Laura's POV:Amazing. Was all I could think of Reiner as he took complete charge over everything and everyone. There was no stopping him. He was the boss I've worked with. He doesn't tolerate ill behaviors especially when it comes to his business. I didn't move an inch nor said a word while he went around invading the workers indiscipline amf bringing them to book. I knew judging from his mood right about now if I say something stupid, he would vent his anger on me. I simply followed him meekly like a lamb, keeping my mouth shut and waiting for his next line of action. When Reiner told me to wait outside Dickson's office, I didn't think he was going to return back looking more pissed off than he was seconds ago. Something had happened. Something he saw in Dickson's office that must've triggered him. Reiner was going through the company's code of conduct booklet he found on the secretary's counter when she finally came out of the office. One look at her and I could tell she wa
Laura's POV:"Darling," he called me. "Get me Hank! I want to see this old fool crawl."I was startled. Did he just called me DARLING? He never calls me that. It was always: fool, woman or bitch or my name. Darling? Where did that come from? Still dazed by this unexpected turnover, I twisted my communication bangle and connected to Hank. "Hello, Hank. Caesar wants you at Dickson's office now?" I said when Hanks voice came through the receiver "Tell him to bring in ten security guards and make it snappy!" Reiner ordered. What the hell is this guy up to? I thought. However, I delivered the message all the same. Hank mentioned he was on his way. Dickson stared at me then at Reiner, eyes questioning us. "W-What are you trying to do?"Reiner said nothing. He wandered around the office, surveying the big portrait of Dickson hung on the wall. "Hey," Dickson called after Reiner. "I'm talking to you. Answer me!"Reiner looked over his shoulder at me. "Say, darling. How would you like
Reiner's POV:"You got, Dickson fired?" Sylvester flared on the telephone. "Why the hell did you do that?""Because I felt like it. Don't ever call me again. I'm working!" I blared, slamming down the receiver on my desk. That was the last time I'm taking Sylvester's calls. Ever since I disgraced Dickson and made him crawl out of the office, my telephones had been red hot. Sylvester was livid that I fired Dickson but I haven't heard a single word from grandmother.I own a gold card which gives me full authority to carry out whatever task I deem fitting for the company's progress. I had an idea grandmother wouldn't interfere and I was correct. It was Sylvester whom was having a headache over Dickson's retrenchment. My secretary had been to my office non-stop over Sylvester's calls. I couldn't take it anymore which was why I warned him never to ring me up while I'm working. The board of directors were willing to work with me. No surprise there because they knew the consequences of n
Laura's POV:"What's the matter with you?!" Reiner barked. His hands tightened around my wrist. Hurting me. "You," I twisted my wrist to break free from his steel grasp. "You're cheating on me, aren't you?"Reiner's cold blue eyes darkened. "And what if I am."I can't believe he admit it. I successfully prised my wrist out of his hand. "That's totally wrong," I said, staring at my feet, my back stiff in anger. "We're married. You can't cheat on me."Reiner shot his hand on my throat and raised my head so I can face him. He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. "And who says I can't cheat on you?"I caught my breath. How could he say that? Has he forgotten we were married?"I-its wrong," I stuttered, not sure if what I just said was right or wrong. His eyes kept digging deeper into my soul. "And what makes it wrong?""Commitment," I blurted out. "We're married couples. Surely we have to commit to each other. I can't share you with other women."Reiner growled under his breath. "D
Laura's POV:We said nothing to each other for the rest of the day. Reiner kept his distance. He went out to play golf and never returned back to the penthouse until nightfall. Meanwhile, I was strictly kept inside the penthouse with restrictions from going out. Hank told me it was Reiner's orders. I hated this arrangements. I wanted to drive around the city, get some fresh air and if possible, stop by my parents house. They've got a small apartment in Queens. I haven't visited since I got engaged to Jerry. I'll bet they must be really disappointed in me for calling off my engagement. It wouldn't be bad to pay a visit and clear the air about Jerry and I to them in person. A phone call alone won't cut it. I was having a nice swim inside the indoor pool when Reiner returned back from his outing. He came up the head of the pool and stood watching me floating on my back on the waters. I didn't sense his presence until he cleared his throat. "Where do your parents live?" He aske
Laura's POV: Home. Dad and mom bought this small family house in a very peaceful neighborhood ages ago when they were still dating. My parents were very simple folks. So simple it makes luxury seems like a taboo to them. As mom parked her car in the garage, I began to get the jumps again. Reiner was one crazy jerk. If he could refuse to board my mom's car, what are the odds he'd want to step a foot in my humble home?As far as I'm concerned, dad's gonna raise hell if Reiner does anything that stupid again. Dad's got quite a temper but he's nothing like Reiner. Reiner always has the calm before the storm personality but not Dad. Dad was like Donald-duck; quick tempered and impatient with anything. It's a wonder how mom, a gentle dove fell for him. I remembered her telling me about their first encounter. Dad was a hired to cook for her orchestra band. She had taken a complaint to him about the amount of salt he used on her plate. Dad flared up without thinking. It was crazy. Hi
Laura's POV: Dad slammed his hands on the table and yelled at Reiner's face. "Get out!"A chill sensation ran up my spine as Dad exploded. I've seen him in worse cases. But this one was the worst of the worst. His veins were popping and his fists were shaking. If he weren't restraining himself, he would have punched Reiner in the face. Reiner showed no reaction. He sat there staring at dad as if nothing had happened seconds ago. "Was there something wrong I said?" He asked me. I had to take him out real quick. Heaven knows how bad things might turn up with the way dad's going. "Caesar," I grabbed his arm. "Can you wait outside for a little bit?"Reiner frowned. "Why do I have to wait outside?""Because this is my fucking house, you bastard!" Dad shouted. "I've got the ultimate power here. Now get the hell out or I'll damn well throw you out myself."Reiner leaned back in his chair, running his hands through his hair. He seemed pretty cool but that's the scary part of his persona
Laura's POV:A week has passed since Reiner and I assumed office at Griffin Groups. I was efficient and very hard-working. Time after Time, I received complements from my fellow directors at how good I was at my job. Despite the fact that we were still green in the business, Reiner and I happened to work just fine with everyone. At the end of the week, Reiner and I returned back to Sun island to spend the weekend at the Caesar's mansion. On the road to Sharon Hills, Reiner made a few stops around the island to see how much progress has been made since he left. Now here was a man who's more worried about his island than himself. "Blasted Sylvester," Reiner cursed as he returned back to the Rolls-Royce after a short visit to the casino. "He's the worse."Reiner wasn't happy. I assume it's got something to do with the state of the island over the past one week. "What happened?" I inquired as our ride began moving again. "Sylvester's done absolutely nothing so far," Reiner said,
Reiner's POV:I arrived at Greene's penthouse, where I was greeted with a warm welcome from my host. We made our way to the living room where I was entertained by the magnificent view of the city.As we sat, Greene brought out a bottle of wine and we toasted to our friendship and future business endeavors.We drank the wine, savoring its rich flavor, as we talked about life and business.I then brought up the topic of Laura. Since Greene wanted me to test her, to see if she was truly the woman I thought she was, I had come prepared with a plot in mind. I challenged him to try to convince her to divorce me and marry him instead. That was his role. Greene was taken aback by my boldness, but I could tell he couldn't resist the opportunity to show his skills.I then reminded him of the eight hundred million dollars he had placed on the bet and Greene couldn't help but laugh. "I can never forget the large sum of money at stake, Reiner," Greene said. "Trust me. I won't back down on thi
Reiner's POV: Reiner," Laura began, her voice suddenly hardening. "Tell me what is going on."I sat across from Laura in a small bamboo cabin by the beach. The warm air and the sound of the rain tapping against the roof set a calming ambiance as we were about to enjoy the dinner for two I had prepared.The table was set with a crisp white tablecloth and adorned with a vase of tropical flowers. Our plates were filled with grilled seafood and vegetables, paired with a smooth red wine. The romantic mood was palpable, as the soft light from the candles cast a warm glow over the room.I took a deep breath and reached across the table to take Laura's hand. "Laura, there's something I need to tell you," I began. "I know this may come as a surprise, but I have a confession to make."Laura's eyes lit up with expectation, and she leaned forward, eager to hear what I had to say. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, trying to find the right words to say what I needed to say."Laura, I've b
Laura's POV:As I got out of the taxi and made my way to the penthouse elevator of Greene, my heart was pounding with nerves and anticipation. I had to see him, no matter what it took. I must see Greene. When I reached the penthouse, the guards outside stopped me, asking who I was. This wasn't the time for this. These Meatheads should get out of my way. But I decide to play it cool else they might think I'm some psychopath. I took a deep breath and told them my name, and demanded to see Greene. At first they were hesitatant but then they made a call to their boss and I could hear him yelling at them to let me in.The guards reluctantly led me to Greene's suite, and left me alone in the room. As I waited, I heard a sound coming from the bathroom. Before I knew it, Greene stepped out of the shower, wearing nothing but a bathrobe. I felt uncomfortable and guilty, as a married woman, being in such close proximity to another man."Well, well, well," Greene grinned lustfully at me.
Laura's POV:It's been a whole month since then. Reiner and I never had an argument again but we were at it again and it started out of nowhere. Unexpected, like a trap. I was at home nursing the kids when Reiner walked in and announced that he wants to take me out on a date. I couldn't help but feel a wave of happiness wash over me. It had been a while since we went out together, and I was looking forward to some alone time with my husband."Laura, get dressed, I'm taking you out," Reiner said with a smile. I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my stomach at the thought of getting dressed up and going out with my husband.I walked to my closet and picked out my favorite dress. It was a beautiful, red, off-the-shoulder dress that hugged my curves in all the right places. I paired it with a pair of strappy heels and some simple jewelry.As I got ready, I couldn't help but think about the hardships our family was facing. We were still struggling financially, and it had been a diff
Laura's POV:I was sitting beside Greene in his luxury car, staring out the window in shock. We were driving on the road when he made a shocking offer - to divorce my husband and become his wife. "How about you leave Reiner and become my wife?"He made it sound so easy. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was so shocked I couldn't say a word. Greene and I had what you might call a good business-relationship. He's one of Griffen Groups elite clients and he thinks so highly of me. Due to our strong bond, Reiner always lets me to handle him. If someone had told me Greene had more in mind for me aside business, I wouldn't have believed it. Greene's the only child of his family. As such, he inherited everything his father left behind. He's one spoilt rich kid but he's got a sharp mind for business and how he runs the family company. Green was four years younger than me. I learnt earlier on he's got a big taste for older women. I don't like this. How could his eyes fall on me s
Laura's POV:It's been three months since Reiner and I moved into our new home. I never could have imagined that living in poverty would be such a difficult experience.The house itself is not the problem, but the challenges it brings are numerous. For one, we can barely afford to put food on the table. We're constantly cutting back on meals and going without things we used to take for granted. The kids are always hungry and I can see it in their faces.But that's not the worst of it. Wendy, who also lives with us now, has suddenly turned against me. She blames me for our financial problems and calls me the cause of all our troubles. It's not fair, but I can't shake the feeling that she may be right. Ever since I put to bed, it's been one problem from another. I couldn't shake it. Last night, Reiner and I were in bed and I couldn't help but voice my frustrations."Reiner, we've got to talk," I said as he got on the bed beside me. "Honey I'm tired. Can we have this talk some
Laura's POV:Three weeks later, I put to bed. I had just given birth to my twin babies and my parents were by my side, congratulating me on a safe delivery. "Look at them," mom said, brightly. "They're both girls. Isn't that such a blessing?""Reminds me of the good old days," Dad complemented. "You gave me twins and now Laura's given Reiner the same.""And they're identical," mom noticed. "I feel so proud to be a grandmother."Billy stood in front of the baby's crib, watching quietly as he stared at his twin sisters. I was tired but elated, and couldn't wait to hold my little ones in my arms. I wished Reiner had stayed longer to see these babies but he had been called to an urgent meeting. Wendy said it was an emergency which was why he took off after dropping me at the hospital while I was in labour. I hope he makes it back here, real quick. He's my husband and I'd like him to name the twins. Just as I was basking in the joy of becoming a mother of my lovely twins, Reiner, wa
Laura's POV:I was seated in the midst of my family as we talked about Jerry and what had transpired last night. Having kidnapped each of us individually, it seemed a miracle we were all back together safe and sound. Everyone shared their story, each person taking their time to give an accounted details. Mom started first. It appears Jerry had been watching Clair and mom since she put to bed. He had his men followed them on their way to the airport and that was how he kidnapped them. Dad was at home when a group of men bursted into his house and took him that same day.As for me, Jerry appeared in our home with two men who blindfolded me and took me away. Jerry told me how it happened.The house he locked Clair and I in was the basement of an old winery. He didn't disclose the address to me. And I never cared to know the address either. Mom was taken to a warehouse while Dad was taken to a different location. The beach cabins were rented out by Jerry to ensure his game was saf
Reiner's POV:"You monster," I heard Laura yelled. "You will pay for what you've done to my family."Jerry laughed, "The game's just getting started. You might get a heart attach from what comes next."I pulled away from Clair, breaking our kiss as I glared at my phone which was still on FaceTime with Jerry. My heart was racing as I glared at the call, feeling a mix of anger and fear."I did it," I said, my voice cold and menacing. "Now it's time to release my wife."But Jerry just laughed. "It's not over yet," he said. "You remember that little moment where you forced me to watch that recorded sex video of you and my fiancée, Laura? Well, I've still haven't gotten over it and I'm not afraid to use it against you now."I felt a knot form in my stomach as I heard Laura gasp in shock from beside Jerry. "Reiner, is that true?" she asked, her voice trembling.I bowed my head, unable to look her in the eyes. "Yes," I whispered. "It's true."Jerry laughed again, a cruel, victorious sound.