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 POVAt this Entrepreneurs Summit, startup teams will showcase their innovative achievements, aiming to attract interested investors to buy out their projects. The investor who offers the highest bid will be able to reach a cooperation agreement with the entrepreneurs. The entire process operates like an auction, each proposal is scrutinized, debated, and ultimately sold to the highest bidder. For my company, this event represents not only a chance to secure critical funding but also an opportunity to establish long-term partnerships that could shape the future of our enterprise.My gaze were still focused on the document in my hands, the neatly printed schedule of the summit was boldly written as I read through. The stakes were higher than ever, and I needed a solid plan.“Miss,” Emily’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Scarlett has already refused the invitation to this summit… as per Alex’s orders. He instructed me to keep the document aside because he won’t be attending to
Julia’s POVI was shocked that such a coincidence could happen.The handsome stranger from the club, Lucas turned out to be the CEO of Lynwood Company. My pulse quickened as the realization but was quick to compose.“Nice to see you again,” I said, smoothing my expression.“I’m sorry.” I said, realizing I had overreacted.Lucas’s lips curved into a faint smile. “No need to apologize. Life is full of surprises, isn’t it?” Lucas leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “You know, I still remember that dance we had at the club. You were bold, confident… pressed right up against me even though you weren’t a good dancer.”I chuckled out a smooth short laugh.“And then,” he continued, ignoring my flustered state, “you had the guts to put Alex in his place. That was something.”“It just happened.” I replied.Laughter erupted around the table. Lucas shook his head, amused. “Whatever it was, it was damn entertaining.”He leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking softly bene
Julia’s POVI was shocked by Lucas’s sudden intimacy, the way he acted in front of everyone towards me that made them speechless as if he had every right to hold me that way I could practically feel the weight of countless gazes, stunned silence washing over as we continued to walk while there were flashes of light coming from countless shots from different camera men. Just as I was about to break free, Lucas leaned down slightly, his lips close to my ear. “With such a great opportunity, aren’t you going to take advantage of me?” His voice was smooth, teasing, and entirely. Then came that smirk. I shot him an exasperated look and smiled at his words. On one hand, I thought he was being the epitome of narcissism, acting as though I should be grateful for his attention. But on the other… Well, he had a point. Lucas Lynwood was breathtakingly handsome, far more than Alex had ever been. Sharp features, intense eyes, an aura of quiet dominance that made everyone in the room acknowledge hi
Julia’s POVAlex and Celeste walked into the dining room, fingers intertwined. Celeste smiled slightly, tucking a strand of her perfectly curled hair behind her ear as Alex pulled out her chair and helped her sit down with all the gallantry of a man starring in his own romantic drama. Alex sat beside her too.“Try this,” Alex said softly, lifting a piece of seared scallop from his plate and gently feeding it to her.Celeste opened her mouth with reluctance, cheeks flushing in shyness as if the moment embarrassed her, though she clearly adored every bit of attention from Alex and I knew. “Alex, not in front of your wife,” she whispered with a coy smile, her eyes moving briefly toward me. “It’s not appropriate.” She added.Alex chuckled, dabbing at the corner of her lips with his napkin to clean the stain in my mouth.“Don’t worry about her.” He replied.I smiled and took a sip of my wine, as if their actions were invisible in my eyes. “This food is amazing,” I said, cutting into my sal
Julia’s POV Alex was definitely here to pick me and take me back home.His car was parked by the curb, sleek and black car like always, his silhouette unmistakable even through the tinted windshield. I saw him lean forward in his seat, waiting, expecting me to come to him like a good wife.The moment I pulled Lucas’s car door open, i slid inside the front seat and closed the door.“Drive,” I said. Lucas didn’t question me. He simply pulled into the lane but we didn’t get far.Alex’s car swerved abruptly, cutting us off. Alex’s tires screeched. Lucas slammed the brakes, jolting us forward with a sharp jerk.“For God’s sake,” Lucas muttered, gripping the wheel. Before I could respond, Alex was already out of his car and striding toward us. His jaw clenched as I locked the doors immediately.Alex yanked the handle on my side. When it wouldn’t budge, he pounded his fist against the window.“Lucas! Open the damn door!” he shouted. “Let my wife out of the car!”I didn’t move. I sat as
Julia’s POVLucas? Seeing Lucas’s message, I am extremely confused why but then I waved that thought and then decided to type a reply. I was just about to type a reply that I had been so busy lately and that’s why I haven’t got to see him when Lucas sent another message, it was a photo. I clicked on the image and to my surprise, It was the official Havemont invitation, elegant parchment sealed with a golden crest. My fingers paused mid-type. He followed it up with a message. “I got a special invitation at Havemont but I won’t be able to attend on that day. I’ve got some arrangements I can’t reschedule. But I want you to have this. It’s your mother’s and must be important to you, so I think this invitation will be more useful in your hands than being wasted by me .”What a lucky day for me! I needed a thing so much and someone just handed it to me!But how did Lucas know that it was my mother’s necklace ?I stared at the photo, then back at the message. I couldn’t believe everything
Julia’s POVThere was no way I would allow Alex to gift Celeste my mother’s necklace so I tried to make Alex give up by belittling that pearl necklace. “I can’t believe Celeste wants something horrible, nothing fancy,” I scoffed as I stepped forward, folding my arms across my chest. “There’s nothing rare about pearls anymore. They’re practically manufactured in bulk these days.”Alex didn’t even turn to look at me. He was too busy admiring the dainty luster of the necklace. I took another step forward. “Seriously, Alex. Don’t you think you should explain to her she’s making the wrong choice? This necklace isn’t even that impressive.”He looked at me finally. “Your opinion wasn’t asked for. It’s Celeste’s choice, not yours. If she wants it, she will have it.” A few customers nearby glanced over but I didn’t care. “This necklace will fade in no time, trust me.” Alex ignored me before he finally spoke. “I think it’s sweet. A man who doesn’t hesitate to give his woman what she wants.
Julia’s POVThe moment I saw the necklace, my heart felt a sudden relief. The necklace was a pearls strung together in a flawless strand, creamy white, perfectly round, with the faintest luminescent sheen that shone in the light like moonlight on water. The necklace’s importance likely stems from its deep emotional value to me. It was my mother’s favorite newer jewelry. It has been a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations of my great grand mother and to my grandmother and then to my mother. It’s a quiet moment of connection of the family. I want to find it because losing it feels like losing a piece of my soul, my mother is supposed to pass it to me.I was extremely excited.“I’ll call you when I need you.” I said to the maid massaging me and she nodded and left the room.Then I continued reading. “t’s a private auction, by Invitation only.”I didn’t wait for her to finish.“Find a way,” I’d said. “Please, Emily. I need to be there. That necklace, it’s not just some hei
Julia’s POVIt felt so damn good. Pretending to be weak, letting those tears roll down my cheeks at just the right moment, what an act. I had simply mimicked Celeste, that master manipulator, and it worked like a charm. Alex punished Stella without hesitation, like some knight defending his damsel. And the best part? I didn’t even have to beg.His gaze landed on me, his brows furrowed.“You didn’t even thank me,” he said. I tilted my head, keeping my tone neutral. “Thank you? For what?”His expression shifted, disbelief flashing across his face. “For defending you. For standing up to Stella.”“I thought it was only right for you to punish your misbehaving maid. She disrespected me, didn’t she? I’m your wife.”Alex scoffed. “That doesn’t mean you can take my support for granted.”“Support? Alex, you did the bare minimum. Do you expect applause every time you remember you’re married?”He stared at me, speechless.“I don’t need to thank you for doing what you should’ve done in the first
Julia’s POV Immediately, I saw Stella’s change of reaction. She looked tensed now. “I’m sure the CCTV wouldn’t lie.” I added. Alex stared at me and then at Stella. And then Alex and I made our way towards the room, Stella trailing a step behind us. I could feel Stella stealing glances at me while Alex’s expression remained unreadable. Reaching the bathroom, there was no camera inside the bathroom, only one stationed right outside the door. That single camera was the only eye that had captured what happened. I stopped just beneath the camera’s angle and looked up and then my fingers clutched the sleeve of Alex’s jacket, tugging at him ever so slightly. He glanced at me and then opened his phone since it was connected to the camera. Stella stuttered. “Sir…” but Alex ignored her as his attention was on his phone, trying to access the CCTV camera. Shortly, the video began to play. The image of Stella appeared on the screen , though not clear enough. It showed Stella yankin
Julia’s POVShe gasped, but I wasn’t done.With no words, I grabbed her by the neck, my cold gaze biting into her with no emotions as I spoke. “Don’t. You. Dare. Speak. To. Me. The. Way. You. Always. Did.” I gripped her more firmly and pulled her closer. “Don’t you dare!” I pushed her backwards and then I grabbed the stick again and hit the mirror twice.“You want a show? Here. Watch me destroy the mirror.” I spat, scattering the glasses all over with the stick.“Go tell him I did it. Maybe he’ll promote you to his second bed warmer.”Her mouth hung open but no words came. She looked speechless because she hadn’t expected me to fight back. That weak Julia died a long time ago.“You… you’re insane!” She stuttered.“No,” I said coldly. “I’ve just had enough.”I didn’t care. Let him know. Let him see what happened when he turned me into a prisoner in my own life. Let him come back and find pieces of his expensive glass shredded on the floor. “I’m not your servant or Alex’s,” I hissed
Julia’s POV“I’m not going with you,” I said.Alex stared at me. No more drama from you.” He paused and continued. “I have to go to the company,” he added. There’s a mess I need to clean up. But I can’t leave you here. You will cause another trouble.” I looked away. “I can take care of myself.”He took a step closer, his voice sounding impatient. “Grandpa’s health is unstable. I’m not risking it. You’re coming with me.”“I don’t want to go to your house,” I murmured.Alex didn’t reply. He didn’t give me the chance to argue again, either. He entered the room and took my things and then reached for my arm, dragging me towards his car. “At least wait for grandpa’s return.” I said but my words fell on deaf ears. The ride was silent. I stared out the window, refusing to meet his gaze, though I felt him glance at me more than once occasionally. The moment we pulled into the driveway of his mansion, the memories began to flow back as I remembered the cold, elegant, immaculate humiliatio