Tears welled up in Kourtneyâs eyes as she struggled to regain her composure. She felt pain, both physical and emotional, and her heart sank as she met Brandonâs cold and ruthless gaze. During their years of courtship, never once did he physically abuse her like this. She wondered if this person was the same man she'd fallen so deeply in love with. "You know, Kourtney, I never thought you'd turn out this evil. Trying to stress her out, hoping she'll lose the baby, huh? Is that your plan?" The words hit Kourtney like a punch to the gut. The audacity of Brandonâs accusation left her speechless. She also couldn't believe her sister would stoop so low, using her pregnancy as a weapon to further her own agenda. She had fallen right into Kathlyn's scheme, and now she was being painted as the villain. This couple was really shameless! "How could you be so heartless, huh? Pushing a pregnant woman like that? I never thought you were capable of such ruthlessness!" Brandon was still yelling. H
âMum, if you hear whatever I have to say at the family meeting tonight and still insist I go apologize to Kathlyn⊠Sure, I will,â Kourtney was confident her upcoming big reveal would be a turning point. She was going to drop a bombshell on them and could already imagine the looks of shock on their faces when she broke the news. âLetâs see if they'd keep on with the favoritism after that,â she mocked inwardly. Just then, Kourtney remembered how her father, Luke, had been so desperate over the years in his quest to increase their familyâs status. It was no secret that Luke was a sucker for money and power. This news would probably make him squeal with joy. She sneered in her heart, just thinking about how happy and satisfied he would be when he learned his eldest daughter married none other than Billionaire-CEO and elite Industry Titan Sebastian Woods, who also happens to be the eldest young master of the renowned Woods Family - the most powerful family in the city. Brandonâs fami
âKOURTNEY ERIN ALLEN!!! Stop fucking with me!ââYou heard me, Lil. I'm really married to fucking Sebastian Woods!â Kourtneyâs expression was dead-pan serious. It was clear as day she wasn't joking, and Lilian could see that in her eyes. But the news was just too overwhelming. âWhaaaat??â Lilian's jaw practically hit the floor. A-Are you fucking kidding me?ââI wish I were kidding you, Lil, but I'm not. I'm dead serious!â Kourtney reaffirmed. Lilian's eyes widened even further. She was flabbergasted and could not believe her ears. "Sebastian Woods? THE Sebastian Woods? The Almighty President of Woods Corp? The Stone-cold man who rules the Melbourne Business Industry? Forbes #7 Richest CEO under 30? The same godlike Billionaire who's known for his reclusive nature and his hatred for women?" Lilian's asked in one breath. Her voice was filled with disbelief.She thought Kourtney was pulling her legs with that revelation. "Kourt, come on, this has got to be a joke. Right? You're joking
As she slipped into the dress, Kourtney felt like a vision of pure radiance, ready to command the attention of any room she entered. The white dress was truly a work of art, making her look like a timeless beauty. It suited her so well as if it was made just for her, giving the impression of walking on a cloud.Kourtney smiled happily. Lilian was indeed the best fashion guru. As she stepped out of the changing room, Lilian's eyes widened, and she started screaming as expected."Oh my God! Yes, it's perfect! You look amazing. It's classy and has just the right amount of allure, making you look like a goddess. Your husband won't be able to take his eyes off you."Lilian couldn't contain her excitement as the dress was such a masterpiece of elegance and grace on Kourtney. The sweetheart neckline added a touch of romance, while the fitted waist accentuated her slender figure.The attention of all the other women in the store was fixed on Kourtney immediately after she stepped out. It was
Sebastian Woods, the man of the moment, stepped out of his chauffeured black Rolls Royce surrounded by his numerous subordinates and bodyguards. The sun was shining brightly, casting a golden glow on the city's iconic landmarks. As he made his way towards the entrance of Forbesâ Sydney headquarters, the anticipation in the air was so intense. He was about to grace the prestigious stage for an interview that would undoubtedly solidify his status as a visionary entrepreneur and industry titan. Dressed in a sleek Prada suit, Sebastian exuded confidence and sophistication. The perfectly tailored suit accentuated his athletic physique, leaving onlookers in awe of his Adonis-like appearance. His charming good looks, combined with his undeniable charisma, made him a magnet for attention wherever he went. The air was thick with his dominating presence as he walked into the gigantic 80-story building, and whispers of his name echoed through the corridors. A sea of fans had gathered, eagerly
Sebastian sighed, running a hand through his thick black hair. The woman always made him talk too much, a lot more than he used to.âNot necessarily living in fear, but itâs good to take precautions like this.ââB-But... I donât want to feel like Iâm being watched all the time,â Kourtney protested, her voice quavering as she held the phone tightly to her ears.âThatâs why I told my people to make it as unobtrusive as possible. Theyâd only observe you from the sidelines and step in only when youâre in need of help or in danger,â Sebastian assured her, his voice softening to dimensions he never even knew existed.His brow furrowed with concern as he understood Kourtneyâs fears. There was also the fact that he wanted his people to report every important detail of her everyday life to him, hence why he asked them to follow and guide her. But he did not want her to find out about that part, or the woman would label him a psychopath.He wanted to protect her and keep an eye on her as well,
As the evening approached, the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the Allen family's opulent villa. The atmosphere inside crackled with electric energy as it came alive. The grand and spacious living room, adorned with lavish furniture, was full of people. Among them stood the formidable figure of Florence Allen, Kourtneyâs grandmother and the Matriarch of the family whose presence commanded respect and obedience. Ever since the death of old master Robert Allen 9 years ago, Florence had been in charge of the family, ruling with an iron fist. She had set strict rules and expectations for everyone, ensuring they maintained the family's reputation and legacy. Her eldest Son, Luke, who happens to be Kourtneyâs dad, was her favorite child, yet she didn't hesitate to discipline him when needed. Tonight, every single member of the Allen family, totaling about forty, was currently present for the meeting. Even the servants were here too, because Florence believed they were a
As she stepped into the spotlight, Kourtney radiated an aura of confidence that commanded attention. Her choice of attire, a simple black crop top, and baggy sky-blue jeans, may have been casual, but her natural beauty and inner radiance shone through effortlessly. She was the epitome of timeless elegance, the kind of beauty who looked stunning in anything she wore.Her long, brown, cascading hair framed her face, accentuating her striking features. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of emerald green, sparkled with intelligence and curiosity. Kourtney's flawless complexion also seemed to glow naturally, as if she possessed an inner light that illuminated her from within. Her slender figure exuded grace and poise, a testament to her disciplined lifestyle and commitment to self-care.All eyes were fixed on her, eager to hear the words that had brought them all together on this momentous evening while Kathlyn bit her lips painfully. She was doing everything she possibly could to prevent her
âI know. Right? But I have learned that you need to defend yourself if you want to survive in this wicked world.ââYouâre lucky you have your husband to teach you,â Lilian said with a small smile. It was obvious Kourtney changed only after marrying Sebastian. She had to give the man his credit.âYes, I am. He always says that I have to stand up for myself. Thatâs what I did.ââI love the two of you! I'm glad you have him to teach you. Finally, youâre no longer the pushover Kourtney I used to know. And I canât believe heâs so generous giving you a card like that! Thatâs fuucking insane! Heâs so Daddddyyy.ââYes! Heâs the best,â Kourtney blushed, daydreaming about the man.âWhat should I cook for him when I get home?â She pondered to herself.Or perhaps she could give him a neck and shoulder massage!Or maybe.......Suddenly, the waiter brought their ice cream. Kourtney snapped out of her thoughts and got the vanilla while Lilian got the strawberry. They dug in and didnât speak for a w
Scarlet took a deep breath and straightened her spine, knowing she was losing this battle but unwilling to surrender gracefully.âI dare you to tell me who you are and where you got that card!âKourtney smiled, the victory sweet on her lips as she glanced around the store; everyone looked at her with so much surprise, admiration, and newfound respect, which gave her so much confidence.Turned out Sebastian knew what he was doing when he gave her this black card that day!It commanded so much authority.Today, she might have walked in as a humble shopper, but she would leave wearing a crown, and that was a win in her book.âI donât think I have to answer you. It is none of your business.â She turned her head, dismissing Scarlet with a wave of her hand.Scarletâs face boiled with rage. âYou have no idea who youâre dealing with.âRight now, she was trembling at the edge of sanity.Kourtney remained unyielding, snapping her fingers as she said mockingly. âOh, please. Are you that desperat
âShe is theââKourtney hastily placed a hand over Lilianâs big mouth, desperate to prevent the truth from emerging.âDonât, Lil,â she pleaded, her eyes wide.Scarlet watched their little display with irritation.Holding onto her self-importance, she said mockingly. âYeah! I thought as much! Sheâs a nobody. Take it off!âThe condescension dripped from her words.Kourtney felt annoyance ripple through her, but she remained composed. She was the Woods family's young mistress. She was not going to let this woman intimidate her.Deep down, she recognized Scarlet's magnificent beauty; it was undeniable.But beauty without grace?That was something Kourtney could hardly respect. She bit her lip, trying to contain herself, as her mind raced with thoughts of how she could salvage the situation without revealing her connection to Sebastian here like this.Feeling the tension rising, Kourtney decided it was time to play her hand. âSince she wants to make this into an auction, letâs see! I would
The other shoppers began to circle around them like vultures, curious about the unfolding drama. Whispers fluttered through the air like restless butterflies. Kourtney wasnât one to back down easily as well, especially not when she was already feeling so confident in her new dress. âWith all due respect, Maâam. Iâm already paying for this dress!â she said flatly, not wanting to take part in any BS.The manager, a well-dressed middle-aged lady with a no-nonsense attitude who appeared from behind the counter, nodded in support. âThat dress has already been chosen by this customer so I suggest you find something else that suits your unique taste.âJust like in typical fashion houses, there was only one of such dress available. It was custom-made for just one customer!There wasnât even a replica of it that could be given to another person. And by the way, she can't just waltz in here and demand for something that was already picked by another lady who intended to make the purchase.Who
As planned, the two friends headed out to a trendy district in Melbourne filled with the most classy high-end boutiques.âAre you ready for this?â Lilian asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement as they entered a mildly populated Dior department store.âMore than ever!â Kourtney replied, clutching the treasured black card that Sebastian had given her like a lifeline.It was the first time she would take the initiative to use the extravagant 300-million-dollar black card from her billionaire husband for shopping expenses.She remembered when he had given it to her after their first night together at Serenity Villa. She recalled how the man had behaved like such an insane amount of money was no big deal.He nonchalantly handed it over, claiming it was just a tool for her to use as she pleased. âGo on, spoil yourself,â he had said with a grin, totally unfazed by the fact that it was worth three hundred million fucking dollars.He was such a Big Casanova spender!âOkay, letâs find someth
Meanwhile, across town, Sebastian was sitting in another urgent board meeting at Woods Corporation to plan the launch of their new company branch in the UK. While everyone present was droning on about numbers and projections, his mind was elsewhere. Thatâs when his phone beeped, echoing a sound that cut through the tension and serious atmosphere in the boardroom. Sebastian hurriedly picked up his phone from the table to view the text. He hadn't expected a reply from Kourtney to come so fast.All eyes turned to him, surprised. The big boss himself was now smiling like a kid on Christmas morning.They all exchanged baffled looks. âSince when does he smile like that during these boring meetings?âTheir usually stoic and focused boss who had previously forbidden everyone, including himself, from using their phones during meetings, had his fingers dancing across the screen like an obsessed gamer who'd just received the latest gaming console.Since when did he text so much?These past fe
Kourtney's eyes dropped to the floor as she took in the criticism.There goes her confidence once more!She had spent hours agonizing over the color scheme, trying to find the perfect balance between elegance and drama. But now, it seemed like everyone had an opinion."I like the color scheme," Irina, her work Bestie, chimed in, her voice firm. "It's bold and eye-catching. Trust me, it'll make the event stand out."Kourtney smiled, grateful for Irina's support. She knew that she couldn't let the negativity get to her. Not now, when the event was just one day away.But her female colleagues just didn't know when to stop."Yeah, right! I bet she thinks she's so much better than us just because she got this project," one of them said, arousing a fresh wave of chattering.âShe better not mess this up! But it's already looking like she would. The stage is too damn high!â They kept complaining about every single thing."I heard the higher-ups are already getting cold feet about this event,"
Kourtney gasped.Her body quickly responded to the sight of him.Would she ever stop being stunned every time she sees it?The sheer size of him always took her breath away!âMmm, like what you see?â Sebastian teased, the corner of his mouth lifting in a wicked grin.Kourtney blushed, and he inched closer, the promise of what was to come looming over her like a storm.First, he captured her lips with his in a fierce, demanding kiss that left no room for argument. She immediately allowed herself to drown in the sweetness of his desire, in the raw passion that radiated off him.His lips found her neck, trailing kisses along her jawline, making her gasp at the sensations that raced through her.He pressed her against the polished surface of the desk, and with a flick of his wrist, Sebastian undid the buttons of her pajamas, pushing it open to reveal her lacy bra beneath. She shuddered as the cool air danced over her bare skin.His lust-filled gaze roamed over her body like he'd never see
âWhatâs wrong? Did I offend you?â Kourtney asked, finding him surrounded by books and papersâhis own fortress of solitude.He had been different since he got home. Itâs like she didn't even know him right now.Sebastian gritted his teeth, and his eyes darkened with a possessive rage. âIâve had a long day, Kourtney, but something needs to be addressed.âHe stood up, approaching her, and she felt her blood run cold. Time slowed as her heart beat harder in her chest, waiting for him to say whatever needed to be addressed.She blinked blankly at him, hoping it wasn't what she was thinkingâŠ.âNext time,â he continued with a low and dangerous edge to his voice, âwhen that blonde-haired colleague of yours comes at youâignore him. I donât want my wife to be seen hugging a guy in public.âKourtneyâs eyes widened in disbelief.How did he even find out?How could he know that she shared a small, innocent hug with Liam that afternoon? Except he was stalking and prying on everything she did!The t