At exactly 9 PM, Desmond arrived at The Eclipse restaurant, his sleek black car gliding to the entrance. Quickly, his driver alighted and held the car door open in order for him to step out. With a stylish gesture, he stole a cautious glance at his luxury silver wristwatch. Seeing he was right on time, his lips curved in a pleased smirk.With a confident expression and demeanor, he stepped out of the car, stylishly adjusting his cufflinks. As his driver shut the door behind him with a soft click, Desmond took a minute to gaze upon the tall, exquisite five star restaurant, a hint of admiration in his eyes. Freya did have a good taste.He was dressed in a classy tailored charcoal gray suit, crisp white shirt, and black tie, his polished black shoes reflecting the dim street lights. He chuckled inwardly as he couldn't explain why he felt like he was going on a date. Freya's unexpected meeting got him overly fastidious about his dressing.With a mischievous smirk, Desmond strode into the
With her lips curled in a hateful snarl and her eyes narrowed, Freya leaned forward, her arms crossed against her chest."Drop the lawsuit, Desmond. Or face the consequences”, Freya threatened, her voice dropping to a deadly whisper.Desmond's expression remained unmoved, his eyes glinting with amusement. In reaction to Freya's subtle threat, he simply leaned back in his chair, deliberately getting on her nerves."Consequences, Freya? From you? Oh, I'm so scared”, he said with a sarcastic chuckle.Then his expression turned sober, and he feigned fright, widening his eyes and mouth in an attempt to provoke Freya further.With a contemptuous glare, Freya watched him mimic a scared person and burst out laughing. Desmond chuckled for seconds, his body vibrating ridiculously as he tried to control his amusement.Freya's face twisted in rage, her hands clenched into fists. “What the hell is funny?” she spat.Desmond held his chest, attempting to suppress his laughter. “I'm sorry. I guess it
Freya frantically adjusted her sitting posture, her expression turning worried. How could she have forgotten that Diego was an expert in tracking her location? He had bodyguards stationed practically in every corner of the city. Desmond remained frozen in shock, his stunned gaze still fixed on Diego whose neutral stare seemed to transform into a glare. His smirk had faltered, his confidence wavering for a moment. "Diego, I wasn't expecting you”, Freya whispered, her voice neutral, but her eyes flashing a warning. However, Diego's gaze never left Desmond. His icy stare pinned Desmond to his seat, threatening to disrupt his composure. Just then, Desmond snapped out of his stunned form and regained his confidence, his face scrunched up in a contemptuous scowl. "I see you're joining the party, Diego”, Desmond sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "More like ending it”, Diego retorted, his tone cold and even. With a confident gesture, he adjusted his navy-blue blazers and s
Diego stared hard at Freya for a couple of seconds, his gray eyes piercing deep into her soul, making her uncomfortable.After a while of intense staring, Diego finally spoke up, his tone icy, "Freya, what were you thinking?" Freya's mouth fell open, her words not coming out. Her brows furrowed in a mix of confusion and surprise."What do you mean?" she asked, surprised.“Why did you meet with Desmond? After everything we've been through, you still thought it was okay to speak with him? And why didn't you tell me? I had to find out from my men who saw you meeting with him. Why?” Diego snapped, his brows furrowed in a slight displeased frown.Freya stared hard at Diego for a few seconds, in disbelief. She recoiled in shock, taken aback by his angry statement.With a silent sigh, Freya shook her head slightly in defense. She began, “It's not what it looks like, Diego. I only wanted to give him a piece of my mind…”Diego cut in sharply, his tone laced with slight anger, “Despite knowing
The news anchor gazed directly into the camera and began, "Breaking news: Business tycoon Desmond July files lawsuit against estranged wife, Freya July, citing abandonment and breach of marital contract." Diego, watching the news with keen anticipation, suddenly looked around, hoping Freya was too busy in the kitchen to hear the news. With a sense of urgency, he grabbed the TV remote and turned down the volume. His face darkened and his fists clenched in irritation. Yet another scandal on the news. The news anchor went on, “A shocking development has emerged in the highly publicized separation of business tycoon Desmond July and his estranged wife, Freya July. According to sources, Desmond July has filed a lawsuit against Freya, citing abandonment and breach of marital contract…” Diego leaned back in his living room couch, his face contorted in a displeased frown. He rubbed his chin several times in a thoughtful way, his mind racing with measures and countermeasures, even if th
The first day of the trial arrived at last, shaking the news and internet. Freya couldn't admit that the lawsuit was a huge turning point in her life. She had never imagined that she would one day be in a court battle. Let alone, in a court battle with her dear husband, the ex-love of her life.The courtroom was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner vents. The air was thick with tension, heavy with the weight of expectation. Desmond sat confidently in the front row, his eyes scanning the room with an air of superiority. His smile, though subtle, seemed cruel and he squared his shoulders in a haughty manner. His lawyers flanked him, each one busy preparing documents relevant to the case.Across the aisle, Freya sat stiffly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her eyes, which were red-rimmed from lack of sleep, darted nervously around the room, her gaze flicking towards Desmond before quickly looking away. He wore a mask of overconfidence and Freya couldn't
Another bright morning sun cast its warm, golden light upon Bayside Bistro, illuminating the elegant facade of the restaurant. The soft rays shone across the gleaming glass windows, highlighting the subtle curves of the building's exterior design. The gentle morning breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, mingling with the enticing aromas wafting from the restaurant's kitchen.Just then, a sleek crimson-red sports car halted in front of the restaurant, its tires scrunching against the pavement.With a sense of urgency and duty, the driver alighted and circled the car in order to open the door for his boss.As he held the door open for her, Freya stepped out of the vehicle with poise and confidence, her long, straight chestnut hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of night. Her alluring and expressive brown eyes sparkled in the morning light, radiating a sense of warmth and hospitality.Her outfit was a blend of style and sophistication. She wore a crisp, white blou
Another day of the trial arrived and the courtroom was filled with an air of tension and animosity as the litigants awaited the arrival of Judge Jordan. Desmond sat still, his eyes gleaming with dissatisfaction. He was dressed in a designer suit, his tie perfectly knotted, and his dark hair slicked back. He stared blankly into space, his mind racing with several thoughts and questions.How was it that Freya was getting more famous, with the support of the public? How did the lawsuit backfire on him? He shook his head in disbelief, his jaw clenched in irritation. Things weren't going as planned. And now, he was stuck with yet another boring court proceeding which wasn't the center of his plan.Just then, the courtroom doors swung open and Freya walked into the courtroom with her head held high, exuding a sense of quiet confidence. She appeared in a designer navy blue pantsuit, with a fitted jacket and matching trousers that fell to the perfect length, just above her shoes. Underneath
Diego stopped a few feet away, tilting his head. A sly smile was plastered on his face, and he locked hands with Freya, who mirrored his smile."Well, well," he mused, his voice laced with satisfaction. "What do we have here?”In unison, Freya and Diego laughed, deliberately jeering at Desmond. Diego shook his head, reveling in Desmond's misery.“We finally meet again. After a long while”, he went on, his grip on Freya's hand tightening possessively. “But this time, I'm the one laughing and you…whatever this is.” He shoved his hands in the air, making mocking gestures at Desmond, while staring at him in a condescending manner. Desmond's face was contorted with rage, but he said nothing.“I have to say, Desmond—I never thought I’d see the day," Diego added.Desmond’s fists clenched, his eyes blazing with hatred and rage. He couldn't take the insults anymore. Enough was enough. "You son of a…""Careful," Diego cut in smoothly, a vicious glint in his eyes. "You're not exactly in a posit
Desmond went still. He stared down the barrel of the gun, his breath coming hard and fast. The metallic scent of the warehouse mixed with the faint oiliness of the weapon, the cold steel mere inches from his forehead.Freya's eyes pierced deep into his soul, her hand steady, unwavering. Her expression was sterner than before, her jaw stiff with determination. There wasn’t a hint of hesitation in her stance, not a flicker of doubt in her eyes. She didn't seem angry. She was unnervingly calm, and that was what unsettled Desmond.For the first time since this confrontation began, he felt something creeping into his chest, something foreign—fear.She meant it. This wasn't a bluff.Freya raised a brow slightly, her voice smooth, almost bored as she spoke.“Why don't you spare your life and sign these?” she mused, nodding towards the divorce papers beside him. “Losing your life while I still get the separation I need to move on is gonna be a win-win for me.”Desmond swallowed hard, his Ada
A dull persistent throb pulsed behind Desmond's eyes as he stirred from unconsciousness. His body felt heavy, weighted down by something tight and unyielding. There was a pressure against his wrists, his shoulders aching from an unnatural position.The first thing he noticed was the cold. It seeped into his skin, a sharp contrast to the warmth of unconsciousness. He inhaled sharply, only to be met with the pungent smell of damp concrete, rusted metal, and oil lingering thick in the air.A faint dripping sound echoed somewhere in the distance, rhythmic and taunting. His senses sharpened, but his mind was sluggish, still clawing its way out of the haze.With effort, Desmond's eyelids fluttered open, his gaze unfocused at first. The dim light hanging overhead burned his retina, making him squint.The world was blurred at first, shifting between shadow and light. After a few seconds, he began to get a clearer picture of his surroundings.The space around him stretched wide and empty, the
Desmond looked away, inwardly battling with indecision—whether to believe her or not. He took a deep breath, his mind racing.On the other hand, Freya watched him closely, her gaze unwavering. His tired eyes spoke volumes about his intoxicated state. He was getting tipsier than before. And it was time to act.Freya tilted her head, her lips curving into a soft, understanding smile. “I know you're overwhelmed and can't seem to believe me. And that's understandable. I've practically ruined your life,” Freya said softly, her eyes locked onto his. She paused briefly, allowing her words to sink in. Then she let out a deep sigh and went on. “But people change, Desmond. You claimed you were a changed man, right? So why can't I claim I'm a changed woman as well?” Her voice was low and soft, but a hint of sarcasm was hidden in it.Desmond stared hard at her, reflecting on her words. His expression was a softer version of the skeptical mask he wore. And Freya smiled inwardly, realizing he was
9:32 PMThe hum of the engine was the only sound breaking the silence inside Freya’s car. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white as she stared through the windshield. Outside, the city lights shimmered, coupled with the lights coming from the inside of Desmond's office building, casting a pale glow over the darkened streets. The building loomed tall and ominous in Freya's rearview mirror, its shadow stretching across the pavement like a veil.Freya’s heart hammered against her chest as she adjusted her rearview mirror to get a better view of Desmond's movements. She had been waiting patiently for him to retire home, watching him closely in order to decide her next course of action.Just then, she saw him exit the building, his silhouette sharp under the yellow glow of the streetlights. He walked with the same arrogance she despised so much, his leather shoes clicking against the pavement. He was on the phone, his voice muffled but animated, likely barking or
“Evening, husband.”Freya's voice was thick with sarcasm, and her lips curved into a smirk. Without giving Desmond a chance to speak, she stepped into the room, her gaze sweeping over the mess he had made.The acrid stench of whiskey flooded her senses, making her grimace in disgust. She turned away, scrunching up her nose to fight the nausea it triggered. “What's that smell?” she mumbled, her face contorted with displeasure.Desmond fixed her with a deadly stare, his eyes blazing with unrestrained rage. “Why are you here?” he spat, leaning forward.Freya stared hard at the shattered pieces of glass, infused into the nasty pool of golden liquid on the floor. Her brows furrowed in a frown, and she shook her head in pity."Really, Desmond?" she said, her voice dripping with condescension. "Breaking bottles and shouting at doors? How…predictable."Desmond’s eyes darkened, his rage momentarily stunned into silence by the audacity of her presence. He watched as she walked further into the
Desmond sat alone in his dimly lit study, the amber glow of the desk lamp casting long shadows across the mahogany furniture. The air reeked of whiskey and regret. His hand trembled as he brought the glass to his lips, but the drink did little to dull the bitter thoughts swirling in his mind. He leaned back in the leather armchair, his eyes drifting shut. Freya. Her name alone sent a wave of anger coursing through his veins. His jaw tightened as he replayed the events of the past months in his mind. It was certain that Freya’s schemes had been meticulously calculated and set into motion long before she returned to his house. She couldn't have possibly just woken up one day and chosen violence. Who knew what had been going through her head for months now?She had walked back into his life as someone hardened, vengeful, and utterly fearless, not as the meek woman he had once controlled. He swirled the whiskey in his glass, watching the golden liquid catch the light. The burn of alcoh
Diego sat back in his executive swivel chair, a small cup of coffee in his hand. His professional attire was a perfect contrast to the warmth of his triumphant grin. The sun poured in through the window walls, casting golden light over the rich wood and steel accents of the room. The television in his sleek office played the breaking news on every major channel. The headlines blared across the screen: "Corporate Scandal: Freya July Sells Major Stake in Dexus Innovations to Rival Competitor!" The accompanying footage showed reporters scrambling outside Desmond's towering headquarters, desperate for a comment, while stock market analysts discussed the fallout of Freya's calculated move.Diego took a tiny sip of the warm liquid in his mug, his eyes glued to the TV, as if savoring every word the reporters said."...a shocking betrayal by Freya July, Desmond's wife, who has sold a substantial portion of her shares to RavenTech Industries, one of Dexus Innovations’ fiercest competitors," t
The morning air in the city was crisp, carrying the faint hum of activity that grew louder with each passing hour. The glass façade of Dexus Innovations shone in the sunlight, casting a long shadow over the busy streets below. And inside, the tension was palpable. The grand ballroom on the twenty-fifth floor had been transformed into a stage for a high-stakes event. Rows of chairs lined the room, facing an imposing podium framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city skyline. A team of technicians moved swiftly, adjusting microphones and ensuring the lighting was perfect. Journalists were already streaming in, setting up their equipment and chatting in low tones as they speculated about the announcement that had drawn such a crowd. Desmond had spent the morning pacing his office, his mood growing darker with each passing minute. Freya’s announcement had come with little warning, just a cryptic notification sent to his inbox the night before. He hated s