I strolled into the company, all eyes following my every move, as I walked. Where was I headed? His office.
I was going to return a favor back to my devil of a husband. I did everything for him…I worshiped the ground he walked and I was repaid with not only a divorce, but with the evidence of his sexual relationship with my best-friend. My heart felt numb. I felt like nothing. All I wanted was to get done with this and be freed. My lips parted as I mumbled but not even I, could grasp my own words. “Hello ma’am.” A soothing, yet authoritative voice cut me short, gaining my attention. Blue eyes stared back at mine, belonging to a lady on blonde. “Who are you looking for?” She asked, standing up from behind the counter. “I’m looking for your boss,” my eyes fell down at the tag on her shirt. “Cora.” “Who are you? Do you have an appointment with him?” She asked, her eyes falling down at the system as her fingers hovered above the keyboard. “I’m his wife and no, I don’t. I can’t see my husband?” I asked her, my brows creasing at her unending questions. Her brows furrowed as she gave me a skeptical look. “You’re his wife?” She paused, then said something that made my stomach drop. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Clint is in his office… with his wife.” My heart stuttered. “What?” The word came out louder than I intended. I wanted to scream, to tell her I was his wife—well, soon-to-be ex-wife—but then it hit me. What if she wasn’t wrong? What if Clint was in there with someone else and had introduced her as his wife? And then, like a blade twisting in my chest, the realization hit: It’s her. He introduced my best friend as his wife. I felt betrayed. Betrayed by the realization that my husband was so ashamed of my shortcomings that he didn’t deem it necessary to be publicly introduced me as his wife? What if—what if… “Madam.” The receptionist, Cora, called again. “You’d have to wait for…” “That’s not going to happen.” I interfered, brows furrowing and fists tightly clenched, as I smacked the counter-top. “Look, Cora. I’d be heading to his office and you best, stay out of my way .” “Security! Bound that crazy woman hands and feet and throw her out!!” My fists clenched in resolve. There was no way I was going to leave here, without giving Clint a piece of my mind. I was enraged by the sudden option for divorce and knowing that my husband, was only using me as his sex toy and would have left me either way. “Let me go!” I yelled as they grabbed my hand and attempted to pull me towards the exit. Some of the employees watched the unfolding drama in silence. “What the hell is going on here?” It was Clint. I snapped my head towards him and there he was, stepping right out of the elevator with Astrid. “What are you doing here?” He asked, his brows furrowed, as he held on to Astrid’s hand. My gaze fell on their interlocked fingers. I wanted to feel something—I ought to, right? Perhaps jealousy or something even more but I didn’t. I just felt nothing at the sight. I had fallen out of love for him, as well. “Come with me—“ I cut him off with a slap against his cheek. I could hear the gasps from the employees and even Astrid’s face went pale in shock. I bet none of them believed I’d got balls to pull out something like this. I’m no man but I sure do get the balls. The audacity of him to casually talk like he had done nothing wrong, struck a nerve. I was breathing heavily, and he just stared at me, stunned and in short of words. He gritted his teeth, a vein popping at the forehead as he held back from lashing out from the humiliation. “You coward!” I said to him, my brows furrowed. “Are you that scared of facing your own wife and telling her right to her face that you are done, that you sent an old man to do that for you while you slept with a cheap whore, even while knowing that you were expecting a baby? You think you can hurt me with your pathetic affair? Let me tell you something—you’re not the only one having one.” Except I lied. He was the only one and I had only wanted to strike his ego. It was working and I could see his fist clenched even tighter. Astrid was also stunned, as she just listened to my nonsense. “What happened? Cat cut your tongue?” I asked him, my brows furrowed even more. “You think I had no idea that you’ve been cheating on me all these while? You must be delusional to think I was the faithful wife or that I actually loved you. What a joke.” With that, I pulled out the divorce file from my handbag. I stared at it in my palm—A bitter sweet smile on my face before I stared up at him. “Here…we are officially done!” With that, I hurled the document at his face, ignoring my ex-friend and walking out of the company building. My heart ache and I feel wetness on my cheek—I’m crying. Not because of Clint, not because of Astrid but because of the baby I had lost. Because of the time I had spent, deluding myself with the thought that my husband was only busy with work and actually cared. Because I had no say and was given to him by my family, who didn’t care if I wanted to go through with the marriage or not. I missed a step and fell. My heart stopped as I realized I was about to hit the concrete face-first. There was no escaping this—I was sure the stone edge would drive into my face, leaving me disfigured. I might even die. Shutting my eyes tight, I braced myself for the inevitable pain. But it never came. Instead, a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me toward a solid body. I collided against warm skin, my head gently resting against it, the arm holding me securely. A sweet, intoxicating scent—gentle yet unfamiliar, like something that felt oddly like home—filled my senses. “Are you hurt?” The voice. Deep, smooth, and rich, like velvet with a sharp edge. It belonged to a man. My stomach fluttered as I raised my head to look at him. Dark brown eyes stared back at me, striking and intense. His polished black hair was neatly combed, complementing his sharp, chiseled features. The tuxedo he wore fit perfectly, hinting at the strength hidden beneath. His cologne was subtle but expensive, and behind him stood ten guards—each handsome in their own right, though none could rival him. Who is this man? I couldn’t place him, but I knew instinctively he was someone important, someone with influence and power. His expression shifted slightly when he looked at me—shock? Or was it something else? I had no idea. Maybe I disgusted him, or maybe there was something on my face. Flustered, I pulled away from him. “I’m sorry,” I stammered, but he didn’t respond. He just stood there, staring at me, utterly silent. I apologized again, bowing my head before hurrying away. My heart was pounding, and I didn’t dare look back until I was at a safe distance. When I finally turned, I froze. He was still watching me. He moved a step forward, hesitating as if he wanted to follow. His arm lifted slightly, his lips forming silent words I couldn’t make out. But his eyes—they were filled with sadness, an ache I couldn’t understand. Just who is this man?“You are fired!” Was what my last employer had said to me, after I had messed up again, during orders. It’s been two months since the divorce and though I managed to get some jobs, keeping them seemed way harder. I had run into Clint and Astrid a few times as well. They were doing well together and they’d feel relieved knowing that I was struggling all on my own. My family were also upset and had severed their ties with me, because of the decision I had taken.My phone rang, and I dipped my hand within my purse to retrieve it. My friend, belle, displayed on the caller Id and I took it.“Girl, how was the interview?” “I’m not there yet.”I was currently on a hunt for another job, at a company. I was going to apply as a cleaner as I heard they had a spot left. A cleaner’s job is not that bad and besides, I heard the manager was generous with paying his employees.“Please call me, after the interview. I hope you kill it.” A subtle chuckle escaped my lips. An interview for a cleaner’s
I stood frozen in place, my heart pounding relentlessly in my chest. Confusion and frustration swirled inside me, tightening my throat and making it hard to breathe. I had never felt so utterly out of place before, and the sensation gnawed at me. What is this? Some kind of twisted joke? Was this stranger following me around because he thought I was an amusing toy? My hands clenched into fists, my nails digging into my palms, but even the sharp sting didn’t pull me back to reality. “Daddy... you’ve found mummy.” The boy’s words echoed in my mind, pulling my focus to the small child still clutching at my waist. His innocent face radiated joy, but his declaration left me reeling. Mummy?Who was he referring to? My pulse quickened, the sound of my own heartbeat roaring in my ears as I turned my gaze back to the man at the entrance. His piercing eyes softened as they locked onto mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw relief wash over his features. He glanced between the boy in my
Ever heard of a “wife for hire”? Absurd, right? Well, it was a brand-new concept to me too. As I stared at the billionaire sitting across from me, one thought rang loud and clear in my mind. 'This man has lost it.' How did I go from interviewing for a cleaner’s position to this? An offer to “marry” a billionaire? The words had barely left his lips before I scoffed, unable to help myself. “Is this some kind of joke?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him, skepticism dripping from every word. He tilted his head to the side, his expression oddly calm. His brows lifted slightly as his sharp gaze locked onto mine. “Is something wrong?” he asked, his voice steady yet tinged with what seemed like guilt—or maybe embarrassment. “Did I offend you? If I have…” He trailed off, leaving the room thick with awkward silence. “No, no, no… it’s not that,” I interrupted quickly, shaking my head. Relief flickered across his face as he exhaled,
While I waited for my coffee to brew, my fingers toyed idly with the black card in my hand. The name “Curtis Black” was printed boldly in gold across the sleek surface. ‘Is that his name?’ I thought, intrigued and slightly mesmerized. He had told me to call him if I ever needed help. But I doubted I ever would or at least, I hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Accepting his help would mean feeling indebted to him, and that was something I couldn’t afford. With my phone in hand, I hesitated, his number already keyed in. My finger hovered over the dial button, and my mind raced. ‘What would I even say?’ Frustration bubbled up as I frowned, finally tossing the phone aside. Instead, I opened my laptop. If I wasn’t ready to call him, I could at least learn more about him. About his family. About the world I’d been asked to step into. A quick search later, the results left me staring at the screen, wide-eyed and speechless. The Black family wasn’t just wealthy, they were powerful.
Curtis I sat behind my desk, my fingers drumming rhythmically against the polished wood, a folder clutched in my right hand. My brows furrowed as I stared at it, its edges worn from my grip. It contained everything there was to know about Amber. A detailed report compiled by my private investigator. The folder sat heavy in my hand, not because of its weight, but because of what it meant. The possibility of uncovering something I wasn’t ready to face. I tossed it onto the table with a frustrated sigh, its contents still untouched. I didn’t want to look at it. I feared what I might find. A criminal record, a shady past, or anything that could make her unfit for this deal. But maybe it wasn’t just that. “What the hell am I doing?” I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my hair as I leaned back in my chair. The room seemed unnaturally quiet, the ticking of the clock the only sound breaking the silence. Perhaps it wasn’t Amber I was truly worried about. Perhaps
Amber I turned on the faucet, letting the water cascade over me as I stood under the shower. The warm droplets slid down my back, mingling with the soapy foam before disappearing down the drain. I rinsed out the shampoo from my hair, but even after I was done, I didn’t move. I just stood there, letting the steady stream rain down on me. My head was pounding, thoughts racing uncontrollably. I had just received an eviction notice. Not handed to me in person by the landlord, but left at my door, waiting like an unwelcome guest when I got home. [You have two days to pay your rent or vacate the premises. Failure to comply will result in immediate action.] “What do I do?” I murmured, my voice barely audible over the sound of the water. Even though I’d agreed to Curtis’s offer to become his wife, I was anxious for the contract to be finalized. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a gold digger but I was desperate for a roof over my head. Belle would happily let me crash at her place, but
The journey was silent, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Curtis sat beside me, eyes shut, his expression unreadable, as if lost in contemplation. Outside, the world blurred—houses, trees, and cars speeding past but my mind was consumed by a single fear. Rejection. What if his family didn’t accept me? What if I never became one of them? My phone buzzed again, a soft chime breaking the quiet. Another message from Belle. For the past few minutes, my screen had been lighting up with her texts, wishing me well and anxiously asking if I’d arrived at the mansion yet. “Are you okay?” Curtis’s voice drew me back. I turned to find his eyes locked on mine. Steady, warm, and strangely disarming. “I’m… just nervous,” I admitted. “Nervous?” His tone wasn’t dismissive, only curious, the kind of curiosity that felt like genuine concern. “Your family,” I confessed, my voice quieter now. “What if they don’t accept me? What if they hate me because they think I’m your wife who abandoned he
“Mum, are you okay?” Curtis asked, his voice laced with concern as he steadied his mother. His hands gripped her shoulders gently, but his gaze betrayed a deeper worry. “I’m fine,” she replied, her voice wavering slightly. But Curtis didn’t seem convinced. His hands lingered, his worry evident in the way he watched her. I could see the guilt flicker in his eyes. He loved his mother deeply, and for a fleeting moment, I could sense he regretted this…bringing me here, reopening old wounds that had never truly healed. Yet he knew it had to be done. He had to uncover the truth about his wife’s death, no matter the cost. Her eyes never left me. They were wide and brimming with tears, her disbelief mingling with hope as she stepped away from Curtis. Slowly, she approached me, her arms spreading wide. Before I could process what was happening, she pulled me into an embrace. Her warmth surrounded me, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe.
Lilith let out a chuckle. “You should’ve seen your face,” she said, her laughing fading into a smile. “Why were you just standing there alone?”I exhaled slowly, relieved she didn’t catch me eavesdropping on Genevieve, not that it mattered. Then again, I couldn't trust anyone in this house but Curtis. My lips parted to speak, but I stopped, realizing the opportunity before me. Letting out a tired sigh, I pressed a hand to my head, and said, “I was on my way to the kitchen, but then…” I paused, shaking my head slightly. “I’m not sure, but I think I remembered something from my past… I-I might be getting my memories back.”This was easier and more natural than a full-blown family conference. Now that she knew, it was only a matter of time before everyone else did. Her hands flew to her mouth, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Really? Your memories are back?” She sniffled before rushing forward, pulling me into a tight hug. As though she'd touched hot iron, she immediately pulled away
Silence hung in the air, thick, suffocating, and I could almost touch the tension in the air. His eyes scanned the room, stopping when they landed on me. Relief flashed through his eyes, but there was something else that made me feel as though he could see through my facade, and I instantly broke eye contact.Genevieve shot up from her seat, her chair scraping harshly against the floor. The silverware rattled as she slammed her hands against the table. “What the hell are you doing here?” Her voice was sharp, dripping with fury.“Is that any way to greet family?” He took a step inside, completely at ease, like there weren't daggers coming at him from every direction.”Genevieve let out a scoff, before turning to Annie. “Is this what you wanted to tell us about? Annie didn't respond, quietly eating her food, as though she was oblivious to all that was happening around her, but the way she aggressively sliced the lamb told a different story.The lack of reaction seemed to fuel Genevieve’
CLINT The knock on my office door was soft and hesitant. I didn’t look up from my screen. “What?” Sophie stepped inside, carefully shutting the door behind her. “Sir, I…” She said, her voice trembling. I glanced up, a frown on my face. She was standing stiffly, hands clasped in front of her. The usual bright energy she emanated was replaced by wariness, like she was afraid of me. That irritated me. “Spit it out!,” I ordered, Her trembling moved from just her fingers to her entire body. “What is this? Are you trying to seduce me, because you are simply wasting both our time,” I drawled, leaning back in my seat as my eyes roamed her body. She shook her head furiously, pinching her arm to stay calm. “I’m not!” Her voice was firm, anger flashing through her eyes. “Then what did you come here for and watch your tone.”
CURTIS Aidbe was the kind of restaurant where only the right people got in. No reservations, no waiting lists. If you had to ask how to get a table, you weren’t important enough. It thrived on exclusivity, where privacy was a given and silence was the real price of entry. Aiden sat across from me, pouring himself the fourth glass of wine like it was his first time tasting it. His ever-present smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, and his hood was up, shadowing his face. I guess his aesthetic for December was mysterious and brooding. No matter how much I thought about it, probably once, it was childish. He looked every bit like a man who didn’t take anything seriously, except money. And that was exactly what he was. This was the very reason we could be nothing more than business partners. I set my glass down. “I need things to get worse for Cole.”
AMBER Could I have misheard him? I wondered as I headed for my room, exhaustion setting deep in my bones. Each step felt heavier than the last, and all I wanted was to collapse onto my bed. A sigh left my lips as I pushed open the door. My eyes flickered around the room, my mood dampening when I didn't see Curtis anywhere. Whatever! He was the reason I went through so much in one night. I kicked off my shoes before neatly arranging them on the shoe rack and plopping down on the bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling. I wondered if I overreacted with Cole. Nah, he deserved more than that. Curtis wouldn't go ballistic if he didn't do anything serious to me—he didn't care that much. The thought of what Cole might have done made me shudder, but thinking about it wouldn't make me remember. I didn't want to recall it either, so I shoved it to the back of my mind. Immediately, Lilith popped up in my mind. Something about how casual, yet specific her questions were unsettled me, but there
LILITH Marcella's eyes narrowed, her voice sharp as she asked. “Why are you asking?” I blinked, faking innocence. “I just said I was trying to reach you. It was the first time I'd been unable to reach you so I was concerned.” I said, my voice low and soft as though her words hurt me. Guilt flashed across her eyes. She sighed before saying, “I was…” she paused, probably wondering whether to tell me the truth or lie. “I was just asleep, and turned my phone off.” Her eyes didn't leave mine, watching to see my reaction. My heart sank to my stomach as I realized she wasn't who I thought she was, but I still chose to hold on to the hope that there was some misunderstanding. Maybe she just didn't want me to worry about it. Why do you keep letting them take you for an idiot, Lilith? The voice in my head asked, but I blocked it out. Marcella wouldn't betray me. She lied, but… there was a reason. She was the only good thing marrying into Cole's family brought me. Everyone else
I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry. “You didn't answer my question…” I hesitated before asking. “You said I'm the last to know… I don't understand. What don't I know?” He didn't answer and just stared at me, a knowing grin on his face. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, he raised a finger, slowly wagging it in front of my face before reaching into his jacket. His eyes met mine before he brought out a black envelope and placed it on the table between us. “Why don’t you see for yourself?” I hesitated before reaching for it, my fingers trembling as I opened the envelope and saw three photos inside. “What is this?” I asked, my voice filled with trepidation. “It's right in front of you so check it out yourself,” He shrugged as he picked up the cutleries. My eyes fell back on the envelope and I exhaled slowly before pulling out one. My brows furrowed together in confusion as I stared at the picture. Rolling my eyes, I raised it, “So? It's just Cole and Amber in a restaurant.” And h
Marcella was the only woman he cared about. The man he used to be was nothing but a facade he wore to lure me in. The water cascaded down my body, blending with the tears that refused to stop. It was warm, yet it did nothing to dull the pain clawing at my heart. I slid down the wall of the shower, my sob louder. Before we got married, he loved me… I thought he did. He showered me with affection and attention until he won my heart and we got married. I thought it was a ‘He fell first, but she fell harder’ situation, but it didn't take too long for me to find out he never loved me.The way he looked at Marcella during the family gatherings. It was subtle but I noticed it because it was the same way he looked at me before we got married. Eventually, he confessed he only married me because I had her eyes.I scoffed as I recalled how he had said it like there was nothing wrong with it… like he hadn't toyed with and caged my heart all because he thought my eyes were like hers. If that was
LILITHHe wasn't answering his calls. I paced around the living room, contemplating calling the cops to report him missing or let his family know I couldn't find him. But if I did and it turned out he was fine, he wouldn't take it lightly. He wouldn't see it as me worrying about him, but being a weak woman that was desperate for attention.He wasn't entirely wrong. I was desperate for his attention.I already sent the kids to the family house so they wouldn't have to see me panicking, and have another reason to complain about their father. It hurt me to see their tender hearts hold such anger towards him despite how much he doted on them.Exhausted from waiting all night, I sank into the couch, my body giving in the moment my head hit the backrest. I wasn’t sure how long I slept, but the sound of tires crunching over gravel jolted me awake.My heart leaped.I shot up from the couch, racing to the door. “Cole. You’re back,” I breathed, relief flooding through me, until he walked throug