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 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
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
CASINOElena's POV The casino was alive, lights flashing and music blaring so loud it was nearly impossible to think. I pushed my way through the crowd alongside my cousin, who loved gambling here. We found a quieter spot to sit and watch, his focus already on the tables where men were staking serious money. I sipped my drink, content to let him enjoy his games. Then, a familiar voice cut through the noise, casual yet taunting. “Hey man, seems like you’ve won a lot here,” the voice said. “Let me give you the shock of your life—mind if I join you?” I glanced up, and there was Lucas, strolling in with Aurora holding hands. The sight of the two of them together didn’t surprise me, but the smug looks on their faces did. They looked like they were here to flaunt something, or someone. Guess they are married now.Lucas’s gaze landed on me, and a smirk twisted his lips. “Well, well, Elena! What a surprise. I’m amazed someone like you could afford a place like this.” Aurora’s mocking laug
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
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 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,
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'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 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’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