The feeling was totally different compared to the one she felt for Mark. At the time, it has been nurtured over the years and had been borne from their supposed lifetime together. There was an irrational sense of relief bubbling through her at the thought that she’s quickly moving on from him.‘No, you're wrong. I'm his wife now. And even though I haven't healed completely. I have been taking too much time and using my broken heart as an excuse to not move. Rather than waiting for the time to heal completely, I will become the vengeful woman they branded me with to heal.’"Young Miss, are you alright?" The driver gently asked upon seeing her ghostly complexion in the rearview mirror.Eva's usual snow kin had turned even more translucent, almost resembling a piece of paper.The voice of the driver brought her back to reality as she took in an unsteady breath of air to calm herself. "Y-yes, I’m fine. Thank you." She briefly said, looking out the window once again.She blinked and chided
Matthew slammed his hand onto the table, the water on his cup swishing from the momentum.He glared at his daughter with so much intensity, one would think she killed his firstborn. "It seems I haven’t disciplined you well enough. To talk back to your father and even dare to interrupt me, it seems you haven’t learned your lesson.""I’ve raised a brat like you for twenty-three years, and this is what I get in return? A disappointment of a daughter and a failure of a woman. No wonder you were abandoned by your fiance. Disrespectful and rude, you sure have a lot of guts." He seethed, each word going through one of Eva's ears and out the next.She looked at him, bored. "I’m glad you know. And as for my fiance, it's not my fault he doesn't have a jewelry maker's eyes, if not he would have been able to see the hidden gem in me. Something you are too blind to see as well,my father.." She said, crossing her arms. Despite the prickling pain in her heart, her face remained haughty and passive-a
Lawrence noticed how sullen and upset his prized granddaughter had become. Her shoulders were slightly hunched over and with the dim lighting, she looked pale and lonely. Despite the fact that she was surrounded by people, the more he looked at her, the more he realized how depressing this dinner was.He knew he should’ve warned her in advance that her family would be at the table, but he knew she would immediately refuse to come.He hadn’t seen her in a couple of days and after she went to deliver the file to Cross Enterprise and he wanted to personally see how she was doing.He couldn’t help but sigh at how ironic this situation was.Whenever any of his children or grandchildren yearned for his attention and acknowledgment, he didn’t spare them a second glance. But when it came to this specific granddaughter, he was the one who was always initiating for her to come to him.She rarely visited him and he knew it was because she was fearful of appearing too clingy. In fact he was even
"You see it as sass, I see it as a genuine question." She shrugged, much to his dismay. "Oh, and my visit to the house you're so hung up about was only because of my brother. Trust me, I have only one more visit to make to that place and it's the last time you see there. Besides, you should thank me for coming home, if not your mistress wouldn't have been able to successfully hook me in another annoying date.” Eva added, completely disregarding her father's warning and keep addressing Laura as a ‘mistress’“Evangeline Carter! How dare-" "Besides, you’ve never helped me before in the past. Why start now?" She cut him off before he could complete his words. She turned her back to him and walked away to hail down a cab. However, before she had the chance to do so, Dylan stepped up."I’ll drive you home." He was obviously worried about her. It was already late at night and she had already experienced enough trouble.Getting into a taxi right now would be very dangerous, especially for a
************A few minutes later, Eva finally arrived outside a huge black gate. The security team watching from the CCTV had told her to wait for some minutes so that they could confirm from Old Lee when she told them she lived here.“We apologize, madam for keeping you waiting.” The guard apologized when they confirmed that was the new madam of the mansion. Eva nodded her head, not offended by their action. In fact she would have scolded them personally if they had let her enter like that without confirming her identity since she hadn't properly introduced herself to every worker here.As expected, Old Lee was waiting for Eva when she parked her car and got out of it. She smiled apologetically at the old man for keeping him awake at this time because she arrived late.****The next day******Eva got dressed, grabbed her bag and went out of the black mansion. She insisted on going out on her own but the worrywart butler just won’t let her, but since she was in a happy mood today she
“I am interested now. And if this turns out to be true, then it's the perfect place to start taking back what was stolen from me.” Eva replied, her eyes darkened dangerously."First of all, before I tell you if it's true or not. Tell me what was the exact reason you married Damien?” Nathalia inquired.“I told you already, Nathy. I'm done regretting and beating myself up Nathy. It's time I leave up to that reputation that everyone knows me as." “And that is…..?" Nathalia trailed off, she wanted to get a real response from Eva, that way she would know that her Eva was finally over Mark.“My position as the Queen of Socialites. Don't you think my throne has been resting all this while? Everyone sees me as an evil, wicked, vicious, spiteful, jealous woman, so why should I try to convince them? Rather than convincing them that I'm not, I would just expose the people that they think are the heroes.” A sinister smile graced Eva's face.“That is what I'm expecting to hear! Finally I have my
“Yes, he asked me to be his girlfriend a few days ago before I arrived. However, even though I agreed, I told him we aren't announcing yet because we are just getting to know each other.” Nathalia replied as she watched Eva's expression."I forgot to ask what his name is?” she finally asked after a few moments of silence." Stanley Breaker.” Nathalia answered immediately. She was nervous about what Eva would say about him.“Alright, since you like him, I wish you the best and I'm happy for you. However, look out very well. I don't want you ending up in that same crappy relationship you had with you know who." Eva remarked, her eyes burning dangerously.“Really? You're in support of it, thank God." Nathalia let out a huge breath she had been holding.“Of course, I would. I want you to be happy just as much as I am. Were you nervous because Ella didn't approve of it?" She asked.“How did you know that? Well, it's not like she didn't agree, Ell was just being over cautious about him and
After three days.The Black mansion was in chaos. The old butler can’t control the mansion’s wild princess anymore. Two days ago, the butler mentioned that Damien was actually taking such a long time whenever he goes abroad and he said that a month was surprisingly the shortest, making Eva shocked because she was told that he would take a week before he comes back. She really needed to discuss her plan with him immediately. However, at the same time, she was glad, for she didn’t expect that she would be given so much time to prepare for the approaching battle and prepare how she would tell him. Being jobless for the past few days, she then came and insisted on making some changes in the mansion’s garden. She wanted the dark, chilly garden to turn into something romantic. She wanted to add some colors in its monotone look. She wanted to transform it into a perfect dating spot for future purposes. However, she didn't know that this garden would surely come in handy for her.Well everyo
“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