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
Scarlet knew that getting a little revenge would at least make her feel so much better about herself tonight.While she stood, brainstorming ideas of what to do, the live performance ended.âGive it up for BTS!â the host announced as all seven members left the stage in high spirits.It was a spectacular ten-minute medley of their top hits across the span of their decade-long career. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, still buzzing from the electrifying performance that had turned the evening into an unforgettable spectacle.The crowd of people that had gathered including Kourtney and Lilian, started going back to their various seats. Everyone was chatting so excitedly.âDid you see that choreography?â one woman exclaimed, her eyes shining with awe.âRight? I thought I was going to faint!â her friend replied, clutching her purse as if it were a lifebuoy.It was one hell of a show!The performance was finally over, and it was time to move on to another part of the program.âNow
His eyes drifted across the crowd, scanning for something familiar.Then he saw herâKourtney.It was effortless to spot her amid the crowd; her vibrant green dress had been so eye-catching all night.Of course, she was going to be there at the forefront enjoying this nonsense!In fact, it was like she was at the center of it all.Soon enough, he was capturing every move she made, unable to tear his eyes away as she danced with her friend. It was almost as if they had previously mastered the moves as they imitated the backup dancers on stage.Hilarious!But the more Kourtney glowed with undeniable joy, the more Sebastianâs irritation melted away, replaced by something warmer as he felt a strange tug in his chest.Just seeing his wife so happy lifted the weight off his shoulders, as if he were dancing along with her.And to his surprise, he found himself swaying slightly in rhythm to the music. Unconsciously, he began to nod his head, tapping his foot against the polished floor.Just wa
Lilian hated this.She didn't want Kourtney to wake up one day and realize you wasted years waiting for a man who only wanted you in the shadows.She wasnât just Kourtney anymore; she was Kourtney Woods, the wife of the most powerful man in Melbourne. And she needs to shine beside him.âLook, Kourt, I care about you, and it worries me. You have every right to be out there, sitting by his side and drawing the kind of respect that comes with being his wife. Youâre not just some side project; you deserve to shine, to be the most important person in his life.âKourtney bit her lip, filled with the combination of sorrow and a will to believe in Sebastian. âBut⊠But he introduced me to his family. Doesnât that mean anything?ââMaybe,â Lilian said, softening a bit. âBut you need to have a talk with him. Make him realize that hiding you isnât an option. Youâre not a secret; Girl, youâre his wife! And I swear to God, if you let this man keep treating you like some *hidden secret*, I will perso
When Kourtney received the text right after stepping out of the ladies' bathroom, she frowned.She had just had the most insane confrontation with his ex-girlfriend, who threatened to throw her out of her âownâ event. The situation had left her rattled, and right now, she wasnât in a good mood.Once again, she ignored the manâs message and tucked her phone into her purse.âTypical Sebastian,â she muttered under her breath, feeling that simmering frustration become something deeper.Why couldnât he understand that this wasnât just a simple event for her?She was nervous as hell, wishing everything would go smoothly.Her whole career was at stake here!Nothing must go wrong, and she was supposed to make sure of it.However, the fact that she was living a double life right here made things so difficult.First, she was bullied by Sheila and her friends, now, she had run into Scarlet. Her emotions were all over the place now, and she could barely focus.Just as she grappled with her feelin
âI should just rip this off of you! You donât deserve it! Who the hell do you think you are?â Scarlet spat, her demeanor feral, like a wild animal cornered and desperate.âJust a woman who refuses to blend into the background while you prance around like you're the queen of the world.âShocked gasps echoed through the room. The vibe in the restroom had shifted in Kourtneyâs favor.A handful of other women had already gathered around the two like bees. Some had their phones secretly pulled out and recorded the altercation as it unfolded.A supposed world-famous model and idol was behaving wildly and harassing a lady over a dressâit was surely going to make good headlines for the press.Scarlet barely even noticed they were being taped, too consumed by the red haze of jealousy and rage that clouded her judgment. âLook at you, acting like you own this place!â she shouted, her face flushed with indignation.Kourtney, standing her ground, firmly replied, âI am owning it!âScarlet noticed t
Scarlet Thompson glided towards the lavish ladies' restroom with a heavy heart.She felt dejected, each step heavier than the last.She was more than just a blonde bombshell; she was the queen of this realm. But at this moment, she felt stripped of her crown.Despite being known for turning heads wherever she went, tonight, she felt utterly invisibleHer heart sank as she recalled how, for the whole evening, Sebastian hadnât even bothered to look her way.The man didnât pay attention to anyone but himselfâŠ.He sat at his solo table, effortlessly charming, with the air of a king who couldnât be bothered to glance at her for a second while she remained an invisible shadow just a few meters away at her familyâs table.Absolutely devastating!The sting in her chest twisted harder each time she glanced his way.It pained her so much that the man didnât seem to give a fuck about her. It hurt her ego so much.How could he not even acknowledge her?âJust breathe,â she murmured, leaning her we
âHonestly, Sheila? I just thought Iâd wear something nice for the gala. Not everyone needs approval to feel good about themselves,â she shot back, attempting to keep her voice steady.âPlease! Whoâs going to notice you? He didn't even bother to acknowledge your existence. Youâd think heâd at least do something with all that effort you put into your look,â Sheila leaned in to mock into Kourtney's ears, trying not to raise more suspicion from her friends.Kourtneyâs heart sank deeper at Sheila's words, the sting of the truth cutting through the âunbothered girlâ facade she tried so hard to project. Why was she subjected to this? Incensed, she retorted, âYouâre just bitter because you canât stand that Iâm comfortable in my own skin. I'm not insecure about my looks like others!â Sheilaâs expression darkened, the jealousy boiling into new heights. While she and her friends walked around in overpriced outfits that felt too much, Kourtney had simply shone without even trying. That though
The thought of Sebastianâs absence stung more than it should, and Kourtney couldnât shake the apparent truth. Her husband was the elusive ghost of the evening.Although everyone expected him to materialize at some point.âŠâŠThe event proper began and the evening was shaping up smoothly. Just then, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. Kourtney looked around to see what the new commotion was all about.And there he wasâŠ..Sebastian, her husband, emerged, dressed impeccably in his dark suit, his presence magnetic. Instantly, the room gravitated towards him.This was a normal occurrence thoughâHe always commanded attention and respect like it was a piece of cake.He was a man who needed no introductions by the hosts, his name was already on the lips of everyone as they gaped at his arriving figure.Kourtney's heart raced at the sight of him.Sebastian Woodsâinfuriating yet impossibly charming.Tall and powerful!The crowd parted for him like the Red Sea, and he moved without a hint of hesitanc
The entire Woods household was present down to their head servant, Madame Collins.âThese people were indeed weird,â Kourtney thought.It was like they turned the red carpet into their regular house events and weird tea parties.She swallowed hard, reminding herself that hiding here wouldn't solve anything. They were still going to see her anyway.Yet, even as the Woods family paraded down the red carpet, she found herself paralyzed with indecision.These were the same people she had previously spent the weekend in the mansion but she dared not to join them over there on the red carpet.She should be out there with themâher husbandâs family and her chance to step into this world. But she felt like a girl playing dress-up in a world that was far too big for her.To sum it all up, her husband wasn't even with them.Sebastian!He still wasnât here yet!However it wasn't surprising to anyone because Sebastian rarely attended the red carpet with his family at any big events. He was always