Chapter Two
^ELENA^ Tears fell freely down my cheeks, hot and relentless. I had just lost my child just because of his precious Aurora, and this is what he has to say to me. “Aurora might need your blood soon. Get some rest.” He said those words, and I quickly turned my gaze at him, still grasping my tummy with both hands. Is this some cruel joke? Or an insult? “You bastard! I must have been blind till now, how come I never knew you're this heartless? How could you ask me to sell my blood to her after what has just happened? If I hadn't been giving her blood all these years, I probably wouldn't have lost our child. Do you understand, our child would have been alive!” I sniffed hard, tears streaming down my face. Lucas didn't flinch, neither did he offer any explanation. He didn't say a word, so I continued. “And as for what happened earlier. Lucas, I didn't touch her. She pushed me, and…” Lucas quickly flared up at me. “Don't be ridiculous, Elena! Why are you still trying to manipulate me? I saw you push Aurora, so there is no point in being dramatic. She's still unconscious because of you.” “I can never give her my blood again. This stupidity has got to stop.” I wailed painfully; but the decision was unshakable in my heart. Lucas’s expression darkened. “Wait, what? Is this a money thing? What exactly are you dissatisfied about? I know you've donated more blood this month, and I've already compensated you accordingly.” Lucas searched my face for an answer before scoffing; “Fine, just name your price. How much do you need?” “I don't want your filthy money, Lucas, you can keep it all! Nothing can compensate for my dead baby, do you understand? I'd rather die, but I'll never give her my blood again.” I managed to yell at him, despite the pain I was feeling. Banging his fist on the table, Lucas got up from his seat. I have never seen him so angry. “I married you on the condition that you'll give Aurora blood whenever she needs it!” “Fine. Let's get a divorce.” I mumbled with a trace of tears in my voice. This was the last thing I could give to myself… peace. Upon hearing that, Lucas scoffed in disbelief, his eyes narrowed to slits. “What? What did you say?” “I said, Lucas Brown, let's get a divorce and let's end this nightmare here. I will never give Aurora another drop of my blood. You know what my biggest regret is? My biggest regret is marrying you three years ago, I don't ever want to set my eyes on you again.” After saying these words, I turned my gaze away from him, grabbing and biting down on the blankets hard to stop myself from wailing loudly. Lucas sneered at me. “You will regret this, Elena. Mark my words!” He stormed out of the room, leaving me to sulk alone. …. The moment I stepped foot into the Brown residence, Lucas flung the divorce papers at my face. “I'm giving you one last chance, Elena. Once you sign the papers, remember, there is no going back!” I snatched the lid of the pen, flipping through the papers. “There's nothing to go back to. My biggest mistake was getting married to you in the first place, how can I regret anything more than that?” I snapped at him. “You woman of unknown origin, how dare you think you're worth anything to the heir of the Brown family?!” Before I could finish, the door flew open, and Madam Laura, Lucas's mother, barged into the house. She marched up to me and landed a resounding slap on my cheek. “Mom!” Lucas tried to hold his mother back, but she was already fuming in anger. Madam Laura continued, despite the way Lucas tried to stop her from fueling the whole issue. “How dare you? You ungrateful fool! Do you know how many women who are dying to have ‘Brown’ as their last names? Yet, you open your trashy mouth to talk to my son in that manner? You are lucky to have been married to my son.” I scoffed in disbelief, rubbing my cheek to soothe the ache and promising to myself that this is the last time. “Lucky?” I laughed bitterly, "Are you saying that I was lucky to be treated like a walking blood bank for Aurora for three years? Lucky to have lost my baby? If this is your definition of being lucky, then I'd rather become unlucky for the rest of my life. What haven't I suffered in the past three years as a daughter-in-law of the Brown's? I was ridiculed, cheated on–” “I never cheated on you, Elena! Aurora is like a sister to me, don't splash muddy water on her! If you have any disgusting ideas about her and me, you better not spit them out of your dirty mouth!” Lucas replied, showing his emotions for the first time. “How can you accuse me like this, when you know the whole story? You know, her only family gave me his corneas, and I promised to take care of her. What do you want me to do, leave her to die?” I snorted at him. “Well, God forbid! I just hope you and your beloved sister live happily ever after.” “Look at this selfish girl's shameless attitude! If you think getting married into the Brown family has been so unlucky for you, then let me tell you, you won't get a penny from us!” Madam Laura yelled at me. I stared at her, watching the expressions change on her face from anger to shock. “Fine. I don't need a dime from you guys. I hope you won't regret this.” With that, I quickly signed the papers and tossed the pen aside..without another glance at either of them, I grabbed my luggage and headed for the door while Madam Laura kept laughing mockingly. I was halfway out of the mansion when Lucas followed me out of the house. He had a check in his hand. “Elena, wait!” I halted, and turned to face him with tears in my eyes. “What more do you want? Do you want to take my life before I can leave?” “Elena, I know you are angry right now, but you're really leaving without taking anything from the divorce settlement? I don't want you ending up on the streets. At least, you helped me keep Aurora alive for the past three years and I'm grateful for that. Here, take this check.” He stretched the piece of paper towards me. My eyes blazed with fury, all the tears drying up within seconds. “Are you for real, Lucas? You still think I married you for your money?” “Lucas, what are you doing dear? Don't give her a penny, that's what she wants! Let her go, I also want to see how she's going to survive without the Brown's. She'll definitely come crawling back to you.” Madam Laura shouted as she rushed out of the house, following her son. Ignoring her, I continued. “Keep your money, Lucas, it's nothing more than pennies to me. Don't just show your face to me ever again.” Just then, the roar of engines filled the air as a Maybach and two Lamborghini's drove straight to the gate and stopped. Madam Laura’s mouth fell open in disbelief, her eyes darting between the cars and me, while Lucas looked equally shocked. I dragged my luggage straight towards the car. “Who are these people?” Lucas asked. Of course, I wasn't going to give him an answer. The doors to the Lamborghini's opened and the guards got out, bowing in my direction. At last, my cousin, Vincent, got out of the Maybach. “Elena, let's go.” He said, and I forced a smile at him. Turning back to look at the Brown's residence one last time with tears in my eyes, I sighed and walked into the already opened car door. Madam Laura and Lucas were both gobsmacked by this. Vincent got into the car with me, and made the f finger at them.Chapter Three^ELENA^The luxurious gold crust gate was flung open, and our Maybach glided into the huge compound. As soon as the car halted, the guards opened the car door for me. Vincent got down first and walked over to my side, stretched out his hand. I held the hand he was offering as I got out of the car, and a bright smile filled my face as I looked around the large compound. I've missed home so much. A lot has changed. I mean, it has been three solid years since I've been here! Three years since I chose that spineless bastard over my family. How pathetic!What hurts the most is that I left my life of luxury, all this comfort and affection… all for the wrong man. And what did I get in return? Heartbreak and betrayal. I didn't only get maltreated, I also lost my child just because of the Brown's. I'll definitely keep that in mind. “Welcome home, little Lena.” Vincent winked at me, and I hit him playfully on the arm, grinning.“You rascal! I'm no longer little. I almost moth
CAMPBELL'S MANSION.Jason's POVBeing CEO of Campbell’s Group, I was used to getting calls that turned my day upside down. But when I saw Grandpa’s name flash on my phone, I hadn’t expected the bombshell he’d drop.I poured wine into a crystal glass, watching the dark red liquid swirl as I added ice. My phone buzzed, breaking my thoughts.“Hey, kid,” he greeted me, his voice gruff as usual. “Edward’s granddaughter is back in town. You remember her, right?”I took a sip of wine, leaning back in my chair. “Elena Brooks, right? Yeah, we met once three years ago.”“Well, it’s time for you two to get to know each other better,” he said, not even trying to sugarcoat it. “We’re reviving the engagement for the sake of both our family businesses. Get ready for the marriage.”I nearly choked on my drink. “Wait… what? Grandpa, you can’t be serious! I barely know her! And you think I’d just… marry her because it’s good for business?”“Don’t be so dramatic,” he chuckled. “You’re a Campbell, Jason.
BARElena's POVI looked around the bar my eyes catching every bit of the neon rotating lights. As music blared around me, my eyes drifted over the room— Men and women dancers, all stripping each other in too much noise and too little space. A place like this was exactly where I didn’t want to be, but Samantha was adamant. She caused it though! And here I was, trying to make the best of it."Sam, are you sure about this place?" I asked in disgust as I could see ladies being fucked around the corners.Samantha was happily sipping a colorful cocktail."Come on, Elena! You need this. It’s time to let go, especially after everything that jerk put you through!” Samantha shouted over the music, lifting her glass toward me with a sly smile.I sighed, swirling my drink absentmindedly. “I know, Sam, but… I just never thought we’d end like this. It feels like a hole I can’t climb out of.”“Hey, cheer up!” Samantha clinked her glass against mine. “It’s his loss, girl. You're free now! And trust
CASINOElena's POV The casino was alive, lights flashing and music blaring so loud it was nearly impossible to think. I pushed my way through the crowd alongside my cousin, who loved gambling here. We found a quieter spot to sit and watch, his focus already on the tables where men were staking serious money. I sipped my drink, content to let him enjoy his games. Then, a familiar voice cut through the noise, casual yet taunting. “Hey man, seems like you’ve won a lot here,” the voice said. “Let me give you the shock of your life—mind if I join you?” I glanced up, and there was Lucas, strolling in with Aurora holding hands. The sight of the two of them together didn’t surprise me, but the smug looks on their faces did. They looked like they were here to flaunt something, or someone. Guess they are married now.Lucas’s gaze landed on me, and a smirk twisted his lips. “Well, well, Elena! What a surprise. I’m amazed someone like you could afford a place like this.” Aurora’s mocking laug
Jason's POVAs the elevator doors slid shut, I couldn't help but smile at Elena. She’d agreed to dinner, and I wanted to make it something special. "I didn’t know you’d be on board so soon. How’s everything going?" she asked with that charming smile of hers, the kind that made it hard to look away."So far, so good. And now, even better. I wanted to thank you for the job," I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. "Maybe I could treat you to dinner tonight?"Elena chuckled softly. "Oh, I barely did anything—you earned that for yourself.""Still, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity without your help. C'mon, I know a great place. I think you’ll love it." I kept my voice light, but I hoped she’d sense how much I meant it.She hesitated, then giggled. "O…okay, but just so we’re clear, this is just returning the favor. I owe you nothing."I laughed as we reached the lobby, stepping out of the elevator. "See you after work," I said, waving, and she waved back, a hint of warmth in her eyes.
Aurora's POVAs Lucas stormed into the sitting room, the anger was practically radiating off him. His jaw was clenched, and he barely glanced at me before dropping onto the sofa. The silence between us was tense, and I could feel his irritation simmering, aimed at someone else who is, Elena.“Lucas, are you still angry at… Elena?” I asked softly, trying to ease into the conversation, my voice gentle.His gaze flickered over to me, but he shook his head. “Get some rest, Aurora. We’ll talk tomorrow.” His words were short, clipped, and I could tell he was trying to hold back.I walked a little closer, watching him carefully. “I get it—you only just divorced her, and now you’ve already seen her with two different men. It’s hard, isn’t it?” I paused, adding softly, “But, Lucas… Elena never truly loved you.”Lucas looked at me, brow furrowing, taken aback. “What are you saying, Aurora?”I held his gaze, steeling myself. “She only cared about your money,” I said, my hand drifting to his thig
Elena's POVI parked my car in the hospital lot, I fixed my transparent eye glasses as I stepped out. This wasn't where I expected to be today, but something in Lucas’s voice—desperation mixed with guilt—had pushed me here. I had to uncover Aurora's dirty secret.I walked briskly into the hospital lobby, forcing myself to remain calm and focused.I walked to one of the nurse in the outpatient department “Hi, where is Miss Aurora’s room?” I asked politely.The nurse glanced at her computer. “Room 100.”“Thank you,” I nodded and headed down the hallway, keeping my steps purposeful. When I reached Room 100, I took a deep breath before pushing the door open.Inside, Lucas was sitting at Aurora's bedside, his hand wrapped around hers. As usual! His shoulders were hunched, his face filled with happiness as he saw me. Dr. Young was standing beside him, noting some things down on Aurora's hospital folder with a professionally detached expression.“Elena! You’re here,” Lucas exclaimed, standin
Elena's POVI parked my car and made my way to the office, hoping for a smooth day. But as soon as I opened the door, there was Samantha, already sitting at my desk with a knowing grin. She was the only one who ever managed to get here before me, and she seemed particularly amused this morning.“Morning, sunshine,” Samantha greeted, a playful glint in her eyes.“Good morning to you too,” I replied, smiling as I noticed a familiar coffee cup on my desk. A little note was stuck to the side: *“Have an amazing day, from Jason.”* I felt warmth rise in my cheeks. Samantha, of course, noticed.“Oh? Jason again? He leaves you coffee every single morning. Think it’s time to call him your ‘little boyfriend,’ don’t you?” She chuckled, folding her arms with a smug look.“Oh, stop. It’s not like that. He leaves you coffee sometimes, too!” I said, brushing it off, even though a small smile crept onto my face.“Maybe, but where’s my *sweet little note?*” Samantha teased, tapping the cup. “The man is
Nina's POV The room was thick with tension, and the air practically buzzed with unspoken accusations. I felt the weight of every gaze on me, each one heavy with doubt, suspicion, or outright contempt. Jasper’s smirk only added fuel to the fire, and I clenched my fists beneath the table, willing myself to stay calm. His smug expression seemed to scream, *Gotcha*, and I hated how easily he could rile me up. I glanced at Shirley, her brows furrowed in disbelief as she looked between me and the porcelain bowls. For someone who had just declared us friends, her face now carried traces of betrayal and skepticism. Her words echoed in my ears: *One of them has to be fake.* I forced a smile, though my heart hammered against my chest. "Shirley, you don’t understand. I—" "Wait a second," she interrupted, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and curiosity. "Antiques like these are supposed to be rare and unique. Then how are there two sets of *Ru ware* bowls that look almost identi
Nina’s POVI couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My heart swelled with emotion when Mark stood up for me so openly, his words carrying a weight I hadn’t expected. For a man who had insisted that this was just a contract marriage with “no strings attached,” his actions lately had been anything but detached. He wasn’t just defending me; he was making it clear to everyone in the room that I mattered to him.Mark’s voice rang with authority as he declared, “As we all know, Miss Miriam isn’t just anyone. She is a world-famous chef who owns some of the most prestigious restaurants globally, including Marissa, New York’s finest dining establishment. Not just New York, but across the United States and even internationally.”The room fell into a stunned silence. Jasper’s smirk twisted into a look of annoyance as he rolled his eyes dramatically. I could practically see the frustration seeping from him, but I wasn’t going to let him get under my skin. Not tonight.“Miriam? Really?” an older wom
Nina’s POVI knew exactly what I was doing. Every decision I had made leading up to this moment was calculated, every step measured. The tension in the air was palpable as all eyes turned toward the box I had just unveiled. A subtle smile crept onto my lips as I placed the contents gently on the table in front of everyone. Their reactions were worth every ounce of effort I had poured into this plan.“Ru ware bowls?” Mr. Maxwell exclaimed, his voice breaking the stunned silence. His eyes widened as he leaned closer to get a better look. “Oh my goodness! These are incredibly rare!”The murmurs that followed were a mix of awe and disbelief. Everyone seemed to forget their earlier animosity toward me as they stared at the exquisitely crafted bowls.“Yes,” I said calmly, my voice steady despite the rush of adrenaline coursing through me. “I stumbled upon this set and thought they would make a perfect gift for this occasion. They symbolize longevity and harmony, qualities that I believe thi
### Nina's POVThe air felt different today—lighter, freer, as if even the universe had decided to give me a break from its relentless trials. Today marked a special occasion: Mrs. Santiago’s birthday. Mark’s grandmother. A powerful matriarch who commanded respect with a single glance. Despite all the chaos that had consumed our lives in the past two weeks, everything finally seemed to be settling into place. Alexa was rotting in jail where she belonged, and Mark had been tirelessly ensuring justice was served.Still, something weighed heavy on my chest, a lingering unease I couldn’t shake. Perhaps it was because Mark and I hadn’t truly connected since the incident. We hadn’t talked about "us," let alone shared a single intimate moment since moving into the hotel. Mark had buried himself in business matters while I found solace in solitude. Was it intentional, or were we both just avoiding reality?Today, though, was about celebration, not doubts. Mark pulled the car into the driveway
Nina's POV The words *step-sister* echoed in my mind like a haunting melody I couldn’t escape. I stared at Jasper in shock, my body frozen, my thoughts racing. What was he trying to say? Was this some twisted attempt to save me, or was he playing at something much deeper?“You’re a gold digger, Jasper! You used me! You played me like a pawn in your sick game!” Alexa screamed, her voice trembling with raw fury as tears streaked down her face. “You’re worse than I ever thought possible!”Jasper’s lips curled into a cold smirk, his laughter cutting through the air like a knife. “Oh, stop pretending, Alexa. We all saw what you did here. Tell me, what exactly made you hate Nina so much? Or is it just your insatiable greed?”Her face twisted with rage, her chest heaving. “Greed?” she spat venomously. “You don’t get it, do you? She doesn’t deserve anything! She’s nothing!”Before anyone could respond, the police dragged Alexa out of the room. Her screams echoed behind her as she twisted and
**Nina’s POV**Mark inched closer, his every step calculated, his eyes locked on Alexa, as though trying to read her mind and defuse the storm brewing within her. My heart thumped wildly, the blade pressing against my neck a cruel reminder of how fragile the thread between life and death could be. I wanted to scream, to tell him to stop, but the fear of what Alexa might do silenced me.“Alexa, listen to me,” Mark began, his voice steady but laced with urgency. “You don’t have to do this. Put the knife down. Nobody needs to get hurt.”Alexa laughed, a cold, brittle sound that echoed in the dimly lit room. “It’s simple, Mark. You sign those papers, and I’ll let her go. That’s the deal.” She jabbed the knife harder against my skin, and I winced.“Mark, don’t,” I managed to whisper, shaking my head slightly, tears streaming down my cheeks. “Don’t give her what she wants.”Alexa yanked my head back by my hair, forcing my gaze up to meet hers. Her face was contorted with fury and desperatio
Nina's POVHeaven knows I did nothing to Alexa. Nothing. I treated her like my own sister, yet here I am, blindfolded and trembling in fear as her venomous words slash through the air. My chest heaves as I listen to her, the sheer malice in her tone chilling me to the bone.“Nina, everybody loves you!” she screamed, her voice cracking with emotion. “But what about me? Why am I always the one left in the shadows? Why am I the one who feels inferior every damn day?”Her anguish cuts through me, but my fear outweighs any sympathy. My voice shakes as I respond, “I didn’t do anything, Alexa! You pretended to be me—you shouldn’t have done that. You don’t know the weight that comes with being part of the McDonald family!”“Shut up!” she yelled, and the sound of her slap reverberated in the small, cold room before I even felt the sting on my cheek. Tears spilled from my eyes as the heat radiated from my face.“I come from a family of nobodies!” she continued, her voice trembling with a mix of
Nina's POV I woke to an unbearable throbbing in my head, the kind of pain that felt like a heavy block pressing down on my skull. The sensation was so intense, it made my eyes ache. My vision blurred as I blinked against the faint slivers of light streaming into the room, trying to make sense of where I was. My head lolled forward, and every movement sent sharp jolts of pain rippling through my body. Slowly, I lifted my head, feeling the cold bite of metal restraints around my wrists and ankles. I tried to focus, but the pounding in my head made even that an arduous task.Where am I?The room was dark, save for a tiny opening high above me that allowed a faint glow of light to seep in. The dim rays barely illuminated the space, but I could make out the crumbling walls and damp, musty smell of the air. My heart raced as I realized I was tied to a chair, my wrists and ankles bound so tightly that the rope dug into my skin. My lips moved, but no sound came out, muffled by the tape seali
Nina's POV:---I could feel the stares of disbelief from everyone in the room, their expressions shifting between shock and humiliation. Alexa’s smug confidence had finally crumbled, her face paling as Mr. Donald, our host, made the announcement.“With these pieces of evidence presented, I would like to officially recognize the lady standing beside Mr. Mark Santiago as the one and only Miss Nina McDonald. She is also known globally as Miss Miriam, the top chef in New York and a culinary icon. Let’s give her the recognition she deserves!” Mr. Donald’s authoritative voice rang out across the hall.A wave of applause rippled through the room. My heart pounded as I stood there, basking in the validation I’d waited so long to receive. I turned to Mr. Donald with a grateful smile, nodding in acknowledgment. Then, I faced the crowd, my gaze sweeping over the sea of faces. The myriad of emotions painted across them was like a symphony to my soul: awe, disbelief, envy, and—most satisfying of