Diana's POVI walked into the dimly lit bar, my heels clicking on the ground as I approached the man in the corner booth. Jason.Brielle's ex-boyfriend.He lifted his head, his dark eyes scanning me with interest. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice laced with interest.I slid into the seat across from him, crossing my legs with confidence. "Maybe someone you'd like to know better," I said to him, smiling mysteriously.Jason's eyebrow went up, clearly intrigued. "Is that so? What do you want from me?"I leaned forward, watching his face carefully. "Do you know where Brielle's been since she dumped you?"Jason's jaw clenched, and a bitter look crossed his face. "I searched everywhere for her," he snarled. "She was going to marry me. Her father's a crook, and I figured no other man would have her. I figured I'd be doing her a favor, take her as my wife while I had my fun with other women."I raised an eyebrow. "You really thought she was yours?"Jason scoffed. "She's mine. She just ran o
Albert’s POVBrielle had faced a lot before agreeing to this contract marriage. At first, it was just a deal, but for me, it had become something much more. I love her more than I ever thought possible. And soon, this won’t be a contract anymore. I’ll make it real.Her birthday was coming up, and I wanted to do something special for her. She deserved the world, and I was ready to give it to her. I couldn’t imagine my life without her anymore.Sitting in my office, I searched for the perfect way to surprise her. A grand celebration? A romantic getaway? Or something simple but meaningful? No matter what, it had to be unforgettable.Just as I was deep in thought, my office door opened. My mother, Rebecca, walked in unannounced, as usual.“We need to talk,” she said, her tone sharp.I sighed. “Mother, I’m busy….”“This is important, Albert.” She sat across from me, crossing her arms. “We need to discuss Brielle.”My grip on the pen tightened. “What about her?”Rebecca’s lips curled into a
Albert POV "Enough," I cut in harshly, my tone hard.Diana pouted but did not insist, focusing instead on her meal. Brielle barely touched food after Diana's cruel words. I could feel the rigidity in her shoulders, the effort to hold back her emotions.Then, with little prelude, she laid down the fork and rose from her seat. "I'm going upstairs to shower," she murmured.Diana burst out laughing. "You need it. Just shower well.".I clattered my fork against the counter, my rage boiling over. But I was too quick; before I could say a single thing, Brielle just turned around and left without even looking back.I lost my appetite. Without a word, I got up and followed her, ignoring Diana's superior grin.I caught up with Brielle when she reached our bedroom. She didn't say a thing, just pushed the door open and went in.I followed her in, closing the door. She reached into the closet for a towel, her movements stiff and robotic."Brielle," I said quietly.She didn't answer. "I just need
Diana’s POVI sat on the edge of my bed, a wicked smile forming on my lips.Albert was planning a birthday party for Brielle. His dear wife.How pathetic.I had overheard one of the maids talking about it. A grand celebration, with some company members in attendance. This was the perfect opportunity.The perfect time to humiliate Brielle once and for all.And this time, no one would be there to save her.I picked up my phone and dialed Jason’s number. He answered on the second ring.“Diana,” he greeted, his voice filled with amusement. “I was wondering when you’d call.”I smirked. “I have a job for you.”“Oh? And what’s that?”I leaned back against the pillows, my fingers tapping against my stomach. “Brielle’s birthday party is in two days. I want it to be a night she’ll never forget.”Jason chuckled. “You want to ruin her?”“I want to destroy her,” I corrected. “In front of Albert. In front of everyone.”Jason was silent for a moment before he spoke. “I think I know exactly how to do
Diana’s POVI walked into the house, my mood lifted with excitement. Everything was falling into place. Jason knew what to do, and tomorrow, Brielle’s life would be ruined beyond repair.As I stepped inside, I spotted Brielle sitting in the living room, waiting for the maid to bring her a glass of juice. She looked tired, completely unaware of what was coming her way.Perfect.The moment the maid handed Brielle the juice, I smirked and walked closer, my voice dripping with fake sweetness. “Oh, my dear Brielle,” I said, tilting my head. “I see that your birthday preparations are going well. But… you haven’t gone shopping yet, have you? Time is running out, sweetheart. Just one more day left.”Brielle glanced at me but said nothing.I chuckled, taking a step back. “Well, enjoy your juice. You need it.” My laughter echoed through the room as I turned and headed upstairs to my room.Tomorrow was going to be unforgettable.Brielle's POVThe warm water ran down my body as I stood under the
Diana’s POVAs I walked down the hallway, I spotted Nicholas stepping out of his room. I scoffed, shaking my head. “So, you’ve been sleeping all day while the house is practically burning?”Nicholas smirked lazily. “Why not? You seem to have everything under control.”I rolled my eyes. “Albert has been gone for a while now. I wonder where he went.” Not that it mattered. Everything was falling into place. “Anyway, let me get ready for the party.”Nicholas chuckled. “I’m after you.”I reached my room and was about to close the door when Nicholas slipped inside behind me. I turned to glare at him. “What do you think you’re doing?”He leaned against the wall, a sly grin on his face. “Let’s shower together.”I stared at him in disbelief. “Are you out of your mind? Do you want someone to catch you here?” I glanced toward the door, lowering my voice.Nicholas shrugged. “Relax. Albert isn’t home, and Brielle is too busy playing dress-up. No one will notice.”I scoffed. “I don’t have time for
Diana’s POVI grabbed my purse and rushed out of the house, my heels clicking against the marble floor as I made my way outside. I couldn’t let Jason mess this up. He was unreliable, always distracted by women and alcohol. If I didn’t handle things myself, he might just walk into that party and ruin everything.As I reached my car, my phone rang. Jason. I answered immediately."I'm almost at the estate," he said, his voice slightly slurred, but still sharp enough to know he wasn’t completely drunk. "Bring the necklace before I walk in. I want everything in place before I make my move."I smirked. "Good. Stay exactly where you are. I’ll be there in five minutes. Don’t you dare go inside without me."I ended the call and started the engine. Tonight, Brielle’s perfect little world would come crashing down. I drove fast, my fingers gripping the steering wheel tightly. My heart pounded with excitement. Tonight, Brielle’s world would crumble, and I would finally have my way. Albert wouldn’
Diana's POV Albert's grip on his glass tightened. His eyes burned with anger. "At your place?" His voice was dangerously low.Brielle’s face turned pale. “No! That’s not true! I have no idea how he got that necklace!”I bit my lip to stop myself from grinning. Oh, this is going better than I expected.Jason continued, pretending to be hurt. “You don’t remember? I was going to stay quiet, but seeing you here, acting all innocent…” He sighed dramatically. “I didn’t want to believe you would lie to Albert. But I guess I was wrong.”Brielle turned to Albert, panic in her eyes. “Albert, please! I swear, I don’t know what he’s talking about!”Albert’s expression was unreadable, but I could see the storm brewing in his eyes.I leaned closer, pretending to be supportive. “Brielle, if you have something to confess, it’s better to do it now,” I said sweetly.Tears welled in Brielle’s eyes as she turned back to Jason. “Why are you doing this?” she whispered.Jason shrugged. “Because the truth a
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