Kourtney Allen typed in the password of her fiancé's luxury penthouse excitedly. It was an automated door, and her birthdate was the code to unlock it. She couldn't wait to see the surprised look on Brandon's face when he sees her, especially because she dressed so well for him. Kourtney was eager to spend quality time with him, having returned two days earlier from the women's empowerment conference she attended in another state. Besides, they would be getting married in three weeks. She kept daydreaming about the joyous wedding, the warm embrace, and the loving words they would exchange at the altar. However, she was blissfully unaware of the heart-wrenching scene that awaited her. Her happy footsteps came to a standstill when she heard faint sounds emanating from the bedroom. A sinking feeling instantly settled in the pit of her stomach. It was the voice of a man and a woman in the heat of passion. Pain and anger rose within her depths as she pushed open the door with a bang, r
âHow long have you two known about their affair?â Kourtney asked again furiously.âCalm down, Honey! They started seeing each other about five months ago. We didn't want to believe it either but we had to face the truth. We're so sorry, Kourtney,â her mother, Margaret, replied casually.Kourtneyâs eyes widened in shock as she screamed. âFive months?âIt was around the same time she and Brandon started making preparations for their dream wedding that was supposed to happen in three weeks. âNo wonder he was always too busy to give me time and attention these days. I was such a fool,â she thought bitterly.âWhy... How could you keep something like that from me? From your own daughter?""We wanted to protect you, darling. We thought it would be better for you to find out when you were ready,â Margaret explained softly.Kourtney's heart sank further, feeling a pang of betrayal from her parents. Her voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt. "Ready? How could I ever be ready for this?âHe
âGet the fuck down and check the damage, Martins.â Sebastian Woods commanded his chauffeur while he straightened his slightly rumbled Armani suit. His baritone voice was icy and cold, as usual.âYes, Boss,â the short man in his early fifties who almost peed in his pants rushed out of the car in a panic. Just now, he nearly met a fatal end, but his wicked boss didn't seem to care.Sebastianâs special assistant Jamie also excused himself and followed the driver to inspect the damage caused by the accident. His two tall and sturdy bodyguards scurried out as well, while Sebastian was left alone in the backseat of the car. He was fuming with anger at the moment, and no one wanted to face his wrath.His extremely handsome face was like a âmasterpieceâ even as it twisted with anger, his eyes displaying a noticeable reddish shade.âI bought this car less than a week ago for sixty million dollars, and now this?âLosing money, no matter how âlittleâ was one of the things he hated the most.He s
Sebastian Woods forgot himself for a brief moment as the faint scent of the woman's floral perfume wafted through his nose.He was surprised by the rush of emotions surging through him. He hadn't felt this way in years, ever since the onset of his unusual allergy. The woman appeared slightly taken aback by his sudden presence, but she quickly composed herself.Her lips curved into a sweet smile as she replied politely. "Well, sir. It seems our cars had an unfortunate collision because I was distracted earlier. Thankfully, no one appears to be injured. I'm really sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused you.âSebastian nodded, his gaze still fixed on her. "Hmph! I see.âMeanwhile, Kourtney was stupefied as she stared up at the man big, tall man. She was a full 5ft10, which was more than average for a lady's height. But standing in front of him still made her feel tiny, like a dwarf.What's worse? The manâs appearance was more than breathtaking. It was simply out of this world. She
âYou heard me! That car your reckless driving just damaged is worth 60 million dollars. Would your âsorryâ get me a new one?âKourtneyâs heart pounded in her chest as she heard his snooty words. She took a glance at the car, and the logo was a type that was rare and looked exquisite.âWell? Did you really think this is the type of car a silly insurance could cover?â Sebastian added with a hint of mockery in his tone.âI... I.â Kourtney was lost for words, not knowing what to reply.When she had boosted earlier about paying for the damages, she hadn't considered the kind of car it was. She didn't even look at it that much to realize it was a custom-made Rolls-Royce. Only a few people in Melbourne could afford this kind of machine and get a government-issued pass to drive it around.Was this man implying she should pay him back such a whooping amount? Where would she get such kind of money?The man glanced at his wristwatch impatiently. âSo, Miss, how do you intend to pay me back for th
âI'm sorry, what?â Kourtney asked, staring blankly at him. She'd like to believe her ears misheard what he just said, even though she heard it quite clearly. âYou heard me, Miss. And I hate repeating myself,â she heard him reply with an air of superiority. Kourtney's eyes widened while her jaw dropped in disbelief. She had expected him to ask for something unsavory and inappropriate, like going off to sleep with him somewhere in exchange for the payment. But this? This one caught her completely off guard. Honestly, she didn't know which was worse. âIs this some sort of sick joke?â âDo I look like a clown to you?â Sebastian snapped with an intimidating aura, his impatience evident in his voice. âWell, I guess you must be out of your mind to make such a ridiculous condition. Who do you think you are?â âYou can simply G****e me to find out, Miss Allen,â Sebastian said with a sneer. His arrogance was palpable. Kourtney was already seething with anger. âLook Mr. Whatever! I understa
âAre... Are you sure you want to do this, Mr?â Kourtney started to panic once again.He glared at her coldly before his words cut through the air like a knife. âIâm the kind of man who never goes back on his word.âKourtney could feel her blood boil at his dismissive response, and she struggled to keep calm. Thanks to the anger management classes she took in high school, she managed to maintain a composed facade, though her hands trembled ever so slightly.She took a deep breath, concealing the storm of emotions brewing inside her. She knew losing her temper would only give him further satisfaction."Sir, I don't want to marry you, now or ever. Please, just let me go."The man's expression twisted with anger, "You're not going anywhere until I get what I want," he growled.Kourtney's mind raced, trying to think of a way out of this terrifying predicament. She locked eyes with his, determination flickering in her mind as she thought of a new plan.âActually, Sir, I'm not old enough to
As soon as the call connected, Kourtney couldn't help but overhear snippets of his conversation. The man was even speaking aloud on purpose."Yes, Governor Anderson. It's me," Sebastian said, his voice oozing with self-importance. "I'm outside the Civil Affairs office at City Hall, and it seems they've closed early. I need you to intervene and have them reopen for my business. Right now!!!"Kourtney's eyes widened in disbelief as she gaped at the man.âNo, he can't be real. That has to be a joke!â She thought.She watched him with a mixture of horror and fascination as he continued his conversation, his tone reeked of authority and a hint of threat.âI understand it's after work hours, but I'm pretty sure you can make an exception for me. I'll be expecting you to handle this promptly, so better don't waste my time,â Sebastian continued to dictate as if he was speaking to a mere servant.He spoke in a tone that brooked no argument as if his word alone could move mountains. Kourtney cou
Micheal grinned on hearing her positive response. âIâm glad youâre so interested in hearing what I have to say.âKourtney was getting impatient now, âYeah, so what is it?âIn truth, she only wanted to get the conversation over with so he could leave her alone.The man smirked, reveling in the power he held over her. âTrust me. It's a perfect solution that we can both enjoy.âKourtney's instincts screamed at her to be cautious. The way Michael leaned in, his expression shifting to something more intense, made her stomach churn. She didnât want to hear whatever twisted proposal he had in mind, but a part of her was suddenly curious, almost desperate to know what could possibly come next.âWhat exactly do want?â she asked again, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance as she silently wished he would suggest something that wouldnât make her hiss with contempt.âHmmm. So letâs be real here,â he started, his voice low and steady, almost hypnotic. âBastian is clearly not committed to you.
âMaybe that's why he still refused to let go of their old memories,â Kourtney continued talking to herself.She knew these images would be etched in her mind for a long time, a constant reminder of the love that had existed long before she came into the picture. Tears threatening to spill gathered in her eyes as she squatted down to pick up the photos.But on second thought, she felt a surge of defiance. She decided not to pick them up. Somehow, she wanted Sebastian to know she saw them without having to confront him about it.Did she even have the guts to bring it up?How could she possibly question him about something so personal?The thought sent a shiver down her spine.What would she even say to him? âHey, Sebastian, I found a box of your ex-girlfriend's photos, and Iâm feeling a bit insecure about itâ? That would sound like the ramblings of a jealous, obsessive woman, and she was determined not to be that person.She didnât want to come off as the psychotic wife who couldn't ha
Kourtneyâs steps were light as she approached the ornate double doors to Sebastianâs study on the uppermost floor of the Woods villa. He had left immediately after lunch, saying he had some important work to handle.She hissed, still a little hurt just thinking about it.It was Sunday, and she wondered what was so important that couldnât wait till a work day.And how long would it take for him to handle the sudden emergency?She needed a breather from all the drama unfolding after the news of Scarletâs arrival. Since her husband had left her all alone to her fate in the hands of his wicked aunts and other relatives who hated her guts, Kourtney knew it would be wise to just stay in her lane and not go back downstairs till when necessary.She pushed the doors open gently, not wanting to disturb the sanctity of his space. It was built and designed just like the one they had at Serenity Villa.Seems like the man took his bland and boring style so seriously. There was not even a single bri
âSo you had no idea she was coming?â Edwin pestered.âI donât!âSebastian, who had been sipping his glass of whiskey, answered in his usual stoic tone.But beneath his composed exterior was a man in complete disarray.The name Scarlet Thompson sent a jolt through him, memories flooding back from a time when he was young and infatuated. She was his first love, the one woman who had held his heart captive all those years ago.He felt a pang of somethingânostalgia, perhaps?Or was it something deeper?But why now?What could bring her back after all this time?***********Later that day, at the grand dining room of the Woods estate, the smell of fresh savory dishes filled the air as the family gathered for their traditional Sunday afternoon brunch.Kourtney could feel the buzzing tension around the table.The familyâs whispers were like daggers.She could hear tiny bits of their discussions.It was still all about the Scarlet Lady.She felt like she couldnât breathe properly.And Sebasti
Back in her bedroom, Dana Woods and her daughters, Sheila and Sophie, had also seen the news about Scarlet. They became wrapped up in their own discussion.âLook at all these comments online,â Sophie said, happily scrolling through her phone. âPeople are going wild! âScarletâs back and itâs about time!ââThis is great news for us. Turns out that Kourtney wouldnât be staying long as the Woods's young mistress, after all,â Dana sneered with spite. âScarlet is an interesting girl. She is definitely back to claim her rightful place beside Sebastian.ââAre you sure about that, Mother?â Sheilaâs bitter voice echoed through the bedroom. âDo you think heâd leave Kourtney just like that? You canât deny sheâs a force of nature!ââOh, honey. Iâm one hundred percent sure he has never been able to get over Scarlet. He never remained the same after she left. And now, we just need to make her our ally. Kourtney doesnât even stand a chance!âDana was very certain of this.She had a sleepless night pl
The next day began with a shocking twist.The atmosphere in the Woods household had been buzzing with the sound of clinking cups and soft chatter in the living room as numerous members of the family enjoyed their usual Sunday morning tea and pastries.But the moment the local news channel flickered to life on the television, everything changed.âBreaking news, everybody. After five long years, supermodel Scarlet Thompson has just returned to the city.âThe room immediately fell silent, every eye glued to the screen.The news anchor continued with a bright smile that barely masked the excitement in her voice, âThe blonde-haired beauty, known for her stunning figure and ethereal charm, has made a name for herself as a successful international model and one of the highest-paid in the worldwide industry. Her reappearance in Melbourne is already sending ripples through the entire city with thousands of fans gathered at the airport to give her a befitting welcome this morning.ââWow! Sheâs
The shift in conversation was immediate. The women around the table erupted into excited chatter.âOh, I found the most stunning dress at Marissaâs Boutique!â Sheilaâs sister, Sophie, exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. âItâs this deep emerald green, and I think it will look fabulous with my new earrings.âEmerald? How clichĂ©!â Another one scoffed. âIâm going with a daring crimson red. Itâs bold, just like me.â Meanwhile, Kourtney tried to maintain her composure, but was finding it difficult.Sebastian, ever the observant husband, noticed the sudden change in her mood.He leaned closer to her. âWhatâs wrong?âKourtney took a deep breath, feeling a rush of nerves as she spoke. âI...Iâm actually the one in charge of planning that event.âSebastianâs mood instantly lit up with pride radiating from him. âOh yeah! You did mention it before!âHe couldnât contain his excitement and announced it loudly across the table, âEveryone, my wife is the main event planner for the Silverstone Gala! She wo
Edwin raised his hands in mock surrender.âWoah! I bet no one so that coming,â he was amazed.At first, he had been super worried for Kourtney but, seemed like he wouldnât need to be.She could certainly take care of herself.He loved that she was a fighter who couldnât be bullied by those lots.He liked his new sister-in-law a lot!âMind doing us the Honour of an introduction?ââI wonât.ââCome on, donât be such a buzzkill. Iâm really eager to meet her,â Edwin stressed.The corners of Sebastianâs mouth betrayed a smile as he still stood up anyway.He had pretended to be nonchalant to Edwinâs request, but deep down, he was silently glad he could finally introduce Kourtney to the one person he rolled with the most among the Woods clan.As they walked into the kitchen, the air was filled with the delicious aroma of spices. Kourtney was in her element, wearing an apron, surrounded by some female members of the family and a few staff, all busily preparing dinner. She was slicing vegetable
Kourtney stood, perplexed. âDonât you want to know what happened?â âI donât care what happened. But I know you are right to slap whoever,â Sebastian chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.He grinned like he just heard the best news all year round.Her eyes met his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.Before she could gather her thoughts to speak, the ladies who had been at the tea party walked up to them, their faces pinched with disapproval. "Sebastian, you won't believe what your wife just did," one of the older ladies said with malice.Sebastian turned his piercing gaze toward them. His expression was cold and menacing, with eyes flashing with warning. "I think I can guess. But let me make one thing clear: my wife is off-limits. Anyone who dares to cross her will have to answer to me."âButâbut she slapped my daughter, Sheila!â Sheilaâs mother protested, her voice trembling.âI don't care. What I care about is that my wife was disrespected, and thus, she reacte