Alexander’s POVThe tension in the room is suffocating, as though the very air has thickened with the weight of everything resting on my shoulders. My mother’s stare is like fire, burning holes through me as I scramble for something—anything—to say. But the words don’t come. My mouth is dry, and my mind races, but nothing coherent forms. Cynthia stands off to the side, watching with that same cold expression she always wears when things start falling apart. I clenched my fist at her look, and for a split second, I wonder if she’s enjoying this—seeing me under the scrutiny of my mother, my power and control slipping through my fingers like sand. She thrives in chaos, always has. But this… this is something else entirely.“Alexander!” My mother snaps, her voice pulling me back to the moment. “Are you going to stand there and gawk like a child? Or are you going to explain what the hell is happening with the investors?”I grit my teeth. This wasn’t the way I wanted to handle things. I
Anonymous’ POVI sit back on the chair, crossing my legs with a casual elegance, my fingers drumming lightly on the armrest as I let out a low whistle. A faint smile plays on my lips as the two men drag the trembling figure in, forcing him down onto his knees in front of me, his head bowed in shame—or is it fear?Leaning forward, I reach out, gripping his chin and lifting it just enough to meet his gaze. His face is already bruised, smeared with blood, and his eyes, wide and desperate, lock onto mine. There’s a flicker of something in his eyes—terror, submission, and just the faintest glimmer of regret.“So, you planned to meet up with him…” I pause, drawing out the tension, savoring every agonizing second, “Alex… Alexander King. Huh?”He flinches, his head shaking frantically, his face a mask of terror. My mouth twitches, an amused scoff slipping through my lips before my hand swings in a sharp slap across his cheek. He crumples sideways from the blow, but the two men are quick, yank
Isabel’s POVI woke up with a groan, my head spinning from last night’s chaos. But the comforting smell of something familiar, something warm and inviting lingers in the air. My eyes fluttered open, and I inhaled deeply, recognizing the scent almost immediately—mom’s cooking. That unmistakable blend of spices and flavors. My favorite. A smile creeps across my face as I kick off the covers and follow the delicious aroma down the stairs.I reached the dining room, and there it was—my favorite dish, front and center, surrounded by an array of other assorted meals. The whole table looked like a feast, and the cooks bustled around, placing finishing touches here and there. My stomach growled in approval. “Well, look who’s up!” Mom’s voice cuts through, and I turn to see her standing by the table with another dish in her hands. Her smile is warm, and her eyes twinkle like they always do when she’s in her element. Sometimes I wonder how a billionaire’s wife still cooks for her family, eve
Isabel’s POV“Okay, sure, we’ll be there.” I say, putting an end to the call. “It’s Grace Anderson, Roy’s Mother. She’d invited us for dinner today.” I say, turning to face mom whose eyes were filled with curiosity. “Umm.." I run my hands through my hair. “I’ll be using the opportunity to hand over the invite for the party to her, since it’s ready. “Yes, that’s perfect.” My mom grins. “It’s good you go see her, I’ll be meeting up with the event planners today, preparations need to be made, and you know how I run it.” She winks at me.LOL. “Okay Mom.”How on earth can I say no to the woman who never looked down on me, not even once. At first, I hesitated. Grace Anderson had always been kind to me, treating me with warmth and acceptance since the day Roy introduced us. In her eyes, I could do no wrong. But perhaps that was part of the problem—she’d always hoped for something more between Roy and me, and I knew accepting her invitation might rekindle those hopes.I didn’t want to misl
Roy’s POV“It’s nothing, really,” I say, trying to quickly put on my shirt, but Isabel stops me midway. She definitely won’t take no for an answer.“Liar!” She snorts, pointing at me. “You really don’t know how to lie, do you? Just tell me the truth. You know how much I hate lies.Her gaze is steady, unwavering, and I feel a tug deep in my chest. “It’s from five years ago,” I finally let out, almost in a whisper.Her eyes widen as understanding dawns on her. “Don’t tell me…” her hand hovers near her mouth, and she steps back, her voice barely audible. “From the fire?”I nod, attempting a small smile. “It’s just a scratch, Isabel. Nothing to worry about.”“A scratch?” She chokes on the words, her eyes welling up. “How can you say that?” Her tears break me.I move closer, placing my hands on her shoulders. “Isabel, look at me. I’m fine. It’s healed. I made the choice to save you. Don’t blame yourself for anything.”A tear slides down her cheek, and I gently wipe it away.“But… you went
Isabel’s POVThe confession hangs between us, thick and heavy like a storm cloud ready to burst. Roy’s face shifts from confusion to disbelief, and I can feel the gravity of my words pressing down on both of us. This wasn’t how I wanted it, but the truth was inevitable. He needed to know, and it was better coming from me than having him find out on his own.I owe Roy so much for everything he’s done for me.But Alexander King. The name tastes like ash on my tongue, a painful reminder of a past I’ve tried to bury.Roy’s gaze meets mine, searching for answers. “He’s the father?” His voice is quiet, almost a whisper, as though the words themselves are too heavy to hold. I feel my heart thud painfully in my chest.I want to reach out, comfort him, but the truth I’ve just laid bare feels like a chasm opening between us, too wide to bridge in this moment.I blink, remembering why I came in the first place. “Your mom must be waiting for us. I’ll go,” I say, forcing a calmness I don’t feel.
Alexander’s POVI tell you, I’m such a fool. I pace around my office, taking a halt at the window as I take in the view of the city sprawled beneath me. The world outside seemed calm, distant, but my mind was anything but. That night at the old pier keeps following through my mind. I stood on the pier for hours, the salty wind whipping around me, the wooden planks creaking under my weight. Every gut felt like a whisper of mockery, each splash of water a reminder of how foolish I was for coming. I couldn’t stop glancing over my shoulder, expecting—no, hoping—to see something move in the shadows. But there was only darkness, deep and suffocating, pressing down on me like a bad omen. I take a deep breath. Why would I get such a message if the person had no intention of showing up? Is there something more to it? I force myself to shake off the memory, but the questions linger as I reach for my Americano, letting the rich aroma fill the room.My thoughts were interrupted when Susan wal
Cynthia’s POVI’m deep in the bliss of my much-needed sleep when the incessant ringing of my phone yanks me out of it.My eyes flutter open, squinting at the brightness of the screen flashing beside me.Who the hell is disturbing my sleep this early? Even though it’s past 12 p.m., to me, it’s still early. After the exhausting outreach yesterday, the last thing I want is to be disturbed.Agnes. My PA.Her name flashes across the screen, and immediately my face contorts in a scowl. Anger surges through me.She knows better than to call me at this hour, especially when I’ve informed them I’m not coming to the office today.I’ve warned her a thousand times about this, and if she’s calling me for something trivial, she’s as good as fired.I grab my phone, my fingers gripping it tightly, practically vibrating with irritation.Taking a deep breath, I answer with a low growl. “This better be important, Agnes.”Her voice comes through, shaky and tense. Worry?That’s unlike her. “Ma’am, you nee
Isabel’s POVI take a deep breath, my shoulders rising high as I glance at Aurora. It’s a subtle signal—I had no idea this was coming. She reads the unspoken message in my eyes, but her face stays unreadable.Turning to face Richard, I manage to say, “Wow, I didn’t know you model.”His face softens, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He glances at Aurora, but she doesn’t flinch, her expression neutral.“Oh, it’s just a side gig. Something to mix things up now and then.” he says, his voice casual yet confident, as if he’s used to keeping things light.I feel my shoulders drop, my arms folding instinctively across my chest. “Right. I see.” My voice is even, but inside, the awkwardness churns. How do I navigate through this?The silence stretches, thick with unspoken tension. Richard clears his throat, breaking the stillness. “So, can we begin?” His gaze darts around until it locks briefly with Roy’s. Richard chuckles softly, a smile playing on his lips, before looking away
Isabel’s POVLooking at Nadia, I can tell she’s deeply worried about something. Her grip on the clipboard is tight, her expression pinched with stress.“I’ll be right back,” I say, excusing myself from Roy and Aurora. Nadia follows me as I step aside, already bracing myself for whatever bad news she’s about to deliver.When we reach the corner, I turn to face her. “What’s wrong?”She exhales, shifting uncomfortably. “The main models for the shoot—both of them—aren’t coming. Last-minute emergency.”My stomach drops. “Both?”She nods grimly. “The female lead model canceled first, and then her male counterpart followed. I reached out to the agency, but they don’t have replacements available today.”I pinch the bridge of my nose, swallowing the frustration rising in my throat. The main models were supposed to be the face of this collection—the ones leading the campaign. Without them, the entire vision we planned is compromised.“And you’re just telling me this now?” I ask, keeping my voic
Isabel’s POVMy heels click sharply against the polished tiles as I stride into the shooting scene, commanding attention without a word. Aurora trails behind, her steps lighter but equally poised. Heads turn as we pass, and the air shifts, a ripple of greetings and smiles flowing through the crew.“Good morning, ma’am.”“Welcome, Ms. Montgomery.”They nod and smile, but something feels… off. There’s a tension, a subtle hum of unease in the air. Murmurs ripple like a secret thread weaving through the room. I catch fleeting glances, the way their eyes dart back to their phones, then quickly flick up to meet mine before they school their features into polite expressions.I stop, crossing my arms, my gaze narrowing as I glance at Aurora. She shrugs nonchalantly, feigning ignorance. “Don’t look at me,” her expression says.Flipping my hair to the side, I turn back to the crew. “Is there something I need to know?” My voice cuts through the air, calm but commanding.They fidget, exchanging u
Isabel’s POVThe moment I open my eyes, the weight of yesterday crashes down on me. The school event was supposed to be a celebration, but instead, it became a battlefield, thanks to Sophia and Scarlett. My head pounds as the scene replays in my mind: Sophia shoving Scarlett, Scarlett retaliating, and Alexander stepping in to demand Scarlett apologize. A scoff escapes my lips, bitterness tightening my chest. Seriously? Even when Sophia started it, he still sided with her? Is that the kind of father he is? Is that how he raises his child—to believe she can do no wrong?My eyes widen at the thought, and my pulse quickens. Glad he’s nowhere near my children. If he were, they’d grow up demanding, controlling, and belittling others just like him, thinking the world revolves around them because they’re dripping in wealth. I push my hair back, exhaling a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The tension in my shoulders barely eases as Roy’s voice from last night surfaces in my thoughts.
Alexander’s POVThe air inside the house is thick, pressing against me like a weighted blanket. I drag my legs forward, the school event replaying in my mind—the fleeting expressions, the whispers, the moment I’d reached for her before catching myself. Frustration coils in my chest, winding tighter with each step.Then—“Alexander.”Cynthia’s voice stops me in my tracks. My jaw clenches as I glance at Sophia, then back at Cynthia. I already know whatever she’s about to say won’t be good. Sophia clutches at Cynthia’s dress, her small fingers digging into the fabric. Before I can tell Emma to take her to her room, Cynthia lashes out.“Isn’t there something you aren’t telling me?Her voice is sharp, cutting through the heavy silence like a blade. I hesitate for a fraction of a second before calling for Emma. The nanny appears instantly, her gaze flickering between us as I motion toward Sophia.“Take her upstairs.”Emma gently coaxes Sophia away. I wait until she disappears down the hallw
Alexander’s POVSophia beams as she holds up her award, but I can see it—the hollow look behind her smile, the way her shoulders slump ever so slightly despite the bright lights and applause. She’s always dreamed of winning, of being the star, yet now that she’s here, the excitement doesn’t seem to reach her eyes. The crowd’s cheers die down as Isabel and Roy step onto the stage, radiant and confident, their faces practically glowing with pride.The camera flashes catch them from every angle—Isabel’s eyes alight with joy, her hand on Roy’s arm, his expression full of warmth as they stand close to the kids. They look like a scene from a picture-perfect movie, the kind where the family radiates love and unity.Even the murmur in the crowd agrees, snippets of conversation floating around me—“Is that their father?” “They look like they walked out of a fairytale.” “What a beautiful family.”I can’t stand it. Not a second more. I feel fury boiling up inside of me—how dare they look so… perf
Isabel’s POVThe auditorium hums with quiet anticipation, the tension in the air thicker than it should be for a children’s event. But this is not just any school gathering—it’s a performance showcase at one of LA’s most prestigious early childhood academies. Every parent here knows that their child’s recognition isn’t just about talent; it’s about status.The stage is framed by velvet curtains, the soft glow of warm lights making it feel grand. The children, dressed in their best, sit neatly in rows, their small faces bright with excitement and nerves. Scarlett and Sterling performed a heartfelt poem earlier, their voices clear and confident, and I couldn’t have been prouder.At the judges’ table, a tall, elegant woman leans toward her colleagues in whispered discussion. The murmurs of the audience fade as she finally rises and steps onto the stage, the click of her heels sharp against the polished floor.“Thank you all for being here today,” she begins, her voice carrying easily. “E
Isabel’s POVI watch as Alexander walks away, Cynthia’s arm entwined with his, comfortable, at ease. My chest tightens with a dull ache. What did I expect? Some foolish part of me years ago believed I was the one he wanted—someone he’d choose, again and again.But now I know better.Just as they move inside, I catch Collins falling back a few paces, his gaze lingering on Aria. There’s a flicker of something I can’t quite name—warmth, curiosity, maybe even longing—in the way he watches her. When Aria looks up and meets his eyes, she smiles, a soft, hesitant curve on her lips that hints at something deeper, something unspoken between them.My mind flickers back to when I first noticed them together. At the time, I hadn’t thought much of it—just a passing glance, a brief moment. But now, seeing this, I realize there’s more to it.How long has this been going on? How did I not see it before?Collins was always entangled in my marriage with Alexander, observing from the sidelines, his quie
Alexander’s POVCollins leans back, stretching his arms with a relaxed grin. “Glad I don’t have any commitments today,” he says, his tone light and easy. “So I can watch your little girl perform.” There’s a note of warmth in his voice, a genuine happiness that I can’t ignore.I glance at him, catching the glow of contentment on his face. Collins has always been good with Sophia, treating her like his own. I guess that’s how it goes when you’re friends for as long as we’ve been. I shift my focus back to the road and give him a quick smile. “I know, right? You seem even happier than I am.” We both chuckle, and the sound is a welcome distraction from the nerves brewing in my stomach.“Thanks for sticking around, buddy,” I say, relief mingling with the gratitude in my voice. “The meetings had me hooked, but I’m glad I was able to round up.” I check my watch and feel a wave of anxiety. “I hope it hasn’t started yet. This event is so important to Sophia, and I don’t want to miss it like I d