It was the morning of the showcase and I sat at the dining table, absently swirling my spoon through my yogurt as I watched Alexander button up his crisp white shirt. He stood in front of the mirror, fixing his cuffs, his brows slightly furrowed in concentration. The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over the penthouse.“You’re quiet,” Alexander remarked, finally glancing at me through the mirror.I sighed, setting my spoon down. “Just thinking about tonight.”He walked over, smoothing a hand over my hair before taking a seat across from me, his sharp blue eyes studying me closely. “Nervous?”“That’s an understatement,” I admitted. “This showcase is everything. It’s my first real step into the art world, and I keep wondering what if no one likes my work? What if I’m just some amateur playing pretend?”Alexander tilted his head slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Elena, you don’t give yourself enough credit. You’ve worked hard for this. And from what I
Elena’s POVThe clock was ticking closer to 7 p.m., and I stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing down the silky fabric of the dress Alexander had gotten me, an exquisite deep emerald dress with a plunging neckline that flattered my curves in the most elegant way. The fabric shimmered under the soft lighting, the intricate embroidery along the bodice catching the glow. It was timeless, breathtaking.Around my neck, the delicate gold necklace Alexander had gifted me rested against my collarbone. The tiny diamond-encrusted paintbrush pendant was a constant reminder of why I was stepping into this night.I let out a slow breath, trying to calm the nervous energy in my chest.Alexander, already dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, stepped up behind me. His presence was commanding, effortlessly sophisticated, and when our eyes met in the mirror, a slow smirk curved his lips.“You look like you belong in the Louvre,” he murmured, his hands settling at my waist.I smiled
I stared at the message on my phone, rereading it for the third time, thinking if Elena would have actually made this reservation.It didn’t say who made the reservation, but there was a part of me that wanted to believe it was Elena. Maybe, despite everything, she still thought of me still wanted me there. Or maybe it was someone else entirely, but right now, I didn’t care. I wasn’t going to miss this.Without wasting time, I grabbed my tuxedo and got dressed, adjusting the black tie in front of my mirror. My mind was a mess—between the guilt I felt for what had happened with Victoria, the lingering feelings I had for Elena, and this unexpected invitation. But one thing was certain I needed to see her tonight.We arrived at the venue, and the moment I stepped out of the car, a wave of nervous energy rushed through me. The Grand Atrium Hall was magnificent, with its sleek modern architecture, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and the golden glow of chandeliers illuminating the entrance.
A low hum of conversation filled the air, mingling with the delicate clinking of champagne glasses. Elena’s heart pounded against her ribs as she stood backstage, peeking through the heavy velvet curtain.The stage was set literally and figuratively. Tonight wasn’t just a showcase ; it was a battlefield where artists fought with strokes of color and sculpted defiance. And she was next.Moderator: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to an evening of artistic brilliance. Tonight, we celebrate transformation and reinvention with our theme: Metamorphosis. Our talented artists will present their interpretations, and our esteemed judges Jonathan Reed, Gabriella Smith , and the legendary Nathaniel Cole will decide whose vision earns a coveted spot in the International Art showcase.”A ripple of applause echoed through the room.Nathaniel Cole, a man whose critiques could either make or break a career, leaned forward. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back, his sharp gaze sweeping across the st
Victor and I were headed out the door before Isla’s voice cut through.“Elena, what’s going on and Victor?” Her brows pinched together as she looked between Victor and me, concern etched into every inch of her face.“Hello Isla” Victor responded coldly What are you doing here and what’s wrong with her “ Isla asked again.I opened my mouth to answer, but my throat felt thick, as if I’d swallowed cotton. My stomach churned again. I pressed a palm against it, inhaling sharply.“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I just feel… dizzy. Nauseous.”Isla’s eyes widened slightly before she quickly dug into her small clutch. “Hold on.” She pulled out a small, travel-sized packet and handed it to me. “These are anti-nausea tablets. They’ll help.”“You walk around with those? “ Victor asked surprised “Of course, every girl should” Isla said I took the packet with trembling fingers.“You can’t take them like that “ Isla said Victor was already moving. “I’ll get water.”
ElenaThe voice that filled the hall was unmistakable.“Alexander has been working hand in hand with Lorenzo Moretti to take down Spears Manufacturing.”A heavy, stunned silence fell over the audience. My heart pounded violently against my ribs as I tried to process what I had just heard. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, confusion turning into whispers, whispers turning into gasps.I turned sharply to the screen, my breath caught in my throat. The audio continued.“Alexander Wells’ marriage to Elena was a well crafted lie, he married Elena as a part of his plan to take revenge on her family.”The words sliced through me like a blade. But it didn’t stop there.“The Spears and Wells families once thrived in a strong business partnership. Wells Enterprises built luxury developments, while Spears Manufacturing supplied premium materials. However, during an economic downturn, George Spears, Elena’s father betrayed the Wells family by secretly siding with their rival, Ridgeway Development
Victor’s POVPain exploded across my face. The metallic tang of blood still filled my mouth. My ears rang, the gasps of the crowd blending into a dull roar. I couldn’t believe Alexander had the nerve. “She’s unconscious, and this is what you care about?” My voice was raw, but I didn’t care. I wiped the blood from my chin and straightened, locking eyes with him. “You can hit me all you want, but it won’t change the truth. You did this. You destroyed her.”Alexander lunged for me again, but Isla grabbed his arm. “Stop it!” she screamed. “This isn’t helping!”He hesitated, breathing heavily, his entire body shaking with tension. Then he turned back to Elena, still limp in his arms, her face pale against his dark suit. A fresh wave of fear flashed across his expression. The fight left his body instantly.“Where the hell is that ambulance?” he barked.Just then, the shrill sound of sirens cut through the chaos.Mia’s POVI barely let the driver park before I was sprinting toward the entr
Alexander’s POVThe moment George Spears stormed into the hospital, I knew hell was about to break loose. I had plotted all these without a single thought of what their reactions would be.“Murdering bastard!” His voice boomed through the sterile white hallway, sending a ripple of tension through the room.Before I could react, Mia darted toward him. “Mr. Spears, wait—”But he didn’t wait. He dodged her, his large frame cutting through the space between us like a charging bull. In seconds, his hands were on me, his fingers wrapping around my collar before slamming me back against the nearest wall.“Where’s my daughter you monster ! If anything happens to my daughter, you’re good as dead!” he growled, his grip tightening.Security rushed forward, trying to pull him off me, but the man was relentless. I could feel his fury, the sheer desperation in his eyes. And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t fight back, I couldn’t fight back, he was my father in-law.“I’m a monster and you
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