Jessie’s POVSunday, 7amI blinked my eyes open, my head throbbing with the kind of pain I couldn’t explain.I shook my head, trying to clear it, but it only became worse.I struggled to sit up with visible efforts. As I looked around my surroundings, I realized how different it was from Gavin’s home.The question of where I am was immediately answered when Greg Benedict entered the room with a tray of food.My eyes widened in shock… not because of the person standing before me but because he was wearing nothing but shorts.Fear gripped me. What if I had done something stupid like that night with Gavin? What if I’d slept with someone else?! I panicked.My heart pounded in my chest. I shouldn’t be here. Greg was a long time college friend, one whose path and I crossed a few times. Although I couldn’t completely recall how I ended up in his house, one thought superseded all— I needed to be home.I jolted up from the bed, throwing on my jacket.“Greg, thanks. Thank you so much for br
Jessie's POVIt’s been a few days since I discovered my father had another family and every time mom and I spoke, there was a lump in throat, tightening my chest. I couldn’t tell her, I would not tell her, but I needed someone to share with. I picked up my phone, scrolling through my contacts, my finger stopped on names after names, until I finally stopped at Gavin.Did he travel again? Is he just avoiding me? Even after I apologized? I hadn't seen him in days. What's going on?“Jess!” Mr. Dani called out, interrupting my train of thoughts. “Are you ready to have your first big meeting?”“If things go well today, you might be getting a promotion.”“A promotion?” I exclaimed, “I just joined the company, and I’m getting promoted? I’m pumped!"As we headed towards the conference hall, passing a number of colleagues, I silently observed eyes on me. I mean, I always noticed eyes on me, but today it seemed like it was more than just eyes— they were soft whispers as I walked past too.“W
Jessie’s POVAgainst my better judgement, I pushed my way through the packed restaurant towards Ryan seated by the window.He looked like his usual self— handsome not in the manly way like Gavin, but rather just cute, with fanny ears, wide eyes and porcelain clear face.As I sank into the seat opposite him, I could see all the ways Gavin was more handsome, and I instantly wondered why I loved him so deeply in the past.“I didn’t think you’d actually come out,” he scoffed.This jerk. I cussed under my breath. “It’s about my husband, why not?”Ryan shifted in his chair, taken aback by my quick response but quickly composed himself.“Your husband? Don’t brag so much about that. Have you ever stopped to think why someone as wealthy as Gavin would want anything to do with you? Pathetic you?”I held my forehead, rubbing my temples gently. It was a mistake coming here, and I realized it when I sat down.Without further words, I snatched my purse from the table and jolted to my feet.“I knew
Jess’s PoVMy eyes widened in surprise. “No!” I exclaimed in dismay, “I had a bad day, is that the only way you can console me?”“I told you, I’m a very active man.” He said nonchalantly, “How is this about you?” I interjected, “Alright,” he sighed, “Let’s talk about you; “Why did you sleep out again after I told you not to? “Why do you sleep out of your husband’s house so easily? “Why do you barely wear your ring?“Why is it so difficult for you to introduce me to your so-called friends? “Why did you meet up with Ryan after I said not to?“Should I go on?”My lips parted in awe as I watched him tower over me, hands buried in pockets as he spoke.“I’m awaiting your responses, Mrs. Pierre!”“I didn’t mean to sleep out,” I admitted, “I discovered something devastating, so I decided to have a drink, and ended up having too many.”“Did you sleep with him?”“What?!” I exclaimed, “Why would you ask such…?”“It’s a valid question.” He cut me off coldly.“You got drunk and fucked me fi
Jessie’s POVI swiped a hand over my face, the heat of the moment burning my cheeks. The smirk on Gavin’s face widened as he waltzed past me, making me blush even more.“Go have your bath and come out for dinner.” He said.That darn jerk. I muttered silently.In the bathroom, my mind kept spinning on the same moment— the kiss at the door. Why did he stop so abruptly? Is it me? Am I undesirable? “Jess!” I cautioned myself, “This is Gavin Pierre, pull yourself together!”Besides, it was a contract marriage, one that didn’t need consummation, but damn my body for betraying me like that- we wanted two different things. As I walked through the hallway back to him, I was mesmerized by the scenery before me. The dining table was set ever so beautifully, with two plates of salad and steak served in fine wares. A candle light lit in the middle of the table, with soft music playing in the background.The smile came involuntarily.“I know you’re impressed but I’m starving.” He said indiffe
Gavin’s POV“I’ve been in love with you for so long, I can’t even remember when it all began. But, if you asked me, I’d say that night… five years ago.”“I don’t believe it!” She exclaimed, “You must think I am quite easy.”“Easy? It took me five years to do this.”“No, Gavin, you hated me for five years because I am the reason Candace broke up with you, and humiliated you on TV, I…”“It wasn’t you,” I confessed, it felt good to say it but my relief was short lived.Her voice came breaking through my thoughts. “What?” She whispered, her voice feeble.“When she caught us in bed that morning," I explained, "I couldn’t have apologized to her. I could have begged her, but I didn’t because I didn’t feel anything for her. I didn’t love Candace, Jess. From the moment you walked into the club that night and our eyes met, I was struck by you.”Over the candle light, I saw her face. She seemed to be warring with the enormity of my confession. She held my gaze, staring like she couldn’t believe
Jessie's POV"Try and stop me!" I said, rather coldly, turning the door knob, as I slammed the door behind me. I couldn't bear another second of his lies.For a moment there, I believed Gavin could be a different person. I thought I was wrong about him, I wanted to be wrong about him. But the rumors about him were true. Gavin Pierre- the ruthless and cold billionaire of Darian Town. He had whatsoever he wanted, or more accurately, he took whatsoever he wanted.And now he wanted me.As I stormed through the lonely woods, my heart clenched even harder with pain. "You won't have me," I breathed, "You won't." THE NEXT DAYI blinked my eyes open to a shabby ceiling. The cheap motel I spent the night in looked even worse in the day light. My phone buzzed its usual morning alarm-- it was time for mom to take her medication.I didn't need to worry about that, Sarah was taking great care of her. However, my heart tightened as I thought about breaking the news to her. She was so happy
Gavin's POVI love her, I do. But...I lied to her. I lied about our past. It wasn't my intention, but it made her miserable. She had every right to be upset. However, I lied to her to protect her. It was to protect her from Candace and the society as a whole. Candace was a vicious woman with access to both political power and social influence. She could've easily turned Jessie into the "slut-who-snatched-her-husband"If I ever made my true feelings known from the first day, it was her life that would've been ruined on TV, not mine.But I held back, for five years, I held back my true feelings to keep her safe. I watched her from a distance to make sure I kept Candace away from her.If only she could hear me out. If only she could hear my reason.For her sake, I would be the devil. For her sake, I'd take on my old self."You, Jess will see why I'm called the Devil of Darion town." My gaze turned vicious as I spoke, Jess paled, holding her breath. "What exactly do you mean by th