The courtroom buzzed with tension as the judge called for a recess. I stood, my legs shaky beneath me, and made my way toward the hallway. I needed air. I needed space to think.As I pushed through the doors, I felt a hand on my arm. I turned, expecting to see Leon, but instead found Iva standing there, her expression unreadable."Margarette," she said softly, her voice cutting through the chaos of my thoughts, "you did great today."I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I believed her. “It’s not over yet.”“No,” she agreed, “but you held your own. That’s what matters.”I forced a smile, trying to push the jealousy down again. “Thanks, Iva.”She hesitated, as if she wanted to say something more, but before she could, the doors swung open and Jack emerged, his face grim.“We need to talk, Ms. Margarette” he said, his voice low. “There’s been a development.”I stared at Jack, his expression heavy with something more than just the weariness of the courtroom. My heart picked up speed, my mind
The courtroom air was thick with tension as Laura Oviedo took the stand. I could already feel the anger bubbling up in my chest before she even opened her mouth. She was Justin's last-ditch effort, his final weapon to tear me down. I had known it was coming, but nothing could have prepared me for the lies that were about to spill from her mouth.Laura sat there, calm and collected, a perfect picture of false sincerity. Her eyes flicked toward me, cold and calculating, and then she began to speak."Miss Margarette was never satisfied with the life Justin provided for her," Laura said, her voice steady and dripping with false concern. "She was always spending money on extravagant things, taking trips, buying expensive clothes. And... well, she often took items from Madam Victoria’s personal collection. Jewelry, mostly."My fists clenched so hard my nails bit into my palms. Jewelry? She was accusing me of stealing jewelry? I could barely process the absurdity of it. But it wasn’t just th
As we walked out of the infirmary and back toward the courtroom, all eyes turned toward me. Justin’s smirk faltered for just a second, and I knew—he wasn’t expecting me to come back this strong.My steps slow and deliberate, my pulse steadying with every breath. The noise of the crowd hushed as they noticed me return. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me, but I kept mine focused on the front. Justin, still seated confidently, glanced my way, but this time there was something different in his eyes—something uneasy. He didn’t expect me to come back after that.Good. Let him doubt.I sat back down beside Jack, feeling the heat of Iva’s reassuring presence next to me. Jack gave me a quick nod as the judge re-entered, signaling that the recess was over. The courtroom slowly fell silent again, and it was time for Laura’s testimony to continue."Ms. Oviedo," Jack said, standing and approaching the witness stand with a calmness that made me feel stronger just watching him, "We’ve heard your v
The soft hum of the car engine blended into the quiet evening as Leon and I drove home from the courthouse.My thoughts, however, were far from the comforting sound of the engine. I kept replaying the courtroom drama in my head—Laura’s false testimony, Justin’s smug face, the looming fear of what might happen next. My heart felt like it was trapped in a vice, and no matter how much I tried to calm myself, the anxiety just keeps on consuming me slowly making me sunk deep within this web.It wasn’t until Leon abruptly altered our rought, I suppose he must have noticed. His fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw him glance over at me several times, before he unexpectedly turn away from the main road.I blinked, startled out of my thoughts."Where are we going?" I asked, realizing that we were no longer heading toward our house.Leon didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he pulled into a small parking lot and stopped in front of a brightly lit
The drive home after our unexpected ice cream stop was quieter, but not in an uncomfortable way. I felt lighter, the burden of the courtroom tension momentarily pushed aside. Leon’s hand rested on the gear shift, close enough to mine that his presence was a reassuring warmth. Even though my thoughts still lingered on Justin and his potential for violence, Leon’s words had done their job. I trusted him. I had to.We pulled into the driveway, the house looming in the dim light. As we stepped out of the car, the cool night air wrapped around us, bringing with it a sense of finality, as if the day’s battles were finally behind us."I think I just need to sleep," I muttered, more to myself than to Leon as we walked up to the front door. But before I could reach for the handle, Leon caught my wrist gently."Margarette." His voice was low, serious, and it stopped me in my tracks. I turned to face him, my heart suddenly thumping faster in my chest."What is it?" I asked, searching his face.
The following day, Leon took me out for lunch like we normally do. But for some reason, however, Leon had been quiet throughout our lunch, a knowing smile playing on his lips every time I asked where he was taking me next. I could sense something mischievous brewing, but as usual, he refused to give anything away. Finally, after what felt like forever, the car stopped in front of an elegant boutique. The name was embossed in gold across the large windows, reflecting the midday sun like something out of a dream. A luxury bridal shop."Leon..." I turned to him, my eyebrows raised in surprise. "What are we doing here?"He smiled and got out of the car, walking around to open my door. "You’ll see," he said, offering his hand. I took it, still confused but intrigued.We walked inside, and the soft chime of the bell above the door welcomed us into a world of pure elegance. Gowns of every shape and fabric lined the walls, each more beautiful than the last. My heart skipped a beat."Leon, w
As Leon kissed me deeply, his hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. The heat between us was intense, and I could feel the world melting away, leaving only the two of us in this intimate moment. His lips traveled from my mouth to my neck, soft but insistent, each kiss making my heart race a little faster.I pressed my hands against his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath my fingertips. The way he looked at me—like I was the only person who mattered—made everything else fade into the background."You drive me crazy," he murmured against my skin, his voice low and filled with desire. He pulled back slightly, his eyes locking onto mine. "Do you know that?"I laughed softly, breathless from the intensity of his touch. "I think it goes both ways," I teased, feeling a rush of warmth spread through me. There was something so magnetic about Leon, something that made me feel both exhilarated and completely safe at the same time.His hand slid up my back, sending shiv
My breath hitched, and for a moment, I froze in place. What was she doing here? Of all the places, of all the moments...Regina, with her perfectly styled hair and cold, calculating eyes, was walking straight toward me. Her expression didn’t falter as she recognized me, and I felt the unease bubbling up in my chest."Oh what an unlucky day to come across you here, Margarette," she greeted me coolly, her lips curving into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes."Likewise, Regina, likewise" I replied, my voice strained as I tried to remain calm. I wasn’t expecting this encounter. Not here, not now."What a surprise seeing you here. Window shopping, I assume? I mean, no offense, I doubt you even have any money left what you had taken from the Montefalcos." she asked, her tone deceptively casual as her eyes scanned me, taking in every detail.I swallowed hard. "Actually, I just pick up a new phone."Regina raised an eyebrow. "Oh, how lovely. Always the simple pleasures, hmm?"I bristled at her
After Helena left, the tension in the house was palpable. Leon paced the living room, his jaw tight with frustration.“She’s lying,” he muttered. “She has to be.”“Leon,” I said gently, placing a hand on his arm. “What if she’s not? We can’t take any chances, not with Lucas involved.”At the mention of Lucas, Leon’s expression softened, and he glanced at his son, who was happily stacking blocks in the corner.“I won’t let anything happen to him,” he said firmly. “I’ll protect him with my life.”I nodded, my heart aching at the determination in his voice. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”Leon pulled me into his arms, his embrace grounding me. “Thank you, Margarette. For everything.”Later that night, Leon tucked Lucas into bed. I watched from the doorway as he knelt beside the bed, his hand gently brushing Lucas’s hair.“Goodnight, buddy,” he whispered.Lucas stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “Goodnight, Dad,” he murmured before drifting back to sleep.Leon stood and turned to me, h
The ride back home was quiet, yet the air was filled with a warmth I hadn’t felt in a long time. Leon sat in the passenger seat, holding Lucas securely in his arms. The little boy had fallen asleep, his tiny hands clutching the fabric of Leon’s jacket, as if afraid to let go.Leon’s gaze stayed on Lucas, his expression a mix of wonder and sorrow. I didn’t interrupt his thoughts, knowing this moment was one he needed to process on his own.When we arrived at the house, Leon carried Lucas inside, his steps careful, as if afraid to wake him. I watched as he gently laid his son on the couch, covering him with a soft blanket. For a while, he simply stood there, staring down at the boy with tears glistening in his eyes.“Margarette,” he said quietly, turning to face me. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for this.”I stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. “You don’t have to repay me, Leon. Lucas is your son. He deserves to have his father in his life. And you deserve to be with him.
The days that followed were peaceful but filled with an undercurrent of anticipation. I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something I needed to do—something unfinished. It had been haunting me for weeks, but now, with Justin’s shadow gone and Leon by my side, I knew it was time.“Leon,” I began one quiet evening, as we sat by the fire. He looked up from the book he was reading, his dark eyes softening the moment they met mine.“What is it?” he asked, setting the book aside.I hesitated, my fingers playing with the hem of my sweater. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”He frowned slightly, confusion flickering across his face. “Who?”“You’ll see,” I said, standing and holding out my hand. “Come with me.”Without hesitation, Leon took my hand, his trust in me unwavering. I led him out to the car, the cool night air brushing against us as we drove into town. The roads were quiet, the streetlights casting long shadows that danced as we passed.We arrived at a small park just out
The clock struck midnight as I arrived at the abandoned warehouse, the location Justin had specified. The air was damp and heavy, the only sounds the distant hum of the city and my own racing heartbeat. I had slipped away from Helena, leaving behind a note promising to be careful, though I knew she wouldn’t forgive me for this reckless decision.The large metal doors creaked as I pushed them open, revealing a dimly lit interior. In the center of the room stood Justin, flanked by two of his men. Behind them, Leon was tied to a chair, his face battered but his eyes sharp and alert. The sight of him sent a wave of relief and fury crashing over me.“Well, well,” Justin drawled, his smirk as cruel as ever. “The damsel arrives. Punctual, I must say.”“Let him go,” I demanded, stepping forward despite the fear coursing through me. “I’m here, just like you wanted. This ends tonight.”“Oh, it will,” Justin replied, pulling a knife from his pocket and twirling it lazily. “But not the way you th
My heart froze as his words sank in. He wasn’t just after Leon—he wanted me. Before anyone could react, Justin’s men stormed in, their presence throwing the room into chaos. Leon moved like lightning, tackling one of them as William engaged another.Helena appeared in the doorway, clutching a laptop. “We’ve got the files uploaded!” she shouted. “But we need to move now!”Leon turned to me, his expression desperate. “Go with Helena. I’ll find you.”“No!” I cried, panic gripping me. “I’m not leaving you behind!”Justin’s voice cut through the chaos like a blade. “Run all you want, Margarette, but you can’t hide. I always get what I want.”Leon’s fist connected with Justin’s jaw in a blur of motion, sending him staggering back. “You’ll never touch her,” Leon snarled, his voice venomous.Helena grabbed my arm, pulling me toward the back exit. “Come on!” she urged. “We don’t have time!”I hesitated, torn between fleeing and staying to fight. Leon’s gaze met mine, and in that split second,
The ominous text on my phone screen felt like a knife twisting in my chest. My fingers trembled as I stared at the words, the weight of the decision Justin was forcing on me suffocating. Choose wisely? What did he mean? What was the game he was playing now?I bolted upright and paced the room, my breaths shallow as panic clawed at the edges of my composure. Every fiber of my being screamed that this wasn’t just about me anymore—it never had been. Justin was a master manipulator, and his threat wasn’t idle.A soft knock at the door snapped me out of my spiral. I opened it to find Leon standing there, his disheveled appearance and the dark circles under his eyes a stark contrast to his usual confidence. He didn’t say anything, just stepped inside and closed the door behind him.“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice low and steady, but his eyes sharp as they searched mine.I hesitated, clutching my phone tightly. “It’s Justin,” I finally said, showing him the message.Leon’s expression dar
Back at Leon’s secluded estate, the air was heavy with tension. The security team was doubled, every window and door meticulously checked and locked. Leon’s protective streak was in full force, and I could see the weight of the situation bearing down on him.“Here,” he said, handing me a glass of water as we sat in his study. The room, usually a place of calm and strategy, now felt like a fortress under siege.“Thank you,” I murmured, taking the glass. I watched him pace, his movements restless and charged. “Leon…”He stopped, turning to face me. His dark eyes held a mix of anger, worry, and something else—something deeper that he rarely let surface. “You don’t have to thank me, Margarette. Protecting you isn’t a favor. It’s what I’m supposed to do.”“But this isn’t just about me,” I said, standing to face him. “Justin’s targeting everyone I care about. You, my family, even William and Helena—he won’t stop until he gets what he wants.”Leon stepped closer, his presence grounding me. “
The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of William’s words hitting me like a freight train. My family. Justin was targeting my family. The thought sent a jolt of fear and fury through me, my heart pounding in my chest.Leon’s face hardened, his jaw clenched as he stepped closer to William. “What does the message say?” His voice was low and deadly, carrying an unspoken promise of retribution.William handed over his phone, his expression grim. Leon read the message aloud, each word slicing through the air like a knife.“If you want to keep Margarette’s loved ones safe, you’ll stop meddling. The clock is ticking.”I felt my knees weaken, but I forced myself to stay upright. My mind raced, trying to process the implications of Justin’s threat. My parents. My sister. Everyone I cared about. They were all in danger because of me.“Margarette,” Leon said softly, his tone a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his eyes. He reached out, his hand steady and warm on my shoulder. “We’ll
The morning light was deceptive in its warmth, casting a golden hue over the chaos that still swirled within me. Justin’s voice echoed in my mind, his words a cruel reminder that peace was nothing more than a fleeting illusion.I sat on the edge of Leon’s bed, watching his chest rise and fall in steady rhythm. He was still asleep, his face pale and bruised, but there was a tranquility in his expression that eased some of the tension coiled within me.Alexa was safe for now, resting in a secure room down the hall, with Helena standing guard. William had left to oversee the cleanup of the warehouse, ensuring no trace of our presence remained.But even surrounded by Leon’s team and their precautions, the weight of Justin’s threat pressed heavily on my chest.A soft groan pulled my attention back to Leon as his eyes fluttered open. For a moment, his gaze was unfocused, but when it landed on me, a faint smile curved his lips.“You stayed,” he murmured, his voice gravelly but warm.“Of cour