Shelia's POV As I woke up, I immediately sensed the unsettling reality of my situation. I was bound, blindfolded, and gagged, trapped inside a large wooden box with a sealed lid. Panic surged through me, and I desperately tried to scream, but only muffled sounds escaped my lips. No matter how hard I fought, the lid remained immovable. My efforts were in vain.Gradually calming down, I became aware that I was being transported in a moving vehicle. The pungent smell of chemicals filled the air, providing a clue to my abductor's identity. It had to be Lucy!After about thirty long minutes, the car came to a halt. Two men forcefully carried me out and into a building, callously throwing me onto the floor. They removed my blindfold and gag. Blinking against the darkness, I realized I was inside a partially constructed house, with the night already engulfing the surroundings. I must have been unconscious throughout the entire afternoon."You must be working for Lucy. What has she promised
Hugh's POV Seeing Shelia covered in blood, naked, and struggling on the ground filled me with guilt and rage. No matter what, she was my wife for three years, yet within a month of my return, she was repeatedly hurt. I had saved countless people, but I couldn't protect the ones closest to me.After helping Shelia put on my T-shirt, I cut the ropes binding her hands and feet. At that moment, Travis appeared at the door, his face a mixture of shock and anger. Before he could speak, Shelia yelled,"Let's go! This place is going to explode!"I lifted Shelia and, with Travis, rushed downstairs. "Will, get back to the car!"Having experienced explosions before, I was terrified. Death in a blast is instant, not even giving time for reaction. I couldn't let that happen to Shelia.We had parked about 500 meters away, hidden among roadside bushes for concealment. Shelia hadn't said how long we had, so we just ran as fast as we could.We got back to the car, and as Travis drove off, explosion
Shelia's POV Once we got home, Will asked cautiously, "That scum... he didn't... he didn't hurt you, did he?" During the car ride, none of them dared to ask, afraid of causing me further distress.I replied directly, "He took some photos but didn't assault me. Hugh will get those photos back for me. Don't worry. I'm going to take a shower.""Alright. I'll make dinner. You must be hungry," Will headed to the kitchen but then turned back, looking at me with guilt. "I should've dealt with Sam the first time he harassed you at the bar. I won't let him off this time.""We're all fine, aren't we?" I forced a smile, trying to appear unaffected for Will's sake.Once alone in the bathroom, I finally let my suppressed emotions out: anger, fear, humiliation, gratitude, and the overwhelming love for Hugh that I couldn't control. I scrubbed my body repeatedly before sinking into the bathtub, submerging my face in the water until my tears stopped. Just as I was about to suffocate, I surfaced, mom
Hugh's POV I waited outside her apartment building and saw a car pull up. A man opened the passenger door, and Sheila stepped out. She wore a cream-colored blouse and a short skirt, her red hair making her look like a cherry ice cream in summer. She seemed in good spirits, which eased some of my worries. I'd feared yesterday's ordeal might have left her deeply shaken.However, I couldn't help but feel curious about the man accompanying her. I approached cautiously."Sheila," I said as I pulled out the camera and glanced at the man beside her, deciding not to say much more.Understanding my intention, Sheila turned to the man. "Wait here. I need to talk to him alone."Once we were a short distance away, I inquired, "Who is he?""A bodyguard that Will hired for me.""Will really takes care of you, huh! Does he treat all his employees this way?" I mockingly remarked."Give me the photos," Sheila redirected the conversation, taking the camera. She then asked, "Have you seen these?""Yes,
Sheila's POV Why did he kiss me?After taking a shower, I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. I touched my lips, still feeling the prickly sensation from his stubble and the electric shock of his kiss. That kiss nearly made me lose my mind. If I'd had a couple of drinks then, I wouldn’t have pushed him away. I would have done what I've wanted to do all year.I longed for his touch, his kiss. I missed the way he would press me beneath him, demanding and taking, and the synchronized beating of our hearts after making love. It was as if the entire universe went quiet, leaving only our heartbeats, lonely yet warm.But earlier, I pushed him away. He hadn't suggested getting back together, nor did he want to break up with Esther. What are we now? Was that kiss out of pity? Compensation? Or just a man's instinctual possessiveness and a momentary sexual impulse?I want a complete love, one that belongs only to me.If he can’t give me that, why tease me, why give me hope? The pai
Sheila's POV I opened my arms and embraced Gregory tightly, noticing that I now had to stand on tiptoe to reach his neck. It had been years since we last saw each other, and he had changed so much.Gregory's father was the founder of Cliff Law Firm, renowned nationwide. His father had a lot of business dealings with my father, and my divorce agreement was drafted by a lawyer from Cliff Law Firm. When we were kids, his family lived next door to mine. Unlike my brothers Travis and Will, who inherited my father's dark brown hair, I took after my mother with red hair. Gregory's hair was red too, making him look more like my real brother compared to Travis and Will.He was three years younger than me and used to cry a lot. Will loved to prank him, often scaring him with spiders from the garden. Every time he got bullied, I would help him fight back. Later, I went to college and rarely came home, and he went to a private high school, boarding at the school. We hardly saw each other after t
Sheila's POV “My brothers said the same thing. ""You deserve someone better."I took a sip of coconut juice, and when I looked up, our eyes met. His deep gray eyes had transformed into a dark blue ocean in the night, with unseen currents swirling beneath the surface. Suddenly, the atmosphere grew uncomfortably intimate, and I quickly changed the subject."What time is your performance tomorrow?""10 AM.""It's late now, you should get some rest." I gave him a quick hug and turned to return to my room. For some reason, I felt a burning gaze on my back, making the cool night air feel a bit too hot.Maybe I was overthinking. I shook my head. Gregory felt like a brother to me. There was no way he had feelings for me.They say time is like a healing river that washes away all pain. Traveling can have a similar effect, creating distance between you and your memories. That night, I peacefully slept in the unfamiliar hotel bed until Gregory knocked on my balcony door the next morning."I did
Hugh’s POV After Shelia and I kissed that night, we didn't contact each other for a week. During that time, I had to deal with work and face Susan, Sam's older sister, who naturally hired top lawyers for him. The Middleton family, while not as powerful as Thornton Aviation or Warner Pharmaceuticals, had their own food and agriculture businesses and still held significant economic strength. They wouldn't sit back when it came to Sam's case.Once Sam was sent to prison, Susan, being the largest investor in Flegmin Pharmaceuticals, was also investigated. However, there was no evidence connecting her to the illegal drug production, so she faced no penalties.David may have privately helped Susan. Despite their marriage being a business alliance, he always pampered her. Over 20 years ago, when Thornton Aviation was in crisis, Susan sold her assets in the Middleton family business to help David. That's why she now holds 15% of the shares in Thornton Aviation.As for my mother, David only m
Hugh’s actions made me want to laugh. Did he really think throwing money around could make up for all the hurt he caused me? What did he take me for? A cheap decoration he could put on display when it suited him and toss aside when he didn’t need me? I looked at him coldly, as if he were nothing but a pathetic clown—ridiculous and pitiful.Carol’s face turned green with jealousy when she saw Hugh "defending" me. She clung to his arm, her voice dripping with bitterness. "Hugh, why are you bidding on that worthless thing?"Before she could finish, Hugh cut her off, his voice calm but firm: "It’s just an auction, Carol. Stop talking."Carol was furious but swallowed her words, glaring at me like she wanted to tear me apart. I smirked inwardly but pretended not to notice, casually watching the next auction item on stage.Just then, Ada gracefully walked onto the platform, dressed in an elegant white gown and with flawless makeup. She took the microphone from one of the staff and began
*The charity gala began with the clinking of glasses and the buzz of polite conversation.Susanne was dressed in an elegant light blue gown, adorned with expensive jewelry worth millions, giving off an air of sophistication and grace. But I instantly recognized her necklace—it was an old piece, the same one she wore when she got married. Carol, on the other hand, was dressed in a perfectly tailored red gown, showing off half of her large chest, exuding a bold, radiant beauty. She clung to Hugh’s arm like a proud peacock, flaunting her charms for everyone to see. She whispered sweet nothings to every man who passed by, always on the hunt for new admirers.I looked at Hugh, unsure how to feel. There was a time when I used to attend events like this on his arm, foolishly believing that was what love looked like. Now, we were strangers.Carol had become the center of attention lately, thanks to all the media coverage.Zachary couldn’t come because his back injury was too severe, an
In the past, I would have apologized to him out of habit, a natural sense of submission. But things are different now.“What does it have to do with you?” I snapped back at him.Furious, Hugh threw the cake to the ground. Cream and fruit splattered across my shoes, but I barely noticed. I just stood there, staring at him in disbelief. Hugh, how could you do this?“Hugh, what’s wrong with you?” I tried to keep my anger in check, but my voice trembled despite myself.“You have the nerve to ask me that?” he growled through clenched teeth. “Shelia, how many times do you expect me to stand by and watch? Huh?”His hot breath, laced with the smell of alcohol, hit my face as he leaned closer. The rage in his eyes was like sharp knives cutting into my heart. I could feel the sting deep inside.“What did I do?” I lifted my chin stubbornly, refusing to back down. “Zachary is just a friend. He was hurt, and I helped him bandage his wound. What’s the problem?”“Friend?” He laughed bitterly,
I got breaking news from Gregory—a massive update! Garcie had collapsed in prison, and no one knows why. She’s in a coma now, lying in the ICU. What kind of drama is this?Damn it, just when we were piecing everything together, the trail goes cold! A few days ago, we discovered that Garcie wasn’t just working with Carol—there’s a big boss pulling the strings behind the scenes. Now, with her unconscious, all the evidence she could’ve provided is gone. How could this happen? Did someone try to kill her in prison? Or is she really sick?My head was spinning. I lit a cigarette, something I rarely do, but the nicotine helped calm my nerves a bit. If I could dig into these women’s connections, I’m sure I’d find links to some powerful figures.Just then, I heard a knock at the door. Zachary walked in, looking as handsome and intense as ever. Today, he was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, making him look even taller and stronger. But his deep, brooding eyes always seemed to carry
*These past few days, I’ve been on cloud nine! News about my successful deal with Ada is everywhere, headlines like “Business Genius Carol” and “The Youngest Marketing Queen” plastered all over. Every time I see those flattering articles, I can’t help but smile inside, though I keep my signature "elegant" smile on the outside.Hmph, Shelia, did you see that? The Ada deal you tried so hard to get—now she's working with me! Who do you think you are? Just a discarded woman Hugh threw away!To celebrate my victory, I arranged a get-together with Fiona. After all, we landed this project together. I wonder if Lucas will come too. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever dated. Maybe tonight, we could rekindle some old flames. I told Fiona to bring him along.I took extra care getting ready—slipping into a red backless gown, my hair elegantly pinned up to show off my long, slender neck. My makeup was flawless, and I looked sophisticated, sexy, untouchable. Glancing at myself in the mirror, I th
"Hugh, I’ve already scheduled a meeting with Ada. How about we go to Vienna the day after tomorrow? I heard the pastry chef at that hotel has won several international awards. We could try some of their desserts while we’re there." I put on a sweet, pleading tone, even though, in my heart, I thought Hugh was a total idiot—arrogant, cold, and not very bright.Without even looking up, he coldly responded with just two words: "Not going."“What’s that supposed to mean? I can’t handle Ada alone. She likes you! You have to come with me!” I tried to hold back my anger, raising my voice. How dare this useless man refuse me!He glanced at me with disdain, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Carol, I’ll say this one more time. Figure out Ada on your own. And honestly, you should give up—this was Shelia’s project from the start.""You!" I was trembling with rage, my carefully applied makeup barely concealing the fury twisting my expression. I’d gone through so much trouble to steal this projec
I sat in the café, gripping a cup of cold latte, my gaze fixed coldly on Marcus, who was sitting across from me. He kept his head down, hands nervously twisting together, looking like a beaten dog with its tail between its legs."Marcus, I really didn’t expect this from you," I scoffed. "I treated you like one of my own, and you..." I let out a cold laugh. "You and Garcie teamed up, scheming behind my back. But your biggest mistake was thinking you could cross me, Shelia!"Marcus jerked his head up, his face pale. "It’s not Garcie’s fault! We didn’t do anything!"“Do you even hear yourself, Marcus? Still defending her? That woman has been cheating on you left and right!"“No way! Don’t slander her! Garcie loves me and only me.”"How pathetic." I sneered. "Let me show you what your precious Garcie is really up to."I called Gregory. "Proceed as planned. Come pick him up."“Got it,” Gregory replied.I hung up, standing over Marcus, my voice cold. "Marcus, I’m giving you one last
The first step was to root out the traitor. To do that, I needed to find Gregory. He had been pursuing me for a while, but he was much younger than me, and I only saw him as a younger brother. I explained the whole situation to him, and he handed me a thick envelope filled with documents, a confident glint in his eyes."Shelia, it’s all in here. Marcus Leedon and Garcie Milton are working together, betraying the company. This time, they won’t get away with it! But for now, we don’t have enough solid evidence."I took the envelope, flipping through the pages. The evidence of Marcus and Garcie’s scheming was worse than I imagined. If it hadn’t been for this incident, they would’ve continued selling company secrets, and the entire company might have been destroyed in their hands! In a way, I should thank Carol for exposing the traitor early.Gregory handed me a stack of photos. "I dug up something else. Garcie is even more complicated than we thought—she’s been involved with several se
After leaving Amanda’s room, I rubbed my temples, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I needed to think carefully about my next move against Carol. This was like a game of chess, and I had to plan my strategy well.I went to the bathroom and soaked in a hot bath, hoping to relax. But just as I started to unwind, the doorbell rang. I barely had time to dry my hair, so I quickly threw on my pajamas and went to answer the door.“Shelia, are you home?” It was Zachary’s voice from outside, deep and gentle.I opened the door and saw Zachary standing there in casual clothes, looking even more fit than usual. He was holding two bags, his usual warm smile on his face.“What brings you here?” I asked, surprised but touched by his visit.“I came to check on you and brought some things,” he said, stepping inside and placing the bags on the table. Inside was a box of freshly picked strawberries and a beautifully packaged raspberry pie.“Wow, raspberry pie!” I lit up with excitement. It