Casey P.O.V As Owen stepped out of the ring, his chest heaving, exhaustion flickered across his face. The bruise on his jaw was already turning a vivid shade of purple, and I felt a surge of emotions rising within me. Relief that all his body parts are still intact. Anger at his recklessness for getting distracted during the fight. I got it. It was something he used to do to survive, and maybe it gave him some sense of control or release, but seeing him hurt, was a different story for me. Before I could voice my thoughts, Lauren bounded over, practically buzzing with excitement. "Wasn’t that amazing?" she asked, her eyes gleaming with pride. "You nailed it, brother!" "Amazing is not the word I would use," I muttered, crossing my arms. My eyes stayed on Owen as he collected his winnings from the announcer, pausing occasionally to shake hands with the people congratulating him. As the crowd began to thin, he finally made his way over to us. “Hey,” he greeted, his voice hoarse, no d
Casey P.O.VMy eyes fluttered open, and immediately, a sharp, splitting pain shot through my head. I groaned, slumping back onto the pillow as I clutched my temples, trying to will the headache away. My body protested every small movement, reminding me that drinking beyond my limits had been a grave mistake. A cold sensation grazed my skin, making me glance down at my hand.My eyes grew wide in shock.A ring. A massive diamond encrusted ring sat on my finger, glinting mockingly under the morning light. My groggy brain jolted to life, and the pounding in my head was momentarily forgotten.What. The. Hell.Where did this ring come from and why is it on my ring finger?I blinked hard, willing myself to remember how this ring had ended up on my hand. My mind was blank, my memories scattered like puzzle pieces I could not fit together. I knew I had left my engagement ring back in the hotel safe before going out with others to that club,last night, so where had this come from?Panicking, I
Casey P.O.VThe air inside the bridal shop smelled faintly of lavender and vanilla, a stark contrast to the chaos in my mind. Lauren was in front of a floor length mirror, swishing back and forth in an ivory gown that glimmered faintly under the boutique's lights. Zazu was helping her to put on the veil .The veil cascaded in delicate waves, pure white and nearly translucent, reaching gracefully down to the floor. Its edges were adorned with intricate lace, soft floral patterns curling like whispers of elegance. When the light hit it , it shimmered faintly, as if dusted with stardust, adding an ethereal glow. It framed Lauren’s face gently, creating an aura of serene beauty and timeless grace.I stood at the edge of the room, sipping on complimentary champagne, trying to avoid Owen’s gaze as he rifled through some paperwork at the front desk. I still had not figured out how we ended up with a marriage certificate tucked in his wallet and worse, why he was so nonchalant about it.The ni
Casey P.O.V The dressing room was alive with a kind of excited chaos. Light poured in through tall windows draped with sheer white curtains, illuminating the room’s pale blue walls and vintage furniture. The scent of fresh roses and peonies filled the air, mingling with the subtle hint of Lauren’s perfume. Lauren sat on an upholstered chair in the center of the room, her reflection in the ornate mirror showing her transformation into a bride. Her dress was an exquisite ball gown, its ivory silk shimmering softly under the light. The bodice was fitted with delicate lace detailing, the off-shoulder neckline emphasizing her graceful collarbones. A satin sash, accented with pearls, cinched her waist, flowing seamlessly into a full skirt that cascaded to the floor. Her veil, trimmed with lace, was carefully pinned into her elegantly styled hair in soft waves gathered into a low bun. Lauren’s makeup was flawless, a soft and romantic look that brought out her natural beauty. Her cheeks ha
Casey P.O.V The reception venue was stunning, exuding elegance without being overwhelming. Set in one of the city’s most sought after restaurants, the private dining room had been transformed into a dreamy space for Lauren and Marcus’s wedding celebration. The ambiance was warm and inviting, illuminated by a mix of chandeliers and candlelight that danced across the room's polished wood floors. The tables were arranged in an open U-shape to promote conversation and camaraderie, adorned with crisp ivory linens, gold rimmed plates, and crystal glassware. Each table featured a centerpiece of fresh roses, lilies, and peonies in shades of white and blush, interspersed with sprigs of greenery. Tall candlesticks completed the look, casting a soft, romantic glow. The air buzzed with laughter, conversation, and the soft strains of a string quartet playing in one corner of the room. Our families mingled near the bar, where bartenders skillfully crafted cocktails and poured champagne. The s
Owen P.O.V The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of the hotel room, casting a warm glow across the plush interiors. I was sipping my coffee, letting the caffeine clear the remnants of last night’s wedding celebrations. Casey was seated by the window, scrolling through her tablet. The room was quiet, save for the occasional clink of her spoon against her mug. She had been reading something on her tablet for the last half an hour. My phone buzzed sharply on the bedside table, breaking the peaceful silence. Glancing at the screen, I saw Barbara’s name flashing. A part of me hesitated.Lauren’s wedding had been perfect, and I was not ready to dive back into work. Still, I picked up the call. “Barbara,” I greeted, leaning back in my chair. “What’s up?” Her voice was tense, clipped. “Owen, I hate to interrupt your trip, but we have a problem. A serious one.” I straightened, every muscle in my body tensing. “What kind of problem?” “It is Daniel,” she began. That name alone
Owen P.O.VThe air in the conference room was tense. I stood at the head of the table, They shuffled papers, exchanged quick glances, and adjusted their devices, but no one dared to break the silence.Casey sat beside me, tablet in hand, already immersed in the task at hand. Barbara, my right hand in the business, stood across from me, her usually composed demeanor showing signs of stress. "Owen," she started, handing over another folder filled with the latest updates. "This is the latest update from this morning. I wish I had better news.This is everything we have managed to pull together since this morning." I opened the folder, skimming through the pages filled with detailed reports on lost contracts, supplier defections and their words of switching sides, and murmurs of investor dissatisfaction with the instability of my company which I did not know I have until I was looking at the folder.Each line felt like a punch to the gut because I knew none of this what they claimed is tru
Owen P.O.V The air buzzed with anticipation as guests began to arrive at The Paramount, an opulent jewel in the heart of Los Angeles. Tonight, the grand ballroom had been transformed into an immersive showcase of luxury and sustainability. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a sweeping view of the city skyline, while elegant floral arrangements ,sourced from local sustainable farms adorned every table, filling the space with a fresh, earthy aroma. Crystal chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow, illuminating the sleek, modern decor. Each table was set with precision: fine china, engraved silverware, and linen napkins folded into crisp shapes. The centerpiece was a live cooking station helmed by a world-renowned guest chef, unveiling dishes crafted from organic, farm-to-table ingredients that aligned with the hotel’s new sustainable dining concept. I adjusted the cufflinks on my tailored navy blue suit, feeling the weight of the evening settle on my shoulders. Every detail had been metic
Casey P.O.V. The crisp January air brushed against my face as Zazu and I stepped out of the cab in front of the L.A. Stadium. The towering lights of the arena glimmered in the evening sky, and the hum of excitement from the crowd around us buzzed in my ears. I glanced down at my jersey-style top, a shade of blue and white to match the Los Angeles Rams team, and felt a rare sense of anticipation. Zazu adjusted her own jersey, grinning ear to ear as we approached the gates. “Can you believe Mark just handed me these tickets?” Zazu said, practically skipping beside me. “Poor guy. Bet he’s regretting his work emergency right about now.” “Well, his loss is our gain,” I said, laughing as we handed our tickets to the attendant. Once inside, we grabbed a large bucket of buttery popcorn, its warm aroma wafting through the air, and made our way to our seats. The stadium was electric, the roar of the crowd rising as the players from both teams jogged onto the field. I had not been to a footb
Owen P.O.V The Lawyer’s Appointment The hours dragged until it was finally time to meet the lawyer. I arrived early, the sterile waiting room doing little to calm my nerves. The lawyer greeted me with his usual professional demeanor, but his words barely registered. My mind was elsewhere, consumed by the thought of Casey walking through that door and what it would mean for us once the papers were signed. I did not have to wait long. Casey arrived exactly on time, as she always did. She stepped into the room with her usual grace, but there was a tension in her shoulders that was not usually there. Our eyes met briefly before she turned to the lawyer, giving him a polite smile. She was cordial, professional, keeping everything on the surface. I hated it. We sat across from each other at the conference table as the lawyer went over the details, explaining the final steps. My eyes flicked to Casey now and then, but her gaze stayed firmly on the paperwork. “Say something.” The voi
Owen P.O.V The sound of my apartment door clicking shut behind me barely registered as I stepped outside. The morning air was crisp, and the city was already alive with its usual bustle. But it was not the noise or the brisk weather that caught my attention. It was Casey who caught my attention. She was standing a few feet away, next to her car, her arms crossed and her expression frustrated. Her car was off, yet she was not getting inside it. Instead, she was glancing down the road, occasionally stepping forward to flag a passing cab. Each one sped past her, leaving her standing there, tapping her foot on the pavement impatiently. I frowned. What was she doing here, looking for a cab, when her car was right there? Is her car not working? As I watched her wave her hand at yet another cab that did not stop, my new car pulled up. My driver stepped out of the vehicle, holding two Starbucks coffee cups in one hand. The steam rising from the lids told me they were fresh. “Morning, si
Owen P.O.VThe kitchen had always been my sanctuary, a place where chaos transformed into order, where raw ingredients became something greater. Tonight, I hoped it could also be a bridge, a way to reach Casey. She had seen Eva’s public apology, and while it had cleared my name, it had not been enough to erase the hurt I had caused. I wanted to prove to her that my words were not hollow promises, that I truly meant every syllable when I said I’d do whatever it took to earn back her trust.I rolled up my sleeves and surveyed the ingredients laid out on the counter. Casey loved Italian food, especially a good homemade ravioli. I remembered her mentioning it once during one of our passing times. It had been a casual comment, something about how her grandmother, her mother's mother used to make it for special occasions. Back then, I had tucked the information away, never knowing I would use that gun for my benefit ever . But now, it felt like the perfect way to show her I was paying atten
Owen P.O.VShe did not say anything at first, her hand still absently scratching behind Google’s ears. The silence stretched between us, and I felt the weight of her guarded stare. It was as though she was trying to decide whether I was worth her time or effort but I could not let her go on thinking the worst of me without knowing the truth. She deserved an explanation. No more assumptions, no more misunderstandings. It was now or never.“Casey,” I said softly, leaning forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “Please. Just give me a chance to explain what really happened that night. I know what you saw, and I know it hurt you. But it was not what you think.”Her hand froze mid-motion on Google’s head, and she turned to look at me, her eyes narrowed. “What’s left to explain, Owen? I saw her in your apartment. I saw her kiss you.”I exhaled, my shoulders sagging under the weight of everything unsaid. “You saw part of it, but not all of it. I never kissed her.”She crossed her arms, leani
Owen P.O.VThe silence in my apartment was deafening. Google lay at my feet, his tail wagging occasionally as if he sensed my distress. I stared at the ceiling, my mind racing. Casey would not answer my calls, and her door had been firmly slammed shut by Zazu. I had no one to blame but myself.How could I have been so blind to let Eva in? I should have sent her packing the moment I saw her at the door. Instead, I gave her the benefit of the doubt. Now, Casey thought I had betrayed her.The thought of Casey’s hurt expression the way she sat with her face in her hands made my chest ache. I could not let this stand. She deserved an explanation, but I knew words alone would not fix this. Actions had to speak louder.I needed to fix this.Google barked softly, pulling me out of my thoughts. I scratched his head absently, an idea forming in my mind. “Alright, buddy. Let’s start with Eva,” I muttered.Next Day…..The next morning, I stood outside Eva’s office. It took a few calls and some ch
Owen POV I pulled on a navy sweater, smoothing the fabric as I glanced at myself in the mirror. It was casual, warm, but still decent enough to make an impression. Casey would appreciate it or so I hoped. She had a way of throwing me off balance with her sassy words and even sassy looks, but tonight, I wanted her to see a different side of me. It was not often I put thought into things like this. Dates used to be effortless,another night, another woman, no strings attached. But this was Casey I am doing all these for. And somehow, with her, everything felt different. The sound of the doorbell interrupted my thoughts. My chest tightened, and a grin spread across my face. She was here. Right on time. I headed for the door, my steps quick, excitement bubbling in my chest. When I opened it, my smile froze in place before vanishing completely. It was not Casey who stood outside. Eva was. My jaw tightened as I took in the sight of the woman standing on my doorstep, perfectly polished
Casey P.O.VGetting ready for a date with Owen felt like being stuck in a mystery novel where you already knew the twist would irritate you. The man refused to give me any clue about where we were going, just a vague instruction to “dress casually” and “wear warm clothes.” Honestly, what did that even mean?“I hate surprises,” I grumbled, glaring at the sweater I had thrown onto the bed.Zazu, sitting cross-legged on the floor, let out a dramatic sigh. “You’ve said that about a hundred times now, Casey. Relax, it’s a date, not a covert mission.”I shot her a look. “If I wanted a surprise, I’d order a mystery box online. Dates are supposed to have details, Zazu—details! So I can plan my outfit and prepare mentally.”“Mentally? You’re going on a date, not to war.” She chuckled, standing to inspect the sweater. “And for the record, this is perfect. Warm, casual, and adorable. Plus, he probably wants to see you comfortable, not freezing to death in a cocktail dress.”I groaned. “Fine, but
Casey’s P.O.V The buzz of the gala preparations was a strange mix of chaos and excitement. The event was just a day away, and while the fallout from Rachel’s actions had initially shaken me, it had also ignited a determination in me that I hadn’t felt before. This was my chance to prove myself, to show Mr. Davenport and the supervisors that I could excel even under pressure. After the meeting yesterday, Rachel had stormed out of the office, leaving behind a trail of venomous glares and whispered threats. While her behavior had been exposed to some extent, I could not shake the feeling that she was not done with me. But I did not have the time or the energy to dwell on that. I had a gala to prepare. The morning was a flurry of last minute vendor calls and double-checking every detail. The floral arrangements, the seating chart, the lighting , everything has to fit perfectly in these puzzle. I had Karen helping me coordinate with the caterers, and even some of the supervisors had