fingers tapping rapidly as I sent out a message to my men. It was time to surround the Perri mansion. We need to bring Belle's family to their limit. Once that was done, they would bring out Belle. Or rather, she would bring forth herself. Then that nosy Zane Caruso will come for her and I get to silence him forever."Surrou