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
Isla’s POV I felt the weight of the room shift.All eyes were on me.Elena was still lying in bed, pale and weak, her father by her side with tears running down his face. Mia stood close to her, gripping her hand. Alexander… well, he stood at a distance, silent and stiff, like a ghost haunting the very room. The tension was suffocating, heavy enough to crush the air from my lungs.But the second I saw the name flashing on my screen Victoria I knew I couldn’t answer here.I swallowed hard and forced a neutral expression. “I need to take this,” I muttered, my voice carefully even.Without waiting for a response, I turned on my heels and walked out of the ward, my pulse hammering in my ears.The hallway outside was dim, the overhead fluorescent lights casting an eerie glow against the white walls. The faint sounds of hospital equipment beeping echoed through the corridor, but my focus was entirely on the phone clutched in my hand.I glanced over my shoulder, ensuring no one had followed
Elena’s POVMia’s grip on my hand tightened as she leaned in, her voice soft yet firm. “You both don’t have to talk about this now, Elena. You need to rest.”I opened my mouth to protest, but the doctor, standing at the foot of my bed, gave me a look that left no room for argument.“She’s right,” he said, flipping through the clipboard in his hands. “Your body has been through significant stress, and pushing yourself now will only make things worse.”I swallowed hard, frustration clawing at my chest. Rest? How was I supposed to rest when my entire life was crumbling around me? When everything I thought I knew had shattered into a million pieces?“When can I leave again?” My voice came out hoarse, edged with exhaustion.“Tomorrow morning,” the doctor replied. “We’ll run a final check-up, and if everything looks stable, you’ll be discharged.”Tomorrow. That felt like an eternity.“You need to sleep, Elena,” Mia pressed, her eyes full of concern.I exhaled sharply, about to argue again,
Elena’s POVThe morning sunlight seeped through the hospital blinds, casting a soft glow over the room. I blinked, my eyes heavy with exhaustion despite the restless night I had. Sleep had been a distant luxury, my mind tangled with unanswered questions and a gnawing sense of uncertainty.A gentle knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. The doctor entered, his expression calm yet professional as he approached my bed. “Good morning, Elena. How are you feeling?”“Tired,” I admitted, my voice hoarse. “But I just want to go home.”He nodded, flipping through the clipboard in his hands. “Understandable. Before we discharge you, we need to run a final check-up and discuss some important things about your pregnancy.”I swallowed hard, my hand instinctively resting on my stomach. It still felt surreal this new reality that I had yet to fully accept.The doctor moved closer, setting his clipboard aside. “I’m going to check your vitals first.” He wrapped the blood pressure cuff around my
Elena’s POV“No, Alexander,” Mia snapped, her voice sharp as she stood firmly in the doorway, blocking his path.“Mia, please move,” Alexander said, his tone clipped but controlled.“I don’t care why you’re here. You have no right to show up after everything you’ve done,” Mia shot back, arms crossed over her chest.Alexander exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose before looking directly at her. “I just need to talk to Elena. I’m not leaving until I do.”Mia let out a bitter laugh. “Talk? Now you want to talk? After lying to her, after everything you put her through?” She shook her head. “You don’t get to waltz in and pretend you care.”Alexander’s jaw tightened. “I’ve never stopped caring.”“Oh, please,” Mia scoffed. “You think showing up here proves anything? She deserved the truth, and you kept it from her. And now you expect us to just let you in? You’ve don’t more harm than good “.He took a deep breath, his patience visibly thinning. “Mia, I don’t owe you an explanatio
Elena’s POVAlexander’s furious gaze bore into me, his breathing uneven. “What did you just say?”I lifted my chin defiantly. “I said you are not the father of my child.”His hands curled into fists at his sides, his nostrils flaring. “You’re lying Elena, you wouldn’t dare”“I have no reason to lie,” I shot back, my heart pounding violently against my ribs.His eyes darkened, his jaw clenching so tightly I could see the muscle twitch. “You expect me to believe that?” His voice was dangerously low, laced with disbelief. “You were a virgin Elena ““Oh please Alexander, and what does that change ?”I refused to waver. “Believe whatever you want, Alexander.”For a moment, he just stared at me, his expression unreadable. Then, something snapped. “You broke the contract,” he hissed, his voice trembling with anger.I frowned. “What?”“Our agreement.” He took a step forward, his tall frame looming over me. “One of the conditions was no extramarital affairs, Elena.”My stomach twisted. I vaguel
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