~~~LANCE'S POV~~~ “Lance, are you crazy?” Henry’s voice blasted through the phone, so loud that it felt like my ears would burst out. “Borrowing money from Billy, that shark? Do you even have any fucking idea what you’ve gotten yourself into?” I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair, trying to stay calm. “Henry, relax. I know what I’m doing. I’ll pay him back, no problem.” “No problem?” Henry scoffed, disbelief dripping from his words. “Lance, this is Billy we’re talking about. He’s not just any guy—he goes crazy with anything called money. What if you miss a payment? He’ll take everything you’ve worked so hard for! How could you make such a decision without even consulting me when I’m your lawyer?” I could feel him burning with fury and seething in anger from wherever he was. I glanced back at the crowd behind me, my stomach twisting into tight knots as I tried not to raise up my voice at where I was. I knew Henry was right, but what other choices did I have at that
~~~MAYA'S POV~~~ Why was he looking at me like that? Did he perhaps know that I intentionally fell? My heart raced as I wondered if he knew I fell on purpose or not, but I quickly dismissed the thought because if he did, he'd be yelling his head off - that's the Lance I used to know. Yet here he was, staring at me with those eyes, like he was hurting as if he'd almost lost something precious. That's not like the Lance I knew. Lance leaned against the doorframe, his shoulders sagging as he let out a deep sigh. "Why'd you do it?" He asked. I played dumb, tilting my head, "Do what?" "Don’t play dumb with me, Maya. I saw your eyes before you fell. You knew….you knew I would catch you. You planned the whole thing." He ran his fingers through his hair, frustration evident in his tone as he continued, "So why? Why did you make me choose again?” So he knew? We locked eyes for a fleeting moment as he waited for me to respond to him but I couldn't keep up with it anymore so I ave
~~~ASHLEY'S POV~~~ I threw everything I could reach against the wall, venting my anger. I let out a loud piercing scream as images of Lance saving that bitch and abandoning me kept flashing through my mind. I kept asking myself over and over again how it had all come to this and why the man who seemed not to have gotten over his ex-wife and even resisted my charm in all the years we'd been married suddenly got smitten by that bitch. Yes, I agreed that she was beautiful. I agree that she had a bigger and curvy features that could make any man go insane than me, but I had no idea that my own husband who claimed that he wasn't over his first wife, would also join the band of men smitten by her and end up humiliating me in public. I knew that he secretly admire her to even be moaning out her name when we were having sex two days ago. We fought over it but I thought it was just men's daily dream of fantasizing over things they desire and he would get over it but what happened today
I didn't even remember how I walked out of the building or left the party; I was just there, walking down the cold streets with my arms wrapped tightly around myself as if they could protect me from the storm raging inside. The night air chilled my skin, but it was nothing compared to the coldness sinking deep into my heart and as the images flashed back again and again in my mind, my knees gave way in the middle of the street. I crumbled to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. I could see people's eyes on me but I didn't really care, they were free to do whatever they wanted to do or even share my crying videos on social media; I didn't care because they had no Idea of what I was goi through. Now thinking about it, I realized I was wrong to think something was wrong with me that made Lance unable to get over his ex-wife. Now I understood that none of this or about Maya was my fault. All I did was fight for my love with the power I had and Maya was just too weak to defend her
~~~MAYA’S POV~~~“How exactly are you feeling about this engagement?" I looked up, a smile spreading across my face. "It's... indescribable," I began. "Kingsley and I, we've grown up together. We've seen each other at our best and our worst and now, to stand here, knowing we've chosen each other for life… It's beyond amazing. I'm just... I'm so happy I can barely put it into words."Another reporter leaned in, "What do you love most about Mr Kingsley Bane?"My eyes softened as I thought of him. "Oh, where do I even start?" I laughed out. "His smile, for one. It lights up his whole face and when he smiles at me, it's like the whole world disappears. Moreover, his eyes... when he looks at me, it's like he sees straight into my soul. They're this deep, rich blue eyes like ocean that I could get lost in for hours."I paused, a mischievous glint in my eye. "And then there's his long hair that cascade over his shoulder. Well...what's left of it now." I felt sad, “He used to have this gorge
As Kingsley and I stepped into the grand hall, a hush fell over the crowd before erupting into applause. My heart raced faster with each step I took, partly from nerves and partly from excitement that I was feeling The room was filled with prominent figures from all over the world and I would say this was really a classic party just like my parents and Kinglsey's mother said, considering the faces that I was seeing here.My golden off-shoulder gown, a masterpiece designed by a world-renowned fashion house which belongs to the Bane family, trailed behind me. Each step sent light dancing off the thousands of diamonds that were sewn into the fabric. Whispers rippled through the crowd as we took each step. “She looks absolutely stunning," I heard someone murmur.Another voice chimed in, "And he is so handsome. What a perfect pair they make."We bowed our heads slightly, acknowledging the guests with my my left hand placed on my chest as I was overwhelmed by the warmth."Thank you all,"
~~~LANCE'S POV~~~Standing in the middle of the room, I watched Maya walk arm in arm with Kingsley. My heart caught in my throat as her radiant smile shone brighter than I'd seen in years and If memory serves me right, the last time I saw that smile on her face was on our wedding day, as she walked down the aisle.That smile used to be only for me but now, seeing it directed at another man sent waves of conflicting emotions through me.I could barely describe how I felt right now. But I was damn sure the unending pain in my chest was from heartbreak. Now I wished I'd never come here as I realized the reaskn why he'd sent me the invitation card in the first place Yesterday, I got a personal invitation from Kingsley Bane's secretary, saying he was moved by the advice I gave him that other day and wanted me here today.Now, with all this I was seeing, I knew he'd planned it all. I already guessed he must've also known about Maya and me since our last chat in the restroom but telling me
I stepped out of the bathroom, the towel hanging loosely around my neck as I rubbed my damp hair. The cool air hit my skin, but my attention was quickly drawn to the figure sitting on the edge of the bed with her gaze fixed on me. It was Maya.At first, her mouth was wide open, taking in every inch of my body and I wondered if this was the first time she had ever seen a man in just a towel. But when she met my eyes, her attention snapped back to reality and she quickly lowered her head.Now, she looked a bit nervous, her hands fidgeting with the hem of the red nightgown she wore.Oh, fuck! Not this, Morgan.My fist clenched around the towel as I recognized the nightgown and I didn’t even need to be told as it was obvious that it didn’t belong to her.The night wear she was wearing was too tight, pressing against her body and she seemed to be struggling to breathe comfortably in it. If I could remember correctly, his red gown belonged to Ashley as I was the one who personally bought i
~~~~MAYA’S POV~~~“Are you certain it’s what you want?” His tone was soft, there was also a certain eagerness making his breath come in raspy — an indication he wanted this as well.“Yes.” I nodded, already reaching for his full mat of hair, slithering my fingers through the strands.My body was on edge — waiting for his touch and the submission that came with it. My mouth was slightly open — a silent invitation for him to take control.Without further questions, he reached for my seatbelt, unbuckled it and in a fluid, expert move, had me sitting on his lap. My chest already heaving with feral lust, I neared his face, our soft, needy breaths growing in soft pants as his lips captured mine.A soft moan escaped me, enjoying the feel of his mouth on mine. His tongue slipped into my mouth in quiet dominance, clashing with my tongue and bringing it to surrender as he plundered and caused flame alongside. I didn’t care we were inside his car, I didn’t care it was a tad bit uncomfortable.
“What?!” My mind couldn’t process it. “No—maybe she was just following her dad’s orders.”But Maya just laughed again, that same bitter, empty laugh. “No, she wasn’t. She was the one behind it all and I was blind, Lance. I thought she was the kindest out of all of them. I actually believed she was helping me. But that bitch… she was just using me.”She turned to me, tears running down her face. “She used me to save her father from going to jail. No wonder why she knew that you were after someone when Bella got into an accident. I should have thought harder back then.”“I don’t get it.”“It’s simple and I was just too dumb to see it earlier. Back when I left everything and went to Ohio, If her father had taken over and me and my dad were kicked out, Carlos would have been the one arrested for the crime they blamed my father for. Sophia planned everything. She only did all that to protect her father, not to stop him from ruining the empire.”I exhaled sharply, trying to make sense of i
~~~LANCE'S POV~~~I hold Maya close as her sobs slowly die down but she still grips my shirt like she’s scared I’ll disappear. Every tear soaking through my skin felt like a knife straight to my heart.I should’ve been faster. No—I should’ve followed her the moment she rushed out of the boardroom. But I was too busy pretending like there was nothing between us just so I could keep earning Carlos’ trust.I had no idea he was cruel enough to do this. I’ve seen different sides of him, sides I didn’t even know existed, and I kept thinking maybe we were wrong. That maybe he wasn’t the one behind this. Apart from his obsession with taking over Maya’s father’s empire, I never saw him do anything truly awful.But now, I know he’s just been hiding it all along.And I swear, he’s not getting away with this. He’s going to pay.When Maya finally calms down, I help her sit on the bench. Her eyes stay locked on the unconscious kidnapper like she wants to rip him apart, but mine stay on her, trying
"Lucas is the most qualified person in this room," I continue. "And consider this: by supporting Lucas, we're setting a precedent. For the first time since the establishment of this empire, we're saying that the leadership of this company isn’t limited to only the Roderigo family. This means that any one of you here could potentially lead this empire one day, based on merit rather than bloodline."It was as if I had dropped a lottery card as the atmosphere in the room shifted immediately. I could see people coming to their senses, their expressions changing. Happiness filled their eyes as the realization of possibility, the potential and for some, the greed of leading this empire one day all came crashing onto them."So instead of helping others climb up, why not pave the way for your own future?"Carlos must see that the directors are now wavering in their decision. His face turned even darker."You can't—" he begins, but Aunt Melissa cuts him off."Maya is right. There is no legal b
It's finally the day of the board meeting. I have gotten more courage than I should have. Lance and I still haven't met each other, other than communicating on the phone. He's with Carlos twenty-four seven, meeting with other board members, trying to win them over to his side.Lance already told me that most of the directors were now on Carlos' side and that winning them over to my side would be a little difficult, especially within the short amount of time.This was exactly why we have come to make another decision, and I have already gotten permission from my father to do this.But the mystery part that we have been trying to solve and investigate was how the cops found the ledger that Lance presented the other day in my father's office.I clearly checked every single place in his office when he was arrested, leaving no stone unturned. So how did it miraculously get in there? The surprising part was that a week ago, when Mom was hospitalized and I was in the hospital with her, two h
As everyone settled into their seats and Mr. Williams opened his mouth to speak those words I already knew he wanted to say but I cut him off and stood up."It is with my deepest pain that I inform you all of the predicament of the leader of this great empire.""Now she informs us after a lot of damage has already been done," Alexander said mockingly.I remembered that they weren’t even supposed to be here. They had already promised not to set foot here again unless summoned.But now was not the time to address that.I continued, "My father, the leader of this great empire, has fallen into a trap set by his enemies—the same enemies he made while trying to protect this empire and drive it forward.My father has been leading this empire for a solid thirty-five years, ever since it was handed to him when he was just twenty-two years old. Despite his young age back then, he led us well—well enough for us to become number one across the globe.He’s not the kind of man who gives up on his p
~~~MAYA'S POV~~~I picked up a pair of red high heels from the shoe rack, slipping them on carefully. Stepping in front of the full-length mirror, I smoothed down my sleek black dress, the fabric hugging my figure in all the right places. But something still felt incomplete.Then my gaze shifted to my reflection and landed on my loose waves cascading over my shoulders. I suddenly didn’t feel like letting my hair fall freely this morning. So I gathered it up and twisted the strands into a smooth, doughnut bun.Now satisfied with my look, I grabbed my phone and then grabbed my bag before heading outside my room. As I climbed down the stairs with my heels clicking harder, my eyes glued to my phone. My hand hovered on the chain on my neck as I read Lance's two-old message for the hundredth time:"I love you, Maya. Remember that. I would never do anything to hurt you."He had sent this message to me and also sent the necklace. Those two things has been something that has been cheering me
~~~LANCE'S POV~~~It's been like four days now since Maya's father was arrested, and everything has spiraled into chaos faster than I could have imagined.For days now, Maya's family has been turned upside down. The reporters are even chasing her around, asking if she was aware of her father's activities.The media circus isn't helping either. Every time I turn on the TV or check my phone, there's another headline about A&R and Maya's father. The company's stock is in freefall and Maya's mother... God, she couldn't handle it all. She's in this same hospital now, three floors below and her body was giving in to the stress of watching her world crumble.No matter what anyone says, Maya still solely believes that her father is innocent. Unfortunately, belief alone cannot save him. They need more evidence which we still didn't have.My heart aches every time I think about Maya. She's been practically living at the police station, working tirelessly with their lawyers to secure her father'
"Dad!" I ran toward him.But one of the cops stepped in front of me, blocking me from getting in contact with my father. "Ma’am, please stay back.""Step aside this right now!" I shouted, my fury boiling over. "Do you have any idea of what you’re doing!""We have a warrant for his arrest and any interference on your part could be considered as an obstruction of justice. So I will advise you to step aside, ma'am.” the cop stated firmly but I didn’t care.I still tried to move past him. "This is ridiculous! Show me the evidence that he actually did all these!" But the officer blocked my path again.Then another cop who seemed to be in a higher rank than those in front of me, approached me. He introduced himself as Thomas and gave me a paper.I glared at him angrily before snatching the paper from his grip. My hand trembled as I scanned the accusations written in it. I just couldn't believe any of it. My father would do no such.I shook my head.” This is all bullshit. He’ll not do some