Share

Day One: start

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-08 01:07:21

REIGN’S POV

I mumbled incoherent words as I snuggled more into the soft pillow I was clutching in my arms. It was the softest I had ever had, a huge contrast to the hard lump of complexity that my life had become. The realization had me pushing the pillow away and sitting up, looking around the beige themed room. I felt the same awe I had felt when I had stepped into it for the first time, when someone, a maid i presume, kindly helped me to my room. Something Ivan was not gentlemanly enough to do.

I pushed the duvet away from my laps and stood up before stretching and humming in satisfaction at the ‘pop’ sound I received. I resisted the urge to grimace at the sight of my bed nest hair and the obvious drool on my cheek as I passed the mirror on my way to the bathroom. I did my business in a hurry, eager to get a headstart on the day. I had a job that determines my life or death.

Twenty minutes later, I was out of my bedroom, dressed in jeans and a simple T-shirt, and jogged down the stairs, ignoring the claps of my cheeks, well the other cheeks.

I wondered where the maid that helped me yesterday was. The house was silent, perhaps empty and it freaked me out. Imagine staying alone in such a big house, my mental health would go down another notch. My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I had not paid any attention to it yet. I could never go on a diet, I swear.

The kitchen, which I found easily, thank God, was just as exquisite as the rest of the house. White themed, modern appliances, stocked to the brim, which I found out when I checked the refrigerator and the cabinets, and clean, it was every chef's dream kitchen.

I settled on making pancakes, eggs and some sausages. Easy to make without breaking a sweat. I had no idea whether I sucked at measurement or in my subconscious mind, there was someone else other than me that needed food as well, I ended up making enough for two people.

I glanced at the stairs wondering if Ivan would appear magically. I was not even sure he was home. Deciding to just go with the flow, I plated for two and sat at the counter. However, before I could indulge myself, the man responsible for my predicament, showed up in the kitchen. He looked shocked to see me, as I was.

My eyes raked greedily over his body as I took it in the sweaty mass of muscle in front of me. He obviously just finished working out. But that was not what grabbed my attention.

Ivan had tattoos.

I had only ever seen him in suits but now he was dressed in a grey tank top and shorts revealing the array of dark ink that was usually covered with his suit. He had a full sleeve on one hand and I was sure his back was not spared from the work of art.

I wanted to get closer to him so I could make out the words and images on his skin. I wanted to lick him—

Now, Reign, hold your horses. I mentally berated myself.

“ Fat women are not my type. ” Ivan's smooth as silk voice reaches me, dousing cold water on the warmth that was starting to envelop me.

“ What? ” I stupidly asked.

“ You were looking at me like a fat kid looks at cake so I felt the need to clarify. You are not my type and I am not the least bit attracted to you so you can get rid of whatever fantasy that is in your head. ” He said casually, like he was not embarrassing the hell out of me.

“ I wasn't…. ” I started to deny.

“ I am not a fool. ” He said, moved to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water.

I clenched my fists and resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall or better still, my head because I put myself in this situation.

“ What's that? ” He asked, interrupting my self loathing. I followed the trail of his eyes and gulped when I saw the uneaten plate beside mine. I had already embarrassed myself enough today.

“ Food. ” I said, cringing after it escaped my lips.

“ I am sure anyone can make out that it is, but why are there two plates? Are you planning to eat them both? Or…it's not for me, is it? ” He asked, his eyebrows curving in amusement or disdain, I was not sure.

My silence was enough response.

So he laughed. Not the kind that made you develop butterflies or wonder how someone's smile could be so beautiful. It was the kind that makes you regret your actions, the kind that makes you want to dig a hole in the ground, enter it and never show your face to humanity again.

“ You must have so much time on your hands. ” He remarked, after he was done with his laughing fit. “ I think you are forgetting why you are here. Stop wasting your time on useless things such as this and invest in getting Mel back. You know there are consequences if you don't. ”

He walked out after that, taking with him my dignity and respect.

Then his head popped back in. “ You can eat both of them by the way. I am sure you have enough space to fit all that in. ”

His smirk was the last thing I saw before he finally left.

I grabbed my hair and screamed, not caring if anyone heard. I have never hated anyone as much as I hated him. I have never had any good feelings while in his presence. How could someone be so cruel and mean? And I thought he was attractive? I guess I was as blind as a bat.

I glared at the plates of food that was now cold and wondered what to do with them. I eventually sat down to eat my portion. I was not going to let a jerk that needed to touch grass have me starving for the rest of the day, especially when I still had no idea what the day had in store for me.

I was meeting Melanie after my breakfast. I still had no plan at all. The only thing I could come up with from my tossing and turning last night was following the woman to at least know something about her.

After I was done eating, I glanced at the plate I made for Ivan and wondered what to do with it. My head came up blank so I just covered and left it there. Deciding my outfit for the day was good enough to be out, I just grabbed my bag and stepped out of the house.

I squealed in joy when I noticed my car in the driveway, a stark contrast to the exuberance of the surroundings. I ran to it and placed my cheek on the hood. I got into my baby and sped, or at least tried to, out of the intimidating gates.

According to the schedule that Ivan had kindly sent to email, Melanie should be at Platinum Palace at the moment. I had bad memories about the place so I parked a bit away from the entrance.

I did not have to wait too long.

The tall and curvy figure of Melanie Anderson was one I would recognize anywhere. She had on sunglasses and a scarf, perhaps to hide herself from the attack of the paparazzi who wanted to know how she felt about the news of her fiancée cheating, which he did not. I grimaced once again at my mistake.

She entered a car that was already waiting at the exit and I gripped my steering wheel in anticipation.

This was it. My mission starts now.

So I did not hesitate to follow the car as it sped down the busy streets of New York.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • Love in the Headlines    Million dollar nails

    REIGN'S POVMelanie’s first stop for the day was at a spa, which looked more like a mall to be honest. I parked a few feet away from them and gaped at the building. How was I supposed to enter this place? I watched with a heavy heart as Mel got down from her car, nodded at the valet and disappeared into the building. I immediately got into action, I can't afford to lose her. I got down and walked towards the building but was stopped by a man dressed in a black suit.“ Ma'am, your key. ” He demanded, without any emotion.My key? Oh, the valet.I handed him the key and watched as his eyes widened when he saw the car the key belonged to. I smiled sheepishly when he turned back to look at me. Of course, my beat down car would look like a sore thumb anywhere.Realizing that I had wasted too much time, I jogged into the building, stopping only for a few minutes to admire my surroundings. Wealthy people live in another world entirely. I spotted Mel again talking to someone in the lobby and

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • Love in the Headlines    Friendship

    REIGN'S POV What should I do? Should I laugh and just run away? No, she would just run after me and catch me easily? Should I say I was a fan? That was more feasible. Or should I just say the truth? That Ivan had me do this? Ivan never told me if I was allowed to do that though.I groaned. What a rollercoaster my life has become!“ I…I was just…you know….” I stammered, looking around the mall like a way out was going to suddenly appear.“ I don't know anything. All I know is a creepy woman has been following me in a beat up car all day. ” Mel said, venom coating her face and her voice. My poor car. I am sorry you are taking the brunt of my actions.“ The thing is…” I started, ready to throw Ivan under the bus to redeem the image of my car.“ Oh, it's you. ” Melanie suddenly exclaimed, startling me. What was going on? Have we met before? “ Do you know me? ” I asked, reluctantly.“ Of course. Aren't you the reporter who posted the first article about Ivan's affair? ” She asked, the i

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • Love in the Headlines    What is in this whiskey?

    IVAN’S POVI enjoyed the startled look on her face. Far too much than I would like to admit. That was what she gets for keeping me waiting. Nothing no one has ever done or can afford to do. Yet this woman, with lips that were too pink for her own good and was currently staring at me with fear in her eyes, dared to do so. It was rather unsettling.“ Pretending to be a statue won't make me forget your actions. ” I said, when she still didn't move after all.“ Really? It was worth a try though. ” She sassed before walking towards the seat next to mine and sitting down.She smelt of vanilla and coconuts. While I noticed it was beyond me but as she passed by me, I unconsciously inhaled her scent and let it fill me.What the hell was I doing?“ I was late because your dare fiancée kept me busy. ” She muttered, almost in an accusatory tone. “ She's pretty persuasive. ”“ Those shopping bags–” I started.“....are her handworks. ” Reign completed for me. “ She just wouldn't stop and before I k

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • Love in the Headlines    An explosive plan

    REIGN'S POV I hummed as I successfully got the board and myself through the front door. I locked eyes with Ivan as I shrugged off my coat. I swear this man appears and disappears. He was nowhere to be found when I had left home earlier.Home? Did I just refer to this prison as a home? I must be hungry, very hungry.“ Where are you coming from? ” Ivan demanded, glancing down at whatever he was doing. I realized he was working on his laptop when I moved closer and there was a plus….he was wearing glasses! It was crazy how attractive Ivan looked and it was crazier how attracted I was to him despite how rude and mean he was to me. My taste in men was questionable. Ivan looked up again when I took so long in replying. I cleared my throat and looked away before he realized that I had been staring. I would hate for a repeat of what happened in the kitchen yesterday.“ Does living here mean my movements are monitored too? ” I scowled, resting half of my weight on the board.“ Well you are n

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • Love in the Headlines    All girls like pink

    Chapter 11REIGN'S POV Satisfied with what I have come up with, I placed the board in the corner of my room so I don't collide with it and so it is the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning. It would make me get up fast and get me started on my day.To completely get started on my plan, I needed to learn everything I can from Ivan about Melanie. Even if they were not close, I am sure he would know a few important pieces of information about her. It would also be an opportunity for me to test just how on the surface their relationship was. If he could give me substantial information, then there was hope but if I got nothing, then my work was really cut out for me.I grabbed my phone from the bed and trudged out of the room. I whistled happily as I walked down the stairs, excited that everything was going according to plan. Hopefully Ivan was still in the kitchen. I would hate to have to go to his room. I was not even sure which of the rooms belonged to him. We have never bum

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • Love in the Headlines    Her dream man

    REIGN'S POV The address Mel gave me was a cozy looking cafe. Just looking at it alone made me feel good. There was almost a skip in my steps as I entered the cafe. The chime of the bell signalling my entrance. The cafe was not too big so spotting Mel was not an issue.As usual, she was dressed impeccably. I wondered how she managed to look good and still not go over the top. I plastered a smile on my face and walked towards her. The click of my heels had her looking up. My chest warmed as her lips widened into a smile when she spotted me.No one had ever been that excited to see me.“ Hi. ” I said shyly, and took the seat opposite her. I was nervous, way more nervous than I had been in front of my first crush. She unnerved me in a way.“ Hello. ” She replied enthusiastically, almost shooting out of her seat. She grabbed her head at the extreme movement, massaging her scalp gently.“ Are you okay? ” I asked, wondering what was going on.“ Yeah, I'm good. I just had a really crazy nigh

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • Love in the Headlines    Tattoos and Muscles

    IVAN'S POV I wiped the towel down my face as I shut the gym door and made my way back to the sitting room. I wondered if Reign was in the kitchen whipping up something. I almost could not see the kitchen without her in it anymore.I placed the towel on my shoulder ready to go to the kitchen to see Reign when the woman in question suddenly appeared in front of me, startling me. Thankfully, I didn't have a reaction too big. I had already embarrassed myself enough with what happened yesterday.“ Are you cosplaying a ghost today too? ” My eyebrows raised in question.“ Pull off your shirt. ”“ What? ”“ Pull off your shirt, ” She repeated.She was serious? Was she okay? “ Don't you think I need some sort of explanation as to why I need to pull off my shirt? ” I folded my arms.“ I need to confirm something. ” She replied, folding her arms as well.Wrong move.I can't believe I let my guard down yesterday and got caught ogling her boobs. She was doing the same thing again. Raising them u

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • Love in the Headlines    How to know when you like someone

    REIGN'S POV The life of a jobless broke woman was really monotonous. My routine now consisted of waking up, eating, and seeing Mel. I wondered how I was going to live after this whole thing was over. It was more than glaring that I had lost my job at Everlight publications. The thought of Bethany getting the position I had worked hard for made my stomach clench in sadness and something else akin to anger.“ Are you okay? ”“ Uh, what? ” I said, remembering my surroundings. I was in a mall with Mel. She had suddenly invited me out for breakfast that morning. She was exactly the person I wanted to see so I didn't waste time in going to see her after that weird moment with Ivan.“ Is everything fine? You have been staring at your cup for over five minutes. ” Mel said, twirling her latte with a straw.“ Yeah, everything is fine. I just feel a bit nostalgic. “ I smiled.“ Oh, I understand that feeling. Missing moments that are long gone and wishing they would happen again. I know it all t

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08

Latest chapter

  • Love in the Headlines    Drunk Reign

    REIGN'S POV I was stuck in a dilemma. Ivan’s shirt didn't fit. I mean it did, but half of my ass was out. Going out wearing this means giving a free show to Ivan. I sighed and put my short tights back on. I thought I could pull it off without it. I stopped in front of the mirror and twirled my body left and right to see if I looked weird. It actually didn't, I almost looked…..hot. I was surprised Ivan’s shirt actually fit me and was still not snug on my body, I guess all of those muscles took a lot of space. I took a deep breath, trying to ease the nervousness I felt at having to go out like this. I was covered appropriately but I was still showing some skin, like my thighs. It didn't help either that the shirt smelled exactly like him. It almost felt like he was the one wrapped around me instead. I wish I had something else to wear.“Beggars can't be choosers, Reign.” I mumbled to myself. A knock on the door startled me and it opened before I could even form a thought. My eyes wide

  • Love in the Headlines    Hate it when you do that

    REIGN’S POV No way. There was no way in hell. Ivan and I glanced at each other in disbelief. I was just joking. It was just fun remembering all the books I have read. The fact that it was happening as I said it was really creepy. Or maybe the receptionist was mistaken.I laughed. “Come on, that was funny. Are you trying to go along with my joke?”The receptionist shook her head. “I am serious, ma'am. All of our rooms are really booked except one.”Ivan glared accusingly at me. “You jinxed it.”I spluttered. “I had no idea. I was just saying. How could I have known things like this really happen?”“Throw your books in the damn river, lady.” Ivan scoffed and gently massaged his forehead. I scowled. “Leave my books out of this. What do we do now?”“We're taking it, do we have a choice?” Ivan rolled his eyes and nodded at the receptionist in confirmation.“What? How can we sleep in the same room together?” I gasped. “I would never do that.”“It's a suite, Reign.” Ivan said in a duh tone

  • Love in the Headlines    Jinxed

    IVAN’S POVI was pissed, fuming, infuriated, annoyed and every other word synonymous to angry. First it was that thing that referred to herself as the better Anderson sister when she can't even hold a flame to a strand of Melanie's hair, yapping her mouth and irritating me.Then it was that overly happy Henry who can't take a hint, talking to Reign when it was obvious we had somewhere to be. That was why I was upset. I wanted to go home already but they had me stand there for minutes while they talked about useless things. He wanted to get to know her better? Doesn't he have any pending work that needs his attention? At least Reign knew better than to take him up on his offer.And what? We were just acquaintances? We were more than that. We were housemates, we were business partners, if we consider the fact that we signed a contract together, regardless of the content. How dare she reduce us to mere acquaintances?Reign sneezed beside me. “Damn, who is cursing me in their head?”I res

  • Love in the Headlines    Just acquaintances

    REIGN'S POV Ivan didn't stop, despite how much I called for him until we got to where the valet parked his car. He was really pissed this time. I was jogging while he was just walking but I still didn't manage to catch up to him. “Hey, it's not nice letting me run after you in heels.” I scowled. I sighed and bit my lips, wondering how to apologize to him. “Look, I'm so sorry this turned out to be such a disaster but I promise you if we go back in there, I'm going to sit right beside you so you can have peace for the rest of the dinner.”“No. Get in the car, let's go home.” He said, opening his car. I pushed it close and rested on it, unintentionally getting in his space. Unlike what I expected, Ivan didn't move an inch, not caring that we were almost pressed together. “Come on, let's give it another try. It would be rude to leave just like that.”“Like I give a fuck. And don't lecture me on rudeness when you've been letting that thing get away with the words she was throwing at you

  • Love in the Headlines    D stands for dinner and disaster

    REIGN'S POV I gasped as I saw the floor getting closer, however I was able to grab a hold of the door handle before my face met the ground, thanks to quick reflexes. I took a deep breath before whipping my head back to see who had pushed me. My face cracked in disbelief when I saw Matilda hugging Ivan like her life depended on it. Ivan looked frozen like he was still processing what was going on.Was she serious? Was she not aware of the kind of person Ivan was? Why did she have to push me away so violently? I was not even standing that close to him.As expected, when Ivan finally realized what was going on, he pushed her away, so hard that she staggered back and fell on her butt.I gasped and gripped the door knob tighter. Everything was going wrong right from the very beginning and shel was to blame for all of these. Who goes to hug a stranger like they were best friends?I glared at Ivan as he moved closer to me and whispered to him. “What the hell are you doing? You're ruining ev

  • Love in the Headlines    Mevan ship

    REIGN'S POV I peeked inside the kitchen and sighed in relief when I saw Ivan sitting at the counter and working. I took a deep breath and said a short prayer. “I can do this. I can do this.” I chanted like a mantra. I adjusted my dress and finally walked into the kitchen, trying to look nonchalant like I didn't come here for him. I leaned against the counter and tapped my fingers against it while looking at Ivan through side eyes to see if he noticed me. I deflated when he didn't even look up. What do I do to grab his attention?I took the seat directly opposite him and placed my forearms on the table. I plastered a smile on my face and focused all my attention on him. The last time I was in this position was when I was interviewing for a job at Everlight publications. The situations were not much different from each other. I was willing to do anything to please my interviewer, just to get what I wanted and right now I was about to do the same with Ivan.“Care to explain why you're

  • Love in the Headlines    Where have you been all my life?

    REIGN’S POV I hummed happily as I waited in front of Mel's door. The week had gone by rather slowly and I was glad I was finally done with it. It was crazy I had to face that every month. I had missed Mel immensely and we had chatted often but it was nothing like seeing each other in person.I knocked again when I didn't hear a response. I started getting jittery. What if Mel was not home? I didn't tell her I was coming so it would be a surprise but it looked like I came in vain instead. I sighed and turned around to leave when I heard the door crack open. I turned back with a smile on my face but it slipped when I noticed the state of Mel who was standing by the door. Her eyes were red rimmed and her mascara was smudged down her cheeks. “Mel, what's going on?” I asked, quietly and moved closer to her. As if she had been waiting for someone to ask, Mel sagged in my arms and burst into tears. I sighed and held her in my arms, patting her back gently. I led her into the house without

  • Love in the Headlines    More like stalking

    MELANIE’S POV I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel anxiously as I waited for the black sedan that Christian drove to come within sight. It was crazy what he had reduced me to.A scorned woman stalking the man that does not want her.I wanted to give up, I wanted to let him go but I was unable to. I spent every waking moment thinking about him, wishing things were different than what it was. If this was what love was all about, then I was not sure I liked it very much. I hated that my mood now depended on someone else.If I had these feelings for Ivan, my life would be easier.I gasped when his car finally appeared and ducked. I only realized my silliness when I remembered my car had tinted glasses. “ Right, he can't see me. "I murmured. I pulled my sunglasses from the compartment and put them on. I waited for Christian to enter his apartment complex before alighting and jogging after him.“ Miss. ” A woman I had not noticed called out when I dashed after Christian who was about

  • Love in the Headlines    Attraction vs. liking someone

    IVAN’S POVI tapped my pen on the table lightly while Henry's assistant explained the structure of the building we were collaborating on. It was supposed to be a refuge for abused women and children. Totally nonprofit at all. I was surprised Henry was willing to do this with me. He didn't seem like the type to do things like this but I knew better than to judge people by their appearance.“ I would like it if we tone down the exuberance a bit. ” I inputted, leaning forward. “ It's supposed to be a place where they can recuperate and face life head on once again. I don't see anyone being comfortable enough to do that here, honestly. ”Henry tapped his jaw in thought. “ I think I see what you mean. I'd have team work on something new. ”“ Please contact my design team as well for any assistance that you need. ” I offered.“ Of course. ” Henry grinned. The meeting was over and he was back to his happy go lucky self. It almost hurts to see all that smiling. What was he so happy about? I

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status