“Did you seriously not remember me?" He asked but Eva frowned at him again.“I do and that is because you've been crossing my path constantly and I'm beginning to wonder if you have someone stalking me. Now does that answer your question?" Eva impatiently replied. " I see.” Damien muttered as he released her wrist. "Go.” He shoved her lightly towards Lucas.“Hey-" Eva stumbled at the movement, she was about to turn around and complain when Damien interrupted her.“Remember me well." He commanded. “You can have as many boy toys as you wish, but remember this… .you will always belong to me.” Damien remarks, before Eva could respond to him he stalked off. Despite the fact that Lucas was standing behind her, Eva's gaze was still focused on Damien. How could she not? Damien's long legs carried him down the hallway. He rested a hand in his pocket, revealing the white shirt that clung onto his broad shoulder, outlining his powerful muscles. Not once did he look back, not like he had a rea
The moment Eva stepped out, blinding lights flashed in front of her eyes. Soon enough, Lucas stood directly behind her. And together, they were captured by the paparazzi for everyone to see. Very soon, the entire country would know that Evangeline Carter and Lucas Sander were on a date.Eva froze, it felt like roots grew from the ground, tying and keeping her in place. The lights flashed before her eyes, enough to cause her a seizure.She tried to compose herself but couldn't. Eva just opened and closed her mouth as the paparazzi took pictures one after the other, until her vision turned white.“Miss Carter, look this way!"“Miss Carter, are you and Lucas Sander official?!” "Where have you been all this while, Miss Carter after your failed wedding day?”"Is this a date?”Questions after the other were thrown at Eva. Eva trembled slightly, her breath caught up in her throat and her mind went blank. She couldn't think, much less blink or even react at the moment.Eva felt like she was
“Of course, of course, you'll be the only man my step daughter ever meets.” Laura responded in an assuring tone. “Although, you might have noticed how stubborn and prude she is, but I can assure you that she's not the kind of person to have many men around-” Laura was unable to complete her words when she was interrupted by Lucas."Then why is Damien Cross always seen with her?” Lucas snapped. Laura blinked for a couple of seconds. “I don't-" Lucas hung up the call, before Laura could respond." What the?!” Laura glared at the phone screen.Meanwhile in the car, Lucas let out a huge sigh and slammed his hand on the steering wheel. He scowled at the memories of Eva and Damien. He hated to admit it, but they both looked good together. There was a spark between those two and it was electrifying and the sight of them kept people on their toes. He gritted his teeth together and leaned back on his car seat. “Be patient." Lucas mumbled as he breathed out.Whether she liked it or not, afte
The next morning, Eva woke up after having one of the terrible nightmares about the past. She was quite surprised that she was having a nightmare because for the past few days she hadn't had one which made her believe that she was cured from her terrible dreams.However, she realized that she had hoped too soon because she would always be haunted by the past. Evangeline hoped and wiped the sweats that formed on her forehead and let out a sigh.“This will never end, will it?" She muttered softly to herself, before shoving the blanket off her legs and placed her foot down wearing the white slippers that were placed on the side of the bed. She rose up from the bed and headed straight to the bathroom to shower.After a few minutes, Eva walked out of the bathroom and made a way to the wardrobe and picked out a new set of clothes. It didn't take much time before she was fully dressed in navy blue shorts, a white button hub shirt and a long navy blue blazer jacket that was just a few inches
“Why did you bring me here?” Lucien asked as he glanced at Eva who had brought him towards a room door.“I have something to get from here, so I wanted you to come along before you cause any more trouble with your mother. It's too early for that." Eva replied.“But you've never let me once enter this place so why did you suddenly want me to enter this room along with you?” Lucien questioned. Eva had never once let Lucien enter the room because only she had the keys to the room and the things behind the door were precious to her.The room belong to Shenley when she was still alive, and after she died Eva had kept all of her mother's belongings in this room and only she had the access to the room, not even Matthew had the access to the room because Eva have made the room with a security code and only Eva knew the password."I know that and that is why I am bringing you here.” Eva muttered without looking at Lucien and entered the password to the room and opened the door.“Come in," Eva
“You are never going to come back here, are you?” Lucien suddenly asked, making Eva turn her head at him with a small gentle smile on her face. After a few minutes of just staring at him, she finally opened her mouth.“I'm not sure." She curtly responded while shaking her head.“I wouldn't come back if I were you, not after what happened?” Lucian coldly voices out. Eva giggled at his words. “I came here because of you and what happened was a given, because those two would have come up with another way to make all of this happen.” she replied. She knew for a fact that both Matthew and Laura would come up with another plan just to get her to go on another date with Lucas.“Then, if I'm the only one you came here to visit, don't. I would be the one to come and visit you whenever you wish to see me.” Lucien uttered and you looked away.Eva paused for a few moments taking her aback by surprise at what Lucian said. She hasn't heard him make an offer to visit her for once ever since she mov
Today was the last time she made up her mind to use public transport again.Earlier, she had taken Lucien's word to heart and also realized that she needed to put an end to her public transportation. After she watched Lucien enter his school, she made up her mind to branch out to a car shop and buy a car for herself which led her to be standing outside this car shop. This was her first time visiting this place, when she was still in the car with Lucien she had quickly browsed the internet for the most famous car shop in the country and this was one of the places that popped up on her screen after she pressed her question answer so she decided to go with this place first. That was the reason why she gave the taxi driver the address of this place.This place is one of the most popular car dealers that sells expensive and luxurious cars in the country and most wealthy and rich individuals normally visit this place to purchase cars. Eva finally made her way to the entrance of the buildi
“How much does the car cost?” Eva asked in a composed demeanor. She was sure that it was going to be expensive because of all its cool features but she didn't feel threatened about it anyway.“Well, this car is a whooping sum of fifteen million dollars." The saleslady revealed with an excited expression as she was glad that Eva wouldn't be stepping away from the vehicle but this was the moment of truth to know if her luck would shine at this moment.Eva went silent for a while, thinking about the decision she was going to make. At the same time her silence also made the atmosphere tense and the saleslady was sweating nervously. She was beginning to think that the price was too much for Eva and it was the reason why she was quiet. Even though Eva was dressed in expensive clothes which made her look like she was from a wealthy family, that doesn't mean she can afford to buy the car. After all, it's not all the rich individuals that can afford such an amount of car and this was the sore
“I... I’m starting to think Eva might be trying to sabotage me. You know, with the awards coming up, and her growing popularity... I just have this feeling she’s trying to push me out of the competition,” Christine said, her voice trembling slightly as if she was on the verge of breaking down. She knew Mark would respond to weakness, to vulnerability, just as he always had.Mark’s voice was low, filled with annoyance. “What do you mean, sabotage you? She’s already got the public on her side. What else does she want?”“I don’t know, Mark. But I can’t shake the feeling that she’s behind some of the things happening to me lately,” Christine continued, carefully planting the seed of doubt. “She’s been getting more endorsements, more media attention... She’s always one step ahead, and I feel like she’s using me to boost her own career. Maybe she’s trying to push me out of the spotlight, making sure I don’t have a chance to win.”Mark was silent for a moment, processing the information. Chr
Eva didn’t respond immediately. She could feel the seriousness in Everett’s words, and for a brief moment, the playful rivalry between them was pushed aside.Everett’s eyes softened slightly as she looked at Eva, a rare glimpse of concern flickering in her gaze. “What are you going to do about her? She’s the one who caused my accident but had that person lie he was a fan, right? Also with the recent things happening, I can tell she’s been pulling strings, trying to break you down.”Eva's expression hardened, her grip tightening on her wine glass. “I’m not sure yet. But Christine’s time is running out.” She gave a slight, bitter laugh. “I won’t let her destroy me.”Everett studied Eva for a moment, her face unreadable. “Be careful, Eva,” she said quietly, her tone more serious than Eva had ever heard. “Christine’s dangerous. And she’s got a way of making everyone believe her sweet little act.”Eva took a deep breath, looking away briefly as she processed Everett’s words. The concern wa
The day of the event arrived, and Christine was glowing with victory. Dressed in an elegant gown, she enjoyed the attention as she mingled with industry elites, knowing she was now the headlining speaker.With Eva out of the picture, this was her moment.Then the doors opened.Gasps rippled through the crowd as Eva walked in, effortlessly poised, wearing a breathtaking designer dress. The cameras instantly shifted toward her, flashing in rapid succession.Christine’s smile faltered. “What is she doing here?”Before she could react, the event host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise. While there were some scheduling changes, we’re honored to have Eva here tonight.”Christine stiffened. “What? That’s impossible!”Eva merely smiled, making her way toward the front.Kai had pulled the right strings behind the scenes. Even if she wasn’t an official speaker anymore, she was still one of the biggest names in the room—and the audience
Christine was livid. Every attempt to ruin Eva had backfired, and now, the industry was beginning to suspect foul play.Her carefully crafted innocent image was slipping, and she refused to let that happen.Gripping her phone tightly, she dialed Tanya, her voice sharp the moment the call connected."Tanya, listen carefully. I don’t care what it takes—pull every string, bribe whoever you need to, but make sure Eva does not attend the upcoming fashion event. I want her out, completely.”Tanya hesitated. “Christine, are you sure about this? Maybe you should—”“Don’t question me!” Christine snapped, her frustration boiling over. “Do you think I have the luxury of waiting? Eva is already taking the spotlight. If this continues, I won’t even be considered for the Top Ten Models Award!”Tanya sighed. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do. But Christine, be careful. You’re playing a dangerous game. If this backfires, it could cost you everything.”Christine scoffed. “Please. Eva won’t be able to prov
Christine sat alone in the dimly lit hotel, her fingers lightly tapping against the side of her untouched wine glass. The usually confident and composed woman looked lost in thought, her expression unreadable as she stared at the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.Everything she had planned against Eva had backfired spectacularly. Instead of destroying Eva’s reputation, she had only fueled the public’s admiration for her. The industry was turning against Christine, and the narrative was slipping out of her control.A soft click of heels echoed through the room, breaking Christine from her thoughts.“Christine?”She turned her head slightly, finding Tanya standing near the entrance, a curious look on her face.Tanya was one of the few people Christine trusted—or rather, tolerated—because she was useful. Smart, cunning, and always willing to play dirty, Tanya had been by Christine’s side long enough to know exactly how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted.“Wh
A few days after Mark successfully cleared his name from the Harper Luxuries scandal, Christine sat alone in her dressing room, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping impatiently against the vanity table.She had tried everything—sabotage, whispers in the right ears, carefully placed rumors—yet Eva always came out unscathed. Every plan Christine devised had crumbled before her eyes, and it was beginning to drive her insane.If indirect tactics didn’t work, she had to change her approach. This time, she wouldn’t hide behind shadows. She wouldn’t need to.Instead, she would manipulate the situation so well that Eva would ruin herself.All she needed was the perfect stage.---An exclusive fashion gala was set to take place, attended by top designers, influencers, and media elites. Both Eva and Christine had been invited as brand ambassadors for their respective labels.Christine smirked to herself. This was it. The perfect opportunity.She had carefully arranged for the media’s attenti
The dim candlelight cast a golden glow over the elegantly set dining table. A soft melody played in the background, filling the room with warmth. Christine had spent hours preparing this—his favorite dishes, the finest wine. Tonight had to be perfect.She glanced at the clock anxiously. Mark would be home soon. And she had to fix this.The front door finally opened, and Mark stepped inside. His face was tired, his eyes dark with frustration. He didn’t even glance at the romantic dinner she had prepared. Instead, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.“Christine, what is this?” His voice was cold.Christine swallowed and stepped toward him. “A dinner. For us.”Mark scoffed, shaking his head. “A dinner? Christine, do you have any idea what I’ve been dealing with? My father’s furious. Investors are backing out after the Harper Luxuries. I've lost of funds.” His voice grew sharper, filled with exhaustion. “And do you know what people are whispering? That my own fiancée might
The silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Damien wasn’t one to leave things unresolved. He turned slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her.“Why didn’t you ask for my help?” His voice was calm but held an edge of something deeper—something close to frustration.Eva, who had been absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass, glanced at him. A small smirk curled her lips, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.“Because it was something I could handle,” she said simply. “Like always.”Damien’s expression remained unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly against his knee. “And if you couldn’t?”Eva shrugged. “Then I would have asked. But it wasn’t time for that yet.”That answer didn’t satisfy him. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. “Eva—”“I know what you’re going to say,” she interrupted, meeting his gaze head-on. “You think I should have let you take care of it. But Damien, I don’t always need you to fight my battles. Sometimes, I want to win them on my own
Eva sat on the couch, feeling bored. The scandal had caused too much noise, and going home—where the paparazzi were undoubtedly lurking—was out of the question.With a sigh, Eva reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Damien for a moment before she pressed the call button.The phone rang twice before his deep, smooth voice came through. “Eva.”Just her name. Nothing more. But there was something in the way he said it—low, controlled, yet sharp with attention—that made her exhale slowly.“Hey,” she murmured, leaning against the plush headboard.Silence. Then, “What’s wrong?”She almost smiled. He always saw through her.“I can’t go home,” she admitted, rubbing her temple. “The reporters are camped outside. And after today’s interview… they’ll only get worse.”Damien didn’t answer immediately. She could hear the faint rustling of papers, the click of a pen, before he finally spoke. “Where are you?”“Penthouse suite at the Grand Royale,” she repli