∆NO POV∆"How am I looking Darling?"With a sexy walk, Jessica twirled showing her delicate lace lingerie hugging her curves.Pulling up the lingerie, she exposed her toned thighs and danced in front of Jacob, moving her hips up and down.Pouring the whiskey in glass, she brought it to Jacob.Giving the glass, she climbed onto his lap, her fingers traced teasing patterns on his bare chest while his hands roaming on her body with eyes full of lust."Jacob, do you really need to marry Ivory?" Jessica asked, her voice filled with fake concern as she leaned in, brushing her lips against his jawline, "I still can't believe that you agreed to marry her, and at the same time my parents are also asking me to calm down, not to speak about this any longer, are you abandoning your Jessie?" "No way, I would never abandon you Jessie, you're my everything," Jacob clenched his jaw, taking a sip of whiskey, he kissed her, the whiskey dripped from Jessica's lips.Jacob licked the dripping whiskey fro
∆IVORY∆"I hate this!" Pearl huffed in frustration, as we stepped into the bridal showroom, her frustration evident in every step.I'm also frustrated just like her, but we can't do anything, "Calm down, Pearl, let’s just get this over with and we can leave quickly." She glared at me, but followed me inside, it's one of the popular bridal showrooms of the city, no ordinary people can come here.Looks like Mrs. Valeria did everything to book a slot here for us.The moment we entered, Mrs. Valeria rushed toward me as if she had been waiting for this exact moment. "Oh dear! I knew you’d come, I’ve been waiting for you! You're finally here!"I forced a small smile, not bothering to reply, as she no longer holds the same respect as before in my heart.Pearl, however, had no such restraint like me, "So, is she going to be doing the bridal shopping with you, Mrs. Valeria?"If there's someone who can be sarcastic with a sweet tone, it'll be obviously Pearl, she deserves all kinds of awards f
∆IVORY∆"What?" I was taken back by Jessica’s words, not only me Mrs. Valeria and Pearl were also stunned listening to her words.The salesgirl hesitated, casting me an awkward glance before speaking. "Madam, this isn’t even part of our showroom collection. It’s a mediocre design made by a no name intern, and we were planning to dispose of it today, I don’t think it’s suitable for a bride." I blinked.... Once.... Twice....Did she just say… this was an intern’s discarded design?My fingers tightened around the clutch I'm holding.A cold, sinking feeling filled through my chest, but I forced my expression to remain as neutral as possible.So this was what they thought of me? A woman destined to wear discarded scraps while the so-called other woman flaunted a designer gown in my wedding? I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, but my heart burned with quiet humiliation though I don't want to care about it anymore.The salesgirl’s words filled in my ears, but before I could react,
∆NO POV∆"This bitch!" Jacob growled looking at the arrogance of Ivory.Exhaling sharply, his hand back of his neck, as he is controlling the frustration bubbling up beneath his calm and composed exterior, turning to his mother, he complained about Ivory's behaviour, "This is all because of you and your support to her mom, did you see what she has done?" His voice carried the deep anger, but before he could say another word, a harsh slap landed on his cheek.The force of the slap snapped his head to the other side, while his eyes widened in disbelief, "Mom? Did you just slap me?" There is a pure shock filled in voice, as he stared at his own mother who just slapped him in public for a nobody."You deserved it," Valeria snapped, with eyes shining with fury, "This slap is a reminder for your stupid behaviour, today." Jacob touched his stinging cheek, still trying to understand what had just happened. "How can you slap me for that useless wench? Didn't you see how she is behaving?" "
∆IVORY∆"Damn."My steps were paused in the midway, staring at the gigantic bridal showroom in front of me. I cross-checked the address to see whether I'm at the right place or not, it was so massive that I wouldn’t be surprised if it had its own zip code. The shinning glass windows showcased dazzling wedding gowns, each looking more expensive than my entire life savings. "This is too huge," I mumbled, I can feel my knees giving up on all the strength, "I think selling organs illegally is the only way that can make us afford an outfit here!" "Exactly!" Pearl nodded as if she was agreeing with my words, her eyes twinkling like a kid in a candy store. "I never expected we would be doing wedding shopping in a place like this, for your marriage!" "I never expected it either," I sighed, rubbing my temples.I mean, it's just a contract marriage, but this man is doing as if it's a real marriage and we are about to spend an eternity with each other, Alexander Kingston, a man who had m
∆NO POV∆"Why isn't he speaking anything?" Ivory thought to herself, even though she is looking like a princess, still her mind wasn’t on the dress. It was on Alexander who was just staring at her without uttering a single word."Yes," he finally said, with a warm and admiration filled voice, "Beautiful... too beautiful..."Ivory who was upset till then as Alexander didn't say anything felt a sudden rush of heat spreading across her cheeks because of his compliment.She quickly looked away, pretending to examine the dress once again, as if it had suddenly become the most fascinating thing in the world.Alexander who loves nothing but teasing Ivory, leaned slightly forward, "I like this dress, what about you? "I think it's expensive," she mumbled worrying about the price of the dress, as it didn't seem to be a normal outfit.Alexander sighed, shaking his head, "Expensive or not, that's not something you're supposed to bother about. What matters is whether it looks beautiful on you or
∆NO POV∆"Yes, Big brother only," Eric grinned gently patting on her head, "Call me that, and I'll do anything for you." Ivory shook her head, "No way... That would never happen..." She still looked awkward and embarrassed hearing to Eric's words, while he pouted, "Why not? I’d be the best big brother ever! I’ll spoil you, protect you, and make sure Alex doesn’t bully you!"Alexander rolled his eyes. "I don’t bully her, you don't have to involve me." "See, you might not bully her now, none knows about it in future right?" Eric narrowed his eyes placing his hand around Ivory's shoulder, "Having a brother was never a bad thing my dear." Alexander sighed at Eric's closeness with Ivory, "Can't you keep your distance from her?" "No..." Eric smirked and glanced at Ivory, "You don't mind this brother being close to you, right?" Pearl laughed enjoying their banter, Ivory crossed her arms moving little away from Eric. "I’m not calling you ‘Big Brother,' that’s just weird, I can't do that
∆NO POV∆"Oh my goodness! Did you see that?" The grand wedding hall was alive with whispers. The wedding arrangements were mixed with both anxiety and nervousness, instead of celebrating the couple, all eyes were on Jessica who is competing for attention with the bride.Dressed in an elegant white frock that flirted dangerously close to resembling a wedding gown, she moved through the hall with the grace like a princess, despite knowing exactly what she was doing."Does she not realize what she's wearing?""Or maybe she does?""What kind of a person is she trying to compete with a bride on her wedding day?" "I heard ever since they found their real daughter, they’ve been treating Ivory like an outsider.""Poor girl... How can they treat such a good girl like that?"Mrs. Rosa, the queen of gossip, nudged Mrs. Katherine with a sly look. "Did you hear the latest thing? There are rumors that Jessica seduced Ivory’s fiance."Mrs. Katherine gasped in shock. "Jacob Kingston? A two-timer?"
∆NO POV∆"Did you check the condition of the patient once again?" The senior doctor asked the junior doctor in duty, with a low hum, the junior doctor replied, "I checked, her blood pressure not reducing no matter what we did." The senior doctor looked slightly worried about the situation of Jessica, "maybe it's due to stress and trauma because of miscarriage." "I'll try my best," the junior doctor said with a faint smile.The beeping in the room was distant.Steady.... Rhythmic.... Mocking.Jessica stared at the ceiling, unmoving and with a stern face.The sterile scent of antiseptic clung to her skin, to her hair, to her throat. Her body felt like it wasn’t hers, light and heavy all at once. Her hands rested on her stomach, flat and hollow now, and it struck her all over again.Gone.The word had lost its meaning, it felt too small, too clean, what she felt was anything but clean. What she felt was chaos, and shame, and something worse, a strange, quiet emptiness that didn’t eve
∆NO POV∆"Jacob...." Jessica groaned in pain, Jacob gently held her hand, "you'll be fine, don't worry." The hospital waiting room was cold, not just in temperature, but with everything. The sterile scent of antiseptic lingered in the air, mingling with tension so thick it pressed down on everyone’s chests.Jessica had been wheeled into the emergency room barely twenty minutes ago, screaming in pain, blood soaking through her pale pink designer dress. The chaos of the press conference now felt like a distant nightmare. Here, in the hospital's dim light, the aftermath was beginning to settle like ash after a fire.Jacob sat in the corner, elbows on his knees, hands tangled in his hair. His eyes were wild and rimmed with red, fixed on the door behind which Jessica had disappeared.Valeria stood near the window, arms crossed, her face is hard as a stone.Robert paced a short distance away, phone pressed to his ear, whispering frantically to someone on the other end.The silence brok
∆NO POV∆"A husband standing up for his wife, since from when it is labelled as a sin?" Eric sneered, eyeing on Jacob, Robert and Valeria, especially glared at Jessica who caused all the mess in Ivory's life.Alexander adjusted his coat and glanced at Ivory with a smile, "If protecting my wife is a sin, then I don't mind being a sinner." In an instant, the entire scenario in the conference hall has changed.Jacob felt inwardly, "So, Ivory never lied, she almost got molested and forced by this bastard, then why did Jessie said Ivory was lying about that out of jealousy back then?" "Mr. Alexander, you were not wrong to attack such an abusive person," one female reporter said firmly."Not at all.""You were right to stop him, we are proud that you took a stand not just for your wife but for all women." A wave of support filled through the hall.But one question came cutting through the noise, sharp as a knife."What about your family?" A reporter hired by Valeria asked, stepping forwa
∆NO POV∆"Is he really here?" "Mr. Eric Lawrence by his side, what are they planning?" "Are they here to answer or apologise?" The grand conference hall buzzed with anticipation, every seat filled, every camera focused from the main stage to Alexander and Ivory.The air was thick with curiosity, as all the reporters and industry giants whispered among themselves, hungry for a story that would make headlines across the country.Just then, the trio made an appearance in the conference hall.Alexander stepped into the hall, radiating command in his black tailored suit, beside him walked Ivory, dressed in a pristine cream-colored outfit that mirrored her name. Her eyes, though soft, held a slight nervousness, and at her other side, calm and confident as always, was Eric, his demeanor as casual as his untucked shirt and smug grin.The moment they stepped inside, the energy shifted into new level.The crowd rushed forward, reporters scrambling to reach them, microphones and flashes risi
∆NO POV∆"I'll take care of it," Alexander said and hung up the call, he had a long conversation with Eric about the press meet Jacob is planning along with that investor.It was nearly midnight, he totally forgot the time while talking in the call, once he was done with the call, he decided to speak with Ivory, knowing she needs him by her side now.While Ivory sat curled on the couch, the TV off, but the screen still casting a pale glow across the room. She clutched a pillow to her chest, eyes distant just like how she was lost in her own thoughts.Alexander stepped in, carrying two cups of lavender tea."Still awake?" He asked gently.She nodded with a smile. "I can’t sleep, with everything going on I can't even imagine taking a nap without worrying, tomorrow they’ll say useless things about you… and about me, that Jacob is looking for an opportunity to ruin you, they wants Kingston group of companies to be theirs, and now we ourselves gave them a chance to turn things against yo
∆NO POV∆"Nothing," Alexander said calmly with a smile, Ivory blinked, being confused by his answer. "What do you mean by nothing?"Just then, the door got opened, and Eric walked in, carrying a leather folder in one arm and a confident grin is on his face."Is he your plan?" Ivory asked, glancing between the two men who just smiled at each other.Eric leaned over and casually wrapped an arm around Ivory's shoulder. "Yes, my dear princess, and I brought you one of the best gifts, a very important one." He held up a slim black pendrive between his fingers."You found it? That quickly?" Alexander asked, his tone instantly sharper, and curious.Eric nodded, tossing the pendrive into Alexander's hand. "What did you even think of me? I'm the best, and every rotten truth about that scumbag is here, he is much worse than we thought." Ivory looked between them, trying to keep up. "What is that?"Eric turned to her, with a serious face. "The dark secrets of that investor bastard, the man your
∆NO POV∆"Ivory, did you look at the news? What's happening?" Pearl's message out of nowhere in the morning made Ivory to look into the news early in the morning."Heir to Kingston Empire Attacks Respected Investor" "Violence at High-Class Restaurant""Who Is the Woman Behind the Blow?"Headlines screamed with speculation, as a video surrounding everywhere, which was clearly shot on someone’s phone, captured the moment Alexander's fist collided with the investor’s jaw. It looped over and over on social media platforms, it didn't take long before phone calls started pouring in.Ivory looked stunned looking at the news and the number of phone calls he is getting because of that particular incident.Alexander was in his study with a clenched jaw, as the screen of his phone lit up with Jacob’s name. He ignored it once. Twice. But the third time, he picked up with an irritated face."You’re out of your damn mind, aren’t you?" Jacob sneered through the speaker, "When you teach us how t
∆IVORY POV∆"You can stop flirting," I blushed slightly, but he just smiled at me, I'm not sure what got into me when I kissed him, but I really wanted to do it very badly.I thought he would be teasing me about that kiss forever, but thankfully he didn't even mention about that, for some reason I felt protected and relieved.Maybe from now onwards whenever I see that man, I won't be scared like before, because there's someone who trusts me and stands by my side.The car ride home was silent.Not cold or awkward… just quiet still our eyes and hearts spoke more than any words can do.My fingers remained laced tightly on my lap, and I could still feel the warmth of Alexander’s hand over mine earlier, right before he stormed back into the restaurant and threw that punch that echoed louder than any scream I could’ve let out.He hadn’t said a word after our conversation, but I can see him being protective for me.His jaw was still tight, his eyes on the road, knuckles bruised and scraped.
∆ALEXANDER POV∆"Do you think you deserve to live?" My knuckles collided with his jaw before I even heard myself curse.The crack was satisfying. Not just because of the force, but because it silenced him. The smirk wiped clean off his arrogant face, replaced by blood and the stunned realization that someone wasn’t afraid of him.My blood boiled just after knowing this man dared to hurt my Ivory, how can I even allow him to live after what he has done to her?Gasps echoed through the restaurant, champagne glasses froze mid-air, whispers rippled around like wildfire, but I didn’t care.I don't care, because he dared to touch her and he deserves to die.All I saw was him, the bastard who dared to lay a hand on my woman, the fear in Ivory's eyes after seeing him, the woman on whose face I wanted nothing but a smile, but she cried, and looked scared, it's all because of that damn man.He stumbled back, crashing into a table behind him. I stepped forward, my fists still clenched, vision