ISABELLA I had never felt this powerful before. I walked through the boutique like I owned the world, ordering employees around, picking whatever caught my eye, and swiping Victor’s card like money had no meaning. Because to me, it didn’t. Not anymore. I was Isabella Sinclair now...the wife of Victor Sinclair. And that meant his wealth belonged to me. As I glanced at my reflection in one of the boutique mirrors, I smiled. A week ago, I had nothing. A week ago, I was just another woman chasing after a man’s affection. But now? I had everything. Everything I ever wanted. Over the past week, I had spent billions. Shoes, clothes, jewelry...there was nothing I couldn’t buy. My father’s company, which had once been struggling, was now flourishing, thanks to the money I had funneled into it. My mother was living like a queen, and I? I was in heaven. After paying for everything, I turned to my mother and handed her a thick envelope of cash. “Go home, Mom. Enjoy yourself,” I s
ISABELLA My phone buzzed just as I was finishing my little monologue to Victor’s lifeless body. I picked it up with a smirk, already knowing who it was. “Hey, baby! I miss you already too. Okay, I’ll be right there.” I ended the call and turned back to Victor, shaking my head with mock pity. “Unfortunately, I have to go,” I sighed. “I mean, I’d love to stay, but look at you. You can’t even move. You’re practically useless.” I chuckled, running a hand through my hair. “And a girl has needs, you know? So… goodbye, darling.” I blew him a kiss before leaving to my room. Walking to the mirror, I took my time to get dressed. A silky red dress, high heels, and just the right amount of perfume. I needed to look irresistible. By the time I walked out of the mansion, I was a vision of perfection, ready to spend the night in the arms of my lover. The hotel room was lavish, and the scent of expensive wine filling the air. The man waiting for me grinned as I stepped in, his hands im
VICTOR Shock. Disappointment. Anger. Even those words weren’t enough to describe what I felt. Every muscle in my body tensed as I listened to Isabella’s words, her laughter, her arrogance. This was the woman I had trusted? The woman I had defended? I had risked everything for her. And now, she was planning my downfall. For the past week, I had been playing dead... pretending to be in a coma, letting Isabella believe I was too far gone to hear or understand anything. It was the hardest thing I had ever done. The long, suffocating hours of lying motionless, unable to react, unable to fight back, pretending to leave my fate to the people around me. Lucas had smuggled food to me every night, helping me stay strong while I remained in my act. I had done this to prove to Lucas and my mother that I had chosen the right woman. That Isabella was the best choice for me. But I had been a fool. A blind, naïve fool. Lucas had been right all along. Isabella wasn't just ba
VICTOR Isabella had no idea that I heard everything. Every single poisonous word that came out of her mouth. I had already accepted that she was nothing more than a greedy, manipulative woman. But hearing her actually confess to murdering Sophia? Hearing her say that she lured her own half-sister into a building and burned her to death? It took everything in me not to react. This woman. This woman I had once loved, defended, and given everything to… she was a murderer. And I had been her fool. She sat beside me, running her fingers along my arm as she spoke, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “Did you hear what Lucas said, Victor?” she murmured. “He thinks you’re going to wake up and kick me out. Can you believe that?” She sighed. “I mean, I married you even though it was obvious you were dying. And now your dear brother thinks he can just take everything from me?” I lay motionless, my heart pounding with fury. She chuckled softly. “Lucas… poor Lucas.
VICTOR Isabella lay crumpled on the floor, her face swollen, blood dripping from her lips, her body barely able to move. I stood over her, my chest rising and falling heavily, my fists aching from the force of my rage. But I felt no remorse. Not even an ounce of it. I had given her everything. And she had taken everything from me in return. I took a deep breath, my voice unforgiving. "You admitted it, Isabella," I said. "With your own mouth, you confessed." Her swollen eyes blinked open, barely able to focus on me. "You said it yourself," I continued. "You lured Sophia to that building. You trapped her there. You burned her alive. You killed my wife. You killed my child." Her lips trembled. "V-Victor, please…" I crouched down beside her, gripping her chin tightly, forcing her to look into my eyes. "I could kill you right now," I whispered. "And I wouldn’t feel a thing." Tears rolled down her bloodied cheeks. "But no," I continued, letting go of her face rou
SOPHIA Days turned into weeks, and before I knew it, an entire month had passed. I couldn’t say I wasn’t relieved. The doctor had ordered me to rest for the past few weeks, treating me like a fragile piece of glass. At first, I hated it...being confined to bed, constantly watched over, unable to do anything for myself or Caleb, the angel in my life. But I knew it was for the best. My body had been through a lot, and so had my mind. Still, when the one-month mark finally arrived, I was beyond happy to be free of that prison of blankets and pillows. Caleb took me to the hospital for my check-up, driving with the same calm confidence he always had. He never complained, never made me feel like I was a burden, even though I knew I had been, in more ways than one. At the hospital, the doctor ran his usual tests, checking my vitals and the baby’s growth. When he finally looked up, a small smile on his lips, I felt the tension in my chest ease. “You’re doing great,” he said. “You
SOPHIA The mall was bright and buzzing with life. Shoppers moved from one aisle to another, their carts filled with bags, clothes, and baby items. Caleb and I had already picked out a good amount of things, but we still lingered, walking past racks of tiny baby clothes and colorful toys. “You know it’s a girl, right?” Caleb said confidently, picking up a pink onesie with tiny bunny ears on the hood. I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms. “And how exactly are you so sure?” “I just know.” He smirked, tossing the onesie into our cart. “Father’s instinct.” I scoffed. “Well, I think it’s a boy.” Caleb chuckled. “Oh really? And how do you know?” I shrugged, placing a blue onesie in the cart. “Mother’s instinct.” His laughter was warm, deep. “Alright, since we clearly won’t agree, we’ll just buy things for both. That way, we’re covered either way.” I sighed, but a smile tugged at my lips. “Fine. But you do realize your mom has already gone overboard? She’s bought enough things to l
VICTOR My phone rang just as I was reviewing the latest reports in my office. I sighed, rubbing my temples. It had been a long day, and I wasn’t in the mood for interruptions. But when I saw my mother’s name flashing on the screen, I straightened. She rarely called me during business hours. I picked up. “Mom?” Her voice came through the line, breathless and urgent. “Victor, you need to come home. Now.” My stomach tightened. “What’s wrong?” “It’s an emergency. Just come home.” Her voice held a note of panic that I had never heard before. Without wasting a second, I grabbed my keys and strode out of my office, ignoring my secretary’s attempt to stop me. Whatever it was, it had to be serious. I drove home as fast as I could, my mind racing with possibilities. Had she fallen sick? Had something terrible happened at home? But when I arrived and stepped into the house, my mother stood in the living room, clutching a stack of papers in her hands. “What’s going on?” I ask
MONTHS LATER The early morning sun filtered through the cream-colored curtains of Sophia and Caleb’s bedroom, casting a soft golden glow over the room. It was quiet, peaceful—too peaceful for what was about to happen. Sophia stirred in bed, her brows furrowed slightly as a sharp wave of discomfort ran through her lower back. She shifted, thinking it was just the usual pregnancy ache she’d been dealing with for weeks now. But then, a second wave came... stronger, more distinct, and she gasped, her hand flying to her belly. “Caleb…” she whispered, a mixture of nervousness and urgency in her voice. He stirred beside her, his eyes opening in slow confusion. “Soph? You okay?” “I think…” she breathed, pausing as another contraction hit, this one more intense than the last. “I think the baby’s coming.” That was all Caleb needed to hear. He jumped out of bed in a flash, suddenly wide awake, his mind scrambling to recall everything they had planned. He rushed to grab the hospital
The day finally came for Ezekiel and Irene's wedding.. The venue was a grand, open-air estate draped in soft white fabrics and adorned with cascading flowers in shades of blush, ivory, and gold. A warm breeze carried the scent of fresh roses through the air, while violins played gently in the background. The crowd was large, filled with dignitaries, friends, family, and loved ones who had gathered to celebrate the long-awaited union. Irene looked breathtaking in a flowing, pearl-white gown that hugged her frame perfectly, her veil trailing behind her like a waterfall of lace. Ezekiel stood at the altar, his face a mixture of nervousness and joy, dressed in an impeccably tailored tuxedo. Alina sat in the second row beside Zander, her fingers laced through his as they both watched the ceremony unfold. She wore a pale pink dress that shimmered softly in the light, her hair pinned in soft curls. A few people from Zander’s family had shown up too....his mother, glowing with pride, and
After Zander and Alina left Ezekiel, Irene went back home with him, and for the first time in days, she felt true relief. Finally, the storm had calmed. Ezekiel had taken the first step, and even though it wasn’t a full embrace, it was a beginning. That was all she had ever wanted. Later that day, after they returned home, Alina and Zander were greeted by a surprise—Zander’s grandfather was waiting for them in the grand living room. He sat on his usual armchair, a newspaper resting on the table beside him and a cup of untouched tea growing cold. What surprised Alina most was the soft expression on the old man’s face. “Alina,” he called gently, waving her over. “Come sit.” She glanced at Zander, who gave her a reassuring nod. Alina walked over, heart steady but expectant. Zander’s grandfather had barely spoken a kind word to her since she’d entered the mansion. But ever since the incident with Anna—the exposed plot, the video, the fall down the stairs—his demeanor had changed. Hi
Zander’s grandfather was seething when he was away from Alina and Zander. His cane trembled in his grip as his voice echoed through the room. “How dare she?” he thundered. “How could Anna try to harm Zander’s mother like that? In our home!” The anger in his voice silenced the whispers around him. Everyone, still stunned from the video Alina had shown, stood quietly as the weight of Anna’s betrayal settled over them. Zander’s mother turned toward Alina, her eyes glossy with emotion. She reached out and pulled her into a hug, her voice soft but full of gratitude. “You saved me,” she whispered. “I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if Anna had succeeded. Thank you, Alina.” Before Alina could respond, Zander stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind, drawing her into his chest. “You saved my mom,” he murmured, pressing a light kiss to the top of her head.After a while, Zander's grandfather called for Alina and Zander's mother to see him.
The scent of disinfectant filled the private hospital room where Anna lay on the bed, her head bandaged, her arm in a sling. Seated beside her was Daniel’s mother, her lips twisted in frustration as she leaned closer to Anna. "This is not how it was supposed to go," she hissed under her breath. “Your foolish stunt only made things worse. And that stupid son of mine—Daniel let Zander record his confession. Now, not only does Zander have the upper hand, but we’re both walking on thin ice.” Anna groaned and sat up slightly, wincing at the pain in her ribs. “Stop blaming me. Grandfather would never turn on me. I’m the one he loves most. I’m the only one who’s always been by his side.” “Love or not,” Daniel’s mother said with narrowed eyes, “you’re lying here, and that woman....Alina...is still walking around like a queen.” Anna’s expression twisted with pain and jealousy. “What hurts the most is that Zander hasn’t even visited me. Not once. I did everything for him. All I wanted w
When Zander and Alina returned home, Zander didn’t let her walk. He cradled her gently in his arms and was carrying her toward their bedroom when a sharp voice interrupted their peaceful moment. “Zander, put her down and explain yourself right now!” Standing in the hallway was Daniel’s mother, her face twisted with fury. Beside her stood their grandfather, stone-faced and silent, while Daniel trailed behind them, his face swollen and wrapped in white gauze from the bruises Zander had given him the night before. Zander stopped, but he didn’t set Alina down. He kept his arms firmly around her as his gaze met Daniel’s mother’s accusing eyes. “This is unacceptable!” she spat. “How dare you beat up my son for your characterless wife? What sort of example are you trying to set in this family?” Their grandfather stepped forward, his cane tapping the tiled floor. “We demand an explanation, Zander,” he said in a deep, gruff voice. “You’ve become reckless...beating family, creating sc
Despite her doubts and the warning that her brother would never approve, Alina gave a quiet nod and agreed. There was a strange sense of calm in her decision now. “Honestly,” she said softly, “being married to you feels a lot better than going back and letting my brother choose someone else for me again.” Zander didn’t say anything immediately, but the softness in his eyes said everything. A few seconds later, Alina added, “Still, I want to see him. Ezekiel knows the truth about Matt now, and I think I owe it to both of us to try one more time to talk to him.” Zander reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “That’s not a problem,” he said, his tone gentle. “I’ll take you to see him. I just hope he keeps his hands to himself this time. If he ever lays a finger on you again…” Alina smiled faintly and touched his chest. “He won’t. Not now.” Zander nodded, then leaned back slightly and glanced at her. “Can I make a suggestion?” “Sure.” “I was thinking,” he
The sound of running water had faded, and a hush fell over the room as Zander stepped out of the bathroom. Steam followed him, curling like mist around the sharp angles of his body. He wore nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, his dark hair damp and clinging to his forehead. The tension that had gripped him earlier had dissolved beneath the warm shower, leaving him quieter, calmer—but no less conflicted. Alina, seated on the edge of the bed, looked up as he entered. Her gaze locked on him, her lips parting slightly in surprise at the sight of him. There was a long pause, a silence that crackled between them, filled with all the things neither had said. Zander reached for the towel around his neck, rubbing it through his hair, and then paused. His eyes met hers, and he spoke in a voice that was low but steady. “I never doubted you,” he said. Alina blinked, unsure of what he meant. “Earlier, when I asked if what that idiot said was true,” he continued, his tone soften
Once they entered their bedroom, Alina didn’t waste a second. She pushed Zander gently onto the bed and climbed onto his lap, cupping his face as she captured his lips in a deep, lingering kiss. Her actions were bold, deliberate, and had one very specific goal. Just as their kiss deepened and Zander’s arms found their way around her waist, the door creaked open behind them. Anna stood in the doorway, frozen, eyes wide with horror. A second later, her face crumpled, and she turned and ran away, sobbing. Alina pulled back slowly and rolled off Zander, a sly smile curving her lips as she lay beside him. Zander looked at her, slightly breathless. “What was that smile for?” Alina sat up and brushed her fingers through her hair, still smirking. “Well, she came to my face and warned me earlier tonight. I just thought I’d return the favor... in a way she won’t forget.” Zander blinked at her. “So this was for Anna?” “Partly,” she replied calmly. “Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. B