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
Elena's POVThe day had finally arrived, and I could feel my pulse racing as I took in the sight around me. The entire mansion felt transformed, with every corner draped in elegance. Strings of warm lights and grand chandeliers gave the room a soft, almost dreamlike glow, and the fragrance of fresh roses mingled with the faint notes of jazz floating through the air.I couldn’t deny it—it was beautiful. Perfect, even. But there was a heaviness inside me, a feeling I couldn’t shake, as if something unexpected was waiting just around the corner.Samantha was at my side, as usual, fussing over my hair and adding the finishing touches to my makeup."Look at you!" she beamed, stepping back to admire her work. "You’re stunning, Elena. I swear, your fiancé is going to be head over heels the moment he sees you." She gave me a playful nudge, and I had to laugh despite my nervousness."Well," she continued with a smirk, "I just hope you’re not missing your little boyfriend—Jason, isn’t it? He’s
Elena’s POVMy heart pounded as I tore through the hall, my ball gown dragging behind me, sweeping the floor. I could hear the soft chime of my car keys jingling in my hand, spurring me forward as I clutched my gown, lifting it to clear the way. My breaths was shallow and quick, I fought an attempt to calm the anger and betrayal storming through me. I had to get out of here—away from him, away from the lies, away from everything.“Elena! Wait! Please, just listen!” Jason’s voice echoed down the empty corridor, desperation heavy in his tone. But I ignored him. Running faster.I finally reached my car, phewww! Fumbling, I pressed the unlock button, the vehicle’s lights blinking in response. But before I could escape, his hand closed around my wrist, halting me just inches from the door. His touch, which was usually warm and comforting, felt like iron now— it feels different.“Elena, please,” Jason pleaded, his gray eyes, usually filled with mystery and allure, now flashing with guilt a
Elena's POVThe morning sunlight streaming through the glass walls of the Brooks Group headquarters did little to lift my spirits. Today was monumental—a board meeting with the top executives, the very people who would decide if I was worthy of the CEO title. I should’ve felt excited, confident, even triumphant. But after last night’s revelations about Jason, my heart was heavy with confusion and betrayal.As I entered the boardroom, the faces around the table greeted me with expectant smiles. They were all counting on me, on the Brooks name. I was the heir to this company, yet at that moment, I felt like an outsider. I forced myself to focus, nodding along as the meeting began, playing with my fingers but my mind kept drifting back to Jason—Jason Campbell, or Edward, or whoever he truly was. I couldn’t shake the feeling of betrayal, the way he’d deceived me with a false identity. But this was no time for personal emotions. I tried to regain control, mentally berating myself to stay
Elena's POVI sat at the head of the table, facing a room full of blank expressions. The board members stared at me with closed-off faces, and the energy in the room was quiet against every idea I’d suggested.It didn’t matter that I’d stayed up late planning, revising, or that I believed in this project with every fiber of my being. They were dismissing it all, their quiet murmurs filling the room."It's a bad idea," one of them whispered just loud enough for me to catch.My heart skipped, the words were piercing through the confidence I was trying to build for this moment. I wanted to say something—anything—that would convince them, but every glance exchanged among them was like a silent confirmation of their rejection.Part of me wanted to give up, to accept that they were right, that I wasn’t ready for this responsibility. But another part of me, the part that knew I was capable, I fought to keep my shoulders straight.Just as I was about to speak again, there was a knock on the d
WARNING: RATED 18+ELENA'S POV He walked lustfully to me and unbuttoned his shirt revealing his broad chest tattoo with a cross. He looks super hot, I drooled over him. His body is so perfect with his broad and muscular chest. I breathed heavily, Jason grabbed my head closer and placed a deep kiss on my lips and my neck.I watch the dress inch up my legs with every pull of his hand, baring more and more of me. The sight makes me giddy. It’s the only excuse for what slips out in response. “Should I call you Daddy, then?” He goes still. Just like that, he releases my dress and the fabric falls back to cover most of my thighs. Disappointment sours my stomach, but he’s not moving back. He skates his hand up my side barely brushing the curve of my breast before he grips my chin just tightly enough to hurt. “Is that what you want, Elena?” He presses two fingers to my bottom lip and I open for him. “You want to call me Daddy while I do filthy things to you that you’ve only fantasized abou
Desmond’s POVAfter seeing Laila off, a heavy weight settled in my chest. I could practically feel the rage radiating from Brenda, even though she wasn’t in the same room. She had every right to be furious—I’d publicly humiliated her, dismissed her like she was nothing in front of Laila. But it wasn’t because I cared for Laila, not in the way Brenda thought.I had my reasons. Laila wasn’t just some privileged heiress; she was the key to ensuring my aunt Hamilton could take over the Martins Group. Without that leverage, Brenda and I would be left stranded, just like I left my late wife. But unlike my wife, I wouldn’t let Brenda face the same end. Laila was a tool, nothing more.Still, Brenda wouldn’t see it that way. I sighed and pulled out my phone, hesitating for a second before calling her. The phone rang longer than usual before she finally picked up.“What do you want, Desmond?” Her voice was icy, her anger palpable even through the phone.“Brenda,” I began cautiously, choosing my
Miranda's POVThe director’s abrupt shout rang through the set, startling me out of my thoughts. “We’re done for today!” he barked, his tone a mix of exasperation and finality.Done? Just like that?I stood frozen for a moment, still tasting the exhilaration from the earlier scene where I’d let loose on Brenda. Beating her was cathartic, a raw outlet for the rage simmering inside me for years. It had felt so good, too good, perhaps. And now, they were calling it off?I clenched my fists at my sides, pretending to be annoyed for a different reason as I turned sharply, grabbed my bag, and made to leave. My movements were brisk, almost theatrical, as if the anger boiling within me had nothing to do with the fact that my revenge was being prematurely interrupted.Desmond must have noticed because he rushed toward me, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. “Miss Laila, you don’t have to be angry about it,” he said, his voice soothing,
Miranda's POVI had been waiting for this moment—this one perfect opportunity to settle the score with Brenda. It was almost poetic, really, that life had placed us here. On this set, acting out a scene where she played the mistress, the role she had so gleefully embraced in real life. My heart pounded with exhilaration as I stood across from her, knowing that this wasn’t just a scene to me.This was my revenge.Brenda stood there with that smug expression plastered on her face, her lips curled in a self-satisfied smile as she glanced my way. My stomach churned at the sight of her, but I swallowed the bile rising in my throat. I couldn’t lose my composure—not yet.Desmond, as clueless as ever, stood nearby, chatting with the director. His face was calm, his body relaxed. He didn’t have the faintest idea of what was about to happen. None of them did.“Alright, people,” the director barked, clapping his hands to get everyone’s attentio
**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