"You son of a bitch!” Desmond growled, massaging his jaw in pain.Immediately, he recovered, swinging a wild blow in the air towards Diego’s face which he dodged with ease. Diego countered with a hard punch, sending Desmond crashing into the conference table.Without giving him a chance to recover, Diego swiftly circled the conference table, launching himself at Desmond, tackling him to the floor.The conference table chairs scraped against the marble as they crashed to the ground. With a burst of rage, Diego grabbed Desmond by his throat, tightening his grip viciously. “I'll send you to hell for daring to lay a finger on my woman! I'll kill you”, Diego snarled, his grip tightening and his fingers digging deep into Desmond's throat, his eyes blazing with intense fury.Desmond's face reddened and his eyes bulged as he struggled to squirm free from Diego's fierce grip. He pounded Diego's arms repeatedly with his fists, desperately struggling to push him off his body. He tried his best
NEWS HEADLINE: Billionaire CEO Diego Hunter Involved in Physical Altercation.“...Sources confirm that Diego Hunter, CEO of Hunter Global Enterprises, was involved in a physical fight with no other person than the renowned CEO of Dexus Innovations, Desmond July and now his reputation is hanging on the line. In the video which is currently ravaging the internet, Diego Hunter was seen physically abusing Desmond July, inflicting injuries on him. The billionaires were involved in a gruesome exchange of fists in the Four Seasons hotel in Miami, a location Diego himself had chosen for their meeting, according to our source…” the news anchor reported.Gasps and murmurings spread among the board members seated around the polished wooden table in the sleek conference room of Hunter Global Enterprises.All the members of the company's board of directors including Diego, watched the news together, disappointment etched on their faces. Diego, still wearing a faint bruise on his lip, sat at the ed
6:18pmDiego sank into his executive swivel chair, mindlessly drifting from side to side in a gentle arc. His eyes were fixed absentmindedly on the ceiling, his mind racing with several disturbing thoughts. His expression was gloomy and his jaw clenched.He was in a state of dilemma, confused on what action to take next in order to rectify his mistakes and save his name. With his reputation being shattered and his company's shares plummeting, Desmond would finally have the upper hand. He couldn't allow that to happen. Then his thoughts drifted to Freya. He didn't know how to face her just yet. He had seen her on the news— she was affected too. What hurt him the most was the terrible comments he saw about Freya, saying she was a gold digger, using two billionaires to her advantage.With a deep exasperated sigh, he sat up on his chair, grabbing his phone on his desk. That was when he saw the numerous missed calls from Freya.“Oh, no”, he muttered under his breath, shutting his eyes in
Diego emerged from his sleek, black Lamborghini, its tinted windows gliding down to reveal his chiseled face, which remained neutral. His driver stood sentinel by the door, holding it open for him to alight. The golden sunlight shone across his features, highlighting the deep creases on his forehead and the resolute set of his jaw. His face screamed action.As he stepped majestically onto the sidewalk with a cool, calm and collected demeanor, a swarm of paparazzi rushed at him like vultures, their cameras and microphones thrust forward like weapons, with frenzied urgency.Their unified chants, “Diego! Diego!” utterly disturbed and irritated Diego as his bodyguards fought hard to disperse the crowd. Their voices were simply upsetting noises of urgency.In swift response, his bodyguards sprang into action, forming a human shield around Diego. They pushed against the paparazzi, yet the photographers and reporters resisted, shoving back with equal force, their feet scraping against the pa
Desmond slumped on his luxurious couch in his dimly lit living room, his eyes fixed on the large screen TV in keen anticipation as the news anchor's voice filled the room.He stuffed his face with a handful of popcorn, chewing in relish, his cheeks moving comically. "...CEO Diego Hunter apologized for his actions but refused to renounce his relationship with Freya, Desmond July's estranged wife."Desmond's mouth fell open as he froze, a handful of popcorn suspended mid-air, his hand halted just inches from his lips. Then after a while of being stunned, he burst out into an intense fit of laughter, his body vibrating ridiculously.He chuckled hard, accidentally spilling some popcorn on the floor, his eyes crinkling at the corners.“Diego! How smart of you!” He exclaimed in between chuckles.The TV showed footage of Diego's press conference where Diego spoke confidently, surrounded by the media frenzy.Desmond carefully observed Diego's expression as he delivered his speech. He could s
Amidst the sizzle and aromas of Bayside Bistro's kitchen, Freya's focused chopping was interrupted by a sudden call from the CEO's office; CEO Neil Gomez wanted to see her.The thought of meeting the CEO one-on-one sent a shiver down her spine, a thrill of uncertainty she had never experienced before.As she walked up the stairs heading to the CEO's office, her mind raced with several questions about what outcome the meeting would bring. A sense of nervousness crept through her and she began to imagine worse case scenarios.A jumbled mix of emotions welled up within her as she stood outside the CEO's office. Taking a deep breath, she regained her composure and smoothed her dress. Then slowly, she pushed the door open and went inside.To her surprise, her mentor, the former head chef, was present, seated beside the CEO. She wondered what they had discussed concerning her.That was when she had a slight clue. It had been two months since she got the job at Bayside Bistro and became the
Freya exited the taxi, a stone's throw from her home. With broad smiles spread across her face, she walked into the driveway, heading towards the front door. She wrapped up work early to tackle her food truck responsibilities. Since Noah's school day wasn't over, she headed home first, planning to pick him up later.As she walked towards the front door, her gaze fell upon Diego who leaned on a sleek, glossy sports car. Its vibrant, crimson-red color gleamed in the sunlight, drawing her attention.She froze momentarily, stunned by the sight of him as he hadn't informed her of his visit beforehand.Diego, sensing her surprise, let out a short silent chuckle, his eyes lit up with joy. He stood up straight and dipped his hands in his pockets, a sly grin spreading across his face. “Hey, beautiful”, he called out, his voice laced with excitement.With uncertainty etched on her face, Freya approached him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders in a warm embrace. Flashing a warm smile at
Noah and his friends at school had fun in the playground, agilely running around in excitement. The school playground vibrated with energy, children's laughter echoing off the swings and slides. Noah, his messy golden hair ruffling in the wind, chased after his friends in a heated game of tag, their sneakers squeaking on the vibrant rubber surface. Just as he sprinted towards the swings, his gaze suddenly fell upon a figure standing near the fence, partially hidden by the shade of a tall oak tree. His frame and body structure seemed eerily familiar and he couldn't help but take a few steps forward to take a closer look.Just then, his footsteps faltered, and his cheerful grin vanished. It was Desmond.Desmond stood with his arms crossed, watching him with an intense gaze as he leaned on the oak tree. His gaze held a hint of friendliness, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.Noah's feet rooted to the spot, his heart racing with mixed emotions. His friends continued playing, obliviou
The news broke early in the morning:“Former billionaire Desmond July found dead in prison cell. Apparent suicide.”The headlines spread like wildfire. News channels, social media, newspapers—every platform covered the scandalous downfall of the once-mighty mogul. Analysts speculated, reporters dissected every detail, and the public debated whether justice had been truly served.But inside Diego and Freya’s home, the atmosphere was different. The television was on, but neither of them paid it much attention.Freya sat at the dining table, sipping her morning coffee, while Diego leaned against the counter, scrolling through his phone with a lazy smirk.Noah, dressed in his school uniform, glanced between them, his brows furrowing.“So…Desmond’s really dead,” he muttered, pushing his cereal bowl aside.Neither Freya nor Diego reacted much. Freya merely took another sip of coffee, setting the mug down with a soft clink. “Looks like he finally ran out of ways to escape his consequences,”
5:25 PMThe air in Diego’s office was thick with the usual tension of high-stakes business negotiations.Diego was seated at the head of a long, polished table, in the middle of a board meeting. He exuded his signature confidence—sharp, composed, commanding.The only sound was the soft hum of the projector and the murmured discussions of Diego's business associates. Diego's eyes were fixed intently on the presentation unfolding before him.His executives and business associates sat around him, discussing projections, acquisitions, and expansions for his green-energy empire. The meeting was important, the kind that could shape the future of his company.Yet, his mind was elsewhere.On her.Diego stole a glance at his phone, an itch in his chest growing with every passing minute.It had been hours since he had last spoken to Freya. And he missed her. His mind was fixed on the upcoming weekend and the plans he had with Freya.Just as he shifted in his seat, imagining a steamy night with
6:30 AMThe loud, shrill ringing of Freya’s phone shattered the peaceful silence of the morning.Her brows furrowed in confusion as she blindly reached for it on her nightstand. She squinted her eyes against the faint morning light streaming in from a small opening in the window.Her gaze came to a focus on the phone screen, and the number flashing on the screen made her blink. It was Diego’s chief of security.Immediately, she sat up and snapped out of the sleepy haze. A sudden, terrible feeling clawed at her chest as she quickly answered the call. Diego's chief of security only called when there was bad news about Diego.“Hello?” she breathed, sweeping her disheveled hair backwards.“Ms. Freya,” the man’s voice came through, urgent, tense. “It’s Diego. He…he got into a car accident. You need to come now.”The world stopped the minute he dropped the bomb. Freya's heart slammed against her ribs, and her blood ran cold.No. Not again.Her hands shook as she scrambled out of bed, barely
The living room was filled with a golden glow from the television screen. The breaking news banner flashed across the bottom, repeating the same phrase over and over:DESMOND JULY ARRESTED IN SCANDAL—ABUSE, ATTEMPTED MURDER, AND KIDNAPPING EXPOSED.The anchor spoke with a serious, almost incredulous tone. "In a shocking turn of events, billionaire Desmond July, former CEO of Dexus Innovations, has been arrested and is facing a long list of charges, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and attempted murder. The once-revered businessman was taken into custody last night after damning footage of his crimes was broadcast at his own celebratory gala, exposing years of abuse toward his ex-wife, Freya Dominic, and their son, Noah Dominic. Legal experts predict that with the overwhelming evidence, July could face life in prison with no chance of parole…”The remote slipped from Freya’s fingers and landed on the couch beside her. Her heart pounded as she stared at the screen, her m
Freya walked into the room with a quiet sense of power, her presence commanding attention.She was dressed in a crimson gown— a deep, bold, unapologetic dress that clung to her like molten lava. Every step she took was slow, deliberate, and commanding. And her presence was undeniable.She dressed to fit into the context. After all, this was a grand gala filled with elites from all over the world.However, it wasn’t her dress that stole the breath from every mouth in the room. It was the bruises. The dark, undeniable marks which decorated her arms and cheek. Marks of war.And she made no attempt to hide them. Her dress was sleeveless, and she wore no makeup. She wanted the world to see it clearly.In an instant, camera flashes erupted around her. Paparazzi swarmed forward, fighting to capture the moment, the scandal, the face of a woman wronged.Desmond’s chest tightened as he watched the unfolding drama. His stomach twisted. His body screamed at him to move, to run. But he couldn’t.H
The Dexus Innovations' Tower stood like a beacon of power, piercing the night sky with its gleaming lights. Tonight, the heart of the city pulsed with anticipation. An event unlike any other was about to unfold in the building’s grand ballroom—an affair so spectacular that the world was watching.A scarlet carpet stretched from the main entrance, lined with golden railings and uniformed security. Photographers stood at the sidelines, cameras flashing as an endless parade of luxury cars arrived, their sleek bodies gleaming under the streetlights and the golden glow from within the ballroom.Chauffeurs in crisp suits opened doors with precise elegance, allowing their distinguished passengers to step onto the crimson carpet that stretched into the opulent ballroom.The guest list was nothing short of extraordinary. Billionaires, Hollywood elites, influential tech moguls, and political heavyweights—all gathered under one roof. Their tailored suits and designer gowns shimmered under the li
The air in Freya’s secluded apartment was thick with silence. It was the kind of silence that wasn’t peaceful but restless, filled with thoughts that refused to settle.She sat curled up on the small couch, her fingers gripping a warm mug of tea she hadn’t even touched. Her body ached, remnants of the brutal night in the warehouse still lingering in bruises and sore muscles. But the worst pain wasn’t physical—it was the gnawing fear, the unease that refused to leave her.She had vanished temporarily, making only scarce appearances for days. She didn't let Noah go to school without heavily armed escorts. She and Diego made sure to be armed and guarded wherever they were going.After the chaos in the warehouse, the fear of what Desmond might do next consumed her. He was wounded, humiliated, but far from finished—and she knew that meant danger.She couldn’t risk being found. Not yet. She needed to devise a brilliant plan before resurfacing in public. She had to make Desmond's downfall ve
Diego stood over Desmond, his jaw clenched with controlled fury. The bastard in front of him was already bleeding, his face pale from blood loss, but Diego didn’t care. Not after what he had done. Not after the torment he had put his loved ones through. It was only right that he put an end to their problems by pulling one trigger.“Desmond Hugo July. You don't have much time left. Still got something to say?” Diego asked, his grip tightening around the gun.Desmond shook his head, his lips curling in disdain. “You're not scary, Diego. Stop this nonsense,” he snarled, his face contorted in a scowl.Before Desmond could think, Diego darted toward him and grabbed him by the collar, yanking him up. Violently, he slammed him against the cold concrete wall. Desmond grunted in pain, his wounded arm nearly giving out under the pressure. Diego didn't spare him the chance to recover, his fist pounded Desmond's face twice with relentless fury.He grasped Desmond's collar tightly, firmly pinning
The dark warehouse felt suffocating as Desmond’s rage filled the air. He moved toward Freya, his eyes burning with intense resentment. Each step he took echoed through the warehouse, fueling his fury.He had expected Freya to recoil in fear, as he was now the one who called the shots. However, Freya didn't move. She fixed him with a deadly stare, her expression unyielding.“Let me warn you, Freya, just in case you've forgotten. I have your life in my hands at this point. Your life depends on me. So if you think being stubborn is gonna save you, I'll remind you why you had feared me for many years.”Freya stared hard at Desmond for a few seconds, shaking her head in disbelief. Then she let out a short, scornful chuckle, tilting her head back.Noah watched silently, swallowing hard to suppress the fear swirling within him. His eyes were red-rimmed and glassy, his hands trembling.Desmond let out an angry snort, his face hot with rage. The audacity of Freya to laugh in a situation like t