Knoxx’s Point of ViewA sharp ray of sunlight pierces through my eyelids, and I groan, turning away from the glare. My head pounds, the remnants of too much alcohol still sloshing in my system. I shift, but the soft sheets beneath me feel unfamiliar. Something doesn’t add up.Where the hell am I?The smell of faint perfume hits me, and my eyes snap open. My surroundings blur into focus: floral-patterned curtains, a dresser lined with delicate trinkets, and... the sight that makes my blood run cold—I’m in Dolly’s bed.Panic grips me like a vise. No, no, no. This can’t be happening. My mind scrambles to piece together last night. I remember coming home, drunk. I dreamed of her—her touch, her voice, the way she looked at me. I’m sure it’s Caroline… but now I’m here, and it doesn’t make sense.“Good morning,” a soft, saccharine voice purrs from the doorway.I wh
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe rhythmic click of my heels echoes against the marble pavement as I make my way toward the grand entrance of the 30 Under 30 dinner party venue. The glowing chandeliers spill light through the tall glass doors, illuminating the bustling street outside. The entire building exudes elegance and exclusivity, making me acutely aware of every second I’m late.I glance at my phone, its screen glaring at me with an unwelcome truth: 8:15 PM. Knoxx must already be inside. My stomach twists as I imagine him waiting, checking his watch, and wondering why I haven’t arrived yet.This isn’t how I planned tonight.The delay had been unavoidable. Lisa had insisted that I complete a design before leaving work. It wasn’t just the design; it was her tone—the unspoken expectation that only I could finish it properly. I wanted to be done sooner, but the hours had slipped through my fingers. Now, standing outside t
Caroline’s Point of ViewMy husband’s first love ruins our third year anniversary.I’m sitting by the window of a fancy restaurant, nervously waiting for Knoxx, my husband. I dress up in my favorite black dress. It’s been three years of marriage—three years of hoping, waiting for the man I love to finally see me, to finally understand that I’m more than just a wife of convenience. That it is not all about the arranged marriage.I fiddle with the napkin in my lap, glancing at the clock, watching as each minute crawls by. Any moment now, Knoxx will walk through the door.Tonight feels different. Tonight, I feel like something is going to change.I had seen the headlines earlier this week:[Wayne Corp Heir Spends Fortune on Rare Ruby Necklace—A Gift for Someone Special!]"Someone special." Those two words have been ringing in my head ever since I read them. Who is more important to him than me, his wife?After all the distance between us, the missed anniversaries, the cold silences… perha
Caroline’s Point of ViewI sit there, frozen, still reeling from the words that left Knoxx’s mouth just moments ago.“Didn’t you marry me for the money?”The question loops in my mind like a broken record, leaving behind a sting I can’t shake. Did Knoxx always think that? That I only wanted his wealth? That I had trapped him in this marriage? The weight of the accusation presses down on me, suffocating in its cruelty."Is that really what you believe?" I ask quietly, my voice barely audible as I look at him. "That I married you for the money? That I forced you into this?"Knoxx's expression is unreadable, the same cold mask he always wears, but there's a flicker in his eyes—something dark, something cruel. He doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he picks up my half-finished glass of wine from the table and takes a slow sip. The silence stretches between us, heavy and unbearable.“You don’t love me,” he finally says, setting the empty glass down with a soft clink that echoes in the qui
Caroline’s Point of View“Girl, let me take you somewhere nice,” Penelope, my best friend, says, her voice wrapping around me like a warm hug. She’s leaning against her sleek new sports car, a knowing smile playing on her lips, as if she can see through the mask I’m trying so hard to keep up.I step out of the house, trying to leave the weight of everything behind me, but the hurt sticks. Penelope’s eyes catch on something near the front lawn, and she bends down to pick it up.“What’s this?” she asks, curiosity lacing her voice as she holds up a delicate black box, gold lettering gleaming in the fading evening light.My stomach churns. I know exactly what that box is. The jewelry box—the same kind Knoxx used when he bought Dolly that ruby necklace at the auction. I take it from Penelope, my hands shaking as I pop it open. Inside are two diamond earrings, beautiful but cold. They shine, but not for me.I snap the box shut, my chest tightening.“They were probably for Dolly,” I mutter, m
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe air feels thick as I approach the café. My hands tremble slightly, though I force them to remain at my sides, steady. I’ve run this moment over in my head so many times, imagining the words I’d say, how I’d keep my composure, but now that it’s real, there’s an uncomfortable tightness in my chest. I push open the door, the chime overhead ringing lightly, a sharp contrast to the heaviness I feel inside.Dolly is already there, seated in a corner, legs crossed, looking like she stepped straight out of a magazine. Her hair is perfect, her makeup flawless, and her lips curl into a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes.“Caroline,” she says, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness, like we’re old friends. “You’re right on time. Why don’t you sit? We have a lot to discuss.”I don’t bother with pleasantries, cutting right to the point. “You’re back, and I want to know why. What are you planning?”She leans back, her smirk growing. “Oh, Caroline,” she sighs, like
Caroline’s Point of ViewAfter that confrontation with Knoxx, I don’t go home. I drive to my childhood estate, the house looming larger than I remember. It sits cold and imposing, framed by perfectly manicured gardens and tall hedges. The driveway stretches ahead of me, lined with palm trees that stand stiffly, like silent sentinels.As I step inside, the chill in the air bites immediately. No laughter, no warmth—just the grand, empty space filled with imposing furniture and unyielding silence. It’s the home of a businessman, a place as reserved as the man who owns it.“Ah, the prodigal daughter returns,” a voice calls from the living room.I follow the sound and find my father seated in his usual spot: a luxurious leather armchair by the fireplace, sipping his tea. His gaze, cold and discerning, doesn’t soften as he looks at me, though a trace of surprise flits across his features.“So,” he says, his voice laced with a blend of sarcasm and faint satisfaction, “the man finally abandone
Caroline’s Point of ViewFor the first time in my marriage, I don’t go home. I can’t. Instead, I find myself in my childhood bedroom, curled up in the familiar but almost stifling atmosphere of my father’s mansion. I try to process everything he said to me when I arrived. The warmth I had once imagined in this place doesn’t exist. He was right in a way I didn’t want to admit; I don’t deserve to be treated like this, but his reminders sting rather than comfort me."You’re the heir of this family," he had said sharply, his voice more cutting than compassionate. "Stop hiding from the world. You were a fool to think that man would ever see your worth.”It’s a familiar kind of pain, this undercurrent of disappointment. His version of love has always felt conditional, tied to expectations I’ve never fully met. Part of me knew coming here would reopen these old wounds, but somehow, it’s grounding. His disappointment is something I’ve grown used to, and it reminds me of why I married Knoxx in
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe rhythmic click of my heels echoes against the marble pavement as I make my way toward the grand entrance of the 30 Under 30 dinner party venue. The glowing chandeliers spill light through the tall glass doors, illuminating the bustling street outside. The entire building exudes elegance and exclusivity, making me acutely aware of every second I’m late.I glance at my phone, its screen glaring at me with an unwelcome truth: 8:15 PM. Knoxx must already be inside. My stomach twists as I imagine him waiting, checking his watch, and wondering why I haven’t arrived yet.This isn’t how I planned tonight.The delay had been unavoidable. Lisa had insisted that I complete a design before leaving work. It wasn’t just the design; it was her tone—the unspoken expectation that only I could finish it properly. I wanted to be done sooner, but the hours had slipped through my fingers. Now, standing outside t
Knoxx’s Point of ViewA sharp ray of sunlight pierces through my eyelids, and I groan, turning away from the glare. My head pounds, the remnants of too much alcohol still sloshing in my system. I shift, but the soft sheets beneath me feel unfamiliar. Something doesn’t add up.Where the hell am I?The smell of faint perfume hits me, and my eyes snap open. My surroundings blur into focus: floral-patterned curtains, a dresser lined with delicate trinkets, and... the sight that makes my blood run cold—I’m in Dolly’s bed.Panic grips me like a vise. No, no, no. This can’t be happening. My mind scrambles to piece together last night. I remember coming home, drunk. I dreamed of her—her touch, her voice, the way she looked at me. I’m sure it’s Caroline… but now I’m here, and it doesn’t make sense.“Good morning,” a soft, saccharine voice purrs from the doorway.I wh
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe morning sun filters through the sheer curtains, casting soft, golden streaks across the bedroom floor. But the warmth of the light does little to ease the cold emptiness beside me. The bed is unmade, Knoxx’s side rumpled but unoccupied. My heart sinks as the realization hits me—he’s gone. Again.I sit up slowly, the events of the previous night replaying in my mind. His whispered “I love you,” the way his hands held me as if I were the only thing anchoring him to this world. It felt real. It felt sincere. And now? Now it feels like a cruel joke.“Knoxx?” I call out, my voice barely above a whisper. The house is eerily quiet. No response.Wrapping my robe tightly around me, I step into the hallway. My bare feet make soft thuds against the wooden floor as I search each room. The living room, the kitchen, his office—all empty. Even his car is gone.A lump forms in my throat as I stand in the middle of the living room, staring at the door. He left without a wo
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe sound of Knoxx’s car pulling into the driveway pulls me away from my book. I glance at the clock—past midnight. My chest tightens, a mix of irritation and worry bubbling to the surface.When the door swings open, Knoxx’s assistant steps in first, his expression apologetic as he struggles to support Knoxx, who is visibly drunk.“Mrs. Wayne,” the assistant says hesitantly, his voice low. “He had a few too many drinks at the dinner party. I tried to stop him, but you know how he gets.”My gaze shifts to Knoxx. His tie is undone, his shirt untucked, and his normally sharp eyes are glazed over. He’s leaning heavily on the assistant, mumbling incoherently.“I’m fine,” Knoxx slurs, trying to push the assistant away but nearly stumbling over his own feet.Before I can respond, Dolly’s voice cuts through the air. “What’s going on?”She appears in the hallway, her eyes narrowing as she takes in Knoxx’s state. Her expression twists in disgust. “He’s drunk?”“Very,” I
Caroline's Point of ViewI can feel the gaze of Knoxx on me because we are positioned near the door frame. He looks at me attentively, preparing himself for a battle. Not now, though – I don't want to make things get worse.I turn to Knoxx and say softly, “There is nothing go on, Knoxx. Adrian just help me. And thank you, Adrian, for your time tonight. It was…unexpected but appreciated.”Adrian’s easy smile returns, but there’s a glimmer of something more serious in his eyes. “Anything for you, Caroline. Always.”Knoxx's jaw clenches. He doesn't say anything, though. His fists clench at his sides for a brief moment, the tension there is obvious. Adrian nods at both of us before turning to walk away to his car, the silence that remains almost deafening.I turn back to Knoxx, meeting his piercing gaze. He opens his mouth as if to speak, but then he catches something in my expression. Whatever he sees m
Adrian’s smile widens, a glint of smug satisfaction in his eyes. “You left her alone, Knoxx. Someone had to step up and be the manKnoxx’s Point of ViewThe tires screech slightly as I pull into the hospital parking lot, my grip on the steering wheel tighter than it needs to be. My chest feels heavy, and my thoughts are racing. Caroline’s face flashes in my mind—the disappointment, the hurt in her eyes when I told her I had to leave. I’ll make it up to her, I promise myself. But first, I need to handle Dolly.I step out of the car, my suit jacket feeling heavier than it should. The fluorescent hospital lights seem to buzz louder than usual as I walk into the lobby, the sterile smell immediately assaulting my senses. I find Dolly in the maternity ward, lounging in a chair with her hand resting lightly on her stomach, looking perfectly calm. My irritation spikes.“What’s going on?” I ask, my voice sharp.
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe evening air wraps around me as I step outside the restaurant, trying to gather my thoughts after Knoxx’s abrupt departure. The ache in my chest feels heavier with each passing second, the humiliation of being left alone gnawing at my composure. I clutch my purse tightly, fighting back the sting of tears. But before I can decide what to do next, a familiar figure steps out from the shadows.“Adrian?” I say, startled.He’s leaning casually against a sleek car, dressed impeccably as always. His presence is both surprising and strangely comforting.He flashes me that easy smile of his, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Fancy meeting you here,” he says, straightening up. “What a coincidence.”My brows furrow, suspicion flickering in my mind. “What are you doing here?”Adrian tilts his head, feigning innocence. “Secret,” he replies with a tea
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe soft light of the afternoon spills through the window, warming the room as Knoxx’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.“I want to make it up to you,” he says, standing a few feet away, his hands tucked into his pockets.I raise an eyebrow, skeptical but answer with cold tone, “Make up for what?”Knoxx sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “For being an idiot. For buying her that gift without considering your feeling… after I promise I won’t do things that will hurt you,” he says, his tone lighter but still earnest. “I’ve been terrible at keeping promises, Caroline, especially when it comes to spending time with you. Let me take you on a proper date.”A proper date. The words hit me with a mix of excitement and disbelief. A part of me wants to scoff at the idea—after all, how many times has he said something similar, only to leave me waiting? But another part of me, the one that still hopes, stirs with anticipation.“Are you serious?” I ask cautiously, narrowin
Caroline’s Point of ViewThe soft sound of the front door creaking open pulls me from my thoughts. I’m seated in the living room, my hands wrapped tightly around a mug of cooling tea. My mind replays Dolly’s smug smile as she flaunted that bracelet—my bracelet design, no less. When Knoxx steps inside, loosening his tie with one hand and carrying his briefcase in the other, I take a deep breath, bracing myself.He spots me immediately. “Hey,” he says, his tone casual as he sets his briefcase down. “You look like you’ve had a long day.”I set the mug down on the coffee table and fold my arms. “We need to talk.”His brow furrows slightly as he shrugs off his suit jacket, draping it over the arm of a chair. “Okay. What’s going on?”I stand up, unable to keep still. “Dolly showed me the bracelet you bought her.”He blinks, clearly caught off guard. &ld