Warm, I felt a little hot on my right cheek and bright light hitting my right eye.I woke up with a massive headache.Dang, it hurts. Like it was hit by a baseball bat for a hundred times.I held my head and pulled my body to sit up from the bed. I tried to rub my eyes with my free hand and felt constricted by my clothes. I was confused about why since I normally wear a shirt and shorts at home. I slowly opened my eyes and it took me a while to adjust to my surroundings. I blink for many times, trying to comprehend where I am.My eyes widen like an owl when I noticed it was different from my room.When the realization sank in that this wasn’t my room by all mean - floor to ceiling windows, carpeted floors and a king-sized bed; I panicked and immediately looked at myself.I felt like a needle was pulled out of me since I am still wearing my own clothes.Wait what!?But I thought it would be my time to experience something like that!I then quickly looked over to the other side of the
He extended his left hand and offer it to me. “Care to join me for breakfast, Miss Allysa?” I could help myself but be mesmerized. The plan to get out of here in peace seems to take a huge turn. I have been caught red-handed and there’s really no escaping now. I really could not do much though even if I wasn’t caught, like could I open the elevator when it needs a fingerprint? I’m pretty sure it is not my fingerprint whose needed.This is why I hate modern technology sometimes, they make everything so complicated yet convenient for everyone. This must be the start of our love-hate relationship.I really have no choice but to rethink my escape plan. Plus, the stranger already disappeared into the kitchen without waiting for my answer. I could not help but knock my head lightly because I could not remember what I did to him to take responsibility for something. I hesitantly followed Randall after a few minutes of self-loathing.When I walk towards the kitchen, I saw his well-built body
“You don’t need to worry so much. I would not take advantage nor ask for something impossible and difficult. Just take me out on a date tomorrow, how does that sound?”He was looking at me innocently and full of expectation like a child.“Yes!” I answered without any hesitation before I realize my mistake. He smiled— no more like a sly smirk!Oh my god… I was trapped. I was tricked by those seemingly endless black eyes!“Then, it is settled then.”“No! Wait! I— it is not settled yet! I wasn’t thinking straight!” I argue after my senses came back. I just proved to myself that I do have weakness when it comes to beauty.He titled his head in the left, wondering why I took back my words. “Why? You already agreed to it.”“Stop looking at me with those eyes!” I shouted before I turn my head to avoid his gaze. He straighten and move where I could perfectly see his beauty.“What eyes?” he asked innocently and move closer.Why are you looking at me with a gaze like that! I immediately covered
Chapter Twelve.On the way from was nothing but agonizing. If I did have a choice I am not going to comeback to that hell of a house. But for my revenge and my things I need to swallow this anger first.Bonavich Subdivision.It was the letters that form around as I got closer to my destination.Arriving on the gates of the subdivision, the security guard on duty, Micheal, smiled at me and opened the gates. In return of his friendly smile, I wave at him. Thankfully, I wasn’t ban on entering this ground and no news of the black sheep of the family getting kicked-out got out.“Good morning ma'am.” he greeted simply as my car passed the guard house.Entering the subdivision wasn’t that much stressful because Micheal was such a gentle soul. He might not talk to much but he is kind, more kinder than my very own father.Taking a left turn, I could already see the mansion. As I approach the house, a black car was seen nearing. As I climb out of my car, it was exactly the moment the other vehi
Chapter Thirteen.I can't understand how people around us see her as someone angelic! Didn't you see what she did!? She did not close the door! Where are her manners!?She did not even knock!Ugh. People in the company must have been blind or they were wearing color-fulled glasses. They were not able to see that behind those innocent faces is a freaking bitch.Stamping my feet on the ground like a teenager, I forced myself to sit up, stand up, and closed the door. Yes, THE DOOR THAT I DIDN’T EVEN OPEN.People do really like ruining my mood this day. And I won’t allow this, I cannot allow that my day was only ruined. I also need to ruin theirs, even if it needs a few days before I achieve it.Instead of going back to bed and sleeping all day, my determination to exact my revenge motivated me to finish my impending work.A work that will not only destroy my father and sister’s image but also the company. Just like I said, if I cannot have “Hall’s Corporate and Company” then no one would
Silence was met with another silence. I couldn't help but feel smug about it. In fact, I was not writing a report for the company but researching about the man I met last night.I couldn't even believe my luck—or misfortune, depending on how you looked at it. It had started as ordinary flirting, a chance to bed a man who passed my standards and type. Among the vibrant atmosphere and attractive crowd, he was just a different breed. He was meant to stand out.I found myself infatuated with a charming stranger. He was tall, with raven black hair and crystal-clear black eyes looking at me like he was sucking my soul, which made my heart skip a beat. And as a woman who was raised to be direct and frank, I don't like idle chit-chats and beating around the bush."I never thought you would figure me out that fast. Perhaps the prior engagement was already planned?" he inquired amusingly, but I detected a slight caution in his voice.I shrugged my shoulders in response, even though he couldn't
I heard him sigh, his exasperation palpable in the air. "Is this what you really want?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and disbelief. But his question only fueled the fire that burned within me, igniting a strange smile on my lips. I couldn't help but let out a laugh, a laugh that held both astonishment and determination. It was a laugh that threatened to propel me out of my seat and onto a path of no return.Is this what I really want? Ha! No, never! This is not enough! The vanilla revenge he spoke of, the mere satisfaction of winning a petty competition, held no allure for me. It was far too shallow, too insignificant to quench the thirst for retribution that consumed me.He had always been perceptive, a man with a sharp eye. He must have glimpsed the fragments of my plan, sensed the depth of my intentions. But I was unwilling to reveal everything just yet, to let him in on the true extent of my desires. Instead, I replied with a firmness that belied the seething a
Chapter Sixteen.Staying up in room for the whole day, I didn’t realize it was already evening until I heard a know coming behind my door.Knock.Knock.“Young miss, the master have arrived and requested your presence. And, dinner will be serve in a few minutes.” The servant announced in an unhurried tone.I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. We don’t typically eat dinner together, or should I say I wasn’t included. I could only join them if the Chairman has important things to discuss or information that needs attention. Typically, it was always about reprimanding and warning me.Just great. Another humiliation episode for the whole house to enjoy.I sighed and reluctantly got up from my comfortable spot on the bed. It had been one of those days when I just wanted to retreat into the solace of my room, away from the prying eyes and constant scrutiny of the household. But now, it seemed like my solitude was about to be shattered by yet another dinner where I would be the center of attent
Chapter Thirty-Eight.Sleep didn’t come easy. I tossed under the silk sheets of Randall’s bed, the storm outside like a lullaby sung by giants. Rain traced invisible paths down the tall windows, and every clap of thunder felt like a warning from the past—a reminder that I was teetering on the edge of a truth I wasn't ready to face.Exhausted, my body refused to settle. The images from earlier replayed in my mind like a relentless highlight reel: Vivian’s smile, the scarred man, those shadowy camera feeds inside the warehouse. She had looked so comfortable in that world—confident, in control. It was like she was an actress on a stage she knew all too well.The scariest part? She hadn’t even tried to hide it. The ease with which she handed that envelope over to the man with the scar meant she didn’t expect to get caught. She was clearly involved in something much bigger than any of us had imagined, and the implications of that realization sent my heart racing, even as I lay motionless i
Chapter Thirty-Seven.The next morning greeted me with silver skies and a low growl of thunder rumbling in the distance. A storm was rolling in—outside, and I could feel the tumult within me echoing that same ominous energy. The diary still sat unopened, resting on my nightstand like a weight I couldn't yet lift. But today wasn’t about that. I had somewhere to be. Dressed in black jeans and a fitted leather jacket, I tied my hair back into a low ponytail. Nothing fancy. Just enough to blend in, like a shadow slipping between cracks. At exactly nine o'clock, my phone buzzed with a text from Nero, a simple message: “Car’s ready.”Since dawn, Randall hadn't spoken a word to me. He’d brewed my coffee, placed it beside my plate, and then disappeared into his office as if he needed the distance. I couldn’t blame him—he hated losing control, and here I was, about to walk straight into chaos.I hesitated at the elevator, waiting for Randall to call out, to stop me. But nothing came, only the
Chapter Thirty-Six.The penthouse was warm, its atmosphere imbued with the citrusy scent of fresh linens and the smooth undercurrent of Randall’s cologne—something woodsy and undeniably expensive, an infusion of cedar wrapped in midnight. The sun bathed the room in a soft glow, filtering through the expansive windows to cast golden light over marble floors and pristine walls. Everything was immaculate, a reflection of Randall’s fastidious nature, yet beneath its polished surface, I felt chaos swirling within myself.I sat cross-legged on the plush living room rug, half-opened suitcases scattered around me, boxes waiting to be unpacked, the diary resting in my lap like a cursed relic. The leather cover, worn with age, felt familiar yet foreign, and I let my fingers trace the initials “M.H.” — my mother's. It had been years since she'd left us, yet her presence lingered in the most unexpected ways. Old birthday cards with her elegant handwriting; a cherished recipe scrawled on a torn na
Chapter Thirty-Five.The light drizzle that misted Calderon City had stopped by the time I stood in front of Randall’s penthouse, staring up at the sky through glass walls that seemed to kiss the clouds. I could hear my heart pounding, not because I was scared, but because this moment felt like a turning point I’d never expected. I tightened my grip on the suitcase in my hand, the other wrapped around a paper bag of freshly picked carnations from the flower shop — a symbolic goodbye, maybe, or maybe just a touch of home.Randall opened the door before I could even knock.His hair was slightly damp, like he’d just stepped out of the shower, and his eyes, impossibly dark and piercing, softened just a little when they landed on me. "You're here," he said, as if he hadn’t been entirely sure I would come.I nodded. "I said I would."He stepped aside, and I entered the sprawling space that was now, unbelievably, going to be my new home. The air smelled faintly of expensive cologne and laven
Chapter Thirty-Four.“Tell me, what are your future plans together?” Amanesis pressed, leaning in with the tenacity of an investigator digging for answers.“I can’t exactly predict the future,” I replied playfully, “Perhaps something simple—cooking together, leisurely strolls through flower markets, and, of course, impromptu journeys to wine tastings.” “And maybe some historical tours too?” Randall injected with feigned seriousness, his lips quirked into a half-smile. “Just to keep her well-rounded.”“I’m sure it’ll only add to my charm!” I quipped back, feeding off his playful energy.“Honestly, the way you two interact, it warms my heart,” Amanesis exclaimed, her previous strict demeanor disappearing as her protective maternal instincts began to show through. “You both deserve happiness. And Randall, don’t you dare allow anyone else to distract you from what you have here.”Randall’s expression softened slightly, and he inclining his head slightly as a grateful acknowledgment.As l
Chapter Thirty-Three.After what felt like an eternity planning the intricate details of our relationship charade, I departed the terrace with Randall’s chuckle hanging in the warm, fragrant air. The sun stood high in the sky, casting a shimmering glow across the expansive estate, filling the mansion with an air of quiet elegance.“Are you ready for the culinary emporium the maids are about to unleash?” Randall mused as I led the way back inside. The sound of commotion grew louder as we neared the kitchen—the cheerful chatter of servants echoing through the halls, punctuated by the clatter of pots and pans.“Let’s hope they’ve stocked up on enough comfort food to win over your mother,” I replied, biting back laughter. “And I still need to figure out what to do with my hair. Got anything inspiring on you?”“Can’t help you with that,” he said with a feigned look of innocence before a more genuine smile crept in. “But you’ll look wonderful in anything. Just be yourself.”As I entered my
Chapter Thirty-Two.Sitting at the terrace of Randall's grand mansion, I watched the sun descend over the expansive estate, the golden rays glistening off the carefully trimmed maze garden that borders the property. I felt a sense of tranquility wash over me as I took in the view. But my peace was abruptly shattered by the sound of Randall’s phone ringing, followed by him snapping it up with an incredulous expression on his face.Bringing the cup of coffee to my lips, I looked at Randall waiting for him to pick up the phone.“Bencio?” Randall’s voice was laced with calmness and a hint of confusion.I leaned back in my chair, my curiosity piqued as I caught snippets of the conversation floating towards me through the warm, evening air. “Please don’t kill me,” Bencio’s voice echoed, making it hard for me to suppress a laugh. I stifled the chuckle, maintaining my composure as I watched Randall's expression turn alarmingly serious. “What do you mean my mother is coming over?” There was
Chapter Thirty-One.The sun shone gloriously over the sprawling garden of a mansion that had seen better days; its once-vibrant flowers were wilting slightly under the unrelenting afternoon heat. Yet, at least one thing still radiated with energy and color: Amanesis. She buzzed around the estate with the enthusiasm of a hummingbird, her vibrant dress swishing as she made her way to the office where Bencio was stationed.“Bencio, darling!” she called out with the flair of a theatrical heroine, throwing open the door without knocking. The assistant looked up, startled, as if summoned from some far, distant realm of paperwork and duty. “You will never believe the tragedy that has befallen me!”“Uh, good afternoon, Madam,” Bencio began, sliding his glasses up his nose as he attempted to shift his thoughts from spreadsheets to the whirlwind of drama that was Amanesis. “What seems to be the problem?”“Sit down, dear! You’re going to want to hear this,” she urged, waving her hand as if becko
Chapter Thirty.As our lips met, time seemed to come to a standstill, the world around us fading softly into a blur. The initial shock that coursed through my body melted away, replaced by a warm, comforting sensation enveloping us both like a soft blanket draped in tenderness. It wasn’t merely a kiss; it was a silent acknowledgment of the journey we were embarking on together, a beautiful testament to the intertwining of our lives in the most profound of ways.When we finally pulled away, breathless and a little awestruck, I saw a flicker of mischief dancing in Randall's deep blue eyes. "Did that meet your expectations?" he teased, his voice low and warm, sending delightful shivers racing down my spine.I couldn't help but chuckle, a delightful concoction of nerves and joy bubbling up inside me. "I suppose it will do for now," I said, my own teasing tone emerging, echoing his playful spirit. Somehow, the tension that had been momentarily knotted in my stomach loosened, replaced by an