Alexander’s POVI finally arrived home, still feeling the weight of everything that has happened. “Where have you been? You weren’t home last night, your phone switched off, and no one could get to you.” Cynthia asked, the sound of her voice snapping me back to reality, a reality I wished I could escape from. Her tone laced with fury, though her demeanor remained unsettling calm. I could see fire in her eyes, barely restrained. I take a deep sigh. Of all people, she’s the least person I'll ever want to talk to right now. I struggle with my feet, the weight of everything crushing on me, pressing down on my shoulders, making it hard to even lift my head.My body—it felt heavy, like I was dragging my own shadow through molasses.“Alexander! You’re not saying anything.” Cynthia gnarls. I raised my head to meet her gaze, but my brain keeps conjuring images of Isabel, her face, her scent. It’s like she’s just here. I could swear I’d seen her, just yesterday, sitting in one of those boo
Isabel’s POVSoon, Roy pulled the car into the driveway. I look at the familiar sight of our mansion, it's a sense of relief. The grand facade and the lush landscaping are a comfort reminder of home. “Isabel, are you sure you’re okay?.” He says, turning to me with a concerning expression. “Should we go to the hospital?”I shook my head, offering a reassuring smile. “No, Roy, it’s okay. I just need to be home. I’ll be fine.”He nods, still clearly worried. I made my way to the familiar warmth of the foyer, the rich textures surrounding me were like a soft whisper of reassurance. This is home—a haven where the world feels distant and safe.As I sank into the plush couch inside, I’m met by a loud, piercing scream that echoed through the house. For a moment, my heart freezes, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. I exchanged a worried glance with Roy, and without hesitation, we rushed towards the source of the noise.Getting closer, more screams were heard, and my heart pounded loudly agai
Alexander POVSusan knocked softly before entering, the sound barely registering over the storm of thoughts swirling in my head. I didn’t even look up when she stepped into my office, too focused on the spreadsheet and projections that weren’t making any sense. But I knew. I knew the moment she came in that something was wrong. “Sir,” she began, her voice hesitant, as if she could sense the weight of what’s coming next. She places a thick report in front of me, her hand trembling slightly. “The investors… they’ve decided to completely back out.” My jaw clenched instinctively, the muscles in my face tightening as I finally looked up. “Why?” The question came out harsher than I intended, but I didn't care. She swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortable. “They don’t want to take the risk, especially with the recent performance and stock…” her voice trailed off, but the damage has already been done. Susan stood there, quiet, waiting for the inevitable outburst thatThe tension in the ro
Isabel’s POVI hear a voice, persistent but little, “mommy, wake up! Let’s go to the mall today!” Argh! I exclaimed silently. I keep hearing these two, talk in my dream. I guess that’s what motherhood is about right?I keep my eyes shut, desperately trying to block out the light filtering through the curtains. A small thug on my arm bringing me to reality. Wait! I wasn’t dreaming? I can hear their voices, almost loud and clear. It’s Scarlett and Sterling. “Mommy, let’s go to the mall today, please,” Scarlett said, followed by another, “Can we please go, Mommy? You promised!” Sterling piped up, his voice full of that unmistakable excitement.Today was supposed to be my day off, Just one day to relax… but it seems these little ones have decided otherwise. I tried to maneuver, rolling to my side and burying my face into the pillow, mumbling, “Maybe later, let mummy rest a bit more.” But they weren’t having it. Persistent as ever, they clambered into the bed, bouncing around me like t
Alexander’s POVThe man in a fitted charcoal grey blazer over a crisp white shirt and dark jeans. His demeanor calm and composed, turns to the boy beside her and asked, “And what flavor would you like, champ? Today’s your treat, and after this, we’ll get your toy and have some more fun.”They had to be twins—though not identical, but with a striking resemblance. Such a big family, I thought. The man could pass for their Dad, even though there isn’t any resemblance with him.I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had seen him before. There’s something familiar about his face, but I can’t quite place it. I keep staring, trying to connect the dots, but my mind is a drawing blanks. I’ve met a lot of people in my life, especially in business, so maybe I’m just confusing him with someone else. If we’ve met before, it must have been at one of those corporate events. Now we find a seat, directly across from them. Sophia is sitting next to me with her Vanilla ice cream, but my eyes keep drifting
Isabel’s POV“Hello, Mom,” I greet softly, slipping away from the noise, searching for a quiet corner. “Claire! My dear, I’m so excited.” My mom’s voice comes through, her excitement readable like you could feel it really close. “Your father and I will be back soon for the official ceremony—our flight is booked for tomorrow! I can’t wait to see you free to handle your dad’s business openly, as you deserve.”“I can’t wait either!” A soft smile plays on my lips. “But right now, I’m at the mall with the kids. Can we chat more when I get home?”“Oh, of course! Give Scarlett and Sterling a kiss for me. And tell, Aurora, that crazy daughter of mine to get ready for my coming,” my mother replied, her tone still bright. “Take care of yourself, darling. We’ll talk soon.”I sigh deeply, letting out a slow breath I didn't know I was holding. I walked slowly, closer to the bustling mall— the mall is buzzing with life, every corner filled with people busy shopping, chatting and taking pictures.
Alexander’s POVI watch as Sophia takes steps forward, her expression shifting to one of mock innocence. But before Sophia could take another step closer, the little boy—supposedly her twin—moves forward, placing himself firmly between his sister and Sophia, his small frame stiff with a protective resolve far beyond his years. His blue eyes narrow as he looks up, his face mirroring a determination that catches me off guard.Those eyes—something about them struck me as familiar, a nagging déjà vu that I couldn’t quite place. It’s almost like staring into a mirror— an echo of something I can’t quite place, but that lingers, unsettling.I rush over, stepping between the kids. “Sophia, what’s going on here?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady even though frustration simmers just below the surface.Sophia’s face shifts to a look of wide-eyed innocence, her lips quivering as she shrugs her shoulders. “Daddy, I didn't do anything! She’s lying! I didn’t touch her doll!”Her words hang in t
Isabel’s POVI step out of the ice cream parlor, idly staring at the hall that seems to fade away, my thoughts drifting far beyond the noise I hear. I flip my phone in my hand, hoping to see Roy’s name flash across the screen. It’s been quite a while since I called, but still no response. I take a deep breath, glancing at the entrance of the mall, as if waiting— waiting for a miracle.“No I can’t keep waiting,” I say to myself. It’s a big mall I know, but since I can’t get through to Roy, then I’ll have to look around, definitely they should be somewhere, probably just having fun. I shrugged, letting my thoughts sink in. Just as I make my way through the mall, checking the possibilities of where they might be, I’m stunned aback by the figure in my eyes. The figure, a replica of someone I know. I can definitely tell it’s her. Cynthia. Wow! Speaking of the devil. She’s here. For a moment, I froze. Not knowing what to feel or how to react. Just as the daze was gone, I felt a wave o
Isabel’s POVThe drive to the hospital is quiet, save for the occasional hum of Roy’s engine and the faint sound of my own thoughts whirring like a storm. Once we arrive, we step into the cool, sterile air of the lobby and inquire about Alexander King. A nurse directs us to his room, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding as we head toward it.When we enter, Alexander is lying on the bed, looking much better than when they’d rushed him out of the restaurant. Relief washes over me. I knew it was a mild allergy, but I can’t lie—I worried. What if his allergy had worsened over the years? What if I’d unknowingly caused him serious harm? But seeing him now, steady and breathing fine, the weight lifts.Good, I think. He’ll need his strength for what I have planned next.The doctor explains the situation. “Luckily, it wasn’t severe—just a mild reaction. But you should be careful next time about consuming any dish with hazelnut,” he advises, scribbling on a notepad. Alexander n
Isabel’s POVI knew he was going to do this. The Alexander I know thrives on challenges, and now that he’s beginning to grow feelings for Claire Montgomery, he’d stop at nothing to ruin my date. So I agreed to this place—my little sanctuary. It’s a quiet, dimly lit restaurant nestled in the heart of the city, with dark wooden furniture, soft amber lights, and the faint aroma of lavender in the air. This place has heard more of my sadness than my joy, an escape from the pain he’s caused me.A quiet scoff builds in my throat as he gestures for me to make the order. Typical Alexander, always playing games. And now he wants me to choose the meal? Could it be that he’s walking right into my plan, or is the universe finally favoring me? A smile curves on my lips as I say, “Alright, if you all want me to handle the orders, I will. This is the least I can do for everyone, considering how hard you’ve all been working.”I wave the waiter over, giving him clear instructions. “Bring your chef’s s
Alexander’s POVThe room hums with low chatter, the staff’s hushed voices mingling with the clinking of glasses. Claire sits close beside Roy, their chairs just slightly angled toward each other, while I’m seated opposite them. The tension at the table is palpable, like a taut string ready to snap. My gaze fixes on Claire, tuning out the faint murmurs around me. She seems relaxed, her soft laughter carrying as Roy leans in to whisper something to her.Let’s see how perfect this dinner date turns out for you both, I think, smirking to myself. Satisfaction bubbles quietly within me. I’ve already won by ensuring your little evening didn’t go as planned.But a voice in my head murmurs, What’s gotten into me? Why did I insist we all have dinner together? I shift in my seat, forcing a casual shrug. Well, since we’re here, I might as well enjoy dinner. Why let her go off and leave the rest of us hungry? I nod inwardly, convincing myself this was about consideration for the team.My gaze dri
Isabel’s POVI watch as Alexander strides out, his steps measured yet laced with a quiet confidence that makes my teeth clench. My fists ball at my sides as I inhale deeply, trying to contain the storm brewing within me. This wasn’t the plan. Alexander couldn’t have pulled this off alone—I made sure the shipment was delayed. There’s no way he bypassed that without help. Someone with influence has intervened, but who?“Ma’am,” Christine’s voice interrupts my thoughts, her tone low and almost apologetic, but it only fuels my frustration. “I think our plan failed. Alexander was able to finish the project.”I snap my head toward her, my voice sharp and cutting. “I know that, Christine. You don’t have to rub it in my face.” My tone is harsher than I intended, and her slight flinch makes guilt creep up, but I shove it aside, exhaling heavily as I turn on my heel. With long strides, I walk deeper into the building, hoping the movement will burn off the edge of my nerves. I hear Christine’s h
Alexander’s POVThe drive to the office is quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine and the faint memory of Claire’s stunned face flashing through my mind. A sharp laugh escapes my lips before I can stop it. I rest my elbow on the car door, fingers brushing against my lips as the scene replays over and over. Her wide eyes, the flicker of speechlessness—it’s too good. She thought she could rattle me, put me in my place? No, she doesn’t get to have the last word. Not with me. I shake my head slightly, my grip on the wheel tightening as I press the gas pedal further.“You don’t get to make me look small, Claire Montgomery,” I think, smirking as I grip the wheel tighter. “I’m Alexander King. And you’ll know it soon enough.”But then a thought creeps in, one that makes my smirk falter for a second. Why am I smiling so much about this? My teeth click together as I shake my head, forcing the thought away. “No. It’s nothing. It’s just the fact that I had the upper hand back there. That’s a
Isabel’s POVChristine and I arrive at the condo just as the sun dips lower, casting a warm golden hue over the building’s reflective glass exterior. The parking lot is bustling, and as we step out, I notice the controlled chaos inside. The buzz is palpable, a hum of voices, hurried footsteps, and the occasional clatter of tools reverberating through the air. It’s nothing out of the ordinary—every department seems to be making their final push for the project’s completion, but I can’t shake the tension curling in my chest.As we make our way through the grand entrance, heads turn. Conversations falter, and their surprise is evident, though expertly masked with polite smiles. It’s clear they hadn’t expected me here today.“Good afternoon, ma’am,” several voices chime as I pass.I offer a brief smile, my voice even as I respond, “Good work, everyone. Let’s keep it up.”The activity is in full swing. Teams are scattered across the lobby, checking last-minute details. The media crew is me
Isabel’s POVStanding by the side of my office, I gaze at the sleek building prototype displayed on the shelf. My fingers trail along the edge of the glass frame, my thoughts drifting to Alexander. Is he swamped, drowning under the weight of his deadlines? A faint smile tugs at my lips—he always thrived under pressure. But as the thought lingers, a flicker of doubt surfaces. Will he manage to pull this off, or is this the moment he finally falters?“Ma’am,” Christine’s voice cuts through my musings. She strides in, dropping a file on my desk. “We’ve just received a report from our fashion line. The work has officially begun. The team’s finalizing the collection, ensuring quality control across each design. The feedback from the preview is exceptional—they’re confident it’ll be a major hit.”“Should I demand that the work be put to hold? Especially with the—”“No,” I interject, nodding as I walk to my seat. My heels click against the floor, and I lower myself into the chair, leaning s
Isabel’s POVI promised the kids that if they practiced for their school’s upcoming function—even though it’s weeks away—I’d drop them off at school myself. The earlier they started, the better, right? So here we are. Turning to face them in the backseat, I smile. “Okay, babies, we’re here now,” I say as I unbuckle Scarlett first, lifting her out of the car. Her giggles fill the air as I place her on the ground.Just as I’m reaching for Sterling, a sharp scream cuts through the quiet—though not loud enough to disturb the school’s peace. “Uncle! Mommy, it’s Uncle!” Scarlett exclaims, tugging at my dress before darting off in a direction.“Scarlett!” I call, quickly setting Sterling down. His little fingers wrap tightly around mine as I look toward where Scarlett ran off. “Which uncle is she talking about?” I mutter under my breath. Turning toward the direction, I see him—Alexander. He’s crouched to Scarlett’s height, their chatter filling the air with an ease that catches me off guard.
Cynthia’s POVAs I step into the quiet house, the faint scent of whiskey lingers in the air, mingling with the cool stillness of the night. My heels are muffled by the polished marble tiles, and I glance at the dimly lit hallway, relieved to find it empty. Sneaking in has become second nature, a careful game of silence and shadows. I make my way toward the stairs, hoping to slip into my room unnoticed.But just as my hand grazes the bannister, a voice cuts through the air, sharp and cold.“Are you out again seeking a way to ruin things?”I freeze, my breath hitching as my gaze snaps toward the living room. Alexander.He’s sprawled on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, a tumbler of whiskey resting in his hand. The dim lighting casts shadows across his sharp jawline, but it’s his eyes that strike me. Cold, piercing, and—under the warm glow of the lamp—almost red, like embers waiting to ignite. He doesn’t move immediately, but there’s a slow, deliberate shift in his posture as he