POV ZaraI was on the phone with Yvette, telling her about the trip to Hawaii Island. “Kayden said it’s a Thanksgiving gathering. We’re going to Hawaii Island.”Yvette’s voice came through the phone, tinged with a mix of awe and envy. “Just look at other people’s events. A whole family holding an event at Hawaii Island.”I couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s my first time too. I’ve never been to Hawaii.”“Okay, go have fun. Take it as a break since you’ve been working hard recently,” she said, her tone warm and supportive.After the call, I decided to look up Hawaii Island online. The pictures were stunning—crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, lush greenery. I couldn’t believe I was actually going to such a beautiful place. Excitement bubbled up inside me, and I hurried to the bedroom to start packing.In the room, I began pulling out swimsuits and clothes, laying them all over the bed. Each piece seemed important; I wanted to make sure I had the perfect outfit for every occasion.As
The afternoon was beautiful. The sun was shining brightly, and the sea was a stunning shade of blue. As I stood on the beach, I noticed that it was empty, save for a few tourists playing in the distance. The Marshall family had sectioned off a part of the beach to ensure privacy, making it feel like our own private paradise.Mother found Kayden alone and pulled him aside. “How are you and Zara getting along now?” she asked, her tone full of concern.“We’re doing well,” he replied, sounding more relaxed than I expected.“Then why aren’t you taking the chance to have a kid?” she pressed, her voice filled with the typical motherly worry.Kayden sighed, “Mom, you can’t simply have a baby whenever you want. We will slowly work hard toward it.”She narrowed her eyes at him, clearly not convinced. “Why not? Are you two really working hard at it? You’re not bluffing me, right?”He looked ahead, his expression unreadable. “Of course, we’re trying. If you don’t believe what I’m telling you, the
POV KaydenAfter a while, I grew tired of swimming and decided to head back to the shore. The cold water had done its job, calming the fire that had been raging inside me. As I emerged from the water, my body still dripping wet, I could feel the sun’s warmth starting to dry me off. I wiped my face, the saltwater stinging slightly as I glanced at Zara.She was standing there, covering her mouth and looking far too excited. Her eyes were practically glowing with admiration as they scanned my body. It was as if she were trying to see through me, her gaze lingering on every inch of me like some kind of lens.Oh no…I could feel it happening again. The very thing I’d just tried to cool down was starting to rise back up, betraying me. This damned woman…She noticed my expression and asked innocently, “What’s wrong?”I sighed, trying to suppress the irritation that was quickly building up inside me. “Who said you could look at me?” I shot back, my voice tinged with frustration.Zara blinked,
As we walked, she moved toward the water again. I quickly pulled her back, “You don’t know how to swim, so don’t go in yet. We can go back to the pool at the resort so that you can learn how to swim first and then come back here to swim.”She looked impatient, but I wasn’t about to let her get hurt. I held onto her until she finally relented.That night, we rested in the villa. Zara was exhausted, falling asleep early. I watched her for a while, feeling a strange sense of peace. When I woke up the next morning, I had some work to take care of, so I left quietly, not wanting to disturb her.Later, as I was wrapping things up, I saw her walking outside with my mother. They were talking and laughing, and I couldn’t help but feel a warmth in my chest. My mother looked so relaxed, so happy, and I knew it was because of Zara.As they walked, I overheard bits of their conversation. My mother was telling Zara how proud she was of me for organizing the family gathering. I almost smiled at that
POV ZaraI was in the middle of discussing the script and filming details when my phone buzzed with a call. Seeing Kayden’s name flash on the screen, I quickly answered, trying not to let my excitement show too much.He didn’t waste any time, his tone firm as always. “Oh right, I was going to tell you that I have a banquet tonight and you’re coming along with me. You should go get ready.”I blinked in surprise. “What banquet is it?”“Just an internal charity banquet. I need to bring a female partner along.”I couldn’t help but tease him a little. “Then take your female partner along.”He replied without missing a beat, “I have a wife. Why would I need a female partner?”His words made me laugh, but inside, I felt a flutter of happiness. “Alright. Then, I’ll… go with you.”On the outside, I tried to act like I was just going along with it, but inside, I was thrilled. Attending a banquet with Kayden… I had never done that before. It felt like a whole new experience, something I’d only s
POV KaydenTrying to argue with Zara is going to drive me mad. What can she possibly say with that IQ? But as I look at the picture she just took of us, I can’t help but admit that we actually look… pretty good together.“Send this to me,” I say, trying to sound casual.“Ah, you want it? But what do you want it for?” she asks, curious as always.I smirk, trying to keep my tone light. “I don’t have a photo of you. If you go missing one day, I can use this photo for the missing person poster.”She looks at me, clearly speechless, but still sends the picture. I save it in my phone, and for a moment, I can’t help but look at it again.The charity auction starts, and I watch the items being auctioned off for tens of millions. Zara looks stunned, and I can’t help but glance at her.“Is there anything you want?” I ask her, already knowing her answer.“I can’t afford it,” she replies, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.That actually makes me smile. If only she had that same level
POV ZaraI spent the day at the company meeting my co-stars for the upcoming show. After getting to know them a bit and preparing for the upcoming scene, I left with Yvette. As we walked out, Yvette said to me, “I saw the announcement of the show that Kai is acting in. The female lead is Wendy.”“Really?” I asked, surprised. “I heard Wendy mention that she was going to act with Kai.”Yvette nodded. “It looks like Wendy’s next show will be good. None of Kai’s shows ever get a bad reception. The filmmakers are strong too.”“Yes, that’s true,” I agreed, feeling a bit of pressure.“But we’re not far off either,” Yvette continued. “The head director for this show is also known for classic dramas. We might even have a chance to compete for the TV Drama Award. You should go back and prepare.”“Yes! I will, Yvette!” I said, determined.When I got back home, I walked into the bedroom and saw a delicate box placed on the dressing table. My heart skipped a beat.Did Kayden get me a gift?I quick
POV KaydenI was in my study, buried in work, when my phone rang. It was Yohan, telling me that Zara was at a club getting drunk with her friend. I couldn’t believe it. Doesn’t she remember the last time she got drunk? Her alcohol tolerance is incredibly low. What if something happens to her? Without wasting a second, I got up and headed out.When I arrived at the club, I saw a group of men already blocking the area. I spotted Zara sprawled on the counter, her face filled with sorrow, her brows tightly furrowed. I didn’t hesitate. I immediately called for my men to carry her.As I looked at her, there was a moment of hesitation. Why did she look so troubled? But then, the coldness flashed across my face, and I brushed the thought aside. I carried Zara and swiftly left the place, bringing her back home. When we entered the house, I made everyone leave and carried her into the bedroom myself. I laid her on the bed and took a wet towel to wipe her face.Her face was flushed from the alco
POV KaydenAfter we got back to Chicago, I went to Yohan for a routine checkup. Knowing him, I was half-expecting him to make some snide remark. Sure enough, he had a smug look on his face as I sat down.“Mr. Marshall, I think you could consider taking that drug more often,” he smirked. “You seem rather… energetic.”I shot him a look, not bothering to respond. He must have seen Zara and me together recently because he didn’t let up.“Don’t be so serious, Mr. Marshall. A joke here and there won’t scare a girl away.”“Any other tests you need to do?” I asked flatly.“Fine, fine,” he sighed, getting a needle ready. Then, out of nowhere, he started again. “You know, Miss Wilson’s personality is actually quite complementary to yours. She’s carefree, while Miss Jensen was always a bit uptight. You two are like… concave and convex pieces, fitting together perfectly.”I caught the mischievous look in his eyes immediately. He was speaking in double entendres, and his implication was obvious. F
When I walked into the room that morning, I could immediately tell how awkward Zara felt. She sat there, her face bright red, her body still a little disheveled from the night before. I knew she was thinking about everything that had happened, probably trying to reconcile her usual reserved self with the bold actions she’d taken for my sake.I approached her, trying to check on her arm. She winced a bit when I touched it, and that’s when I realized just how much I had pushed her the night before. I was in no state to think clearly back then, consumed by the effects of the drug, and she had gone through all of it with me, without complaint."Does it hurt that much?" I asked, frowning as guilt gnawed at me.She waved it off, pretending it wasn’t a big deal, but I could see how sore she was. “I must have used too much strength…” she muttered.I couldn’t help but feel responsible for what I had put her through. "I’m sorry..." I told her, feeling the weight of what I had done sink in.She
POV KaydenI stood by the window, my body burning with an unbearable heat, the cold winter night outside in stark contrast to the fire inside me. The reflection on the glass showed a man drenched in sweat, his skin flushed, muscles tense. I couldn't calm myself. The drug was wreaking havoc on me, pushing me to my limits, testing my control.I heard Zara approach from behind, her steps light but determined. Her voice cut through the haze, "Really, let me help you. It’s been a few hours already, and you’re still not well..."I clenched my fists. The last thing I wanted was for her to see me like this, to be caught in this mess created by someone else’s malicious intent. But there she was, stubborn as always. I couldn’t bear to have her close, and yet I couldn’t push her away."Who needs you to help? Didn’t you understand when I told you to get lost?" I shouted, hoping to scare her off. Maybe if I could make her leave, I could deal with this myself.But Zara never backed down. "No, I’m n
POV ZaraI was sound asleep when my phone suddenly rang. I groggily reached for it, only to hear an unexpected voice on the other end.“Zara.”It was Monica.I immediately sat up in bed, confused and still half-asleep. “Miss Jensen?” I asked, my voice puzzled. What could she possibly want at this hour?She didn’t waste any time. Her tone was sharp and condescending, as if she had been waiting for this moment. “What are you doing?” she snapped.I blinked and tried to stay calm. “I was sleeping,” I replied honestly, still unsure what this was about.“Very well. I guess you’re tactful enough to know your place and not try to disturb Kayden and me,” she said with a smugness that made my skin crawl.I was tired of this back and forth with her. I decided to just lay it out. “I’ll be direct. I respect whatever is going on between you two, and I won’t interfere. You’ve just never believed me,” I said, keeping my tone as even as possible, even though my heart was already beginning to race. I d
I arrived at the restaurant where Monica had already made herself comfortable. She had dressed up for the occasion, her eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t quite place, and I was immediately on edge. This was supposed to be a simple dinner, but from the way she was looking at me, I could tell she had something else on her mind."Kayden, you’re here," she smiled, motioning for me to sit. "I waited so long for you. Come and try this house drink. I specially asked them to bring it from the cellar. It’s a premium red wine."I sat down, already feeling uneasy. Something about her excitement seemed off, but I couldn’t place it. She kept staring at me, and I couldn’t figure out why. I glanced at the wine she poured and shook my head slightly."It’s better not to drink too much wine. It’s not good for your body," I said, trying to deflect.Suddenly, her eyes welled up, and tears started falling. I was caught off guard. Had I said something wrong? Her emotions had been so fragile lately, a
I was in the middle of reading a document when Zara suddenly popped up with a bright idea.“Kayden, let’s go to the indoor ski park.”I looked up from my work, slightly amused. "No," I said, shaking my head."Why not?" She always got this look when I denied her one of her spontaneous plans.I chuckled and said, “It’s meaningless to put on so many clothes. If we’re doing something active, we might as well go to the pool. It’s more... pleasing to the eyes.”She immediately grabbed a pillow and tossed it at me. "Perv."I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. But she didn’t give up. She never did.“Come on, let’s go try it out, Kayden.... Honey, I’ve never been to a ski park before.”That word, “Honey,” always had a strange effect on me. It was like she knew the exact button to push.I sighed, feeling a bit helpless. She knew exactly how to get her way. I reached out and rubbed her head. "Fine. Let’s go."Her face lit up immediately. “Heh heh. Thanks, Honey. You’re is the best!”I trie
POV KaydenI asked Henry to check with the hospital staff and doctors about Monica’s recovery which he said was going fine and she would get discharged in two days.Later that week I had a call from the Los Angeles Branch of Marshall Industries that needed some attention personally. I informed Zara and coincidently she too had a shoot to attend there.We both took the Marshalls private jet and she called her manager. They both set off for her scheduled shoot and I went to my own work. Los Angeles branch was doing well on its own, and it’s been like that for most of our branches. They managing directors don’t bother me unless there’s actually an issue that needs my attention, hence I make it so that I check these things personally.As I was just finishing my meeting and ready to head back in the afternoon, I got a call from Yvette. I quickly picked it up, knowing Yvette will never call me unless it has anything to do with Zara.“Hello.”“Mr. Marshall, Zara got into a small accident on
POV ZaraWhen we stepped into the Marshall residence, the chill in the air didn’t seem to matter. Kayden’s mother immediately fussed over me as usual, saying, “You’re wearing too few layers, Zara! Quick, bring an overcoat for the Young Madam.”I barely had time to protest before they wrapped me in another layer. Honestly, I was fine, but Kayden’s Mother’s warmth and concern made me feel like I was being pampered beyond belief. This was the Marshall family way—especially when it came to their daughter-in-law.As we moved further inside, I noticed the President's bodyguards stationed outside. That could only mean one thing: Kenneth was home. It was strange to see him here, since he's usually so busy with running the country. But it was New Year’s Eve, and even the President has to celebrate with family sometimes.Kenneth approached us, as poised as ever, and greeted me with his usual reserved but polite demeanor. “Zara, good to see you again.” It felt a little formal, but then again, he
This realization put me in a surprisingly good mood. If I had known earlier that she was jealous, I wouldn’t have been so anxious during those days. She was angry not because she didn’t care but because she did.And here I was, almost spoiling her too much. She was practically running circles around me. I chuckled to myself. If anyone saw how I was with her, they wouldn’t believe it. Zara had no idea just how much I was holding back, letting her get away with things that would’ve driven anyone else mad.I sat there, watching her hum to herself, clearly lost in her own thoughts. She reclined in her seat, and I couldn’t help but notice how content she looked now. But then, her expression shifted suddenly, and she pressed her hand to her stomach.I frowned and leaned forward. “Why? Does your stomach still hurt?”She nodded, wincing slightly. “It still hurts a little. It’s alright. It’s probably because I was too nervous this time. Usually, it only hurts for a day.”“Next time, take note