Chapter 9Morgana's POV:After Noah got better, I made the decision to finally start working officially at the company. It was overdue—long overdue.I was supposed to leave with Xavier this morning, but he had already gone before I woke up. Again.That made it three days in a row.Three days of waking up to cold sheets, three nights of falling asleep alone, and not even the sound of the room door closing behind him. He came and left like a shadow, just like I had asked for… unintentionally.‘You don’t have to be worried because he’s not your son.’ Those words had spilled out of me in a moment of anger, and now they sat in my chest like a stone. He didn't say anything, neither has be brought it up. But his absence screamed louder than any argument could.The truth was, Xavier and I never had a real relationship. Our marriage was a contract—two broken people agreeing to coexist, nothing more.At least, that’s how it started.But after a year… something changed. It became purely sexual
Chapter 10Morgana’s POV:I could feel everyone’s eyes burning into my skin, waiting, wondering how I’d react. But I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction—not yet.Before I could clap back, her voice rang out again. “But isn’t it strange?” She asked. “That you sold off your ex-husband’s empire?”Someone cleared their throat, and chairs shifted slightly.Strange?What was strange was how deeply invested she seemed to be in something that had nothing to do with her.I glanced at her—well-dressed, with heavy pearls sitting proudly at her throat. She looked like the type of woman who lived for charity luncheons, gossip cloaked as “concern,” and scandal disguised as curiosity.I bit down on my inner cheek, trying to steady my breathing.BInstead, I turned to Xavier.His gaze was already on me, and I didn’t have to say a word. He knew. I needed him to handle this—for both our sakes.Xavier cleared his throat, then turned to her. “That’s enough, Mrs Howard.” He said, his voice calm but e
Chapter 11Morgana's POV:For five years, Xavier and I had maintained a marriage that was more of an alliance than a romantic union. Our interactions were cordial, and our conversations centered around business and Noah. Intimacy was a concept we both seemed to sidestep, perhaps out of self-preservation.However, as we began collaborating more closely on company projects, an unexpected shift occurred. Late nights in the office led to shared dinners, where discussions of quarterly reports seamlessly transitioned into stories from our pasts. I found myself laughing more, the sound foreign yet comforting.One evening, as we wrapped up a particularly grueling meeting, Xavier leaned back in his chair, studying me with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. "Morgana.” He began. "There's an art exhibition this Friday. Would you accompany me?"Surprised, I met his gaze. "Are you asking me on a date, Xavier?"A wide smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Perhaps I am."The evening of th
Chapter 12Simon's POV:I paced near the window, with a glass of whiskey clenched tightly in my hand, its contents barely touched. The ice had long since melted, much like the patience etched on Marilyn's face as she stood with arms crossed."Simon." Marilyn began. "This has to stop. Ever since Morgana resurfaced and we discovered she's married to Xavier, you've been... different.”I scoffed, downing the lukewarm liquid in one gulp. "And whose fault is that, Marilyn? Every time I turn around, you're there, reminding me of what Morgana did to you, how she 'almost killed' you. It's like you enjoy playing the victim."Marilyn's eyes narrowed. "Playing the victim? Simon, she pushed me down a flight of stairs! I was hospitalized for months! Or have you conveniently forgotten that?"I slammed the empty glass onto the windowsill. "Of course, I haven't forgotten! But dredging up the past every time we have an argument isn't helping.""It's not the past if it's still affecting our present," S
Chapter 13Morgana’s POV:I stirred awake to the faint buzz of my phone vibrating on the nightstand. It was still dark in the room, because the glow of the sunrise barely passed through the edges of our drawn curtains.My fingers blindly reached for the phone, and the moment I unlocked it, headlines filled the screen.“Netizens Want Xavier and Caitlyn Back Together?”“Old Flames or Just Business Partners? Caitlyn and Xavier Spotted Together Again.”“#Xaitlyn Trending Again as Fans Fuel Reunion Rumors.”My eyes widened, and the back of my throat burned as if I'd swallowed acid. My eyes darted to the side of the bed instinctively. Empty?Of course, it was. He had probably already left—early, as usual—off to the office to meet Caitlyn.Again.I sat up slowly, clutching the phone in both hands as if the force of my grip could erase everything I just read. The en-suite bathroom door clicked open, and I looked up to see Xavier walking out, towel around his waist, water dripping down his
Chapter 14Morgana's POV:“What the hell are you doing here?” I snapped.Simon leaned back in the chair like he belonged there, like the past didn't happen, like I didn't crawl out of the grave he helped put me in.“I missed this fire,” He said with a nostalgic smile that made my stomach churn. “You always lit up a room when you were mad.”I took a step forward, fists clenched. “I said, what are you doing here?”“I came to talk.” He shrugged. “You know, clear the air. Things didn’t end well between us—”“You mean you didn’t get to finish destroying me? Is that what you’re here for now? To finish the job?”His smile didn’t falter. “Relax. You’re doing well for yourself. I just thought… with everything going on, maybe you’d want someone who understands.”I scoffed. “Understand me? You never even tried to. And if you think I’ll let you mess with my life again, you’re more delusional than I thought.”Simon stood up slowly, walked around my desk, and perched on the edge like he used to ba
Morgana’s POV I didn't mean what I told him earlier, but there was no point in him knowing the truth. Since this is us trying to hurt each other, I might as well up my game at doing it. I've made a lot of bad decisions in my life before and this will not be the last one. Sitting back in my chair, I wiped the tears that fell from my eyes angrily. These days, I wish we went back to the days where we didn't have any issues and lived cordially with one another. I mean, we lived together for the past five years without any hitch. And I won't agree that all this is happening because of the fact that I wanted to show myself in public. There was a knock on the door that jolted me out of my thoughts. “Come in.” My assistant walked in without any worry in the world. I rolled my eyes internally at the act. “Ma'am, I looked through the new partnership, and checked through all the portfolios of the investors, there is nothing out of the ordinary there.” She said in her firm voice. I raised
Xavier's POV “Fuck.” I muttered, slipping my hand through my already disheveled hair. I need to blow off some steam. If I don't, I'd do something I'm not meant to do. Like blowing off the head of that bastard. How did this even happen? I've been in love with that woman for years now and did not do anything about it. So, why now that her good for nothing ex showed up? Why am I feeling as though if I don't end him by myself, I won't feel at peace? “Hey man.” I raised my head up to see Derek's annoying face in front of me. “What's up?” I asked. “I've been here for a couple of minutes now, but you seem to be in your own world. Care to tell me what's got your panties in a twist?” I stared at him like he had two heads. “Is that even an expression that you're meant to use for a fellow man?” I asked him in a bored tone, leaning back into my chair. “As long as you understand what I mean. I'm good. So, please, tell me what's up. As much as I don't like you, I don't want a bestie that w
Morgana's POV I pressed my hand to my forehead in the hope to alleviate the headache that I was having at the moment. This was why I hated drinking. My hangover is always bad. “Here is the coffee you asked for.” Sasha, my assistant said, placing my favorite mug cup in front of me. “Thank you Sasha.” I muttered as I gulped down the first one. “Careful. It's h…hot.” But I was already almost done with it. “Oh.” “Yeah, oh. I had a bad night the other day.” “It's obvious. You don't need to say much. Hope you didn't do this in public? You're a public figure right now whether you like it or not.” She pointed out.“You don't need to say. I know. Even if it's something I don't want.” I said bitterly. “We cannot always choose what we want. You of all people should know that.” She said in her strict no nonsense tone. As if telling me to get myself together. “Yeah.” I muttered to myself. I closed the folder in front of me and handed it over to her. “Take that to the HR. They know what to
Xavier's POV “Fuck.” I muttered, slipping my hand through my already disheveled hair. I need to blow off some steam. If I don't, I'd do something I'm not meant to do. Like blowing off the head of that bastard. How did this even happen? I've been in love with that woman for years now and did not do anything about it. So, why now that her good for nothing ex showed up? Why am I feeling as though if I don't end him by myself, I won't feel at peace? “Hey man.” I raised my head up to see Derek's annoying face in front of me. “What's up?” I asked. “I've been here for a couple of minutes now, but you seem to be in your own world. Care to tell me what's got your panties in a twist?” I stared at him like he had two heads. “Is that even an expression that you're meant to use for a fellow man?” I asked him in a bored tone, leaning back into my chair. “As long as you understand what I mean. I'm good. So, please, tell me what's up. As much as I don't like you, I don't want a bestie that w
Morgana’s POV I didn't mean what I told him earlier, but there was no point in him knowing the truth. Since this is us trying to hurt each other, I might as well up my game at doing it. I've made a lot of bad decisions in my life before and this will not be the last one. Sitting back in my chair, I wiped the tears that fell from my eyes angrily. These days, I wish we went back to the days where we didn't have any issues and lived cordially with one another. I mean, we lived together for the past five years without any hitch. And I won't agree that all this is happening because of the fact that I wanted to show myself in public. There was a knock on the door that jolted me out of my thoughts. “Come in.” My assistant walked in without any worry in the world. I rolled my eyes internally at the act. “Ma'am, I looked through the new partnership, and checked through all the portfolios of the investors, there is nothing out of the ordinary there.” She said in her firm voice. I raised
Chapter 14Morgana's POV:“What the hell are you doing here?” I snapped.Simon leaned back in the chair like he belonged there, like the past didn't happen, like I didn't crawl out of the grave he helped put me in.“I missed this fire,” He said with a nostalgic smile that made my stomach churn. “You always lit up a room when you were mad.”I took a step forward, fists clenched. “I said, what are you doing here?”“I came to talk.” He shrugged. “You know, clear the air. Things didn’t end well between us—”“You mean you didn’t get to finish destroying me? Is that what you’re here for now? To finish the job?”His smile didn’t falter. “Relax. You’re doing well for yourself. I just thought… with everything going on, maybe you’d want someone who understands.”I scoffed. “Understand me? You never even tried to. And if you think I’ll let you mess with my life again, you’re more delusional than I thought.”Simon stood up slowly, walked around my desk, and perched on the edge like he used to ba
Chapter 13Morgana’s POV:I stirred awake to the faint buzz of my phone vibrating on the nightstand. It was still dark in the room, because the glow of the sunrise barely passed through the edges of our drawn curtains.My fingers blindly reached for the phone, and the moment I unlocked it, headlines filled the screen.“Netizens Want Xavier and Caitlyn Back Together?”“Old Flames or Just Business Partners? Caitlyn and Xavier Spotted Together Again.”“#Xaitlyn Trending Again as Fans Fuel Reunion Rumors.”My eyes widened, and the back of my throat burned as if I'd swallowed acid. My eyes darted to the side of the bed instinctively. Empty?Of course, it was. He had probably already left—early, as usual—off to the office to meet Caitlyn.Again.I sat up slowly, clutching the phone in both hands as if the force of my grip could erase everything I just read. The en-suite bathroom door clicked open, and I looked up to see Xavier walking out, towel around his waist, water dripping down his
Chapter 12Simon's POV:I paced near the window, with a glass of whiskey clenched tightly in my hand, its contents barely touched. The ice had long since melted, much like the patience etched on Marilyn's face as she stood with arms crossed."Simon." Marilyn began. "This has to stop. Ever since Morgana resurfaced and we discovered she's married to Xavier, you've been... different.”I scoffed, downing the lukewarm liquid in one gulp. "And whose fault is that, Marilyn? Every time I turn around, you're there, reminding me of what Morgana did to you, how she 'almost killed' you. It's like you enjoy playing the victim."Marilyn's eyes narrowed. "Playing the victim? Simon, she pushed me down a flight of stairs! I was hospitalized for months! Or have you conveniently forgotten that?"I slammed the empty glass onto the windowsill. "Of course, I haven't forgotten! But dredging up the past every time we have an argument isn't helping.""It's not the past if it's still affecting our present," S
Chapter 11Morgana's POV:For five years, Xavier and I had maintained a marriage that was more of an alliance than a romantic union. Our interactions were cordial, and our conversations centered around business and Noah. Intimacy was a concept we both seemed to sidestep, perhaps out of self-preservation.However, as we began collaborating more closely on company projects, an unexpected shift occurred. Late nights in the office led to shared dinners, where discussions of quarterly reports seamlessly transitioned into stories from our pasts. I found myself laughing more, the sound foreign yet comforting.One evening, as we wrapped up a particularly grueling meeting, Xavier leaned back in his chair, studying me with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. "Morgana.” He began. "There's an art exhibition this Friday. Would you accompany me?"Surprised, I met his gaze. "Are you asking me on a date, Xavier?"A wide smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Perhaps I am."The evening of th
Chapter 10Morgana’s POV:I could feel everyone’s eyes burning into my skin, waiting, wondering how I’d react. But I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction—not yet.Before I could clap back, her voice rang out again. “But isn’t it strange?” She asked. “That you sold off your ex-husband’s empire?”Someone cleared their throat, and chairs shifted slightly.Strange?What was strange was how deeply invested she seemed to be in something that had nothing to do with her.I glanced at her—well-dressed, with heavy pearls sitting proudly at her throat. She looked like the type of woman who lived for charity luncheons, gossip cloaked as “concern,” and scandal disguised as curiosity.I bit down on my inner cheek, trying to steady my breathing.BInstead, I turned to Xavier.His gaze was already on me, and I didn’t have to say a word. He knew. I needed him to handle this—for both our sakes.Xavier cleared his throat, then turned to her. “That’s enough, Mrs Howard.” He said, his voice calm but e
Chapter 9Morgana's POV:After Noah got better, I made the decision to finally start working officially at the company. It was overdue—long overdue.I was supposed to leave with Xavier this morning, but he had already gone before I woke up. Again.That made it three days in a row.Three days of waking up to cold sheets, three nights of falling asleep alone, and not even the sound of the room door closing behind him. He came and left like a shadow, just like I had asked for… unintentionally.‘You don’t have to be worried because he’s not your son.’ Those words had spilled out of me in a moment of anger, and now they sat in my chest like a stone. He didn't say anything, neither has be brought it up. But his absence screamed louder than any argument could.The truth was, Xavier and I never had a real relationship. Our marriage was a contract—two broken people agreeing to coexist, nothing more.At least, that’s how it started.But after a year… something changed. It became purely sexual