MARIANNE Troy smiled, his gaze sharp and playful. "And I'm supposed to buy that?" I shrugged, keeping my tone even. "It's up to you." I paused before adding, "I need to buy a car. Can you take me?" He raised a brow, curiosity edging into his voice. "Why? Is mine not comfortable enough for you anymore?" I exhaled slowly, not wanting to argue. "What if we have a lot to do and need to go our separate ways? Would you rather I chase after a cab?" Troy sighed, giving a slight nod. "I guess not." Thirty minutes later, I found myself behind the wheel of a sleek gray Acura MDX, the weight of the keys in my hand feeling like a small victory. Before I drove off, I placed a few calls—brands I was familiar with, orders I knew would arrive quickly. I arranged for everything to be delivered to the house within the hour, the efficiency of it soothing something restless in me. I hadn't eaten breakfast, but the thought of food made my stomach turn. Instead, we drove back to the house, Tro
MARIANNE "Why do you want to marry me?" Troy's voice was low, but the intensity in his gaze cut through the air. I tried to ease the tension with a warm smile, though I could sense the gravity behind his question. "Don't get worked up, Troy. It’s only temporary. Once my revenge is complete, we’ll divorce." His expression darkened, frustration flaring up. “The nerve of you,” he snapped, his voice rougher than I expected. “You come up with a ridiculous arrangement like this without even asking me? Without so much as a conversation? What do you take me for, Marianne?” His anger, though justified, stung. I took a deep breath, keeping my voice calm. "You have every right to be upset. Believe me, I’m shaken too by the absurdity of it all. But Troy... if I had brought it up at home, I would’ve gotten cold feet. I’d convince myself there was another way, but there isn’t." I paused, trying to meet his eyes, but he looked away. "This is a marriage of convenience. No strings, no obligat
MARIANNE I stared at Troy in disbelief, the hint of a smile tugging at my lips despite the absurdity of what he’d just suggested. “Seriously? You want me to make her blind?” He shrugged, his expression nonchalant. “What’s the big deal? It's not as if she doesn't deserve it.” I nodded, considering the truth of his words. “That’s not wrong,” I admitted slowly, “but it's extreme, even for me.” My voice softened as I added, “I’ll come up with something just as sinister—but not that. Thanks for the suggestion.” He huffed, clearly dissatisfied. “What’s the point of asking for advice if you don’t intend to use it?” I gave a small, knowing smile. “It’ll come in handy when the time is right, trust me.” Silence followed. We finished our meal in an almost companionable quiet, though the tension between us hummed like an unspoken conversation. When we were done, I insisted on cleaning up. Troy finally relented, letting me take charge of the mundane task. Once the kitchen was spotles
TROYAfter Aislinn ran off, I found myself surprised by my own actions. "Why did I kiss her so passionately? And why is my heart racing?" In truth, I had no answer. Aislinn had the face of my beloved, but I was clear-headed about that. I had only wanted to tease her, to teach her a lesson for deliberately keeping things from me and throwing unwanted surprises my way. I went after her but stopped at her door. "What's wrong with you?" I muttered to myself. "You need to draw the line between teasing and getting attached." Turning back, I returned to my room to get ready for her dinner meeting. Remembering she had mentioned needing a camera, I left the house briefly to pick one up.On the way back, thoughts of what had happened between us lately filled my mind. Despite myself, I enjoyed being close to Aislinn. Her smile was enchanting, her lips soft, her gaze intense, and her scent... intoxicating.She acted all serious, but there was still a playful side to her—one nearly ruined by t
TROY"Such a good liar," I thought to myself, impressed by how quickly Aislinn adapted to every situation she encountered.The commissioner studied us for a while, disappointment clear on his face. After a few moments of silence, he finally relented. “Fine. Your support system can stay, but I don’t want any unnecessary interruptions.”I was tempted to smile. If he knew who I really was, he’d be more careful with his words. But I had already decided to stay under the radar until Marianne’s revenge was complete.So, I forced a smile. “Thank you, sir.”The man extended his hand toward Marianne, who took it with a firm grip before sitting down. She positioned herself directly across from him, a table separating them, while I sat at a different table. From where I was, I had a clear view of his face and could hear every word they exchanged.“I’m very glad to finally meet you in person,” she said smoothly.He nodded. “That means you know quite a lot about me.”She chuckled, her eyes gleamin
TROYAs soon as we stepped out of the room, the commissioner and his aides were nowhere to be seen.We got into the car, and I began to drive."You couldn't stop smiling at that old man," I said after a few minutes on the road.She sighed. "Don't remind me. I don’t think I’ve smiled that much in my entire life. My cheeks are sore."I smirked. "As long as you were uncomfortable, I feel better. But why all the praise and calling him an honest man? If he was truly honest, he would've turned down the money and helped you uncover the truth.""Couldn't you tell I was buttering him up?" she said, shaking her head. "He’s nothing like I described. I could have met him without my godfather’s help, but it would’ve taken longer, and I’m not that patient. He’s not easily bribed by money, but he has a weakness for young, beautiful women."I scoffed. "So that’s why you acted like we were a couple? No secrets between us, huh? Now I feel used.""You were the one who said I could use you," she reminded
MARIANNE Troy's car pulled up in front of Ray Industries. From across the passenger seat, I gave him a small smile before glancing back. The two police vans that had escorted us stopped behind our car. Twelve armed officers emerged, standing ready and waiting for my command. I smiled in satisfaction. Inspector Astrid, the officer assigned to me by the commissioner, had proven to be highly efficient. I had only spoken with him this morning, explaining what I needed, and he acted swiftly, providing the officers and assuring me he would be available whenever I required. Troy and I walked into the building with our heads held high, the twelve officers trailing behind. Our presence caused an immediate stir. Employees stared at us in silence, their faces pale with unease, while the security guards stood aside, respectful of the armed officers’ authority. I ignored them all. These faces were familiar, but they meant nothing to me now. I had one target: the chairman’s office—the off
MARIANNE I glanced up and was struck by how much Tony had changed. The man standing before me bore little resemblance to the one I had struck with a gun just days ago. His well-trimmed beard gave him a polished look, but I wasn’t fooled. He might deceive the world, but not me. He strode toward the table, arrogance radiating from him. "Marianne was my best friend," he declared smugly. "And I know for a fact she had no sister." I scoffed. "Her best friend? Funny, she never mentioned you to me—not once. If you were so close, why would she keep your existence from me?" I leaned forward, locking eyes with him. "Besides, what gives you the right to challenge my relationship with my sister? Were you involved with her in a way that grants you any legal right to question me?" His expression faltered, and I saw the crack in his composure. He couldn’t bring up the name of Marianne’s husband—after all, Tony was supposed to be dead. "No matter what you say, I don’t believe your lies,"
Alva stretched her legs cautiously, testing her ankle with a few steps. Then, with a sudden burst of confidence, she strode across her room and twirled around. “Perfect!” she declared to the empty space. “Goodbye, crutches. Hello, independence!” Vidar, walking by her room, poked his head in. “Did you just say goodbye to inanimate objects? Should I be concerned?” Alva grinned. “Laugh all you want, Vidar. You don’t know what it’s like to walk with crutches or limp around.” “True,” Vidar agreed, leaning against the doorframe. “But you’re walking fine now, so no slacking for you, especially during this workshop. You’ll be networking like a pro.” “Networking?” Alva groaned. “Why does that sound like a punishment?” Vidar smirked. “Because it is. But you’ll survive. I’ll make sure of it.” At this time, Thea was pacing her room, muttering under her breath. “If Alva hadn’t come along, I would’ve been the one going on this trip with Vidar,” her voice dripped with resentment as s
Freya sat nervously in the corner of the small eatery. Her hands were clenched tightly in her lap. The place was warm and simple, with soft chatter and the clinking of plates filling the room. Across from her, Jonas leaned back in his chair, watching her closely. His gaze was sharp but didn’t feel mean. “Relax, Freya,” Jonas said, a small smile on his face. “You look like I called you here to yell at you.” Freya shifted in her seat, trying to smile back. “It’s not that… I just don’t know why you wanted to meet.” “Let’s start with dinner,” he said, pointing at the menu in front of them. Freya shook her head quickly. “I already ate. I’m not hungry.” Jonas raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. He set the menu aside and leaned forward, his face turning serious. “Alright, let’s get to the point. Freya, I was angry with you before. Because of what you did, I kept misunderstanding Alva, and things between us got bad.” Freya’s stomach twisted with guilt. She opened her mouth to apol
Freya’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she grabbed Alva’s hand tightly. “You’re incredible. I knew you were destined for greatness, Alva, but CEO? That’s next-level stuff. I’m so proud of you!” “Thank you,” Alva replied, squeezing her friend’s hand. “And when the time comes, you can come work with me in the company. We’ll run it together.” Freya’s lip quivered, and she blinked rapidly, trying to keep her tears in check. “Alva, you’re the best friend anyone could ask for. No, scratch that—you’re the best human being alive.” Alva giggled. “Don’t cry, Freya. Save the waterworks for the CEO inauguration.” “I can’t help it!” Freya wailed dramatically before pulling Alva into a bone-crushing hug. “I’m the luckiest person in the world to have you.” As Freya finally released her, she wiped her cheeks with the back of her hand, smiling brightly. “So… can I come on this fancy business trip too? I’ll hide in your suitcase.” Alva shook her head, laughing. “No can do.” “Why not?
Thea’s fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her teeth ground against each other as she watched Alva bask in the warmth of everyone’s affection. The realization hit her like a slap to the face—Alva had planned this. She had the evidence all along and had played the helpless victim, crying her way into everyone’s hearts. And Thea? Thea had walked right into her trap. Her head began to spin as her mind screamed, 'I was outsmarted by her?' “How could I be so foolish?” Thea muttered under her breath, her voice so low only she could hear it. Karina’s voice snapped Thea out of her angry thoughts. “I will think of a befitting punishment for what you’ve done,” Karina said, her gaze icy as she looked down at her daughter sprawled on the floor, still feigning remorse. “Mom, I didn’t....” “You’re grounded for a month, for now, until I think of a much better punishment,” Karina declared firmly, cutting off Thea’s weak protest. Thea’s mouth dropped open. Grounded? She
Alva’s hands trembled as tears streamed down her cheeks, her voice barely audible. “Why does this always happen to me?” she whispered, clutching her chest as though trying to hold her breaking heart together. Vidar stepped closer, his voice steady yet soothing. “Don’t cry, Alva. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters here is that the jewelry is yours, and you have every right to take it whenever you want.” Her mother, Karina, nodded firmly, moving to stand beside Vidar. “He’s right, Alva. What’s mine is yours. You’re my daughter—feel free to take anything you need, anytime.” Karina’s voice held a protective tone, though her furrowed brows betrayed her inner conflict. Alva glanced at her mother, her lips quivering. “But I didn’t even know the jewelry existed until now.” Before Karina could respond, Nikolai interjected, his jaw tight with anger. “Alva didn’t put that jewelry there. Someone else did this, and I won’t spare them.” Vidar placed a firm hand on Nikolai’s shoulde
Thea's tears fell freely as she sobbed in the middle of the room, her voice trembling. “I can’t believe this is happening. I’ve only ever wanted the best for this family.....for us. And now, you’re all treating me like I’m an outsider.” She sniffled, glancing around the room with a pitiful expression. “I was only trying to help. Alva is my sister, and I just wanted to make sure she’s on the right path.” Alva softened her gaze. She stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm. “You’re right, Thea. Maybe you’re only doing this because you care.” The room fell silent, everyone staring at Alva as she faced Thea directly. “If you think this is your way of helping me, then I’ll prove to you that I don’t need saving,” Alva said gently. “What would it take for you to believe that I didn’t take the jewelry?” Thea hesitated, her lips twitching as if she was weighing her next words. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with resolve. “If we searched your room and didn’t find the jewelry, I’d bel
The room was tense. The weight of Thea's accusations hung in the air like a storm cloud, thick and suffocating. Alva stood in the middle of the chaos, her face calm. “You’re all acting like I’m the villain here!” Thea’s voice cracked with frustration, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “I can’t just sit back and let Mom be wronged. I love Alva, she’s my sister. But it kills me to think that she could do something like this to the person who’s given her everything!”Alva scoffed but she didn’t respond. Thea turned to the others, her voice softening, as if she were pleading for their understanding. “Even if Alva wanted the jewelry, that wouldn’t have been a bad thing. Mom was already planning to give it to her. But stealing it? That’s what hurts. Seeing my sister hurt my mother is unbearable.We all know Alva didn't grow up with us. She had a rough life and no one knows how many times she must have stolen, just to survive. How can we help her if she doesn't acknowledge her pr
Freya’s gaze lingered on Nikolai like he was a piece of art she couldn’t quite stop admiring. Alva smirked, nudging her lightly with her elbow. “Hey, Freya." Freya’s eyes brimmed with tears, but before a single drop could fall, Alva held out her hand, stopping her. “Please, save me all the drama,” she teased, breaking the tension with her signature wit. Freya broke into a grin as Alva pulled her into a tight hug. It was like old times again, the invisible wall that had separated them melting away. “Have you forgiven me?” Freya asked, her voice tinged with excitement and nervousness. “How can I stay mad at my bestie?” Alva replied, though her tone softened. “What you did really hurt me, Freya. If you ever betray me again, I swear I’ll never forgive you.” Freya pulled back, shaking her head furiously. “I’ll never dare to betray you ever again. I promise.” Their heartfelt moment was interrupted by Nikolai’s voice. “What are you two whispering about?” he asked, his sharp ey
Alva finally found her grandfather’s room after wandering down the quiet hallways. The door creaked softly as she knocked and pushed it open, revealing him sitting upright in bed, a pair of reading glasses perched on his nose, and a thick book cradled in his hands. “Grandpa,” she whispered, a wave of relief washing over her. He looked up, his eyes twinkling with warmth. “Alva, sweetheart. What are you doing up this late?” “I wanted to check on you,” she said, limping over on her crutches. “Nikolai told me your blood pressure spiked earlier. I got worried.” He chuckled, setting the book aside. “That brother of yours is worse than a mother hen. He’s been fussing over me all day, insisting I stay in bed. I feel fine, truly.” Alva dropped onto a chair by his bed, her crutches leaning against the wall. “You can’t blame him. We all just want you to be okay.” Her grandfather reached out, taking her hand in his. “And I am okay, as long as I see you smiling. Come here.” He patted th