Julia’s POVI saw the surprise look on Alex’s face.The journalists on the other hand paused with their parking. They all turned to me. Then I continued.“My safety has been threatened in recent days. And despite it all, I am terrified. And I’m using this moment to seek help.”Immediately, the cameras were brought closer.Click. Click. Click. Dozens of camera shutters erupted at once. Reporters shot up from their seats, some walked to me, and they filmed it, throwing me so many questions. “Are you saying you’ve been attacked?”“Who’s threatening you?”“Do you have evidence?”“What does the attacker want?”“Do you perhaps know who’s involved?”The cameras zoomed in closer, every angle, every twitch on my face was captured. I gave a small, sad smile and answered only some.“I’m not pointing fingers yet,” I said. “But yes, I have reason to believe someone close to me is behind the threats.”A flurry of murmurs exploded in the room. Alex turned to me slowly, I could see the fear in his e
Julia’s POVHer lips parted. She looked down at her wrist, at the sleek silver watch with the small sapphire inset. Her fingers hesitated. But then, she quietly pulled it and handed it to me.I took the watch and walked back to the stage, each step I took, dozens of cameras followed me.I paused at the center, lifting the sleek, silver watch for all to see. My fingers curled tightly around the watch as I faced the sea of expectant eyes as cameras flashing intensified.Then I removed a chip from the watch and connected it to the computer beside me.Before I spoke, I gave a small nod to the technician beside me. “Play the recording,” I said.Immediately, the technician played it. IJenny’s colleague by name Annie’s voice came first.”So it’s done then? Celeste told you to use the expired batch, right?”Jenny responded. “Yeah. She said it’ll give just enough irritation with lasting damage. You know her, she wants Julia looking terrible. And we followed her orders. It’s not like anyone’s
Julia’s POVI saw the rage in Alex’s eyes. Yes! I was satisfied. So satisfied to see him this helpless! He couldn’t do anything, he stood there, helpless, as he watched me walk away. For once, he had no leverage over me. He wasn’t the one pulling the strings.The next morning at the office, I was seated, my eyes were glued to the screen of my phone. A post from William had caught my attention. It was about yesterday’s chaos. I scrolled down to the comments section, people were torn apart in debates, some wholeheartedly believing the story, others swearing it was rumors.“William always posts lies! Until it’s on the TV, I’m not buying it.”“Why would she be with such a man who kidnapped her family? Is this some sick business deal?”“Open your eyes! Of course, it’s true. This is how powerful people play their games.”The internet was a battlefield of opinions. Some pointed fingers, some defended me, others brushed it off as fabricated drama. A few even pitied me. “Maybe she had no choi
Julia’s POVI watched as Lucas parked his car at the parking slot of the hotel.Lucas approached me, his both hands were in his pockets as he strolled confidently.Now standing in front of me, he explained pleasantries. “It’s been a while.” He paused. Then, with a slight crease of his brows, he asked plainly, "What are you doing here out late at night?”“Just chilling.” I replied with a smile. He said nothing. He studied me for some seconds, his eyes landing on the little bag I was holding and then his expression shifted. “Sure?” He questioned as he stepped closer.I forced a tight smile, there was no point hiding so I’ll have to just spill it out. “Scarlett chased me out of the house,” I admitted, trying to sound casual. “She told me to go back to my husband’s home…” I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “And to make matters worse, every hotel I tried turned me away. Apparently, Alex ordered them not to take me in.”Lucas’s eyes narrowed. He wasn’t a man who showed much emotion. “Your step
Julia’s POVThe instant the words left my mouth, I knew I had struck a nerve. I saw something dark flash across Celeste’s face. Her eyes were gleaming with suppressed fury, she wanted to explode. Her fingers curled into first as she looked helpless. “Let’s leave here.” Celeste chimed in but her words fell on deaf ears.“You arrogant bitch!” Yvonne spat, lunging at me with sudden violence. Her hand came up fast, aiming for my face, but I caught her wrist mid-air before her slap could land.I tightened my grip on her wrist, forcing her to meet my glare. “Don’t dare,” I warned, my voice was low and dangerous.“This should be your first and last time you cross my path. Otherwise, you may likely go back home with a fractured bone. I’m only trying to be nice.” I said.“Celeste, please help me.” She cried.Yvonne struggled against my hold, but I didn’t let her go. Nicole, emboldened by her friend’s attempt, grabbed for the edge of my blouse as if to yank me off balance. She barely touched m
Julia’s POVThey all looked back, to the source of the voice as they saw Lucas strolling forward like a perfect gentleman. Then Yvonne whispered in a very low tone. “Oh my god! That’s Mr. Lynwood.” Yvonne’s gaze shifted to Nicole and then to Celeste and then to Lucas.His presence alone commanded fear in them. I could see how they flinched, taking a few steps away from me. He didn’t raise his voice, nor did he need to. His words were cool and calm.Now standing in front of them, he broke the silence. “Are you finished?” Lucas’s gaze swept across Yvonne and then to Nicole. There was a glint in his eyes, it was cold, penetrating, unforgiving. He took a slow step closer while they took a step backwards. “I was in the middle of an important discussion with Miss Wilson,” he continued, “but it seems you have a penchant for interrupting matters far beyond your understanding.”Celeste’s mouth moved but no words came. Perhaps she knew what Lucas was capable of. At least she has seen him multi
Julia’s POVThose words had barely left Alex’s lips when I caught the way Yvonne and Nicole shared a glance between themselves. It wasn’t just a casual look and then heir eyes flicked toward Celeste. She stood there, visibly stiff, her gaze fixed on Alex as though willing him to notice her. But he didn’t. He didn’t spare her even a glance, and I saw how Celeste tried not to feel embarrassed. Yvonne moved first. She crossed the small space between her and Celeste and then she spoke.“Oh, Celeste… He is here for Julia. I can’t wait to see how he teaches her a lesson.” Then Yvonne gave me a look that described she’s at the winning side.Celeste’s shifted uncomfortably, just for a second, but she said nothing. Nicole followed Yvonne’s lead. “Alex didn’t even give you a glance.” Her words made Celeste shoot her a deadly gaze that shut her up.I saw the way Celeste’s chest rose with restrained breath. She was feeling overwhelmed. She tried not to react, but her hands curled slightly at h
Julia’s POVLater that evening, we arrived at Mr. Sterling’s grand building. As soon as we stepped inside, the dining table was already set.From the staircase, midway down, Mr. Sterling caught sight of us. His gaze landed on me first, and a broad smile brightened his face as he called out my name. “Julia!”He began descending the steps eagerly. His arms opened wide, expectant, and I found myself moving toward him almost instinctively with my lips curving out a genuine smile. “It’s so good to see you,” he said, pulling me into a warm embrace. “How are you doing?” I asked softly as I stepped back, my hands still lightly on his arms as my eyes examined him. His eyes softened. “Stronger now that you’re here,” he replied.Carefully, I led him to the head of the table. He sank into his seat with a contented sigh. I took my place beside him, and Alex settled in the chair next to me.Dinner commenced. Mr. Sterling’s joy seemed to grow with every passing moment, his eyes flicking betwee
Julia’s POV I could see how Celeste flared and then she approached. Her eyes were already filled with tears and then she spoke.“Did you lay with her, Alex?” she demanded, tugging Alex’s shirt.Alex didn’t answer. He tried to speak but no words came. He was speechless.“Did you spend a night with her in this room? Did you touch her? Did you kiss her?” Her voice was louder now as she tugged his shirt harder this time. “Tell me it’s not true.” Alex pinched the skin in between his brows in frustration. “Don’t listen to Julia. She has clearly gone insane.” His words fell on deaf ears.Celeste took a step forward and now was standing in front of me. “Liar!” She snapped and then strolled towards me. “Julia, stay away from my man! You…”Alex’s voice interrupted.“Celeste, you need to calm down. You’ve got a headache already.” Alex tried pulling her into his embrace but she struggled out.“You laid with her, didn’t you?” “Celeste, that's not true.” he defended.“Don’t lie to me!” she screa
Julia’s POVAlex rushed in, his eyes darting straight to Celeste who has dramatically slumped against the sink. Her hands were shaking slightly all of a sudden and her tears had somehow stayed perfectly in place, smudging her mascara just enough to make her look like a victim.“Alex!” she wailed, before he could even open his mouth, she spoke again. “She tried to attack me. And look!” She grabbed the hem of her dress, showing it toward him to reveal the soggy stain of tomato juice. “She splashed this all over me! I was only trying to make lunch.” She added, her voice sounding more like a whisper as she buried her face on Alex’s shoulder. I didn’t even try to defend myself. Not yet. I stood there, arms crossed, watching the scene. I wasn’t afraid of what will come next.Then Alex’s jaw clenched as he turned to me. “What the hell is wrong with you, Julia?” he snapped as he approached me, grabbing my wrist with force. “You’ve crossed the line this time. You’re lucky I’m even still tol
Julia’s POVAlex shot me a cold gaze, weighing whether to respond to me or head towards the door but I held his stare, unflinching.Suddenly, the knock came again.He didn’t say a word. He didn’t even glance my way as he turned and strode to the door. Pulling the door open. Celeste was standing at the door, her expression looking worried and shortly a dazzling smile plastered across her face, she threw herself to him, yet both hands placed around his neck.“Alex.” She called.Alex, still unmoved by her presence, broke the silence first.“Why are you here, Celeste?” Before she could react, she pressed a kiss to his lips but I kept his expression flat, unimpressed.Then suddenly, Celeste’s eyes found me.Her smiling lips froze mid-curve, her entire expression faltering cold. Now, she shot me a cold gaze.“Why is Julia here?” Celeste questioned as jealousy flashed in her gaze.“Grandpa had asked her to stay for the night.” Alex replied. “The both of you slept in grandpa’s house?” The j
Julia’s POVScreaming, he fell to the ground and immediately, I didn’t hesitate. My legs moved swiftly as I rushed towards the door, yanking at the handle as I tried to pull it open but it didn’t open at first trial. Panic clawed through me as I pulled harder.It took me a terrible, frantic moment to realize I was pulling the door the wrong way. I was so overwhelmed.Immediately, I switched my grip, shoved the door the other way with trembling hands, and finally, it opened. Without sparing a glance backwards at Alex, I slammed it shut behind me and turned the key in the lock.I could hear him behind the door, spluttering and screaming my name, his voice was filled with rage. “You will regret this! I swear!”I didn’t dare respond as I quickly began to dress up while Alex continued banging the door, as if to break it. Gradually, his knocking stopped.Courageously, I moved slowly towards the bathroom door. Reaching there, I could now clearly hear the sounds of water, as if the shower wa
Julia’s POV“Now, I already saw what was coming. I could feel my heart, beating so fast.That bowl of soup that Grandpa specially left for Alex just now?We were deceived by Grandpa's little trick.“Alex…” I barely got the words out before he crossed the space between us. His fingers closed around my wrists, rough and impatient, his body pressing into mine as he pinned me to the wall. His lips sought mine hungrily, but I turned my head, catching only the corner of my mouth before I managed to twist away.“Stop,” I breathed, struggling against his grip, panic clawing at me. “Alex, please.”He staggered a few steps forward, trying to regain his stamina. “I want you Julia… You’ve been denying me for too long,” he said, his voice sounding almost drunken. “But not tonight.” He added.I fought harder, shoving at his chest, but it was like pushing against heavy stone that never moved. His drugged state made fear spiked through me. I wriggled free from his grasp with sheer, desperate effort
Julia’s POVLater that evening, we arrived at Mr. Sterling’s grand building. As soon as we stepped inside, the dining table was already set.From the staircase, midway down, Mr. Sterling caught sight of us. His gaze landed on me first, and a broad smile brightened his face as he called out my name. “Julia!”He began descending the steps eagerly. His arms opened wide, expectant, and I found myself moving toward him almost instinctively with my lips curving out a genuine smile. “It’s so good to see you,” he said, pulling me into a warm embrace. “How are you doing?” I asked softly as I stepped back, my hands still lightly on his arms as my eyes examined him. His eyes softened. “Stronger now that you’re here,” he replied.Carefully, I led him to the head of the table. He sank into his seat with a contented sigh. I took my place beside him, and Alex settled in the chair next to me.Dinner commenced. Mr. Sterling’s joy seemed to grow with every passing moment, his eyes flicking betwee
Julia’s POVThose words had barely left Alex’s lips when I caught the way Yvonne and Nicole shared a glance between themselves. It wasn’t just a casual look and then heir eyes flicked toward Celeste. She stood there, visibly stiff, her gaze fixed on Alex as though willing him to notice her. But he didn’t. He didn’t spare her even a glance, and I saw how Celeste tried not to feel embarrassed. Yvonne moved first. She crossed the small space between her and Celeste and then she spoke.“Oh, Celeste… He is here for Julia. I can’t wait to see how he teaches her a lesson.” Then Yvonne gave me a look that described she’s at the winning side.Celeste’s shifted uncomfortably, just for a second, but she said nothing. Nicole followed Yvonne’s lead. “Alex didn’t even give you a glance.” Her words made Celeste shoot her a deadly gaze that shut her up.I saw the way Celeste’s chest rose with restrained breath. She was feeling overwhelmed. She tried not to react, but her hands curled slightly at h
Julia’s POVThey all looked back, to the source of the voice as they saw Lucas strolling forward like a perfect gentleman. Then Yvonne whispered in a very low tone. “Oh my god! That’s Mr. Lynwood.” Yvonne’s gaze shifted to Nicole and then to Celeste and then to Lucas.His presence alone commanded fear in them. I could see how they flinched, taking a few steps away from me. He didn’t raise his voice, nor did he need to. His words were cool and calm.Now standing in front of them, he broke the silence. “Are you finished?” Lucas’s gaze swept across Yvonne and then to Nicole. There was a glint in his eyes, it was cold, penetrating, unforgiving. He took a slow step closer while they took a step backwards. “I was in the middle of an important discussion with Miss Wilson,” he continued, “but it seems you have a penchant for interrupting matters far beyond your understanding.”Celeste’s mouth moved but no words came. Perhaps she knew what Lucas was capable of. At least she has seen him multi
Julia’s POVThe instant the words left my mouth, I knew I had struck a nerve. I saw something dark flash across Celeste’s face. Her eyes were gleaming with suppressed fury, she wanted to explode. Her fingers curled into first as she looked helpless. “Let’s leave here.” Celeste chimed in but her words fell on deaf ears.“You arrogant bitch!” Yvonne spat, lunging at me with sudden violence. Her hand came up fast, aiming for my face, but I caught her wrist mid-air before her slap could land.I tightened my grip on her wrist, forcing her to meet my glare. “Don’t dare,” I warned, my voice was low and dangerous.“This should be your first and last time you cross my path. Otherwise, you may likely go back home with a fractured bone. I’m only trying to be nice.” I said.“Celeste, please help me.” She cried.Yvonne struggled against my hold, but I didn’t let her go. Nicole, emboldened by her friend’s attempt, grabbed for the edge of my blouse as if to yank me off balance. She barely touched m