~~ASHLEY~~I adjusted the collar of my blouse, trying to keep my composure as I sat across from Nora Bane who was on the phone, talking with someone. With the bright smile on her face, I could guess she's a close friend of hers. “ Oh you mean that? Of course it is.” As they were talking, Nora suddenly glanced at me, clicking her tongue and then smiled, to which I quickly returned.I was actually called this morning to take on the modeling job for their new project called mEgan3 which they wanted to launch soon. They had moved up the date due to the reason which I didn't know about. On getting the call from her secretary, I didn't even think of having breakfast before rushing here.I waited for her to finish the call so that she could hand over the contract she was holding to me.We had both signed it, and she was just about to give it to me when her phone rang. Getting this contract was a huge opportunity— the best I’d ever had in my years in this industry. It was a modeling gig fo
The elevator doors slid open, bringing me out of my thoughts and I walked out with my head hanging low. Turning to the left side, I suddenly collided headfirst into a broad, solid chest, and I lost my balance, already falling to the ground.I shut my eyes close as my mind raced with the embarrassing image of me sprawling on the floor. But then, a strong arm quickly caught me, pulling me back from the brink of shame.I breathe out in relief, knowing that I had been saved. I slowly opened my eyes to see my savior, only to see deep blue eyes staring back at me. I found myself momentarily lost in his eyes and my breath caught in my throat as I took in his face.Of course, I knew who he was. He's Kingsley Bane and this was the first time I would ever see him this close. My heart, which had never beat faster than for Lance, suddenly began to thump so loudly that I could even hear its sound.I smiled at him, “Tha…” before I could complete my sentences, he let go of me.I stumbled backward an
“And have you saved my company yet? Have I even received a single penny from you?” he challenged, his tone sharp, making my heart sink.I stepped back, lowering my gaze as his words sting a lot. But I got him his investors back! Although I was the one behind them pulling out in the first place, but I still got them back.When I looked up again, I saw him staring at me, not with love, but with something far colder—like anger, or maybe even disgust.Wait, did he know about that? Nah, there's definitely no way he would know.Rubbing his temples, Lance sighed heavily. “You know what? Let’s not talk about this because I might really vent out my anger on you now.”He continued unbuttoning his shirt, while I stood at the same spot, looking at him as I was stunned by the way he had raised his voice at me. In the five years we’d been married, Lance had never for once spoken to me like this.I wondered what exactly changed. Did Ariel Roland really do look like his ex-wife? Because I had nev
~~ARIEL/MAYA~~I haven’t seen Bella outside for a while now. She’s locked herself in her room, refusing to come out or play and I think it’s because of what Mom did the other day.When I got to her door, I gently knocked before slowly opening it, trying to see if she's now awake but I saw her lying on her bed.“ I don't think she's awake.” I muttered, turning to leave.“ Miss Ariel,” her voice stopped me.Entering her room, I gave her a light smile as I walked over to her bed.“Good morning, hope am not disturbing your beautiful sleep?” I asked softly, not knowing if I was the one that woke her up“No, you’re not. I've been awake for a while now.” she quickly replied, adjusting herself on the bed. I sat down beside her and leaned closer to her, placing a kiss on her forehead. But looking at her, she seems to be gloomy, not like the Bella I know.“ Is there any problem? Did you had a rough night?“No, I'm fine.”“ But I feel like you are not. Are you now keeping things from me? I thou
Once we were in the car, Bryan started acting as our tour guide. Our first stop was the zoo. Bella’s eyes lit up as we walked around, looking at the animals. She pointed at the monkeys and giggled as they swung from the trees. We spent like an hour there before moving on to our next stop.We decided to go to the cinema to watch a new cartoon that had just premiered. But as the movie went on, Bella ended up crying her eyes out because the female lead, which was her favorite, died. We spent about two hours there, and I started regretting bringing her to see it. Her crying drew a lot of attention, so I had to pull my hat lower to cover my face as I carried her out of the cinema."It’s okay, Bella," I whispered, holding her close as we walked out. "Your favorite character is still alive. That’s just a movie, not real life." It took a while, but I finally managed to calm her down.Next, we headed to a playground. Seeing Bella running around, laughing, and playing brought me so much joy. It
Seeing Lance with Bella made my heart pound heavily and without thinking, I rushed over to their sides, pulling Bella away from him.“Haven’t I told you not to talk to strangers? Didn’t your mommy tell you the same thing?” I snapped, my voice trembling with fear and anger.“I’m very sorry, Miss Ariel, but he said he knows you,” Bella stammered.“Anyone can say they know me. But how do you know they’re not lying?”“He showed me your pictures in a wedding gown with him. You looked different, but I definitely recognized you,” Bella whispered, her words sending a chill down my spine.I glanced at Lance who wink at me and I find it hard to believe that Lance still had my picture. Mamita assured me she burned everything that was connected to him, including our photos. I definitely made sure nothing was left that could tie me to him. And now, he has our wedding pictures?Arrgh...This is a headache.The name I used when I married Lance was Maya Hendrix, a fake identity I created after my pare
His tongue slid into my mouth gently exploring and caressing mine and for a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to get lost in the depth of his touch, forgetting everything that had happened between us—all the pain and heartache that I had gone through. I let myself be vulnerable, feeling the warmth of the man I once loved with all my heart.I was taken back to four years ago, to a time when I adored him deeply, when he was the only man that my heart beat for, the only man that looked good in my eyes.But as the kiss deepened, so did the memories of how he shattered my heart flashed through my mind and I remembered how he escorted Ashley out of his car, welcoming her in his home while leaving me in the rain, pretending as if I didn't exist. I remembered the heartbreaking pain that I went through when he divorced me and then my poor Bella…….No, I haven’t forgotten what he did to me! Fueled by the painful memories, I found the strength to push him away. My hands pressed against his ches
My phone rang, pulling me out of my thoughts and I quickly dip my trembling hand into my pocket to pull out my phone. Seeing my mom’s picture flashing on the screen, I took a shaky breath before swiping to answer. Me: Hi Mom. Mom: Sweetheart, where are you? She asked in a sharp tone as if she already knew where I was. Me: I… I’m just… (My eyes darted around, desperate for an excuse) I’m out. Mom: Don’t even try lying to me! I just blocked a picture of you and Bella circulating online. How many times do I have to tell you to keep her out of public sight? Didn’t I make myself clear enough? Me: Mom, I was just trying to cheer her— Mom: Trying to what Maya? Don’t you understand the damage this could cause? People are already curious about who she is. The more they dig, the more mess we’re going to have to clean up. Me: I know, Mom, but after what you did to her— Mom: Enough! That’s not your job! That’s Mia’s responsibility, not yours. You’re wasting time when you should be focusin
When I arrived at Ambrosia Hall, my heart was beating so fast that I felt like it would burst st any moment. A waiter led me to a private room, and when the door opened, I froze on sight.The room was dim, and a single beam of light illuminated a beautifully set table. There was a bouquet of roses in the center and the sight was so romantic that I felt tears prick my eyes.But as I stood there, I couldn’t stop the small voice in my head. “You worked hard for this. Every humiliation, every pain, every tear…you really deserve this.” And then I saw him—Kingsley, standing tall in a black tuxedo suit with his hair perfectly styled. He looked so handsome that I couldn’t help but stare, my heart racing with every step he took toward me. “You’re here.”“Yeah,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady even though I was trembling inside. “I came as fast as I could. Your message sounded urgent.”“Thanks,” he said, his lips curling into a warm smile. “And you look beautiful tonight.”I could f
~~~ASHLEY'S POV~~~The aura in the air was already screaming that there was something serious she wanted to say to me. And the way her arms were crossed and her lips were pressed together in that tight line I hated, proved my right. Mom called me earlier this morning saying she wanted to see me but I was busy, so I showed up now and the way she was looking at me told me this conversation wasn’t going to go well.“How long, Ashley,” she said after a moment of silence.“How long what?”“How long will you keep living like this?”“Living like what, Mom? I'm totally living my best life.” She let out a long sigh and shook her head like I was some hopeless child who didn’t understand the world. “This isn't your best life, neither is it the kind of life I wanted for you. I thought you're smarter than these but you keep disappointing me. Look at yourself, Ashley. You have no job and no money and nothing to your name except being Kingsley Bane’s girlfriend. Is that all you want to be? A gir
As Lance was wheeled into the emergency center, my eyes stayed glued to him. My feet felt like they were rooted to the floor, and I just couldn’t stop shaking. I glanced down at my hand and then my dress, which was now soaked with his blood, and the scene kept replaying in my head.How he ran towards me, shouting my name. The fear in his eyes and voice as he tried to save me from danger. How the chandelier had come crashing down, but I just couldn't move at that moment because of the shock. And then he’d shoved me out of the way, making it fall on him.I sank into one of the chairs outside the emergency ward. My legs felt like jelly and were also too weak to hold me up any longer. Wrapping my arms around myself, I tried to stop the trembling.I could sense people bustling around me and voices blending into a blur. But I just couldn't look up to identify them as I wasn't in my right state of mind.Why was it at that moment that the chandelier had to fall? Why?A coat draped over my sh
“And who exactly are you to be making such demands from me?” He scoffed. “ I don't actually think you are in such position to say something like that as you have recently become one of the country clown man.” “ Have I?”“ Yes you have.” He said in a mocking tone. “ And it also seems you’re taking my warning as a joke.” Kingsley’s voice was firm, his tone dripping with authority as he dipped his hand in his pocket.I gave a short laugh, meeting his gaze. “Well, I’m sorry about that, but I hardly see such warnings as threats. You see, I’ve got nothing much to lose, so I wonder what exactly I should be scared of. You, on the other hand…” I pointed a finger at him, my voice sharpening. “You’ve got a lot to lose if you decide to make an enemy of me. So, I’ll make this simple. Leave her alone and face me.”Kingsley raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Face you? Don’t make me laugh, Lance. You’re not even worth my time. You’re just a man who couldn’t even make a proper decision for himself not to…
Across the room, Ashley and I gaze locked for a while. I could see a flickering of something I could not quite place in them. Maybe it was defiance or was it a desperate attempt to provoke a reaction. I don't really know. But if she thought she could stir jealousy in me, she was clearly mistaken as whatever feelings I once had for her were long gone, buried beneath the weight of every pain she had caused me. I nodded slightly, more to myself than to her as I felt nothing but pity for her. She really had no idea of what she was getting into by falling into Kinglsey's hand. Well that's none of my concern. Seeing that it's time as I was already feeling someone's burning gaze on me, I leaned toward Lysol. “I’ll be back in a minute,” I murmured before slipping away toward the restroom.Getting to the male section of the restroom, as I pushed open the door, the scent of citrus-scented disinfectant greeted me. I stepped inside and did a quick sweep of the stalls, trying to confirm if ther
His words hit like a slap, but I refused to falter as I didn't regret the decision I had made. I straightened my shoulders and met his cold stare. “I never said I wasn’t part of this family, Dad. I’m still your daughter and I will always be. But it's just that I’ve chosen not to follow your rules blindly anymore. That doesn’t make me any less a Roderigo.” “And yet, you dare to lecture me about the company I keep? Or about what my brother has done?” His voice dropped dangerously low. “You, who abandoned us? Atleast he's still with us ” “Abandoned?” I repeated, my voice trembling with anger. “I stood up for myself after you forced your decision on me. For once, I chose to live on my own terms, and if that offends you, so be it. But seeing you laugh and drink with the man who almost destroyed you..almost took away what belonged to you while calling himself your brother—don’t you see how hypocritical that is?” “Maya, stop,” Mom whispered, tugging at my arm gently. “Please.” But I
As the nurse entered Mia's ward, I quickly rushed after her, feeling the heat rushing to my face. My cheeks burned like wildfire, and I clenched my fists as I stormed into Mia’s ward, slamming the door shut behind me. Leaning against the door, I pressed my back against the cool wood, my chest heaving. What the fuck did I just do? Are you insane? He's your ex, how could you even think of doing that?I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to calm down, but it was useless. The memory of his lips on mine, the way he held me so firmly, the warmth of his breath—it all came rushing back. I raised my fingers to my lips, brushing over them lightly. They still tingled, and I hated it. Butterflies swirled in my stomach, making me feel both nauseous and... something else I didn’t want to name. And then suddenly, I felt the weight of several gazes on me, only to open my eyes and see Mia, Bella, and the nurse all staring at me. Their expressions ranged from confusion to amusement, and I ins
But I finally managed to mutter, “Oh. Well, that’s... quite unfortunate. I actually thought you and Ashley were a match made in heaven, and this is… really sad.” He let out a soft chuckle. “No, it wasn't sad, and we are not a good match. Ever since I lost a match made in heaven, I lost my entire life. And now… I want it all back. Everything.” His eyes didn’t leave mine, as though searching for something more—for me to say something. But I couldn’t find anything to say. “Is that all you have to say?” He asked.“Yes, it is. Do you want me to say something else?” My tone was sharp, each word a deliberate dagger. “I thought you’d be happy about it… I thought you’d be… you know, fine that I got what I deserved.” He’s right. I was supposed to be happy seeing them broken apart and losing everything. But now… I really didn’t feel much. I felt like I had done too much damage to him, more than he deserved, and I couldn’t even bring myself to look at him properly. But I still didn’t wa
***MAYA'S POV***"And then the tortoise said to his wife, 'If anyone comes looking for me, tell them I’m not around as I have no money to give to them,' Bella began, her small hands emphasizing the words as she read aloud."So, the tortoise hid. But minutes later, a man arrived and asked the wife, ‘Is your husband home?’ The wife replied, ‘Oh, he’s traveled far, and I doubt he’ll ever return back to this house.’ Then the man sighed and said, ‘That’s unfortunate. I came to repay a debt I owe him, but since he’s not here, I’ll keep the money.’Bella paused dramatically, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. "Hearing this, the tortoise shouted from his hiding place, ‘Wait! I’m home!’ He rushed out from his hiding place to collect the money but on seeing the man, the tortoise's smile faded as the man was actually one of his debtors.” Mia and I couldn’t help but smile as Bella acted out each character with exaggerated expressions. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she giggled, clearly