Eva casually walked out the event building since she was now done with her mission. Just as she stepped out of the elevator to the parking lot, where she was expecting Nathalia to wait for her. Suddenly her phone began to ring in her hoodie pocket. A small frown graced her face when she saw the caller was none other than Damien. Without hesitation she picked the call. “Hello…,?” She answered the call, her voice sounding low all of a sudden. " I'm waiting for you.” Damien's deep voice spoke on the other side of the phone. " Wait! What is that supposed to mean-” Before she could complete her question a car honk sounded, interrupted her and drew her attention from the phone. The moment she turned her head to the direction, she spotted Damien's car parked a few meters away from her. "Get in." She heard him speak through the phone before hanging up. Eva obediently walked towards the car and boarded it without complaining. She glanced at Damien who hadn't said a word ever since the
Not long after Eva entered the bedroom, her phone began to ring. When she saw the caller was none other than Harry, she quickly picked the call. “Hello?” Eva answered the call and placed it on the loudspeaker while she took off her hoodie sweater she was wearing. "My sweetheart, how are you doing?" Harry's cheerful voice spoke through the phone. “I'm fine but I would be really happy if you didn't just call me for this stupid pleasantries and tell me you got what I asked you to." Eva coldly remarked. " Aii, my darling. You sound so fiesty today.” Harry ignored Eva's cold voice and continued teasing her. “Brother, don't waste my time on such topics like this.” Eva snapped at him, knowing that he won't stop joking around until he is satisfied. " How boring. Anyways, I called to tell you that I've gotten what you needed and I've also sent them to your email. Check it out when you're less busy, I'm sure you'd be proud of me.” Harry finally spoke. " I'm already proud as it is.
It didn't take long before Eva walked out to the bathroom only to see a towel wrapped around his waist. She nearly choked at the sight before but composed herself and stylishly looked away before telling him that she had prepared the bathroom for him.Damien just looked past Eva and a smirk appeared on his lips as he walked past her and entered the bathroom.Thirty minutes later, Eva had changed into her night dress and was patiently sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for Damien who walked out the bathroom in a black bathrobe. He had a towel in his hand which he was using to dry his wet hair.Eva gaze couldn't leave his body, most especially his open chest which the robe didn't cover.“Is my wife having a good time checking her husband out?" Damien suddenly commented. He recalled what happened ten months ago how Eva was staring at his chest too the second day after the one night stand.“Can’t I stare at you? After all, we are married.” Eva retorted skillfully. Though she was a lit
A scowl appeared on Damien's face when he heard her. She made it sound so casual like she had a job to do. He knew that they signed a contract but he felt like she was trying to do her part of the contract quickly even before the five years deadline was up. If that happened, he would lose his chance at getting into her heart and making her open up to him.“You still have years, don't rush into something that won't work. Like I told you, you have to work hard before you seduce me." Damien said.“Then, I'm not trying to seduce you according to the contract. I'm doing this as a wife. We are legally married." Instead of backing down, she confidently stated. “I’m not doing anything I will regret!" "Are you sure? Once I’ve made you mine, you will no longer have the chance to change your mind," Damien said, trying to restrain himself. His deep sexy voice was enough to strike a chord in anyone’s heart putting them into a daze."I am certain." Eva nodded her head confidently. " But it's okay
She had been trying to match his pace but had no idea how clumsy she was. It was obvious that his wife had no experience in kissing and it brought a good feeling to his heart. He had aggressively kissed her earlier when he thought back to how annoying she had been when he usually tried to get her to marry him. However, his anger had subsided, with the thought that she had no experience with kissing. It means that Mark had never kissed, because if he had she should be used to it.“That's enough for now." He quietly said to her after giving her a short peck on the lips."H-Huh?" She opened her eyes and stared at him in daze, unable to fathom his words.“What's wrong?” Eva finally asked, tilting her head to look at him. Her face was blushing attractively."Let’s continue next time." Damien calmly replied, brushing the strands of hair that had fallen out of her bun."Is it that you are not satisfied with me?" She worriedly asked. " I'm sorry if I was unable to match your pace. I was the o
“Just my presence in one event is the one causing all this chaos. How much influence I have in this industry.” Eva muttered, completely proud of herself for what was going on.She grabbed her new cellphone that Damien had bought and given to her a day before the fashion show. She dialed a particular number and after the third ring the phone connected.“Hello." Eva was the one to speak first.“Miss Carter, it's been a very long time since I heard your voice. How are you doing, ma?" A male voice spoke through the phone." I'm very much fine as you already know.” Eva replied, indicating the news about her." Haha, you're as straightforward as ever. I wonder why you're suddenly calling me?” The man laughed upon the way Eva replied to him. He had known this woman for five years and even though they hadn't spoken in a while she was the same as ever. “Aren't you hungry for some stories? I'm sure you're already planning to call me even before I do. Isn't that right, Mr. Cox?” Eva dryly spoke
Meanwhile, at the Carter mansion.In the living room, Laura could be seen sitting on the couch and hugging her daughter Christine and consoling her while Mark sat beside Christine and slowly patted her back as well.Ever since the footage of Christine being at the hospital had been released, reporters from different broadcasting and news stations had started to flood the hospital. Left with no other choice, Mark had the doctors discharge Christine out of the hospital and thanks to his strong and security team, they were able to use.the garage of the hospital to leave the premises. On their way, Christine had told him to head to her family home instead of his mansion, so he had no choice other than to bring here to meet her mother.“Christine, you should have let Mark drive you home instead of bringing you here. You know how everything is in chaos now and Mark can protect you from the media better than you being here.” Matthew, who was sitting on another couch said as he looked at his
Taken aback by the new interrupting voice, everyone turned their attention towards the door and saw Lucien standing by the entrance with one hand tucked in his uniform pants and bag slung over one of his shoulders. He had a completely cold expression on his face as he stared at everyone in the living room. A few moments earlier when the four people were still engrossed in consoling Christine. They had failed to notice the new sound of a car driving in which was none other than Lucien's car. The moment he stepped out of the car and saw a familiar looking car parked outside the compound, he had a disgusted expression on his face. He didn't need to be told who the car belonged to and the owner was the last person he wished to see. “Now I understand why those suspicious looking cars were parked outside." He mumbled to himself, remembering the reporter's van he had caught sight of on his way to the mansion. They would have flooded out the mansion gate by now but because of the hefty l
“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