Elena’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, my hands smoothing over the navy-blue dress Alexander had picked out for me. It was elegant but not showy, the kind of dress that said class and control. My heart pounded in my chest as I adjusted the delicate necklace resting against my collarbone. I had been in the public eye before, but never like this. Never with the weight of a scandal threatening to crush me.Behind me, Alexander stepped closer, his hands resting on my shoulders. His fingers traced a reassuring pattern against my skin.“You look perfect,” he murmured, meeting my eyes in the mirror.I swallowed hard. “Do I look convincing?”He turned me gently to face him. “We’re not here to convince anyone of a lie. We’re here to remind them of the truth you’re my wife, and we’re untouchable together.”I exhaled slowly, letting his words sink in. He made it sound simple, effortless, as if the world couldn’t tear us apart if we stood firm. I wished I could believe it as easily as he did
Elena’s POVIt was the following morning and a box sat on the bed, wrapped in sleek black paper with a silver ribbon. I hesitated before pulling the ribbon loose, my fingers trembling slightly. The paper fell away to reveal a gown elegant, floor-length, and undoubtedly expensive. Midnight blue satin pooled like liquid silk, shimmering under the soft glow of the bedroom lights.I traced the delicate embroidery along the bodice, my heart tightening. Alexander had chosen this for me.“You don’t like it?” His voice was smooth as he leaned against the doorway, arms crossed.I turned, meeting his gaze. “It’s beautiful. But you didn’t have to.”His expression was unreadable, but something flickered in his eyes. “Yes, I did.”There was no arguing with him. I slipped into the dress, letting it mold to my body, the fabric cool against my skin. Alexander stood behind me, adjusting the clasp of a diamond bracelet around my wrist.“You look stunning,” he murmured.I swallowed, nodding. Tonight was
Elena’s POVI didn’t wait for Alexander’s response. My heart pounded as I grabbed my purse, barely aware of my own movements. The messages on my phone burned into my mind Mia was in trouble. I had to get to her, I had tried calling her number but she didn’t pick up. “Elena, wait,” Alexander’s voice was firm behind me, but I was already moving. I pushed past the waitstaff, the guests, the chandeliers above blurring as I hurried toward the exit.A strong hand caught my wrist. “You’re not going alone,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.I turned to face him, my breath uneven. “I don’t have time to argue.”“Then don’t. I’m coming with you.”Normally, I would have resisted. But the look in his eyes steady, unwavering told me he wouldn’t back down. And truthfully, I needed all the help I could get.We rushed to the car, and Alexander instructed the driver to take us to Mia’s apartment. The drive felt endless. My legs bounced restlessly, fingers gripping my phone.When we got t
Elena’s POV“Dad?” I hesitated, gripping the phone tighter. His voice sounded off colder than usual.“Elena,” he repeated, his tone laced with quiet disapproval. “How have you been, I’ve been hearing things.”I exhaled, already knowing where this was going. The rumors about Adrian and me had spread too far. “Dad, I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not what it seems.”This was a long conversation that couldn’t be had over the phone.“I hope so,” he said sharply. “Because the last thing you should be doing is humiliating your husband in front of the world after everything he’s done for you. Do you know how damaging this could be to him? To our family?”I bit my lip, willing myself to stay calm. “Dad, it’s already been handled. There won’t be a repeat of it.”He let out a sigh, but it wasn’t a relieved one. “Handled. Do you even understand what you risked? The Wells family name isn’t one to be dragged into scandals, Elena. And more importantly, you know what Alexander has done for Spe
Elena’s POVI hesitated at the bottom of the staircase, my pulse still racing from what I had just heard. Alexander had sounded dangerous, his voice sharp with a finality that sent a shiver down my spine. He wasn’t just talking about any business deal there was something deeper, something personal.Steeling myself, I stepped forward, my bare feet silent against the cool marble floor.“Who were you talking to?” My voice was soft, but firm enough to demand an answer.Alexander turned swiftly, his blue eyes dark in the dimly lit room. For a split second, something flickered across his face, surprise? Guilt? But it was gone before I could grasp it.His expression smoothed into something unreadable as he set his phone down on the bar counter. “It’s business,” he said evenly, his tone dismissive. “Nothing for you to worry about.”I narrowed my eyes. “At this time of the night?”“Deals don’t sleep, Elena.” He exhaled, running a hand through his tousled hair before stepping closer. “I didn’t
Elena’s POVI’d dropped the call with Mia and gotten in the vehicle with Alexander and they dropped me off at the gallery. Alexander had kissed my forehead before we said goodbye. The gallery was exactly as I remembered elegant, minimalistic, and humming with quiet energy. Sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, casting a golden glow on the polished floors. A few people moved about, admiring the art, their voices a low murmur in the background.Rachel stood near a large canvas, her arms crossed over her chest as she studied a painting. The moment she spotted me, she smiled, though there was a flicker of something else in her expression—something odd.“Elena,” she greeted warmly, stepping forward. “I’m glad you to see you.”I returned the smile, my hands clasping nervously in front of me. “Me too.”Rachel tilted her head. “Did you see it?”My brows knitted in confusion. “See what?”Her lips pressed into a thin line before she sighed. “The painting.”I blinked. “I… No.?” I kn
Elena’s POVI stared at my phone screen, my fingers tightening around the device as I reread Victor’s message.“We need to talk. Now.”The urgency in his words sent a ripple of unease through me. What could be so important that he needed to speak to me immediately? And why was he reaching out to me instead of Alexander?Mia, who had been animatedly talking about her upcoming fashion gig, noticed my change in demeanor and frowned. “What’s wrong?”I hesitated before slipping my phone back into my purse. “It’s nothing. Just work stuff.”Mia narrowed her eyes but let it go, and we spent the next half hour catching up. But even as we laughed over old memories, my mind kept drifting to Victor and whatever it was he had to tell me. I had given a location and time we should meet. Later that evening, I had gone to the location Victor had texted me to see him. The place was dimly lit, its rustic ambiance giving it an intimate feel. A soft jazz melody played in the background, but I barely not
Elena’s pov It was the following morning, the day Alexander was traveling and I sat at the breakfast table, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. Across from me, Alexander was dressed sharply in a tailored navy-blue suit, his tie perfectly knotted. He looked every bit the powerful businessman he was, but there was something softer in his expression when he looked at me.Victor stood near the entrance of the penthouse, checking his watch. He was already prepared to accompany us to the airport. It was strange knowing Alexander would be gone for three days. Our relationship had shifted so much recently that the thought of him leaving left an odd feeling in my chest.Alexander reached for my hand across the table. “You’re awfully quiet this morning.”I looked up, offering him a small smile. “Just thinking.”“About?”I hesitated before speaking. “I was wondering… I’d like to have my own personal assistant.”Alexander frowned slightly. “But we have Victor.”I glanced at Victor, who had now tu
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