I blinked, certain I had misheard him.“You’ve already seen him?” I asked again, my voice sharper this time.My father exhaled, rubbing his temple as if this conversation already exhausted him. “Yes, Elena, I have. Recently actually.”My brows furrowed. “You met up with Greenwood Stones? When? How? And why didn’t you tell me?”He leaned back into his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the armrest. “Because there was no point telling you,” he said simply. “It was a waste of my time, and I didn’t want to bother you with it.”“A waste of time?” My voice rose slightly. “What happened? What did he say? What did he want?”My father gave me a long, measured look before finally speaking. “I think the night he arrived in Florida, not sure exactly, but he sent for me. I almost didn’t go because I knew nothing good would come from it. But against my better judgment, I went. I thought maybe—just maybe—he had something important to say. Something useful.”“And?” I prompted, my heart
Elena’s POVThe morning light streamed through the curtains, painting soft golden hues across the bedroom. I blinked a few times, my body feeling heavy with exhaustion. Beside me, Mia was still curled up under the covers, her breathing steady.I shifted slightly, but the uneasy feeling in my stomach only worsened. A sharp wave of nausea surged through me. Without a second thought, I threw off the blanket and rushed to the bathroom, barely making it in time before I started throwing up.The retching must have been loud because, moments later, I heard Mia’s groggy voice behind me.“Elena is that you?” she mumbled, still half-asleep. “What’s going on?”I wiped my mouth and leaned against the sink, taking deep breaths. “I don’t know… I just feel—ugh.”Mia snapped fully awake, instantly alert. “Elena, what’s wrong. Oh my God, you’re really throwing up. Is it last night’s dinner ? You probably ate too late.”I shook my head quickly. “No, I’m fine. It’s just morning sickness. Nothing new, pr
I hesitated for a second before swiping to answer. “Hello?”A polished voice responded on the other end. “Good morning. Am I speaking with Mrs Elena Wells?”“Yes, this is Elena,” I said, straightening up, it was annoying people still addressed me as Elena Wells“Fantastic. My name is Daniel Fraser, and I’m calling on behalf of the International Arts Gala. I believe you’re familiar with the event?”I almost dropped the phone. The International Arts Gala. London. The opportunity I had assumed was long gone after the scandal. My heart pounded in my chest.“Yes,” I answered quickly. “Yes, of course. I attended the local gala not too long ago.”“Indeed. And despite the incident that took place at the event, we’ve been thoroughly reviewing your work and portfolio.” There was a brief pause before he continued. “I’m calling to inform you that you have been selected to participate in the International Arts Gala in London. Congratulations, Mrs Wells.”I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth. “I—I
I barely blinked as I continued staring at the message on Isla’s phone screen. My chest tightened, and for a moment, the world around me felt muted.I then pressed my fingers against the phone’s screen just enough to illuminate it again, letting the message pop up in full view.“We need to talk. ASAP.”A cold chill ran down my spin again.“Mia,” I whispered urgently.She was in the living room, not too far away, but not close enough to have heard me . My voice barely made a sound, but she picked up on the tension and turned toward me. I motioned for her to come over.“What is it?” she asked, brows furrowing as she approached.Instead of answering, I simply tilted the phone toward her. Mia leaned in, reading the text, and then her breath hitched.“Oh my God,” she whispered. Her gaze shot up to mine. “Victoria? Isla? What—what the hell is going on? Do they know each other?”Before I could answer, footsteps echoed from down the hall. Isla was coming.Mia and I locked eyes for a split sec
(Elena’s POV – Morning)The sound of the washing machine hummed in the background as I sat on the laundry room bench, folding a fresh batch of clothes. Mia was beside me, separating the whites from the colors, her hands moving mindlessly as she stole glances at me every now and then.She knew my mind wasn’t here.“Elena, you’ve been folding that same shirt for two minutes now,” Mia said, her voice laced with concern.I exhaled sharply, placing the shirt down. “I just can’t stop thinking about Isla and Victoria, it’s just so overwhelming for me honestly.”Mia sighed, shaking her head. “I know, but maybe you’re overthinking it. Just because they know each other doesn’t mean Isla is working with her. Has she ever given you a reason to doubt her before?”I hesitated. No, she hadn’t. Isla had always been nice, professional, helpful and she seemed to genuinely care. But after what Victor told me—“Mmm Victor really seems to know a lot, what did he tell you about Isla?”“Victor said Victoria
Elena’s POVI stood at the entrance of Alexander’s penthouse, my heart pounding against my ribs. The scene before me was like a twisted nightmare—Victoria draped over Alexander, her body pressed too close to his, her smirk one of pure satisfaction. Alexander looked dazed, confused even, but that did little to soothe the rage boiling inside me.“Alexander?” My voice cut through the tension like a knife.Mia, who had followed me inside, stepped forward. “Elena, are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. But as soon as she turned her head, her expression darkened. Her eyes landed on Alexander and Victoria, and I could feel her body stiffen beside me.Victoria let out a slow, amused laugh before finally getting off Alexander. She smoothed down the hem of her dangerously short dress, moving with an air of satisfaction as if she had won some game I hadn’t agreed to play.Alexander suddenly jumped up, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Elena, I didn’t know you were com
I didn’t think—I reacted. My blood boiled, my vision blurred with pure rage, and before I knew it, my feet carried me forward at full speed.I crashed into Victoria, shoving her back with all my strength. She barely had time to react before my fist connected with the side of her face. The impact sent a sharp sting up my knuckles, but I didn’t care.“You manipulative nosy bitch!” I shrieked, raising my hand again.Victoria staggered, holding her cheek, but instead of retreating, she lunged at me. “You crazy whore!” she spat, shoving me back with just as much force.We collided, clawing, shoving, fighting like two wild animals who had been waiting for this moment.“Oh my God! Elena, stop!” Mia’s frantic voice pierced through the chaos as she grabbed my arm, trying to yank me away.But Victoria wasn’t backing down either. She reached forward, gripping a handful of my hair and pulling hard, making me yelp in pain. Furious, I swung my hand blindly, striking her again.“Get off me, you lu
Everything was dark.A deep, consuming kind of darkness that made it feel like I was sinking. I could hear distant voices, but they were muffled, blurred together like whispers through water. My body felt weightless, yet heavy at the same time, like I was floating between consciousness and something much worse.Then—pain.A dull, throbbing ache in my lower abdomen that grew sharper with every breath I took. My fingers twitched, my throat burned, and suddenly, I was gasping for air.The lights above me were blinding when I forced my eyes open, the sterile scent of antiseptic and something too clean hitting my nose. A beeping sound filled the silence, rhythmic and steady, accompanied by the faint rustling of movement nearby.“She’s awake,” a voice said, urgent but relieved.Mia.I blinked rapidly, my vision adjusting, and when I turned my head slightly, I saw her standing beside my bed. Her face was pale, her expression etched with worry, and behind her, a doctor stood with a clipboard,
Victoria’s POVIt was a few days after Alexander and his little play team ruined my life. The walls of my penthouse felt smaller now, everything felt different, my life had changed for bad.The curtains were open, but the light didn’t touch me. I hadn’t eaten since the arrest. I hadn’t slept either. I’d been staring at the TV, waiting for them to say my father had been released. That something could be done, but there was nothing, I had made several calls and no one seemed to help, they said the allegations were true and heavy on him. All our connections had failed us, my life was in shambles.Just while I was lost in thoughts, there was a knock at the door.Then another.I wasn’t expecting anyone but I opened the door.Adrian.He stood there, in his black coat, hands in his pockets, face calm like he hadn’t just helped destroy everything I had ever built.“You have a lot of nerve,” I snapped, stepping aside to let him in, only because I didn’t want the neighbors to hear the screaming
Elena’s POvI don’t know what possessed me to come here. Maybe it was closure. Maybe it was vengeance.Maybe it was both.And at the center of it all, Victoria Greenwood.She stood at the stage, her red dress flowing like a curtain of blood. She held the microphone with an effortless grace, and when the lights focused on her, the applause was thunderous.“Good evening, darlings,” she began, her voice silk and venom. “First, thank you all for coming tonight. It means the world to me that I get to celebrate with each of you—those I love, admire, and aspire to collaborate with. Tonight isn’t just about glamour—though, let’s be honest, I’m killing it.” Laughter rippled across the room.She winked. “But really, this is about gratitude. For those who have believed in me, supported me, and paved the way… especially one very special man—my amazing father.”The applause returned, louder this time. And then he emerged.Mr. Greenwood Stones.A walking headline in a sleek tux, polished shoes, and
Victoria’s POVMy phone hadn’t stopped ringing all morning. It was my birthday today, my big day!“Is the floral arrangement in place? I want the cherry blossoms centered—nothing else,” I snapped into the phone, pacing across the marble floor of my apartment. The mirrored panels along the hallway reflected my anxious expression as I turned the corner into my bedroom, where my evening dress lay spread across the bed like a silent promise.I hung up the call before the planner could ask another question and immediately dialed Isla.She picked up on the second ring. “Hey, babe! Big night!” she chirped.“I hope you’re looking stunning. I don’t want to be the only jaw-dropper walking that red carpet tonight.”Isla giggled. “Trust me, I’m going full glam. I’ve got that bejeweled emerald gown you love—hair slicked back, high heels tall enough to break necks.”“That’s the spirit,” I smiled, easing into the chaise by the window. “This night’s going to be perfect. Dad says he even has a surpris
Elena’s POV“What exactly do you mean by that ?” I asked turning to Adrian.Adrian leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes reflecting a lifetime of calculated decisions. “Victoria’s birthday celebration is tomorrow, correct?” His Russian accent added a gravitas to his words this time, making every syllable feel like a decree.Alexander nodded, his jaw tightening. “Yes. She had even sent a reminder just last night, she’s always extravagant with her celebrations. The city’s elite will be in attendance.”A slow, predatory smile spread across Adrian’s face. “Then it’s the perfect stage for our performance.”I shifted in my seat, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Performance?”Adrian’s gaze met mine, unwavering. “A public unmasking. We expose Greenwoods for the charlatan he is, in front of his peers, his allies, his world, we make them see what humiliation feels like.”The audacity of the plan sent a shiver down my spine. The idea of confronting such a powerful figure in a p
Elena’s POVThe following morning came quicker than I expected. I hadn’t even taken a full sip of my coffee before I heard the soft knock at the door.Mia peeked out the window first, then turned to me. “It’s Alexander’s driver—and I think those are his security guys too.”I sighed, placing my mug down. “He didn’t mention he was sending a whole team.”Mia raised a brow. “You surprised? It’s Alexander. He sends an army if you sneeze too loud.”I offered a faint smile and grabbed my coat. I had already texted Adrian earlier that morning, and after a few minutes of back and forth, he had sent me a location. It was a private estate just a little outside the city limits—discreet, exclusive, and of course, heavily guarded. I didn’t tell him that Alexander would be coming too. I knew it was a gamble, but something told me Adrian would understand.The drive to Alexander’s penthouse was quiet. His men barely spoke a word, but they were polite, respectful. As the gates opened and the car pulled
Elena’s POVI had barely caught my breath when the silence between Alexander and Victor stretched thin like a worn-out thread ready to snap. The air was stiff, as though it could combust from the tension lingering in the room. Alexander’s chest rose and fell heavily beside me, still furious from everything I had just confessed to him. Victor just stood there helpless, sad, his eyes filled with regrets.Then, he spoke.“I know you hate me, Alexander,” Victor began, voice raw and cracking, “and I know I don’t deserve even a second of peace from you. But I just want you to understand one thing—I never wanted to take Elena from you or anything. Everything I felt for her was real.”I froze.Victor’s voice trembled as he stood from the couch. “I loved her genuinely. I still do.” He turned toward me, and I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, just stared at him as his words pierced the quiet. “From the moment I saw you, Elena. Not because you were beautiful or brilliant—although you are—but becaus
Elena’s POVI didn’t realize how long I’d been standing outside until I felt a breeze brush against my skin, cooling the spot where Alexander’s lips had just touched mine. My heart was still racing from the kiss—his kiss—and I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t even know what to feel.So I asked the only thing that made sense in the moment.“Why did we just do that?”Alexander didn’t even hesitate. His voice was calm, low, but firm.“Why wouldn’t we?” he said, eyes not leaving mine. “You’re still my wife.”I looked away. His words pierced something deep in me. Something raw. Something that hadn’t healed yet. I felt my chest tightening as I fought back the emotions swirling inside me.But it didn’t work.I broke down.The tears came so suddenly I couldn’t stop them. I turned away from him, trying to hide my face, but he reached for me gently.“Elena,” he whispered, but I couldn’t meet his gaze.“I don’t know anymore, Alexander,” I sobbed. “I don’t know how to trust you. You hurt me. Yo
Elena’s POVThe silence that followed my words was louder than any argument we’ve ever had and then he asked again “what did you say?”“I still want a divorce,” I repeated, my voice quieter this time. Almost like I didn’t want him to hear it, but I knew he did. His chest barely moved. His eyes were locked on mine, and his lips parted, like he wanted to speak but forgot how to form words.Finally, he blinked. Once. Twice. And then… a slow exhale.“I see,” he said.I turned away, looking at the garden hedge behind him, anything but his face. “You said if you found out my father was innocent, you’d sign the papers.”His jaw tensed. “I did.”“And?”He took a step closer. “And I will.”I nodded. That should’ve made me feel relieved. But instead, it burned.He stared at me for a long time. Then his voice cracked gently through the air. “But before I do… can I say something? Please.”I didn’t speak. I didn’t nod. I just stood there. That was enough for him.He ran a hand through his hair, l
I barely had time to react before Alexander was on his feet, his chair scraping violently against the floor. His entire frame was tense, his jaw locked in fury as he glared at Victor standing a few feet away.“What the hell is he doing here?” His voice was sharp, demanding. His eyes flicked between Victor and me, searching for an explanation, his anger barely restrained.Victor, looking just as startled as Alexander, raised his hands in defense. “I didn’t know I was going to be here either,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “Elena invited me.”Alexander’s gaze snapped to me, his expression darkening. “You invited him?”I let out a slow breath, steadying myself. “Alexander, calm down.”His glare intensified. “Don’t tell me to calm down, Elena. Do you even realize what you’re doing?”“Yes,” I said firmly. “Victor is a part of this, whether you like it or not. He is one of us.”Alexander let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “A part of this? You’re joking, right?”Before