Gina's POV As Alex led me to the bedroom, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The events of the past few days had been overwhelming, and I was grateful for the comfort and safety of Alex's arms.We stepped into the bathroom, and Alex turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature to just right. We stood under the warm water, letting it wash away the stresses of the day. Afterwards, Alex gently towel-dried my hair and applied a generous amount of hair oil, working it through my tangled locks with a gentle touch.As he combed out my hair, I felt my eyes grow heavy, the soothing motion lulling me into a state of relaxation. Alex helped me slide into my nightgown, his fingers brushing against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.We climbed into bed, and Alex wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. I felt safe, protected, and loved."Gina, I want you to promise me something," Alex said, his voice low and serious."What is it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper."I want
Julian's POV The next evening, we got our confirmation. Bill’s men had eyes on Elena. She had just returned to the apartment after being out all day, and she was alone. “This is it,” Monica said, pacing excitedly. “We need to act now.” I glanced at Lily, but she was avoiding my gaze. “Bill’s men are in position,” I told them. “They can handle the grab. But once we have her, what’s next?” Monica grinned. “We make her talk. One way or another.” Lily shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. I nodded. “Alright. Let’s do this.” I made the call. Lily finally looked up, her eyes wide with unease. “Julian…” I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “Trust me.” She hesitated, then gave a small nod. I looked back at the message on my phone. Take her to the warehouse. We’ll be there soon.*******I paced the length of the warehouse, my shoes clicking against the cold concrete floor. The dim light barely illuminated the figure tied to the chair in the center of the ro
Julian's POVI bent over and ripped the blindfold off the girl's face, my heart pounding. The dim light of the warehouse flickered over her tear-streaked cheeks, but as soon as I got a good look at her, my stomach twisted. It wasn’t Elena. Lily gasped beside me, her hand flying to her mouth. "Julian… this isn’t her."Monica, standing a few feet away, erupted into laughter. "You idiots," she scoffed, shaking her head. "You fools are always being deceived."My jaw clenched so tight I thought my teeth might crack. Rage surged through me like wildfire. I spun around and locked eyes with one of the men who had captured the girl. Without a second thought, I drove my fist into his face, feeling the satisfying crunch of bone against my knuckles. He staggered back, blood dripping from his nose. "You had one job," I snarled. "One fucking job! And you couldn’t even do that right."He groaned, holding his face, but I wasn’t done. I stepped forward, grabbing his shirt, yanking him close. "Go fin
Elena's POV Some Days Earlier***I trudged wearily back to my apartment, my arms laden with groceries from the market. It had been weeks since I'd last spoken to Gina, and I was starting to feel like a ghost, invisible and forgotten.After leaving Lily's house under Gina's instructions, I'd gone into hiding, always looking over my shoulder, waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'd rented a small apartment a few months ago, and it had become my refuge, my sanctuary.But I couldn't stay there all the time. I had to keep moving, had to keep changing my routine, just in case someone was watching. So, some nights I'd lodge in a hotel, paying cash and using a fake name.It was a lonely, isolating existence, but I knew it was necessary. I'd seen what Gina was capable of, and I knew that if she wanted to find me, she would.As I approached my apartment building, I noticed something that made my heart skip a beat. Two men, dressed in black and wearing masks, were snooping around the entrance.
Gina's POV I walked into my house, dropping my bag on the floor. I was exhausted from a long day at work. As I made my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, I remembered that I hadn't spoken to Elena in a while.I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed her number. She picked up on the second ring."Gina! Oh my god, it's so great to hear from you!" Elena exclaimed.I chuckled. "Hey, Elena. I'm sorry I haven't called you in a while. How have you been?""I've been good, Gina. But I've had some trouble," Elena said, her voice serious."What kind of trouble?" I asked, my instincts on high alert."Julian and his friends sent some men to capture me," Elena said, her voice shaking.I gritted my teeth. "Those bastards. I'm so sorry, Elena. Are you okay?""Yeah, I'm fine. I managed to escape," Elena said.I took a deep breath. "Elena, I think it's time for you to get out of the country. I want you to fly to Asia."There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Asia? But why, Gina?""Beca
Gina's POV I screamed, my voice echoing off the lavish walls of our mansion. "Help! Someone, please!" Panic set in as I clutched my abdomen, waves of agony washing over me.An hour after taking the cup of coffee which my maid, Rachel, had brought me, a searing pain tore through my lower belly, leaving me breathless. I stumbled out of bed, my vision blurring.As my feet touched the floor, I felt a strange slickness between my thighs.No, no, no. This can't be happening.I was only two months pregnant, and the thought of losing my baby was unbearable. Fear gripped me as I felt the warm liquid trickling down my thighs. Blood. Oh God, I'm bleeding.“Is anyone there? Lana! Help me!” I screamed at the top of my voice.Lana burst into my room, followed by other servants. "Ma'am, what's wrong?" she cried, alarm etched on her face."I...I think I'm losing the baby, I don't know. I'm…in pains.” I stammered, tears streaming down my face.The steward, James, sprang into action, quickly putting m
Gina's POVJulian's eyes locked onto mine, his expression a mix of shock, guilt, shame, and indifference. The woman's face turned toward me, her lips still locked on Julian's.Lily.My stepsister.His hands were wrapped around Lily's waist, his fingers digging into her skin.I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, unable to breathe. The air was sucked out of the room, leaving only a suffocating silence.Lily's gaze sparkled with malice, her smile twisting into a cruel grin. Julian's face contorted, guilt and shame mixing with defiance.My eyes burned, tears welling up, but I couldn't look away. My husband and my stepsister.Together.My world crumbled, shattered by the betrayal.“Alex, why? What did I do to deserve this?” I asked with ashaky voice, refusing to allow the tears drop.“Enough of the drama! I'm sick and tired of this charade. Julian has always been mine from the beginning. You were used just for the mean time and that time has expired.” Lily sneered.I stared at them in
Gina's POVI stepped into Grandpa Wilson's chambers, and his warm smile enveloped me. Six years had passed since I'd last seen him, but the sparkle in his eyes remained unchanged."Gina, my dear," he said, opening his arms.I rushed into his embrace, feeling a mix of joy and sadness. He was looking so frail; his once-strong shoulders now stooped, and his skin was pale and thin. I noticed the subtle signs of illness and age etched on his face. His movements were slower, his voice weaker."Grandpa," I whispered, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.He held me at arm's length, examining my face. "You've grown more beautiful, Gina. But I see shadows under your eyes. What troubles you, child?"I took a deep breath, hesitant to burden him with my troubles. But something in his gaze reassured me."Julian and I...we're divorced," I said, the words still feeling foreign.His expression turned stern, but his eyes softened. "I'll deal with him. You're safe now."The familiar scent of old bo
Gina's POV I walked into my house, dropping my bag on the floor. I was exhausted from a long day at work. As I made my way to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, I remembered that I hadn't spoken to Elena in a while.I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed her number. She picked up on the second ring."Gina! Oh my god, it's so great to hear from you!" Elena exclaimed.I chuckled. "Hey, Elena. I'm sorry I haven't called you in a while. How have you been?""I've been good, Gina. But I've had some trouble," Elena said, her voice serious."What kind of trouble?" I asked, my instincts on high alert."Julian and his friends sent some men to capture me," Elena said, her voice shaking.I gritted my teeth. "Those bastards. I'm so sorry, Elena. Are you okay?""Yeah, I'm fine. I managed to escape," Elena said.I took a deep breath. "Elena, I think it's time for you to get out of the country. I want you to fly to Asia."There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Asia? But why, Gina?""Beca
Elena's POV Some Days Earlier***I trudged wearily back to my apartment, my arms laden with groceries from the market. It had been weeks since I'd last spoken to Gina, and I was starting to feel like a ghost, invisible and forgotten.After leaving Lily's house under Gina's instructions, I'd gone into hiding, always looking over my shoulder, waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'd rented a small apartment a few months ago, and it had become my refuge, my sanctuary.But I couldn't stay there all the time. I had to keep moving, had to keep changing my routine, just in case someone was watching. So, some nights I'd lodge in a hotel, paying cash and using a fake name.It was a lonely, isolating existence, but I knew it was necessary. I'd seen what Gina was capable of, and I knew that if she wanted to find me, she would.As I approached my apartment building, I noticed something that made my heart skip a beat. Two men, dressed in black and wearing masks, were snooping around the entrance.
Julian's POVI bent over and ripped the blindfold off the girl's face, my heart pounding. The dim light of the warehouse flickered over her tear-streaked cheeks, but as soon as I got a good look at her, my stomach twisted. It wasn’t Elena. Lily gasped beside me, her hand flying to her mouth. "Julian… this isn’t her."Monica, standing a few feet away, erupted into laughter. "You idiots," she scoffed, shaking her head. "You fools are always being deceived."My jaw clenched so tight I thought my teeth might crack. Rage surged through me like wildfire. I spun around and locked eyes with one of the men who had captured the girl. Without a second thought, I drove my fist into his face, feeling the satisfying crunch of bone against my knuckles. He staggered back, blood dripping from his nose. "You had one job," I snarled. "One fucking job! And you couldn’t even do that right."He groaned, holding his face, but I wasn’t done. I stepped forward, grabbing his shirt, yanking him close. "Go fin
Julian's POV The next evening, we got our confirmation. Bill’s men had eyes on Elena. She had just returned to the apartment after being out all day, and she was alone. “This is it,” Monica said, pacing excitedly. “We need to act now.” I glanced at Lily, but she was avoiding my gaze. “Bill’s men are in position,” I told them. “They can handle the grab. But once we have her, what’s next?” Monica grinned. “We make her talk. One way or another.” Lily shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. I nodded. “Alright. Let’s do this.” I made the call. Lily finally looked up, her eyes wide with unease. “Julian…” I reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “Trust me.” She hesitated, then gave a small nod. I looked back at the message on my phone. Take her to the warehouse. We’ll be there soon.*******I paced the length of the warehouse, my shoes clicking against the cold concrete floor. The dim light barely illuminated the figure tied to the chair in the center of the ro
Gina's POV As Alex led me to the bedroom, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The events of the past few days had been overwhelming, and I was grateful for the comfort and safety of Alex's arms.We stepped into the bathroom, and Alex turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature to just right. We stood under the warm water, letting it wash away the stresses of the day. Afterwards, Alex gently towel-dried my hair and applied a generous amount of hair oil, working it through my tangled locks with a gentle touch.As he combed out my hair, I felt my eyes grow heavy, the soothing motion lulling me into a state of relaxation. Alex helped me slide into my nightgown, his fingers brushing against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.We climbed into bed, and Alex wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. I felt safe, protected, and loved."Gina, I want you to promise me something," Alex said, his voice low and serious."What is it?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper."I want
Gina's POV As the violins played a soft, romantic tune, Alex pulled me close, his arms wrapping securely around my waist. I let out a breathless laugh as he swayed us gently, our feet sinking slightly into the cool beach sand. “Dancing barefoot on the beach?” I teased, gazing up at him. “Who knew you were such a romantic?” He smirked. “You bring it out of me.” I shook my head, smiling. “I still can’t believe all of this. The dinner, the music, the stars…” I sighed, resting my head against his chest. “It’s perfect.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “That’s all I wanted—for you to be happy.” I closed my eyes, letting the moment wash over me. The rhythmic crash of the waves, the warmth of Alex’s embrace, the feeling of being utterly and completely loved. It was everything. After what felt like forever, he pulled back slightly, his hand still gripping mine. “Come with me. There’s one more thing I want to show you.” I arched an eyebrow. “Another surprise?” He chuckled. “Tru
Gina’s POVAlex led me inside the penthouse, and the moment I stepped through the door, my breath hitched. It was stunning. Soft, golden lights illuminated the spacious living room, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the ocean, the waves shimmering under the moonlight.A plush white sofa sat in the center of the room, surrounded by sleek modern furniture. In the corner, a grand piano rested near a collection of candles flickering gently, filling the air with a subtle vanilla scent. I turned to Alex, my eyes wide. “This place is incredible.” He grinned, watching my reaction. “I hoped you’d like it.” “Like it?” I spun in a slow circle, taking everything in. “Alex, it’s—” I shook my head, speechless. He walked up behind me, his hands resting gently on my waist. “Only the best for my wife.” A shiver ran through me at the way he said it. I turned in his arms, looking up at him. “You didn’t have to do
Gina’s POVAs the credits rolled on the screen, Alex stretched and turned to me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “The night’s not over yet,” he said. I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? There’s more?” He smirked. “Of course. You didn’t think I’d settle for just dinner and a movie, did you?” I chuckled. “Honestly? I was already impressed.” “Well, prepare to be amazed.” He took my hand and led me back to the car, opening the door for me like a true gentleman. As I slid inside, he leaned in slightly, his lips brushing against my temple before he shut the door. The simple touch sent warmth rushing through me. When he got into the driver’s seat, he started the engine and turned to me. “Comfortable?” I nodded. “So where are we going?” He grinned. “Patience, my love.” With that, he pulled out of the parking lot and started driving. As we cruised along the countryside, the city lights faded behind us, replaced by open fields and the soft glow of the moon. The radio played sof
Gina's POV I stared at my phone, debating whether to call Alex. After our last fight, I wasn’t sure if he even wanted to hear my voice. But today was Valentine’s Day, and even though I didn’t expect much from him, a small part of me hoped he’d at least acknowledge it. Just as I exhaled and prepared to dial, the door to the boardroom swung open. Alex stood there, tall and composed, holding a massive bouquet of red roses. I blinked, convinced I was imagining things. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Gina,” he said, stepping forward. I couldn’t move. Couldn’t speak. After the argument we had, I expected him to stay mad for at least another few days. But here he was, closing the distance between us, his expression soft but determined. He handed me the flowers, and I hesitantly took them, still trying to process what was happening. “You got these for me?” I asked, my voice almost a whisper. He smirked. “No, for the secretary outside. Of course, they’re for you.” I let out a brea