Alexa's POV I plastered a sweet smile on my face, but inside, my stomach twisted. That maid—she slipped the VIP card into my bag! I was the only one who saw it, but I couldn’t let anyone else notice my shock. The girls around me, who were all eager to please, didn’t seem to notice a thing.“Oh my goodness, Nina, what are you doing here?” one of the girls scolded the maid, clearly irritated. “Get out! You’re obstructing our VIP guest!” The girl turned to me with a look of apology, “We’re so sorry, Miss McDonald. I hope this won’t affect your experience here. Mr. Bernard wouldn’t be pleased if he found out.”Lily, the maid, looked at me with a glint in her eyes before she scrambled away. She knew what she’d done. My heart pounded in my chest as I clutched the card, trying to calm myself. I had to play this right.I turned to the door, the girls watching me expectantly. Holding up the golden VIP card, I swiped it against the lock and heard the satisfying click. With a self-satisfied smi
**Nina's POV**I stood in the presidential suite, watching Alexa with narrowed eyes. Her gaze darted around the room, refusing to meet mine. I could see right through her—she was lying, and we both knew it. She was fidgeting nervously, her fingers tapping on the strap of her designer bag as if it could somehow distract from the tension thickening in the air.The other girls waited in silence, eyes shifting between Alexa and me, unsure of what to believe. I could feel their doubt, the way they all wanted Alexa to defend herself, to tell us what was actually inside that safe. She claimed it was jewelry—something of “great value.” But I knew better. This wasn’t about gold or diamonds.I crossed my arms, allowing a small smirk to play on my lips. “No, it’s actually the opposite, Miss McDonald,” I drawled, letting the title sink in, watching her flinch. “It’s something very special. A plastic ring,” I said, my voice calm and unyielding.The color drained from Alexa’s face, and her bravado
Nina's POV Frankly speaking, I was utterly exhausted by Alexa's endless lies. It was getting out of hand. She was spinning stories with such ease, and it infuriated me to think that she still believed she could pass herself off as the real Miss McDonald's. The nerve! Watching her prance around with that smug little smile, pretending to hold some high status—it was almost laughable. But I wasn’t laughing. I just sat there, a calm smile stretched across my lips, watching her unravel as I waited for the perfect moment to expose her.Just as I was about to respond, we all heard a commotion outside, and unmistakably, it was Mr. Bernard's booming voice. My lips twitched as the girls froze, all of them suddenly looking as if they’d been caught red-handed. I couldn’t help but think they looked like guilty children who knew they’d messed up. They were trembling in their places, eyes darting towards the door as the voice grew louder."And who the hell is impersonating my guests?!" Mr. Bernard
Nina's POV It was a beautiful morning, the sun was barely rising, casting a soft glow through the window. I groggily reached for the alarm, squinting as I turned it off. I stretched and yawned, blinking away the remnants of sleep. It was almost time for work, and judging by the time on my phone, I was cutting it close.With a small sigh, I slid out of bed, still in my pink pajamas, and put on my fluffy slippers. I shuffled over to the mirror, staring at my own reflection. My face looked a bit puffy; maybe I’d indulged in one too many snacks before bed. "I really need to work on my skincare routine," I muttered, grabbing my facial products and toothbrush.In the bathroom, I turned on my electric toothbrush and began brushing my teeth, feeling the buzz clear my head. Once done, I carefully applied my face mask, then a lip mask, letting the cool sensation wake me up. After a few minutes, I washed everything off, brushed my teeth again, and finally hopped into the shower.I emerged feeli
The morning started like any other, but by the end of it, I knew my world was about to change. Standing in my restaurant,I never imagined today would bring this much drama.---I was excited when I heard Alexa’s sharp gasp. The expression on her face when she saw Jordan, her so-called “one true love,” holding another woman was priceless. For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of justice. Karma was finally paying her a visit.I couldn’t help but smirk as Alexa’s face twisted, a mixture of shock and rage flashing across her features. Her lips trembled, but she quickly composed herself, her eyes narrowing at the couple before her. “Jordan, what’s the meaning of this? Why are you with *her*? And who is she?” she demanded, her voice trembling.I crossed my arms and leaned against the receptionist’s desk, watching the scene unfold like a spectator at a live drama. The corners of my lips curved up in satisfaction.Jordan turned to Alexa, his arm still possessively draped around t
**Nina's POV**Mark stepped in front of me and Jordan, his posture solid and unyielding. The air between the two men was charged, as if the universe itself was holding its breath. Jordan’s jaw tightened, and his dark eyes bore into Mark’s with unbridled hatred.“Well, if it isn’t Mr. Perfect,” Jordan sneered, his voice dripping with venom. “Think you’re invincible, Mark? Guess what? You’re not. Let’s see how you handle this bid, Santiago. I can’t wait to see you cry like the loser you are.”Mark didn’t budge. Instead, his lips curled into a slight, almost mocking smirk. His piercing gaze didn’t waver as he said, “Whatever you think, Jordan. But let me make one thing clear—I’m not like you. I don’t depend on others to survive. I stand on my own two feet, confident in who I am. You, on the other hand, are nothing but a parasite, clinging to people to get by.”The words hit Jordan like a slap. His face flushed a deep red, and his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His entire body tremb
**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
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