Stanley’s POV"Flora!" I screamed, my voice thick with rage and disbelief.She turned to look at me, her face contorted in shock, and just as our eyes met—I woke up.My breath came in short gasps as I shot up from the bed, my heart pounding against my chest. Sweat clung to my forehead, and the remnants of the dream still lingered in my mind. I rubbed my temples, cursing under my breath.It was just a dream.A damn dream.But why the hell was I still thinking about her? Why was she still tormenting me even in my sleep?I glanced at the clock. It was the middle of the night, yet sleep had completely abandoned me. With a frustrated sigh, I threw off the duvet, got out of bed, and stepped into the surprisingly bright hallway.As I walked past Flora’s room, I instinctively slowed my steps. The door was shut, but just standing there made my chest feel heavy. I hated that I still felt anything at all. It had been weeks, and yet, the hurt refused to fade.Shaking my head, I continued tow
Flora’s POVI waited.The sound of Stanley’s footsteps echoed through the hallway as he left the house. I stayed perfectly still in my bedroom, cradling Aurora close to my chest, listening intently for the sound of the front door closing.A few moments later, I heard the unmistakable roar of his car engine as he drove away.Only then did I let out the breath I’d been holding.I had been avoiding him since last night. His words still stung like fresh wounds, reopening the pain I had desperately tried to bury. I knew Stanley hated me, but to call my daughter a bastard? That was a level of cruelty I hadn’t been prepared for.I pressed a soft kiss to Aurora’s forehead. "We’re okay," I whispered, even though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to reassure her or myself.Carefully placing her back into her crib, I stood and stretched before making my way to the bathroom. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the exhaustion that clung to me like a second skin.When I finally ste
Flora’s POVI sat in a secluded corner of the restaurant, my hands wrapped around a lukewarm cup of tea. Aurora was nestled in my arms, her tiny breaths warm against my chest. I prayed silently that she wouldn’t cry, that she wouldn’t cause a scene. The last thing I needed was attention.My eyes flickered to the entrance every few seconds, scanning the faces of strangers. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched.Then, I saw him.Michael walked into the restaurant, his gaze sweeping the room until he spotted me. A waitress approached him, saying something before motioning in my direction. He nodded and made his way over, his expression unreadable.As soon as he reached me, his eyes landed on Aurora. He stretched a hand forward, but I pulled my daughter closer, my arms tightening around her protectively.Michael let out a low chuckle and raised his hands in surrender. “Relax, Flora. I’m not here to snatch her from you.”I said nothing. I simply stared at him, waiting.
Flora’s POVThe moment I stepped into the house, I knew something was wrong. Chloe and her mother are standing in the middle of the living room, their arms crossed, their eyes filled with contempt."Where have you been?" Chloe snaps, her voice laced with irritation.I exhale sharply. "It’s none of your business. I need to rest." I shift Aurora in my arms and make a move toward the staircase.But of course, they won’t let me go that easily. Chloe's mother steps forward, her eyes blazing with anger. “Don’t think you can just waltz in here and ignore us, Flora,” she spits. 'We know all about your little escapade.'"I felt a chill run down my spine as Chloe's mocking gaze met mine. 'Yes, Flora, we know all about your meeting with your lover,' Chloe sneers, her voice dripping with malice.My heart sank, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. “How did they find out? And what do they plan to do with this information?”Chloe's steps forward, her eyes flashing with fury. "We know ev
Stanley’s POVChloe’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she stepped closer to me. “You did the right thing, big brother,” she said, her voice smug and victorious.I didn’t reply. I couldn’t. My throat felt tight, and my chest burned with something I couldn’t name. Instead of acknowledging her, I turned on my heel and walked toward the stairs. But before I could take a step up, my mother’s voice cut through the air.“Stanley,” she called, her tone firm and expectant.I stopped, my grip tightening on the railing. I turned slightly, meeting her scrutinizing gaze.“What made you change your mind?” she asked, her brows furrowed. “Yesterday, you were still tolerating that woman. What happened?”I exhaled slowly, masking the storm raging inside me. “What, Mother? You’re not happy about it?”Her lips curled into a pleased smirk, but something was calculating in her eyes. “Oh, I’m happy,” she admitted. “But it’s a little… sudden. A little suspicious.”“There’s nothing suspicious about it,
Flora’s POVThe morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow across my bedroom. I should get up, get dressed, maybe even go downstairs but I don’t. I can’t. The thought of facing anyone in this house makes my stomach turn.I pull my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around myself for comfort. My phone sits beside me on the bed, and I glance at the screen. Jessica should be here soon. I called her early this morning, needing someone to talk to.A soft knock at the door startles me.“Come in,” I call, my voice weaker than I’d like.Jessica steps inside, her expression unreadable. I don’t waste any time. “Stanley wants a divorce.”I watched her closely, searching for a reaction, but she didn't look shocked. She doesn’t gasp or even blink in surprise.I narrow my eyes. “You knew, didn’t you?”She sighs, shifting on her feet. “I didn’t know for sure,” she admits. “But I figured he would do something about the marriage sooner or later.” She hesitates. “Especially sin
Jessica's POV I step out of my car, inhaling deeply as I approach the house. My heart is pounding, but I keep my expression blank. I already know what’s waiting for me inside, and I refuse to let him see any fear.As I push the door open, I spot Michael sitting on the couch, a half-empty bottle of bourbon on the table in front of him. His fingers lazily swirl the amber liquid in his glass, his gaze dark and unreadable.But it’s not the alcohol that makes my stomach tighten—it’s the whip and the gun lying beside the bottle.I exhale through my nose. So this is how it’s going to be.Michael lifts his gaze to me, his lips curling into a slow, dangerous smile. “Jessica,” he drawls, his voice laced with amusement.I don’t return the greeting. Instead, I step forward and fold my arms across my chest. “Whatever you’re planning to do, don’t,” I say sharply. “You’ll regret it.”His smile doesn’t falter. In fact, it widens. “Regret?” He takes a slow sip of his drink before setting the glass d
Stanley's POV I sit on the edge of my bed, rubbing my temples as the dull throb of a hangover pounds in my skull. My mind is hazy, but one thing is clear, I spent the night in Flora’s room.I exhale sharply, running a hand through my hair. What the hell was I thinking? How did I even end up there? I try to recall every detail, but the only thing I clearly remember is the warmth of her embrace, the softness of her voice, and the way she looked at me with tears in her eyes.Damn it.I push myself off the bed and head straight to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. I can’t let myself get caught up in emotions. I made a decision, and I need to follow through with it.After quickly freshening up, I grab an aspirin from the medicine cabinet and down it with a glass of water. The bitter taste lingers, but I don’t care. I need to focus.I pick up my phone and dial my secretary’s number. She picks up on the first ring."Mr. Hudson?""Make sure my meeting with the press today pu
Flora’s POVI sit in the car, watching the city lights blur past through the window, and for a moment,I can’t breathe.Did I just do that?Did I really sit through a dinner with Stanley and Jessica like it didn’t break every nerve in my body? Did I smile? Stay calm? Keep my voice even?I did.And I didn’t just survive it… I owned it.I blink, looking down at my hands, still slightly trembling, but steady enough to clench the edge of my dress. I feel raw inside, like I’ve been skinned emotionally, but on the outside,I looked untouched. That has to count for something.I glance to the other seat where the nanny holds Aurora gently. She’s fast asleep, cheeks flushed from the night, her tiny hand curled around the edge of her bunny plushie. So peaceful. So soft.I swallow the lump in my throat.The nanny offers me a small, knowing smile. “She didn’t even stir. Must’ve been a long day.”“Yeah,” I say, voice hoarse. “For both of us.”I lean forward, tapping the glass. “Let’s go. I just
Flora’s POVIt’s almost time to leave, but my heart won’t stop racing.I pace the living room twice, clutching my handbag like it might fly away if I let go. Aurora’s dressed already,hair done in a sweet puff, her tiny hands playing with the butterfly clips in her curls.I turn to Mama. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I feel like this is a mistake.”She walks over and touches my shoulder gently. “It’s not a mistake, Flora. You’re just anxious. Breathe, alright? Maybe this dinner is a good thing.”I glance toward the window. It’s already getting dark.“Be positive,” she adds. “Whatever happens tonight, just stay calm. Don’t let anyone rattle you.”I nod slowly, then my phone rings, interrupting the moment.Unknown number.I hesitate, then swipe to answer. “Hello?”“Miss Flora,” a familiar voice says, low and firm. It’s the agent. “You’ll be accompanied to your meeting tonight. My men are waiting outside your house.”“What?” I blink. “How did you even—?”But the line goes dead.I
Flora's POVI stare at the file on my desk like it might reach out and bite me. My heart’s been beating too fast since I saw his name,Stanley Davis,boldly written under the “eliminate” column. It doesn’t make sense. Nothing makes sense anymore.I pace the floor of my office, my heels clicking too loudly against the tiles. I want to scream, throw something, demand answers,but I don’t even know who to direct my anger to. Senator Jones? Mr. Rivera? The agent who dropped this bombshell on my desk and vanished like smoke?God, I want to go to the senator’s house. I want to grab him by the collar and ask what twisted game he’s playing. But I can’t. I think of my mom. I think of Aurora—her little giggles, the way she wraps her tiny fingers around mine like I’m her entire world.If I make the wrong move, if I provoke the wrong man… they’ll pay the price.I sit down slowly, running my fingers through my braids, trying to breathe through the chaos. I keep glancing at the door, hoping the age
Jessica’s POVThe hospital smells like antiseptic and quiet desperation. I walk briskly through the corridor, not making eye contact with anyone. I’m not here for small talk or polite nods. I’m here to get things done. Ruthlessly.I reach the doctor’s office and knock once before stepping in without waiting for a response. Dr. Franklin looks up from his desk, startled.“Miss—” he starts, standing as if unsure whether to greet me or brace himself.I cut him off with a smile. “Sit down, doctor. I won’t take much of your time.”His nervous energy is almost amusing. I close the door behind me and walk to his desk slowly, deliberately, like I own this hospital. In many ways, I do,money talks, and mine never stutters.“I need a favor,” I say, placing my purse on the edge of his desk. “Stanley’s mother… I want her drug regimen changed.”His brows knit together. “Changed?”“Yes,” I reply smoothly. “Swap it with something… a little more effective at finishing the job. Something that will sl
Jessica’s POVStanley is halfway down the porch steps when I rush out, clutching the thick file against my chest.“Wait!” I call out, trying not to sound desperate. “You forgot something.”He slows but doesn’t stop until he’s by the car door. I reach him just as he swings it open, his brows pinched and expression already tense. He’s always tense lately.“What is it now?” he asks, not even bothering to look at me.I shove the file into his hands. “It’s everything I’ve put together for the wedding. A summary. Venues, press coordination, stylist options, dates. You said we should get things moving, so I did.”He stares at the file for a beat, then tosses it onto the passenger seat like it’s yesterday’s trash. “Thanks,” he mutters without enthusiasm. “I have to get to work, Jessica. I’ll stop by the hospital after.”I nod quickly, stepping back from the car, forcing a soft smile onto my face. “Of course. I’ll meet Chloe at the hospital and stay with your mom for a bit. You don’t have
Flora’s POVThe elevator dings softly as it stops on my floor, and the doors glide open. I step out into the office, my heels clicking sharply against the polished tiles. The morning buzz has already started,phones ringing, printers humming, employees moving about with forced smiles and quick steps. But I have no time for pleasantries or distractions today. I go straight for Mr. Rivera’s office.I don’t bother to knock. I push the door open, stepping in with a quiet resolve that masks the storm brewing inside me.Mr. Rivera looks up from behind his desk, eyes narrowing slightly as he sees me. “Flora,” he says slowly, drawing out the syllables like he’s trying to figure out which version of me walked through the door. “I’m surprised to see you here.”I don’t answer. Not immediately. I let the silence stretch just a little. I remain standing, my arms at my sides, trying to steady the pounding in my chest.He raises an eyebrow when I don’t speak, fingers tapping lightly on the edge
Stanley’s POVThe door clicks shut behind us as we step into the house. Silence stretches across the room, thick and tense. I don’t say a word. I don’t have the strength to start something I won’t be able to finish tonight.Jessica walks ahead of me, heels tapping lightly against the polished floor. When I attempt to head for the stairs, she moves fast,almost too fast,planting herself in front of me, arms folded and head tilted in that practiced way of hers.“Are you still mad at me?” she asks, voice calm but with that underlying edge I’ve come to recognize. The one she uses when she’s trying to gauge whether I’m malleable enough to manipulate.I exhale slowly. “Jessica, I’m tired. I’ve been at the hospital for hours.”“You didn’t answer my question.”I look at her. Really look at her. The woman I married for obligation, not love. Her face is painted perfectly, not a flaw out of place, but behind that pretty mask is the chaos she caused just hours ago. My mother, injured. Hit wit
Jessica's POV I sit in the hospital hallway, crossing my legs as I scroll mindlessly through my phone. My nails tap against the screen, the only sound in the otherwise quiet corridor. Stanley has been inside his mother’s room for a while now, and I can only imagine the dramatic little scene unfolding in there.Poor Stanley.He still doesn’t understand the game we’re playing.A doctor walks past me, and I rise gracefully from my seat, flashing my most charming smile. “Doctor?”He stops, giving me a polite nod. “Yes, Miss?”I step closer, lowering my voice. “I heard that my dear mother-in-law to be might be discharged soon. Is that true?”The doctor glances at his clipboard. “Yes. She’s stable, and we’re expecting to clear her for discharge either tomorrow or by the weekend.”I hum, tilting my head. “I see.” I pretend to hesitate before leaning in slightly. “Would it be possible to delay that?”He frowns. “Delay it?”I let out a soft, almost embarrassed laugh. “It’s just that she’s had
Flora’s POVI walk into the towering glass building, the sound of my heels clicking against the pristine marble floor. The receptionist greets me with a polite smile, and I nod in acknowledgment before heading toward the conference room where my meeting with Mr. Rivera is scheduled.As I push open the heavy wooden door, my eyes immediately land on Senator Boris. He’s seated at the far end of the table, deep in conversation with Mr. Rivera and two other men in dark suits. The moment he sees me, his sharp gaze flickers to my wrist.“That bracelet…” His voice is low, almost thoughtful. “It looks familiar.”I glance down at the delicate silver chain wrapped around my wrist, a tiny charm dangling from it. It’s new—I had picked it up earlier that morning while out with my mom. I raise an eyebrow at the senator.“I got it this morning,” I tell him casually. “On my way out with my mom.”Senator Boris studies it for a beat longer, his expression unreadable. “It looks oddly strange,” he mu