~~~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
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
***ASHLEY'S POV***I never imagined it would end like this—a quiet, heart-wrenching conclusion where we walked away from each other for good. When I decided to step back into Lance’s life six years ago, I was determined never to let him go, never to let anyone take him from me again. But now… it’s over. Standing on the courthouse steps, I watched his figure retreating, growing smaller with each step he took down the stairs. The crisp autumn air bit at my skin, but the cold I felt ran deeper. It wasn’t the chill of the weather—it was the weight of everything that had just happened. The closure I thought I wanted had left me feeling emptier than I ever imagined. The divorce was final. The court had granted it without a fight. Lance had surprised me by agreeing to sign the papers, though he made it clear I wouldn’t get a cent of his property. I didn’t care. I never wanted anything from him but this divorce… even if getting it meant resorting to things I never thought I’d be capable of
****FLASHBACKS****The classroom was bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, shadows stretching long across the floor. My lips brushed Lysol's owe last time, the moment abruptly shattered by the door bursting open and we both flinched apart.“Maya!” I barked, my heart leaping into my throat. Relief washed over me when I saw her standing there, smirking. For a brief moment, I thought it was a teacher or someone who could ruin everything.“What?” she drawled, leaning against the doorframe with a smug grin. “Relax, it’s just me.” She turned to Lysol with a playful tilt of her head. “Hi, handsome.”Lysol flushed, offering her a small smile. “Hi, Maya and congratulations on your graduation.” Today was actually the day we’re graduating from highschool. Others were outside celebrating but I prefer being here.“Same to you,” she replied breezily.Lysol turned to me, his smile softening. “I’ll see you later, Kingsley,” he murmured, slipping past Maya and out the door.As the door click