After speaking to him I left him with his thoughts. It was up to him to decide if he wanted to go or not. I found myself on Kayla’s social media page. It was something I had become accustomed to and I did it every night, I had trouble sleeping or before I went to bed. I was scared to sleep most nights because the nightmares were relentless. Before I had a reason to stay awake reading and researching the whole night but when I didn't have to do that I ended up falling asleep after staring at the ceiling for a long time and I would wake up sweating or screaming. It was like I was being hunted by my sister.Images of her body replayed in my dreams every night, it was torture that I hated falling asleep, so instead I stalked Kayla's social media wounding my heart more and more by digesting videos and pictures of her living her best life, there was a video of her flaunting the new sports car she just bought. She was living life and seeing her happy made my heart ache badly. She didn't dese
It was going to be Leon’s first public appearance in years. That fact alone was enough to make my hands tremble as I adjusted the small clasp on my bracelet. For someone who once thrived in the public eye, Leon had spent years retreating into the shadows. Now, he was stepping out again, and I was stepping with him.I wasn’t nervous because of the cameras or the stares I knew we’d get, I don't know if I could handle that. But I had to, no matter how the thought of it made my stomach twist. I understood the weight of what this night meant for Leon. He was doing this in memory of his father, a man whose legacy was complicated and painful for him. And he was doing it with me by his side.When he asked me to come with him. He tried to make it sound like a joke, but I saw through it. Beneath his sharp words and casual shrug was a vulnerability he always liked to mask. So I agreed. Of course, I’d agreed. How could I not, when he was putting himself through so much just to show up?As I stood
It was going to be Leon’s first public appearance in years. That fact alone was enough to make my hands tremble as I adjusted the small clasp on my bracelet. For someone who once thrived in the public eye, Leon had spent years retreating into the shadows. Now, he was stepping out again, and I was ste,pping with him.I wasn’t nervous because of the cameras or the stares I knew we’d get, I don't know if I could handle that. But I had to, no matter how the thought of it made my stomach twist. I understood the weight of what this night meant for Leon. He was doi,ng this in memory of his father, a man whose legacy was complicated and painful for him. And he was doing it with me by his side.When he asked me to come with him. He tried to make it sound like a joke, but I saw through it. Beneath his sharp words and casual shrug was a vulnerability he always liked to mask. So I agreed. Of course, I’d agreed. fake-assd I not, when he was putting himself through so much just to show up?As I sto
KaylaWe got invited to the charity ball that was to be held in respect to the third anniversary of Kane Valois's death. They did it every year since he died but this year was different because I got to attend. I never got the chance to attend before because Dad only got a plus one invite so he took Mom with him but now that we were practically in-laws our invites were exclusive and we were on the VIP guest list which usually consisted of just family. I guess we had become family, at least one good thing that stupid bitch Naya was useful for.I was having a panic attack at the same time, I was happy that I was going to the charity ball I mean it was a big event that only the top one percent get access to so I should be over the skies as expected but what made my stomach twist was the thought of seeing Ryan Valois again after he completely humiliated me I didn't how I could come face to face with him again. I was so angry and ashamed that I cried my eyes out until I got home.I couldn'
NAYA“You are joking right?” I nudge him and he just shakes his head wearing a smug smile“Where would you get that kind of money?” I whispered “You also think I can’t afford it don’t you?” He asked and the words in my mouth got lost“Are you sure about your donation sir?” The host tried to confirm“You heard it loud and clear didn’t you?” Leon asked with a straight face, no one said a word to each other they just stared at him in shock and then at one another, I wasn’t exempted I couldn’t even close my mouth.“Ten million dollars from Leon Valois, that is one way to make your way back after being away for so long,” the host said and the hall erupted in loud whispers while some cheered.“What the hell are you trying to pull?” Jenifer asked her face tightened in a scowl “First you show up uninvited now this? Trying to be the center of attention?” She continued to ask when Leon didn’t say a word“Why would he need an invitation to an event for his father?” I asked, I just couldn’t sit
JENNIFER VALOISWe were back home after the charity ball, Ryan and I rode home quietly not uttering a word to each other. It was more like we were both taking in everything that had happened. It still felt like a dream to me and I didn't want to believe that it was real.I tapped my foot anxiously as I waited for the account manager of the foundation to pick up the call.“Check the account balance,” I said as soon as he picked up“Yes we got all payment from the donation it is all there” he answered“How much is it? How much is in the fucking account?” I asked “Two hundred million dollars ma’am,” he said and I let out a loud groan of frustration“Is everything okay?” he asked“Check it again, refresh it, it should be one hundred and ninety not fucking two hundred,” I told him“I don't under-”“Do as I have fucking said!” I shouted “I am currently on the account that is the exact amount there,” he said sounding confused“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck” I muttered under my breath “I would se
LEONThe soft rays of the morning sun peeked through the curtains, flooding the room with a golden glow. I had been awake long before the first light touched the sky, my mind restless after last night’s events. My body ached faintly from being in the wheelchair for so long, but I didn’t care. Last night was messy but necessary.I reached for my tablet on the bedside table and unlocked it. The notifications were endless. My name was plastered across every major blog, tabloid, and online news outlet. A mix of shock, curiosity, and mockery filled the headlines. “Leon Valois Donates $10 Million—A Cry for Attention or a Statement?” one article read. I scrolled through the sea of comments, most filled with speculation about where I’d gotten the money. Some questioned my motives, while others found my appearance at the ball a source of entertainment“Leon Valois shows up with mysterious woman” Another headline read I leaned back in my chair and smirked. The sound of light footsteps pulle
NAYA I couldn't believe myself and why I kissed him, one minute I found myself leaning in and I just couldn't stop myself. Thankfully he didn't reject me but part of me was embarrassed by my own movement. I couldn't push away the feeling on his lips on mine, his kiss was delicate yet passionate. I loved the way he made me feel. I wondered how I was ever going to face him again. I probably made things super awkward between us. The moment I found my phone in the living room and turned it back on, it was as if the entire world had been waiting for me. The screen lit up with an endless stream of notifications, and the vibrations wouldn’t stop it felt like my phone was having a meltdown. Thousands upon thousands of messages and alerts flooded in all at once, overwhelming me. My heart raced as I stared at the chaos unfolding in my hands. I wasn’t the mysterious woman anymore. Somehow, they had found out everything about me. My name, my life everything was out there for the world to se
RYANEverything seemed to be happening at once. My mind was spinning, struggling to make sense of what I had just seen. Leon? The CEO of TechNova? No, there was no way. It just couldn’t be true.TechNova was one of the fastest-growing companies, the name on everyone’s lips. Their products were everywhere people talked about them, used them, and praised them. I used them. My phone, my laptop, and even the computers at work were all TechNova products. And I wasn’t the only one. Everyone I knew used their devices because they were the best.The company was so good at what it did that no one ever questioned the identity of the anonymous founder. There were rumors, of course, speculations that went around from time to time. But it was never something I paid attention to. Because it didn’t matter.Until I saw Leon standing on that stage, taking credit for everything.Of all people Leon? How did he pull it off? It was just a regular company but it was a multi-billion dollar company and he di
KAYLAI was having lunch when I saw Ryan’s message, “Come to my place. Now.” The text read followed by his address.Without thinking twice I grabbed my keys and rushed out abandoning my food“Won’t you finish up before you head out?” My mom asked“I’m done you can clean up” I answered as I went out the doorThe drive to his house felt longer than usual. I wanted to fly to him if I could. I was already there. He called for me first, I didn’t have to linger around him. He called me himself. That was a huge progress right there. By the time I arrived, it was already dark. The guards at the gate let me in without question, and I made my way to the main house. I entered without knocking.The air smelled of smoke and expensive cologne. Dim lights cast long shadows across the room, and there he was, sitting on the couch, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His shirt was unbuttoned, his hair slightly messy, but his sharp eyes were just as intense as always.“You’re late,” he muttered, taking
The venue was massive, even bigger than I expected. A luxury hotel ballroom filled with bright lights, expensive decor, and an overwhelming crowd of people. From businessmen to reporters, socialites to tech enthusiasts, everyone was here for one reason. The launch of TechNova’s new phone.It was funny how everyone was present but no one knew the face behind the company. I stood beside Leon, my hand linked with his as I scanned the room. Everything was perfect, the shimmering golden banners, the sleek displays showcasing the new phone, and the massive TechNova logo glowing on the stage. The air buzzed with anticipation, and cameras flashed nonstop as reporters tried to capture every little detail.Leon looked unbothered no single sense of nervousness from him. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his shoulders held high oozing out a great amount of confidence. Even in a room filled with powerful people, he stood out effortlessly.“Are you nervous?” I asked, watching his expression car
NAYAEverything else went smoothly, and all we had to do was wait for them to schedule another election. In the meantime, I kept myself busy by helping out at the office whenever there was work to do. I didn’t do much, but it was better than sitting around all day with nothing to occupy my time.I was seated in Leon’s office while he attended an online meeting. The more time I spent around him, the more I realized just how busy and hardworking he was. He had so many things going on for him that he didn’t even need Valois Group.Leon wasn’t just some ordinary businessman, he was a powerhouse. He owned an investment company with ties to several major corporations. He was the owner of the country’s largest tech company. He even had a private villa, home only to people of high status, those were the few I knew about. And yet, despite all of this, no one had the slightest idea. They thought he was struggling, living in misery, when in reality, he had been building an empire in silence.“He
JENNIFERWhat I received was worse than a low blow. How could Ryan have done something so reckless, something of this magnitude, and keep it from me? At the very least, if I had known, I could have done some damage control. But now, it was too late.I was too dumbfounded to speak, too stunned to react as the shareholders and board members all turned on me, demanding answers. They thought I was part of this mess, but they had no idea that I was just as shocked as they were. I wanted to defend myself, to explain that I had no clue what Ryan had done, but the words wouldn’t come. For the first time in a long while, I was completely speechless.“How could you allow this?” the chairman of the foundation asked“This has to be some type of misunderstanding,” I said trying to calm the situation but they weren't having it and my patience was drawing thin.“Did you think this was a good agreement and made him sign it?” his wife asked me irritating the shit out of me, who was she to question me?
Once again, the election didn’t hold it ended before it even started, worse than the last time. The shareholders couldn’t believe what they were seeing. The moment they finished reading the contract Ryan signed, chaos erupted.Jennifer tried to calm the situation down, raising her voice above the commotion. “Let’s give Ryan a chance to explain himself,” she urged, her eyes scanning the room desperately. But when it was finally time for Ryan to speak, he did the exact opposite of what everyone expected, he stormed out without a word.His sudden exit only made things worse. The board members erupted in anger, shouting over one another. Some demanded answers, others turned their frustration to Jennifer. She was left standing there, trying to maintain control, but it was clear this was a disaster.Leon turned to me, his eyes glinting with amusement. “What do you rate this surprise?” he asked, smiling like he had just pulled off the greatest trick in the world.I folded my arms, pretending
Arriving at the company for the election was almost the same as last time, the eyes of everyone around were glued on us, the camera of the press flashing in our faces. The only difference I would say is that Leon wasn't sitting in a wheelchair he was walking by himself.“Your cane” I gasped remembering he came without it again“I’m fine trust me and I have the best masseuse in the world” he winked at me as we walked in. I just shook my head at himRyan and Jennifer were the only ones not present yet everyone had to wait for them to show up. Everyone’s eyes didn't look away from us they kept whispering and giving us dirty look“Leon” a man called softly behind us and when we turned, it was an older man in his late fifties wearing a classic black suit so I assumed he was one of their family or major shareholders.“How may I help you?” Leon asked ignoring to exchange pleasantries “I am Richard Brokee, I worked as your father's vice president before he died,” he said“Okay and?” Leon ask
NAYAThe rest of the week passed by so quickly that it almost felt like a blur. Before I knew it, the day had come for us to meet with the board members and shareholders. It felt like time had slipped through our fingers, and now we had to face the moment we had been waiting for.It had only been a week, and I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. There was no way Leon could have convinced enough people to support him in such a short time. Winning them over required careful planning, persuasion, and time was something we didn’t have much of. I don’t think he even started trying to win them over to his side yet.The thought made my stomach twist with worry. What if things didn’t go as planned? What if the board was already leaning in Ryan’s favor? No matter how confident Leon appeared, I knew this meeting would be tough. And that uncertainty scared me.“What are you thinking about?” Leon asked from behind me wrapping his arms around my waist“The voting would commence today,” I said“Okay and
LEONI woke up to Naya sleeping peacefully beside me, her soft breath caressing my neck. I couldn’t help fit smile just watching her sleep like a baby, memories of the night we had came flooding in and the smile on my face grew even bigger, my arms were wrapped around her as she slept. We were still both naked, our bodies having contact with each other and I didn’t mind it.The night took an unexpected turn never would I have guessed that I would be naked in bed with her and I didn’t regret anything in fact I wanted to have more nights like that. Life felt perfect and I wanted it to remain like that forever, I just had to keep her safe and not let harm get to her in any way.I placed a small kiss on her forehead making her let out a low mumble in her sleep. She was adorable I was smiling way more than usual. I just out of bed took a quick shower and headed to my office, there was a lot of work to be done and as much as I would love to spend the day in bed with her I had multiple thin