MARIANNE A sharp yelp escaped Paula's mother's lips, and the knife in her hand clattered to the ground as she staggered backward, collapsing onto the floor. I gulped, realizing Troy had thrown his phone at her, striking her by the side of her head. Unfortunately, his phone hadn’t fared any better. It landed with a crash, the screen shattering, while Troy stepped forward and swiftly picked up the knife. Paula’s mother remained on the floor, sobbing in pain and hurling insults at me as the police rushed into the house, alerted by the commotion. "Mrs. Stanford, are you okay?" the sergeant asked, entering with another officer. I shook my head. "No. This woman tried to kill me. If my husband hadn’t intervened when he did, I would be dead." "Will you be pressing charges?" the sergeant asked, his tone steady. "Absolutely," I replied firmly. "Arrest her for attempted murder." After Paula’s mother was handcuffed and taken away, Troy turned to me. "We should head to the hospit
MARIANNE I turned my face away from Troy, avoiding his gaze, and said, "I need to go back home now." His eyes lit up with excitement. "To fulfill my needs?" he teased. I scoffed, shaking my head. "Hell no! I'm exhausted, Troy. I need to eat something and take a nap. I’ve still got one more place to go later." He rolled his eyes dramatically. "Way to ruin my happiness, Aislinn." I couldn’t help but smile at his playful frustration. "Don't worry, we’ll order food and eat at home. After that, I can take a quick nap before tackling the rest of my day." He shot me a glance. "No need," he said confidently, taking the wheel with a grin. "I'll make lunch." Surprised, I raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't that be too much for you? You must be hungry and exhausted already," I said, strapping on my seatbelt. "I'm not complaining," he replied smoothly, already focused on driving. Once we arrived home, Troy immediately headed to the kitchen to cook while I made a beeline for my room, thr
MARIANNE Troy and I walked into the club, hand in hand. The moment we stepped inside, the vibrant energy of the place hit me like a wave. The music throbbed through the walls, reverberating in my chest, while neon lights flickered in time with the beat, casting wild shadows across the crowd. I glanced down at my outfit and quickly realized I was overdressed. My elegance felt out of place among the club goers in their casual, carefree attire, and I attracted more attention than I intended. A few heads turned my way, eyes lingering too long, making me shift uncomfortably. I had never liked being the center of attention when I didn’t control the narrative. Nevertheless, I made my way to the bar, leaning casually against the counter as Troy disappeared into the crowd, no doubt scanning for possible threats or hazards. I admired his carefulness, even though I sometimes found it overbearing. He was always on guard, protecting me in ways I didn’t think I needed. "Can I buy you a
MARIANNE "Let's go back home," I said to Troy after the police finally left. My mood was perfect—elated, even—because I had successfully carried out everything I had planned to accomplish for the day. The satisfaction was almost intoxicating. I could almost see the finish line, a gleaming future where every piece of my strategy had fallen into place. It was only a matter of time. When we arrived home, I threw myself onto the couch, sinking into the soft cushions and leaning my head back with a contented smile playing on my lips. The weight of the day’s victories wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I guess it was safe to call it a day, but first, I needed to confirm one last thing—that Tony had been released and the information I needed had been acquired. Troy, leaning casually against the doorframe, watched me with an appreciative smile. "Today was a success," he said, his eyes reflecting my own satisfaction. I got to my feet, feeling a surge of energy from the adrenaline sti
MARIANNE Sitting in the living room, I waited until Troy appeared with all his bags. As he walked out, he seemed quite angry, his jaw clenched, and his eyes fixed forward as if to avoid meeting mine. He didn’t bother to spare me a glance, and it felt like a knife was being driven into my heart. The urge to stop him, to tell him that I didn’t want him to go, that I needed him, was almost unbearable. Every fiber of my being wanted to reach out, to call his name, to close the distance that had grown between us. But I remained frozen on the couch, as if the weight of my decision had cemented me in place. The sound of his car starting and driving away filled the house with a hollow emptiness, and a pang of loneliness settled deep in my chest. I couldn’t help but wonder, "Is this the end for us? Would I ever see him again? What if he never wants anything to do with me again?" I stood abruptly, the desperation rising inside me. I rushed to the door, flinging it open with a wild hope
TROYAfter Marianne rudely asked me to leave her house, I got upset, packed my bags, and left. However, after driving a short distance from her house, I stopped. I tried to make sense of her actions, but nothing came to mind. I believed something I had done must have upset her. But couldn't she just tell me what it was? I went over everything we did that day and furrowed my brows when I remembered Sharon, the escort. When I had first seen her, my eyes had stayed glued to her because she reminded me of the first time I met Aislinn on a runway. Her beautiful and sexy legs had been the first thing that caught my attention, and a while after that, I fell head over heels in love with her. Thinking about it, I recalled that Marianne had offered to pay Sharon so she could serve me for a night. At the time, I had taken it as a joke, but what if Marianne got upset and kicked me out because I had been staring? Picking up my phone, I decided to call her and ask if she was upset because
TROYAs I knelt on the floor, groaning in anger, the harsh sound of liquid spilling jolted me from my thoughts. I looked up and saw fuel steadily leaking from the damaged trucks. A cold shiver ran down my spine, and a sense of imminent danger washed over me. Rising to my feet, I took one last glance around. I knew it was only a matter of time before the ambulances, fire trucks, and police would arrive, their sirens blaring through the stillness of the night. The last thing I wanted was to get caught in that mess. I needed to vanish before they flooded the scene with flashing lights and endless questions. Perhaps because it was on the outskirts, no crowds gathered to gawk at the accident. The isolation was unnerving, amplifying the eerie silence. Just as I began to walk away, a realization hit me like a punch to the gut. There was no blood. My steps faltered. My breath caught in my throat. My eyes widened in shock as I turned back to take a closer look at Marianne's car, scrutinizin
TROY I left the station a few minutes later, got into my car, and quickly drove away, my eyes constantly checking the rearview mirror. Once I was convinced that no one was tailing us, I pulled over at a quiet, secluded spot and had Marianne return to the passenger seat. "Are you okay?" I asked, breaking the heavy silence after driving for what felt like an eternity. She sighed, her voice weary. "I've been better. Honestly, I’m surprised you followed me. I thought you left." I nodded, keeping my gaze on the road. "Yeah, I was leaving when I realized I’d forgotten something. On my way back to get it, I saw you leaving the house. I tried calling, but you wouldn't answer, so I followed you." She gave a small nod. "I see. Sorry about that. I must've been too panicked to even notice the call. I lost my phone in the crash, but it's not a big deal." I glanced at her, concern etched across my face. "But how did you survive the crash?" I asked, curiosity and worry lacing my tone. S
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