Author's POV. Sean listened to the voice note that his friend had sent to him and was of the opinion that Selene was right. Mia's argument was that Jakob was only trying to cook her out without listening to her side of the story and how she had never contacted Logan which was quite a lie and that was what he was about to prove to everyone who was interested in this conversation. Speaking to Julie had helped him realize how hurt Selene had been. He adjusted his binoculars, refusing to give into this curiosity that was almost eating him up alive and making him feel like something was wrong somewhere actually needed to put his foot on. One of the things that got him more annoyed was the fact that nobody would have thought that Mia of all people would try to betray Jakob who had been nothing short of kind to her. He watched her with her hair let down and also trying to figure out a few things but, didn't even imagine how important this was going to be in shaping whatever opinion
Jakob's POV. "Here." Sean dropped a file on my table containing a disc which was quite shocking because it has been a long time that I came in contact with anything resembling that and as much as I was curious I also wanted to know what this was all about. Since he had refused to tell me what exactly transpired and said that I needed to listen to things myself I had been hoping that I would be able to get the answers that I needed. I hoped with all my heart that it wasn't true that Mia was in connivance with my enemy, especially the man that had caused her death. Well now that everything was out in the open I figured out that she had never been dead or even near death because of a plan between all of them to get my money but I needed to hear more from her mouth. "Before you play this, I want you to know that you have committed a huge crime against the true woman that loved you all because you were blind by unnecessary loyalty to someone who didn't care about you even when yo
Jakob's POV. I waited till it was midnight before Mia arrived from her party or whatever she went for. I was patient enough not to lose my cool over something that could be easily discussed because I knew how much of a pathetic liar she was. She would never tell me the truth even if I placed a knife on her neck. She was going to lie and keep on denying it until I could no longer take it anymore. Ever since Sean left my office, I have been thinking about how much of a fool I was to allow such a good woman to leave my life all because I was clinging on to fake memories that didn't quite prove a thing now. Selene went as far as coming again just to be able to warn me but I served her divorce papers instead. I face palmed at my stupidity wondering how I couldn't see beyond my nose and was so complacent that I had her where I wanted. This was entirely stupid of me and I wondered when I was going to break free out of this mess. I knew that I had everything covered but it was still no
Jakob's POV. Moving away from whatever this might be I decided not to speak to her till I left the house and instead focused on things more important than arguing with Mia who was never going to admit the truth. I just wanted her to be aware that I knew all her games and was only pretending to be oblivious so she should better work on herself and not try to make me feel like a fool because I wasn't. Martha pushed my wheelchair into the office while I looked at the arena wondering how I allowed my life to degenerate into this. Everywhere I turned reminded me of Selene, but nothing was my fault in any way. I brought this upon myself therefore I was supposed to focus on building my life instead of looking for faults where there were none. Martha came into my line of vision with a small smile on her face. "Do you mind if I make coffee for you?" She asked. A little perplexed that she would play so considerate given everything that happened and how much my stupid fiancee tried
Selene's POV. "Hey babe, where have you been? I have been trying to reach you and your phone has not been going through. I have been panicking!" Julie, my friend, spoke over the phone, her tone relieved and also scolding at the same time. That was the problem I had with most of them. They wanted to know what exactly was going on in my life but this time I wanted to train my child in peace. I was going to return to the city whenever I liked, probably to visit my mom who had obviously taken over the company. I could also do my business from my home because my models had decided to go to work while I vetted them via Zoom. "This is definitely not what I wanted to hear from you but I guess I have to make do with whatever I have. How have you been coping so far?" I honestly didn't want to divulge any information to her but she was a great friend and doing that was only going to put her off as though I didn't trust her but I did, I just didn't trust her enough not to pity my ex-hus
Selene's POV. Two weeks later my baby bump had started to grow so fast that I was so proud of myself with the body changes that I was experiencing. It was so wholesome for me and sometimes I wondered what I had ever done to deserve such intense care in this state. I finally told my mom that I was pregnant and she didn't hesitate to come over just to see me. Starting over in the Netherlands was one thing that I wanted to cross on my bucket list and I was happy that I did. I stopped moving a lot because now my movements are getting restricted and it was almost becoming a chore for me to be able to pull all the stunts that I usually did. I love the fact that I could do whatever I wanted and I had a lot of support systems behind me. Julie, my friend and also my assistant never let me rest as they were bombarding me with calls so that I didn't feel alone even though I didn't let them know my house. The door dinged and I walked there just to find what's been going on. I really h
Selene's POV. I opened the door to another knock and my jaw fell open. The Asian lady squinted and looked at me with a small smirk and this time waved another person over. "Honestly I think that you should come out for a walk with us. Maya here is one of the best pregnant women that I've ever encountered. She is crowned the Queen at her hospital because she takes on their exercise with ease. Guess who the credit comes back to? Mhmmm." She nodded rapidly. As much as I would love to engage such bubbly women I wanted to remain in my cocoon and not get displaced anytime soon so I smiled at them, before speaking up. "I think I would have to offend you with my decision because I would have to pass. I do not want to be involved in any case sooner or later. Can you please just respect my decisions and let me be?" I asked them, watching their eyes flicker with hurt. These women were dramatic and I knew how people were by the time you allowed them into your life. They would want to
Selene's POV "I was told to allow the backdrop to become a little bit higher but I didn't know how exactly to make it work so I came up with this. I hope you like it." Miss Kim said with so much enthusiasm mixed with nervousness that had me a little bit worried for myself because now she was going to barrage into my life without warning. "I think it is nice and although you could do better, what can I say? I appreciate your efforts and I hope that next time you will take your time before making a lot of decisions." I responded. She looked at me a little bit non enthusiastic and I was not thrilled. "Okay... I kind of understand how you feel and I need to know what exactly I should do to make it better next time. I don't want us to have such issues anymore." She responded. Ever since they had known that I had plans to help women become better versions of themselves, they had submitted themselves for me to become their mentor and as much as I was honored by their actions I felt a
Epilogue(Author’s pov) The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting golden lights across the room. Selene sat on the bed, her laptop was open and her fingers flew over the keys as she responded to emails. Her work demanded her attention too much these days, but it was difficult to concentrate when Ethan was running around the house like a whirlwind. The little boy had energy that never seemed to run out. He kicked his small red ball against the walls and let out triumphant cheers when it bounced back, then ran after it with wild excitement. Selene had gotten the ball for him on his 3rd birthday and ever since, the boy had turned it into his companion and his father hadn’t stopped talking about how he was going to be the best football player in the world. His tiny feet thudded against the floor and along with his squeals of excitement, Selene was frustrated. She didn’t know how else to caution him and had already gotten tired. "Ethan, slow down!" Selene called, he
Selene’s Pov; I kept hearing voices, some were familiar and others, unfamiliar, but what enraged me was that I couldn’t tell whom the voices belonged to. My eyes fluttered open slowly after a while and I blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the blinding light in the room. The room was unfamiliar and I glanced around, trying to recall how I got here. The ceiling glowed with the harsh fluorescent light. The sharp scent of antiseptic burned my nose, the rhythmic beeping of a monitor filled the silence around me and my body ached, as if I had been torn apart and stitched back together. I tried to move but my legs didn’t respond and panic rose to my chest. I sucked in a sharp breath, my hands moving to my thighs. My fingers trembled as they pressed against my thighs and then my knees, nothing. No sensation, no movement. Nothing at all! A strangled noise escaped my throat as I tried again, harder this time, but my legs remained dead weight beneath me. No, no, no. My heart slammed
Author’s Pov; Logan glanced around quickly, his breath came in ragged gasps as he sprinted through the prison corridor. His palms were slick with sweat, and his heart raced, but that didn’t stop him. This was his moment. This was the perfect opportunity and this time, he was going to ensure that he was successful. But fate had other plans for him.Just as he reached the gates, someone yanked him back. "Going somewhere?" The warden’s voice was taunting. He had been watching the man and knew that he was up to no good. Turns out he was right. Logan gritted his teeth, trying to pull himself out of the man’s grip, but it was useless. Within seconds, two more guards tackled him to the ground, pressing his face into the cold floor. "Son of…" Logan growled, struggling against their grip. "Shut it," one of the guards barked, twisting Logan’s arms painfully behind his back. "You really thought you could buy your way out this time?" Logan chuckled darkly, despite the pain. "Do you ev
Selene's POV The doors opened, and the soft melody of the piano filled the small chapel. My heart pounded so hard I thought everyone could hear it. I took a deep breath, but it didn’t help much. My hands felt empty without someone holding them. I had dreamed of this day since I was a little girl, but in those dreams, I never imagined walking down the aisle alone. I had imagined my father to be the one ushering me down the aisle in my glistering and beautiful wedding gown and then into the hands of my husband but I guessed everything happens for a reason. I gripped my bouquet tighter and took my first step. My mother sat in the front row, smiling at me with teary eyes. Jakob’s parents sat beside her, their faces warm and kind. Martha gave me a thumbs-up. Sean nodded, his face serious, but I knew he was happy for me. Julie was grinning, whispering something to her boyfriend, everyone looked at me with love and support, but the empty space beside me was too loud, I was not supposed
Author's POV Two weeks had gone past since they returned to the country. It had been a hard time, keeping memories of sorrow; joy, however, was to remain valid for this night. Jakob and Selene’s parents sat together for dinner, sharing laughter and memories in a great camaraderie of friendship. Summer warm, one could hear names and clinking of glasses and rejoicings. Jakob surveyed the table. He breathed in once. “I want to say something, there is something very important I would like to say.” The attention of the room shifted to him. Selene appeared sweetly and placed her hand on his. He lifted his glass. “But before I say what I have to say, first of all let us take this toast,” he paused as they all took their glass of wine, " To family.” “To family!” Everyone chimed in and raised their glasses. Jakob looked on smiling. “I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for all of you. You have been my backbone, my strength. You pulled me out of the deep waters. Selene’s father..” J
Author's POV Mia planted herself on the cold bench within the jail cell and tapped her fingers against the metallic bars, letting out a huffed breath as she pulled out the tiny phone she had hidden in her pocket and moved her fingers quickly to dial Jacob's number. She needed to act fast before the prison guards on duty came to check on her and caught her, being without a phone was the worst thing that could ever happen to her in this cruel place. She cleared her throat and she mentally went on the words she was going to say to Jakob. The phone rang: once, twice, three times, and then he finally picked up, his voice barely above a whisper. "What do you want, Mia? How were you able to call me anyways?" She swallowed hard, pressing the phone closer. "Jakob, listen, I don't have much time so you have to listen to me attentively. I need you to get me out of here." Silence. Then a small chuckle. "You need me to do what?" Mia clenched her teeth. "Bail me out, Jakob! I shouldn't b
Selene's POV The TV had been on for some time, but my focus had wandered off entirely. My mind had been busy wandering amidst all the things I had to do when my name rang a bell.I blinked."Selene Carter’s art collection is making waves throughout the industry!" said the host, announcing. "People are talking, and the demand to see the owner herself is growing loud."I froze.Jakob must have been scrolling through his phone. "Did they just say your name?"I nodded slowly. "I think so."Jakob raised the volume. The host continued: "Collectors and critics are raving about the unique style, and emotion behind every piece. The name Selene Carter is being whispered about in art circles, and they want to know who she is?"My phone buzzed again, and a notification popped up, someone had mentioned me in a tweet."Where is Selene Carter? We need to see her! #ArtGenius #Masterpiece."Another tweet appeared."This woman’s art speaks to my soul. Who is she? Someone tell me!"I swallowed. This co
Jakob POV I breathed out the moment the plane touched down. It was a lengthy flight. Selene shifted beside me, stretching her arms. She didn't look at me, nor had she for most of the flight. I cared little, not my problem anymore. "We're here," I said, unbuckling my seatbelt. She sighed. "Yeah, we are here finally. The journey for me is so tiring, I need a cool bath and a soft bed to lay on." "Hmm,” I hummed, nodding in agreement to what she wanted. We got our bags and walked out from the plane. The airport was teeming with people; I barely noticed. My eyes straight went to the front where our parents stood awaiting, they spotted us instantly. My mother waved cheerily, and my father grinned beside her. Selene's mother stood there, too, blood-shot but relieved. I expected just a simple greeting, maybe some hugs but as soon as we stepped closer, laughter broke out. My parents were laughing so hard I had to blink, "What's so funny? Is there something on us or did we do something
Jakob's POV. At this point I knew that I was in for some huge ride and I needed to prepare myself for the reality of the situation. This was absurd for me to say the least, but even at that I was only hoping that I will be able to do what I should. Sometimes I wonder why I bothered myself so much with her situation when I should have been able to decipher that she didn't think of me in such a manner. It was more like a thing of convenience for her and even though I didn't want to accept it I guess I found myself doing that already. It didn't mean that I loved it, but I had no choice. "She was going to fight tooth and nail just to have her freedom, or what she considered freedom and I needed to be wise about fighting someone like this. It almost never ended well. I picked up my phone and called my friend. He was the only one who could tell me the truth without hiding. "I need your help because I think I am running mad. I need your help because this woman is about to make me into som