Chapter 095ReeseI was still trying to process the information that Jimmy had said to me. Why did they invite my ex-boyfriend as well to that event? Weren't they aware that I was already married? Were they not aware that we were on bad terms due to our breakup?"I'm not sure who came up with the idea, but they believe having both you and Marcus on the show will be beneficial," Jimmy explained. "The goal is to quell the animosity between your fans since they've been clashing on social media. You have to think about this carefully, Riley."He was right. Marcus' fans and my fans were at odds, almost like adversaries. It wasn't uncommon for Marcus' fans to spread negativity about me, and mine about him."Any idea about this, Jimmy?" I asked him, wanting to know about his thoughts on this matter."Honestly, I think it's a good idea," Jimmy remarked, further complicating my already troubled thoughts. "You're married now. Your chapter with Marcus has ended, as you've begun a new life with E
Chapter 096ReeseAfter Enzo and Riza departed the following morning, I dressed quickly and spent nearly five hours applying makeup. I waited for my car to arrive while I stood in front of the house.Trevor had called the previous night to say he had reached his father's place in Greenwich Village, just a thirty-minute journey from Enzo's. I had forgotten that Trevor was originally from Manhattan and had only relocated to Los Angeles for work.When my car arrived, Trevor was in the front passenger seat next to the driver. I greeted him with a cheerful ''Hi, Trevor!'' It had been so long since I'd seen a familiar face.''Hi, Miss Riley...'' he replied, stepping out to open the back door for me. ''How are you? How's your married life?''I hesitated before responding to his questions. I wanted to express that it was a difficult one. I couldn't claim to love every part of it, but it wasn't as terrible as I had anticipated.''Is there someone I need to knock out?'' Trevor asked again, his
Chapter 097ReeseI was on the verge of responding to Marcus when Farah's voice caught my attention, prompting me to disregard him as I concentrated on the unfolding event in front of us. Marcus' gaze seemed to linger on me occasionally, causing my heart to flutter unexpectedly and my hands to tremble as I entered the contestants' scores onto the laptop before me.The final question round was approaching, with only five contestants left: Miss South Carolina, Miss Illinois, Miss Iowa, Miss California, and Miss Utah, who stood poised on the stage.It was my task to question Miss South Carolina. As Marcus handed me the microphone, our fingers brushed against each other, causing me to momentarily pause, and there was a smirk on his face when he noticed my expression. Nevertheless, I composed myself and, clearing my throat, proceeded to ask the question I had prepared the previous night.I wouldn't let him distract me tonight. I was here to work and not to be affected by his presence.''Go
Chapter 100Reese''I'm so sorry for making you wait, guys. But my wife seems a bit clingy these days...'' Enzo lied effortlessly, igniting a desire within me to strangle him with my arms around his neck.Did he just call me clingy?''Sweetheart... isn't it enough that I hurried here from my meeting just to see you?'' he implored, his gaze compelling me to play along, while cameras flashed around us and reporters chuckled, commenting on our supposed sweetness as a couple. ''They're waiting to hear from you. Can't you hold off until we leave? And we'll have plenty of time after I return home later...''A laugh, tinged with frustration, burst from me, but only I understood the true sentiment behind it. To the outside world, I appeared to enjoy Enzo's words, yet I felt like the most unfortunate woman for having him as my lawful husband.''What can I say? You're always buried in work at the office, coming home late...'' I continued the charade, clenching my teeth in silence as I offered a
Chapter 099ReeseMy mouth fell open in shock at Enzo's words. Who did he think he was? His statement was the most absurd thing I had ever heard, as if he considered himself a better person.''Naive...?'' I echoed his accusation. ''You know nothing about my relationship with Marcus! You know nothing about me! About my life and what I and Marcus went through! How could you even say that?''Yes, Marcus had made a mistake, but I despised how Enzo spoke of me as if I were the most foolish woman alive, and he was the smartest man on earth.''Alright, tell me...'' Enzo dared, his tone low and icy. ''Tell me one good thing about that guy! Tell me what that guy did to make you fall for him!''I felt my body tremble, loathing the fact that this conversation was forcing me to confess what I was about to reveal.''Marcus is at least the most genuine man I have ever met...'' I said, lifting my chin. ''I fell in love with him because he was real. He wasn't like those who used me for their gain. He
Chapter 100Reese''Uncle Enzo had to go to the office earlier due to an urgent matter...'' Riza said in a subdued voice, her disappointment evident. She blinked her eyes repeatedly as if she was stopping the tears that were threatening to fall down to her cheeks.Mrs. Martin came in with a tray of food for me and set it on the table, making me divert my attention away from the little girl.''Riza is upset because Enzo has always taken her to school without fail...'' she explained to me before addressing Riza. ''It's just this once, Riza...'' she said, offering a comforting smile. ''Remember, your uncle needs to meet his business partner early today since they have a flight to catch to Germany, right?''Riza merely nodded, but the sadness in her eyes was still obvious. Suddenly, an idea struck me. ''I can drop you off at school, Riza...'' I offered cheerfully. ''If you'd like that...''Her head whipped towards me, her face alight with sudden excitement. ''Really?'' She gasped, clappin
Chapter 101Reese''What? What happened?'' I blurted out, staring at Mrs. Martin in disbelief.My heart sank as I noticed the sadness in her eyes as she stared back at me. She must be remembering how that woman left Enzo.''Since when did you start working for Enzo?'' I asked, wondering how she knew all of this information. "Why do you seem to know everything about his life?"Mrs. Martin let out a long and deep sigh. ''I met Enzo at the park. I was looking for a job at that time, and I saw him crying. I decided to approach him, and I didn't expect that he would tell me the whole story about his life. A woman he dearly loved left with his baby. And he said, he had already made an investigation, and finally found her, but she lost all her memories, so she doesn't remember him...'' she let out another sigh before she continued. ''He was still recovering from that heartbreak when his grandfather asked him to marry a woman he doesn't know. And then his sister and her husband died from an a
Chapter 102Reese''Have a break for a while, everyone...'' I told them as I put down the tray on the table. I took a glance at Enzo, and I controlled myself not to burst out laughing when I saw how he glared at me.I could feel his deathly gaze on my cleavage as I bent down, and I knew that I had just made a lion escape from its cage.I arranged the cups of coffee for them, and they all said thank you as they sat back down in their spots.''I'm sorry if I interrupt an important discussion...'' I apologized fakely, and some of them shook their heads, biting a smile.I stood up straight, looking at them one by one, and only then did I notice that they were staring at me with mouths gaped open, as if it was the very first time they had seen a model.I bit my lip, looking down at the dress I was wearing. I haven't changed it yet from the photoshoot earlier.''Everyone, I believe that this meeting has ended, and we will continue the discussion in the office...'' Enzo announced through gri
Chapter 114Reese''Marcus...'' I groaned, sending him a glare. I was starting to lose my patience. "What the hell are you doing? What the fuck do you still want from me? Why can't you just leave me alone, Marcus Andretti!?''I had no desire to endure more drama. After his actions, I deserved a distance of a thousand miles from him, just like how I put a space between myself and my ex-husband.Marcus' gaze bore into me, his jaw muscles twitching, fists clenched at his sides. ''Really?'' he smirked, ''You're asking me now what I want from you?'' he rasped, and I could hear his teeth gritting.I met his gaze with a blank expression, utterly clueless of what he wanted from me.''I want to fucking kiss you, hug you, touch you...'' he huffed a breath, before he slowly closed the distance between us, and whispered, ''I want to make you fucking mine again, Riley...''And with that, he cupped my face in between his large hands and kissed me harshly, muffling the sound I was going to make.My
Chapter 113ReeseMarcus arrived on set, warmly greeting the staff members. He hadn't noticed me yet, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was aware of my photoshoot here.What was he doing here? No one had mentioned that he would be at the studio today.The make-up artist, who had just finished enhancing my look, seemed to pick up on the surprise etched across my face. Kara gave me a curious glance.''You seem unaware that Marcus will be joining us for work today. We apologize for not informing you beforehand, Miss Riley. We're featuring him in an article for our next magazine issue, which will span roughly eight pages. That's unbelievable, don't you think?'' she chuckled, continuing to style my hair.If she found that unbelievable, I can't imagine what she would think of my thoughts at this moment. It seemed that fate enjoyed the notion of Marcus and me crossing paths again.However, given that we worked in the same industry, it was highly likely we would meet again.''He wasn't sch
Chapter 112Reese''Enzo...'' I whispered his name, my voice husky. I was aware of what he was doing to me, but my mind was far away from stopping what was going to happen.''I'm sorry...'' he said, running his fingertips on my kissmarks, and my heart skipped a bit when he leaned forward, placing soft kisses on each of them. ''I hope you feel better now...''My thoughts were in disarray as he pressed another kiss onto my collarbone, seemingly healing all the marks he had left.''Enzo, please...'' I pleaded, my hands resting on his shoulders, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away.He stopped, shooting me a playful look. ''Are you scared that Riza will hear you moan and find us?''My cheeks reddened at his words. ''There must be some misunderstanding...'' I countered, turning away from him. ''For your information, I do not moan...''Enzo slightly chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. ''Really? But you just did. Didn't you hear yourself just now?''I shook my head. '
Chapter 111Reese''Now, you're the seeker, Leese!'' Riza laughed as she scampered off to hide.Later that afternoon, following Riza's return from school, we engaged in a game of hide and seek. It was my turn to count, and I pressed my forehead against the living room wall, counting from one to ten, while Riza sought a hiding spot. A subtle smile crept onto my lips.Once my counting ceased, I surveyed the room. Judging by the sounds, Riza hadn't strayed far.''Riza...'' I called out, grinning. ''Where are you, my baby?'' I playfully teased, beginning my search around the living room.Embarking on a hiatus from the limelight to share a life with Lorenzo Carter, I hadn't anticipated the sheer delight my heart would experience, frolicking with such a spirited little one.Feeling grateful for everything that had happened, I was still troubled by the thought of Enzo keeping secrets from me, making me question if marrying him was the right decision.What would Troy think about me marrying h
Chapter 110ReeseBefore I realized it, tears were cascading down my cheeks, and Enzo drew me into a tight embrace. I wept uncontrollably, my face pressed against his chest, my arms wrapped tightly around him.I had never allowed myself to be so vulnerable in front of anyone, and it was ironic that Enzo was the person comforting me right now as I fell apart. My shoulders trembled, and my cries filled the room.I was unaware of how much time had passed as I wept, occasionally fearing Enzo might leave me. Yet, he stayed, holding me closer with each tear I shed.Noticing my depleted strength, he lifted me up and walked towards the bed.He sat down, settling me on his lap, and continued to embrace me as I continued to cry into his chest.And gradually, I began to release my hold.**********This morning's breakfast consisted of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Although they seemed delicious to my mind, my stomach disagreed.In fact, it was my heart that felt uneasy, to the point where I lost my
Chapter 109Enzo''May I attend my daughter's birthday party?'' Vincent implored, his eyes beseeching as he gazed at me.''I'm sorry, Dad, but I've only invited her close friends to surprise her...'' I replied. ''I think she'll be confused if she sees you there again...''I understood my father-in-law's feelings; he simply wanted to be part of Reese's significant life events, just as he was at our wedding. It was I who asked Vincent to walk Reese down the aisle, and he couldn't have been happier.''What if Reese wonders why I'm the one walking her down the aisle?'' I remember Vincent asking me on the day of our wedding, his voice tinged with worry yet laced with excitement.''Don't worry about it...'' I reassured him, patting his shoulder. ''I'll explain that you're the closest elder I have in my life right now...''Thankfully, Reese never questioned it.I also made it clear to Vincent that we couldn't force Reese to remember everything like what the doctor said, and I was relieved he
Chapter 108Enzo''It's true...'' Troy's mouth fell open in shock as he realized Mandy wasn't Reese's biological mother. With each word he read, his frown deepened. ''Mandy isn't her real mother. She even abducted her with her lover...''The thought of Reese suffering at Mandy's and her lover's hands made me clench my fists, and grit my teeth in rage. I couldn't help but hold the man before me responsible for everything that had happened to her.''But why?'' Troy's expression was one of confusion. ''Why would she do that to her?''I had no idea why Mandy had kidnapped Reese. My assumption was that Reese had caught her with her lover, and perhaps threatened to expose them to Troy.''I need your help to put Mandy behind bars...'' I declared to Troy with a commanding tone.Hesitation flickered in his eyes as he met my gaze. He was still in love with Mandy after everything he found out. It was clearly written in his eyes. But I don't care about him. I just wanted to give Reese the justice
Chapter 107Enzo''I'm so sorry...'' Troy Byers stammered as he knelt before me, his face drenched with tears. ''I didn't know you were Mr. L. Carter. I...'' he faltered, his lips quivering. ''I'm so sorry, Mr. Carter...''''Stand up...'' I commanded, rising from my seat and straightening my suit before approaching him.Yet, Troy stayed on his knees, bowed his head, and grasped at my legs when I finally got closer to him. ''I'll do anything, everything, just to remain in your company. Please don't fire me, Mr. Carter, please!''Observing his tears, I recognized his pitiful state. He was unworthy of Reese's affection. He didn't deserve Reese even in the slightest.''Do you know where Reese goes?'' I inquired, my hands balling into fists at my sides as I gazed down at him, noting how his hair fell over his eyes. His hair, now longer, did not complement him. It made him appear unkempt and disheveled.Troy shook his head. As he began to speak, I stopped him with my palm and motioned for h
Chapter 106Enzo''May I attend my daughter's birthday party?'' Vincent implored, his eyes beseeching as he gazed at me.I had just finished a meeting with him at his residence regarding the new branch of L. Carter we planned to establish in Russia. Although he had divested his shares in my company to focus on his own enterprise, I still desired his involvement in my business as my father-in-law and one of the pivotal reasons for L. Carter's sustained success. He had not once forsaken my company during my absence.Observing his aged yet distinguished features, I was involuntarily transported back to the days when Reese left me.Recalling the occasion, I accompanied Candice to Germany for Asher's treatment. I simultaneously endeavored to launch a branch of my firm there, aiming to erase Reese from my heart and mind. I had solicited Vincent to take over L. Carter in Manhattan during my German sojourn, but he declined due to commitments to his own venture, CC Stone Group. Consequently, I