Brielle POV I was not even out of the stairs when Diana's voice called after me."Brielle!"I stopped in my tracks, exhaling slowly before I turned around. She stood next to Rebecca, a veil of innocence on her face, her hands cradling her belly protectively as though she was the saint in this house."Would you be a dear and make some coffee for Mother?" she said sweetly.I missed the scornful tone in her voice. She knew just what she was doing, reminding me of my place in this household. I forced a thin smile. "Of course." I said not another word, just went on into the kitchen, my brain seething as I prepared the coffee. I could still hear them talking in the other room, Diana's voice sweetened with unspoken barbs.What was Rebecca doing here out of the blue? She never visited unless she needed something. And Diana… Diana was up to something, I could be sure.Pouring the now prepared coffee into a china cup, I cautiously carried it back. The moment I stepped into the living room, I
Brielle POV I hated being forced to feel like a guest in my own home, a stranger in my own marriage.I waited in the kitchen for the cookies to cook, my hand around a wad of papers from the hospital that I had yet to sort through. My mind wasn't even on the cookies…..I was still seething from my fight with Diana that morning. That she'd admitted to having given me drugs and was so cavalier about it was getting my blood boiling.The oven beeper brought me back to life. I huffed, picking up the papers and setting them down, before tying my mitts up and taking out the tray. A sweet, warm smell of fresh-baked cookies permeated the kitchen air, in contrast to this choking house tension.Stacking the cookies neatly onto a plate, I carefully balanced them and stepped out of the kitchen to continue on my way towards Albert's mother, who was in the living room drinking tea like some sort of monarch upon her throne. Diana was seated beside her, with a smug look spreading onto her face. I appr
Brielle's POVI swallowed hard, grasping the broken pieces of the plate in my hand tightly. My fingers were hurting from the sharp edges, but the hurt was nothing compared to the sting of Diana's words.She leaned against the counter, crossing her arms over her chest, sneering like she had just won a battle."Have the maid clear those things away quickly," she sneered.I brushed her aside and continued cleaning up the mess. My hands were shaking, but I mentally told myself to focus. If I reacted then, she'd win.Diana wasn't finished. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and rolled her eyes for dramatic effect."I don't see why Albert thought he needed to go and hire a maid when we already have one here anyway," she continued. "Not even a good one. Just the criminal's daughter."I stood upright, my breath caught in my throat.I raised my eyes slowly, meeting her cold, mocking ones.She knew exactly what she was doing.Albert never spoke of my dad. He never blamed me for my unavoidab
Brielle's povAlbert stood there, first-aid kit clutched in one hand, his sharp eyes scanning my face. His suit jacket was still on, but his tie was loose, as if he'd just walked in. His entrance was so sudden, I hadn't even seen the door open.I was stunned for a moment."You're back," I grumbled at last, my voice softer than I'd intended.Albert's jaw tightened. He set the first-aid kit on the table and crossed his arms."I heard your mom was here today," he said, his tone even.I twitched. Of course, he would know about it. His mother never just happened to visit me, she had a reason."She did," I said carefully, facing away so I wouldn't have to see him. "She didn't linger."Albert stepped closer, his tallness towering over me. "And?"I swallowed. "And… she asked for coffee. I made it. Then she left."I wasn't going to reveal to him what really happened.That she had slapped me.That she had humiliated me.That she had pushed me with her foot like trash on the ground.Because what
Brielle's povDiana's eyes flashed with something….guilt, maybe. But it was gone in an instant, to be replaced by a mocking laugh."Oh, come on," she teased. "It was an accident. Maybe if she wasn't so clumsy, she wouldn't…."She never got the chance.Albert's fist came crashing down on the table, rattling everything that was on it."Don’t lie to me, Diana!" His voice was cold, sharp enough to cut through the air. "I’ve put up with your games long enough, but this? This is too far."Diana’s smirk faltered for a moment."You’re overreacting, Albert," she said, standing up. She reached for his arm, trying to touch him, but he stepped back, rejecting her touch completely."You are leaving this house," Albert said firmly.My eyes widened in shock at what he'd said.Diana, however, just laughed."Leave?" she repeated, shaking her head. "Albert, I have a place to call home now. You're going to just bounce me out onto the sidewalk? I'm carrying your baby, for goodness' sake!"Albert's fists
Brielle's POVMy heart was beating fast in my chest, I stayed hidden in the hallway, listening to what Albert and Nicholas were discussing. My breathing was shallow, my trembling hands at my sides.Nicholas's voice was commanding, full of arrogance. "You have to make me the manager of your company."Albert snorted. "That's impossible." He used an irritated tone. "The board voted in the current manager. It wasn't my personal decision."Nicholas laughed, completely unfazed. "Oh, Albert. We both know that with a little pressure, you can make it so."Albert hesitated for a moment, probably struggling to hold back his rage. "I won't risk the company just to clean up after you," he said.Nicholas breathed in dramatically, theatrically. "Mess? No, Albert, this isn't my mess. This is your mess."There was the rustle of papers, then Nicholas's voice, spoken in a lowered, threatening tone. "Would you rather I release this little video? Or would you prefer to give me that post?I covered my mout
Brielle POV "I don't know. But I'm going to discover."I gasped at Albert's words."Diana and my mother insist I divorce you, Brielle… she wants me to marry Diana because she's already pregnant," he admitted, his tone low, close to defeat. "Of course, I must have an heir, but not with Diana."I gulped hard, clutching the hem of my skirt. His mother would demand the divorce, naturally. Diana would do everything she could to take my place. But to have Albert say it himself out loud made it sound more real, more chilling.He wrapped my hand in his, his fingers warm, strong. "I wish I could have an heir with you, Brielle… because you're the only woman I love."My heart froze.Did I hear him correctly?"I know we started out as a contract marriage, but my feelings for you are genuine. I love you, Brielle. And I wish all of this could just end already so I could make you my genuine wife."I couldn't catch my breath.My chest tightened with emotions I had kept so deep inside me all those ye
Brielle's POVHe didn't answer at first. His jaw was set, and his thumb lay on the screen as if he couldn't wait to crush the phone in his hand.I leaned over him, peering over his shoulder. My stomach dropped when I read the message."I'm still waiting for your reply. Tomorrow at the first light of day, I'll proceed and put the video up. And then I figure that after the entire city has seen it, you won't have any choice but to leave your beautiful Brielle and marry Diana."My breath was snatched away in my throat. The words were like a blade slicing across my heart. My mind was racing, trying to keep up on what this would mean.Albert gritted his teeth, rubbing his hand through his hair. "Damn it!" he muttered.I gulped. "Albert… what video?" My voice was barely above a whisper.He hesitated. His dark, irritated eyes, and something else; guilt?, at last met mine. "Nicholas has a video… of that night with Diana," he admitted, his tone rough.I thought the ground had been taken from un
DIANA'S POV "You should be scared too," I shot back. "Because if Emily finds out the truth, she won’t just go after me, she’ll go after you too. And then what?"Nicholas chuckled darkly. "Then I guess we’ll just have to make sure she never finds out."I glared at Nicholas, my patience wearing thin."I don't want to wait any longer here," I said firmly. "I'm going in there to pack my things, and you better make sure you're coming with me."Nicholas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Diana, don’t act out of impulse…""I'm not acting out of impulse!" I snapped, cutting him off. "This is the only way. If Albert comes back and finds me here, everything will get complicated. And if Emily keeps getting closer to you, she’ll start asking questions. Do you want that?"Nicholas remained silent, his expression unreadable.I took a deep breath, trying to control my frustration. "You were the one who told me to trust you, Nicholas. But look at what’s happening! You’re getting distracted. Y
Emily POV “No big deal?” Diana repeated, standing up. “Do you even know what time it is?” Her eyes darted between us, filled with something I couldn’t quite place, anger? Jealousy? Worry?I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Diana, we’re adults. We don’t need a curfew.”Diana clenched her jaw. “Emily, you have no idea what you’re playing with.”I frowned. What was her problem? She had been acting so weird since I got back. And why was she so concerned about Nicholas and me?Nicholas placed a hand on my lower back. “Come on, Emily, let’s go.”Brielle’s POVThe business deal had gone smoothly, and Albert and I finally wrapped up everything. It had been a long, exhausting trip, but at least it was successful.I glanced at Albert as we walked out of the meeting room. He looked satisfied, but I could tell he was eager to get back home."Finally done," I sighed, stretching my arms. "I can't wait to get some rest."Albert nodded, adjusting his suit. "Yeah, it's time to head back. I just hope everyth
DIANA'S POV "You worry too much," he said, stepping closer until I could feel his breath against my skin. "Emily is just a distraction. A fun one."I scoffed. "Yeah? And what happens when she starts asking questions? What happens when Albert finds out you’re messing with his little sister?"Nicholas shrugged. "Then I’ll deal with it."I grabbed his arm, forcing him to look at me. "This isn't just about you, Nicholas!" My voice dropped to a whisper. "If we get caught, if they find out about us, do you think Albert will just let us go? Do you think he’ll just forgive us?"For a moment, something flickered in Nicholas' eyes, doubt. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared."Let me handle this, Diana," he said, his voice softer now. "Emily is harmless."I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "No one is harmless, Nicholas. Especially not her."I stormed down the hallway, my hands clenched into fists."Nicholas is really out of his mind," I muttered under my breath, my heart pounding with fr
Nicholas’ POVShe arched her brow, pretending to pout. "Oh? So I don’t stand a chance?"My eyes darkened slightly as I leaned back in my chair. "I didn’t say that."A slow smile spread across her lips. “Interesting”.As I watched Emily sitting across from me, a thought crossed my mind, this lady is dangerously beautiful.Her smile was playful, her confidence unmatched. The way she carried herself, the way she spoke, it was almost irresistible.I leaned back in my chair, arms crossed, as she sipped her drink. She was talking about something, probably teasing me again, but I wasn’t paying full attention. My mind was elsewhere, studying her.Maybe I needed to stop pretending. Maybe I needed to stop resisting what was already happening.I smirked to myself. Having Emily as my girlfriend, even if just for now, might not be such a bad idea.She was Albert’s sister, yes, but that only made things more interesting. Emily wasn’t like the other women who threw themselves at me. She played the g
DIANA'S POV I forced a laugh, keeping my expression neutral. So, she’s interested in him after all."That's nice of you," I replied smoothly, leaning back in my chair. "Nicholas is a good man. I’m sure he appreciates your kindness."Emily simply nodded, focusing on her breakfast.I sipped my juice slowly, my mind racing. I needed to figure out what she was up to. Was she genuinely attracted to Nicholas, or was she just playing around? I had to be careful.. As I took another sip of my juice, my eyes wandered across the living room. That’s when I saw it,a file resting on the couch. My heart skipped a beat.Nicholas must have forgotten it.Oh no. If it was something important, he’d be back for it soon. I leaned forward, reaching for it, but before I could react, Emily suddenly stood up from the dining table.“I’ll take it to him,” she said quickly, adjusting her dress. “I was actually planning to see my mom at the office today, so I can drop it off for him too.”I froze for a second,
Emily POV "Why?" I asked, my fingers lightly grazing his chest.Nicholas exhaled sharply, his control slipping. His hands finally moved, grabbing my waist, pulling me closer. I thought he was going to kiss me.His lips were just inches away, his breath warm against my skin. His grip on my waist tightened, his eyes dark with desire.But just as he leaned in, I placed a finger against his lips, stopping him."Not yet," I whispered, stepping back.Nicholas groaned in frustration, running a hand through his hair."Emily, what game are you playing?" he asked, his voice thick with need.I grinned, walking towards the door.I opened the door and turned to look at him one last time."Goodnight, Nicholas," I said sweetly before walking out, leaving him standing there, breathing heavily, dying to have me.Diana’s POVAs soon as Emily left the room, I stepped out from where I had been hiding, crossing my arms as I stared at Nicholas."What just happened right now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
Emily POV "Emily. Albert’s sister," I said, watching his expression carefully.Something flickered in his eyes, but it was gone so fast that I almost thought I imagined it."Ah, Albert’s sister," he repeated, a sly smile playing on his lips. "I’ve heard a lot about you."I raised an eyebrow."Really? That’s strange because I haven’t heard anything about you."He chuckled, stepping closer."Well, I guess your brother and I don’t talk about the same things."There was something about the way he looked at me, intense, almost like he was testing me. But I wasn’t the type to be easily intimidated."Interesting," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "And what exactly are you doing here, Nicholas?"He hesitated for a second before flashing me a charming smile."Just helping out with a few things," he replied vaguely.I narrowed my eyes."Helping with what?"Before he could answer, a voice called from the other room."Nicholas, we need to talk!"It was Diana.I watched as something shifted in h
BRIELLE'S POV I turned to look at him, and before I could say anything, his warm hand cupped my cheek. His gaze was deep, searching, almost like he wanted to take away all my worries with just his eyes."Please, don’t feel bad anymore. I’m here for you," he whispered.I opened my mouth to respond, but the words never came. Albert leaned in closer, his breath warm against my lips. My heart pounded as our noses brushed, and then, his lips captured mine.It started soft, slow, as if he was giving me time to pull away. But I didn’t want to. Instead, I leaned into him, my fingers gripping his shirt as the kiss deepened.His hand slid to the back of my neck, tilting my head slightly, allowing him to kiss me even deeper. A soft moan escaped my lips, and I felt Albert’s lips curve into a small smile."I love you, Brielle," he murmured against my lips. "No matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you."I pulled away slightly, breathing heavily. His forehead rested against mine, his thumb
Brielle’s POVAs Albert and I stepped outside, the cool breeze hit my face, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside me. My father’s words kept echoing in my head."Rebecca tried to kill me."I was still trying to process everything when Albert suddenly sighed beside me."Brielle, I'm sorry… I really forgot to stay back outside like you asked," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was just so worried about you and your dad. I couldn’t leave you alone there."I looked at him, searching his face for any sign of doubt. Did he believe my father? Or was he still struggling to accept that his own mother could do something so terrible?"It’s nothing, Albert," I murmured, shaking my head. "I just… I don’t understand what’s happening. Why is your mother doing all this? Why is she getting more involved with my father?"Albert sighed again and ran a hand through his hair. "I don’t know. But I promise you, I’ll find out."His words should have been reassuring, but I couldn’t shake the