MR JACOB POVIf the police were watching me and my family, every step would be scrutinized.“I understand, Inspector,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “You’re just doing your job.”She nodded, through her eyes remained suspicious. “Yes, we are. And I’d advise you to be cooperative. Any sign of obstruction or foul play will only make matters worse for you and your family.”“Of course,” I replied smoothly.But inside, I was already calculating. If the police were going to keep an eye on me, I’d need a new strategy. There was no way I could visit my hideout without risking exposure. That part of my life had to remain hidden at all costs.As she gathered her files, I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing. This wasn’t a setback…it was an opportunity. I couldn’t act directly, but I could act through someone else.That’s when the idea struck me. Max.A slow smile spread across my face as I thought about him. Max was loyal, but more importantly, he was impressionable. A man like Max didn’t a
MAX’S POVMorning came quickly, and I was ready for work. My briefcase was packed, and my suit was pressed to perfection. I left the house in high spirits, though my mind was already calculating the day ahead.The drive to the office was uneventful, but as I parked my car and stepped into the building, I knew today was going to be different.The familiar buzz of employees greeted me as I walked through the glass doors. A quick nod here and there was all I gave as I headed straight for my office.Once inside, I shut the door and sank into my chair behind the large mahogany desk.It didn’t take long for me to bring out my second phone from the drawer. This phone wasn’t listed on the company’s records and was strictly for private matters. Dialing a number, I waited for the call to connect.“Yes, it’s me,” I said when the person picked up. My voice was calm, though I made sure to keep it low. “I’ll be there in the evening as planned.”The conversation was short. I ended the call, placed t
MAX’S POVI walked briskly toward my office, my mind racing with the conversation I’d just had with Jacob Johnson.His words echoed in my head, a mix of threats and promises that I couldn’t ignore. The nerve of that man! He had made it clear that if I didn’t work with him, he would expose me.“Expose me? How exactly?” I had asked, barely hiding my irritation during our conversation.Jacob’s grin had been smug, his voice dripping with confidence. “Oh, Max, don’t underestimate me. I know all about the underhanded things you’ve been doing at your dear brother Kenneth’s company.”I had flinched at his words, though I tried to mask my reaction. “What are you talking about?”Jacob leaned in, his tone low and threatening. “Don’t play dumb with me. I know about the accounts you’ve tampered with, the deals you’ve manipulated for your own gain. And believe me, I know much more than that.”His words had sent a chill down my spine. I couldn’t afford to have my secrets exposed. Not now, not ever.
MAX POVNadia looked around, her eyes scanning the parking lot to ensure no one was watching.She didn’t notice me observing her from the restaurant window. My pulse quickened as I watched her hold the syringe steady in her hand.“What are you doing, Nadia?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.Before I could process what was happening, Nadia stepped closer to Richard. He had just unlocked his car and was about to open the door when she moved in swiftly.In one quick motion, she jabbed the syringe into the side of his neck.I froze. My breath caught in my throat as I stared in disbelief at the scene unfolding before me.Richard staggered slightly, his hand reaching up to his neck where Nadia had pierced him. His eyes widened in shock as he turned to face her, but whatever was in that syringe seemed to take effect almost instantly.“What the hell is going on?” I thought, my mind racing.My world tilted as I tried to make sense of what I had just witnessed. My fiancée, the woman I thou
MAX POVNadia’s actions didn’t seem like those of someone dealing with a stranger. She knew Richard well enough to approach him without hesitation.“Was she seeing him behind my back?” I muttered to myself, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.The idea gnawed at me, and I began to question everything I thought I knew about Nadia. She had always come across as sweet, innocent, and perfect. But now, I wasn’t so sure.I ran my hand through my hair, frustration building with every second.“Who are you, Nadia?” I whispered, my voice tinged with anger and confusion. “Are you really the woman I thought I knew?”I had to admit, I didn’t know everything about her past. Our relationship had moved quickly, and I hadn’t thought to dig deeper. But now, I couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that there was more to her than she let on.My thoughts turned back to the estates of hotels she was driving toward. What business could she possibly have there with Richard? The idea of her having a se
NADIA'S POV.As I drove, I glanced at Richard through the rearview mirror. He was slumped against the door, his breathing shallow.“Soon, Richard,” I said softly. “Soon, you’ll understand that you belong to me.”The road to the hotel estate was quiet, and my mind raced with thoughts of what would happen next.My plan was simple but effective. I would frame Richard, make it look like he willingly came to me, and ensure he had no choice but to give in to my demands.By the time I arrived at the hotel, the adrenaline coursing through my veins had reached its peak. I parked the car, checked my surroundings to make sure no one was watching, and got out.I opened the back door, gently pulling Richard into a sitting position. He groaned softly but didn’t resist as I helped him out of the car.“Just a little further,” I whispered, guiding him toward the entrance.The hotel staff didn’t ask any questions as I led him inside. Everything was falling into place perfectly.RICHARD’S POVThe poundi
(MAX’S POV) The meeting ended, but my thoughts were far from settled. Something about Nadia had been gnawing at me, and I couldn’t ignore it any longer. As soon as I stepped out of the boardroom, I pulled out my phone and dialed one of my trusted men. “Listen,” I said curtly, my voice was low but firm, “I need you to do a relationship check on Nadia and Richard Garrison. Dig deep. I want every detail, no matter how small.” “Yes, sir,” he responded without hesitation. I hung up, shoving the phone back into my pocket. I needed answers, and I needed them fast. Before I could even take a breath, my phone buzzed again. I groaned when I saw the caller ID, it was Mr. Jacob. I didn’t have the patience for his antics right now, but ignoring him wasn’t an option. “What is it?” I snapped as I answered. “Max,” he began, his tone tense. “Bring the contract file to my hideout. Now.” I closed my eyes, willing myself to stay calm. “I can’t do that, Mr. Jacob. The file is already
NADIA’S POV I sat on the hotel bed, the soft mattress sinking slightly beneath me. Scattered across the comforter were dozens of photos…memories I had once cherished and now planned to use as weapons. With a sudden burst of excitement, I picked up the pile and tossed them into the air. Watching the pictures flutter down like confetti, I let out a satisfied sigh. Each photo landed on the bed, forming a chaotic collage. Among them lay my camera, the tool that had helped capture Richard Garrison in his most vulnerable moments. "Richard Garrison," I said aloud, my voice laced with determination. "That wedding will not be held." A surge of adrenaline coursed through me as I reached for the phone I had stolen from Max. Repairing it had been a stroke of genius. With it, I could now enact the perfect plan. I opened a discreet social media account and began typing furiously: “Tammie doesn’t love Richard Garrison. He’s nothing more than her puppet.” I smirked at the words on the scr
TAMMIE POV.A few more final touches were added…silver earrings, a matching diamond necklace, and a delicate bangle, all glimmering under the light.They were real diamonds, of course. Nothing less would do for the grand wedding of Richard Garrison.The moment everything was in place, the door opened, and my mother, Mrs. Daniella, walked in.I turned to face her, and for a brief second, something flickered in my heart.She looked at me with so much love, her eyes soft with emotion.“Oh, my baby,” she whispered, her voice trembling.“You look…breathtaking.”I smiled, and for the first time today, it wasn’t completely fake.She walked up to me, holding the delicate veil in her hands.“It has always been my wish to place this on you myself,” she said, her voice warm with motherly affection.She gently placed the veil over my styled hair, adjusting it carefully, making sure it sat perfectly.My heart clenched at the way she looked at me, as if this was the most beautiful moment of her lif
Something wasn’t sitting right with me.As I stared at my phone, tapping my fingers against the desk in irritation, I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling creeping into my mind. Why do I feel like Alisha isn’t telling me the truth?I had worked with her for years…long enough to know when she was holding something back. And lately, something was off. She wasn’t as forthcoming as she used to be.Where were the detailed updates? The little pieces of information she used to feed me without hesitation?Is she hiding something from me?I exhaled sharply and shook my head. No. Alisha wouldn’t dare. She had always followed my instructions, always obeyed without question. It wasn’t like her to go against me.But still…These past few days, she’s been different.I had noticed the slight hesitations in her voice, the way she chose her words carefully. It wasn’t obvious, but I knew her too well. She wasn’t as eager to update me about Richard’s every move anymore.I leaned back in my chair, folding
And once Tammie was gone, Mrs. Garrison would have no power to stop what was meant to happen.Before I could revel in my plans any longer, a sudden vibration against my waist made me freeze.My heart jumped, and for a split second, I panicked. I quickly glanced around, making sure no one was near before slipping my hand into the folds of my dress.My phone.I pulled it out, keeping the screen facing me so no one would see.Nadia.Of course, it was her. Who else would be calling me at a time like this?I stared at the phone for a moment, my teeth pressing into my bottom lip. What does she want now?I knew better than to ignore her calls, but a part of me was growing tired of being at her beck and call. I wasn’t some puppet she could control forever.Taking a deep breath, I made sure my voice was calm before pressing the answer button."Hello," I said, keeping my tone neutral.And just like that, my mind shifted gears. The game is still on, and I'm not going to lose.Nadia’s voice came
“This girl… Alisha," she said, deliberately referring to her as a ‘girl’ rather than a lady. "Will she still be staying in your house after today? After you get married to Tammie?"I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling deeply. Ishould have known this was coming. "Mom, Alisha isn’t a bad person," I said, trying to sound patient."She’s only here because of the accident. I was the one who got her involved in it, and now she’s lost her memory. The least I can do is make sure she recovers properly."My mother scoffed, shaking her head."Richard, you’re too soft-hearted sometimes. How do you think Tammie will feel about this?You’re bringing your wife to your home…no, to your matrimonial home…only for her to find another woman living there? A woman covered in bandages, no less!"I frowned."Tammie knows about Alisha. She won’t have a problem with it. She understands the situation.""Are you sure about that?" she pressed. "Because, Richard, I wouldn’t be happy if I were in her shoes. A wo
RICHARD’S POVThe morning of my wedding had arrived, and my mansion was already busy with activity.From the moment I opened my eyes, I could hear the distant chatter of staff moving around, finalizing last-minute preparations.The weight of the day sat heavily on my chest, not out of nervousness but from the sheer reality of it all. Today, I will become a married man.As I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the crisp white dress shirt laid out for me, the sound of approaching footsteps pulled me from my thoughts.I looked up just as my mother, Mrs. Garrison, walked into the room. She was dressed in an elegant blue gown, her hair styled to perfection, and her face glowed with a mixture of pride and excitement."My handsome son," she said, smiling warmly as she walked toward me. "Today is finally here."She didn’t wait for an invitation before she began adjusting my collar, fussing over me like she always did. I chuckled, allowing her to do as she pleased. It was a small thing, but
NADIA POVYes, thing. That’s all she was to me…a nuisance, an obstacle, an ugly little thing standing in the way of what was rightfully mine.Richard was supposed to be mine. He was always supposed to be mine. Tammie had no right to him, no right to the life she was trying to claim.I stopped pacing and stared out of the window, the city lights twinkling in the distance.But their beauty did nothing to soothe me. Instead, they reminded me of the glittering facade Tammie presented to the world…a facade I intended to shatter."I’ll stop the wedding," I said, my voice barely above a whisper but filled with conviction. "I’ll stop it, and I’ll make sure she’s gone for good."My mind raced with possibilities, each one darker than the last. Kidnapping her was the most obvious solution.Take her away, hide her where no one could find her. But that wasn’t enough. Simply removing her from the picture wouldn’t satisfy the anger burning inside me."No," I said, shaking my head. "She needs to be d
NADIA'S POV.I smirked, setting the phone back down. Everything was moving like clockwork. Now, it was just a matter of waiting for the right moment to strike.I sat back down on the bed, crossing my legs as I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction. Alisha would do her part, whether willingly or not.And if she thought she could outsmart me, well, she’d soon find out just how wrong she was.For now, I had to keep playing the part of the calm, collected puppet master. But inside, the fire of ambition burned hotter than ever. This wasn’t just a plan…it was a masterpiece, and I was the artist.As I leaned back against the pillows, my mind wandered to the moment when everything would come together. The look of shock, of betrayal, of defeat…it would all be worth it.With a final glance at my phone, I closed my eyes, letting a sinister smile linger on my lips. "Eighteen hours," I whispered to myself. "And then it all begins."As I sat in the quiet of my room, my mind betrayed me, wandering
ALISHA'S POV.I rolled my eyes, though I made sure to keep my voice calm. "I was busy, Nadia. You can’t expect me to drop everything every time you call.""Busy?" she snapped. "What could you possibly be doing that’s more important than keeping me updated?"I clenched my jaw, taking a deep breath before responding. "I was in the middle of dinner with Richard. I couldn’t exactly answer your call in front of him, could I?"Nadia’s tone softened slightly, but her impatience was still evident. "Fine. But you need to tell me what’s going on. Have you heard anything new about the wedding?"I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "No, Nadia. I haven’t heard anything else. And even if I had, do you really think I’d tell you in the middle of dinner?"There was a pause on the other end of the line, and I could almost hear her frustration. "You need to stay on top of this, Alisha," she said finally. "We can’t afford any mistakes.""I know," I replied, my voice clipped. "You don’t have to remin
ALISHA'S POV.I hesitated again, lowering my gaze as though I was embarrassed. "I was just wondering..." I trailed off, biting my lip for effect."Wondering what?" he prompted, his voice patient."If I could come," I said in a rush, my words tumbling over each other."To the wedding, I mean. I promise I won't cause any trouble or anything.I just thought…well, I’d really like to be there. But if you don’t want me to, I understand, and I won’t bring it up again."Richard stared at me for a moment, his expression unreadable. My heart pounded in my chest, though not from fear or nerves. This was the critical moment, the point where I’d see if he’d bend to my request.Finally, he sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Alisha," he said slowly, "why would you even want to come? It’s not exactly a public event."I smiled again, this time letting it tremble slightly. "I don’t know," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe it’s because you’ve been so kind to me, and I just want to be