108. Samantha raised an eyebrow as she stared at Shawn, a mixture of suspicion and uncertainty in her eyes. She had no idea who he was, but he looked familiar, like someone she had seen before. Shawn cleared his throat as he tried to hide the surprise in his voice. “It’s great to finally meet you, Mrs. Salvador.” he bowed slightly. Mia smiled. “You know her?” she asked. Shawn nodded. “Who doesn’t?” he chuckled nervously. “She is the most famous female billionaire in Los Angeles. I’ve watched the news and even read the articles and magazines. She’s amazing.” he smiled. Samantha finally smiled, her shoulders relaxing, despite her initial discomfort earlier. She stretched out her hand for a handshake. “It’s a pleasure meeting you…uh…” Shawn took her hand. “Shawn Russell.” he answered, and her brows furrowed the more. “Russell?” she asked to be certain. She knew someone with that surname. Darcel. “By chance, are you related to Darcel?” she asked. Shawn’s eyes widened.
109. “Shut up! No way!” Darcel couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Mia is Aiden’s cousin?” Shawn nodded as he took a bite from pizza he was eating. He had told Darcel everything about Mia, and Darcel had even wanted to see her one day. She had no idea Mia was with Samantha. “Whoa.” Darcel shook her head. Shawn also told her about his conversation with Samantha. “She isn’t really that bad.” Darcel sighed. “I know. It seems she dishes out to people the same way she’s served.” she chuckled. Shawn nodded. “She invited you for dinner at her place tomorrow.” he conveyed and Darcel almost choked. “Wh…what?” she exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock. Shawn shrugged. “You said you wanted to apologize to her, didn’t you? I’m sure she wants to give you the opportunity to finally do that.” Darcel sighed and facepalmed. How on earth was he expecting her to just go for a dinner at Samantha’s house after the clashes they’ve had? It was easy for him to say. He wasn’t the one with the em
110. Richard sat down, watching Sullivan pace around the living room. Sullivan had a huge frown on his face and it made the hair on Richard's skin stand. The silence was deafening, awkward and uncomfortable, and he was finding it hard to keep his cool. He wanted to know what the older man thought but seeing him pace with that murderous look on his face was scaring him. Richard couldn't take it anymore and had to speak up. "It's not my fault," he said, his eyes following Sullivan's movement without him turning his head. "It's not my fault Samantha was so smart. I tried my best to persuade her, but it was like she could see through me. She rejected my offer straight up and there was nothing I could do about it." Sullivan stopped pacing and turned to face Richard. He frowned. "That's why you shouldn't have been foolish around her, Richard. I warned you, didn't I?!" he snapped. "I told you that bitch was smart, and it would be hard to get to her. All you had to do was up your game, inc
111. Ashlyn walked into the house, her red heels kissing the floor as she walked to where Sullivan stood, mouth agape. "I'd close that mouth if I were you. We wouldn't want a fly getting in there, would we?" she chuckled and made her way to the couch, taking a seat and crossing her legs. Bianca stared at her, speechless. She moved to a side and took a seat, waiting to see what would transpire between Ashlyn and her father. Sullivan recovered from his shock and looked at her. "Ashlyn, I thought you were-" "Ruined? Missing? Probably dead?" she clicked her tongue. "I'm not that weak, Sullivan." she rolled her eyes, staring at her perfectly manicured nails. Sullivan sighed, a feeling of nostalgia washing over him as he thought about what had happened between them in the past. He thought to apologize for everything, maybe Ashlyn would talk to Samantha to give back everything she took from him. "I'm so-" "Hold it right there, Mister," she interjected with a raise of her hand, her ton
112. The next morning, Mia sat in the living room, glancing through a fashion dance magazine. Mrs. Theresa had asked her to research some outfits they could use for the competition coming up soon. She took a sip from the smoothie in her hand but frowned when she perceived a stench coming from up the stairs. Her nose twitched as she took it in. "Who's smoking?" she asked herself and stood to her feet. Heading up the stairs, she tried to think. She and Estella were the only ones at home right now so it could only mean one thing - Estella was the one smoking. Mia's face twisted in rage as she balled her fists and headed for Estella's room immediately. When she got there, she threw the door open, and just as expected, Estella was seated on a chair, her legs crossed with a cigarette in her hand as she threw her head back and puffed the smoke out of her mouth and nostrils. On the table was a white substance and some small bottles as well. Mia's eyes widened. "What the heck do you think
113. Darcel smiled when Samantha dropped her off at home. She still couldn't believe that she was going to be part of her idol's art exhibition. And she felt she couldn't have done it without Samantha's help. She turned to face Samantha when they stopped in front of her door. "Please, don't leave yet. I need to do something quickly." Samantha raised an eyebrow. "What?" Darcel chuckled and pulled Samantha into the room. Samantha looked around with a smile. Darcel bit her lower lip. "Please, have a seat," she rubbed her palms together. "Can I take a picture of you? I... I just want to thank you for taking me to see your mother. I won't forget this day even in death." Samantha chuckled and shook her head. "It's nothing, really." Darcel smiled. "It meant a lot to me, yunno. Considering our relationship in the past," she said and Samantha laughed. Darcel chuckled before continuing. "So please allow me take a picture. I promise I won't take much of your time." Samantha shrugged. She h
114. "It's a migraine," The doctor said, her gaze fixed on Samantha who sighed. Darcel facepalmed. "See? I told you it was due to the stress." The doctor scribbled on her notepad and handed Samantha a prescription. "You need to take some time off, ma'am. Your body can't handle the stress anymore. And don't forget to take your meds. They should help with the pain." Samantha nodded, her shoulders slumping. She looked at Darcel, "Looks like I'm not gonna be your good luck charm anymore." Darcel facepalmed. "I can't believe you're still making jokes when your health is like this. You've been stressing yourself out lately. It's time you rest before you body forces you to." Samantha sighed and nodded. "Thanks, Doc. Mara." she smiled and took the prescriptions from her. They were on their way out when Aiden rushed to them. He held Samantha immediately. "What happened? Darcel called to tell me she was taking you to the hospital." he said, his voice laced with worry. Samantha held his
115. Linda, who had not heard from Samantha the whole day, called her line and it wasn't reachable got worried and decided to come visit Samantha at home. She rang the doorbell, awaiting response but she got none. A few minutes later, she hearts footsteps coming towards the door and when the door opened, the smile on her face disappeared at whom she saw. "Estella," she gritted her teeth. Estella was disappointed to see her as well. She had thought Aiden had returned home. She had no idea it was... She groaned and walked back inside. Linda walled into the house and closed the door behind her. Estella took a seat on the couch and crossed her legs while she ate popcorn and watched a movie. The sight alone was annoying to Linda, and she wasn't someone who could keep her mouth shut. "Aren't you ashamed of yourself, Estella?" she spoke up, her expression hardening. Estella turned to face her. "Excuse me?" "I asked a question," Linda frowned with her arms folded. "How can you be so
20.Lucas walked into his Aunt Mary's hospital ward, his heart shattered into a million pieces. The beeping of the machines and the antiseptic smell filled the air, but his senses were numb. He stared at his aunt's unconscious body, her frail form a stark reminder of his own vulnerability.Tears rolled down his cheeks as he recalled Janette's words: "Leave, Lucas." The finality in her voice still echoed in his mind. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of regret."Oh, Aunt Mary," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I've messed up so badly. I've lost her. I've lost Janette."He pulled up a chair and sat beside his aunt's bed, taking her limp hand in his. The warmth of her skin was a faint comfort."Why did I do it, Aunt Mary?" he asked aloud, his eyes welling up with tears. "Why did I cheat on her? Why did I lie to her?"The memories flooded his mind: Janette's laughter, her smile, her tears. He remembered the way she used to look at him, with love and adoration. Now, that same look wa
19.Lucas turned to look at Janette, his eyes filled with hurt. When she told him she had a fiancé, she thought it was all a ploy to get him to leave her alone since she was angry with him. He couldn’t believe she really had a fiancé.Janette looked at him, her expression unreadable. Well… that served him right. He needed to know his place anyway.“Jane,” he called, his voice low and unsteady. “It’s really true? Tell me he is joking.” he looked at Liam, who had a smirk on his face.“Why do you need to know if it’s true or not? Isn’t it obvious,” he walked to where Janette stood and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “She is going to be my wife soon. We are planning our wedding soon.”Lucas ignored Liam and faced Janette. “Tell me, Janette, tell me it’s not true.” he tried to touch her but she moved away from him.She intertwined her fingers with that of Liam and looked at Lucas. “It’s true, Lucas. Liam and I will soon get married.”Lucas felt like a thousand needles had just been
Marilyn chuckled darkly as she continued to pull Chloe's hair. “What does it look like I'm doing, Chloe?” She asked, the bitterness in her voice evident. “Wouldn't it be cool for Mr. Ethan to know that you were spying on him?”“Spying?” Chloe's eyes widened. “I wasn't spying on him. What are you even saying? Let go of my hair right now!” Chloe snapped at her. Marilyn smirked, pulled the hair one more time before letting go of it. Chloe swiftly turned to face Marilyn, her face holding nothing but the anger she was feeling right now. “What did you do that for?” she snapped, and Marilyn chuckled with her arms folded.“You were eavesdropping, so I had to put you in your place. Now let's hear what Mr. Ethan will have to say about it!” she snapped and didn't give Chloe the chance to talk before dragging her into Ethan's office, interrupting him and Alexis.Ethan raised an eyebrow.“Mr. Ethan, it would interest you to know that Chloe here was spying on you and your visitor.” she reported w
Chloe couldn't believe it. Her eyes scanned the variety of food displayed beautifully on the dining table. There was pasta with sauce and meatballs; he even added chopsticks which was her favorite cutlery for when she eats pasta, there was her favorite dessert and cheesecake alongside her favorite drink, strawberry smoothie.A soft music began playing in the background and Chloe felt like she was home. She could feel different emotions all at once; Love, gratitude and happiness. She couldn't believe Ethan went out of his way to do all these for her."Ethan, this is... Wow." she stuttered, her eyes shining with tears.Ethan smiled and led her to the table and pulled out a chair for her. "Sit down, my love," he said, his voice low and husky. Chloe sat down, her heart racing with excitement. Ethan took his place across from her and poured her a glass of strawberry smoothie. "I know how much you love this," he said, his eyes sparkling with love. Chloe took a sip, her eyes never leaving
She doesn't look happy, Easton. She keeps screaming and saying she wants out of here,” He replied, and I sighed, running my hands through my hair. “Can you tell me how you got the famous Nicole Brennan to become your wife?” He asked.“Let's just say we met coincidentally. She was drunk, I was in search of a bride, she proposed to me, I accepted and… here we are.” I narrated to him, and he chuckled, causing me to smile.Apart from Maven, Steve was the only person I could really open up to. He took care of me right from when I was a teenager. He has been my butler from when I was a kid, and whenever I went through a lot and asked him to find his way out of my life, so he wouldn't get hurt, he would always choose to stick with me. We've been through a lot together, and he knew my pains and how to help me manage them. He was like a father figure to me because he did things which my father refused to do for me.I'm lucky to have him.“But why did you accept her proposal? I know you to be a
The drive to his house was taking too long, and it was becoming boring staying inside the car and doing nothing. I turned to look at Easton, but he had a straight expression as he looked ahead.I sighed and tucked a strand of hair behind my ears. This wasn't how I pictured my life to be at all. I was supposed to be on my own, planning my revenge against those dimwits, but here I am, going to live in someone else's house as his wife. No one needs to tell me what can happen if this goes into the news.They'd probably say I seduced him and wanted to use his money to make a comeback.“Aren't we there yet?” I asked him.All I wanted right now was a place to rest my head and get rid of all these thoughts twirling in my head.Easton turned to look at me, his gaze softening. “What? Are you that excited to see where I live, wifey?” He asked and I became annoyed.“Stop calling me your wife, Mr. Easton.” I replied formally, but he shrugged and looked away from me.“You're my wife now, Nicole. Le
~CASSIUS POV~I knew she was going to come to her senses eventually, but I had no idea the tables would turn like this, and she would end up shocking the fucking hell out of me.I stared at her and couldn’t help wondering what changed and why she would announce that I was the one she wanted to get married to out of the blue.I could literally feel the rage emanating from Roman, and it filled me with a certain kind of joy. He had always been irresponsible, prompting the family business to come into my hands after my brother’s tragic death. I practically restructured and reorganized everything, and the company became even better than before. This made Roman hate me, and he was ready to do anything to bring me down.I have no interest in staying there for long since I had my own company, and it is one of the best in the country. I do better on my own, but I won’t watch what my brother built fall to the ground in the hands of his irresponsible son.When I see that he has man up, I will le
~SOPHIA’S POV~I gasped, my lungs burning as if they were desperate to burst free from my chest. Breath filled them like a tidal wave, threatening to drown me from the inside out. My chest heaved, straining against the weight of an invisible force pressing down on me. Panic set in, my heart racing like a runaway train.Suddenly, my eyes snapped open.A blur of colors and shapes swirled above me, slowly taking form. The first thing I noticed was his face – chiseled features, sharp jawline, and piercing gray eyes that seemed to bore into my very soul. Worry etched deep lines into his forehead, and his brows were furrowed in concern.Cassius? Was Cassius dead too? What’s going on?My mind cleared slightly, and I felt a mix of confusion and shock. I tore my gaze from him and looked around. The scent of medicine and antiseptic slid into my nostrils, bringing me to the realization that I was in a hospital. But how? What was I doing in a hospital when I should be dead? I’m sure I’m dead. Ro
My lips curved upwards immediately those words left her. I knew she was not going to refuse the offer, but I was still relieved that she met my expectations.In her eyes, I could see nothing but pain, sorrow, resentment, anger, and a thirst for revenge. The worst thing a man can ever do to a woman is to break her trust and her heart when all she had ever done was love him with all her heart and soul. Once that trust is broken, a woman can go to any length to make that man suffer for every single pain she experienced.Do not underestimate the power of an angry woman, thirsty for revenge.“I’m glad you accepted my proposal, Ms. Zander. Have a seat so we can go over the terms of the contract I have prepared for us.” I gestured to the chair in front of my desk and she sat down.“You knew I was going to come back to you, right? That was why you prepared the contract even before I said yes.” She looked at me, waiting for my answer, while I just smiled at her.Chloe Zander, she was always th