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
Victor’s POVThe room was cold. Too sterile, too lifeless for someone like Elena to be lying in it.She looked fragile, paler than I had ever seen her, her long dark hair fanned across the pillows in disarray. Her lips, once so full of life, were slightly parted as if she had been about to say something before exhaustion overtook her. Dark circles shadowed her eyes, a cruel testament to everything she had endured. Even in her unconscious state, there was a slight furrow in her brows, as though she was still fighting a battle in her mind.The sight of her like this made something in my chest tighten painfully.I didn’t realize I had stopped moving until the doctor glanced at me.“Mr. Langley?” he said, his voice quiet but firm.I blinked and forced myself forward, following him inside.Elena’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of our entrance. Slowly, her gaze found me.There was no warmth in them. No relief. Just a void of exhaustion and something else something that made my stomach tw
Elena’s POVI swallowed, my throat dry. “What did you just say, Alexander?”Silence.Then, his voice came again, clear and unwavering.“Elena, I’m in love with you okay?.”A sharp breath left my lips, my fingers trembling as I held the phone. I let out a short, humorless chuckle, shaking my head as I paced across the room. “Oh, wow. Just—wow.” I laughed again, but there was no amusement in it. “So that’s how we’re playing it now?”“Elena—”“No, seriously, Alexander. That’s how you want to do this?” I cut him off, my voice dripping with disbelief. “I tell you I want a divorce, and suddenly you love me? How convenient.”His sigh came through the line. “It’s not like that.”I scoffed. “Of course, it’s exactly like that! You’re just trying to manipulate me.” I ran a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling up. “You don’t love me, Alexander. You never did. And now that I want out, you’re suddenly saying things like this? What, do you think throwing the word ‘love’ around will make me sta
Victor’s lips brushed against mine, firm yet unhurried, as if he were waiting for my reaction. My breath hitched, my body tensing at the unexpected kiss. For a second, I almost pulled away, but then a flood of emotions washed over me. Memories of Alexander, the betrayal, the pain, everything came rushing back. And in that moment, I just wanted to forget.So I kissed him back.Victor didn’t hesitate. His hands found my waist, pulling me closer as the kiss deepened. His lips moved hungrily against mine, coaxing a response from me that I didn’t even realize I had. Heat curled in my stomach, spreading like wildfire as our bodies pressed together.His hands roamed, sliding up my back, gripping my hips, his touch both urgent and reverent. My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, desperate to drown in the feeling. Every touch sent shivers down my spine, igniting a longing I hadn’t felt in so long. It was different with Victor, unhurried but deliberate, as if he wanted to memorize
I settled into the plush couch as the soft melody of the instrumental music played in the background. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, almost surreal. The dim golden lighting cast a gentle glow around the living room, complementing the elegant dining setup a few feet away. Everything was arranged with so much care that I couldn’t help but wonder.I glanced at Victor, who had just adjusted the pillow behind my back, ensuring I was comfortable. His expression was calm, but there was something in his eyes, a rare emotion.I folded my arms, leaning slightly toward him. “Okay, what’s all this for?” I asked, tilting my head. “The music, the cozy setting, the fancy dinner? Are we celebrating something?”Victor chuckled, leaning back slightly. “Do I need a reason to make you feel special?” His voice was light, teasing, but there was sincerity beneath it.I arched a brow. “Victor.”He let out a dramatic sigh, placing a hand over his chest. “Fine, you caught me. It’s your first time here, an
Alexander’s POV“I’ll sort Adrian out.”Victoria’s voice was steady, but I didn’t trust it. I folded my arms and leaned back against the leather chair in my office, watching her carefully.“You’ll sort him out?” I repeated, skepticism dripping from my tone. “Sorting out isn’t enough for someone who nearly destroyed my reputation and kidnapped my wife like a madman. You expect me to believe he won’t blackmail you again?”Victoria exhaled and stepped closer. “Alexander, listen to me. Adrian is obsessed with me, yes, but I know how to handle him now. I won’t let him come after me or the company again.”I scoffed. “And what exactly is your plan?”“I have my ways, just trust me please.”Her answer was vague, and I hated that. “That’s the problem, I can’t trust you Victoria.”She sighed, rubbing her temples. “Look, I know I messed up before, but I swear I’ve changed. I want to come back, and I want to make things right. You need someone you can trust in your company—someone who understands
Victoria’s POV“It’s time for what papa?” I asked, gripping my phone tighter. My father’s voice was calm but firm, carrying that heavy weight of authority that always made my stomach twist.“Since you refuse to come to Milan, I will come to Florida.”My heart nearly stopped. “What?”“I should have done this sooner,” he continued. “This situation has gone on long enough. Your silence, your avoidance—it all tells me there’s something you’re not saying. If you won’t come to me, I have no choice but to come to you.”Panic surged through me. “You don’t have to do that,” I said quickly, forcing out a small laugh as if the idea were ridiculous. “I mean, I’ve just been… busy. Things are under control, really.”“Victoria.” His voice held no patience for my excuses. “Enough.”I swallowed hard. “Dad, please. There’s no need to—”“I’ll be in Florida soon.”The finality in his voice made my chest tighten. “Dad—”The call ended.I let out a shaky breath, pressing my phone against my forehead. Shit.
Alexander’s POVLorenzo met my gaze, his jaw tightening. “I want answers.”I let out a sharp laugh, shaking my head as he reached for the glass of whiskey he’d abandoned earlier. “Answers?” He took a slow sip before setting the glass down. “To what, exactly?”I leaned forward, bracing my hands against the desk. “To this mess, Alexander. To the way my name and yours is being dragged through every damn blog and media outlet. To the way the showcase was sabotaged. To how exactly I got tangled in all of this.”My eyes darkened. “You think I wanted this?” My voice dropped, the underlying anger in it barely restrained. “Do you think I enjoy waking up to headlines splashing my name across the internet like I’m some fucking criminal?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “I was supposed to be the shadow, Lorenzo. The one pulling strings from behind the scenes, not the one thrown into the public eye like a circus act.”I studied him for a moment. For all his arrogance, there was a layer of genuine fru
Elena’s POVVictoria stood near one of the displayed paintings, arms folded across her chest, a smug smile curling on her lips the second her gaze met mine.“Well, well, well,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “Look what the cat dragged in.”Isla, beside me, exhaled softly but said nothing. My eyes flickered to her briefly, but her expression was unreadable—calm, indifferent. She made no move to acknowledge Victoria, and Victoria, in turn, acted like she didn’t see her. But something in the way Isla stiffened ever so slightly didn’t sit right with me.“You seem surprised to see me,” Victoria continued, stepping closer, her heels clicking against the polished floor. “I figured after that… spectacle you put on at the showcase, you’d be too busy hiding under a rock somewhere.”I squared my shoulders, refusing to let her get under my skin. “Funny. I was thinking the same about you.”Victoria let out a laugh, sharp and taunting. “Oh, darling, please. Unlike you, I don’t crumble u
Mia reached into the box and picked up the bracelet, her eyes widening as she turned it over in her palm. It wasn’t just any bracelet—it was expensive-looking, delicate yet striking. A thick, silver band wrapped around itself in an intricate woven design, almost like intertwining vines. The metal had a polished gleam, catching the dim light in the room, and at the center was a locket charm. Mia clicked it open, revealing a tiny, hand-painted portrait of Elena inside.“Oh, wow,” Mia breathed, holding it up to the light. “This is some real Romeo shit.”Elena said nothing. Her fingers curled around the edge of the box, heart hammering against her ribs.Mia turned the bracelet in her hands again, tilting her head as she examined the artistry. “Look at this detail. This isn’t some basic mass-produced jewelry; this was customized. The way the edges are carved? The way your picture’s been hand-painted and set into the locket instead of just printed? Girl, Victor did not play around with this
Elena’s POVI blinked, sure I had misheard him. “What?”Victor’s eyes remained steady on mine. “I think Isla might be involved.”I let out a sharp laugh. “You think Isla—my assistant —is involved? Are you even hearing yourself?”Victor sighed, leaning back slightly. “Elena, I need you to listen—”“No, you listen,” I snapped. “You don’t get to come in here and start pointing fingers at someone who has been nothing but good to me.”Mia, who had been silently munching on her fruit, straightened up. “Wait. I’m gonna need some context for this one.” “Who’s isla again ?”I turned to her “Isla Kerrington, she’s my personal assistant and her reason why I got on that showcase”“Oh that’s nice , so mr Victor, why is she your suspect?”Victor exhaled. “Look, something happened in London when Alexander was away.”I crossed my arms. “I know that’s where Alexander met Isla for the first time.”“Right,” Victor nodded. “But what you don’t know is that something strange happened to Alexander during t