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 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 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 POVI had always been a woman of status, part of one of the wealthiest and most powerful families. But now? Now I am seated on the cold, damp floor of this filthy prison cell, stripped of everything I once was.Suddenly, there was an approaching footsteps and just immediately, I saw a man approaching. He reached out to the prison door and creaks it open with a key. Seeing this man again, the jailer, my heart clenched as fear gripped me. Afraid of what he would do to me this time. His presence always causes me nothing but pain. Whenever he comes in here, I knew he was here to afflict on me one pain or the other.Now standing in front of me emotionlessly, he bent towards me as he held up my chin to make me look up to his face.Giving a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes, his deep and emotionless voice broke the silence. “Not quite the luxury you’re used to, is it?” he taunts, his voice thick with amusement.I shot him a glare, but my body betrayed me. I’m weak. Broken. He noticed.
Julia’s POVAlex was furious. His eyes, cold and sharp, glinted with the kind of rage that only comes from having one’s ego bruised. The tendons on his neck tightened, and his jaw clenched so hard I could almost hear his teeth grinding. His nostrils flared slightly as he glared at me, struggling to comprehend how I had the audacity to throw a cake at him. A bead of icing slid down his pristine suit jacket and his hands curled into fists at his sides. The anger in his expression burned with one question: How dare she?But I dared, and I didn’t regret it.Before Alex could spit out whatever venomous words he had brewing, my stepmother, Scarlett’s fingers latched onto my arm, dragging me out of the hall. Her grip was firm, desperate. I could see the alarm in her eyes as she led me down a quiet corridor, away from the horrified murmurs of the gathered guests.“Are you out of your mind?” she hissed, her voice trembling with barely contained panic. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”I
Julia’s POVOn that day, the news was plastered with headlines about the scandal. Every channel, every gossip column, every blog—everyone was obsessing over the same topic: the broken marriage. The speculations were as wild as they were entertaining. Some said the reason I had called it off was because I’d discovered my ex-husband was a psychopath. Others claimed he was secretly gay. The most ridiculous one was that he had some kind of… well, “problem” in the bedroom.I sat cross-legged on my bed, clutching a tub of popcorn in one hand and my glass of cold orange juice in the other. I couldn’t stop laughing as they paraded expert opinions and anonymous “sources” on screen. If they only knew the truth. My ex-husband was no psychopath. The fact that the whole city had turned it into a soap opera was just the cherry on top.As I was savoring the absurdity of it all, my phone buzzed on the bedside table. It was Isabella, my best friend and the only person who’d been in my corner through t
Julia’s POV The next day, I was woken up by my mobile phone vibrating relentlessly. Alex’s name lit up the screen. He’d called a dozen times already, and a new one buzzed before I could even process the count. I didn’t expect him to be so persistent. In my previous life, he’d hated me, loathed me even. Now he couldn’t seem to leave me alone. I let the phone ring out, the shrill sound piercing the morning silence. I didn’t answer, not because I was afraid, but because I didn’t want to hear any pathetic words from him. Shortly, there was a message notification. I checked the messages he’d sent. “You dare ignore my calls?” I read. I blocked his number without hesitation. He didn’t deserve another second of my time. As I set my phone down. In my previous life, I’d wasted so much energy trying to make him love me, trying to fix what was irreparably broken. Not this time. This time, I’d put myself first. Shortly after I blocked Alex’s number and sank back into the peace of my thoughts
Julia’s POVAt first, there was silence, just a brief pause. Then, she stuttered. “You’re… you are going to the company? Today?” Acting shocked and surprised, maybe even afraid.“Yes.” I responded.I could picture her right then. She inhaled sharply before speaking again, this time more carefully. “Are you sure that’s necessary?” She took a step forward. “I mean, there’s really no need to stress yourself now… No need to rush into anything.”I could feel the nervous energy in her voice, the way she was trying desperately to steer me away. But I wasn’t having it.In my previous life, I had been blind to Scarlett’s true nature. While I was busy chasing after Alex, she was busy embezzling funds from my father’s company, slowly draining it dry. By the time I realized what she was doing, it was too late. She tried to control the company so that her son could have it. She was too greedy to see me control the company all by myself. Also, Scarlett worked hand in hand with Alex to see that ev
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