I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as I glanced at the door, double-checking that it was locked.My office was soundproof, and no one could see inside from the outside.Looks like my office is about to witness something... special.Then Yohan leaned back in my swivel chair, his expression serious as he looked at me."Strip."I blinked, staring at him in shock."Strip and dance in my lap."I felt lightheaded. Was I really about to do this?The noise outside my office was unmistakable—the hum of computers, the whir of printers, employees chatting and laughing, papers rustling. It was nearly impossible to focus with all the distractions.Why did I even think of this?!We should have done this at home, where there would be no interruptions—where the surroundings were quiet.And yet, here we were."Cosette," Yohan called out in his deep, commanding voice.I bit my lip and looked at him again."C-Can't we do this at home, Yohan? I promise I won't tire easily. I'll indulge you all night if
"Ma'am Cosette? Wake up, Ma'am."I woke with a start at the sound of Alice's voice and the light tapping on my shoulder. Blinking to clear my blurry vision, I rubbed my eyes. When my sight adjusted, I saw my secretary, Alice, standing in front of me, seemingly waiting for me to wake up. My eyes widened as memories of what had happened in my office earlier flooded my mind.I quickly sat up from the couch and glanced at my desk. A relieved sigh escaped me when I saw it was tidy—completely free of the mess Yohan and I had made. Did he clean up while I was sleeping? I checked myself next and found that I was fully dressed, my clothes neatly in place, my hair well-groomed. Did Yohan do this? Or was it Alice?"Ma’am, Sir Zion instructed me to wake you up when it was 4 PM, and it’s 4 PM now. Sir Zion is still in a meeting, so he asked you to wait for him in his office since you’ll be leaving together," Alice informed me.Still feeling drowsy, I furrowed my brows but understood what she said.
Until I left for work, Zion Yohan Warren still hadn't come home. Where had he slept? Where had he eaten last night?I wanted to be mad at him—truthfully, I was irritated—but my worry for Yohan overshadowed everything else, especially since I hadn’t received a single text or call from him. I tried calling again, but his phone was already out of coverage.As I drove to the Warren Empire, anxiety gnawed at me. Was Yohan okay? Should I just call Lenore and ask if she knew where he was?The moment I arrived at the company, I headed straight for Yohan’s office, determined to find him and check if he was already there. Gosh, I was getting too paranoid. It was infuriating.Upon entering the Warren Empire, I walked briskly through the building. Employees greeted me as I passed, but I only nodded in acknowledgment, too preoccupied to stop.When I reached our office floor, I ignored Alice calling my name outside my door and went straight to Yohan’s office. Without knocking, I pushed the door ope
Yohan's words still echo in my mind, haunting me even now. I can’t focus on my work, and I keep zoning out whenever I remember the heated argument we had in his office. Do I deserve to be spoken to with such hurtful words? I’ve been a kind and obedient wife to him!"Ma'am Cosette, you have a meeting today with the department heads, and Sir Zion will also be there."I blinked and looked up upon hearing my secretary’s voice. I’m still in my office—I haven’t left since Yohan stormed out, leaving me there. I don’t want to see him because it will only hurt me more. I refuse to cry again; my eyes are already stinging from earlier."Wi-Will Yohan attend?" I asked Alice weakly.She nodded. I know she already mentioned that Yohan would be there, but I still want to be sure. If he’s attending, then I won’t go. I don’t want to see him right now, especially since I’ll have to face him again when I go home later—unless he doesn’t come home tonight, like last night. Tsk. I hope he really doesn’t co
I can now become an actress. I'm excellent at acting—making everything seem fine, making my relationship with Yohan appear perfect. We had a quarrel after I spent the night at Franklyn's condo unit. I had already expected it because Yohan hates it when his ego is bruised. He doesn't love me, yet at the same time, he doesn't want to see me with someone else. He's angry with me for staying at Franklyn's condo? What business is it of his?! He didn’t even bother to message me that he wouldn’t be coming home that night, leaving me worried sick about him.Today marks the grand opening of the new Warren Empire Hotel, an event attended by numerous guests from the business world. The new model representing Warren Hotel will also be introduced, someone who will serve as the face of Warren Hotels and Casinos. I have no idea who this model is because I didn’t attend the meeting—my resentment toward Yohan kept me away at the time.I’ve been avoiding Yohan for days, refusing to talk to him even whe
Now, I fully understand why Daddy refuses to let go of Yohan and insists on our marriage. Yohan is one of the wealthiest businessmen in the U.S., admired by many, especially as the sole heir to his family's vast empire. With his parents long gone, he controls their numerous businesses. He excels at negotiation and manipulation, having outmaneuvered countless business rivals. No one has managed to defeat him—most businessmen simply choose to partner with him rather than go against him.So now, I’ve decided to play the same game my husband is playing.If he uses me? I’ll use him too.He’s a valuable asset to our company, and I’ll follow my father’s instructions because he knows what’s best—and our business means everything to him. I might get hurt, but I won’t let Yohan see it. I won’t let him enjoy my pain.I’m sure he’d find it amusing if he did."A lovely evening, everyone!"The event has begun. Yohan and I are seated at the front table, side by side, as a married couple. I don’t wan
"Are you sure this is Zion Warren's wife? We can't afford to make the same damn mistake again.""Yes, Boss! I double-checked the photo you gave me before grabbing her by the swing. I was lucky to spot her outside the hotel—I saw her coming out through the fire exit!"I jolted awake at the sound of their voices. What happened? Why does my head hurt? I tried to open my eyes, but darkness surrounded me. Why can't I see anything?"Oh no, Boss! It looks like Zion Warren's wife is waking up!"‘Wait... how do they know my husband?’ My heart pounded in my chest. Where am I?I tried to move my legs, but they wouldn’t budge. It felt like they were tied down, restricting any movement. My mouth, too, was sealed shut, a thick layer of tape preventing any attempt at speaking or screaming."Big Boss is on his way. Damn it, if this woman isn't Warren's wife, we're screwed—again!""Relax, Boss! I’m telling you, that’s Zion Warren’s wife. Her name is Cosette."A chill ran down my spine as one of them s
"M-Mister, please let me go," I weakly pleaded when the man who had kidnapped me entered the room.He carried a glass of water, and I couldn't help but feel a desperate thirst. My body was weak, and it had been a long time since I had a sip of water. As he approached, he pressed the glass to my lips. I drank eagerly, finishing every drop to quench my parched throat. Tears welled up in my eyes. I never thought I would experience being kidnapped—I had only seen it happen in movies. But now, I was living through the nightmare myself."Be thankful we have some mercy on you. You've been crying since earlier!" the man scoffed. "Sorry, but all we can give you is water. We don’t have the budget for your food, so just endure it."I couldn't stop my tears from falling. With a trembling voice, I pleaded once more, "Mister, please, listen to me. I haven’t done anything wrong. I’m just caught up in this mess."The man avoided my gaze, taking a step back before turning away."Shut up! I won’t pity
Cosette’s POV"Herbert, you don't need to do this always, okay?" I said to him as I got out of his car. He escorted me home because my car broke down, and it's difficult to find transportation.I'm embarrassed with Herbert because ever since he found out that my car broke down, he's been picking me up and dropping me off all the time, and it's embarrassing because he's the son of my boss. He's the one who helped me find where to fix my car, and until now it hasn't been returned. Since I found out that he's the son of Mr. Ronan Calloway, I've been formal with him, and he doesn't like it."Cosette, you're the only one I know in the company, and we're friends, right?" Herbert said with a smile.I smiled slightly
Cosette’s POV"Mommy, you didn't tell me that you and Mr. CEO are close friends," Johiel said with a frown.I'm currently feeding my son breakfast. After my conversation with Yohan last night, I also sent him away from our apartment because Johiel and his nanny needed to return. Yohan didn't want to leave yet, insisting that I tell him that Johiel is his son, but no matter what he does, he can't make me admit it."He's just an old friend, Pretty boy," I told him with a smile.Johiel frowned even more as he continued to look at me. "Your old friend, but you didn't tell me!"I paused in feeding him and narrowed my eyes at Johiel. "Why do you seem upset
Cosette’s POV"Juniper!" I called Johiel's nanny. She quickly approached us with a cloth in hand."Yes, Ma'am Cosette?"I handed her the food I brought for Johiel."Could you take Johiel out for a while? Take him to the park first. There are a lot of people there now, and there's some show happening. Take Johiel there and bring these snacks I bought for him," I instructed Johiel's nanny.She quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes, Ma'am."I walked over to Johiel and smiled at him."Pretty boy, go with Nanny Jun for now, okay? Take a walk outside, there's something important I need to discuss with Mr. CEO," I said affectionately.Johiel nodded, still looking serious as he gazed at me. "Okay, Mommy Cosette."Johiel went with his nanny. They left through the door, and I watched their departure before closing the door and facing Yohan. He looked at me seriously, and I could feel the anger in his reaction now. I felt extremely nervous again seeing his sharp gaze on me."He's your son?"I swallo
Cosette’s POV"Papa Franklyn, Mommy Cosette has been spacing out for a while now. Is she okay?""Oh! Just leave your Mommy Cosette alone for now, she's probably just daydreaming.""Is that what happens when someone's daydreaming, Papa Franklyn?""Yes, Pretty boy. Watch, later she'll have written a whole story and suddenly it'll be published as a book!"I took a deep breath and silently pulled at myself. It's Saturday today, so I don't have work, and it's been four days since I last talked to Yohan. Our house is back with us, and it's now under Mama's name. She was so happy when I told her we got the house back, and she said she'd book a flight to come
Cosette’s POVWhy did Yohan bring me here to the hotel? What are we going to do here, and we're even meeting in the royal suite. Couldn't we just meet in the lobby of the Warren Hotel, or maybe in the restaurant? I felt a bit nervous."Ma'am, this way please."A staff member escorted me to where Yohan was waiting for me. I called Franklyn and told him I would be late getting home, and I also spoke to Johiel. I didn't tell Franklyn that I was meeting Yohan now because I'm sure he'd tease me again when I get home.We stopped walking, and we were in front of a room, and on its door, there was a golden crown. This is how the royal suites at the Warren Hotel are; they really stand by the word ‘royal’ be
Cosette’s POV"WHAT THE—Cosette! Your phone's been ringing since earlier! Someone’s calling!"I blinked when I heard Franklyn's loud shout. My work starts soon, and for the meantime, we're still staying here at Franklyn and Iris' place. We're moving to our own place next week. I've already chosen an apartment near my workplace, and it's currently being painted, so Johiel can't move there yet."Who's been calling you? That's been happening since yesterday, huh! Do you have an admirer here in LA?" Franklyn asked me again.I quickly took out my cellphone from my pocket when it rang again. My eyebrows furrowed when I saw his name on the screen. I rolled my eyes and quickly turned off my phone, then gla
Cosette’s POV"It's nice to see you again, my little kitten." I couldn't help but roll my eyes when he called me 'little kitten' again. Was he ever going to stop giving me nicknames? He kept calling me all sorts of things, even if they made no sense. Next thing I know, he'll start calling me names of dogs or some other kind of animal out of nowhere.I just walked into his office and made my way to the chair near his table, sitting down facing him. My expression was serious as I looked at Yohan, who was still smiling at me."Okay, let's talk about the house, Yohan. I know you have an idea why I'm here today, that's why you called me yesterday, right? We want it back, my mom and I want it back," I said seriously, still looking at him.Yohan and I locked eyes for a few seconds, neither of us wanting to look away. After a minute, he broke the stare and chuckled softly. I couldn't help but furrow my brow as I looked at him. What was so funny? Has this guy gone crazy?"Straight to the poin
Cosette’s POV"MA! Why did you call Yohan? Can’t you wait for me to be the one to talk to Yohan, and now you’re taking the lead on what I’m supposed to do? My God, Ma! I'm sorry if I'll hurt you with what I'll say, but you're going too far! I'm getting annoyed! You always beat me to it! Don't you think?!" I angrily said while talking to Mama on the phone.I found out that my mother was the reason why Yohan called me earlier. After he called me, Mama immediately called me and happily told me that she had talked to Yohan and that I should just meet him tomorrow to discuss the property matters at the house.I couldn't help but get very angry with her because she was rushing things. She knew that I was hiding Johiel and protecting my child's identity, and then she suddenly contacts my ex-husband out of nowhere? It's infuriating!“S-Setta, I know what I did was wrong, so I'm asking for your forgiveness right away, okay?" she said tearfully on the other end.I sighed and cursed in my mind.
Cosette’s POVFuck! It's Yohan! What should I do? I can't just approach them with Johiel and tell them he's my son. I'm not ready to face Yohan!"C-Cosette, nobody has seen Johiel. What should we do? Should we call the police?" I felt Franklyn approaching me.I took a deep breath and faced him. The extreme worry was evident on his face because if Johiel were truly lost, he would be blamed since he was the last one with my son."Look behind me," I said seriously while looking at him.He furrowed his brow and followed my instruction. The twinkle in Franklyn's eyes gradually widened as he realized what he was seeing. I also noticed the slight paleness in his face. Franklyn turned to look at me in silence, his face still showing surprise."C-Cosette, wh-why... why is Zion with Johiel?" Franklyn asked, surprised and stuttering.I glanced back at Johiel and Yohan and saw Yohan talking to my son. Johiel was just staring at him while licking his ice cream. I took a deep breath and turned back