...GENEVIEVE I sat at the elegantly set dinner table, the soft glow of candlelight illuminating the faces around me. Janice sat next to me, digging in her food. My father, a commanding presence at the head of the table, smiled warmly at me as he spoke."Genevieve," he began, his voice filled with pride, "your idea for the upcoming project is nothing short of brilliant. I am truly impressed."I felt a surge of satisfaction and smiled at my father. "Thank you, Dad," I said, my eyes flicking to Rosalind and Olivia, who were seated across from me. The annoyance in their expressions was unmistakable, and it only heightened my sense of triumph.Rosalind, always quick to regain control of any situation, leaned forward slightly. "Well, congratulations, Genevieve," she said, her tone dripping with insincerity. "But on another note, Miss Blackwood has asked for the date of the marriage. We will all be going over to their house for a meet-up."My smile didn't falter. "That sounds lo
...GENEVIEVE I stood frozen, my eyes wide with disbelief as I looked at Roman in disbelief. The revelation hung in the air like a heavy fog, almost suffocating me. Catherine? Roman's sister? The pieces of the puzzle she had been struggling to fit together suddenly clicked, but not in a way she had expected. Roman took a step forward, his face a mix of guilt and desperation. "Genevieve, I can explain—"But before he could finish, my expression hardened. I was helping the brother of a girl who destroyed my beautiful years. Who once tried to destroy my relationship with Justin. My shock turned into anger as I glared at him, my eyes burning with betrayal. I couldn’t believe it but where was she ? I never saw her with him or any of the family member. I scoffed, the sound filled with disdain. "It's over, Roman," I spat out, my voice cold and resolute. "I can't believe you kept this from me. And now you expect me to trust you? To help you expose my stepmom and sisters? Forget it
...GENEVIEVE I was laying sprawled on the couch, my eyes closed in an attempt to escape the chaos around me. Janice, Isabelle, and Amelia were huddled together, whispering and casting glances my way.Even though I had my eyes closed, I couldn’t sense what they were doing. As the murmurs grew louder, I could feel the weight of their stares pressing down on me. I sighed and I opened my eyes, catching the three girls mid-gaze, then quickly shut them again with a sigh."I kissed a guy I met at the club," I declared, my voice cutting through the silence. I looked at the three of them and they gasped and their eyes were wide open. I could almost hear the collective intake of breath from my audience. "His name is Jake, and we shared numbers."The room exploded into a flurry of reactions. My friends' eyes widened in surprise, and before I could react, Janice had leapt onto the couch beside me, nearly toppling me over. I rolled my eyes at their reaction but was somewhere chuckling too.
...GENEVIEVE I stood on the sun-drenched sidewalk, my black jeans clinging to my curves like a second skin. The off-shoulder crop top I wore showcased my toned midriff, and my hair cascaded down my back in glossy waves, catching the light and giving me an ethereal glow. My sunglasses added a touch of enigma, making me look every bit a goddess. I knew I looked good and I was proud of it. I was not like those other girls who played so like ‘ oh i don’t look that good “. I struck pose after pose as Janice captured my beauty with the camera, the sound of the shutter adding a rhythmic background to the otherwise quiet summer day.We both were taking some pictures, capturing a few memories for our Vegas trip. As I adjusted my stance for another shot, I heard the smooth purr of an approaching car. David, my reliable driver, stepped out and opened the door. My face lit up as I saw Isabelle and Amelia step out, their excitement palpable. The girls rushed to me and Janice, their arms wr
...GENEVIEVE Me, Janice, Isabelle, and Amelia settled into the plush leather seats of Roman's private jet, our laughter and excitement filling the cabin. Across from us sat Arthur and Gabriel Blackwell, who quickly became the center of attention with their easy charm and quick wit.“So, Isabelle,” Arthur began, leaning back and crossing his arms with a playful grin, “tell me more about this infamous kiss with the man. Is it true that he almost tripped over his own feet because of it?”Isabelle rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement. She had this encounter a few months ago where she shared a kiss in the club but the man happened to be a married douchebag but she was calm about it even though she beat the shit out of the man. “Oh, come on. It wasn't that dramatic. But yes, there was a little stumble involved.”Gabriel leaned in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Maybe He just couldn’t handle how stunning you are. I mean, can you blame him?”Janice and Amelia gigg
...GENEVIEVE We finally arrived at the hotel, the joyous energy from the bar slowly ebbing away as fatigue set in. The elevator ride was quiet, filled with the muted sounds of stifled yawns and murmured goodnights. “ I’m so tired “ Janice sleepily spoke making me chuckle. I felt a smile tug at her lips, thinking back to the laughter and camaraderie of the evening. It had been a perfect night, one I wished would never end.As the elevator doors opened on her floor, I stepped out and made my way down the hallway, my steps heavy with exhaustion. “ that one is your room Janice “I pointed at the door and Janice grabbed the key, opening it before entering and I shook my head with a little smile before I finally reached my room, slipping the key card into the slot and pushing the door open. The room was dark, a comforting sanctuary after the vibrant chaos of the night.But as I flicked on the light, My smile faltered, and my breath caught in my throat. There, standing in the middle
...GENEVIEVE I awoke slowly, the morning light filtering through the curtains and casting a soft glow over the room. My head ached slightly, and as I shifted, I felt a warmth enveloping me. Blinking my eyes open, I realized I was nestled in Roman's arms. My heart skipped a beat, and I widened my eyes in shock as the events of the previous night flooded back to me.I had spent the night with my stepsister's fiancé.Panic surged through me as I sat up quickly, disentangling myself from Roman's embrace. The sudden movement jostled him awake, and he groggily opened his eyes, a sleepy smile forming on his lips as he reached for me. I, however, was already halfway off the bed, my mind racing with guilt and confusion."I have to go," I whispered, my voice trembling as I swung my legs over the side of the bed and began to stand.Roman's hand shot out, catching my wrist and pulling me back with surprising strength. "Wait, Genevieve," he said, his voice still thick with sleep. "Don't
...GENEVIEVE Me, Janice, Isabelle, and Amelia were gathered in Janice's room, a cozy space decorated with soft fairy lights and an array of colorful throw pillows. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room.We lounged on the bed and floor, their voices a pleasant hum as they discussed the plans for the day."We could go shopping," Janice suggested, twirling a strand of her dark hair around her finger. "I heard there's a new boutique downtown with some amazing stuff."Amelia nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds fun! And maybe we can grab lunch at that little café near the park afterward."Isabelle, always the planner, had her phone out, looking up reviews. "Or we could go to the art gallery. There's a new exhibit that just opened, and it looks incredible."The conversation flowed easily among the three of them, but I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor. My mind was elsewhere, consumed by the events of the previous night. By Ro
...AUTHOR’S POVGenevieve stood quietly, her hands clasped in front of her as she watched Olivia, who was seated on the couch with her head in her hands. Olivia’s shoulders shook with silent sobs, and her face was pale, a stark contrast to the fiery confidence she often carried. The raw vulnerability in Olivia’s posture struck Genevieve deeply. She wasn’t just looking at her sister who had caused her pain—she was looking at someone consumed by guilt, someone struggling with the consequences of their own choices.Genevieve’s heart ached, but not with anger. Despite everything Olivia had done—the lies, the betrayal, the manipulation—Genevieve couldn’t bring herself to hate her. She could see how much Olivia regretted it, how her actions had broken her just as much as they had hurt others.Taking a deep breath, Genevieve stepped forward. Her heels clicked softly against the wooden floor, drawing everyone’s attention. The room fell silent as she approached Olivia, who flinched slig
...AUTHOR’S POVOlivia sat alone in her room, the weight of her conversation with Genevieve pressing heavily on her chest. The words Genevieve had spoken echoed in her mind: “I do love him, but I also know you love him more… I can do anything for my sisters.” At the time, Olivia had hugged her sister, even smiled in gratitude, but now, hours later, the guilt gnawed at her like a relentless tide, pulling her under.She couldn’t shake the image of Genevieve’s gentle smile, her selfless forgiveness. It was like a mirror reflecting everything Olivia had done wrong. Genevieve’s kindness had disarmed her completely, and for the first time, Olivia found herself questioning the choices she had made. She had spent so long justifying her actions, convincing herself that Roman was meant to be hers, that she had fought for love. But was it really love? Or was it greed, just like her mother had once admitted?Sighing deeply, Olivia reached for her phone, her hands trembling as she scrolled
...AUTHOR’S POV The evening was peaceful, with the soft hum of conversation and the gentle clinking of teacups filling the cozy living room. Genevieve, Janice, and Rosalind sat around the table, the warm glow from the lamps casting a comforting light on their faces as they shared a quiet moment. Outside, the world was slowly slipping into twilight, but inside the house, the calm seemed to promise solace after the storm of emotions they’d all been through.Genevieve leaned back in her chair, sipping her tea thoughtfully, while Janice fiddled with her cup, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim. Rosalind, who had been unusually quiet for most of the evening, looked deep in thought as well, occasionally glancing at her daughters with an air of regret that none of them had yet been able to understand fully. The stillness was interrupted by the sound of the door slamming open.In strode Olivia, her face flushed with anger, her steps sharp and purposeful as she stormed into the
...AUTHOR’S POV The dining room was bathed in soft morning light, the golden rays spilling through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the elegantly set table. Genevieve’s father sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee and reading the newspaper, his usual composed demeanor slightly relaxed as he waited for everyone to gather. Rosalind sat to his right, delicately arranging a plate of toast, while Janice, on his left, idly stirred her tea, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. The clinking of cutlery and soft rustling of the newspaper were the only sounds breaking the quiet morning.The soft patter of footsteps drew their attention, and Genevieve appeared at the entrance. She was dressed simply but elegantly, her hair loosely tied back, her face calm and composed. “Good morning,” she greeted softly, her voice carrying a hint of weariness as she took a seat across from her father.Her father smiled warmly, folding the newspaper and setting it aside. “Good morning, s
...AUTHOR’S POVGenevieve lay sprawled on her bed, her gaze fixed on the ornate ceiling above her. The dim light of the evening painted soft shadows across the room, the quiet hum of the city outside barely audible through the thick curtains. The bedspread, an intricate pattern of gold and cream, seemed to swallow her small frame as she sank deeper into the mattress. Her face was calm, but her red-rimmed eyes and the occasional twitch of her lips betrayed the storm she was enduring within.Isabella, Janice, and Amelia sat cross-legged on the bed around her, forming a silent semicircle. For the past thirty minutes, no one had said a word. The room was heavy with unspoken emotions, the kind that pressed down on your chest and made every breath feel labored.Janice absently picked at the hem of the blanket, her usually lively demeanor replaced by a pensive stillness. Amelia fiddled with her bracelet, the soft clinking of the charm breaking the silence now and then. Isabella, perc
...AUTHOR’S POVThe tension in the room was suffocating, the silence broken only by the sharp slap of a file being thrown onto the polished conference table. Everyone’s eyes turned to Xavier, who stood at the head of the room, his jaw clenched and his hand still resting on the now-disheveled pile of papers. His normally calm demeanor was gone, replaced by an edge of frustration and tension that was palpable.Roman gaze flickered between Xavier and the reports, confusion etched on his face. He leaned forward, his voice low and steady but laced with unease. “What is this, Xavier?”Xavier rubbed his face with both hands, the gesture betraying his frustration and hesitation. He looked at Roman with an intensity that made everyone in the room hold their breath. “These,” Xavier said, his voice taut, “are Olivia’s pregnancy reports.”The air seemed to thicken around Roman. His heart began to pound in his chest, the sound echoing in his ears. He froze, his confusion deepening into s
...GENEVIEVE I sat on the edge of the plush couch, my hands folded neatly in my lap, though my knuckles were white from the tension running through me. My head laid on the head of couch staring blankly at the wall while waiting for my father. The grand living room felt colder than usual, its ornate chandelier casting shimmering patterns across the marble floor. I was waiting for her father to arrive, the seconds dragging on endlessly. The soft ticking of the clock on the wall only heightened my restlessness. My heart was heavy, my mind a whirlpool of emotions she could barely contain.I looked toward the towering window, the golden hues of the setting sun doing little to warm the chill that gripped my chest. My thoughts wandered to the turmoil of recent days, the choices I’d made, the bridges I feared I’d burned.The sound of approaching heels echoed sharply through the quiet room. I turned my head, my posture stiffening instinctively. Rosalind entered the room with an air of
...ROMANI sighed deeply, sinking back into the worn leather of my chair. My gaze wandered aimlessly around my office, but my thoughts were far away, tangled in the delicate intricacies of my own schemes. The plan to trap Olivia in her game consumed me, its threads tightening like a web. The room was quiet save for the faint ticking of the clock on the wall, its rhythm a constant reminder of the time slipping through my fingers. My fingers drummed idly against the edge of my desk, my mind running through every possible move and countermove.The sudden creak of the door startled me. My head snapped up, my thoughts abruptly severed, and he turned toward the source of the intrusion. The sight of her standing in the doorway made my heart stutter for a beat. Olivia. She stood there as if she owned the space, her expression unreadable yet tinged with a faint, unsettling confidence. My whole body filled with anger but I remained calm. The soft hum of tension in the room grew louder.
...ROMAN The atmosphere in the room was heavy, the kind of tension that seeped into every corner and pressed down on everyone present. I sat in one of the large chairs in the conference room, my elbows resting on the mahogany table, my hands clasped tightly together. My face was pale, my eyes shadowed from a sleepless night, and my usual air of confidence had been stripped away, leaving only raw vulnerability. Genevieve’s father, sat at the head of the table, his stern expression softened by a glimmer of sadness. He sighed deeply, the sound loud in the silence that followed. “Roman,” He began, his voice low but steady, “why did you cheat on my daughter?”I flinched as though struck. I shook my head quickly, my words tumbling out in a frantic attempt to defend myself. “I didn’t,” I said, my voice strained. “I swear I didn’t. I—” I paused, running a hand through my already disheveled hair. “I was drunk. I don’t even know how Olivia ended up there. I know I didn’t… I would