"Did you hear that?" I heard the lady Tyler spoke to in the house say immediately, her voice cutting through the air like a sharp blade through silence.This instantly triggered my instinct, and I knew that I needed to rush away from the door like a startled deer escaping the threat of an unseen predator. Lest, the door would be opened suddenly, and the face they would see was no one else but me.Quickly, like a burglar who intended no one to see her, I hurried away from the door towards the corner of the house as I hid in the tall garden, which sheltered me immediately like a protective cloak, concealing its wearer from prying eyes.Having done this, my instincts were right. I heard how the front door creaked open immediately and how two footsteps protruded on the floorboard beyond the front door."Are you sure you heard something?” Tyler asked, standing right beside the lady and holding her hand like a concerned protector, seeking assurance from his companion.This woman had long, s
Once I heard that they closed the door behind themselves, I became curious, like a cat that hears silent steps approaching, and tiptoed to the front door, checking for any loopholes through which I could see. “Sh*t!” I cursed, realizing that there was, in fact, no loophole through the door that I could see through. However, if this meant the end of my curiosity, it was a lie. “What if I eat you before I eat my dinner?” I heard Tyler tease immediately, further piquing my curiosity. With this, I found myself at the large window just to the left of the front door. No matter how much I peered through the glassy window, I still couldn't see anything outside. This didn't mean that the interior of the house was dark, like a void, and formless. It only meant that the curtains at the window were as thick as a well-kept secret, blocking out the outside world with a comforting embrace of privacy. “Sh*t,” I whispered again. "C'mon, babe, come to the room." I heard Tyler laugh amidst his word
My broken and sorrowful self could not quickly process any thoughts while Tyler did all of that. But one thing my thoughts could process was his voice, which kept ringing in my head. “That’s it, Alda; we are done." “This f**king marriage is over." “I am f**king done with you." I continued to mutter as I was defeatedly walking away from that house and into the street of the house like a wilted flower trudging through the shadows of despair. Knowing fully well that it did not matter how defeated, broken, and shattered I was, Tyler was not going to come out of that house the moment he got back inside of it. And because he obliterated every trace of evidence I had documented of his infidelity, I was certain he was back in that house to continue f**king that woman as a merciless storm tore through the peace of my shattered heart. *** On the street, I kept on walking slowly and sadly, with tears streaming down my face continuously, like a spring in the cold night of betrayal. And wit
Since he asked me to keep the phone, I didn't think twice before signing out his information and logging mine in. In my heart, I wished every piece of evidence Tyler destroyed along with that phone could be returned, as it could have been saved on iCloud.However, after fully signing in and refreshing my iCloud over what felt like a thousand times, I couldn't retrieve those videos and pictures. Nevertheless, it wasn't why I wanted to borrow the phone, and I didn't spend too much time on it, finding a needle in the bottom of the ocean.Immediately, I launched Instagram. Since the beginning of our marriage, Tyler's number was the only one I knew offhand. And with it, I knew most of my contacts were gone with the phone Tyler destroyed.Scrolling on Instagram, I tapped my finger on the search icon, and as it displayed, it felt like unlocking a treasure chest of endless possibilities. I entered the name "Attorney James."As soon as I saw that the search result displayed his profile, I clic
My hands continued to shake as I held the brown file document, and while I sat on the lawn again, feeling sad and defeated, I brought out the document from the brown file. “Divorce Agreement This agreement was entered into on 12/02/2024 between Tyler Harrington, hereinafter referred to as the “husband,” and Alda Morgan Harrington, hereinafter referred to as the “wife.” "Dissolution of Marriage: The parties agree to dissolve their marriage effective immediately. Division of Assets and Debts:Real Property: The marital home shall be awarded solely to the husband, Tyler Harrington, who shall continue full ownership and responsibility for the property. The wife, Alda Morgan Harrington, hereby relinquishes all claims to the marital home.Eatery Business: The eatery business known as Tasty Bites, located in Chicago, America, shall be awarded solely to the husband, Tyler Harrington, who shall continue to assume full ownership and control of the business. The wife, Alda Harrington, hereby
Having pushed me to the ground, I felt like a leaf with no strength in me. With this, they mocked me, their silly laughter resonating louder in this bitter moment of my life. It seemed they had never been happier about a situation than they were with this. Sadly, realizing I had lost everything due to the silly mistake I made, I rose to my feet. It was okay to cry; it was okay to be sober; but what was not okay was to remain there and allow them to use me as comedy to laugh away their sorrows. I was unable to pick up all my clothes, but I managed to grab a few that I needed. Certainly, I was not homeless before I bought this house; I still had my parents' house to return to. I packed the few clothes I could into my luggage along with my makeup kits, and my heart reddened with tears. It was more than heartbreak at this moment; however, there was nothing more to be done. Life had shown me its ugly side, and all I could do now was accept it. I accepted my fate. Perhaps "fate" was not
I was frozen in shock, still staring at the man who stood a few paces away from me like a statue carved from marble. Nevertheless, no matter the level of shock I felt, it did not stop the man from gently approaching me.As he walked, his shoe's solid heel made the sound of authority and confidence, like a man marching to the beat of his own drum, each step echoing with a sense of purpose and determination. It was as if he feared nothing and believed nothing could defeat him.“Good evening, ma’am. I am Robert, your assistant and also your bodyguard,” he bowed once again like a courtier paying homage to his queen, his demeanor exuding grace and deference.Even as he bowed, I still couldn't believe what had happened in just the blink of an eye. Barely three minutes ago, I was a downcast, defeated, sad woman who had just been divorced, and now, I was someone before whom this perfectly dressed man bowed and addressed as ma'am.'“It’s understandable to be confused, ma’am, but I have been in
As they bowed to me, I did not know what to say or do. I simply continued to look at them, feeling perplexed, waiting to see the next course of action. Nevertheless, I didn't have to wait for too long. "This way, ma'am," Robert gestured toward the front door of the mansion and bowed, as he had been doing. Just as he gestured in this direction, the group of women and men right in front didn't raise their heads, even as I followed behind Robert, who was leading me through the mansion. Stepping foot into the mansion, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. I was greeted by a grand foyer adorned with intricate marble flooring and towering columns. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow over the space. Similarly, elaborate tapestries lined the walls, depicting scenes of historical significance. Plush velvet furnishings filled the room, inviting guests to relax in luxury. "This way, ma'am," I heard Robert's voice call me out of my
Robert’s POVMy job is simple: protect Alessandra at all costs. But as I stand here, watching everything unfold, one thought keeps repeating in my head—I’ve failed her.I should never have stayed behind at the hospital, no matter how much she insisted. Alessandra may be strong, but I should’ve known better. I should’ve been there, more alert, more prepared. That woman who pretended to be hit? I should’ve seen right through her. Everything is finally falling into place, and the truth hits me like a punch to the gut.I know who Diana is. I’ve figured out who Emily and Olivia really are. And those three idiots hiding behind their ridiculous code names? Yeah, I know them, too.It was them—we passed them on the road earlier. The bodies scattered across the pavement... the blood... It all makes sense now. Alessandra—Matriarch Alessandra—is in serious danger.That’s why I don’t waste any time. My foot slams down on the gas pedal, racing us past the chaos on the road. Stopping isn’t an option
Sandra’s POVWe pull up to the warehouse, and the moment I spot the front door slightly ajar, I know it’s time. I drive inside, parking with purpose as the tension in my chest tightens. Locking the door behind me, I take a deep breath, bracing myself for what’s next.I watch Alessandra step out of the vehicle, her face calm—too calm. She doesn’t look scared, like I thought she would. Instead, she’s asking, “Where are we now? Are they gone?”I pause. What? Does she seriously think I’m here to save her?A twisted laugh threatens to escape my lips, but I swallow it down. Instead, I turn toward the backseat and yank open the door. My fingers grip the cold steel of the sniper rifle. The weight of it feels satisfying in my hands, a reminder of the power I hold.Without missing a beat, I swing the rifle around and aim it straight at her. “On your knees, now!” I command, my voice as sharp as the edge of a knife.For a second, her eyes widen, but then realization sinks in. She knows now. She’s
Brandon’s POVI never thought I'd find myself here. In custody. The cold metal of the handcuffs still lingers on my wrists even though they’ve been removed. My mind is racing, struggling to keep up with everything that’s happened. How did I get here?I’ve already contacted my family lawyer. He promised he’d help—at first. But then he learned that bigger forces are involved, and he left me to fend for myself. I don’t blame him, though. When powerful people decide you’re guilty, it doesn’t matter what the facts are. According to them, I committed a crime too big to ignore, and they want me to pay for it, no matter who I am.But how do I make them see I’m innocent? How do I prove I’ve been framed? The evidence stacked against me is so clear, so detailed, that even I would think I did it if I were on the outside looking in.It feels hopeless.I sit in the interrogation room, staring at the dull gray walls. The weight of everything crashes down on me. But the thought of Alessandra pushes t
Diana’s POVOut of nowhere, Olivia, Emily, and I suddenly see Viper, Red, Jinx, and Blade fall to the ground, each with a bullet wound to the head. Blood pools around them, dark and terrifying, staining the ground beneath them. The sight makes my heart race, and for a moment, I can’t believe what I’m seeing. My breath catches in my throat, and time seems to stand still. I’m in shock, completely blindsided by the sudden violence. How could this have happened? One moment, we’re in control, and the next, everything’s gone to hell. But as I watch them fall, one after another, the horrifying reality hits me: we’re under attack. We’re not safe. We never were.This can’t be anyone but the police. Who else would come at us like this, so precise, so deadly? And it’s my fault. My fault we didn’t get out sooner. My fault this mission is hanging by a thread. I should have listened to Viper when he told us to leave. We should have been long gone, but I hesitated. And now they’re dead—Viper, Red, J
Sandra’s POVI steady myself in the cramped toilet, heart pounding as I carefully position the sniper rifle out the narrow window. The cold metal of the trigger grounds me, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.Through the scope, I zoom in to 8X. Alessandra finally comes into focus as she steps out of the law firm. She looks composed, but there’s a tension in her movements that makes my gut clench. Something’s wrong.In the distance, off to the right, a group of people is watching her with an intensity that makes my skin crawl. Their eyes are locked on Alessandra, and the cruel twist of their lips sends a chill down my spine. They’re like predators circling wounded prey, relishing the kill before it even happens.I should take the shot now, end this. It’s the perfect moment. Then Brandon would finally be free, and he’d be mine. But something holds me back. These people, whoever they are, might be more dangerous and I need to know why they’re after Alessandra.As
Diana’s POVAs Viper deftly tosses a small canister of smoke into Alessandra’s car. We don't waste a second, swiftly moving to take control of the other vehicles in her entourage.Alessandra is being escorted by three cars: one at the front, one in the middle where she sits, and one at the rear. The plan is precise, and we execute it with the efficiency of seasoned professionals.Olivia and Emily take on the first car. They expertly deploy another smoke canister, filling the vehicle with a thick, suffocating fog. Meanwhile, I focus on the rear car, tossing a canister of my own into it. Smoke quickly engulfs all three vehicles, forcing their occupants to open their doors, desperately gasping for fresh air. Even Alessandra, who had been hysterically screaming moments earlier, is silenced by the choking haz
Diana’s POVWhen Jezebel’s message arrives, confirming what we've been anxiously anticipating—Alessandra is alone. My heart beats faster, not out of fear but from the anticipation of what's to come. It’s time to set our plan in motion.With a cold, calculated calm, I gather Viper, Red, Jinx, and Blade. “She's alone,” I say, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. “Jezebel’s done her part. Now it’s our turn.”They nod in unison, a silent agreement passing between us. There’s no need for words; we all know what needs to be done. The stakes are high, and failure is not an option.We regroup at my rundown, hidden in the shadows of the city. Viper, the most experienced among us, checks his blade, its edge gleaming under the dim light. “Remember,” he says, his voice low but firm, “guns are for boys in the game. Blades are for men.”His words echo in my mind as I glance around at the others. Red is sharpening his weapon, his eyes filled with a cold, ruthless determinati
Sandra’s POVStepping out of the warehouse, I don’t know where I am, and it’s terrifying. I’m stranded, disoriented, and powerless.I stand by the road, feeling utterly lost, watching taxis whiz by as if the world is oblivious to the chaos inside me. My hands shake as I lift them to flag down a taxi. But just as I do, my phone rings.The sound sends a jolt through me, and I glance at the screen. My heart pounds as I see the caller—Private Number. Dread tightens around me like a noose, and I hesitate before answering, my breath shallow.“Hello?” My voice barely escapes, trembling with anxiety.A cold, deep voice responds, as sharp as ice.
Jezebel’s POVI’ve been treated at the nearest hospital, but if I let this personal assistant slip away now, then I’m not the Jezebel everyone thinks I am.The doctor finishes up, wiping his hands as he says, “There you go, ma’am. You’re free to leave now.”I flash him a polite smile, but my mind is already elsewhere. My fingers tighten around the personal assistant’s arm, my nails digging into his sleeve as I anchor him beside me.The room is cold and sterile, yet I feel the heat of the moment. Matriarch Alessandra sits across from us, her silence dominating the room. When I grip her assistant’s arm, I catch the flash of surprise in her eyes, the slight parting of her lips. She wasn’t expecting this.“I still feel pain in my leg,” I say, my voice tinged with just enough distress to sound convincing. “It’s much worse than I thought. I don’t think I can walk.”Alessandra’s eyes narrow ever so slightly as she watches me closely, trying to figure me out. Let her think I’m putting on an ac