Chapter 35Kaitlyn and Estefan’s return to Los Angeles was the beginning of a new era. They had managed to maintain the façade of a loving couple during their honeymoon, but as they settled back into their life in the city, the reality of their contract marriage became ever larger.The next evening of their return, Isabella, Estefan’s mother, who was so eager to show off her beautiful daughter-in-law and present the newlyweds as the perfect couple, organized a formal family dinner at one of the Salvatore hotels.Kaitlyn, dressed in an elegant evening gown, couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed and anxious. She was aware of the importance of making a good impression, even if their marriage was built on a lie.Estefan’s place firm yet reassuring hands on her waist as he guided her into the hotel’s private dining room. Of course the media made a frenzy at the entrance of the hotel before they were able to make their entry, capturing every moment of the power couple since their return from t
Chapter 36Kaitlyn sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows of Estefan’s penthouse, gazing at the breathtaking view of Los Angeles. The city sparkled beneath her, but her mind was elsewhere. The past few weeks had been a coaster ride for her, and she was still trying to make sense of everything that had happened since she met Estefan. Her wedding to Estefan, the luxurious honeymoon, and now her preparation to fight back. Yet, despite the glamorous façade, she sometimes felt she was not having the life she desired; she feels lonely.She struggles to adjust to the constant attention from Estefan’s staff and the demands of her new role as a public figure. Estefan continued to provide her with the resources and support she needed to exact her revenge on Michael and Melissa. He had told her to build her weakness into strength before she strikes back when they least expected, and that was exactly what she was doing.The penthouse, though luxurious and spacious,
Chapter 38 Kaitlyn was stunned, her eyes wide open as sleep cleared from her eyes. She went further to click on the link that led her to the full content of the article. The article went on to speculate that Kaitlyn and Estefan’s marriage was nothing more than a carefully planned PR move, with unnamed sources claiming that the couple had been seen acting distant and unloving behind closed doors. The report included photos of the couple at the airport, captured by a few paparazzi as they returned from their honeymoon. Though the images were harmless enough and inoffensive, the comment beneath it portrays a different picture, saying that their marriage was based on convenience rather than love. Kaitlyn felt a chill run down her spine. This was exactly what she had feared; a breach in their carefully constructed façade. But who had leaked this information? And why now? Her mind immediately went to Melissa. She had no doubt that her former best friend was capable of such a betraya
Chapter 39 Kaitlyn, in an attempt to take her mind off the current situation, took a nap in the afternoon after she had buried herself into the lessons in becoming a woman worthy to stand beside Estefan. She woke up feeling a strange mix of anxiety and determination. All that had happened the previous night crosses through her mind in a flash; the article and the media frenzy. But alongside the fear, something else was building up within her: a deep, unyielding determination. She was done being the victim of other people's schemes. This time, she would fight back. As she scanned her surroundings, she found that she had slept off in the study but was confused as to how she was now lying on the sofa in the study room. The last she remembered was she was at the table and was just taking a nap. In utter confusion, she raised her head and scanned the room; that was when she saw and noticed him, Estefan already at the table working with his laptop opened before him, speaking quietly on t
Chapter 40The next day, the statement had already begun to make its rounds in the media. The initial response was positive; many people praised the couple and especially Kaitlyn for addressing the rumors head-on, and the reactions of the conversation started to shift in their favor. But there were still whispers, still doubts, and Kaitlyn knew that this was far from over.Estefan’s family, however, was less than thrilled with the situation. The rumors had reached their ears, and they were concerned; not just about the impact on the family’s reputation but also about what it meant for Kaitlyn and Estefan’s relationship.Kaitlyn and Estefan met at his parent’s estate for a family dinner that evening. The atmosphere in the dining room was tense, with everyone keenly aware of the elephant in the room. Kaitlyn could sense the unease in the way Estefan’s parents exchanged glances and in the way his brother, Adrian, sat quietly, his jaw clenched in what she could only describe as him trying
Chapter 41 The next morning, Kaitlyn and Estefan met with his PR team again to finalize their approach to the ongoing media frenzy. Estefan was calm and composed as he led the meeting, but this time, he made a point of involving Kaitlyn in the discussions, asking for her input and showing her the ropes of handling a public relations crisis. They reviewed the media coverage, analyzed the public’s response, and discussed the best ways to counter the negative press. Estefan’s team had crafted a follow-up statement, and they were planning to release it later that day to further solidify their position. “Kaitlyn, I want you to be part of this,” Estefan said as they were about to conclude the meeting. “You’re not just my wife,” his voice formed as he continued, “you’re my partner in this. We face everything together, including this mess. I need you to understand how these things work so you’re prepared for whatever comes next.” Kaitlyn nodded, appreciating his confidence in her. “I’m re
Chapter 42Michael Walker sat in his office, boiling in anger. The images of Estefan Salvatore and Kaitlyn Dever plastered across every news outlet were unbearable. Every headline shouted the same message; Estefan and Kaitlyn, the perfect power couple, radiating love and unity. He couldn’t understand it. How could Kaitlyn move on so quickly, and with a man like Estefan? He was fueling with jealousy and anger.The past few days he had been trying to contain his anger at the rumor and was trying hard not to break. Every social media outlet was all about the same thing.He slammed his fist onto the desk; the sound echoes through the room. His assistant, standing by the door, who was just about to approach him with some documents, jumped at the sudden noise.“Get Melissa on the phone. Now,” Michael barked, his voice low and dangerous.The assistant nodded quickly and hurried out, leaving Michael alone with his thoughts. Something wasn’t right. He knew Kaitlyn. She wasn’t the type to rush
Chapter 43Michael crossed his arms, still unconvinced. “Then who did? Because someone out there is trying to cause trouble for them, and I need to know who, because I know we have not planned anything concrete yet, but I can’t say for you.”Melissa hesitated for a second, her mind racing. She couldn’t let Michael find out the truth. If he knew she had tipped off the media, it would ruin everything. She had to keep him in the dark.Melissa then shrugged, pretending to be just as clueless as he was. “I don’t know, Michael,” she said softly, her voice trembling just enough to seem genuine. “Maybe it’s someone from Estefan’s side. He has enemies, doesn’t he? Powerful men like him always do.” She paused before she continued again, “But I promise you, it wasn’t me.”He wasn’t letting it go that easily. “Cut the crap, Melissa. This has your fingerprints all over it. You think I don’t know what you’re capable of?”In an instant, she turned around, throwing a dagger at her husband with her ey