{Martha's Pov}"You've got to be kidding me!" Carolina almost screamed when I told her about Peter asking me out on a date. "Wait, you're serious?"I nodded, letting out a sharp sigh. "I know Peter Henderson has been flirting with me lately, but I didn’t think he’d go as far as asking me out.""And what did you say?" Carolina asked, her piercing gaze locked on me as she walked to the other side of the kitchen. She picked up two plates and placed them side by side on the table."I told him I can’t, and that he should stay within his limits." I stood and walked to the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water. Scraping off the lid, I poured myself a glass."That’s not bad, but I think you should," Carolina said. I nearly choked on the water but managed to swallow it down forcefully. “Peter actually thinks he is smart but you can prove to him that you're smarter.“She moved to the other side of the kitchen and returned with a glass jar of orange juice, carefully placing it on the table."Wha
{Martha's Pov}“Thank you for choosing to invest in Evans Company. I truly appreciate your interest,” I said, standing near the whiteboard at the front of the long table. The investors sat on either side, their eyes fixed on me.At the front row sat Peter, his gaze lingering far too long. I ignored him, focusing on the others.“I’ve reviewed the product and analyzed the potential impact of your investment once again. I can confidently guarantee double your return if everything goes as planned,” I continued, gesturing toward the board displaying the chart of projected profits.“How can we be sure it will yield the profit you’ve mentioned?” one of the men to my right asked.“It will definitely be profitable,” I replied with confidence. “I’ve analyzed the sales data and profit margins extensively, and the results show a strong guarantee of success.”The meeting lasted longer than expected. By the end, Peter surprised everyone by offering to pay more than anticipated. He was even willing
{Martha's POV} “Taffy Diner,” I told Cherie as she maneuvered the car out of the parking lot and onto the driveway. “Okay, ma’am,” Cherie replied with a brief smile, her eyes focused on the road ahead. I clasped my hands tightly, then released them, placing one gently over my chest. My heart was thumping erratically, and I couldn’t shake the nervous tension creeping through me. Why was I feeling this way? Why was I nervous about dining with Peter? I shouldn’t be doing this—not after everything he did to me three years ago. Why am I doing this again? The question churned in my mind as the car slowed to a stop. Cherie glanced at me through the rearview mirror, concern flickering in her gaze. “Ma’am, we’re at the diner,” she said gently. “Do you want me to go inside with you?” I shook my head, plastering on a small, reassuring smile. “No, stay in the car. I’ll be back in a bit. It shouldn’t take too long.” Grabbing my purse, I stepped out of the car, taking a steady bre
{Martha’s POV}“How are you feeling this morning, my love?” Nathan whispered softly in my ear, his voice warm and comforting. I turned toward him on the bed, his arms pulling me into a soothing embrace.I rested my head against his chest, inhaling the scent of his cologne, a rich blend of olive and winter. I loved that scent, it always made me feel safe and I've gotten accustomed to it over the years. For a while, we stayed like that, enveloped in the quiet moment until my phone began blaring on the nightstand.Reluctantly, I pulled away from Nathan’s arms, his body shifting as he propped himself up on the bed. Stretching, I reached for my phone, fumbling slightly before finally grabbing it. Without checking the caller ID, I pressed it to my ear.“Hello? Martha speaking,” I said groggily.A familiar, smooth voice responded. “How are you, Martha?”I frowned, struggling to place the voice. “Who’s this?” I asked, turning to glance at Nathan, who mirrored my confusion.“You still can’t re
{Martha's POV}“How lovely to see you too. What brings you here so early?” I asked, padding into the living room. My steps were soft against the marble-tiled floor, the faint chill waking me up further. I crossed my arms loosely over my chest as I moved toward the couch opposite hers and sank into it, brushing a hand through my unkempt hair. My gaze locked on Rachel, curiosity bubbling beneath my calm exterior.Rachel leaned back against the couch, crossing one leg over the other as if she owned the room. A small, amused smile played on her lips. “Oh, come on. You act like it’s so strange for me to show up.”I arched an eyebrow. “It kind of is, considering you didn’t mention you were coming.” My tone was sharper than intended, and I instantly regretted it. Clearing my throat, I added more gently, “I mean... I wasn’t expecting you.”Rachel’s eyes flicked toward Carolina, who was standing nearby with the remote still in her hand. Rachel’s smirk deepened as she turned back to me. “Ah, so
{Martha's POV}“Are you Martha Stewart?”I blinked, staring at Rachel as though she had lost her mind. Her question was strange, and though it was supposed to make me feel uneasy, I found it more ridiculous than alarming.“What?” I asked with a scoff, stepping closer to her. “Are you confusing me with someone else? First, you came here accusing me, and now you’re trying to connect me to the Stewart family?”She looked at me, confusion flickering in her eyes. Slowly, she took a step back, her expression softening for a moment before it turned firm again. “Quit the act, Martha. You know exactly what I’m talking about—” she said with an eyes roll. “I know you're her and you're just pretending.”I nearly laughed, but the familiar sting of old wounds kept my amusement in check. Pain from years ago resurfaced, the memory of Rachel mocking me, telling me I’d never be good enough to be part of the Hendersons because I was overweight.“I won’t tolerate another insult from you, Rachel,” I warne
{Nathan's POV}I watched as her body hit the water, her arms flailing and splashing waves around her as she desperately tried to stay afloat. Her movements were frantic, her breaths quick and shallow.“Nathan! I... I can't swim!” she called with slight laugh but quickly faded as her voice tinged with panic. She lifted her head above the water to catch a breath. “Why did you do that?”A smile tugged at my lips despite her distress. I had expected this reaction, though seeing her panic twisted something inside me. Without hesitation, I dived into the pool, the cool water wrapping around me as I made my way toward her.“I’m here,” I said, pulling her close as soon as I reached her. My arms circled her from behind, holding her securely. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”Her body tensed in my arms, her breathing still uneven. “Nathan, I told you I can’t swim,” she said, her voice trembling.“I know,” I replied gently. “That’s why I’m here to teach you how to. You just have to trust me, okay?”H
{Martha's POV}I walked towards the elevator in haste, my gaze drifting to the watch on my wrist. I was late, so fucking late, for the meeting I had set to finalize the investment deal.Cherie walked in haste to meet up with me, her brows furrowed and her lips slightly parted as though she wanted to speak but she didn'speak, anything.I could feel her tension, matching my own, though neither of us was to blame for our tardiness. How could we have predicted the car would break down in the middle of the highway? The wait for help had taken longer than expected, and now, here we were.The elevator door slid closed, and I took a relaxing breath, brushing my hand against my hair. As I waited patiently, staring at the metallic door, my thoughts ran an extra mile.This wasn't good, and the fact that it would leave a bad reputation in the minds of the investors didn't make things easier for me.The moment the door slid open, I rushed out again, walking down the hallway towards the conference
{Martha's POV}"Nathan's birthday is this weekend?" I muttered as I followed Mrs. Evans to the car, my voice laced with disbelief. How could I forget something so important? I scolded myself internally, giving my arm a small pinch to snap myself out of my thoughts."Yes, dear," Mrs. Evans chuckled, her warm eyes crinkling at the corners. She didn’t seem to catch the surprise in my tone, or perhaps she didn’t expect me to forget something as crucial as her son’s birthday.As I slid into the car beside her, a little excitement bubbled within me. Ever since I had known Nathan, I had never visited his workplace. His previous birthday had been a quiet celebration at his mother’s diner, just the three of us. It was simple, intimate, and filled with laughter. But this time, I had been so consumed by my battle against the Hendersons that his birthday had slipped from my mind entirely.Mrs. Evans sighed contentedly, her gaze soft as she looked out the window. “Nathan has always been a wonderfu
{Martha’s POV}If I could describe the look on Mrs. Henderson’s face before I left, I would say she felt defeated. The carefully constructed game they had played had been shattered within seconds. I had won this round, and the knowledge settled in my chest like a warm glow.A cool breeze swept through the driveway as I brushed away a loose strand of hair, tucking it behind my ear. Hendrix stood by the car, his imposing figure a familiar source of security. As soon as I approached, he pulled the door open, his sharp eyes scanning the area before giving me a short nod. I slid into the back seat, sinking into the plush leather interior.Michael followed, settling beside me, the weight of the legal documents still in his grasp. I turned to him, my voice softer now that the battle was over.“Thank you for helping me out, Michael.”He smiled slightly, adjusting his tie. “No problem, Miss Evans. If they give you any more trouble, just let me know. I’ll drag them straight to court.”A chuckle
{Martha's POV}I inhaled deeply, steadying myself as I stepped further into the mansion. The air inside was thick with the scent of cinnamon and lavender, a stark contrast to the cold hostility I had always associated with this place. Michael walked beside me, the legal documents firmly grasped in his hands. His presence was reassuring, a silent reminder that I was no longer the weak woman the Hendersons had once controlled.The quiet atmosphere of the house was broken only by the faint hum of conversation echoing from deeper inside. My heels clicked against the polished marble floors, each step a deliberate reminder that I was no longer a guest here. I belonged here, and soon, I would make sure they were the ones standing on the outside looking in.I was lost in the thought of finally reclaiming what was rightfully mine when Rachel’s high-pitched laughter rang through the mansion, cutting through my musings like a blade.“You don’t seriously mean they wore that to the dinner party?”
Martha's POVI ran a hand through my hair as I descended the stairs, my throat suddenly dry. I needed a drink, something to steady my nerves. The thought of walking into the Henderson estate today, restraining order in hand, gnawed at my mind. I could already picture the look on Rachel’s face when she wpuld be served the legal papers, officially barring her from posting anything about me online. The satisfaction would have feel like a victory, but instead, a bitter anger curled inside me.The last thing I wanted was to start my morning with their faces haunting my day.As I reached the bottom of the stairs, the low hum of the television filled the space. A reality show played on the screen, voices chattering about their passions and ambitions, but my attention flicked toward the figure sitting on the couch.Mrs. Evans.She turned her head at the sound of my footsteps, her face lighting up with warmth. “Martha, how are you, sweetheart?” she asked, standing up.I forced a small smile. “
{Martha's POV}I stomped out of the waiting room, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floors, my mind racing with a mix of fury and frustration. Rachel had pushed me to my limit. I had barely recovered from the last scandal, and now she was pulling out footage from five years ago, footage that could destroy everything I had rebuilt.The moment I reached my office, I stopped short, turning to Hendrix, who was already seated at his post beside Brea. His sharp blue eyes flickered with concern as he looked up from his tablet."I need you in my office, Hendrix," I said, my voice harsher than I intended.He stood immediately, his expression unreadable, and I wasted no time disappearing into my office, shutting the door behind me.I collapsed into my chair, leaning back against the cool leather as I exhaled slowly. My hands clenched into fists on the desk as I tried to steady my breathing. But no matter how much I tried to focus, my mind kept wandering back to Rachel’s smug face, he
{Martha's POV}“You need to calm down, ma’am,” Carolina said as she sat beside me.I had my face buried in my palms, my entire body vibrating with rage. “This is ridiculous. First, they put out that stupid news about me being dead, and now they’re saying I have mental issues?” I groaned through gritted teeth. “These people don’t know when to stop, do they?”“They don’t,” Carolina replied firmly. “That’s why when you finally get your revenge on them, they’ll be shocked.”Her confidence made me lift my head, my furious gaze meeting hers. She was right. These people had played their games for long enough. I had suffered in silence, hidden in the shadows, and rebuilt myself piece by piece. But they weren’t ready for what was coming.Carolina gave me a knowing look and gently patted my knee. “But for now, you need to breathe. You have work, Martha. You can’t let them mess with your head like this.”I exhaled sharply, pressing my fingers against my temples. “You’re right,” I muttered. “I ha
{Peter's POV}“It was really good of you to do this for the Stewart family,” a man in his late sixties complimented me as I stepped down from the podium. He stretched out his hand for a handshake, which I took solemnly."Thank you for coming, Mr. Parker,” I said with a smile before walking past him. My gaze drifted toward the crowd as I searched for Martha. I thought that after our conversation the previous day, she would change her mind and come, but I hadn’t seen anyone remotely similar to her."That was wonderful, honey,” my mother’s voice trailed from behind me. I turned to see her walking toward me with a satisfied smile. Well, I couldn’t blame her for being excited, this whole thing was her idea."I'm so proud of you.""This was mainly your idea," I said simply, clearly not in the mood for all the fuss."I know, but you gave the speech, and it was superb," she said, stepping beside me.I ran a hand through my hair, my mind solely on Martha as I scanned the crowd again. “Did the
{Martha's POV}If anyone had told me that I would be sitting on the couch, staring at the TV instead of doing something else with my time, I would’ve laughed at them and called them insane.I pulled my hair into a ponytail, holding onto the remote as I switched the channel to the one broadcasting the Stewart Memorial Celebration. The headline scrolled across the screen in bold letters, confirming that the event was being hosted by none other than the Hendersons.They were expecting me to be there, but I knew better, I wasn’t about to walk into whatever trap they had laid for me.As the screen flickered to life, displaying the crowd gathering at the event, I crossed my arms and sank deeper into the couch. A bitter taste settled at the back of my throat as I watched the Hendersons put on their performance, their fake grief draped around them like designer coats.The sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, and within seconds, Nathan appeared in the doorway, dressed in his usual crisp
{Martha's POV}His touch was like a million tiny shocks, not just any kind of touch, but the kind that sent fire quenching my coldness, making me feel warmth in a way I hadn’t in so long.Nathan slowly spread my thighs, positioning himself between them as he tugged my trousers down along with him. I was left in only my panties as he adjusted me, placing a pillow beneath my head. His fingers traced along the waistband of my underwear, sending shivers across my skin as he slowly trailed his fingers up my torso.He pressed soft kisses against my skin, lingering for a moment, but then, almost as if he was resisting himself, he stopped. Without a word, he climbed off the bed, leaving me with the aftermath of being abandoned in the heat of the moment. My eyes fluttered open, watching as he disappeared into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.That was strange, I couldn't hold myself back. Something wasn’t right.I pried myself from the bed, hesitating as I stood in front of the bathr