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
"H-How did you get here? Why does it seem like you weren’t shot? How did you manage to free yourself so quickly? And how did you come here alone?" I bombarded him with questions as he helped me stand.Yohan shot me a sharp look, annoyance flickering in his eyes."Seriously, Cosette? You're asking me that now when we only have a few minutes to escape? Can’t I just answer all of that later—when we’re already out of here?" he said irritably.I clamped my mouth shut, afraid that pressing him further would only make him angrier. I wasn’t trying to be difficult—I just wanted answers. But as always, his stubbornness got in the way."Hey, listen..."I looked up when Yohan gently lifted my chin, his expression softening."I’m not mad at you, okay? I’ll answer all your questions, but not now. We need to get out of here before Parker catches us," he said seriously.I swallowed hard and nodded. Yohan gave me a faint smile, his hand brushing against my cheek.Our moment was abruptly cut short when
"Are you involved with the mafia?"Yohan froze, his hand pausing mid-motion as he applied ointment to my knee. We were in our room, and this was the first time I had a chance to talk to him. Earlier, there had been another man with us in the car on our way home. I couldn’t understand their conversation, so I decided to sleep. By the time I woke up, we were already home.Now, I sat on the bed, pressing a cold compress to the bruises on my face—bruises left by Uncle’s repeated slaps. My face was battered, and if anyone saw me like this, they might assume Yohan was responsible. I didn’t want rumors spreading, so I had already decided to take two weeks off work to rest and regain my strength."Why are you asking me that, Cosette?" Yohan smirked, resuming his task. "I’m not part of any mafia group."Silence settled between us again. I watched him carefully. His expression was serious as he tended to my wounds, and I had the distinct feeling that he wanted to tell me something but couldn’t
Early in the morning, I was surprised. For my safety, I agreed with Yohan that I should have bodyguards. For now, I'll take a break, stay home, avoid going out, and refrain from working for a while."Is your stomach hurting? Is that why you left the event so suddenly, Setta?"I almost spit out the juice I was drinking when my sister, Geneva, asked that. She had visited me in my office at Warren Empire, saying she had good news to share. I'm happy for my sister because Dad finally agreed to let her continue her studies in fashion design. Geneva went through a lot of struggles before Dad finally gave in and allowed her to pursue her dream.I'm genuinely happy for her, especially since I can see that she truly loves her husband.Geneva was extremely worried about me, wondering why I had suddenly disappeared from our event at the new Warren Empire hotel. I still remember that night when I saw Geneva and Sylvie in the hall. I told them I was going to the restroom, but I never returned beca
"How are you and Zion, Cosette?"I paused mid-bite when Dad asked me that. I was visiting my parents since it had been a while since I last came over, and I missed both Mommy and Daddy. They still didn't know what had happened to me, and I had no intention of telling them—I didn’t want to add to their worries.I forced a faint smile and answered, "We're good, Dad. On Monday, we're going to Spain. His cousin is getting married, and he wants me to go with him."Dad nodded and continued eating. I glanced at Mom, who was already looking at me. We exchanged smiles.After dinner, Dad asked me to follow him to his office. He looked deep in thought, his usual serious expression even more intense than usual. Once inside, he turned to face me with an unreadable look."Zion has already signed the partnership contract between Allen Company and Warren Empire. I'm confident that by next month, we'll be leading in the rankings, and more investors will follow," Dad said, his tone businesslike.I wasn
Cosette’s POV"Did you get home safely to your apartment, Cosette?" I blinked when I heard Herbert speak. We were having lunch together.Yohan still sent food for me, and that's what I'm eating now with Herbert inside my office. I couldn't help but remember what happened last night in the traffic while we waited for the cars to move. I found myself blushing slightly."Cosette?""H-Huh?" I quickly looked up at Herbert when he spoke again. I realized I hadn't answered his question."You haven't answered my question yet. Did you get home okay last night?" he asked.I nodded and forced a smile at
Cosette’s POVI was inside Yohan's Ashton Martin, and he started the car. He seemed focused on driving now. No one was speaking, and it was quiet around us. I wanted to play some music now inside his car, but I felt hesitant to ask him, especially since Yohan seemed annoyed right now, with his furrowed brow and lack of speech or even a smile.I leaned back in my seat, feeling grumpy and crossed my arms. I still couldn't believe he scared my friend Herbert. I hadn't even had the chance to apologize to Herbert when Yohan suddenly pulled me into his car and drove off, leaving Herbert alone at the entrance of the building where I work."Is he your suitor?" Yohan suddenly spoke, making me blink and look at him. His expression was still serious.
Cosette’s POV"Mommy, is it really true that Mr. CEO is now wanting you to be his girlfriend?"I paused from what I was doing when Johiel suddenly asked me. It's the first time he's asked me about Yohan. He hasn't asked again since Yohan declared in front of my friends and my son that he’s dating me. I haven't told Johiel again because I don't know how to explain it to him. This is the first time Johiel has witnessed someone trying to court me. In the past, whenever someone tried to flirt with me, I immediately rejected them because I didn't want Johiel to know."Huh? Uh, y-yes," I hesitantly replied to my son's question.He nodded seriously while looking at me. He may not look much like Yohan, but I can still see in his face that he takes after his father, especially in his intimidating demeanor, especially when his expression is serious and he's staring at you."Will he become my daddy if you say yes to Mr. CEO?"I blinked my eyes when Johiel asked that. I took a deep breath before
Cosette’s POVI've been feeling uncomfortable in my seat for a while now and I can't leave because Franklyn doesn't want me to. Yohan has already gone home because he also needed to leave for a meeting today. When Yohan left, Franklyn quickly pulled me and made me sit on the couch, with both him and Iris sitting in front of me, looking serious. Johiel, on the other hand, went to play in the guest room for a while, and I didn't let Johiel into our room because I haven't cleaned it yet. It still smells like…us, and I don't want Johiel to find out. Goodness!"Wow. So that's why you're so eager to leave our place because you're hiding a secret, Cosette Blanche Allen, formerly Warren!" Franklyn said, widening his eyes at me.I was taken aback and didn't know what to say. I glanced at Iris, who was already holding her forehead while looking at me. Goodness, I think I stressed out the pregnant woman."Have you and Zion gotten back together, Cosette?" Iris asked me seriously.I quickly shook
Cosette’s POVI am in a daze as I stare at the wall while still lying in bed. I don't know how long I've been staring; I woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep because so many thoughts were racing through my mind. Yohan's arm is still wrapped around my waist, and his naked body is pressed against my neck, and I can feel him sleeping peacefully.I can't believe I gave in to Yohan so quickly. Oh my God! I didn't even drink alcohol last night; I just had a movie marathon, so why do I feel suddenly intoxicated? Shit. I think I'm going crazy.I glanced at Yohan and saw him sleeping soundly, with his mouth slightly ajar. His breathing is gentle, and he doesn't snore when he sleeps; he's like an angel. I stared at Yohan's face for a few minutes before deciding to get up from bed. I grabbed a fresh set of clothes to wear since my clothes and Yohan's are still in the living room. After dressing, I tied up my messy hair.As I walk now, I feel a burning sensation and pain in my middle. Yoha
Cosette’s POV"Yohan, what are you doing! You're drunk!" I said to Yohan and pushed him away, but he just clung to me tighter.He looked up at me again and raised an eyebrow. He caressed my cheek and grinned."I'm not drunk, Cosette, just a little buzzed. I know what I'm doing right now, and I'm claiming what is mine.""W-What—"Yohan kissed me again on the lips, this time with a hint of urgency. He deepened the kiss, and I found myself holding onto his hair and kissing him back. I slightly parted my lips, and he immediately slipped his tongue inside, teasing mine. I gasped as I felt Yohan's hand travel to my waist and slip inside my shirt.
Cosette’s POV"Is my car still not fixed, Herbert? It's still relatively new, I just bought it. It's strange that it's breaking down so soon, especially since it's not a second-hand car," I said to him.He volunteered to have my car fixed, and it's been about four days now, but my car still isn't fixed. I feel sorry for my son, who always has to take a bus to school, and sometimes I have to book a cab for them so that his nanny doesn't have a hard time. If it still isn't fixed soon, I might just buy a new car and choose the newest and brand-new one."Do you really need a car, Cosette? I can buy you one," Herbert said."Oh my god. Stop it, Herbert! I can't let you do that again, especially with expensive things
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