**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 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 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 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 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 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 POVThe tension in the room was so thick it could be sliced with a knife. My heart raced as Uncle Trump, the man I was silently hoping would vindicate me, stepped into the room. His presence immediately commanded attention, and everyone—especially those who had accused me—seemed to shrink back, their earlier bravado replaced by uneasy smiles and nervous glances.Uncle Maxwell, who had moments ago been shouting at me with such fury that veins bulged on his temple, now forced a wide, almost grotesque grin. His voice took on a syrupy tone as he addressed Trump.“Oh, Trump, you’re finally here! How could you forget your sister’s birthday and arrive so late? We’ve been waiting for you,” he said, attempting to sound jovial. But the sweat on his forehead betrayed his nerves.Trump chuckled dryly, his sharp eyes narrowing at Maxwell. “Forget? Maxwell, I didn’t forget. I’m here now, aren’t I?” His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that made everyone flinch.My gaze darted to J
Nina's POV"Uncle Trump, before you go around the table, you should be careful," Mark said, his tone calm yet edged with warning. "There are broken ceramics everywhere."His words landed like a stone in a pond, causing ripples of unease to spread through the room. Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise, darting between the floor and Mr. Trump, who stood frozen for a moment, processing what had just been said. The weight of Mark’s observation hung in the air, heavy and undeniable.Mr. Maxwell’s reaction was instant. His sharp gaze shot in my direction, practically begging me to intervene and stop Mark from saying anything further. His lips pressed into a tight line, and the faint twitch of his jaw betrayed his growing frustration. But I wasn’t about to step in—not this time. If anything, I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms as I watched the drama unfold. Let them squirm. They deserved every second of it.Mr. Trump’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the room, then shifted to the floor. H
**Miranda’s POV** The moment I stepped into the room, I knew she was there. Brenda’s scent lingered, faint yet distinct, like a trail she couldn’t help but leave behind. Desmond was already on the bed, feigning sleep, but I could see right through him. His breathing wasn’t steady; his body language was far from relaxed. I’ve known Desmond for years, long enough to tell when he’s lying. And right now, he wasn’t just lying—he was panicking. I played my part, though. I smiled at him softly, pretending to buy his half-hearted excuse. “Tired, are we?” I asked, walking across the room, my heels clicking against the tiled floor. He muttered something incoherent and shifted slightly, his back turned to me. I made no effort to press him further. Instead, my eyes flickered toward the closet. I didn’t need to open it to confirm what I already knew—Brenda was inside. Her perfume was unmistakable, a suffocating sweetness that always made my stomach churn. How pre
Desmond’s POV The air inside my office was heavy with tension as I returned from dinner with Laila. Her sweet smile lingered in my mind, but not for the reasons she might have hoped. It wasn’t love or admiration that drove my interest in her—it was the plan. The perfect, calculated plan to take over her father’s company, just like I had taken Miranda’s. Miranda, my late wife, who had trusted me blindly. She never saw it coming. I leaned back in my chair, running my hand through my hair, as the memories of how I had betrayed Miranda flooded back. I had manipulated her into loving me, all the while scheming to take her company. And when she became an obstacle, I removed her. It was a necessary evil. Now, with Laila back in London and running her late father’s empire, I saw my next golden opportunity. But she was no fool. Laila was sharper, more resilient, and deeply protective of her father's legacy. Winning her trust—and her hand—would require more finesse. I couldn’t afford to ru
Miranda’s POVThe air in the restaurant was heavy, suffocating almost, as I tried to keep my composure. Across from me, Desmond sat with a grin that stretched too wide, his eyes brimming with an almost childlike excitement. It was nauseating. He leaned closer, his voice cutting through the low hum of the other diners."Miss Layla," he began, his tone overly sweet, "please tell me—you are considering canceling your engagement with Nolan, right? I mean, that would be the best decision you’ve ever made. I’m ready for you. I’ve always been ready."The audacity of his words made me laugh, a short, bitter sound that escaped before I could stop it. If only he knew the truth. If only he understood the depth of his betrayal and the ruin he brought to my life before this second chance. If not for fate intervening, I would’ve been dead by now, buried six feet under while he danced on my grave.Still, I kept my expression neutral, letting my fingers trace the rim of the coffee cup before me. His
Miranda’s POVDesmond blocked my path as I exited the restaurant, his expression plastered with a self-satisfied smirk that did nothing but annoy me. His desperation to hold my attention was written all over his face, and for someone who claimed to have everything under control, he was anything but subtle.“Miss Laila,” he started, his tone a mix of pleading and practiced charm. “I was hoping we could talk.”I didn’t even slow down. “About what, Desmond?” I shot back, barely glancing at him. My voice was calm, but the annoyance was evident in my tone. “Your lies? Your desperate attempts at flattery? Or the chaos you bring wherever you go?”He flinched slightly but quickly masked it with another charming smile. “No, nothing like that,” he said, walking alongside me as I headed into the shopping mall next door. “I just wanted to make things clear between us. I feel like you misunderstand me.”I let out a short, humorless laugh. “Misunderstand you? I don’t think I do. You’re transparent,
**Miranda’s POV** As Desmond blocked my path to the restaurant door, his face wore an expression that was both pleading and frustratingly insincere. I had no interest in entertaining his antics any longer. His lies, his deceit—they were suffocating, and I wasn’t about to let him drag me further into his web of manipulation. He raised a hand slightly, almost as if to stop me physically, but thought better of it. “Miss Laila, please,” he began, his tone low and falsely apologetic. “Let me explain. This is all just a misunderstanding.” I folded my arms across my chest, my lips curling into a faint smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “A misunderstanding? You hitting Brenda was a misunderstanding? Or was it when you suddenly professed love at first sight after meeting me for all of ten minutes?” He blinked, as though stunned by my words. “It’s not like that,” he insisted. “She’s been obsessive. She’s made things unbearable for me, and I had to—” I cut him off with a wave of my hand.
Miranda’s POVDesmond. His name alone was enough to make my skin crawl. A green snake in green grass—a perfect idiom for the kind of man he was. I had known him far too long, loved him far too deeply, and been betrayed by him in ways I could never forget. We had been married for three years, and in those years, I had learned one undeniable truth: Desmond was a master of deception.As Clara and I arrived at the restaurant for lunch, she quickly excused herself to find us a table, leaving me to my thoughts. My gaze naturally scanned the parking lot, and there he was. Desmond. And with him was someone I had hoped never to see again—Brenda.My lips curled into a bitter smile as I watched her wrap her arms around him from behind. The smug grin on her face screamed familiarity, intimacy, and arrogance. Desmond, ever the performer, immediately began pushing her away as soon as he noticed me. His face morphed into one of exaggerated annoyance, but I could see righ
Miranda's POVNolan and Desmond—two men entangled in a dangerous web they believed I couldn’t untangle. Little did they know, I had no intention of being anyone’s pawn. They thought I was weak, someone who could be manipulated, but this time, I held all the cards. I wasn’t seeking love, not from them or anyone. My reincarnation wasn’t a gift for a second chance at romance—it was for revenge.Sitting in my office, Nolan’s words still echoed in my mind. His warning was genuine, his concern palpable. “Desmond is dangerous,” he’d said. I didn’t need his caution. Desmond was my ex-husband, the man who had betrayed and murdered me in my past life. I knew his motives better than anyone.Nolan, on the other hand, intrigued me. There was a sincerity in his voice that made it difficult to brush him off completely. Unlike Desmond, his intentions didn’t seem malicious—at least not yet. But sincerity wasn’t enough to earn my trust. Both men had their sights set on my f
Miranda's POV They were all just barking like dogs, their voices blending into a cacophony of anger and frustration. I stood there, unfazed, watching the chaos unfold. My stepmother and stepsister were putting on a show for everyone in the restaurant, their faces contorted with rage. To me, it was amusing. No matter how loudly they yelled, it didn’t matter. I was prepared for them—more than they realized.But since this was a public place, I knew I couldn't fully indulge in what I wanted to say or do. Still, a part of me itched to stay. I wanted to see just how far they’d go. As I turned to leave, Desmond called out, his voice laced with a desperate apology.“Lila, wait,” he said, stepping toward me.I paused and looked back at him. His expression was conflicted, a mixture of guilt and determination etched across his face. I raised a brow, waiting for him to speak. Before he could, my stepmother rushed toward us, her face red with fury.
Miranda's POV The next morning, I stretched languidly on my puffy bed, savoring the brief calm. The sunlight filtering through the curtains felt unusually gentle, a rare moment of peace I rarely allowed myself to indulge in. That was until my phone buzzed insistently, dragging me out of my reverie. Groaning, I reached for it, curiosity outweighing my reluctance to face the day."Hello, who is this?" I asked, my voice groggy but sharp enough to convey my irritation."Good morning, Ms. Lila," came the smooth, familiar voice.I froze for a second before recognition hit me like a lightning bolt. Desmond. My ex-husband. My lips tightened as I sat up in bed, the sheets pooling around me. How in the hell did he get my number?"It's me, Desmond," he continued. "I wanted to thank you again for what you did yesterday. I owe you one."Feigning calm, I pressed the phone tighter against my ear, forcing my voice to remain neutral. "How did yo