Audrey’s POVMy anger rose to high levels as I clenched my fists in rage.Who did he think he was? Appearing at my party and attempting to ruin everything? Was he a joke?I looked at Xander who had a calm demeanor about him.“Aren’t you going to do something?” I asked in fear of that man running tonight but he shook his head.“He’s drunk. Let him let it out.”I growled, holding my rage within but it was barely holding together.I could tell that if I didn’t do anything, I could explode and I didn’t want that to happen.I grabbed a drink and downed it as Zachary gave a speech but I didn’t care.I wasn’t here for the stupid speech.“I’m going upstairs,” I said as I looked at Xander, expecting him to come with me.He nodded and before he could follow me, Zachary broke a bottle of wine which had Xander excusing himself and going to check the damage caused.I ended up walking upstairs and headed for the balcony at the end of the hall.While standing there, I felt tears rush to my eyes but
Audrey’s POVI could see the way she flinched and her expression remained hard, but she had a flicker of something else on her face.She had a very dark expression as she looked at me with anger.“You know something,” she smiled as I tried to stay awake while she talked. “You may think you’re free but you are not. If you don’t do as I say, I swear to the Lord who made me I will make sure Xander knows everything.”But now she had lost me.Everything? About what?She was confused or what?Did she even know what she was saying?I blinked, confused. “Everything? What are you talking about?”She took a drink and finished everything as she gently dropped her cup to the ground and stretched her body.She was enjoying this.She wanted my attention and now she got it.Now I wanted to know what she wanted to tell my husband that would make him see me in another light.She leaned in, her voice low and dangerous. “Oh, you know. The little things. The skeletons in your closet. How you manipulated
Xander’s POV“She is her own person. Get that through your thick skull. I can’t believe you and I grew up in the same home.”“Is that what you think this is?” Zach moved like he was drunk. “She’s mine. You stole her from me.”Zach wavered, swaying slightly on his feet. His face was flushed, either from the alcohol or the anger—or both. He took a step toward me, his fists still clenched, and for a moment, I thought he might actually try to hit me.“I hate you,” he muttered, his voice trembling. “You think you’re better than me. You think you can just take whatever you want.”I shook my head, feeling a mix of anger and pity. “You’re drunk, Zach. You don’t know what you’re saying.”But then, before I could react, he lunged at me, his fist swinging wildly. It was a sloppy, uncoordinated punch, and I easily dodged it. He stumbled forward, losing his balance, and crashed to the floor in a heap.“How about…” I tried to help him up but he kicked my leg which had me stabbing back.He jumped to
Xander’s POVI looked at her at the stairs, her stance before me showing that she wanted me to do something with her.Her cleavages were her defining features with her short gown barely going to her knees.She used her tongue to lick her teeth as she showed her pearly whites with her eyes eating me up like I was a snack.Amelia could be seductive when she wanted, but she should know that I was with someone else. Her sister.I was not leaving Audrey for her.“Hey there big boy,” she smiled at me as I raised a brow in confusion.“What do you want?” I asked as she chuckled, rearing her head back in heavy laughter. “I just want to know how you’re doing. That is all. I don’t think it’s a problem.”“Amelia, I know why you’re here. It’s your sister's birthday. Shouldn’t you be with her and not me?”She rolled her eyes. “She’s drunk. I saw her stumbling around looking for what to do but I’m sure she’s passed out somewhere. You and I have all the time tonight to do something. We can do it on
Xanders POV “Things didn’t have to change,” she shot back. “You chose for them to change. You chose her.”I leaned back in my seat while staring at her. What was she thinking?“I’m married to her. You think I’ll leave her for some dream that you and I can be together again? I don’t know why you’re dragging this. Just let it go already. It’s over.”“Nothing is over,” she growled. “You were mine first before you decided to go for her. How could you do that to me?”“I didn’t do anything to you.”“She isn’t worth it. Just sign a divorce paper and everything and come for me.”I laughed. “Amelia, you're not serious.”“But I am. Just do it.”“I didn’t know I would say it but you’re just like your mother.”She gasped. “You take that back!”“And why would I do that? You want me to get rid of your sister? Well I’m not doing it. So you can forget about it.”Amelia stared at me for a long moment, her chest rising and falling as she processed my words. “You think you love her,” she said softly,
Amelia’s POVWhat she had said got my attention and I wondered if she was right to have said such.I looked at her and felt some kind of hope within me. Maybe she was right. Maybe there was really a way to win him back.“How?” I asked with a desperate voice. “How do I get him back?”She stopped pacing and turned to me with a sharp eye.She narrowed her eyes and considered me for a moment.“Are you sure you want me to help you?” She asked. “Because you look like you’ll chicken out if I start.”“Mum,” I said, tired of her withholding this information from me. “Just tell me all I need to know. Please.”She folded her arms. “Alright. Well first of all, you need to stop thinking about Audrey as his wife. She isn’t important. You of all people should know this. She is nothing. She is just a little distraction. A little dot in Xanders life, that is all. You can easily erase her. It shouldn’t be a problem.”I don’t like where this was going but I shook my head lightly. “Mum, they have been ma
Zachary’s POVThe minute I dropped down from the car, I started to my room, exhausted and drunk.I got into my apartment and headed into the bathroom to pour water over my face.As I stood over the sink while looking at my reflection, all I could think about was the way I had somehow destroyed my only chance at getting all Amelia’s father had.The riches they had and everything could have been mine. But somehow, Audrey had gotten married to my brother and ruined everything for me.I was so mad at myself that I didn’t know when I raised my hand and punched the mirror hard enough to shatter it.I yelled in pain while blood flowed everywhere.“Damn it!” I yelled in rage while holding up my bloody hand.I couldn’t believe I had been stupid enough to have done that.I rinsed the blood off, watching the blood flow down the drain as my rage raised to high levels again.Thinking of Audrey and Xander made me sick.How could she do this to me?She was supposed to be with me. How did she rush to
Lola’s POVI shrugged, feeling the familiar frustration bubble up again. “I don’t know. I didn’t ask. We didn’t talk about it in detail. But he’s married, and that’s…that’s the problem.”Jasmine frowned, swirling her drink as she processed what I’d said. “So, he’s taken. That sucks, but I mean, people get married all the time. Doesn’t mean it’s forever, right?”I raised an eyebrow, unsure where she was going with this. “What do you mean?”Jasmine leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I’m just saying, marriages fall apart. Especially when there’s a third party involved.”Ella, always the romantic, frowned at Jasmine’s suggestion. “Jasmine, are you seriously suggesting that Lola break up a marriage? That’s… I don’t know, that feels kind of wrong.”Jasmine rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, Ella. We’re not talking about some random guy she just met. This is Xander. The guy she’s known since childhood. The guy she’s had a thing for, like, forever. You’re telling me she s
Stephanie’s povThe new commissioners green eyes bored into mine, as though searching for cracks in my confidence. After a moment, she shrugged and leaned back again. “If that’s the case, then you’re free to leave. I only wanted to make one thing clear to you.”I hesitated, unsure if her calm demeanor was a warning in disguise. “What’s that?”She picked up a file from the corner of her desk and flipped it open. “The case involving Dr. Barve,” she said, her tone deliberate. “It’s being fast-tracked. No delays, no interference. He will face trial, and there’s nothing anyone can do to save him.”My heart sank, but I kept my expression neutral. “I see. Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”She gestured toward the door, her eyes never leaving mine. “Good day, Mrs. Stephanie.”I stood, forcing a smile. “Good day, Commissioner.”As I left the office and made my way back to my car, a storm of emotions swirled within me. The new commissioner was no fool, and her no-nonsense appro
Audrey’s povI couldn’t believe what I had heard. It was strange and I held my breath to stop myself from a screaming in shock.“Yeah,” Nathan continued. “His car exploded last night. It’s been all over the news.”I blinked, trying to process the information. “I’ve been out of town,” I said. “I had no idea. Do they know what happened? Was it an accident?”Nathan sighed. “It’s under investigation, but the preliminary reports suggest foul play. The timing is… suspicious.”“No kidding,” I said, gripping the phone tightly. “So, what happens now? Who’s in charge of the case?”“An interim officer is overseeing things for now,” Nathan said. “But we’re still waiting for the department to assign someone new permanently.”I frowned. “Do you think this new person will handle the case fairly? Barve needs to be held accountable for what he did, Nathan. He nearly killed my father.”“I hear you,” Nathan said. “But you know how this works, Audrey. It all depends on who gets assigned. Some officers ar
Stephanie’s povI set my glass down and leaned forward, lowering my voice. “I know Barve being in jail looks bad, but it’s not irreversible. A commissioner of police around his case is dead, and with him, a lot of the heat surrounding Barve’s case is gone.”Serena raised an eyebrow. “The commissioner of police is dead? What did you do, Stephanie?”“Nothing,” I said quickly. “That wasn’t me. But the fact remains—his death changes things. The police are scrambling to figure out their next move, which gives us a window of opportunity.”I had to lie to earn her trust. It was needed.“Us?” she repeated, her tone dripping with skepticism.“Yes, us.” I looked her straight in the eye. “Barve needs people on the outside working to clear his name, and you’re the only one I trust to help me with that.”She let out another scoff. “Trust? That’s rich coming from you.”“I’m serious,” I repeated, a little more sharply. “I can’t do this alone. You know people I don’t know, and you’re better at dealin
Audrey’s pov“No idea,” Mark admitted. “They waited until I was out of earshot to start talking. But whatever it was, Amelia went from sultry to serious real quick.”I frowned, my mind racing. “And you didn’t overhear anything at all?”“Nope,” he said, popping the ‘p.’ “But I’m guessing it wasn’t about company strategy. Stephanie looked… let’s just say, not thrilled.”I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Of course not. They’re probably plotting something.”“Well,” Mark added, his tone lightening again, “whatever they’re up to, it can’t be good. But hey, I did my part. Played the clueless assistant, and now I’ve got their guard down.”“You’re the best,” I told him sincerely. “I knew I could trust you.”“Always, boss,” he replied, a smile evident in his voice. “But I’m going to call it a night. All this pretending to be straight is exhausting.”I laughed again, grateful for his humor. “Get some rest, Mark. We’ll figure out their next move soon enough.”“Will do. Enjoy your trip!”
Amelia’s povShe held me against her chest, smoothing my hair with a hand. “Hush now, child. There is no use crying over spilt milk.”Her words didn’t help. If anything, they made me feel worse. How could she be so uncaring, so unfeeling?I drew back from her, looking straight into her eyes. “You don’t care? He’s dead, mum. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”Her gaze grew harder for a moment, and then she held my face tightly between her hands. “What does bother me, Amelia, is seeing you like this,” she said finally. “You’re stronger than this. The commissioner’s death may have been a shock for us all, but it is not the end of the world for us- nor will it be for you. I’m just glad you’re safe. That is all.”Her calmness should have been reassuring, but I only felt my anxiety spike higher. I nodded mutely, not trusting myself to say anything in return. Of course she wasn’t being completely honest. Even if she hadn’t caused the explosion herself, mum knew far more than she was willing
Amelia’s povThe commissioner’s phone rang mid-conversation, and his face instantly turned grave. “I have to take this,” he said, rising from the table without waiting for a reply.I studied him as he paced a few feet off, speaking low and fast into the phone. Whatever it was had to be important. I glanced around at everyone else sitting at the table, but no one else seemed as intrigued as I.After a minute or so he came back, a hard look on his face. “I have to go out,” he said shortly, already heading for the door. I frowned. “Not even goodbye?”He glanced over his shoulder, clearly distracted. “We’ll talk later. Keep in touch.”And just like that, he was gone, the door clicking softly shut behind him as he made his way quickly to the car parked just outside the building. He hadn’t even left me a number or taken mine—a strange move for someone who claimed his interest in speaking with me again soon was genuine.But then again, men like him were always in a hurry—always running arou
Amelia’s povI sat on the floor of my office with a mat as I laughed with a drink in my hand at the jokes Mark was telling.He laughed and told me all that he had seen and noticed in the office as I agreed with him.I couldn’t even argue with him as he was right.“And those idiots who think that they can do a better job,” I laughed as he nodded and I twirled a strand of my hair around as I looked at him in a seductive way.I sat in a way where he could see my laps and I saw him trying so hard to look away.“Don’t tell me you aren’t attracted to me,” I smiled as he nodded.“You are attractive, Miss amelia.”“Oh please. Call me Amelia. You already called me that earlier. What’s stopping you from taking it a bit further?”“You ate my boss’s sister. I can’t do anything…”“Oh please. You’re so uptight.”I got up and crossed my legs over him as I sat on his thighs which had him gasping. “You can’t tell me you don’t want to take this further.”He nodded as I leaned in to kiss him. It was me
Audrey’s povI arched an eyebrow at him, my spoon frozen in mid-air above the bowl of ice cream I was about to eat. “And where exactly do you suggest we go on this spontaneous trip?”He grinned. “Trust me. I’ve got a place in mind. Somewhere peaceful, no distractions, no Amelia, no Stephanie.”The idea was tempting, I couldn’t deny that. But I shook my head, the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders once again. “Xander, I can’t leave my father right now. Not when he’s finally getting better. What if something happens while I’m gone?”He reached across the desk, taking my free hand in his. “Elena’s here. She’s more than capable of looking after your father. And honestly, Audrey, what’s the worst that could happen in two days?”I opened my mouth to argue, but couldn’t dispute that. Elena was really efficient. Was I willing to give myself just two days of peace? It had been so long since my body had known what a break was, maybe it was worth the risk.“You mean it,” I whisper
Audrey’s pov“Well, this is unexpected,” I said, leaning back in my chair and folding my arms. “What brings you to my office, Stephanie?”She didn’t answer. She just stood there with her arms crossed and that look in her eye that could pierce steel. It was almost funny how mad she looked—like a toddler throwing a fit. I couldn’t help but smile.“I’m here,” she began, her voice was tight and betrayed a rage just below the surface that she could barely contain, “to get answers."I raised an eyebrow. "Answers? About what exactly?”“You know what I’m talking about,” she snapped, her voice rising. “You’ve been meddling where you don’t belong, Audrey. Because of you, Eric has stripped me of my authority in the company. Because of you, I’ve been pushed out of every decision-making process!”I laughed—a genuine, hearty laugh that seemed to infuriate her even more. “Stephanie, you’ve done this to yourself. Don’t act like I’m the villain here. You brought a quack doctor into our home to treat m