Patrick's POV
I stood at the entrance of my mansion, my eyes locked on the tail lights of the car as it disappeared down the long driveway. The cold evening breeze, swept past me, but I barely felt it. My hands curls into a fist at my sides.
She left. Just like that.I expected screaming. Tears. Maybe even a slap. Giselle just left.
It made no sense. Wasn't she supposed to fight for me?To beg? To demand for an explanation?
But instead, she walked away like I meant nothing. Like we were nothing.
A bitter chuckle escaped my lips. So, she gave up on me that easily? Over what? A handsome face guy.She must be joking. She'd be back. She always comes back. And I'll be here when she does. I thought to myself. I slow mocking voice broke my thought."She'll be back to beg soon. " My mother, Karen said, stepping beside me.
I didn't turn to look at her. I knew that smug expression was on her face, the one she always wore when things were going her way.
"She's not only useless but she's a whore too." Debbie, my sister added, her voice thick with disdain. "A woman like that does not deserve a man like you, Patrick."
I clenched my jaw. Debbie had never liked Giselle. She always whispers venom about her, always making her feel like some privileged brat. I used to ignore it, but right now I just want to be alone.
"You were never her type " Debbie continued. Flipping her manicured fingernails.
"But more importantly, she was never your. You're the CEO of Hilton Group, Patrick. You deserve better."
"Yes, I know " I muttered under my breath scoffing.
"Exactly." A sultry voice whispered in my ears.I turned slightly to see Becky walking towards me, her hips swaying deliberately. She placed her delicate hands on my chest and tilted her head. Her hips curling into a satisfied smirk."You and I, Patrick " she whispered pressing closer, "we are always meant to be. Giselle was just a distraction."
I should have agreed. Should have smiled back at her but somehow I felt nothing.
They giggling together, exchanging knowing looks, their laughter echoing in the air like a cruel melody.I didn't want to hear it. Anger burned in my chest as I turned and stormed inside the house, shutting the doors behind me with a loud thud. Why did she leave so easily?. The question rattled inside my head like hunting tune as I stepped into the living room. My gaze fell to the floor, and something in my chest twisted painfully. There, in a careless heap, lay her clothes. The expensive silk dress I had gotten for her when I was broke. She had treasured it till today, when I asked her to take it off and she did. The expensive earrings I had gifted her on our anniversary, and.... The engagement ring.
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding as I stepped closer. Why would she take them off? I was expecting her to argue. Didn't they mean anything to her? To us?. I clenched my fist so tightly my knuckles turned white. My jaw locked. Heat surged through me. She shouldn't have done that. My breath was ragged as my gaze shifted to the coffee table, where a set of papers sat nearly, divorce papers. I grabbed them. My eyes scanning the words furiously. Dissolution of Marriage. I tore them apart , Every Single page. I wasn't going to let her do this. I wasn't going the let her walk away lie I meant nothing. Like some trash.
The shrill sound of my phone ringing made me freeze. I inhaled sharply before reaching into my pocket and answered. "This is Patrick." I said,my voice sharp. A familiar voice spoke on the other end. It was my assistant, Melvin. "Sir, I just wanted to remind you that in three days, Lord Benjamin Von Howard will be hosting his daughter's birthday party at his castle. An invitation was sent to you." I pressed my fingers against my head. "Alright, thank you Melvin." I had completely forgotten about the event , it was one of the biggest social gatherings of the year. Attended by the wealthiest and most powerful families in the city.
I was an upcoming Entrepreneur and relating with the ruling elites could add more credits to my name. It was golden opportunity to strengthen my business relationship with the ruling class. Before i could hang up, Becky's voice purred behind me. "I got you the invitation, Patrick." She walked softly to my back and held me softly, pressing her body into me from behind. "It's our chance, Patrick." She whispered draped her fingers on my shoulders. "A chance to make the Von Howard to notice you. Notice us." I didn't reply but my jaw tightened. She wasn't wrong. But something about the way she said it, about the way everyone were already acting like Giselle is replaceable, made my stomach churn. Giselle may have walked away today but something told me this wasn't the end. Not even close. Worst part is I didn't know where she was taken. "Why aren't you saying anything, babe?" "Aren't you happy I got you an invitation to the most exquisite party in the City?" Becky questioned. "No, you're getting it all wrong. You know what I gotta go" I protested trying to walk away calmly. "Ouch," Becky screamed and held her abdomen. "It's the baby Patrick." She said. I grabbed her immediately and steadily helped her to seat on the sofa. "What happened to her?" My mom's voice purred from the front door with my sister Debbie following closely behind her
Giselle's POVAs we pulled away from the mansion, the place where my heart had been shattered beyond recognition, I pressed my face against the chilled glass window, misting the glass with my breath. My hand clench into a fist on my lap, the sting of the pain in my hand filled my whole body. The city lights streamed past, yellow and white ribbons on black night, but I saw nothing but him. Patrick. The man I thought would be my forever. The man I had made into what he is today. The man who shattered me.My mind returned to the beginning, to the time when Patrick was a struggling businessman with dreams bigger than his pocket He'd been poor and into many debt barely scraping by. But I, foolish, naive, in love had thrown myself at him, believing he was worth every penny. "You're the only one I trust with my heart, Giselle," Patrick had once whispered. "With you by my side, I can achieve anything." And I had believed.I used my influence as the daughter of the Von Howard family—the wealthi
Giselle's POV Dad smiled, a peace, satisfied smile. "That's my girl" he said.Nicholas immediately jumped into the conversation to elaborate more. " The entire city will be there, Gigi." Nicholas said, his voice filled with an almost boyish enthusiasm. "Politicians, business moguls, aristocrats, all the prominent families in the city." My heart swelled a little at the thought. It was finally happening.For years, I had been the hidden heiress, the whispered name in the society circles. People had speculated about me. Painted their own version of who I was but no one had eventually see me. Even if they did, I didn't look it. Until now."This will be a grand debut," father added, his voice rich and stead."And as the Von Heiress, you must look your absolute best. We've arranged for the best designers, jewelers and stylist." I sat up slightly, my excitement growing. "Father, I don't need a grand entrance." I said, though deep down, I knew I didn't entirely mean it. "You underestimate ho
Patrick's POV I started each morning waking up to tht smell of freshly brewed coffee.Dark brown, rich brown, and just so nicely brewed. The way I liked it. But today, going into the dining room, something was off. I glanced at the table. No hot cup of coffee. No pleasant smell circulating. My brow fell into a scroll as I rubbed my head, a strange sensation of emptiness. Hell. I had become so used to it that I noticed anymore when she was not around anymore. Giselle. Always woke me up earlier before me. Always had the coffee ready for me, just the right level of bitterness and heat to get me going for work in the mornings. And now? Nothing. Just an empty cold counter. I shook my head, trying to shake the icky feeling down my spine. I shouldn't be doing this. I'd told myself I wouldn't regret my actions.Becky was still sleeping when I left the bedroom. I didn't wake her. Didn't want to.Not because of anything, but because, for the first time since I'd decided to do it, doubt was alre
The Grand chandeliers of Howard castle's ballroom sparkled like a sky full of stars, casting a golden glow over the sea of guest dressed in the most extravagant outfits money could buy. The air filled with sophistication, champagne glasses clicked, the rich laughter echoed, and geh scent of rose and expensive cologne filled the room. And then, I walked in. The moment my heel clicked the marble floor, there was this thin silence that fell over the room. Eyes turned, mouths parted in astonishment and whispers ignited like wildfire. I knew I looked breathtaking.I was wearing a limited edition Elie-Saab gown, one of the most expensive creations from the brands latest collection, and ethereal, deep sapphire dress adorned with intricate crystal embroidery, hugging my curves and flowing like liquid silk. It was a masterpiece, designed only for the wealthiest elite and I wore it effortlessly. Jewelry from Cartier gleamed against my skin, a delicate diamond necklace and a matching earrings th
Giselle's POVThe moment Becky called for security, I knew she made the biggest mistake of her life. But instead of reacting, I stood my ground, watching as the two guards approached with caution yet firm expression. "Miss," One of them said, his voice neutral and authoritative,"we need to see your invitation." I turned my gaze to him unwavering."I don't have one." A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd, the guest watching with anticipation, eager for drama. The guards, however remain professional though I could see a hint of unease in their stance. "Miss, without an invitation, we have no choice but to escort you out." I arched a brow."is that so." Patrick who has been standing few stance away, suddenly stepped forward, shaking his head in desperation. "Giselle, stop this nonsense and leave you're embarrassing yourself." I let out a low chuckle, crossing my arm."Really? We'll soon see who the real fool is." Patrick's jaw clenched at my word, but before he could respond, Becky step
Patrick's POVI was as hard as wood, fists clenched so tightly they were pounding nails into flesh. I churned with rage in my belly as I replayed the meeting over and over again—Giselle walking away with head held high in victory, brother lagging behind, leaving me panting for air in shame.Her self-satisfied, idiotic grin provoked another rage simmering below me to a boil. How the bloody hell had she managed it, then?Becky was sitting beside me, her hand on my arm, but I hardly even noticed. She was droning on about some inconsequential rubbish, no doubt attempting to soothe my wounded pride, but I was hearing nothing but Giselle. The woman I'd manipulated.The woman to whom I had made no vows.The woman who had just told me and the rest of mankind that she was everything. "Patrick, is something the matter?" Becky's hand rested on my chest. I barely looked at her. "Not now, Becky."She scowled, obviously irritated that I was not meeting her eyes, but before she could protest again,
Patrick's POVThe evening press oppressed me, stifling life from every action. The shame, the shock, the overwhelming realization that I was wedded to Giselle Von Howard—the heiress Von Howard—swirled my head.I needed to talk to her.I had to hear it from her own lips why she hid it from me, why she stayed behind my shadow when she could have occupied the highest pedestal.I shouldered through the partygoers, searching the opulent ballroom for visions of her.The air buzzed with gossip, eyes lingering on me, but I did not mind. I was not leaving there without laying eyes on Giselle.I pushed through to the VIP section where she had disappeared into, two enormous men in black suits standing in my way."I have to see Giselle," I insisted, trying to push past them.One of the guards, a giant, shifted hardly at all as he spoke. "I'm sorry, sir, but Miss Von Howard isn't seeing visitors." Miss Von Howard.The privilege hurt more sharply than I had expected. "She'll see me," I persisted. "I wa
Giselle's POVWhen I finally get into my room, the silence in the room was deafening, yet my mind was anything but quiet. Memories clashed over me like a relentless storm. Each one was sharp, vivid and mercilessly cruel. I could still see Patrick's face, twisted in the shock a s disbelief as her realized that the woman he had once dismissed as a nobody was the Von Howard's heiress. His pride had been shattered in front of those people and for the first time, he had been focused to acknowledge my worth. Good. He deserved it. I could picture his anger frustration as her tried for each me, only to be stopped by my father's guards. I imagined the humiliation that was burned through him when Nicholas ordered him to leave. I let out a bitter laugh and whispered to myself, "Serves him right." Patrick had thrown my love into the mud, treated me like a doormat, made me feel worthless, discarded me for another woman only to learn that I had already been someone out of his league. But I wasn't
Patrick’s POVThe hospital lobby was suffocating. The sterile white walls, the quiet hum of machines, the murmurs of worried visitors all pressed down on me like a weight I couldn’t shake off.Becky was still in the ward, her condition uncertain. My mother and Debbie sat stiffly on the uncomfortable waiting chairs, their faces drawn with worry. I knew they expected me to sit with them, to wait out the storm, but I couldn’t.Not now.My phone had already vibrated five times in the last ten minutes. Each time, my assistant’s messages became more urgent. The financial reports were showing a catastrophic downturn. Hilton Group’s assets were vanishing overnight.I ran a frustrated hand through my hair and turned to my mother and sister.“Take care of Becky,” I said quickly. “I have an emergency at work.”Debbie frowned. “Patrick, what’s going on?”My mother crossed her arms. “What could possibly be more important than being here?”I exhaled sharply. “I don’t have time for this.”“Patrick!”
Giselle's POVI was frozen in fear, my heart pounding against the walls of my ribcage as I gazed up at Nicholas. His freezing blue eyes held me captive, his jaw working."So, you're pregnant." His voice was a crack of thunder in my ears.I curl a protective hand over my belly, cradling the tiny life inside me. My throat tightened, and I staggered backwards into my bedroom.Nicholas followed me, his movements slow and graceful as he shut the door. The air around us was thick, oppressive. And then, in a dam-break flood of emotion, the tears I had held inside me for weeks brust free. I fell on the bed and wept deeply.Nicholas was beside me in an instant. His muscular massive arms folded me, pulling me into his chest. His warmth, his immovable solidity, it was so comforting. I grasped him, fist twisting in the material of his shirt as if he was the only anchor that stopped me from drowning in my sorrow."Shh...," He murmured, running his fingers through my hair. "You don't have to cry,
Patrick's POVThe waiting room at the hospital was unusually still, with only the gentle tick of clock above the reception breaking the silence and the faraway, muted thrum of the nurses as they moved between the corridors, to and fro. The pungent scent of the antiseptic filled my lungs, but I barely noticed it. My mind was somewhere I was not. My eyes were glued to the doors of the emergency department, now shut behind Becky who had been swept inside a moment ago.I combed a hand through the matted hair, letting out a frustrated, deep breath. How had this happened?Becky had collapsed so quickly at the party, shouting out in agony. The raw terror that I experienced at the moment was complete. I had picked her up into my car, sped through red lights, and reached the hospital in a flash.And I was standing here with my mom and Debbie, the both of us steamrolled like I was, but for totally different reasons.I was praying to myself in my heart. Please. don't harm Becky. Not because I ca
Giselle's POVWhen I finally get into my room, the silence in the room was deafening, yet my mind was anything but quiet. Memories clashed over me like a relentless storm. Each one was sharp, vivid and mercilessly cruel. I could still see Patrick's face, twisted in the shock a s disbelief as her realized that the woman he had once dismissed as a nobody was the Von Howard's heiress. His pride had been shattered in front of those people and for the first time, he had been focused to acknowledge my worth. Good. He deserved it. I could picture his anger frustration as her tried for each me, only to be stopped by my father's guards. I imagined the humiliation that was burned through him when Nicholas ordered him to leave. I let out a bitter laugh and whispered to myself, "Serves him right." Patrick had thrown my love into the mud, treated me like a doormat, made me feel worthless, discarded me for another woman only to learn that I had already been someone out of his league. But I wasn't
Patrick's POVThe evening press oppressed me, stifling life from every action. The shame, the shock, the overwhelming realization that I was wedded to Giselle Von Howard—the heiress Von Howard—swirled my head.I needed to talk to her.I had to hear it from her own lips why she hid it from me, why she stayed behind my shadow when she could have occupied the highest pedestal.I shouldered through the partygoers, searching the opulent ballroom for visions of her.The air buzzed with gossip, eyes lingering on me, but I did not mind. I was not leaving there without laying eyes on Giselle.I pushed through to the VIP section where she had disappeared into, two enormous men in black suits standing in my way."I have to see Giselle," I insisted, trying to push past them.One of the guards, a giant, shifted hardly at all as he spoke. "I'm sorry, sir, but Miss Von Howard isn't seeing visitors." Miss Von Howard.The privilege hurt more sharply than I had expected. "She'll see me," I persisted. "I wa
Patrick's POVI was as hard as wood, fists clenched so tightly they were pounding nails into flesh. I churned with rage in my belly as I replayed the meeting over and over again—Giselle walking away with head held high in victory, brother lagging behind, leaving me panting for air in shame.Her self-satisfied, idiotic grin provoked another rage simmering below me to a boil. How the bloody hell had she managed it, then?Becky was sitting beside me, her hand on my arm, but I hardly even noticed. She was droning on about some inconsequential rubbish, no doubt attempting to soothe my wounded pride, but I was hearing nothing but Giselle. The woman I'd manipulated.The woman to whom I had made no vows.The woman who had just told me and the rest of mankind that she was everything. "Patrick, is something the matter?" Becky's hand rested on my chest. I barely looked at her. "Not now, Becky."She scowled, obviously irritated that I was not meeting her eyes, but before she could protest again,
Giselle's POVThe moment Becky called for security, I knew she made the biggest mistake of her life. But instead of reacting, I stood my ground, watching as the two guards approached with caution yet firm expression. "Miss," One of them said, his voice neutral and authoritative,"we need to see your invitation." I turned my gaze to him unwavering."I don't have one." A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd, the guest watching with anticipation, eager for drama. The guards, however remain professional though I could see a hint of unease in their stance. "Miss, without an invitation, we have no choice but to escort you out." I arched a brow."is that so." Patrick who has been standing few stance away, suddenly stepped forward, shaking his head in desperation. "Giselle, stop this nonsense and leave you're embarrassing yourself." I let out a low chuckle, crossing my arm."Really? We'll soon see who the real fool is." Patrick's jaw clenched at my word, but before he could respond, Becky step
The Grand chandeliers of Howard castle's ballroom sparkled like a sky full of stars, casting a golden glow over the sea of guest dressed in the most extravagant outfits money could buy. The air filled with sophistication, champagne glasses clicked, the rich laughter echoed, and geh scent of rose and expensive cologne filled the room. And then, I walked in. The moment my heel clicked the marble floor, there was this thin silence that fell over the room. Eyes turned, mouths parted in astonishment and whispers ignited like wildfire. I knew I looked breathtaking.I was wearing a limited edition Elie-Saab gown, one of the most expensive creations from the brands latest collection, and ethereal, deep sapphire dress adorned with intricate crystal embroidery, hugging my curves and flowing like liquid silk. It was a masterpiece, designed only for the wealthiest elite and I wore it effortlessly. Jewelry from Cartier gleamed against my skin, a delicate diamond necklace and a matching earrings th
Patrick's POV I started each morning waking up to tht smell of freshly brewed coffee.Dark brown, rich brown, and just so nicely brewed. The way I liked it. But today, going into the dining room, something was off. I glanced at the table. No hot cup of coffee. No pleasant smell circulating. My brow fell into a scroll as I rubbed my head, a strange sensation of emptiness. Hell. I had become so used to it that I noticed anymore when she was not around anymore. Giselle. Always woke me up earlier before me. Always had the coffee ready for me, just the right level of bitterness and heat to get me going for work in the mornings. And now? Nothing. Just an empty cold counter. I shook my head, trying to shake the icky feeling down my spine. I shouldn't be doing this. I'd told myself I wouldn't regret my actions.Becky was still sleeping when I left the bedroom. I didn't wake her. Didn't want to.Not because of anything, but because, for the first time since I'd decided to do it, doubt was alre