Jake Hayes's POV
I was preoccupied with work last night... or did I? "Hubby, when are you going to divorce with Charlotte?" asks Aviana Quincy, my lover of two years. I first met her before Charlotte and I married. We're currently staying at a five-star hotel, laying on the queen-sized bed in nothing but a white, comfortable robe.
"Mhm, let's see... after I become the top actor in Los Angeles, I'll divorce her. The only reason I've kept her is because of her fame. Her elevated fame helped me a lot. She has asked me for a divorce multiple times, but I can't let her go that easily. I still need to use her," I chuckled, expressing my plan.
Aviana joined in my glee, saying, "Poor Charlotte! She deserves to be used all over again! Hahaha!" I spent the warm night with my lover. Unlike someone like Charlotte, being with her would normally comfort me. The next morning, I awoke to the news that Charlotte had been invited to my boss' modeling event the night before on the television screen. "Ha! So she managed to get closer to my boss, huh?" I grumbled to myself.
I was tying up my necktie before heading to work. "Aviana, my baby. I have to go to work now," I said, kissing her on the cheek as I walked away. As I walked down the narrow corridor, I reflected on how it all began. When I was a kid, I met Charlotte Hayes. She was my next-door neighbor, and our families were welcoming. As I spent more time with her, I realized she had fallen in love with me, and that is when I began to take advantage of her. As a result, in the name of so-called love, she became a complete pushover.
Seeing her delusions, on the other hand, was entertaining. I did what she wanted, leading her to believe it was love. I was gradually manipulating her in order to use her for my own gain. When we married, I dropped the nice act and revealed my true self. It felt good because I didn't have to hide my personality.
Being stuck with her was a pain, but now that I'm a step closer to my dream, I can finally get rid of her and live my life with Aviana. That woman has a lethal physique. I first went home to gather some of my belongings for my film. Charlotte, on the other hand, was not present. "Did she have a morning duty or what?" I wondered. But it makes no difference to me. I simply went outside after finding my belongings. "Oh, Jake! Where has Charlotte gone?" inquired a neighbor. "Pardon?" I asked with a smile.
"Oh, it's just that... no one was at your house last night. Didn't she go home after the modeling event?" she inquired. "Charlotte didn't come home?" my brow furrowed. That's strange. Even if she had evening work, she would have time to go home.
A swarm of journalists greeted me on my way to the agency. They'd ask me questions as usual. "How do you feel now that your wife is more famous than you?" "Your wife's fame has skyrocketed! Any comments?" "Huh?" I was perplexed and irritated. "Why are you asking me about my wife?" I glared. Everyone was silent. I don't understand. In their eyes, have I been nothing more than the husband of a top model?
I aspire to be known as Jake Hayes, an actor. Not just a model's husband. I ignored the journalists and went inside the agency, brimming with rage. I entered the elevator alone and pressed the highest floor, which houses the CEO's office. "They don't ask about me or my career, but about her and her and all her!" I yelled belligerently.
When the elevator door opened, I immediately walked to the left, where I met Rosalina Crosette, a 35-year-old female manager of mine. "Greetings, Rosalina," I said, smiling brightly. She always greeted me with a smile on her face. "Oh, hello, Jake! Have you spoken with the CEO yet?" she inquired, eager to hear the results. "Not yet," I said, shaking my head, "I'm going to his office right now." "But wouldn't that be bad timing?" she asked, perplexed. "Pardon me, Rosalina, but why would it be bad timing?" I asked, raising one of my brows in puzzlement. I was curious as to why she was hesitant to respond.
"Well... You may not believe me, but..." she moved closer to my face and whispered, "I passed through the CEO's room and heard a woman!" I laughed. "Hahah! So he's talking to a woman? What's the problem with that?" She exclaimed, her face solemn, "I clearly heard words of love! He was flirting with her and she giggled," she went on.
Is the CEO married? Who could captivate that icy billionaire's heart? It's natural for women to fall in love with him, but it's unusual for him to fall in love. So far, that man has rejected numerous confessions. "Oh dear! I have to go, Jake! I have to speak with the director!" she exclaimed as she walked away from me.
"Pft," I chuckled as I continued to walk towards the room. It makes no difference to me whether or not the CEO has a woman. What matters is that he approves of my drama, and I'm fine with that. I was standing in front of his door. I was about to knock when I noticed that the door was slightly ajar. Mumbles were heard in the room. Curious, I decided to open the door, which is when I noticed Charlotte Hayes, my wife... getting kissed by my boss in his arms. Nothing could have surprised me more than this.
"What the f*ck are you doing? " I inquired, my gaze fixed on the scene in front of me. I was stunned and speechless. Charlotte was so surprised to see me that she pushed the boss away. The boss, on the other hand, simply smiled as if nothing had happened. "Oh," he said after tying his tie. "You've arrived."
Charlotte Hayes' POVWe went to Jake's agency, which Damien owns. I naturally wore the long silky red gown he had bought for me, along with a matching pair of glass slippers. I wore round black glasses and a black bucket hat to avoid drawing attention to myself. My heels clacked every time they collided with the slick floor as I walked gently through the corridor. Everyone in the room was staring at me. Who wouldn't notice Damien's firm grip on my soft, left hand as we walk?"Don't you intend to let go of my hand?" I asked, a little shyly. This is the first time I've received shy looks from the audience. Damien chuckles, demonstrating his mischievous nature. He obviously enjoys the situation. I just sighed discreetly. We took the elevator to the highest floor, which is his office, by pressing the buttons.The hallway in this part was even more exquisite. The floor was made out of marble, and the walls had magnificent minimalist designs that were pleasing to the eyes. Just one look, an
Charlotte Hayes' POV "Sharing? Who says I'm saying what's mine?" With a surprised expression, I looked at Damien. This was not a ruse. His comments, claiming me as his possession, perplexed me. Jake had a similar appearance to mine. He laughed awkwardly as he looked up at the ceiling. It's as if he's still deliberating over what to say next. Jake is a man of cunning secrets and manipulation. I'm curious what he'll say next. "I see. My wife is entirely yours, Mr. Étienne," Jake said, faking a smile. I shuddered. There was a part of me that wished he had stayed. I wanted to give him another chance to see if he would change. But I suppose not. He's still the same monster I know. Damien laughed and grabbed a piece of paperwork from the table. With his transparent, smooth pen, he scribbled on the thick, white documents. "Here," Damien handed the documents to Jake, which gave him a satisfied look. Those documents were probably approval documents. Jake's eyes brightened despite being dull
Damien Yves Étienne's POVI, Damien Yves Étienne, am known as 'Python' in the Mafia world because, like a python who wraps coils of its body around its prey and squeezes tight, I slowly wrap my prey until I devour. My family has a long history of Mafias, so now is the time for me to make a move and prove my worth in this dark and dangerous world. "Sir?" Luca inquired, perplexed as to why I hadn't responded to him yet. Changing the topic, I asked in an exhausted voice, "Anyways, how's father? Any updates on him?" "Your father likes to meet you tonight, 7 in the evening. Apparently, he wants you to take care of someone who owes him a million," Luca replied. I nodded gently and said, "Alright then," before hanging up the phone.I'm exhausted from cleaning up after my father's sloppiness. But it's always been that way. It's like a never-ending cycle for me. I went to my father's hidden basement later that evening, around 7 p.m. It was surrounded by an uncanny and gloomy atmosphere, as wa
Charlotte Hayes' POV"Oh? Your ego can’t handle this?" Damien asked, mocking him. The look on his face is so genuine that I'm not sure if Damien is mocking him for an act or for personal reasons. Jake, on the other hand, appeared to want to murder Damien. Damien's words and gaze were like knives piercing Jake's ego. Am I witnessing a conversation or a war?The conversation's atmosphere was becoming dangerous. At this rate, I may have to witness a bloodbath. I had to intervene before anything bad happened. I quickly grasped Jake's firm left hand and looked him in the eyes. "You should go, Jake," I said, shivering like a kitten. Damien looked pleased at some point after hearing my remark. There was a brief silence, as if Jake was unsure. But the answer was clear."Fine," Jake said as he turned to leave. When I saw him walking away for a long distance, I couldn't help but sigh. "Hey," Damien said in a gentle tone, the polar opposite of what he had on earlier. I slowly turned around to fa
Charlotte Hayes’ POVOur bodies collided, feeling each other's skin, in the hot and sweaty atmosphere. We could still feel the soft brush of each other's lips and the warmth of our eyes in the bright room. Our kisses were tender, and our fingers were intertwined. Our heartbeats were audible in this silent room, despite the fact that there was no sound."Do you have condoms?" I inquired, my gaze seductive. "You never fail to amaze me," he exclaimed. I laughed when I heard his amusing remarks. He narrowed his gaze on my eyes and said, "We don't need c-" At that moment, our conversation was cut short by a loud ring from Damien's pocket on his left side. "Aren't you going to take the call?" I asked, tilting my head."D*mn it," Damien said, his face irritated, as if he had no choice but to accept the call. "Sorry about that," he said, looking at me apologetically as he took the call from his phone. "Hello?" he asked. He turned to face me after listening and said, "Yes... okay. Yeah, I'll b
Damien Yves Étienne’s POVThe Ophidians are the most dangerous and mysterious mafia clan. According to their name, the group is made up of snakes that will slowly wrap themselves around you, choking you until they devour you. And I am their ruthless and vicious leader, Python, who is also a bit of a loner who has no friends or relationships. I'm always alone because my life is too difficult and my heart is too heavy to ever let anyone in.I've never shown mercy to anyone in my life. But then... It was a quiet and peaceful night. The wind blew gently against me, the trees swayed from side to side, and birds twittered. Then, out of nowhere, I came across a large brown box on my way to my neighborhood. I decided to open the box because I was curious. There was a kitten inside who was wary of me. It is covered in bruises, cuts, and scratches. At first glance, it appeared to have been abused. "Come kitty, kitty," I said as I took the small white cat into my arms, tears welling up in its bl
Charlotte Hayes’ POV That night was scorching. I awoke the next morning to the sound of people mumbling outside the room. I discovered myself naked on a soft, white queen-sized bed. "Is this his room? " I asked, rubbing my swollen eyes from crying the night before. His room is minimalist, but it exudes a luxurious vibe; one that only the wealthy have. A massive chandelier illuminated the entire room. The floor was smooth marble, and the walls were covered in professional paintings. Not to mention that there were clothes all over the magnificent floor as a result of what happened the day before. "His house is quite large... like a mansion." I got up, covering my body with the sheets, and began to walk around because I was curious, when the door to the room suddenly opened. "Shoot," Luca, Damien's righthand man, said as he gripped the doorknob. My face flushed with embarrassment as I screamed while only holding on to the sheets. It was then that loud running steps were heard. Damien, j
Charlotte Hayes’ POVMy mind was racing with questions. But I can't be afraid in front of this man. "Who knows?" I said, still smiling. I chuckled, causing Luca to smile slightly. He looked at me for a split second before bowing and said elegantly, "Well then. Milady, follow me." We were walking down the spacious hallways, greeted by various paintings as we passed."Does Damien like paintings? " I inquired, coming to a halt in front of a massive painting depicting a dramatic scene of an angel smiling under the tree. I couldn't take my gaze away from it because it seemed so magical. “Oh. Mr. Etienne drew that himself," Luca replied, filling me with awe. It's quite surprising to learn that he can draw so well. "This way, milady," Luca said, turning to the left side of the corridor as I followed him from behind. "By the way... I know this seems strange, but I've always wondered why you guys call me 'Milady.' Is there a reason for that? " I inquired, keeping up with Luca's pace."Milady
Charlotte Hayes' POV Damien took a long time to heal. As the doctors and nurses cheered and congratulated us on his recovery, I couldn't help but feel relieved and overjoyed. "Thank goodness!" I exclaimed whilst holding his hand. I had taken so many measures to help Damien recover rapidly over the previous few days, and it was amazing to see them pay off. We left the hospital together, hand in hand, and I felt a surge of love and gratitude for my amazing lover.As we walked out of the hospital and into the world outside - the world that had been too painful for him to experience for several days - I knew that everything would be okay. With my love and support, Damien had overcome the obstacles, and we were ready to tackle whatever comes next. Together. The both of us went back to the minor mansion where his father and mother were waiting for us. They were worried sick, and the moment we arrived, they immediately gave us a warm hug and greeting. I could sense the relief and gratitude
Charlotte Hayes POVThe battlefield ended in a blink of an eye. Eric dies in the hand of the Ophidians, and Jake dies in my hands. Somebody died in front of me, because of me. And I'm fine with it. Damien was immediately sent to the emergency room. I was standing there outside the room, desperately waiting for an update. "Hic.. I think he lost a lot of blood," I said, crying. Luca and Aviana were on my side, trying to calm me down but it was futile, as my emotions seemed to go through me like a light. My heart was beating fast, my body was trembling in fear, and my breathing was going faster. I could only exhale the moment the doctor finally says that Damien is okay. "He's fine." I fell to the ground, the weight is off my shoulders, and I'm feeling an extreme feeling of Euphoria. "Thank God!" The next morning, the news was all about Jake's death. Although they didn't really know the exact thing that happened, considering how Damien's minions worked so hard to cover everything up. It
Charlotte Hayes' POVSuddenly, a voice echoed through the darkness, sending shivers through my spine. "Well, well, well, who do we have here?" As the figure comes out from the shadows, I groan upon realizing that it's no one else other than.. Jake Hayes. I glared at his presence. "It's the w*nch, and a pest!" He exclaimed with laughter. Aviana gradually wakes up from the loud noise Jake's making. The moment she gained realization about her surroundings, she immediately panicked. "Jake?! And… Charlotte?! Why… Why am I here?!" She tried to get away from the rope that was tying her body down to the chair.Jake laughs at our situation. "The both of you are in the Hyena's lair. Oh dear, I never expected that Damien Yves Étienne would be a mafia boss. I wonder what the media would say if I spread this word? That will be the perfect payback, as that is what you guys did too." Jake looked at me with a furious look in his eyes. "Did you guys have fun..?" He asked, with a hint of sarcasm. "Did
Charlotte Hayes' POVThe moment Damien accepted the call from the telephone, his expression turned stern—the smile on his face faded. "Is there something wrong?" I asked, reaching out to his other hand with a worried reaction. Damien placed the telephone back where it was, and pulled me closer towards him, looking at me, now wearing a smile. "What's wrong?" I asked. "It's Jake Hayes. The pest finally sent a threat." I was dumbfounded the moment I heard his words. "Let's see how far he's willing to go, shall we?" He scoffs. The next day, Damien and his father were planning some things. As ordered, I had to stay inside my room until further notice for protection. "I wonder what's going to happen now," I was looking outside the window of my room, admiring the view. Then, all of the sudden, a knock was heard outside my room. "Come in," I ordered. It was a maid, holding a silver platter with snacks and a teapot on it. "Greetings milady," she bowed slightly, "Sir Damien wanted me to hand
Luca Giovanni’s POV"Ah. Any updates about the girl?" The moment the boss asked that question, I looked back at him, completely changing my reaction to surprisement. It makes me wanna wonder how she’s been. But one thing is for sure. "She's not fine. But don't worry. She will be okay. " I will make sure she’ll be okay; I vow on it. "So, what's the plan sir?" I asked, looking at him with a stern face. The boss had a smug look on his face, as he answered with a confident look, "The usual treat." He chuckles, "But since I'm kind, let's give them a bit of candy after the main treat." I could never understand what he meant by that, but like the usual, he would always win regardless.After the talk with the boss, I started walking slowly outside his office. Later on, I arrived at the luxurious chambers of Damien’s father, wherein there's a ton of mafia servants surrounding the place, to tell him about the updates of the current situation. My life was a cycle of this; it goes on and on, to
Charlotte Hayes' POVThe moment I stepped outside the bathroom after wearing a robe, I was greeted by Damien with a grin on his face. "You can take a bath now," I said, as I was about to pass through him with a poker face, when he suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me closer to him. "Can't I have a kiss before I go take a bath?" I blushed at his words, as I pushed him aside, trying to maintain that poker face. "It's not like you're going to war," I pouted."Who says that I can only receive a kiss if I'm going to war?" He grinned. Obviously, there's no reason for me not to kiss him. But maybe today's one of those mood swings of mine, as I am currently acting hard to get. "I'll give you a kiss after you're done taking a bath," I said, sighing. Damien's eyes brightened as he nodded. I went back to the bedroom to change clothes, while Damien was taking a bath. A while later, once the two of us finally got ready to sleep, Damien pulled me closer for a kiss. The kiss was passionate, sweet an
Damien Yves Étienne's POVBoth of my eyes softened as I enjoyed the relaxing and sweet momentum between me and Charlotte. It's like it's a dream. "Baby, I have something to tell you," I gently whispered against her rosy cheeks. "Pray, tell me." I hesitated for a second, before I finally brought myself to say, "Jake Hayes has gone missing." Charlotte's eyes widened upon hearing my remarks. "What? The paparazzi haven't found him yet? Where has he been hiding?" She asks, as she slowly stops embracing me, her gaze fixed on me. "No. Before I came here, I had a few of my men find him, but there has been no updates since then," I sighed, crossing my arms, showing an annoyed reaction. "Does he know nothing, except to hide?" I added, rolling my eyes.Charlotte sighs as she holds my hand firmly, reassuring me with that loving smile of hers. "Don't worry. He can't stay hidden for long," she says. "That's exactly why I'm worried, baby," I fixed the strand of her silky hair unto her ear, "He coul
Luca Giovanni’s POVAs the sun shines over the city, casting a warm, orange glow over my room, I prepared to go back to my daily duties. But as I turned to continue my work, I couldn't shake the thought of the woman who just left my house. Is she okay? I tried to shake her off my mind, but I couldn’t. So I quickly rushed out of my house, into the busy streets. I scanned the faces of the people around me, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.The sights, smells, sounds, and sensations of the city were overwhelming as I searched for her. The warm air smelled of motor oil and exhaust fumes, and the sounds of the city's hustle and bustle filled my ears. Every face I passed seemed to be a blur as I searched frantically for her. The more I scoured the crowd, the more I became frustrated by my inability to find her. The frustration quickly morphed into anger as I realized how much time I wasted looking at random people, all because I was worried about someone else. I clenched my fists in frustr
Charlotte Hayes’ POVMother looked at me with a stern look. “I can explain…” But before I could finish my statement, mother grabbed the door knob and opened the door. I immediately rushed over to her side, hoping to prevent her from opening the door completely. But I was too late. Just as I reached for the doorknob, my mother had already opened the door, revealing Damien standing on the front porch, a playful grin on his face.I gasped as I tried to stop myself, but before I knew it, I had fallen into his arms. He caught me effortlessly, his broad shoulders offering a soft landing. I felt my skin flush, my chest heave with every breath as I struggled to free myself from his grip. But I was unsuccessful, and before I knew it, we were in a full-on embrace.“Did you miss me that much to the point you came rushing, embracing me head on?” he teased, looking at me with a playful grin on his face. I pouted and tried to stay mad at him. Despite my best efforts to remain stoic and composed, a