Chapter Thirty-Six:The Hidden LieLily’s PovI stood in front of my closet, and though a hundred thoughts swam through my head, none really seemed to matter, considering the blank stare that I gave the rows of clothes right in front of me. The silent dresses, skirts, and blouses hung quiet witnesses to my decision, the soft fabric almost ridiculing me, reminding me of a life which I was to turn my back on. My fingers moved across the soft, blue material of a dress, but the reflection staring back at me was that of a stranger in the mirror.Who was I anymore? Was I the girl who once had hope, dreams, and love inside her heart, or had she simply become just another person now-a woman who would do whatever it took to protect the man she loved?Sighing, I turned away from the mirror, adjusting the dress to make at least a modicum of confidence in my appearance. My heart was racing in my chest, and a cold knot of unease twisted my stomach. I knew what I had to do, but I wasn't ready. Stil
.Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Deal Lily PovThe taxi ride to Mr. Carter's estate felt endless. Each mile that passed made my stomach churn harder, my fingers curling into my dress as I stared blankly out the window. The city lights blurred past, casting strange shadows that danced across my trembling hands.I had made my choice.I kept telling myself that.Over and over.But my body knew otherwise.I had a dryness in my throat, my palms were clammy, and however many deep breaths I'd taken, there was a quiver coiled inside me-a snake ready to strike. I should turn around. I should tell the driver to change direction, to take me somewhere- anywhere-that wasn't this place.But I didn't.Because I couldn't.Because this was for Simeon.And if this was it, what it would take, then so be it.The car slowed, and I looked up just in time to see the massive iron gates of Mr. Carter's mansion looming ahead. The driver said nothing as the gates slid open smoothly, allowing us inside as if I was e
Chapter Thirty-Eight: Love She Can't AcceptLily's POVI sat on my bed, staring into the mirror as I gazed back at me. My hair was a slight mess from the shower I took, but no amount of hot water could take off the stench of last night. My skin still had the feel of his touch; it was as if I could feel it clung to my skin like an unerasable stain.Mr. Carter.I squeezed my eyes shut, my breath hitching sharply. I had done what had to be done. For Simeon. For the man that I loved.But at what cost?It twisted and coiled inside me like a snake, tighter with every second that reeled by. I didn't know how to face him, how to look into his eyes and pretend as if nothing had happened. What if he could tell? What if he knew already?The sudden knock at the door made me freeze.I felt my heart stop for one moment, then hammer wildly within my chest. I curled my fingers into the sheets as I sat there unmoving, hoping—praying—whoever it was would just leave.Another knock.Then his voice."Lily
Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Toast to RuinVivian's POVThick smoke wafted in the air from the high-class cigars, with heavy-smelling whiskies: this darkly lit lounge gleamed with soft gold color everywhere and resonated with tinging glass-ice rings touching in salutation. A cool tone of smooth jazz sounds sat at the core, yet this was blurred out by a wave of loud peals of laughter falling out as Nelson relaxed backward in his couch, the amber liquid dancing around his glass.“To us," he grinned, raising his drink. "To the fall of Simeon."I smirked, lifting my own glass to meet his in a satisfying clink. "To us," I echoed. "To the fools who dare stand in our way."Sweet was the taste of victory mixed with the burn of whiskey as it slid down my throat. I crossed one leg over the other, settling into my seat with satisfaction."You should have seen the look on his face, Nelson," I said, continuing with a wicked curl of my lips. "The mighty Simeon brought to his knees, his empire cracking un
Chapter Forty: Drag Him to His KneesNelson's POVDimly lit, the shadows were long across the room as I leaned back in my chair, staring at the men in front of me. Smoke and whiskey thickly laced the air, overlaid by something far more dangerous-anticipation. My boys, my most loyal and ruthless men, watched and waited for my command.I swirled the whiskey in my glass, setting it down with a deliberate clink against the wood."It's time," I said, my voice slicing through the silence like a blade. "I have been watching him for too long and That ends tonight."A slow, wicked grin stretched across Marco's face as he cracked his knuckles. "What's the plan, boss?"I leaned forward, my fingers steepled together. "We're gonna hit his mansion hard. I want every one of his men dead or so badly broken they won't be able to stand. Wound them. Make 'em bleed. Let 'em know what crossing me looks like.My vision dimmed further. "But Simeon? He is mine. I want him dragged here, on his knees, in front
Chapter One: The Wife No One Knows I stepped into the sleek, modern lobby of Brennan Enterprises, my heart racing with excitement. Today was to be a surprise-something I hadn't done in a long time. I missed the early days of our marriage when we'd steal moments like this. Adrian had been swamped with work lately, his schedule packed with meetings and business deals. I figured it was time to remind him that I was still here, still his wife. The lobby was full of people, all either stuck to their phones or talking in muffled tones. Typical morning, but that didn't stop the butterflies in my stomach. I had a special gift for him-a limited edition watch he'd eyed for months, something I knew he'd appreciate. It wasn't much, but it felt right. I approached the front desk and smiled at the girl behind it, anxious to get into Adrian's office. "Good morning. I am here to see Mr. Adrian Brennan. I am his wife, Lily," I said, my voice light and cheerful. Her eyes slightly widened before sh
Chapter Two: The Truth Hurts I sat in a dimly lit living room with the weight of the world upon my chest. The walls seemed to be closing in on me. I was shaking to wipe the tears from my eyes, but they just kept on coming-on and on, each wave much deeper than the last. I did not expect it to hurt this much after all we went through and after everything I gave up. Adrian. This was not my husband, the man with whom I lived-the very image and substance of a man whom I thought I knew-but a betrayal. I'd gone to his office today to surprise him, reminding him that we were one, still a team even after all these years; instead, I found this man I loved wasn't the man I thought at all. The name-Sophia, Mrs. Brennan, the one who had been kept in the dark from me, the one nobody had ever spoken about, the pivot of everything that I ever thought I knew about my marriage-kept ringing in my ears. I had sacrificed everything for him. I had sold my father's land, the last piece of his leg
Chapter Three I sat at the kitchen table, my hands gripping the edge as I watched Adrian prepare for work. His movements were brisk and deliberate, as though the cracks in our marriage didn’t exist, as if last night’s conversation had never happened. I had called his sister after our talk yesterday , hoping she would talk to him and remind him of the family we used to dream of building together. I could hardly look at him, but I knew I had to try. "Adrian," I started off lamely, my voice shaking despite my best effort to steady it. "Your sister called yesterday. She….she wants to see us. She said it's been too long since we visited. Adrian paused, his hand mid-air as he adjusted his tie. His expression darkened immediately, his eyes narrowing as they flicked toward me. “What did you tell her?” The accusatory tone in his voice was like a slap to the face. I blinked, trying to push down the surge of hurt that rose in my chest. “Nothing, Adrian. I didn’t tell her anything about… us
Chapter Forty: Drag Him to His KneesNelson's POVDimly lit, the shadows were long across the room as I leaned back in my chair, staring at the men in front of me. Smoke and whiskey thickly laced the air, overlaid by something far more dangerous-anticipation. My boys, my most loyal and ruthless men, watched and waited for my command.I swirled the whiskey in my glass, setting it down with a deliberate clink against the wood."It's time," I said, my voice slicing through the silence like a blade. "I have been watching him for too long and That ends tonight."A slow, wicked grin stretched across Marco's face as he cracked his knuckles. "What's the plan, boss?"I leaned forward, my fingers steepled together. "We're gonna hit his mansion hard. I want every one of his men dead or so badly broken they won't be able to stand. Wound them. Make 'em bleed. Let 'em know what crossing me looks like.My vision dimmed further. "But Simeon? He is mine. I want him dragged here, on his knees, in front
Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Toast to RuinVivian's POVThick smoke wafted in the air from the high-class cigars, with heavy-smelling whiskies: this darkly lit lounge gleamed with soft gold color everywhere and resonated with tinging glass-ice rings touching in salutation. A cool tone of smooth jazz sounds sat at the core, yet this was blurred out by a wave of loud peals of laughter falling out as Nelson relaxed backward in his couch, the amber liquid dancing around his glass.“To us," he grinned, raising his drink. "To the fall of Simeon."I smirked, lifting my own glass to meet his in a satisfying clink. "To us," I echoed. "To the fools who dare stand in our way."Sweet was the taste of victory mixed with the burn of whiskey as it slid down my throat. I crossed one leg over the other, settling into my seat with satisfaction."You should have seen the look on his face, Nelson," I said, continuing with a wicked curl of my lips. "The mighty Simeon brought to his knees, his empire cracking un
Chapter Thirty-Eight: Love She Can't AcceptLily's POVI sat on my bed, staring into the mirror as I gazed back at me. My hair was a slight mess from the shower I took, but no amount of hot water could take off the stench of last night. My skin still had the feel of his touch; it was as if I could feel it clung to my skin like an unerasable stain.Mr. Carter.I squeezed my eyes shut, my breath hitching sharply. I had done what had to be done. For Simeon. For the man that I loved.But at what cost?It twisted and coiled inside me like a snake, tighter with every second that reeled by. I didn't know how to face him, how to look into his eyes and pretend as if nothing had happened. What if he could tell? What if he knew already?The sudden knock at the door made me freeze.I felt my heart stop for one moment, then hammer wildly within my chest. I curled my fingers into the sheets as I sat there unmoving, hoping—praying—whoever it was would just leave.Another knock.Then his voice."Lily
.Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Deal Lily PovThe taxi ride to Mr. Carter's estate felt endless. Each mile that passed made my stomach churn harder, my fingers curling into my dress as I stared blankly out the window. The city lights blurred past, casting strange shadows that danced across my trembling hands.I had made my choice.I kept telling myself that.Over and over.But my body knew otherwise.I had a dryness in my throat, my palms were clammy, and however many deep breaths I'd taken, there was a quiver coiled inside me-a snake ready to strike. I should turn around. I should tell the driver to change direction, to take me somewhere- anywhere-that wasn't this place.But I didn't.Because I couldn't.Because this was for Simeon.And if this was it, what it would take, then so be it.The car slowed, and I looked up just in time to see the massive iron gates of Mr. Carter's mansion looming ahead. The driver said nothing as the gates slid open smoothly, allowing us inside as if I was e
Chapter Thirty-Six:The Hidden LieLily’s PovI stood in front of my closet, and though a hundred thoughts swam through my head, none really seemed to matter, considering the blank stare that I gave the rows of clothes right in front of me. The silent dresses, skirts, and blouses hung quiet witnesses to my decision, the soft fabric almost ridiculing me, reminding me of a life which I was to turn my back on. My fingers moved across the soft, blue material of a dress, but the reflection staring back at me was that of a stranger in the mirror.Who was I anymore? Was I the girl who once had hope, dreams, and love inside her heart, or had she simply become just another person now-a woman who would do whatever it took to protect the man she loved?Sighing, I turned away from the mirror, adjusting the dress to make at least a modicum of confidence in my appearance. My heart was racing in my chest, and a cold knot of unease twisted my stomach. I knew what I had to do, but I wasn't ready. Stil
Chapter Thirty Five: The Cost of LoyaltyLily's POVThe air felt heavier inside the car than usual. What I had just done, the look in his eyes while he made his proposition, replayed itself in my mind. The image of him, sitting with those sharp, calculating eyes, his voice so smooth yet cold, offering me something I never thought I would ever hear from any man, still churned my stomach.I could still hear him so clear in my head: "If you want me to keep my word, then I need something in return, more valuable than money—your trust, your body.My knuckles turned white as my grip on the steering wheel tightened. I couldn't even look at my phone. What was I doing? This wasn't me. This wasn't who I was. I had spent so much of my life protecting myself from being used, from being objectified. Yet here I was, considering something that was a far cry from my ideals, just to save Simeon.It churned my stomach, but I knew I was out of options. This was it; I had to do it-for Simeon.The man I a
Chapter Thirty Four : The Costly Preposition Lily's POVI sat across from Simeon's personal assistant, my hands gripping the edges of the chair. Everything that had taken place pressed down hard upon me, and I felt out of breath. Once rejected, thrown out as if I meant nothing, I knew I couldn't stop now. I had to just keep trying.Lily," the P.A. sighed, rubbing her temples as she stared at me. "I know you mean well, but this… this isn't going to work."I shook my head obstinately. "I just can't sit back and watch everything fall apart. Simeon has done so much for everyone. He doesn't deserve this."I know," she said, leaning forward. "But these men aren't the kind of people you can beg for mercy. They're powerful, cold businessmen. Their loyalty lies wherever the money is. And right now, Vivian has given them more than enough reason to cut ties with Simeon."I swallowed hard. "So, what? We just give up?"She let her breath out in a slow hiss. "I'm saying you should be careful. You
Chapter Thirty ThreeA Desperate PleaLily's POVI took a deep breath as I stood outside the towering glass building, my heart pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. The air was crisp, but my palms were sweaty. My mind was filled with doubts, questions that pestered me like tinnitus—was this a mistake? Would he even listen to me?But then, I thought about Simeon.The way the bone in his jaw gnashed with each notice of withdrawal. The toll in his eyes, trying to feign all was well. His whole empire crumbling at his feet as he tried to keep himself intact.No, I just couldn't sit around and do nothing.Squaring my shoulders, I walked into the building, my heels clicking against the polished marble floors. The receptionist barely spared me a glance as I approached the front desk."I'm here to see Mr. Giovanni," I said, my voice much steadier than I felt.She looked me up and down before typing something on her computer. "Do you have an appointment?""No, but it's urgent."She let o
Chapter Thirty TwoLily’s POVSimeon had always been a powerful man. He was someone who could walk into a room and make people bow without saying a word. He carried an aura of authority, dominance, and sheer presence. But now… now he looked different.There was something unnerving about seeing him this way, trapped in silence, lost in his thoughts, his usually sharp eyes dulled with something near doubt. His empire was falling, and he was utterly incapable of doing anything to stop this. No amount of threats, power, or influence could fix this overnight.And I hated seeing him this way.I sat opposite him in this dimly lit office, looking at him running his hand through his hair, the muscles of his jaw clenched. His telephone had been bleeding for an hour, buzzing and ringing with no end, every call a little worse than the one before: partner after partner, investor after investor, people bailing.Simeon's P.A., Amelia, stood off to the side, clutching a tablet and looking strained. S