Hey there REBELS, I just want to say THANK YOU whoever you are that gave this book some gifts! I hope this isn't the last :) xo
The press conference had certainly done its job, and for a while, things calmed down. The tabloids moved on to new stories, and my scandal was reduced to old news. I focused on work, throwing myself into my upcoming projects and grateful that the movie’s production team had stayed behind me. It felt like things were finally slipping back into normalcy, though the idea of a “relationship” with William lingered in the background.A week after the press conference, William and I agreed to meet at a quiet cafe to catch up and talk about our progress. Despite everything, William and I had managed to keep things comfortable. He was good company, and his calm presence was a relief. But I couldn’t deny that pretending to date him left a strange feeling that I couldn’t shake.When I walked in, William was already at a corner table, sipping coffee and reading something on his phone. He looked up, smiling warmly as he saw me.“Margarette, it’s good to see you. How’s everything on your end?”“Bus
It took me having the cold feet to go meet up with william and thankfully, he still had some errands to do at the network station where he was currently working as a project director for the national TV.William was surely a very hardworking person. To be honest, dating him wasn’t so bad. Even though this was all just a set up, I found him to be a very caring and thoughtful partner. Not because we’re good friends, but I found that Willima could really be an ideal man to become a partner.Anyone could easily rely on him without any worry. He was also a faithful man, I never heard about him getting linked to any random girl and above all, a responsible man too. I wouldn’t even doubt he would become a good father when he becomes one.The way he gives so much attention to Lucas was more than enough for me to consider all of this good traits about William. However, he was not just for me. I have already decided no to go seek for any partner now, my sole focus was to raise Lucas.And above a
I walked briskly down the hallway, each step echoing off the walls as I thought of William’s unexpected proposal. My heart still pounded from the confusion and disbelief I felt, and as I reached his suite, I pushed the door open without knocking. William looked up from the couch, surprised, but his face settled quickly into a guarded expression."Margarette," he started, getting up.“No, you don’t get to start,” I cut him off sharply. “What was that out there, William? That…that proposal wasn’t part of any agreement.”He let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. “Margarette, listen. I know it was sudden, and it wasn’t what we planned, but I had no choice.” His voice was calm, rational, as though we were discussing a business deal gone awry rather than my fake engagement.“No choice?” I repeated, incredulous. “There is always a choice. And you chose to put on a show in front of those cameras—one that you know full well I didn’t ask for and certainly didn’t agree to.”William loo
Days passed, and we continued our roles for the public. The engagement was splashed across every tabloid, every entertainment show. "Margarette and William: An Unlikely Love Story," they called it, but behind the scenes, everything felt off-kilter.One evening, Aunt Lou talked to me, her voice light but curious. “So,” she started slowly, “I saw the news. You and William, hmmn?” I could hear the hope in her voice, the expectation that I was moving forward, that maybe William could be someone who’d bring light back into my life. But the warmth in her tone only served to underscore the lie.“Yes and it’s complicated, Aunt Lou,” I replied, not sure how to explain. “Things are…well, they’re not exactly what they seem.”She let out a small sigh, pausing as if she were piecing together what I’d left unsaid. “Margarette, child, you don’t have to explain if you don’t feel like it. I just want to make sure you’re not pushing yourself into anything that doesn’t feel right.”I appreciated her und
I spent the better part of the morning in the living room, trying to focus on a new puzzle with Lucas, who was steadily becoming my little mastermind. He was getting quicker at these, his tiny fingers piecing together shapes with a focused little frown that made my heart swell with love. As I leaned over to help him fit a corner piece, he looked up at me with his wide, curious eyes.As Lucas and I played with his favorite puzzle on the living room rug, he was bubbling over with excitement, his little fingers working to fit pieces together. I loved these quiet moments with him—watching his expressions shift with each puzzle piece he conquered. I thought we were set for a peaceful morning until he glanced up with a question I hadn’t prepared for.“Mommy,” he asked, looking at me with an innocent curiosity. “Why hasn’t Uncle Daddy William come to play? Did he… forget me?”I felt my heart falter. William had been so present in Lucas’s life, even during our tangled, complicated act for the
That evening, as I settled Lucas into bed, my mind was still spinning with everything I’d felt and realized at English Bay. I found myself replaying the questions I had asked Leon, turning over his silent answers in my mind, as if the warmth I’d felt there was indeed a sign that he’d heard me. I knew I’d have to face these feelings sooner or later, and that meant confronting William. He’d been patient, trying to play his part as best he could, and yet it was impossible for him to understand what it meant to carry a loss like mine.After days of thinking, wrestling with memories and regrets, I made my way back to the café where William had asked to meet. Today felt different. I had come to terms with the possibility I’d spent so long avoiding: that maybe, letting go of the past didn’t have to mean erasing it. Maybe it could mean making space for someone else. For Lucas’s sake. And, I admitted to myself, maybe even for mine.The next morning, I decided to send William a message: Mee
The days felt lighter than usual, like I was finally able to breathe again after what felt like a lifetime of holding my breath. I had made my peace with the past, with Leon's memory, and had decided to give my heart a chance to find love again, even if the path was still new and uncertain. William was making it easy. Each day, he seemed determined to show me how committed he was—not just to Lucas and me but to our future together. Today marked the end of a long and exhausting shoot. The sun was dipping behind the set as the director called for a wrap, the crew breaking into applause, and my co-stars and I relaxed, feeling the collective weight lift. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw William approaching with a radiant smile and a massive bouquet of red roses. I didn’t expect him to show up on set, let alone with flowers in hand, but the sight of him sent a quiet warmth through me. He looked proud, confident, and undeniably handsome, and I couldn’t help the blush that crept o
The day after my conversation with William, I received a message from my publicist about an upcoming press conference. It was organized by the studio to promote the film, but they’d be opening the floor to any questions the press might have about the recent engagement between me and William or the scandal. Part of me dreaded the entire affair, but another part knew this was necessary. After everything that happened, it was crucial to show that I wasn’t hiding from the spotlight—or from the truth. I arrived early, the room already buzzing with reporters setting up their equipment and fans gathering outside, hoping for a glimpse of the cast. My eyes scanned the rows of chairs and the raised platform where we’d be seated, and I tried to calm my nerves.“Margarette!” My publicist, Tina, called from the corner, waving me over. “Quick, before the others get here. I want to go over a few things.”I nodded, grateful for her organization as she quickly briefed me on potential questions and r
The days that followed were a whirlwind of chaos.My father’s downfall was splashed across every news outlet. Financial crimes, money laundering, illegal dealings—his empire was collapsing, and with it, his reputation. His allies abandoned him one by one, choosing self-preservation over loyalty.But he wasn’t the kind of man to go down without a fight.That’s why I wasn’t surprised when I received the message.A single text.Suite 1103. One last talk. Come alone.Leon was furious. “Absolutely not.”I expected that reaction. I also knew there was no changing my mind.“Leon, this is my fight. My ending to write.”His eyes darkened. “He’s cornered, Margarette. That makes him more dangerous than ever.”I reached for his hand, squeezing it. “I’ll be fine.”He exhaled sharply. “I don’t trust him.”I smiled softly. “Good. Neither do I.”The Last Conversation—AgainSuite 1103 was dimly lit when I walked in. My father sat by the window, a drink in his hand, staring out at the city he once rule
We had expected my father to retaliate, but I knew he wouldn’t be careless. No, he’d take his time. He’d make sure his counterattack hurt.Which meant we had to strike first.Leon was already making calls before I even had to say anything. His contacts, his men—every piece of leverage we had was being mobilized.Victor paced across the penthouse, his expression tense. “Margarette, I don’t think you understand how much you just provoked him.”I crossed my arms. “Oh, I understand, Victor. That’s the point.”Leon smirked at my words, but his eyes were sharp as he cut in. “We need to draw him out. He’s not going to sit back and lick his wounds. He’s going to come for you.”Victor sighed. “And you’re just waiting for that to happen?”I walked over to the window, watching the city below. “No.” My voice was calm. “We’re leading him exactly where we want.”Victor ran a hand through his hair. “And where is that, exactly?”Leon leaned against the counter, his voice casual but firm. “A place whe
Dorian was right. My father wasn’t sitting idle. He was moving his pieces, fortifying his position before I could strike.But he underestimated me.By morning, I was already on the phone, making calls, pulling in every favor I had left. I wasn’t just going to fight him—I was going to destroy him.Leon watched me from across the kitchen, leaning against the counter, sipping his coffee. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and despite the weight of everything we were up against, he looked completely composed.It irritated me.“Do you ever worry?” I muttered, ending a call and tossing my phone on the counter.Leon smirked. “Constantly.”I gave him a look. “You don’t seem worried.”He set his mug down and closed the distance between us. “Because I don’t show it the way you do.”I exhaled. “I feel like we’re on the edge of something big. Like we’re one wrong move away from losing everything.”Leon tilted his head slightly, studying me. “Margarette.” His
Leon didn’t speak much after that. The drive back was filled with nothing but the hum of the tires on the road and the unspoken weight between us. I wanted to say something—anything—to make him look at me the way he used to. But I knew this wasn’t the time.When we pulled into the underground parking lot of our penthouse, Leon shut off the engine and exhaled through his nose. His hands remained on the wheel, knuckles white.I unbuckled my seatbelt. “Leon—”He turned to me, his eyes dark and unreadable. “You just declared war on your father, Margarette.”I swallowed. “You think I don’t know that?”“That’s the problem.” He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “This isn’t just about exposing his corruption. Harlan Westwood isn’t the kind of man who forgives betrayal. And you just put a target on your back.”I clenched my jaw. “I’ve had a target on my back ever since I decided to take back what’s mine.”Leon let out a humorless laugh. “And you think he’s just going to let you?”I reac
The night was deceptively peaceful. The city lights stretched far beyond the penthouse windows, illuminating a world that had no idea of the chaos brewing beneath the surface.Leon stood by the window, his sleeves rolled up, his jaw clenched in quiet contemplation. He hadn’t said much since our meeting at the club.I knew why.We had allies now, but it wasn’t enough.We needed more.“Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours,” I said, stepping closer.Leon’s fingers tightened around the glass in his hand. “There’s a war coming, Margarette. And I don’t know if I can keep you safe through it.”I scoffed. “You’re still underestimating me?”His jaw ticked. “No. I just—” He exhaled sharply, turning to face me. “I can’t lose you.”The words hit harder than they should have.I swallowed, pushing down the sudden rush of emotion. “Then don’t.”Leon studied me for a long moment, his eyes dark and unreadable. Then, before I could react, he pulled me flush against him, his lips capturing mine
By the next morning, the fallout had already begun.Leon and I sat in his penthouse, reviewing the reports pouring in from our contacts. Calloway’s operation had taken a major hit—his Russian allies were furious, his supply lines were compromised, and his reputation was crumbling.But we both knew it wasn’t over.Calloway wouldn’t take this loss lying down.Leon’s fingers drummed against the table, his jaw tight. “He’ll retaliate.”I nodded. “It’s just a matter of when.”Leon’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then answered with a clipped, “What?”A pause.Then his expression darkened.“When?” he demanded.Another pause.“Where is she now?”I sat up straighter, sensing the shift in his energy.Then Leon cursed under his breath and ended the call.“What happened?” I asked.He stood, already grabbing his keys. “Alexa was taken.”My blood ran cold. “By Calloway?”Leon’s jaw clenched. “Looks like it.”I shot up from my seat. “Then let’s go get her.”Alexa’s location was traced to a
The ride back to the penthouse was silent, tension thick in the air. Leon drove with one hand on the wheel, the other gripping his gun. His jaw was locked, his eyes dark.I knew that look.He was planning. Calculating.“Calloway just declared war,” I murmured, watching the city lights blur past the windshield.Leon exhaled sharply. “He did more than that. He underestimated us.”I studied his profile—the controlled rage simmering beneath his calm demeanor. He wasn’t just angry. He was ready to make a move.“We need to hit back,” I said.Leon’s grip tightened. “We will.”His phone buzzed. He glanced at it, then tossed it onto the dashboard. “My father.”“Answer it,” I urged.Leon let out a slow breath before pressing the call button. “Yeah?”His father’s voice was sharp. “I assume you’re still alive.”Leon smirked. “Disappointed?”A pause. Then, “Get to the estate. Now.”The line went dead.Leon exhaled through his nose, tossing his phone onto his lap. “That’s never a good sign.”I lean
Days passed, but the unease in Leon hadn’t faded. He kept himself busy, making calls, arranging meetings, tightening security. I watched him closely, noting the way his shoulders carried an unseen weight. His father’s sudden reappearance had unsettled him more than he let on.One evening, as we lay in bed, I turned to him, brushing my fingers over his chest. “Leon, talk to me.”He exhaled, his arm tightening around me. “It’s nothing.”I propped myself up on my elbow, searching his face. “It’s not nothing. You’re restless. You barely sleep.”His jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he would brush me off again. But then, he spoke.“When I was younger, my father used to tell me that in our world, loyalty is everything,” he said, his voice low. “But he also told me that loyalty is never free—it’s bought, traded, or forced.”I frowned. “You think he came back because he wants something from you?”Leon nodded. “My father has never been a man who does things without a reason. If he’s he
The days following Leon’s proposal felt like a dream—soft, golden, and filled with an unshakable sense of peace. I caught myself staring at the ring on my finger more often than I cared to admit, the weight of it both grounding and exhilarating.We didn’t rush into planning the wedding. Instead, we let ourselves be, relishing in this new phase of our relationship. The world outside our home was still chaotic, filled with unfinished battles and uncertain futures, but in this—in us—there was certainty.One evening, as we lay tangled together on the couch, Leon traced patterns on my bare shoulder, his voice a low murmur against my skin. “Tell me something you’ve never told anyone.”I turned my head to look at him, our faces inches apart. “Something I’ve never told anyone?”He nodded. “Something real.”I swallowed, considering. There were so many pieces of me I’d kept hidden—fears, dreams, scars that hadn’t fully healed. But with Leon, there was no need for walls.“I used to be afraid of