MARIANNE After a quick shower, I laid beside Troy, feeling his warmth against me as I drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep. When I woke up in the morning, the bed was empty, with no sign of Troy. I stretched my hand across the cool sheets, wondering if last night had all been a dream. A soft laugh escaped my lips, realizing that the scattered evidence—my clothes tossed on the floor and the fact that I was naked—proved otherwise. I freshened up, choosing a sleek, fitted white dress that hugged my figure and made me feel both powerful and beautiful. As I walked out of my room, a mouth-watering aroma filled the air, leading me to the kitchen. My stomach grumbled, and I found myself smiling as I spotted Troy, focused on making breakfast. Without a second thought, I wrapped my arms around him from behind, resting my head against his back as I whispered, "Good morning, hubby." He turned with a grin, his eyes warm as they met mine. "Good morning, Cherie. I was hoping to serve yo
MARIANNE One hour later, Troy opened the door of his car for me, and I slid in. He got in beside me, his face taut with frustration. "I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that you risked your life to save Mildred's. What the hell were you thinking, Marianne?" Troy demanded, his voice laced with both anger and worry. Seeing the fierce expression on his face, I let out a weary sigh. "Come on, Troy. Everything worked out in the end, didn’t it?" I replied, trying to sound reassuring. "She’s awake, and I’m going to see her. Don’t be upset, okay?" "Do you think I want to be upset like this?" he shot back, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "You take your life for granted, and it's driving me crazy. What would have happened if you had drowned? You could have died a meaningless death, with no one there to save you." I managed a small smile. "Okay, okay, I was wrong. I promise, I won’t risk my life like that again." He shook his head, exasperated. "I don’t care what you sa
MARIANNE Mildred lifted her gaze, which had been lowered, and stared at me in surprise. Her face was pale, and her eyes shimmered with a raw pain, but I couldn’t care less about her suffering. “What are you doing here, ma’am?” she asked in a trembling voice. I smiled, a touch of irony in my tone. “Is that the right question to ask the person who saved your life?” She gasped, her hand covering her mouth. “You... you saved my life?” “Let me show you something,” I replied, my voice steady as I took out my phone. Navigating to my gallery, I selected a video clip and turned the screen toward her. It captured the very moment Tony had thrown her into the river, rain pouring down on them. Her eyes widened in horror as she watched, unable to tear her gaze away. “Tony… he threw me into the river… he left me to die?” “Yes, even though he knew you were still alive,” I said coldly. “Last night, he threw you into that river, condemning you to a death as horrible as any punishment he c
MARIANNE On our way back home, Troy and I made a stop at the police station to deal with Paula and her mom. They had been locked up for quite some time, and now I had a decision to make—either have them formally charged and sent to court or let them go. "I'd like to speak to Paula first," I told the policeman attending to me, my voice steady but firm. Troy, ever attentive, squeezed my hand. "Are you sure you don’t want me to handle this while you wait in the car?" I glanced at him and smiled softly. "Don’t worry, Troy. I’m fine. This is something I need to do myself." When they brought Paula out, I was taken aback by her reaction. She immediately fell to her knees, her face streaked with tears. Her swollen, red eyes told me she’d been crying long before she was summoned to meet me. This wasn’t the proud, defiant Paula I once knew, the woman who’d never show weakness before me. "Please forgive me," she choked out, her voice thick with regret. "At first, I thought you were M
MARIANNE I waved Troy goodbye once again as he turned and got into his car. The moment he drove off, I went back inside, locked the door, and took out the gift he had given me. It was a stunning, floor-length red dress that practically radiated elegance and allure. The fabric was a rich, silky material that caught the light, with a daring slit down one side and a neckline that hinted at sophistication while teasing a bit of skin. Its deep crimson shade promised an unforgettable evening, perfect for a night filled with luxury and romance. "Wow!" I exclaimed as I stared at the dress, running my fingers over the soft fabric, feeling its weight and beauty. "He has such good taste," I admitted, before dashing into my room to get ready. I took my time with a hot, luxurious bath, feeling the warm water relax every muscle in my body. I brushed my teeth, the minty freshness leaving me invigorated. Wrapping myself in a plush towel, I moved to the mirror and began styling my hair, ca
MARIANNE "You have changed so much," Troy murmured softly as we continued to sway slowly to the soothing rhythm of the music, his hand warm against my back. I raised my brows, feigning amusement. "I have?" He nodded, his gaze steady and knowing. "Yes. After you regained your memories, you were brimming with so much hate and anger. I could tell you tried to keep it hidden, but it still surfaced many times." I sighed deeply, letting the weight of the past hang between us for a moment. "I can't deny it," I admitted. "I was furious. The people I trusted most betrayed me in the worst possible ways. But now... all those bitter feelings have faded away. It’s like they no longer hold any power over me." Troy nodded thoughtfully, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Yeah, I can see that." I felt a small, private smile tug at my lips, my heart stirring with a thought I could barely voice. "How do I tell you, Troy, that my heart has no more room for hate because it’s filled entirely wi
MARIANNE Troy's lips brushed against mine gently at first, then he deepened the kiss, parting my mouth with his tongue. A soft moan escaped me as I closed my eyes, surrendering to the warmth of his touch. He sucked on my lower lip, threading his fingers through my hair, tugging gently before letting his hand trail down to the neckline of my dress. His fingers slipped beneath the fabric, cupping my breast and brushing his thumb over my nipple, igniting a fire beneath my skin. Releasing my hair, his hand slid down, finding the slit in my dress and moving higher along my thigh until his fingers traced the edge of my g-string, teasing me with his touch. He paused, holding my gaze as he shrugged off his jacket, quickly removing his shirt and pants, leaving him clad only in his briefs. With a steady grip, he lifted me, settling me onto the bathroom counter, my back pressed against the mirror’s cool surface. Slowly, he reached for my panties, sliding them down with deliberate slownes
MARIANNE "No, I object to your buying a new car." Troy held his ground, his voice firm, and I scoffed, raising an eyebrow. The day before had been nothing short of amazing, all thanks to him. Our date had stretched well into the night. We left the hotel late, drove around town under the city lights, went for a moonlit stroll, and shared ice cream like carefree teenagers, laughing and teasing each other. Eventually, we ended up spending the night in one of my houses in the city and returned to my apartment on the outskirts in the early morning, feeling closer than ever. The memory of those blissful hours stayed with me, and I couldn’t help but smile. But recalling how difficult it had been for me while Troy was away, I’d decided that morning to get myself a new car, just for the times he wasn’t around. However, he was clearly not having it. "But why?" I asked him for the umpteenth time, exasperation creeping into my voice. He hesitated, glancing away for a moment, before fin
Alva stepped back abruptly, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at Jonas, unable to believe her eyes. The world around her seemed to blur, and all she could focus on was him, standing there with that familiar look in his eyes....an expression she had tried to forget but couldn’t. "Jonas..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her racing heartbeat. Jonas gave her a small, apologetic smile. "Yes, it's me." His voice was warm, yet there was a hint of hesitation. "I’m sorry you haven't heard from me in a while. I thought you needed time to adjust to everything in your new environment. And, honestly, it’s been difficult not talking to you." She blinked, struggling to process his words. "So you followed me all the way here?" Her tone was accusatory, but the fluttering in her chest betrayed her annoyance. Jonas chuckled softly, the sound rich and soothing. "No, not exactly. If I’d known you were in Denmark, I would have been more prepared. This is a surp
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