Chapter 85The inspection at the subsidiary group began promptly after the team arrived. Though Estefan’s absence affected the team, Michael maintained his professionalism, ensuring that the inspection process went as smoothly as planned. The welcome team lined up at the entrance, greeting each member of the inspection committee with polite smiles and firm handshakes.“This way, please,” Michael gestured, his assistant by his side holding a tablet, already keyed into the day’s agenda, taking the lead, guiding the six-member inspection team through the building. The team, consisting of four men and two women, were all dressed in sharp, tailored suits and moved in silence, their sharp eyes taking in every detail. Their notepads in hand as they noted observations, occasionally pausing to ask questions.The inspection team followed him through the corridors, nodding appreciatively as Michael gave a brief introduction to each department. As they reached the Marketing Division, Michael’s as
Chapter 86Eminence StudioMelissa’s shoot was in full blast. The camera clicked, flashes went off, and everyone in the room was moving in sync. This time, unlike two days ago, Melissa was flawless. Her poses were sharp, her expressions perfectly tailored to the brand’s needs—no forgotten lines or missed angles. The director watched from behind the camera with a pleased expression. There were a few minor corrections, but overall, the shoot was a success.The crew, while still wary of Melissa’s infamous temper, was visibly relieved. After the disaster two days ago, today felt like a reprieve.Melissa, however, couldn’t enjoy it. Her mind was elsewhere. The frustration about the mysterious new face of the special edition was clouding her thoughts even as she performed.However, Hailey’s mind was far from calm. She had been working non-stop, her nerves frazzled as she hunted for any scrap of information about the special edition’s new face. During a quick break, she spotted one of the di
Chapter 87Chinese Restaurant Melissa sat at a table in the far corner of a Chinese restaurant, her fingers tapping impatiently on her phone screen as she waited for Vanessa to arrive. She had spent the entire drive there fighting in her frustration looking for a way to let it all out. Her mind had been going back to the events at the studio.It was supposed to be her moment, her time to shine. Instead, the director was making moves to bring in someone new for the special season edition; a position she had worked tirelessly for. It felt like a slap in the face.Vanessa arrived a few minutes later, her heels clicking against the floor as she approached the table. She slipped into the chair across from Melissa, immediately sensing her friend’s was in a bad mood.“Hey, you look like you had a rough day and are ready to tear someone apart,” Vanessa said with a nervous chuckle, eyeing the tense expression on Melissa’s face. She slides into the seat across from Melissa before waving at the
Chapter 88Estefan PenthouseLater that evening, Kaitlyn sat in the plush armchair as she scrolled through her phone when her phone buzzed with an email notification. She clicked on it, her eyes lit up and her lips curling into a soft smile. It was the draft of the confirmation mail, sent by Estefan’s assistant, Anna. The final details of the contract with Eminence Magazine had been adjusted as per her discussion with Estefan the previous day, and everything looked perfect.She glanced over at Estefan, who was sitting on the couch, going through some work on his laptop. She hesitated for a moment not wanting to disturb him, but then spoke up.“Estefan?” she called warmly, catching his attention.“Hmm?” He looked up from his laptop, his eyes warm as they met hers.“I just wanted to say... thank you,” Kaitlyn said, setting her phone down. “I received the email from your assistant; I really appreciate it.”Estefan smiled. “Good. I’m glad everything’s in order. Is the contract to your lik
Chapter 89Estefan’s gaze stayed on Kaitlyn; the soft glow from the chandelier above them created a delicate shadow over her face. Her lips were so close, just inches away, and the air between them felt thick, charged with an intensity he hadn’t felt in years. His heart was pounding, and he had been dreaming of this moment for far too long. How would her lips taste? Would she melt into him like he imagined, or would she pull away?He leaned in, closer, almost there—when her phone buzzed loudly, breaking the fragile electric current that had been built between them. Estefan cursed under his breath.Kaitlyn jumped slightly, her eyes moving down to her phone as Sarah’s name flashed across the screen. She muttered something, her voice barely audible, but Estefan caught it. “I—I should take this,” she stammered, grateful for the interruption. The intense pull of the moment had left her breathless, and she needed an excuse—any excuse—to get away from the confusing emotions racing through he
Chapter 90Michael and Melissa’s Apartment Michael stumbled through the front door, his mind clouded by the events of the day. He had just returned from the dinner with the executives who had come for the inspection, but he could barely remember what was discussed. All he could think about was how Estefan seemed to mark his grip on Kaitlyn’s life, and it infuriated him that she was slipping beyond his reach.He dropped his briefcase and suit jacket on the sofa, adjusting his tie as he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. His head was pounding with frustration, which didn’t stop his thoughts from flowing like a rushing wind. Without a second thought, he walked over to the bar and poured himself a strong drink, then wandered to the kitchen to toss a few ice cubes into his glass.Back in the living room, he sank into the couch, resting his back against the cushions as he stared blankly at the ceiling. He was angry—angry at himself, at Estefan, at everything. Why couldn’t he shak
CHAPTER 1"Do you take Melissa to be your lovely wedded wife?" The priest inquired.I had a moment of my heart ceasing to beat. This was unbelievable. After all this time of loving him and being there for him in every situation, not now. It's impossible that Michael is getting married to someone else in my presence.I gazed at the stunning woman wearing a white dress who was standing next to him. Melissa, who I thought was my best friend. The person who assisted me in choosing the ring I gave to Michael when I proposed two years back.Tears stung my eyes while witnessing her bright smile directed at him."I do," Michael proclaimed confidently, looking at Melissa with a clear expression of pure love on his face.Those two small words stabbed my heart deeply.For eight years, we had been inseparable ever since we met in college.We had been preparing for this wedding for more than a year.Now, he was tying the knot with my disloyal best friend rather than me. How could they have treated
CHAPTER 2"I love you." He said. "I will always be by your side and will never let you down." He said.Smack! Smack! Smack! I aggressively hit the steering wheel in frustration with my hand."Fuck you Michael!" I screamed on top of my lungs.How could I have been so foolish to not realize his deception, to have truly trusted him. I was so stupid. I gritted my teeth as I gripped the steering wheel, raking my other hand through my hair.I angrily wiped away the tears that were beginning to form at the edges of my eyes. "Stop shedding tears for that deceitful snake Kate. After so many fucking years! I am done allowing him to manipulate me that way!!"I inhaled. "You can do this, Kaitlyn'," I encouraged myself. "It's time to move forward and begin living for yourself."I breathed deeply to calm myself and began driving towards the restaurant where I would meet my friend Emma for dinner.She had been a significant source of support during the last couple of months, allowing me to release a