Cattleya’s POVI bit my lip, feeling embarrassed and self-conscious. The wetness between my legs was a constant reminder of what had happened. Jaxon wrapped his arm around me and led me to a seat. He answered his uncle's question with a wink, "Oh, Uncle, you know, newlyweds..." Everyone laughed, their teasing smiles making me blush.Anita, Fred's wife, approached me with a warm smile. "Hi, I'm Anita," she said, kissing me on both cheeks. "Don't mind them, sweetheart.""Nice to meet you, Anita," I replied softly.A woman around my age walked over, raising an eyebrow. "I'm Grace," she said, sitting down with a forced smile.Fred announced, "Let's begin our lunch. We're so happy you're here, Jaxon and Cattleya. It's been ages since we've had a family dinner with my nephew. He's always so busy with work. That's why we're thrilled to have you here, guys.""Thank you," I said, trying to act casual. But deep inside, my pussycat is so wet that I still want to have Jaxon's dick. Jeez! Why
Cattleya’s POV"You don't have to know about it," Jaxon said, his gaze hardening.I knew he was hiding something. I was about to ask for more, but he put his thumb over my lips. "Who told you about it?"I smiled at him. "Why would I tell you? If you can't tell me anything about The Crimson Circle, then I won't tell you who told me about it.""Fine, I'll introduce you to it. Just tell me who the hell told you about this information," he asked, his face darkening.I placed a hand on his chest and another on his neck then tiptoed closer to whisper, "Your one and only capo, Leo Petterson." I bit my lower lip and smiled widely. Why should I protect that crazy man? He's a criminal, working for the devil.Jaxon's jaw clenched, then he let go of me. He kissed my forehead. "I know you're tired. Would you mind if I take you home first?"I nodded. "You'll drive me home?""No, my driver will. I just need to fix some little problems. And I don't want you to see how I fix my problem," he said, his
Jaxon’s POVI smirked at her, a knowing glint in my eye. How could this woman know so much about me, even without me saying a word? She knew too much!"I got rid of him. He's a problem I needed to fix. It blows my mind that he's a fucking traitor." I said calmly.She stepped back, her gaze filled with doubt and confusion. "What do you mean by 'getting rid of him'?"THREE HOURS AGO, I watched Cattleya as she gracefully exited the room; her sophistication really mesmerized me more.But there was something about her: a desire to protect and cherish her.Yet, a nagging doubt lingered. Could I truly trust her? What if she turned on me? The thought was killing me, contradicting my thirty-two years of never being let down.I put my hand in my pocket as Cattleya left the Shadow Manor Residence.Then I walked down the stairs, sharpening my eyes as I scanned the area. There he was! The traitor. "Leo, a word." I said, demanding in a dangerous tone.Leo looked up, his jaw clenched and his f
Cattleya’s POV "I'm not sleeping with you tonight," I said, my voice flat. I didn't bother to look at him as I turned and walked towards the guest room. As I reached the door, I glanced back. His eyes were fixed on me, and the cold intensity made me feel strange. And then he lowered his head, and for a moment, I couldn't fathom the emotion behind his reaction. I sat on the bed with a sigh, then checked my wristwatch to see what time it was. Dang, I need to get in the shower before bed, or else I won't be able to sleep better.Then I put it on a voice record to send to Vianne, "Hi, Vianne, how are you? I know it's been a long time since I stopped collecting art, but I want you to manage it for me. Do your best. I trust you." **** NEXT DAYCoffee?" Jaxon offered as he sat across from me. I was busy staring at my laptop since Vianne had forwarded me all the famous and well-painted art. I'd been busy staring at it for a whole morning and had no time to eat breakfast.I looked up,
Cattleya’s POV"Nikolai's forehead creased for a moment, and then he smiled at me. "Of course, I'm your private detective. I can easily track down people.""So, when can I see them? Where do they live? And how can I get in touch with my twin sister's daughter? I'm so excited to meet her and maybe someday introduce her to my parents," I said with a twinkle in my eyes.Nikolai gave me a half-smile. "I think it won't be long. I just need to do more investigating before we can make a move. How about that?" I nodded. "I think that's a better idea." Then I remembered I had to pay him. I'd been so preoccupied that I'd forgotten. "Uh, wait..." I said, opening my purse, grabbing a pen and a check, and writing something on it. "This is for you. I'm so happy with your service.""Anytime," he said, taking the check from my hand. He didn't even look at it; he just put it on his desk. "So, I'll call you again when I have more information, Ms. Cattleya." I sighed. "Just call me Cattleya. How abou
Cattleya’s POV“I am not yours, Jaxon,” I said, frowning at him as if he had said something absurd.As I ate my food, he stared at me, munching his own, “But everyone knows you belong to me.”I glared at him, “Yeah, temporarily.”He chuckled, “Why did you take your private investigator on a date? Do you like him?”I coughed softly and then took the glass of water he handed me. After drinking, I wiped my lips and said, “Let me be clear. I like him as my private investigator, not romantically. Why am I even explaining this to you?” I groaned softly.He laughed at me and replied, “It’s because you care about my feelings. You don’t want your husband to feel sad that you’re taking another man to lunch instead of him.”I scoffed, “Hey, for your information, I brought him here to celebrate. He did a great job, and I felt like I could get answers thanks to him.”“And you have my protection—” suddenly, he paused, his eyes widened. "Shit..." he grabbed my hand, and we ducked under the table. A
Cattleya’s POV"How do you know about my twin sister? Was she your friend?" I asked in my trembling voice. Grace smiled and said, "I guess you need to know a lot about me before you ask me something important." She chuckled, and her voice was filled with disgust. "I know what happened with Leo, and it was your fault. Ariella was crazy about that guy... and do you think the man you married is a saint? He's the devil, and he is capable of misleading you!" And she turned her back on me, unwilling to give me more information. I walked upstairs and sat on the edge of the bed, thinking different things, and it was killing me. Who should I trust this time? They’re all making me confused. But the fact that Jaxon put himself in danger to save me was enough for me to believe that he cared for me. Or maybe he wanted something from me in return. Or possibly he did all that because he knew he’d be alive and nothing would happen to him in the end. Or perhaps he did all that so that I could trus
Cattleya’s POVI didn't waste a second; my steps were quick as I made my way to the garage. I opened the garage door and drove as fast as I could to where Nikolai was waiting for me.I arrived right on time. As I walked into the office, my eyes landed on a familiar face—Analia, my bitchy cousin!I scoffed softly, utterly stunned. "You?"Analia stood up, a smug smile playing on her lips. She tucked a strand of hair behind her earlobe and said, "Oh, my dear, sweet cousin. You're finally here. I have so much to tell you about... everything... Who would have thought that I could be the one to provide some of your answers? But before I reveal any crucial information, you have to pay me first... twenty thousand dollars."I scoffed, raising an eyebrow. "You want me to pay you?"Nikolai stepped between us to calm the tension. "Cattleya, Analia is here to give you some information about your sister's life and whereabouts for the past three years."I tried to calm down and stepped back. "Look,
Cattleya’s POV"I don't understand why you're acting this way, Catt! I've been looking for you for weeks. Why are you divorcing me all of a sudden? Did I do something wrong? Did I upset you? Did you hear something bad about me? Tell me… maybe I can explain it better," he said, his voice pleading for a second chance. I noticed his shoulders shrugging nervously because of my sudden decision until he shook his head and asked, "Cattleya, did something happen? Did that bastard do something terrible to you? Did he touch you?"I gulped softly and shook my head. "No, Jaxon. You heard me, right? I want a divorce. That's it. We're done."He clenched his jaw, his fists balling up in anger. "You don't love me anymore?! After everything we've been through, you're just going to throw it away? And now that you're here with me, you're asking for a breakup?"I looked straight into his eyes and nodded. "Yes."“I don’t believe you…” he said as he stepped back and pursed his lips, then he turned his back
Cattleya’s POV"No. But why are you doing this to me? Why aren't you hurting me? Why?" I asked, my heart filled with doubt, confusion, and a nagging worry that perhaps he had ulterior motives. I felt safer with him, but trust had become a foreign concept."You remind me of my wife, my late wife. She died in a car accident, eight months pregnant with our child," he confessed, his voice trembling. "I don't want that to happen to any woman, not even the wife of my enemy. I only want to see him suffer by not seeing you."I gasped, stunned by his revelation. I had no idea he was carrying such pain. Despite his good intentions, my heart ached for my husband, Jaxon. But the safety of the child growing within me took precedence, a bitter truth I couldn't ignore.He turned away without a word and fled to his room. And I sat in the corner, lost and anxious, unsure of what to do.Then, suddenly, the door from his room opened, and he approached me. "If you want to see him again, just say so. Then
Jaxon’s POV"I saw her... in her grave..." Grace muttered. Then she laughed so hard she cried. The nurse took her after I pushed her away. "Get rid of her..."Anthony showed up. "This is not okay, Jaxon! Don't hurt my sister!""Grace is sick!" I said.Suddenly, Anita stormed in. "You're just Fred's nephew. Just because Fred gave you permission to be our guardian doesn't mean you should send my daughter to a mental hospital!"I sneered softly. "I have so many things to do, especially looking for my wife for so many weeks now! And all of you questioned my authority? Then be it, I'm no longer taking care of this family. All of you can do whatever you want!" Then, I turned my back on them.Anthony tried to call my name. "Jaxon..."Then Anita said, "Just let him go, Anthony... he's mad."I walked outside with a dismayed expression and puffed a cigarette. I remembered how Cattleya hated the smell of cigarettes, so I threw it into the trash can and cursed silently, "Damn it, where are you, C
Jaxon’s POVI've been missing her for days. I miss her so much. Everything about her makes me think of where she is now. And where did Nikolai take her? If I ever see that bastard's face, I swear to God, I'm going to end his life with a lot of suffering."Jaxon, you haven't even touched your food. Are you alright?" Elise asked as she took my spoon and took a spoonful of food. Then she said, "If you're thinking about how to find her, how can you think better if you're not eating any food?"I stood up, fixed my necktie, and said, "Elise, why are you still here? Didn't I just tell you I don't want you here? I have a wife, and you can't serve me as if you're my wife."She scoffed, "Really? I'm only worried about you, Jaxon. Why are you overreacting? And of course, I've been part of your family ever since I was a kid, and I became your fiancée before that woman arrived in your life.""Elise, I know your point. But she's missing now and nowhere to be found. Can you be so considerate about t
Vlad Fernandez’s POV "Who is this woman?" I asked as soon as I arrived at my penthouse. She had been delivered an hour ago. That foolish Don Marco thought he could bribe me with a woman to distract me from his mountain of debt.My secretary said, "Her name is Cattleya Sullivan, the billionaire heiress. That's all I know for now. I'll dig up more information for you, sir."I tossed my coat to the floor and said, "Get out."He left immediately, closing the door softly behind him.She has brunette hair and porcelain skin, then she slowly moves her weak limbs. She opened her eyes, looked around, and gasped in shock when her gaze landed on me. "Who are you?" she asked.I smirked and repeated her question, "Who are you?"She rolled her eyes at me. Hmm, a bit of an attitude, I thought. Perhaps she was a spoiled brat from a wealthy family. She then got up from the bed and sighed nervously. "Please, help me...""You ask a stranger for help?" I asked softly, staring at her.As she stood up, sh
Cattleya’s POV“What the fuck is the problem?” Nikolai asked his minion in frustration.The man replied, “Sir, your father just landed. He’s here…”Nikolai’s eyes widened, and he glanced at me, “Take Aubrey with you, hide yourself from my father.”I was confused at first, and then I obeyed him. I walked outside to take Aubrey, but I was paralyzed in my feet when the old man was already carrying Aubrey in his arms. He was smiling at her, and my heart trembled in nervousness as I whispered, “Oh, it can’t be.”And Nikolai stepped outside. His face mirrored my own shock. He gasped as he watched his father talk to his secret daughter. Then, with a visible effort, he composed himself and approached his father with a forced calm. “Father, you’re here. What a surprise! Why didn’t you tell me you were going to visit… us?”Then the old man slowly put Aubrey on the ground and his gaze landed on me. Then he said, "Oh, she's here too? Long time no see, sweet precious, Cattleya."I didn't smile back
Cattleya’s POVI stayed in my room all night, overwhelmed by the shocking revelations. I was worried for Aubrey, knowing she had a father who was a danger to her. Nikolai was ruthless and capable of killing without remorse. Being alone with him, the nanny, and the guards filled me with fear. I knew that one wrong move could cost someone their life, as Nikolai wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.He was truly insane!I heard a knock on my door, gasping in fear as I stared at the shadow beneath the door.Then I heard his voice, "Catt, why don't you come downstairs and eat with me? You haven't eaten anything since we got here. It's time for you to eat some food, right?"I breathed softly, "I don't want to eat.""Do you want me to break this door and drag you out of your room? Don't test my patience, Catt," he threatened.I took a deep breath and sighed, getting up from my bed and walking to the door. I glared at him with pure hatred, "I'd rather eat nothing than stare at you while I'm e
Cattleya’s POV"Are you happy now?" I glared at Nikolai, and he just smiled at me with a proud grin."Of course, I'm really happy. Our family is complete now. I want Aubrey to have a mother, which is you, Cattleya," he said.I was a little confused and asked, "What do you mean by that? Noah is the real father of Aubrey, not you..."He laughed at me, his expression turning serious. "Oh, sorry if I fooled you again. I'm not the real father of Aubrey. That's why I didn't do anything wrong to your parents' lives, because they got my daughter. I tried so hard to hide Aubrey from everyone, from my father, because I knew her life would be in danger.""What?!" I exclaimed, shocked. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "What are you talking about?!"Aubrey stirred in my arms, and I handed her to the nanny. I glared at Nikolai, his lips curved into a playful smile. I grabbed his wrist and pulled him to the back of the house. Before he could say anything, I slapped him hard across the face. "I
Cattleya’s POVI've shut my heart and withdrawn from life for over a week now. It's been like spending eternity in the dark, but I feel I need more time to recover from everything that's happened.I took a deep breath, staring out the window at the maids and guards going about their days. I remained trapped in my own sadness and life's drama, and I couldn't shake the feeling of wreckage.A knock sounded at my door, my mother's voice cutting through the silence. "Honey, Jaxon's here. Do you want to come down?"I glanced at the door, my breath catching in my throat. "No," I whispered. A few minutes later, the door creaked open. "Mom, I don't want to see him yet," I muttered.Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the room. "Baby, it's me."I froze, my eyes wide with surprise, as I turned to face him. "H-Hi," I stammered.Jaxon stepped into my dimly lit room, his gaze sweeping across the chaotic space. The drawn curtains and the air of melancholy were suffocating us, but he remained