Lena's POV The days afterward became somewhat of a blur due to meetings, phone calls, and strategy sessions. I had to be on my toes all the time because all I could think of was how and where to keep maintaining the lead. But no matter the work, one thought would not leave me alone: marriage. Grant had agreed to go ahead, but the precipice between us seemed so palpable. It was not merely the heat of the deal; it was something deeper, something unsaid. I could not push it aside any longer.I knew that as the weekend approached, I had to speak with him. The man was evading the truth no longer. Pretending that everything is okay can't go on...with a looming wedding. Time to find out if we really want it this way or are really trapped.That night, after a long day at work, I rolled up to Grant's apartment. I knocked at the door with no niceties, and he opened the door for me. The first thing that caught my attention was his eyes-the same exhausted, haggard look that had been haunting my
Lena'S POV There was no fear of who could keep me awake late at night. Damien's offer rang through my head, both a blessing and a kind of challenge. Some part of me wanted to take him up on it, to accept the security that his family business could provide, but the other part knew that I might never be independent if I relied on his money and could never be indebted again. Independence was everything to me. As the date of the wedding approached, I could not deny that a part of me longed for some sort of stability. The entire time struggling and fighting to maintain control just began to wear me down. There would be times when I could just take a break and breathe but would then remind myself what the stakes were in my company's future, my heritage, so the brakes were off. On the night before the wedding. I stood staring at myself in the mirror of my bedroom. Hanging on the back of the door was the lovely, delicate dress that I was going to wear and leave it till I decided it was tim
Lena's POV I couldn't believe it. The weight bore down on me like a ton of bricks as I walked into the grand, candle-lit church, my heels all the while clicking sharply against the marble floor around me. Roses and lilies filled our air along with the faint sound of a string quartet playing in the background. Everything looked so perfect, so immaculate, as if this was some kind of dream I didn't belong in. But that was it; I stood at the back of the church to witness the marriage of ex-husband Grant to ex-girlfriend Cassidy.There was no knowing how I had ended up at this event and even less why I allowed myself to say yes to attending. The only thing that mattered was the deal I had to secure. I was here for business, not for love, not for any personal vendettas, even though I couldn't deny the bitter taste in my mouth as I watched them stand at the altar. This was a business transaction wrapped in a veil of romance. I was never superstitious enough to think that one day I would be
Lena POV The room was silent. It was almost too silent, as the realization came crashing down on everyone. They didn't move. They dared not breathe. I couldn't breathe. Frozen in place, my hand instinctively reached out to him, almost as though the weight of his words had shattered the world around me.Grant took hold of my wrist and pulled me toward him. His grip was strong and urgent. He didn't look back at Cassidy, didn't say a word to anyone. Instead, he tugged me toward the door, his face set in determination.I knew the entire room was watching me, but I didn't care. I hardly noticed anything else about it as he pulled me from the altar, away from the church, away from everything of today. His touch was a lifeline, and I didn't know if I was hanging onto him or him to me.The church doors opened, and outside was a waiting black car. Grant brings me to the car and opens the door for me, all without a single utterance. He slid in beside me, never letting go of my hand. The driver
Lena's POV His words flooded over me like a tidal wave, threatening to pull me under. I wanted to be angry, to scream at him for his complete recklessness, but part of me-a small, fragile part-wanted to believe him. Wanted to believe he meant every word. "Just what do you mean by that?" I asked, my voice shaking. "You can't just get up and decide in the middle of your wedding that you want me." That's not how this works, Grant. "I know I messed up," he said, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "I used to make so many mistakes, Lena." But not again will I be able to leave you.”I shook my head, as I could feel storm-like emotions swirling inside me. "Do you even know what you just did? This is more than just a thing between us, Grant. There are real and tangible consequences. Cassidy, your family, my reputation, how am I supposed to face any of those after this?" "I will fix it," he said positively, with blazing eyes. I don't care what it takes; I will do whatever is r
Lena's POV I walked straight to the door, it banged shut behind me by a sound that resounded around the whole house like the beating of my heart. All was a blur in my vision- a cocktail of rage and absolute disbelief. Grant's words seemed to ring loudly even being drowned by that sound; they cut through my defenses like a knife. As though everything he did to drag me away from his wedding and among some other guests at this lonely resort would fix himself for those years. In short, he was wrong. Very wrong.I hurried through the corridor, my steps heavy against the wooden floors. The air outside smells thick and humid, but as soon as I stepped outside, it felt like a release of breath. I wouldn't have cared where I was or how far he had brought me away from civilized areas. All I could think was that I had to be away from him. I needed space to think, feel, and breathe.It was the moment I pulled out my phone to call someone-anyone-that I realized there was no service. Of course. Wh
Lena's pov I turned around, unable to hold his gaze any longer. And whether my body trembled because of the cold rain or from a cacophony of emotions raging inside me, I do not know. My clothes stuck to my skin. And I wrapped my arms around myself, as though it might shield me from him and that gaze that measured into me as if he might still care.While I stood still as a statue, he spoke to me softly, whispering, "Lena, you do not need to do it alone anymore". Bitter laughter choked out of me when I shook my head and stepped back, trembling slightly. "What is it you want to know, Grant? " What exactly do you think I've been doing?" He turned at me, glaring fury into my eyes. "Oh no! You don't get to swoop in after years of silence, disrupt my life, drag me to some godforsaken resort, and act like you're my savior. That is not how this works."He ran a hand through his wet hair, frustration evident on his face. "You think I don't know how much I've hurt you? You think I don't reply
Lena's pov I stared at Grant, my chest constricted by all that he had said. My feelings were in a tangle-they were worse than the storm outside my window. Part of me wanted to believe him and let him hope for another chance at something that had once been so beautiful. But the scars he had left behind had always remained fresh, raw, and they screamed to protect him, not let him in.“No,” I said, my voice shaking but firm. This is not happening, Grant. Whatever this is, whatever it is you're trying to do, it isn't going to work. I am not that naive girl anymore who believes in fairy tales and happy endings. I will not let you back into my life to go rampaging through it all over again."His face fell, the hope in his eyes dimming as my words sank in. For a moment, he looked like he might argue, but then he took a step back, running a hand through his hair in frustration."Lena, I'm asking for something that isn't a fairy-tale," he said, his voice low and raw. ''A chance-a real chance-
Ariel's POV I navigated the aisles of the upscale grocery store, tossing a few essentials into my cart while my mind replayed the day's events. I was worried about Lena- sickened from worrying about how far she would go. I sighed and rubbed my temples as I walked toward the checkout. Probably a quiet night alone would help me think.After paying, I stepped out on the sidewalk, shifting my bags around in my arms while raising one hand to flag down a taxi.That's when I saw her.Allyson.Lena's assistant.Allyson was a few feet away, standing in the same manner and trying to catch a taxi. My brows twisted downwards. It wasn't strange for Allyson to be out, but there was something about the way she was standing-an urgent, almost anxious-like it's stopping Ariel right in her tracks. Allyson looked behind her as if she were checking for someone before hastily getting into the cab.Clarity came back in a flash. Something was wrong. I moved without thinking and jumped into the next taxi.
Lena's POVAriel scoffed. "How generous." I met Sean’s gaze, ignoring Ariel’s comment. "And if I don’t?"The smirk was still there, but now there was a little less shine to it. "Then Cassidy keeps coming. And she won’t stop until you’re drowning." I drummed my fingers against the desk. "Tell me something, Sean/ do you enjoy being her lap dog? Fetching threats and delivering messages like an obedient little servant?"His expression didn’t change, but I knew he was getting annoyed with me."I enjoy working for someone who knows how to win," he replied with a bit of a smile. "And that’s exactly what Cassidy is doing."Finally, I lifted the envelope, ripped it open, and removed the crisp letter. My eyes scanned the words and my jaw tightened.Cassidy wasn’t just playing the media against me; she was making moves in the business world. Pulling strings with my investors, aligning herself with my competitors. If I didn’t act fast, she’d have her hands wrapped around my empire’s throat.I pl
Lena PovThirty minutes later I found myself sitting across from Victor in a private lobby of an exclusive hotel. He slid a thick folder across the table. I opened it and scanned the pages with my eyes.The seemingly immaculate life of Cassidy Graham had a few cracks- cracks not seen until this moment."Her finances are not as clean as she makes them appear," Victor said, a calm note to his voice covering a trace of satisfaction. "There are some shady offshore dealings under one of her shell companies; not illegal yet, but it wouldn't take much to make it look like one."I was tapping my fingers on the table, considering.Victor continued, "Her personal life is the other half. She's been seen with Damien quite often. The media would devour the insinuation of an affair."I raised my brow as I looked up. "An affair?”Victor smirked. "That's how we'll frame it."I inhaled slowly while considering the next steps. The offshore accounts were straightforward; they would definitely harm her r
Lena's POVI dropped the call and let silence embrace me as my heart regained its calmness. The anger churning in my gut, however, remained unbridled, scorching beneath my skin. Cassidy had drifted in, taunted me before drifting away like a winner. But she was mistaken. I walked to the window and gazed down at the city below. Streets stretched below with the pull of life, unaware of the war that was rising from the shadows. I had built my empire in this city, made my name untouchable. And Cassidy thought she would take it away from me? No chance. I turned back to my desk, flipping through the reports of the latest damage control efforts. The media had been relentless on me. The headlines cast me as a tyrant, my employees as victims, my business as a decaying empire. Some of my top investors had already withdrawn, and those still holding on were betting on my ability to weather this storm. I would. A knock sounded at my door. I didn't look up. "What?" Marie came in, her steps hes
In the charged air between us, we both stood on our ground, studying each other for a fight. Cassidy had the guts to walk into my space, my office, as if she owned the place. And yet she didn't bat an eye. No hesitation marked her steps, nor was there any flicker of doubt in her gaze.She wanted this confrontation.Fine. I would give her one.I leaned back on the desk, arms crossed, as I met her ice-cold glare. "You've certainly grown bolder," I said flatly. "All that time spent scheming in the shadows must have done wonders for your confidence."A tinkling laugh escaped Cassidy. She sounded light, but the undertone was sharper. "Oh, Lena. You act as though you haven’t been doing the same. The difference is I don’t hide behind boardrooms and PR firms. I fight my battles head-on."I scoffed. "Is that what you call it? Lying? Poisoning the media against me? You are not a warrior, Cassidy. You are a snake, slithering in the cracks while waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike."He
Lena's POVDamien closed the door behind him and leaned against it, crossing his arms. "You are driving straight into a downward spiral, Lena." His voice was low but firm. "And it is pathetic."I shot him a glare. "Excuse me?""You heard me," he said, stepping closer. "Look at you. Scurrying frantically to try and hold on to power, chasing shadows, and lashing out at everyone around you. This is not the Lena I know!""You don't know me," I shot back. "You have no idea what I've been through, what I've had to fight for."Damien's eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched. "I know you've always been ruthless, but this? This is desperation, Lena. And desperation will make you sloppy."A flare of rage shot up through my chest. "If you're here to lecture me, skip it. I've had enough of your advice.""You need something," he said, his voice slicing into my defenses like a knife. "Because right now, Cassidy's winning. And if you don't stop acting like a cornered animal, she's going to run you out.
Lena's POV I hung up without another word, mind a million miles ahead of the present situation. This was going to be the start of a legal spate; I was determined to tell my story and remind them how I am the queen of this industry.I spun around toward my laptop, typed up an emergency statement that had to reach each and every national publication before daybreak: Good-naturedly offering recognition of the challenges, some non-essential regrets for "misunderstandings", and reaffirming my commitment to excellence. This was a standard maneuver, creating an impression that had worked in the past any number of times.But it felt wrong. Cassidy was not only trash talking me; she was actually shredding the very fabric of what I stood for. And deep inside, I knew this was no tale about her being hurt or displaced. It was a simple tale of revenge.Sitting paralyzed before the luminous screen, a thunderbolt hit me: Why shouldn’t I play for both sides? Why must I let Cassidy run this fight?No
Lena's POV Opening the door to my office unceremoniously, there was the loud creak of the hinges shattering the fierce silence. Grant walked in, his usual authoritative self almost hazed with agitation. Clad in his immaculate tailor-suit as ever, the tautness of his jaw and the flickering unease in his eyes gave him away."What do you want, Grant?" I asked as irritation escaped my voice.He shut the door behind him and took slow, steady steps toward my desk. "I'm here to talk about the mess you made, Lena."Leaning back into the chair, I drummed my fingers against the armrest. "The mess I made?" My voice was bitter. "That's something to say coming from you."Grant's expression darkened. "Don't even go there. The tabloids are not exactly kind to you. The Graham family is furious, and now the investors are asking if you are even worth the risk."I sprang from my chair, the heels clacking sharply against the marble as I closed the distance between us. "Don't lecture me about risks, Gran
Lena's POVMy heels clicked sharply against the cobblestones as I exited the sleek black car, approaching the glittering glass facade of my flagship store. It shimmered like a fortress of success, a tangible testament to everything I had built with my sweat, ambition, and many sleepless nights. But today, even its imposing beauty felt diminished, its big façade cracking only visible to me.I had a holiday from the unending chaos inside the Parisian resort, after my disastrous fashion show. It was a happy place, so peaceful between grittiness. I had sat beside tranquil waters and overdosed on luxury, but even there, a weight of failure pressed down on my chest. And it was an illusion; the calm turned to an ache, that as soon as the real world came in, cold and sharps always were waiting, like an old friend.My empire..the one I had built from scratch, brick by painstaking brick-was under attack, and I knew exactly who the enemy was.As I stepped inside, the same humming environment gre