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
Chapter One ^ELENA^I stared at the pregnancy test in my trembling hands with mixed feelings.Two dark pink lines. Although the result is undoubtedly positive, I'm still not sure what was the appropriate reaction for me– should I be happy or sad?In the eyes of the world, I was married to the love of my life– at least that’s what I used to think previously. But in the three years of our marriage, Lucas Brown has always treated me like a stranger.Beep!The shrill sound of a message alert broke through my thoughts. “Elena, I just sent you $500k. Please come to the hospital immediately. Aurora needs blood.”Aurora…I clenched the phone, my nails digging into my palm till the extent of drawing blood; but that was nothing compared to the pain I was going through.I felt like I had been pierced in the chest with a knife. The message was sent by “Hubby”, and that's what hurts the most.Right now, it feels like even his contact name is taunting me with its hollow meaning. In reality, our
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 mani
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
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