Nina's POVStanding at the gate of the grand ballroom, I clenched my fists, struggling to contain the frustration building up inside me. I had been here for more than five minutes with Mr. Bernard by my side, while the bouncers stood in our way, refusing to let us in. It was absurd—completely ridiculous—that they couldn’t recognize who I was. They seemed to think I was pretending, faking my identity. I took a steadying breath, preparing to make my move, when a sleek black car pulled up to the curb, and I saw them—Jordan and Alexa.My heart twisted. Jordan and I had once shared a life, but now that felt like a distant memory, clouded by betrayal. He stepped out with Alexa at his side, the same woman who had shattered my world. They looked at me with thinly veiled disgust, as though I was nothing but a piece of dirt beneath their feet. Without so much as a greeting, they turned to the guards, ignoring me as if I were invisible.“Welcome to the party, Mr. Jordan and Miss Alexa!” The guar
Nina's POVAs soon as I saw my husband, Mark, stepping in to shield me from the guards' hostility, an overwhelming wave of relief flooded me. Finally, someone was on my side in this miserable situation. These guards were relentless, practically pushing me and Mr. Bernard out as if we were some kind of riffraff. The nerve! I’d spent hours on my hair, a fortune on my makeup, and my dress—let’s not even talk about how much it cost. The idea of going back without even making it through the door felt like a stab to my pride.And my father… oh, if he found out that I was treated like this despite our family's status, he’d be furious. I could barely manage to say thank you to Mark, but my gratitude showed in the way I clung to his arm, hoping he’d resolve the issue once and for all.But, of course, just as I was savoring that small victory, Jordan and Alexa turned their mocking gazes on us, laughing as if this was all just a show for their entertainment.Jordan’s voice cut through the laught
Nina's POVAs I stood there, my eyes widened in disbelief while Mark held me close to his side. The warmth of his arm wrapped around my waist felt strangely comforting, even though I was still reeling from the shock. How could this be happening? Mark Santiago—the man standing beside me, my husband—was actually *the* Mark Santiago, CEO of Santiago Group, the wealthiest man in New York? I tried to wrap my head around it, but my mind spun.“Are you serious right now?” I managed to murmur, barely able to keep my voice steady. My heart was racing, and I stared at him, searching his face for any sign that he might be pulling some kind of elaborate prank.He gave me that familiar, slightly smug smile, but this time, there was a warmth in his gaze that made me feel unexpectedly safe. “Yes, Nina,” he said, his voice calm and unwavering. “I didn’t lie to you.”Greg, who had been standing nearby looking tense, now turned to face Mark, visibly swallowing as if trying to find his courage. His face
**Mark's POV**The moment Nina walked into the party hall with Mr. Bernard, something shifted inside me. Today, I felt an unfamiliar ache—a strange, raw sensation tugging at me. I hadn’t been this affected by a woman in years, let alone cared enough to step in to protect one. Yet, when I saw a man daring to raise a hand to her, I acted before I could think, my hand instinctively reaching out to her waist. And now, here I was, still replaying that moment, haunted by the warmth and fragility I’d felt in my hold. Nina—my wife in name only—was different. She was unguarded, vulnerable, and it made me feel…responsible, maybe even possessive. She's looking so snatched and breathtaking tonight in her attire. I don't think I can resist her!But duty called, and I tore my gaze from her, watching as she disappeared into the crowd with Mr. Bernard. I took a deep breath, pulling my focus back to the present as I turned to Greg.“So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?” I asked, keeping my
Nina's POVAs Alexa flounced over to Mr. Lawrence, her face contorted into a perfect mask of innocence, her big, doe-like eyes brimming with fake vulnerability, I fought back an eyeroll. Her entire aura screamed, “Daddy’s little girl,” even though I knew—*we both knew*—this man wasn’t her father. From what I’d learned, he was a security captain for the Mark Group, not her biological father, nor any kind of family. But even if he is, I don't really care!But Alexa? She had this knack for twisting any situation, positioning herself as the blameless victim.“Daddy!” she cooed, clutching his arm. “This woman is stalking my boyfriend! She’s trying to humiliate me here, right in the middle of the party.”I almost laughed. “Humiliate you?” The words escaped me before I could help myself, disbelief painting my face.Mr. Lawrence cast a stern look in my direction, crossing his arms in a manner meant to intimidate. Alexa smirked, waltzing back to Jordan, who patted her back with a satisfied smi
Nina's POVAs Mark and I stood there, surrounded by the hum of conversation and clinking glasses, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the stares around us, each gaze filled with curiosity, awe, or jealousy. Mark’s arm wrapped protectively around me, and I could see the resolve in his eyes—a look that told me he was about to make a statement no one would forget.“Nina,” he whispered, his voice deep and warm, carrying a strength that made me feel safe, “Are you alright? I’m sorry I’m late.” His gaze softened, but there was a flash of anger in his eyes as he glanced over at Jordan and Alexa.I gave him a small nod, swallowing hard to control the whirlwind of emotions within me. “Yes,” I replied, steadying my voice, “I’m fine.”Mark turned his attention to Mr. Bernard, his voice carrying a newfound authority. “Thank you, Mr. Bernard, for protecting my wife,” he said, offering a slight nod of acknowledgment. “I have an offer for you. My company is looking for a new partnership, and I’ll
Nina's POV I stood next to Mark on the stage, heart pounding, as the tension in the room grew thicker with every word being exchanged. Alexa’s voice echoed in the air, slicing through the soft murmurs of the guests who had gathered for what should have been a celebratory event.“Who does she think she is?” Alexa’s voice cracked, rising even louder, her face twisted with indignation. “How can she just barge into this family and mess things up? She doesn't know Mr. Mark like I do! And she actually asked him to cancel a six-million-dollar contract! Six million!” Her fists clenched, knuckles white against her skin. She was practically shaking, her eyes wild, darting across the room to find her father, Jordan, who had his lips pressed in a thin, disapproving line.Jordan, with a deep frown furrowing his brows, stood as rigid as a statue. He was clearly trying to control his own anger, but Alexa’s words seemed to fuel it even more. I could feel the weight of their judgment, their hostility
Nina's POVI steadied myself, my fingers curling tighter around Mark’s arm as I glanced at the murmuring crowd. Alexa’s voice sliced through the low hum of chatter. She looked at me with a mixture of triumph and mockery, her eyes gleaming like a predator that had found its prey. Meanwhile, Jordan’s narrowed gaze bore into me with a fury that simmered just below the surface. My heart pounded, but I forced myself to remain calm, keeping my expression neutral as I looked on. They wanted a reaction out of me, a hint of insecurity or fear—but I wouldn’t give them that satisfaction.Just as I tried to focus elsewhere, a figure approached. I immediately recognized the man who had been one of the many people gossiping about me when I entered the room. He was handsome, with a smirk that was more venom than charm. As he walked closer, he didn’t bother hiding his disdain, his gaze fixated on me with an intensity that was unsettling. Mark's posture shifted subtly beside me, his shoulders tensing.