Cattleya’s POV"No, it can't be true. S-She would never do that to herself...." I said while shaking my head and tears trickling from my face. I was so shocked and disbelieving that it was hard to process the truth about my sister's death.Nikolai leaned down, staring at my face. "Oh, but she did, Cattleya. She was an attention-seeker, fragile thing. She couldn't handle any pressure in life. If she's depressed or stressed, she would love to hurt herself so people would pay attention to her."Don Marco grabbed my arm and pulled me up to see his face, but I struggled to look away.Nikolai yanked me away from his father and said, "That's enough. I already warned you, didn't I? Don't hurt her." And the old man replied, "Just make her agree to our terms or else I'll lose control." And after he said that, he left the room with his freaking footsteps.I looked up to meet Nikolai's gaze, and without saying anything, I slapped his face so hard that it echoed throughout the entire building. "W
Cattleya’s POVDon't get me wrong—I really wanted to tell him the truth—but it hurts to think that if I do, someone will quickly take some innocent lives. I took a deep breath and looked straight into his eyes. "No. I don't see his face. He was wearing a mask." His brow furrowed. "Then what did he tell you? Why were you with him last night? Did he hurt you?"Nervously, I sighed. "He didn't hurt me. He was merely curious about your wife, which is me... He said… this was a warning to you..."Jaxon scoffed, his voice laced with sarcasm. "A warning? That he's coming to get me? Is that it?"I nod my head, no words coming out of my mouth. Jaxon observed my behavior, which was so different from my usual demeanor.He nodded, his expression softening. "Alright, I won't ask you any more questions."I stammered in relief, "T-Thank you."Ever skeptical, Grace interjected, "Well, we've heard she never saw the man's face. So, what should we do now? Perhaps this man is a spy infiltrating our vil
Cattleya’s POVFIVE HOURS AGO, "I already have it," I said, staring at my niece's face. She was sleeping peacefully inside Nikolai's car."Then give it to me," he said.I shook my head. "Just give me my niece. I want you to comply with our agreement. My niece will be safe and in the custody of my parents because Noah, her father, has agreed to it."Nikolai sneered. "I like that you pay attention to every detail. Of course, Catt. Of course."He glanced at his minion, and they slid open the van. They handed me the sleeping Aubrey in my arms. I bit my lower lip and said, "The things you want and need are in that bag." I pointed to the black bag beside me and turned my back on him.Nikolai said, "Catt..."I glanced at him without saying a word.He stared at Aubrey. "Take care of her."I didn't say anything and walked away from him as soon as possible because I didn't want anything to happen that could affect my niece in this dangerous situation.I put her in the backseat and fastened her
Jaxon’s POVIt's been three days since I've seen her, and the only things I have here are our photos together, our memories, and our bed, which once was full of happiness and intimate scenes, now feels so cold and lonely.I sat on the bed while thinking about her, about what she had done. Why did she have to do this? Why did she have to betray me? I could understand if she had asked for my help because I would always help her no matter how hard it was. I would save her.But right now, I have doubts. I have doubts about whether I can trust her again.A knock on the door woke me up from my thoughts. I said, "Come in.""Sir Jaxon, there's someone who wants to see you," said the butler.And when I looked up, it was Cattleya's mother. She was sobbing emotionally as she walked towards me, and I stood up to hug her. "It's okay..." "I don't know where she is now," Amanda said, sobbing. "She just gave me Aubrey and told me I have full custody because Noah agreed already. And now she's gone. S
Cattleya’s POVI woke up to the cold weather in Switzerland. I shut the window as the rain began to pour into my room. Then, while yawning, I grabbed my coat and made my way downstairs. I froze at the sight of some familiar faces at the front desk.I gulped softly and slowly stepped back. And as I turned around, I heard a familiar voice ask the front desk, “Hi, do you happen to know this woman? Her name is Cattleya Sullivan, and she’s my wife.” Oh, shit. JAXON?I slowly turned my head, at which point someone grabbed me and covered my mouth with their palm. It was the doctor who helped me the other day. I was unsure if I should trust him, but my instinct was to say no. I cannot be with someone who acts strangely, so I kneeled his crotch, and he grunted in pain. I immediately ran away, but to my surprise, a car was already parked at the exit, and Nikolai stepped out, staring at me with a smile on his face."Catt, don't be scared. Come with me. We can talk about this..." he said.I sho
Cattleya’s POV"Bear me a child." Those words echoed in my mind constantly. I couldn't shake the feeling that he was serious.As we arrived back in Rome, my mother and Aubrey were already at the villa, waiting for me. I rushed into her arms, tears streaming down my face. I was aware that she wouldn't be able to accept the truth about Ariella. Perhaps it wasn't the right time to reveal all of Ariella's truth, or maybe I was just going to keep it buried in my heart, knowing the impact it could have on her as a mother.She asked, "Are you okay? Do you want me to call your father—""Mom, I don't want Dad to worry. I don't want you to call him. He's in rehab, and I want him to focus on himself, not me. I'm fine now," I reassured her.And she kissed my cheek, “I am so happy that you’re finally back… I don’t want to ask you what really happened but what’s important now is that you’re safe.” I smiled at her and glanced at Aubrey, I leaned down and hugged the kid. It felt like I was hugging m
Cattleya’s POVOne week later, I was in a baking mood, humming along to a cheerful tune. It was one of those days when everything felt right, thanks to Jaxon. He's always been so supportive, helping me navigate life's stresses with patience and understanding. His persistent love and belief in me have made all the difference.Once the cupcakes were fresh out of the oven, I packed them up and headed to the garage. My mom and niece were waiting for me at the cemetery, and I wanted to bring them a little treat.I knew it had been tough for Aubrey to learn the truth about her mom, but my mom had been honest. That's why they were visiting the cemetery today.As I drove towards the cemetery, I noticed the guards signaling the other driver. I smiled, knowing that Jaxon trained them very well and was always looking out for me. Sure enough, a car followed me, a silent guardian ensuring my safety.When I arrived at the cemetery, I carried a box of a dozen vanilla cupcakes inside. Aubrey ran tow
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
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