ISABELLA'S POV The sleek table before me gleamed under the harsh florescent light of Nicholas Montgomery's office. It's magnificence matched the man seated across from me with the stack of papers lying between us. I inhaled deeply, steadying the chaos in my chest. I opened the folder, scanning the first few lines. Nicholas's sharp gaze didn't waver and I could feel it drilling into me as I tried to focus.The terms were straightforward:1. Duration: One year. At the end of the year, it will be annulled.2. Public Appearance: Party A and B were to maintain the facade of a loving couple in Public. Events, Interviews and any situation requiring both parties to appear together demands the illusion of genuine affection. Display of PDA is allowed.3. Personal Boundaries: Neither of the parties are to prey into the other's personal life. Party A's Empire and Party B's Revenge are to remain sperate entities. Party A must fulfill his role in Party B's revenge and Party B must do the same in Pa
ISABELLA'S POV It was all over the Internet, Newspapers and daily news- "Nicholas Montgomery's Love Story". In just one week, the entire country has been whipped into a frenzy about a short clip that has gone viral. It showed Nicholas pulling me close, his hand firmly resting on my waist. It was from the perfect angel, emphasizing on how his intense gaze lingered on my lips as his thumb stroke them.My face was blurred leaving the entire country speculating - Who is Mr. Montgomery's Love interest? When did their love story begin? How did they meet? Who is this woman who melted the icy heart of the country’s most dangerous and heartless man?While everyone was busy making it their mission to find out who was in that clip, I was alone, battling with my own demons."Bella. My sweet Bella,” Daniel whispered lovingly in my ear, his arms wrapping around my waist from behind as I tried to flip a pancake in the pan. I chuckled as he pressed a kiss to my neck, but then his hand slid beneath
The car pulled over smoothly, and Nicholas stepped out with his usual air of unbothered authority. Rounding the car, he opened the door for me like a perfect gentleman—except he wasn’t. His hand extended, and I hesitated before placing mine in his. As I stepped out, his touch lingered, his hand sliding to the small of my back to guide me towards the extravagant restaurant.I've heard a lot about this place but I haven't been inside before. I noticed how there were only few people but they were all wealthy men and women. Everything about the restaurant, from the glistening tiled floors to the ornate ceiling was eerily flawless and perfect. It didn't sit right with me. Nicholas pulled out a chair for me and I sat down, mumbling a thank you. But as I settled, he leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear.“Are you okay?”I froze. “Yes. Why?” My response was sharp and defensive.“Your body is warm,” he observed.My heart stuttered. Shit! "It must be the weather. I'm perfectly fine"
NICHOLAS POV"In fine, Mr. Montgomery. I just need to..."Her words barely left her lips before her body crumpled, falling against me. My heart lurched as I caught her.Fuck! Her skin was scorching to the touch, her body unnaturally limp. The sight of her pale, sweat-drenched face ignited a deep, unfamiliar worry in my chest. I knew something was wrong when her held her and her body felt warmer than usual. I didn't expect it would escalate to this. Without a second thought, I scooped her into my arms and carried her to the car. Her head rested against my chest, her breaths shallow and uneven. I quickly called my driver as I settled to the back of the car.Fredrick, my driver arrived within moments. "What happened, Mr. Montgomery?" His concerned gaze darted to the unconscious woman in my arms, his expression shifting from confusion to alarm."We need to take her to the hospital" He started the car."No" My reply came out sharper than intended. I let out a breath. "Take us home. I've c
NICHOLAS'S POV A knock came in my study room and the door slowly opened. I could already tell it was Odessa by the sound of her footsteps. My fingers which were clicking continuously on my keyboard paused, anticipating what she wanted to tell me."She's awake Nicholas and she's demanding to see you" Odessa reported, standing by the door. I only nodded and she left without another word. A few minutes later, I stood up and left. I paused at the threshold of the guest room, my eyes instantly finding her. She was up, moving about, touching everything like a curious child. I stood by, watching as her fingers brushed over the curtains, her brows furrowing slightly."Brocade" She mumbled, much to my surprise. "I see you're awake" I said breaking the silence. She flinched, her head snapping toward me. Her eyes widened slightly when they landed on me. They moved slowly, from my face to my top which hugged my body a bit, making my muscles bulge, down to my grey sweatpants. I noticed the way
ISABELLA'S POV I stood before the familiar building, my heart beating hard against my chest. It's been years since I last stepped foot into this place I once called home. As I entered the elegant mansion of the Sterlings, a nostalgic feeling washed over me, followed immediately by a sickening feeling. Nostalgia, because memories of my early childhood came playing. Sickening, because I knew, I remembered that despite growing up here, I was here welcomed. My existence was never acknowledged by the people I call my family. In the grand living room, they were all gathered. My father sat in his favorite armchair, with my mother perched beside him like the dutiful wife she always pretended to be. Daniel lounged opposite them. Christabella was the only one pacing, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.Her head snapped up the moment she saw me. "You..." She stormed towards me."What stupid game are you playing, Isabella? Huh?" She stopped inches from me, her voice rising. "Wh
NICHOLAS POV TAPTap, Tap, Tap... My fingers drummed four times against the armrest of the leather chair in Dr. Fiona Clarke’s office.It’s been five days since Isabella moved in, and my mansion has been anything but the same. My once quiet, cold sanctuary now feels invaded, as if her presence alone is enough to disrupt the carefully maintained order in my life. Even Odessa has taken a liking to her. Five days ago was also the last time I saw her. That is how long I've managed to avoid her. It was out of cowardice, no. It was a strategy.I needed time to gather my thoughts together. Having her move in was a huge decision and I wanted to some time to myself. To figure what was happening to me when it comes to her and to regain control of my mind.Across from me, Fiona Clarke tilted her head slightly, studying me for some time before speaking up."What's with the sudden visit, Mr. Montgomery? We don't have a session today" She gave her usual warm smile. "I believe I can come wheneve
NICHOLAS POV I didn’t hesitate for a second—I knew exactly where Isabella must have gone. Gathering some of my men, I took off without delay.The car screeched to a halt as we arrived at our destination: the Sterlings' Mansion.As I stepped out and approached the gate, the guards stationed there moved to block my path.“Marcus,” I called sharply, and one of my men immediately stepped forward.“Deal with them.”It was a simple command, and with that, I strode through the gates, leaving the commotion behind me.I was entering the enemies territory and I wasn't about to take any chances. I wanted to come alone but after Odessa told me it's been hours since Isabella left and she wasn't answering her calls either. I didn't need to be told something was wrong. As I entered the majestic mansion, they were all there, gathered in the extravagant living room. The entire Sterling family. The air around them was tense and bitter. The moment I realised Isabella wasn’t among them, my fear solidif
ISABELLA'S POV The grand hall was filled with men and woman known for their power and luxury, the type of atmosphere Daniel had always wanted to thrive in. He stood in the stage, a proud smirk on his face. The air was alive with anticipation, marked by the clink of glasses and whispers.Today was Daniel's moment—the day he had long awaited. A turning point in his career: the launch of his stock exchange empire.Investors from far and wide had gathered, eager to stake their claims. The Sterlings were present too, their faces glowing with pride for their son-in-law. Nicholas was also among the attendees, though he’d never shown any interest in investing. I knew Daniel had invited him purely to flaunt his success and rub it in my face. Now I know what he has been using those millions from my law firm for.A few days ago, Anika, my former secretary, and Madelyn, my accountant, sent me an updated report on the firm. Even though I was no longer officially their boss, I’d instructed them to
CHRISTABELLA'S POV By the time the shoot was over and I was done for the day, it was dawn. I grabbed my phone and headed straight to my car with my assistant trailing behind me. I dialed Daniel's number. It rang several times but he didn't pick up. Not the second, third, fourth, fifth, or even seventh time. My frustration grew but I managed to keep a smiling face, even though the corners of my mouth felt like they would snap under my skin. By the time I arrived home, my blood was boiling. I still couldn't reach Daniel. My housekeeper, whatever her name was, greeted me at the door. "Welcome, Madam. What would you like to have for dinner?""Just make something light" I snapped curtly. I retreated to my room, slipped out of my designer clothes into a silk robe, and plunged into my bed. I rubbed my temples, my head pounding out of frustration. A knock came a moment later, and the housekeeper entered with my food. I barely tasted it, my thoughts still consumed by that video, by the aud
NICHOLAS POV I Touched Something Forbidden.Something that should have never been mine to claim. I tasted sin. The kind of sin that rips apart every ounce of restrain I've spent years building, the type that drags you deeper into an abyss you wouldn't want to climb out. And who could have known that sin would taste so goddamn intoxicating, like heaven wrapped in hell. The cold water poured over my head, drenching my hair and running down my tensed body as I stood under the shower. I leaned against the cold tiles, bracing my palms against the wall as my head dipped forward. My breath came out shallow and ragged, the heat burning inside me refusing to cool despite the torrent of water cascading over me. I squeezed my eyes shut to stop the memory but the image came playing vivid in my head. The way her lips had felt under my thumb was soft and swollen. And her body, Jesus Christ, her body... I groaned, my fingers curling into fits as memories of her body burned into me like a brand.
ISABELLA'S POV I froze the moment Nicholas pulled me against him, my chest colliding with his head frame. The heat the body seeped into mine, the familiar scent of him- ambergris and vetiver, wrapping around me and making relief wash over me. I tilted my head to meet his gaze and my breath hitched. Even behind the half mask, his eyes blazed with an intensity that stole the breath from my lungs. "Mr. Montgomery?" I whispered. His jaw clenched and his hands tightened around my waist. "Did you enjoy it?" His question made me blink in confusion. "What?""Did you enjoy him touching you?" His nostrils flared in disgust. I frowned "What are talking about, Mr. Montgomery? I was...""You were doing what?" he cut me off. "Letting another man touch you? Letting him put his filthy hands on you?" he glared. "It was part of the plan..." The words got stuck in my throat when his fingers trailed up my spine sending goosebumps down my skin. "Does the plan include you grinding against him, huh?"
NICHOLAS POV I Will Murder Daniel West. There are countless reasons why, but none are more infuriating than the fact that he dared to touch my wife.The plan was simple: Isabella would lure Daniel into confessing his secret by pretending to be a sex worker, with a hidden camera recording the entire thing. Meanwhile, I, posing as a VIP member, would infiltrate the club and plant small cameras everywhere.I had been against Isabella getting involved but that stubborn woman didn't even bat an eye when I tried explaining to her the huge risk involved. A lot of things could go wrong. What if she wasn’t assigned to Daniel? What if she ended up with some other despicable bastard instead?What would happen if she had to grind against these men, kiss them, just like every other sex worker here? What if any of these bastards tried to touch her or fuck her? No, rather, the real question was, what will I do if any of that happens? When the mere thought of it already twisted something dark insid
ISABELLA'S POV Calm down, Isabella. You can do this."Will you make it worth it?" I asked, letting my voice drip with seduction as I bit my lip. His pupils dilated instantly, his excitement disgusting."How about I help you take it off?" I added, letting my fingers toy with the buttons of his shirt.“Anything you want, baby,” he murmured, leaning into my touch."So, what's your name?" He asked as I unfastened the first button."Selena" I smiled "What's yours?"“Damian,” he lied smoothly, taking a gulp of his drink. "Selena, has anyone told you how sexy your voice is?" He asked "I'm imagining how melodic it will sound while you're moaning my name"Disgust burned through me. This bastard. Was Christabella aware that her beloved husband was nothing more than a cheating pig? Well, I'm not even surprised.With his shirt undone, I ran my hand down his chest, suppressing the bile rising in my throat when he groaned under my touch."You’re so ripped, Damian,” I murmured, my hand stopping jus
ISABELLA'S POV It took Nicholas only one day to secure VIP access to Club Vertigo. They say money talks louder than words. Not really but in Club Vertigo, that saying couldn't be more accurate. A few million slapped on the table was all it took for Nicholas to be ranked as a VIP and for me to sneak in as one of the sex workers. Our identities were carefully concealed.As I stared at my reflection in the changing room mirror, I barely recognised the woman looking back at me. The heavy makeup transformed my face, while icy blue contact lenses and a blonde wig completed the disguise. I was dressed in nothing but a sheer lingerie set paired with a short skirt that stopped right above my ass, barely covering anything. My hair was tied back in a high ponytail, and faux piercings adorned my lips and nose for the final touch.The woman in the mirror was a far cry from the person I truly was—but tonight, that didn’t matter.The thought of allowing Daniel to run his hands through my body made
ISABELLA'S POV I sat across Nicholas at the dinning table where an array of delicacies was spread out before us. The tantalising aroma wafted through the air, yet my appetite was nowhere to be found."Ezekiel has a report on Daniel's recent activities," Nicholas voice cut through the silence. My gaze shot up to meet his. Ezekiel was the private investigator Nicholas had hired for me. Without another word, Nicholas slid a file across the table. I reached for it hesitantly, flipping it open. and my eyes widened when I saw pictures of Daniel entering... "Club Vertigo?! What the fuck is he doing there?"Club vertigo- It wasn't just a night club but where Drug Lords and corrupt politicians who are involved in any form of illegal business, gather to enjoy themselves. It was known for its dark and twisted reputation. Trafficking of young girls, abuse of illegal substance, gang fighting and so many other disgusting things. The police turned a blind eye, paralysed by fear of being a target
NICHOLAS POV I hate weddings. Hate is an understatement. Wedding, a day to celebrate the supposed love of the bride and groom but it's just a cliche excuse for people to drink alcohol and get free foods, all while pretending to give a fuck about the couple. They don't. Everyone present only came to satisfy their curiosity on how lavishing and extraordinary Nicholas Montgomery's wedding would be. As I stood at the alter, the scrutinizing gaze of the committee members dug a hole into my face and all I prayed was for this whole damn thing to be over so I can get on with my life. The door of the church opened, drawing the attention of everyone to the a certain angel that entered. Isabella. The moment my eyes landed on her, walking down the aisle to me, every thought I had disappeared. The world around me seem to also disappeared as all my focus went to her. She was the embodiment of beauty, elegance and grace. Her smile, as dazzling as the glittering crystals that decorated her gown ma