LEXI'S POVWhile Chase and I were in the car, I stayed silent. I just stared out the window as he drove seriously. I could hear him sigh occasionally, and I felt like he kept glancing at me. I didn't look back at him because I didn't want to talk to him just yet."About the pictures, I have already told my team to have them removed from all the sites," he broke the silence."Okay," I replied curtly."Look, Lexi. Those pictures were from the time she had me go to the bar. If you remember, that was also the first time you showed up to her as my girlfriend," he explained further.I shut my eyes tightly, still facing the window. "You don't have to explain everything, Grey. We're not really in a relationship."I tried to keep my voice from sounding bitter. I tried not to show any emotion because I didn’t want to confuse him with my behavior. After all, we were just pretending, so I shouldn't let those pictures affect me. They shouldn't disrupt our plan to get back at my sister."Lexi Ann,
THIRD POVLexi was awakened by the ringing of her phone. Eyes still closed, she groped for it on the bedside table.“Sav, it’s too early,” she lazily answered her friend's call.“Early? It’s already noon! And isn’t today your wedding day?” her best friend replied.She sat up quickly. Chase was no longer beside her, and she noticed that she was already dressed. Because of what happened between her and Chase the night before, she hadn’t noticed how late it had gotten. Now, she’d overslept.“Get up now. Chelsea and I are on our way to your condo. See you soon.”Savina ended the call, leaving her furrowing her brows. She got up to look for her groom but found only a note pinned in the fridge.Baby,I’ll see you in church, okay? I love you.—ChaseLexi couldn’t help but smile. Today was the day she and Chase would get married. She had successfully outmaneuvered her sister, and she couldn’t wait to see her sister’s face when she walked down the aisle. She also promised herself that after th
LEXI'S POVI kept letting out deep sighs as I sat inside the bridal car. Ahead of us was the car carrying Chelsea and Savina, which gave me a sense of reassurance. However, I couldn’t shake off the nervous feeling gnawing at me for reasons I couldn’t explain. To make things worse, my phone was with Savina, and I hadn’t retrieved it before she got in the car with Chelsea. I had been so mesmerized by my wedding gown that I completely forgot to grab it earlier."Ma'am, don't be nervous. You look stunning," the driver remarked, noticing my frequent sighs. He was someone I knew well—Chase’s family driver, who had driven for him countless times."Thank you. Are we still far from the venue?" I couldn’t help but ask.I was startled when he suddenly turned right, while the car carrying the two ladies continued straight. I looked at him with curiosity, my heart beginning to race."Ma’am Lexi, Sir Chase instructed me to take this route to the venue," the driver explained, sounding a bit uneasy.
LEXI'S POVAfter the wedding ceremony, Chase and I were already seated together in the bridal car. We were on our way to the wedding reception, though I had no idea where it was. Chase held onto me tightly, as if silently promising never to let me go. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought.It all started with my desire to get back at my half-sister and his desire to avoid marrying Shiela. But now, I couldn't understand what I was feeling. I felt like a genuine bride—happy and fulfilled because my long-dreamed wedding had finally come true. If only my mother were here, this moment would be perfect. As I married Chase, I managed to set aside my anger and thirst for revenge. I focused solely on him, just as Chelsea had advised me. It wasn’t an obligation—it came naturally. I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but Savina seemed to be right all along.“Did you see your sister's reaction?” Chase whispered to me.I shook my head slightly. The truth was, I hadn’t noticed her presence. I w
LEXI'S POVIt was already 11:00 in the evening when the wedding reception ended, and almost all the guests had left. The only ones remaining were Chase's family and my family. Our families were engaged in a conversation, but it was evident that only my father was actively participating. I also noticed that Chase's stepmother barely spoke. I couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling I had about her—perhaps because I didn’t feel she had fully accepted me as Chase’s wife.“How long do you think they’ll keep talking? I can’t wait to have you all to myself,” Chase whispered to me, sending shivers down my spine.“Stop it; you already had your fill last night,” I whispered back.“That doesn’t count. You weren’t my wife yet then,” he said, pouting.I couldn’t help but laugh softly and shake my head. Truth be told, I was anxious about what would happen now that our wedding celebration was over. I wasn’t sure how to fully embrace my role as Chase’s wife. I had given myself to him completely, over a
LEXI'S POVIt was already one in the morning when we finally made our way up to one of the rooms at Chase's event place. I couldn’t help but shake my head at the sight of the room—it was still in line with their princess or royal theme. No wonder White Castle is one of the most popular event venues in the entire country.“You’re tired, baby. Want to take a shower? There are clothes in the cabinet,” Chase said seriously while checking something on his phone.I glanced at the paper bag I was holding. Chelsea gave it to me and specifically told me to wear it tonight. I hadn’t looked inside yet, but I had a strong feeling it was nightwear since she even teased that she was excited to have a niece or nephew. Just the thought of it made my face feel warm. She even mentioned that Grandma Mirasol helped her pick it out.Feeling sticky, I decided to head to the bathroom for a shower. I smiled as I saw the bathtub and the array of soaps and scented candles prepared there. I set the paper bag on
LEXI'S POV"I love you, Lexi." I was speechless at what Chase said. I don't understand myself because my body's reaction is contrary to what my mind is shouting. My mind really wanted to respond to what he said, but I couldn't even open my mouth. So instead of speaking, I just kissed him.It should be just a quick kiss. But when he held my neck, our kiss deepened even more. His left hand also became restless, caressing my entire body. While he was kissing me, he slowly pushed me back against the bathtub. A small moan escaped my lips as my neck pressed against the cold edge of the bathtub."You're so sexy when moaning, Baby," he said hoarsely to me.I pulled him closer to kiss him again. My hands also became restless, wandering everywhere. And just as I was about to touch him, he immediately stopped my hand."No, Baby. I want our first night to be special."I was about to speak when suddenly the paper bag that had fallen on the floor made a sound. We both turned to look there, and I al
LEXI'S POVI opened my eyes as I felt Chase getting up. He headed straight to the bathroom, while I slowly got out of bed. A grimace crossed my face as I felt the heaviness in my body. I lay back down, sensing that something wasn’t quite right. Thankfully, I still had one more day of leave, given that I had just gotten married. As for my husband, I wasn’t sure if he had plans because he seemed to be in a hurry.When he came out of the bathroom, our eyes met.“You’re awake,” he said, looking a bit surprised.I glanced at his outfit. “Are you going out?” I couldn’t help but ask.He gave a small smile and nodded lightly. “I wasn’t sure if I should tell you, but I’m meeting James,” he said directly.“James? Why? I’m coming with you.”I sat up quickly. As I was about to head to the bathroom, Chase grabbed my arm.“Are you ready to hear what he has to say?” he asked seriously.“Ready or not, I need to do this, Grey. We can’t move forward if we don’t start somewhere,” I replied firmly.He si
THIRD POV"Really? My sister seems to be enjoying the attention you're giving her a little too much," Lexi said in a deep tone after Chase ended the call.Chase smiled slightly. "Let her be. It's actually better that she trusts me," he replied.His wife rolled her eyes at him and placed her spoon down. They were in the middle of their meal, as Chase had just returned to the house where he was hiding with Lexi."Wasn't it enough that you spent hours together at the bar? She didn’t even think about the possibility of someone seeing you two together, knowing that you’re her brother-in-law," Lexi said, shaking her head.Chase's smile widened. He was amused to see his wife annoyed at his plan to get closer to her sister, Shiela. He didn’t intend to tease her, but he couldn't help himself."Well, she’s actually not bad to talk to. I mean, she’s not like before when she was desperately trying to get my attention."Lexi abruptly stood up, causing Chase to rise as well. She glared at him, maki
THIRD POVChase pulled the car to a gentle stop in front of the Castillon residence. The night had stretched longer than expected, but neither he nor Shiela seemed to mind.“Thank you, Chase,” Shiela said with a warm smile as she turned to face him.Their conversation at the bar lasted nearly three hours. Shiela had taken the opportunity to talk with him extensively, grateful that, for the first time, he seemed open and willing to share parts of himself. She had not drunk too much and was careful to stay sober enough to savor their time together. Chase, too, had limited his drinks, knowing he had to drive. When he offered to take her home, she gladly accepted, leaving her car in the care of her friend, Jenny, the bar's owner.Chase exhaled before speaking, his tone serious. “Shiela, I don’t want to rush things. My wife just passed away. I don’t want to give you false hope.”Shiela shook her head gently. “I’m not in a hurry, Chase. What matters to me is that you’re finally talking to m
SHIELA'S POV"Shiela, that's enough. You're drunk," Jenny said seriously, trying to stop me from drinking anymore.I shook my head slowly. Right now, alcohol is the only ally I had. I had no idea how my life had come to this. I thought everything would finally fall into place once my half-sister was out of my life, but it turned out to be the opposite. My father became even more distant, and my mother seemed to care for nothing but the company.And Chase? He felt even more out of reach. If there had been a wall between us before, now it feels like he had built an entirely different world—one I had no place in. The chances of him noticing me had become even more impossible."I don't know if you're celebrating or mourning," Jenny muttered, shaking her head.I let out a bitter smile. "If you think about it, I should be happy that Lexi is gone. I thought I would finally get everything I wanted. But I was wrong. My life has only become more miserable, Jenny.""Well, it's never that simple,
THIRD POV"Chase, I'm sorry that Grandma and I just got back now," Chelsea said, crying as she hugged her brother tightly.It took them a while to return home because Chelsea had an upcoming exam, so she had to take it before coming home. Their grandmother came with her since she, too, was deeply affected by Lexi’s sudden passing."Get some rest first; you must be tired from the trip," Anna told the grandmother and granddaughter.Mirasol immediately shook her head. "I want to visit my granddaughter, Lexi. Chase, come with us to see her," she said authoritatively.Chase gave a silent nod, showing no emotion. Carlo let out a sigh as he observed his son's behavior since Lexi’s passing. Chase showed no emotions and remained quiet most of the time. Although he hadn't neglected TAC, the drastic change in him was noticeable. He practically lived in his office and had only come home to the mansion now because his sister had arrived."I'm worried about him, Mama. He makes it seem like he's oka
THIRD POV“Where is Chase?” Carlo asked the moment he arrived in the dining area of their mansion. He found Anna already seated, waiting for him.“I called him, and he said he would be working overtime at the office,” his wife replied seriously.Carlo let out a deep sigh. He no longer knew what to do with his only son. Ever since his wife passed away, Chase had become distant, shutting everyone out. He was always at the office, and Carlo rarely saw him anymore. At first, he gave his son space, allowing him time to grieve, but now he was beginning to worry about his behavior.“Just give him some time, Carlo,” Anna said as she began serving herself some food.“Until when? He can’t be like this forever,” he said, shaking his head.“He loved Lexi dearly, but he would eventually move on. He’s still young, so he will surely find someone else to love. If only Lexi wasn’t Shiela’s sister, I would have suggested once again that we arrange for them to be together,” Anna added.Carlo turned to h
THIRD POVDinner was quiet, almost eerily so. Minda and her daughter, Shiela, sat at the dining table, sharing a meal for the first time since that morning. But the silence between them was heavy, filled with unsaid words and lingering tension."At least Chase chose to stay out of the company’s affairs," Minda finally broke the silence, her voice carrying a sense of relief.Shiela scoffed, her tone laced with sarcasm. "You don’t have to worry anymore. You’re still the CEO, after all."Minda frowned. "Shiela, instead of standing with me, why does it feel like you’re turning against me? What exactly do you want?"Shiela sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly? I don’t even know anymore. The company? Chase? Papa? I have no idea, Mama. Lexi may be gone, but it feels like she’s still haunting me."Minda froze, her fork slipping slightly from her fingers. Her eyes widened as she turned to her daughter. "She’s haunting you too?" she asked in disbelief."I mean, she’s not truly gone because I sti
THIRD POVMinda was left speechless as her daughter, Shiela, walked away without another word. Frustration boiled inside her, pushing her to seek out her husband, who remained unable to speak. Finding him awake, she wasted no time."Can you just forget about your illegitimate child? Shiela is the one beside you now, and she should be your priority," she said coldly, her voice laced with anger.Ricky simply stared at her. What else could she expect? He had lost his ability to speak. Ever since his heart attack, she had stopped sharing a room with him, choosing instead to sleep in the guest room. She had only given Shiela a convenient excuse, and her daughter had accepted it without question. Rarely did she visit him anymore, and now, after so long, she finally stood before him again."You have already lost one child, Ricky. Don’t let Shiela slip away from you too."With that, she turned on her heel and walked out. A deep breath escaped her lips as she gripped the doorknob tightly. If n
FLASHBACKChase had just finished his meeting and was making his way back to his office when he noticed his mother, Anna, hastily walking through the hallway. She seemed anxious, looking around as if making sure no one was following her. His instincts kicked in, and without a second thought, he decided to trail her discreetly. To his surprise, she headed straight for the rooftop of the building."Hello. I need you to do something for me right now," he heard her say to someone over the phone.A few seconds of silence followed before Anna spoke again."Sneak into Chase's condo. Open the gas tank so that when Lexi gets home, it will explode on impact. That woman has to disappear—she’s a hindrance to all our plans. Make sure it looks like an accident. Do you understand?"Chase felt his blood run cold. He couldn’t listen any further. Without hesitation, he turned and rushed back to his office, locking the door behind him. With trembling hands, he dialed his wife's number."Lex, where are y
THIRD PERSON'S POV"Mama, have you heard the news? The building where Lexi and Chase live is on fire right now."A secret smile played on Minda’s lips as she listened to her daughter. She had long wished to remove her husband’s child from his past relationship. Now, she had finally executed her plan, ensuring that Lexi’s death would once again appear as an unfortunate accident."I don’t know how to feel, Mama. They say Lexi is trapped inside the building."Minda glanced at her daughter, slightly taken aback by the concern evident in her voice. That was not the reaction she had expected."Don't tell me you're worried about that woman?" she asked in disbelief."Mama, I despise her, but I’m thinking about Papa. As much as I hate to admit it, I know he’ll be devastated if Lexi is gone," Shiela answered somberly.She took a deep breath and approached her daughter, gently stroking her hair. "Hija, you need to think about yourself right now. That woman has been stealing everything that shoul