Chapter 76: Oscar Award Hayley's POV ~flashback ~America's Culinary Oscar Award day.Soft background music filled the well-lit hall as top kitchen and restaurant representatives gathered around a long black table with a polished silver surface. I stood among them, representing Biga Bistro.Our aprons displayed our names.On the table lined some table stoves, plates and brown mystery boxes whose contents remained unknown. And five esteemed judges stood nearby. Soon, the moderator came forward, welcoming everyone to the 2024 American's Culinary Oscar Award."Everyone take your station!" the blonde haired moderator announced. We rushed to take our positions, each facing a mystery box. My heart pounded loudly.Being here alone was a dream come true for me and I felt a mix of excitement and fear seeing the number of professional chefs from prestigious kitchens that I was up against."I know many of you are curious about the boxes," he continued. "Each box holds nine identical ingredie
Chapter 77: New workplace Hayley's POV Back to Present Time Just when I drove out of Williams' estate, my mom's call came in. She had been calling me more often these days and it hurt me that she wasn't happy. "Hello darling. Are you at home? I want to come around," she went straight to the point as soon as the call connected. That was unlike her. She always spent at least a few minutes fussing about how I was doing. "Not exactly, Mom, but I'm driving home now. I'll go wait for you. Are you okay?" I reversed and started driving home. I was going to submit my resignation letter at Biga Bistro but I guess that would had to wait until later. "I'm fine, darling. I just want to see you and know how you're doing. It's been awhile. Don't you agree? I'll see you soon, bye." She hung up before I could even reply. "What a woman," I muttered under my breath before concentrating back on the road. I soon got to the house and was surprised to find my mom already there, preparing something i
Chapter 78: Sharing an Office Hayley's POV I followed Marcelo, expecting him to lead me to his office or mine. But I was so wrong.He Instead, took me on a tour of various offices and departments within the company. We walked up and down stairs, bypassing elevators that could have saved us time, and stress. It was both funny and annoying. Most employees couldn't hide their surprise at seeing their boss give a new employee a personal tour. I supposed it wasn't an everyday sight.By the time we finally arrived at Marcelo's office, exhaustion overwhelmed me. My thighs ached, and I removed my stiletto, not caring that Marcelo was watching.He burst into laughter as soon as I did that and I eyed him, wondering what was funny."You should have thought about sitting first, Miss Matteson," his voice carried a teasing tone as he called my name. "I think it would be best if you showed me my office," I suggested, eager to escape his annoying charm.Marcelo spun his chair around, grinning. "T
Chapter 79: Causing a scene Hayley's POV The week flew by quickly and soon I was preparing for the start of a fresh week. My last week as a trainee in Lux kitchen, before I graduate to being a full staff and getting paid for my work.As Marcelo promised, he was my personal trainer and working with him was both fun and tedious.But he was a good teacher; attentive and patient. I couldn't help but feel lucky that I got to train under him.I flipped a page of the 'The Flavor Bible' by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg I was reading, a small smile creeping to my lips at the thought of Marcelo's contrasting personality when working and not.He was a disciplinary when it involved work and a charmer on the other side. And I couldn't help but wonder if he knew how overly sweet he was sometimes.The thought of that brought some unholy thoughts to my mind which I quickly dismissed, flipping another page of The Flavor Bible.I was still having a hard time in some areas, especially adapting to n
Chapter 80: Taming her EnemiesWilliams' POV More than a week had passed since I brought my wife home, and her healing had been my sole focus.I could say we were making a huge progress, but I knew that for some people, true healing required more than physical care; my wife wanted justice.I wanted her to find peace with herself and no longer feel threatened. And she would only get that satisfaction after seeing those that hurt her get a deserving punishment.I was more than glad to give that punishment, but she wanted to be there, to take part in it.I didn't want her innocent heart to be corrupted, but I also didn't mind showing her how brutal I could be to those that dare hurt her. She was my world. My peace. My everything."Babe, I'm ready," I felt Melissa's tiny arms wrap around my neck from behind, startling me out of my thoughts, her voice sending sweet tingles down my spine."Hey, come here." I pulled her to stand in front of me, before repeatedly kissing her lips making her
Chapter 81: FeverMarcelo's POVHayley's knees buckled and I lunged forward, my heart racing in response. Catching her mere inches from the floor, I cradled her limp body in my arms."Hayley, what's wrong?" I urged, my voice filled with panic. Her eyelids fluttered shut, and I felt a surge of fear. I scooped her up, holding her close as I called out her name, "Hayley! Hayley!"Instructing everyone that had arrived at the scene to return to their office, I hurried into mine with Hayley in my arms, and carefully made her to lie on the couch before calling my doctor.I paced my office worriedly as I waited, checking my watch at intervals and wondering why he was taking so long to come, despite only been five minutes that I called him.I finally went to squat close to a still unconscious Hayley since I couldn't stop gazing at the clock and as I removed a stray hair from her face, the door opened to reveal Dr Neill, carrying what looked like a briefcase."Good morning, Marcelo," Dr. Neill
Chapter 82: ReleaseMelissa's POV My eyes widened as it came to focus on a gun I saw Thomas handed Williams. I didn't notice Thomas had been with one until now.I knew Williams had a dark past, but seeing him with a gun made it hard to reconcile the man I love with the man he used to be.I had thought he was just going to punish them and then maybe hand them over to the cops, but I guess I was wrong.In a flash, I lunged towards him, my focus still on the metal now pointed at Stefan. It was not my first time seeing a gun, but it was my first witnessing it being pointed at somebody.My heart raced with both fear and uncertainty. Stefan pleaded desperately, even crying as he begged for his life to be spared. Despite his betrayal, I felt a pang of sympathy for him, and I found myself unable to ignore the desperation and fear in his eyes.For a moment, I had thought of the possibility that he could telling the truth about Andrew threatening to kill his sister.Andrew was a despicable p
Chapter 83: SecretsWilliams' POV As soon as the door to the small house where I had Andrew kept slowly gave way, I intertwined Melissa's hand with mine. She looked very nervous, her hand visibly shaking. I knew that it was because of the bastard, and rage boiled through me. I couldn't wait to make him suffer for ever laying his filth hands on her.The dimly lit room oozed of sweat and blood stench, testament to the limited air flow, and the unspeakable torture Andrew had received from Thomas.A satisfying smile curled up my lips knowing more misery awaited him.Following the whimpering sounds coming from Andrew, we found him curled in a corner, his body pressed tightly against the wall like he wanted to pass through it, to escape from us.He was stripped and only on a small black underwear, his back which he had to us was battered with whip marks. I knew it was also Thomas' handiwork, and I felt proud of him."Time to say hi to your visitors, Andrew Peterson," I said in a calm, frie
Chapter 102: Always and Forever Hayley's POV I woke up with a yawn, my stomach growled announcing my hunger. I couldn't help but blame it on the energetic night Marcelo and I shared–exhausted ourselves after several rounds.His hand still wrapped securely around my waist, holding me close and I blushed. I turned to face him, and his sleepy murmur made me smile. Marcelo's eyes remained closed, his steady breathing a testament to his peaceful slumber. Yet, he instinctively pulled me closer, and I wrapped my hand around his neck, savoring the warmth of his skin.The urge to admire his handsome face wrestled with my growling stomach and the impending visit from Melissa and Williams. The morning sunlight streaming through the window hinted that time was ticking away.I playfully opened Marcelo's eyelids with my thumb, and he grumbled, making me giggle. I repeated the tease, holding his lids open and blowing air into his eyes. Suddenly, he grasped my hands, rolling me onto his chest, sec
Chapter 101: Shattered BlissHayley's POV~In Marcelo's Villa I wriggled my body, attempting to shake Marcelo off, but he continued peppering my neck with tingling kisses, sending me into uncontrollable laughter. He had snuck up on me while I was making breakfast."I'm going to let you starve if you don't stop," I threatened, still chuckling."You love me too much to do that," he replied, turning me to face him, his grin wide.My eyes roamed his bare chest, and I salivated at the sight."Do you like what you see?" he asked, his finger tracing the exposed part of my neck, making me shiver. A sly smirk spread across his handsome face."Nah, I've seen hotter men," I teased."I bet those men can't do this," he said, flipping me over and bending me across the counter.His hand slipped beneath my shirt, touching my bare ass. I grabbed the counter, gasping. My pussy pooling with wetness."You're going to be late for work," I said, deliberately not giving him the answer he wanted to hear. H
Chapter 100: Forever YoursMelissa's POV Since I set my eyes on William, I couldn't contain my joy. The way he stared at me with love-filled eyes made my stomach go wild with butterflies. I yearned to kiss him badly, but I held myself back.Now, he was about to say his vows, and my heart drummed uncontrollably. "My dearest Melissa..." he started, his trembling voice sending shivers down my spine.I gazed into his eyes, my heart overflowing with love."When I met you a year ago, we started on rough ground, and I'm forever sorry about that. I never dreamed that you'd end up being mine. I didn't think I deserved someone as beautiful, kind, loving, and caring as you. But you loved me, fought my darkness with me, and lit up my entire world. You gave my heart a reason to beat again, and I am really grateful."His voice trembled more, bringing tears to my eyes."You have become my friend, my confidant, my strength, my partner, lover, my life. Waking up next to you every day, knowing I'll fi
Chapter 99: Wedding bellsMelissa's POVI stood before the mirror, my gaze tracing the delicate lace of my ball gown. Many little girls dream of their fairytale weddings, and I was no exception. Disney movies had fueled my imagination, and now, here I was, living my own happily ever after.Weeks of planning had led to this moment. Excitement, nerves, and anticipation swirled within me. I smoothed the gown, accommodating the tiny bump that had brought us so much joy. This dress was more than just a choice; it was a childhood dream come true. It felt magical.As I gazed into the mirror, my eyes met a beautiful woman, radiant with happiness. A woman who had faced challenges and emerged stronger. Emotion overwhelmed me, and I turned to Hayley, embracing her tightly."Hay, I'm going to ruin my makeup," I whispered, struggling to hold back tears.She held me tight, stroking my hair, "You're doing great, Lisa.""I'm so nervous," I whispered."That's because you feel Williams can't handle thi
Chapter 98: BeachMelissa's POV With only three days until our wedding, I couldn't contain my excitement. Williams and I had decided to move up the date, and I was thrilled. I didn't want my baby bump showing before the wedding, and I also didn't want to worry about fitting into my dream dress.As I gazed at my reflection, I admired the subtle curve of my stomach. Our little secret was growing, and I couldn't wait to meet our baby. Williams' eyes would light up whenever he talked about becoming a father, and I knew he'd be amazing in every sense.My mind wandered to Hayley and her blossoming relationship with Marcelo. I had been pestering her to give him a chance, and it seemed like she finally had. A smile spread across my face, thinking about how happy they seemed together. I couldn't be prouder that she finally considered giving her heart a chance. And I was happy that it was Marcelo. He seemed like a great guy."Baby, are you ready now?" Williams called from the living room."Yes
Chapter 97: Taking a chance Hayley's POVI held my phone, twirling it in my hand, thinkin through what I was about to do. I still found it funny that I was actually considering calling Marcelo.Melissa had stayed with me for a few days after she learned about my dad's health situation, keeping me company, visiting the hospital with me and also not letting me hear the end of how I risk dying lonely if I didn't give Marcelo a call.She finally left today and despite that I missed her, I couldn't help but feel relieved. She could be a little too persuasive sometimes.My brain replayed the drama that unfolded between her and Williams and a smile spread across my lips. A tempting thought that Marcelo and I could someday become like that snuck into my mind, and I pressed my lips together, my gaze fixed on the phone in my hand, Marcelo's contact displayed on the screen.Williams came to see her everyday for the four days she spent here, begging to take her back, but she kept stalling him.
Chapter 96: Gossips Williams' POVI dropped the call with Robert after carefully instructing him to keep Melissa safe. She needed to be more careful now that she was pregnant with our child.We had returned from our vacation only yesterday and she couldn't wait to see her friend, Hayley. I would have taken her myself, but I was on my way to see grandma, to know how she was coping with the News of her husband's arrest.Nemesis seemed to have finally caught up with the old man and the news about his illegal pharmaceutical company was leaked. And now, the police had grandpa and the partners involved in the business in custody while investigation was being carried out.I was only worried for Grandma, as for my grandfather, I can only say I warned him.As I walked into the living room, I found grandma's eldest daughter, sitting on the couch, engaged in a conversation over the phone . I didn't know she was around."Williams," she called out once she noticed me, standing up.I walked to he
Chapter 95: CancerHayley's POV I hurried into my house, resisting every urge to look back and slammed the door shut, fastening the lock in place before I rested my back against the door, sliding until my butt made contact with the floor.I sat there my heart racing, my head in my palms until I heard Marcelo's car start and then after sometime he finally drove off.The few seconds kiss in his car had left me wanting more. I congratulated myself for resisting him even when all I wanted was to have him lay me down and kiss my senses away again.My mind replayed the event that led to the kiss and my anger resurfaced. He may be my boss but he had no right to interfere in my personal affairs like he did. I didn't even understand why he cared and had to embarrass me like that in front of Jason when all he had been doing was ignore me and get together with Emma.He was an asshole, a hypocrite trying to teach me how to live my life when he was no better than me.I searched my bag for my pho
Chapter 94: The clubhouse Marcelo's POV I arrived at Monaco, a clubhouse where a partner insisted we meet. I was done with clubs a long time ago and had declined at first. But after a second thought, I figured the lively environment was a perfect choice to provide me the distraction I badly sort.I reached the entrance and showed my card to the men in black, and they step aside for me to enter. I was enveloped by the whirlwind of light and music, transporting me back memory lane.Monaco was an exclusive sanctuary where the big shots gathered to indulge in entertainment and seduction. Paying huge amounts to watch sexy strippers dance and seduce them. They get the chance to bed some if they paid even more.And Williams and I always paid more back when we frequented the place, until he met his first love, Rebecca Beverley and gave up clubbing. I copied him shortly after, even though I was single to a fault.I arrived at the table where Mijo sat smoking a pipe, and after exchanging plea