**Nina’s POV**We stood frozen in place, watching as Mr. Donald escorted Vivian out of the restaurant. Her hips swayed dramatically, as if she was still putting on a show for Mark, but it didn’t matter anymore. She was gone, and so was her unwelcome presence.Jordan’s face was a mask of pure shame and despair, his eyes darting frantically around the room as if searching for someone to save him. His once-confident demeanor had completely crumbled, leaving him exposed. It was oddly satisfying to witness his downfall.But then he did the unthinkable—he rushed over to Alexa, who was standing with her arms crossed, her expression a perfect mix of disdain and impatience.“Alexa, please,” Jordan begged, grabbing her hand desperately. “Will you give me a second chance? Just one dinner. That’s all I ask.”For a moment, I thought she might give in. Her eyes softened ever so slightly before narrowing into slits. “You’re just a pathetic fool, Jordan,” she spat, yanking her hand away. “Go fuck you
**Nina’s POV**The night was finally here—the highly anticipated date party hosted by my father. My hands trembled slightly as I adjusted the delicate straps of my dress, one of the gorgeous outfits Mark had bought during our shopping spree. I felt an unfamiliar mixture of excitement and unease as we entered the grand hall together, arm in arm. The venue was breathtaking—soft, twinkling lights danced across the room, blending with the vibrant glow of rotating colors. A soft hum of sophisticated chatter filled the air, and I could feel every pair of eyes turning toward us.Mark looked impeccable in his tailored black tuxedo, his presence commanding the room. As we walked, I handed him a small, neatly wrapped box. He raised a brow at me, curiosity flashing in his eyes.“What’s this?” he asked, holding the box carefully as though it contained something fragile.“You’ll find out soon enough,” I replied with a sly smile.He gave me a playful smirk, his gaze lingering on mine for a beat lon
Nina'sI felt Mark’s hand tighten around mine as his panic became more evident. His wide eyes bore into mine, pleading silently for me to stop whatever I was about to do. The tension between us was thick, almost tangible, but I refused to be deterred. I leaned closer, lowering my voice so only he could hear me.“You don’t have to be afraid, Mark,” I whispered, flashing him a reassuring smile despite the storm brewing inside me. “I know exactly what I’m doing. Trust me, just follow my lead.”Mark’s jaw tightened, his lips parting as if to argue, but no words came out. His fingers trembled slightly against mine, and the fear in his eyes made my heart clench. But I couldn’t let his worry stop me. Not now. Not when everything I’d worked for was on the line.A loud, mocking laugh erupted from across the room, drawing everyone’s attention. Vivian sauntered forward, her confidence radiating off her like heat from a wildfire. Her lips curled into a smirk as she stopped just inches from me, he
Nina's POVVivian's laughter erupted, sharp and grating like nails on a chalkboard. Her manicured finger jabbed the air in my direction as if her mockery wasn’t already loud enough. Around us, the others joined her, their laughter rolling through the room like a cruel wave. My cheeks burned hot with shame, and I gripped the hem of my dress tightly, my knuckles whitening as my frustration grew. Only Mark and Jasper stood silently beside me, their gazes heavy with concern."Really?" Vivian sneered, tilting her head in exaggerated amusement. “You mean to tell me you’ve got support from the Northern Group? Please, Nina. You’re always dreaming of impossibilities that will never come your way!” Her tone dripped with venom, and her laughter cut through the air again.I swallowed my irritation and forced a smile, stepping closer to her with calm deliberation. “Shut up, Vivian. You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said firmly, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me
Nina's POVThe room fell silent as Mark lifted the lid of the ornate box in his hands. Inside lay a stunning display of delicately crafted desserts, their intricate designs gleaming under the room’s chandelier. A gasp escaped Mark’s lips as he looked at me, his eyes wide with disbelief. His voice trembled as he murmured, "Nina… how did you…?" I smiled, but my heart pounded like a drum. I couldn’t afford to show weakness now—not in front of Vivian, Alexa, or Jasper. Keeping my gaze steady, I turned to the crowd that surrounded us, their eyes glued to the box. “These aren’t just desserts,” I announced confidently, my voice carrying over the murmurs of the room. “These are creations from my *personal* recipe collection—unique recipes that aren’t in any notebook, let alone the one Alexa claims as hers.”Gasps erupted from the crowd. Even Vivian, who had been smirking smugly moments earlier, faltered. Her sharp eyebrows furrowed, and her lips parted in disbelief. Alexa’s face, however,
I couldn’t hold back the laughter bubbling inside me as I watched Jordan make a fool of himself yet again. The sheer audacity of his antics, the way he desperately clung to straws, was nothing short of pathetic. Did he honestly think he could discredit me with baseless accusations? How foolish could one man be? I couldn’t help but smirk as I adjusted the hem of my dress, exuding confidence.“Oh, please, Jordan. Stop being so dramatic—it doesn’t suit you,” I said, my voice dripping with mockery. “Why must you always act so foolish in front of everyone? Always trying to prove a point that doesn’t even exist?”His face darkened, his jaw clenched in frustration, but before he could respond, I reached into my purse. The tension in the room thickened as all eyes fell on me. Slowly, deliberately, I pulled out a small hairpin. Its delicate design shimmered under the soft lighting—pink and blue with intricate floral patterns.I held it up, turning toward Xavier. “Do you remember this pin, Xavi
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
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
Miranda’s POVThe 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 predictable of her to hide there, thinking
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 Desmond. 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 right through him. I wasn’t r
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
Miranda’s POVAs I stared down at the battered figure of Desmond, I couldn’t help but suppress a sardonic smile. There he was, the man who destroyed me in my past life, lying helpless before me. He clutched his ribs, groaning in pain, his disheveled hair falling over his face. Part of me wanted to leave him there, to let him feel what helplessness truly meant. But another part, the calculating part, saw an opportunity.I crouched down, feigning concern as I tilted my head and forced a sweet smile. “Desmond,” I said, my voice honeyed but devoid of warmth, “are you dying, or are you just being dramatic?”His eyes fluttered open, glassy with pain. “I saved you, didn’t I?” he croaked. “The least you could do is help me now.”I rolled my eyes but quickly masked the motion with a look of feigned worry. “Fine,” I said, brushing invisible dust off my tailored blazer. “But let’s get one thing straight. I’m helping you because I need answers, not because I