MARIANNE For some reason, Troy's action, stirred something in me. It was a fleeting warmth, one I quickly suppressed. I had no time for such feelings. Once inside the bank, I was led to the vault—a cold, sterile space filled with rows of metal safe deposit boxes. I stared at the key in my hand, running my fingers over the engraved numbers before matching it to its box. The metallic sound of the lock turning echoed in the stillness. I opened it, revealing the documents I needed. I carefully retrieved the papers and a flash drive, taking a moment to register the weight of what I was holding. This was my legacy—my father’s legacy—secured away from the hands of those who had betrayed me. Without delay, I left the bank and drove to the courier company. My godfather’s parcel had arrived, and I was desperate to get it. But as fate would have it, the company had already closed for the day. The frustration clawed at me, yet there was nothing I could do. I had no choice but to head home,
MARIANNETroy seemed stunned for a moment, then shook his head with a wry smile. "You’re something else, you know that?" "I’ll take that as a compliment," I replied, focusing on the syringe in my hand. "But please, slow down a little." Troy eased off the gas but kept glancing my way as I prepared the injection. "Eyes on the road, Troy," I warned when another car nearly grazed ours. With a frustrated sigh, he pulled over to the side of the road. "Where did you learn how to do that? You part of some secret criminal organization?" I scoffed without sparing him a glance, "Seriously? If you are going to harbour such thoughts about me Troy, then it's best for you to stay away until I'm done with my revenge. I never asked for your help in the first place." "Is that why you’re being rude to me right now?" His tone was clipped, obviously offended. I stopped what I was doing and turned to face him. Seeing the look on his face, I sighed. "I didn’t mean to be rude, Troy. It's just
MARIANNE I quickly dashed toward the door, slipping my mask back over my face and tucking the syringe into Troy’s pocket. My pulse pounded in my ears, but I forced myself to stay calm. We moved in sync, walking out of the ward together. As we took a few steps away, I heard the faint sound of footsteps. The doctor was entering Britney’s room. Troy leaned close and whispered, "Run." Without hesitation, we bolted down the hallway. Adrenaline surged through my veins, pushing my legs faster. When we reached the room where I’d changed, I glanced at Troy. "Go," I urged, my voice steady. "Wait for me in the car. I’ll be out in a minute." He hesitated, his eyes searching mine for any sign of uncertainty. But he knew me too well by now. Reluctantly, he shrugged off the lab coat and mask, leaving them in a heap before disappearing down the hall. I took a moment to gather myself, stripping off the nurse uniform and replacing it with my own clothes. My fingers trembled as I let my hair
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
Alva sat by the window, the golden sunlight pouring over her as she gently caressed her rounded belly. She had just registered her marriage to Jonas a week ago in a quiet ceremony, their rings simple yet meaningful. Though their wedding celebration had been postponed until after the baby’s arrival, her heart was full. But today, she was restless. “I miss Mom,” Alva said softly, turning to Jonas, who was busy arranging a small pile of baby clothes they had recently bought. “I want to visit her.” Jonas looked up with a gentle smile, crossing the room to kneel in front of her. “Then let’s go,” he said, taking her hands in his. “You’re her pride and joy. I know seeing you will make her day.” As they prepared to leave, Alva suddenly gasped, clutching her stomach. A rush of water spilled onto the floor. “Jonas…” she whispered, her voice trembling. Jonas was at her side in an instant. “Your water broke,” he said, his voice steady despite the panic rising in his chest. “It’s time.”
A few days after the press conference, Jonas stood outside his parents' home, holding Alva’s hand. The house was an impressive estate surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, reflecting the warmth and grandeur of the Stanford family. Jonas turned to Alva with a reassuring smile. “Nervous?” he asked, squeezing her hand gently. “A little,” Alva admitted, glancing at the imposing double doors. “Meeting your parents officially is a big deal, Jonas.” Jonas chuckled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “Trust me, they’ll love you as much as I do.” As they stepped inside, Alva was immediately enveloped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Jonas’s mother, Marianne, rushed forward, her arms outstretched. “Alva!” she exclaimed, pulling her into a heartfelt hug. “It’s so wonderful to see you again. Jonas has told us so much about you.” Alva smiled, touched by Marianne’s warmth. “Thank you, Mrs. Stanford. It’s an honor to meet you again.” “None of that formality,” Marianne said, waving he
A few days after the workshop ended, Alva returned home with Vidar and Jonas. The trio’s spirits were high, their bond stronger than ever after the eventful days they’d shared. But their cheerful mood took a sobering turn when they learned about Thea’s actions. Sitting in the living room, Karina explained everything; Thea’s betrayal, the recording, and her banishment to Australia. Alva’s face showed a mix of disbelief and relief. “She really tried to have me killed?” Alva whispered, shaking her head. “I can’t believe it.” Vidar clenched his fists. “It’s a good thing she’s gone. If she weren’t, I don’t know what I would’ve done.” Jonas nodded in agreement. “Your mom handled it well. And I think Australia is more mercy than she deserved.” Karina sighed. “It wasn’t easy, but it had to be done. I couldn’t risk her harming you, Alva.” She reached out, taking Alva’s hand. “You’re safe now, and that’s all that matters.” That evening, Alva and Vidar invited Jonas to join them for dinner
As Nikolai held Freya in his arms, steadying her after her fall, their eyes locked. Time seemed to slow, the patter of rain on the windows fading into the background. Freya’s lips parted slightly as she gazed up at him, her cheeks flushed, her breath soft and quick. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t need to. The intensity in Nikolai’s gaze was mirrored in Freya’s own, and before they realized it, their faces inched closer. Their breaths mingled, and then their lips met in a soft, hesitant kiss. The kiss deepened quickly, fueled by the tension that had been building between them. Nikolai’s hands slid to Freya’s waist, pulling her closer, while Freya’s fingers curled into his shirt, clinging to him as if afraid to let go. The warmth of their connection surged through them, igniting something neither of them had felt before. Freya tilted her head, giving him better access as Nikolai’s lips moved with hers, their passion growing. As Nikolai guided her onto the couch, he looked into
As Karina watched Thea being dragged away, her resolve only hardened. "No matter what happens, I will never let you come back, Thea. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that even if I’m no longer alive, you’ll never harm my daughter again," she thought coldly. Meanwhile, at Fjord Garden, Freya sat in the now-empty restaurant, her heart sinking with each passing minute. The rain continued to pour, and the once-romantic atmosphere now felt gloomy and cold. Glances from other patrons made her feel self-conscious, as though they were silently judging her for being stood up. Her phone had lost service, and she couldn’t reach Nikolai. Frustrated and embarrassed, she decided to leave. She walked out into the rain, clutching her small bag as she began looking for a cab. In her haste, her phone slipped out of her hand, splashing into a shallow puddle. "Damn it," she muttered, crouching to pick it up and wiping it off with her damp sleeve. The rain soaked through her clothes,
The next day, Nikolai couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he prepared for his second date with Freya after work. He had spent the entire night replaying moments from their first date, unable to think of anything else. Every time her laughter echoed in his mind, he found himself smiling like a fool. At the same time, Freya was already dressed and ready, her excitement bubbling over. She had chosen a light floral sundress that flowed beautifully around her, paired with simple sandals and a small clutch bag. She couldn’t stop thinking about Nikolai, her heart racing every time she imagined his smile or the way he had looked at her the night before. As Freya waited, her phone rang, and she picked up immediately when she saw Alva’s name. "Alva!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. Freya shared everything about her date with Nikolai, thanking Alva profusely for making it possible. Alva, equally thrilled, recounted her own dramatic day at the auction, sharing every de
Vidar folded his arms, staring at Mina with a mixture of disgust and disbelief. His voice was cold as he spoke. "You know, Mina," he began, "after I found my long-lost sister, I was looking forward to introducing her to you. I thought you two could be friends, and maybe there was even a future for us. But you revealed your true colors before it ever came to that." Mina opened her mouth to speak, but Vidar raised a hand, silencing her. "I’m happy I realized your disgusting nature before I gave you a status in my life. Don’t ever come near me or my sister again," he said firmly. "And, oh....get ready to explain yourself in court for defaming Alva." Mina’s face paled. She turned to Emilie, who was just as shocked as a lot of people to learn that Alva was Vidar’s sister. Mina dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she begged. "Vidar, please, I’m sorry! I love you so much. I thought Alva was your new girlfriend. I was blinded by jealousy. I would never have done this i
Mina’s hands trembled as she rummaged through Alva’s purse, her desperation growing with each passing second. She overturned every pocket, searching thoroughly, but the bracelet was nowhere to be found. Her heart raced, her mind spinning in disbelief. "I put it here!" she thought frantically. "I know I did!" In a final act of desperation, Mina turned the purse upside down, spilling its contents onto the floor. A few items fell out: some feminine wipes, a sleek black card, and a few dollar notes. The crowd watched in stunned silence as she crouched down, furiously pawing through the small pile. Alva stood above her, her gaze calm but piercing. She folded her arms, watching Mina humiliate herself. As Mina’s panic grew, Alva’s mind flashed back to the bathroom. She recalled how, through the mirror, she had seen Mina slip the bracelet into her purse while pretending to adjust her makeup. Alva had already been on guard, having noticed Mina’s earlier conversation with Emilie. Jonas had
Nikolai arrived at Aurora Bistro, a picturesque lakeside restaurant with a rustic charm. The bistro’s warm glow under string lights reflected on the tranquil water, creating an intimate and magical ambiance. He parked his car and walked toward the entrance, his nerves tingling with anticipation. As Nikolai entered, his eyes landed on Freya, who was already seated at a table near the window overlooking the lake. The sight of her momentarily took his breath away. She wore a deep emerald green dress that complimented her fair complexion. The soft fabric flowed effortlessly, cinching at the waist and flaring slightly at her knees. Her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her delicate features, and her light makeup highlighted her natural beauty. Freya’s bright smile, however, was what truly stole Nikolai’s attention. He approached the table with a grin. “Freya, you look absolutely stunning. I feel like I’m at a gala instead of a dinner date.” Freya blushed, smoothing her dress