Jackson’s POVI sat alone in the garden watching as the evening sun cast a shimmer of light across the rippling surface of the pool. The cold iron of the chair pressed uncomfortably against my back, a constant, jarring reminder of the tension that filled the air. My fingers drummed anxiously against the crisp paper folded neatly in my pocket, the rhythmic tapping a futile attempt to calm the storm of nerves swirling within me.It was an envelope containing tickets to the enchanting city of Paris, a gateway to vibrant streets, stunning architecture, and a rich tapestry of culture waiting to be explored. The corner of the paper pricked against my inner thigh like a secret begging to be exposed. I can hardly contain my excitement at the thought of her expression when she steps out and I share this incredible news with her. We had planned to spend seven magical days together, lost in laughter as we strolled hand in hand beneath the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, its grandeur sh
Jade’s POVI felt it again. The pain is dull but consistent, like a subtle drumbeat in my skull. I hugged Jackson even more, inhaling the masculine cologne that smells like sandalwood and sat, like the man he is.He tightened his arms around me, providing a comforting embrace as the doctor carefully injected a syringe filled with a local anaesthetic into my veins. I could feel the cool sensation of the medication coursing through my bloodstream, numbing the sharp pain that radiated from the areas where I had fallen. The fluorescent lights above flickered slightly, casting a sterile glow over the room, while the antiseptic smell hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the situation. The doctor’s focused expression and steady hands reassured me even as I gripped Jackson tighter, trying to find consolation amidst the discomfort.“I'm done here, sir! She’s going to be alright soon!” the doctor announced, a spark of confidence in his eyes as he swiftly packed up his tools, ready to c
Jackson’s POVWho could be looking at me at this time of the night? This was a rhetorical question that surely needed an answer. I glanced at my watch again; it was barely 10 pm. Whoever was here seeking my presence surely didn't know that it was time for bedtime. As I walked down the stairs, so many questions filled my head, and Jade crossed my mind too. I cannot imagine why anyone would try to hurt her again. I honestly thought I had commanded no one to ever lay a hand on her. Or maybe the maiden was right, and it was an accident.We all make mistakes, so I won't act like I am innocent. The house was so quiet, too quiet, that only the chirping of birds outside was heard loud and clear, like they were inside the room.This silence didn't make things any better; it only worsened my curiosity and anxiety. Then I saw her, the very woman who seemed to be in my presence late at night.Lexi.She looked different today; her hair cascaded down her shoulders, and as she leaned her back in t
Jade’s POVDamn it!I muttered under my breath. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a day would arrive when I would find myself seated side by side with my fiercest adversary, a person who has long been the embodiment of enmity in my life. The very thought of it feels surreal, as if fate itself has conspired to bring together two souls that were destined to clash.I watched as she ran her fingers over the rim of the ceramic teacup, the tea she had specially made for me to help my wounds heal faster.I had requested that they turn off the fluorescent light so only the flame from the candle flickered against the wall, casting a huge shadow over my room.It was unusually cold tonight, and the candle lights made it warm. Why was she acting so nice and kind all of a sudden? Could she be up to something? Whatever she was up to, I knew it couldn't be any good.I watched her carefully as she crossed her arms across her chest with that stern look on her face, the glaring look she always
Jackson’s POVI hope I was making the right decision. I said as I adjusted the cuffs of my shirt slowly taking one last glimpse at my reflection in the mirror. I looked exquisite and handsome, like a young rich billionaire dressing up for a dinner date. My dark eyes shimmered in the dark and my hair was gelled backward, there was a smirk at the edge of my lips. I had no idea why I was smiling, but I knew I looked too good.My suit was well smoothened and crisp, and my wristwatch screamed of luxury. The handsome man staring at me made me even more confident. I looked good; it was no news.Maybe too good, like I was trying to impress someone who wasn't Jade, a business partner who I barely knew, a spoiled, rich, classy girl who was opportunistic enough to get her hands on money and was smart about how to manage it.She wasn't the usual rich girl; she was a sensible one. But tonight I'm not going to think about that. I was going to be positive, and this meeting was only going to be abou
Jackson’s POVWas Jade okay?That was the only thing I could think of at the moment, and then my mind wandered off to Lexi walking out on me like a spoilt little brat; I should have known this was how she was.She always seemed to control people, and whoever didn't bend, she would always find a way to fight with them. I needed to leave now and get to someone who cared for me, that is, Jade, when I felt a strong grip on my wrist.I turn to see Lexi, her gaze softer now.” Jackson, are you leaving already?” She asked, her tone much softer now, almost hesitant to let me go. I was taken aback when she reappeared, my perception of her shattering like glass. I had always seen her as a haughty, affluent girl, seemingly indifferent to the feelings of those around her. Her presence was commanding, as if she possessed an invisible crown, striding into every room with an air of undeniable ownership.I swallowed hard, the intensity of her gaze pinning me in place, leaving me both captivated and b
Julia’s POV“I don’t regret giving her that tea!” I said smiling like a maniac as I stood before the full-sized mirror staring back at the pathetic lady who looked at me.My face was painted with my tears, and my lips trembled between a smile and a sob. I didn’t do anything wrong; God knew I was only trying to protect my love.I just needed someone to call mine, and that person couldn't be anyone other than Jackson. I want someone who would look into my eyes while he tells me he loves me so much.I want someone who would look at me the same way they stared at their favourite cake. I wanted to be that special person for them, my better half. I felt like I was dreaming, but something inside of me told me it could be possible.I just wanted to be stupid together with someone who didn’t see me as a low-life maiden; Jackson was that perfect person, and he ticked all my boxes. I sniffled, my eyes red and swollen. What have I done?Have I gone too far to achieve this quest of protecting my o
Jackson’s POV Julia began to scream like a psychopath, thrashing against the guard's grip, her desperate cries filling the room, making my stomach boil with rage. If she knew I only tried to control myself from breaking the door open, hoping to resolve this peacefully.She wouldn't be here saying trash. The only reason why I was being peaceful right now was because the doctor said the poison had a cure and only Julia was in control of it. She had everything calculated; during the early morning, she came to his quarter to take the last antidote so no one could harm Jade. Right now all I needed to do was to play smart and fast because Jade needed that antidote as soon as possible.“No, I understand that you hate me for punishing Jade, but you don't love her, Jackson; she jinxed you. You love me, remember that night at the dining, how you made sweet love to me.” She wailed, her voice cracking as she fought to free herself.I never imagined that this day would come. A maiden being obses
Jade’s POV“Let me go!” I managed to say it, but the words barely escaped my lips. I didn't know how long I had been down here, but it seemed like decades.My cheek still throbbed with a fiery sting, a painful reminder of the punch I had received from those rascals. My nose was probably broken by now.They kept asking me to tell them things about Jackson, but I knew nothing. Even if I knew anything, I wouldn't betray Jackson; he has done nothing but be good to me.I ignored the gnawing hunger in my stomach; all I could think of was a way to escape this place. My wrists ached from the tightness of the drops and the way they dug into my delicate skin.And my head pounded from whatever they had used to knock me out earlier at the ballroom. The damp basement smelled of decay and rust, it was pitch black now, and the only light came from the tiny opening of the door. Shadows danced along the walls, indicating that I wasn't alone. These men weren't finished with me. This strange woman, who
Jackson’s POVJade was missing; they had taken her, and it was too late for me—I couldn’t save her. I had spent almost an hour searching every nook and cranny of the room, but there was no sight of her.I decided to step out of the ballroom, thinking that whoever took her must have transported her to another location for reasons only known to them.But the moment I walked out, I knew something was wrong. It was unusually quiet, and I could still hear the faint music from inside the ballroom, accompanied by rich laughter echoing off the walls. But none of it mattered to me. I needed to find Jade, and I won't rest until I do. Since Jade disappeared, it felt like a piece of me had left too. She was my better half, and now I know that I was foolish to let her out of my sight, especially after losing her. As I passed a certain route, people tried to stop me, shake hands with me.And I exchanged fake pleasantries pretending like they cared about anything that happened in my life when I wa
Jade’s POVI rubbed my aching shoulders, rolling them subconsciously, trying to regulate the pain, but I couldn't massage it properly because my wrist was attached to a rope.The pain I felt at the back of my head was unbearable; it was like I was knocked out by someone so they could take me to this isolated underground prison.What did I do to these people? Why do they despise me so much? I felt it again, the sharp, throbbing pain pulsing at the back of my head. Had they used a hammer to knock me out? Was I bleeding because it seemed like it? I tried to yank out of the ropes binding me, but it appeared a little tighter than it looked.Whoever did this wanted me here; this was no mistake! Someone hated the fact that I was living. Was it my father or Stormy? He had seen me at the ballroom earlier, and the expression on his face was shocking. Like he had just seen a ghost or a zombie out of an apocalypse. I sneezed twice, the latter louder than the former. The air was dusty and damp.
Jackson’s POVTonight, the ballroom buzzed with powerful men and women dressed in expensive clothes laughing behind designers' glasses as deals were sealed. On a low, the place wasn't loud, and most people spoke in hushed tones. The light from the chandeliers reflected on the room, casting a glow of many colours on their gloomy faces. I cannot comprehend the sadness experienced by every successful person; do they truly lack everything they ever desired?Or were they not satisfied with what they had? Of course, we humans were naturally insatiable, and when one need ends, another begins, so I wouldn't blame them for wanting more, but none of it mattered.Jade wasn't here yet; that scared me. I looked around before glancing down at my watch, and a frown plastered on my worried face. She was too long in there; something wasn't right. I could feel it in my bones. My instincts never failed me, the same instincts that had kept me alone in this world of hate and betrayal. I had learnt to r
Jade’s POV“I want you to be my wife.”Those words sounded unreal; never have I ever imagined that one of the most powerful men in Rome would ask me to be his wife.I blinked at Jackson; my breath was shaky, his words still echoed in my mind, each syllable sounding too good to be true.Was it a good idea to marry him? For once I've never thought about the possibility of being his wife. Jackson was powerful, loving, and ruthless. His proposal—if I could even call it that—felt more like an order wrapped in a gift pack of velvet promise. The don always got what he wanted, so who was I to object?But then what I felt for him was complicated; I'm still a young girl trying to figure out a part for myself. I'm sorry, sir, she must have seen the unsure look in my eyes because he moved closer and leaned in.Pressing a soft kiss to my forehead like he always did, but this time it was intentional. It was different; it had more effect than his words, and I wanted to kiss him on the lips now.“I'
Jackson’s POV I sat behind the musty old desk; the smoke from the fat tobacco wrapped in between my index finger and third finger filled the air. Life was good when you had the right people around you.And once again, I was grateful I didn't lose Jade; that would have shattered me, and I would have killed Julia because she had no reason to live to suffer the consequences of her actions.Having Jade by my side, within my reach, made me realise how much I loved her. I melted the cigarette on the ashtray and took a sip from the half-empty glass of whisky on the table.I didn't want to get drunk today; I needed to be sober so I could keep my eyes on the happenings of the family. It was my duty to do that now. I leaned my back against the plush leather chair. The air felt heavier than usual, like some unforeseen circumstances were hovering in the atmosphere, something dark. I crossed my arms on my chest as I slowly dragged the cigarette.When I heard a light knock on the door, Scar peeke
Eloise’s POV“We can't do this, Lorenzo!” I said, looking into his eyes, my fist clenched; I was angry and misunderstood. No matter how hard it is to prove myself, I'll never be taken seriously.Lorenzo stood in front of me, his presence condescending, but I didn't care. His arms crossed on his chest, his grey eyes flickered onto his mind with anger.We hadn't been on good terms these past few days, and the fault was mine. He wasn't what I needed; he was merely a distraction. Now, I was getting bored of this game, and I needed to act fast.“Are you speaking to me in that manner?” he asked in a harsh tone. “I'm sick of you trying to control my life! Leave the hell alone, Enzo.”“I'm not trying to control your life; I'm just...” He pauses, and then his voice drops to a low tone. “You know what, just do what you want, Eloise; you are always fond of walking away from things; that's what you do.”“Think whatever you want, Enzo; I'm done with this conversation,” I snarled, breathing a littl
Jade’s POVI survived hell once again. The wind is blowing hard, and the atmosphere is cool; the perfect weather for a good sleep, but I can't seem to find sleep.Sleep was far from me. I lay on this bed, my body aching from my falling down the stairs. My room was bathed in warm red light, the perfect illumination I need right now. My head was pounding, and bright light would only intensify my pain. I swallowed hard, the stale air did nothing to help the nausea that was growing in my stomach. Was it because I had just survived death or was I simply hungry?Maybe it was the latter; I don't know. Every movement I made, even the slightest, a dull throb of pain erupted throughout my ribs, a reminder that I needed to get enough rest if I was ever going to surge the night.Maybe I should relax and allow my mind to wander. I initially hated that I easily trusted her; after all, she was the reason I was in this horrible condition. I loathed that I trusted anyone so readily. That was my flaw.
Jackson’s POV Julia began to scream like a psychopath, thrashing against the guard's grip, her desperate cries filling the room, making my stomach boil with rage. If she knew I only tried to control myself from breaking the door open, hoping to resolve this peacefully.She wouldn't be here saying trash. The only reason why I was being peaceful right now was because the doctor said the poison had a cure and only Julia was in control of it. She had everything calculated; during the early morning, she came to his quarter to take the last antidote so no one could harm Jade. Right now all I needed to do was to play smart and fast because Jade needed that antidote as soon as possible.“No, I understand that you hate me for punishing Jade, but you don't love her, Jackson; she jinxed you. You love me, remember that night at the dining, how you made sweet love to me.” She wailed, her voice cracking as she fought to free herself.I never imagined that this day would come. A maiden being obses