Jessica's gaze never left William as he made his entrance. Her thoughts raced in all directions, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. Why is he here? How does he know where I am? And what will happen to Evan?Evan, unaware of Jessica’s internal turmoil, smiled warmly and stepped forward to greet William. “Mr. Newman, it’s so nice to see you around. Good morning,” he said, extending his hand for a handshake.William’s icy gaze dropped to Evan’s hand, lingering on it as if it were the most repulsive thing he had encountered that day. Then, his eyes moved up to meet Evan’s gaze, sharp and unyielding. He didn’t bother to return the gesture.Evan hesitated, his smile faltering as he slowly retracted his hand, folding it by his side. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Mr. Newman, could it be that you came to see Mr. Rodgers?” he asked, his voice slightly strained.Jessica frowned, glancing between the two men. “Why would he want to see Mr. Rodgers?”Evan turned to her with a slightly puzz
“Yeah, that's it! You're doing great,” the photographer praised Jessica as he took pictures of her from different angles.Jessica did her best to remain professional, even though deep down, her thoughts and emotions were in turmoil. The scene from earlier kept replaying in her mind.She didn’t know which frustrated her more—the fact that William had overstepped his boundaries, or the fact that she hadn’t made a move to stop him. What would he think of me now? Like an easy woman he could have access to anytime?Jessica tried her hardest not to space out, and thankfully, it seemed like she was doing a good job since the photographer didn’t complain once.However, things got worse when William walked in, talking with Alexis. She could feel his gaze on her, and that made her even more nervous.The photographer stopped when he noticed something was wrong.“Ms. Jessica, is something wrong?” he asked.“Oh... uh... I’m just feeling a bit tired, that’s all,” she said.“Okay, then. I guess we c
Jessica stared at William with wavering eyes, her lips slightly parted in shock. She wasn’t expecting this from him—not now, at least. William cupped her cheek and smiled. “I love you. That’s the only answer I have to all your questions,” he said, then chuckled as he reflected on everything that had happened between them. “I don’t know why it had to be you, but everything happens for a reason. Perhaps it was fate that brought you to me that night... for you to bring warmth to my lonely heart. It all happened so fast, and the more I tried to fight it, the more you kept messing with my head and my heart. Now, I can’t fight it any longer. I love you, Jessica.” Jessica slowly shook her head, her gaze lowering. “No,” she muttered under her breath, her voice just loud enough for William to hear. “I... I don’t belong here. I don’t think I belong with you. What will the public say if they ever find out? And Louis—he’s your cousin, and—” “Louis has nothing to do with my personal life,”
William stood next to one of his cars, waiting patiently for Jessica to finish up."I'm ready!" Jessica called out, rushing downstairs to where he stood.He smiled and opened the car door for her. Once she was seated, he slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, and they drove off to their destination.The drive to his parents' house was a long one, and after almost an hour, they arrived at the mansion's grand compound.As Jessica stepped out of the car, she was greeted by Helena's bright smile."My daughter, how have you been?" Helena exclaimed, pulling Jessica into a warm embrace.Jessica smiled. "I missed you, Mother," she replied."I missed you more. You look so healthy—I guess my son is doing a good job," Helena teased with a wink."Oh! I also watched your recent movie. You absolutely stole the show from the leads. I'll definitely recommend you to a few directors I know," Helena added.Jessica’s smile widened. "Thank you, Mother. That’s so kind of you.""Let’s go in. The o
Jessica walked into the dining room to find everyone already seated around the table. Her eyes darted to Roland, who gazed back at her with an unreadable expression, as though he hadn’t uttered those cutting words earlier. Feeling the tension build, Jessica lowered her gaze and made her way to an empty chair, sitting quietly.“Sweetheart,” Helena’s soft voice broke the silence, her tone warm and inviting. “How about one of these days, the three of us go shopping? Just us three ladies?”Jessica hesitated, her awkwardness evident. “Uh… I’m not sure if it’s okay for people to see us together,” she replied, her voice faltering.Helena’s smile wavered as surprise flickered across her face. Something about Jessica’s reply unsettled her—it sounded off, almost guarded. Concerned, Helena couldn’t help but wonder what had caused this shift in Jessica’s demeanor.After Roland’s words, Jessica couldn’t shake the acute awareness of the class difference that existed between her and the rest of the
Louis walked to the window, his phone pressed to his ear, a glass of whiskey in hand. The warm hues of the setting sun cast shadows across the skyscrapers in the distance. He took a slow sip from his whiskey, his sharp gaze lost in thought before finally addressing the person on the other end of the line.“So, what’s the movie about?”“The movie is an adaptation of a book written by the renowned British author Scott Gibson. It’s a masterpiece, and the author, who’s also the scriptwriter, personally requested you for the male lead role,” Louis’s personal assistant explained eagerly.Louis let out a small chuckle as he turned from the window, setting the glass of whiskey down on a nearby table. “You know I don’t waste my time on amateur projects. How much are we talking about here?”“Sir, this isn’t an amateur movie. The book has a massive fan base, and there’s already a buzz about the film. Honestly, this could win the Best Picture award. And to answer your question, we’re talking mill
“You want to audition for the villain role? But why? The scriptwriter, Mr. Scott, is particularly meticulous about that role. I've heard even the top actresses in the country couldn’t pass the audition because they couldn’t portray the villain the way he envisioned,” Rachael said, worried about Jessica.“That makes it even more challenging and interesting to me,” Jessica replied confidently.“But–”“Rachi, don’t worry about me. I have faith and confidence in myself. I can do it,” Jessica reassured her with a smile.A brief silence passed on the call before Jessica heard Rachael sigh out.“Fine. I believe in you,” she said. “But the movie is going to have Mr. Louis and Ms. Belinda as leads. I hope you’re okay with it. You know Louis... He’s...” Rachael trailed off, choosing her words carefully.Jessica paused briefly but then replied firmly, “I’m cool with it.” she said.“Alright, then! I’ll email the audition location to you. It’s happening tomorrow,” Rachael said.“Thanks! That’s why
The next day, Jessica was seen hopping on one leg as she slipped on her shoe. Once she was done, she settled down in front of her vanity table to apply her makeup.Jessica hadn’t slept a wink the previous night; she had been busy rehearsing for the audition. As she dabbed on concealer, she made sure to cover the dark circles under her eyes, evidence of her sleepless night.Once ready, Jessica grabbed her things and left for the audition venue.Upon arrival, she was stunned by the huge number of actors and actresses present. The waiting area buzzed with activity, and Jessica could spot a few popular actresses she recognized from movies she had watched.Slowly, nervousness crept into her system. ‘If popular actresses are here, and some are likely to be rejected, what chance do I have?’ she thought.“No... Don’t think that way. Be positive, Jessica!” she muttered inwardly, taking a deep breath. She scanned the room for a seat and quietly settled in an empty chair, waiting for her turn.J
Rachael's heart pounded violently in her chest, each step a battle against her failing strength. Her breath came in ragged gasps, vision blurring as pain clawed up from the gash in her abdomen. But she couldn’t stop. Not now. Alexis and Brandon were waiting. She had to escape before Fred discovered Sandra’s lifeless body.The mansion was eerily quiet. Fred had no guards—just himself, Rachael, and the woman who now lay dead. Her blood stained the floor; Rachael’s hands trembled with the weight of it.She pressed her palm harder against her bleeding side, staggering through the long marble hallways. Her eyes darted across every corridor, every door, seeking salvation. Fred had kept her locked away like a secret, never allowing her to explore. Now the mansion felt like a maze, cold and unfamiliar.After minutes of desperate wandering, she found the staircase and dragged herself upward, each step sheer agony. The rooftop beckoned. From there, maybe—just maybe—someone would see her.The do
"Hello? Hello! Rachael!" Alexis said on the call but nothing.He quickly hung up and went to his inbox. "Was that Rachael? What happened?" Jessica asked. She was about to state her plan when a call came and interrupted her and from the look on Alexis face, she knew who it was."That's my girl," Alexis smirked when he saw the sketching Rachael sent him.."It's Rachael. She dropped a hint on where we could find her. However we need to act fast before Fred out smarts us," he said."I'll call back the FBI," William said."I'll go get the car ready," Alexis said."Jessica, can you stay and keep an eye on my son?" Alexis said."Your son?" Jessica furrowed her brows. Her eyes widened in realization."Oh... Yes, sure," she muttered."Thanks," he said and left. William cupped her cheek then pressed his lips against hers, "I'll be back," he said."Stay safe," Jessica said.William smiled and kissed her forehead before leaving.___A resounding slap echoed in the air and Rachael fell down to h
The sound of the tap rushing could be heard as Fred washed his hand. Rachael sat up weakly on the bed. A different look flashed in her eyes, something undecipherable. She grabbed a glass vase nearby and on a whim, shattered the vase against the wall.The sound of the broken glass immediately pulled Fred out of the bathroom. His eyes widened when he saw her holding a piece of the broken glass."What are you doing?" He muttered under his breath."I'm tired. I'm done playing this game. I can't," she muttered in tears, bringing the piece of glass to her neck."Rachael, please calm down. Don't do anything you would regret. Rachael," Fred tried to coerce her."I pray you rot in hell," she muttered and immediately brought down the glass, stabbing herself on the tummy."Rachael!" Fred screamed out.Rachael's eyes went wide as blood gushed out of the wound on her tummy. She collapsed to the bed."Rachael!" Fred rushed to her and immediately uncuffed her hand from the headboard.He cupped her
Jessica and William were sitting in the living room when a maid escorted Alexis in. William stood up the moment he walked in."I'll place him in the guest room so he can sleep," the maid said, referring to Brandon, who was fast asleep in Alexis's arms.She took Brandon and left."Bro, it's literally midnight. Why would you—""Rachael has been abducted," Alexis cut him off."What?" Jessica muttered in shock, slowly rising to her feet.Alexis ran a hand through his hair, pacing anxiously, panic etched across his face. The more time passed, the more terrified he became."It all happened in a flash. We were at a restaurant, and she excused herself to use the restroom... then she just disappeared. I tracked her phone and found it in a trash bin near the restaurant—along with all her belongings," Alexis muttered as he paced."I think… no, I know her ex-husband kidnapped her. I should have done something when she complained about being attacked by him. This is all my fault," Alexis breathed
"I hate you," Rachael muttered tearfully. "You're disgusting!" she screamed in anger."Disgusting? I wasn't the one who cheated on their spouse with the father of her child, then had that person threaten her spouse at gunpoint for a divorce," Fred said.Rachael just continued sobbing in silence.Fred stood up and walked toward her, sitting down in the space next to her."Just give in. There's no hope now," he said, rubbing his thumb against her teary cheek."If I accept, do you promise not to go after them?" she said, finally looking up at him."You have my word, love."Rachael looked away and nodded ever so slightly. Fred smiled in victory."That's my wife. My sweet, docile wife," he said, patting her hair gently.Rachael folded her fists tightly beneath the sheets as he patted her hair._____"Pregnant?" Louis muttered under his breath.Amara wiped her tears. "I wanted to surprise you. But you never listened to me... you never had time for me," she said quietly."Amara..." Louis mut
Alexis sat on the chair, drumming his fingers on the table as he occasionally glanced toward the hallway that led to the restroom.He looked at the group of violinists who were already on standby, waiting for Rachael to arrive. The words "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" were boldly written on the cards which the waiters held.He sighed as he checked the time on his wristwatch. Twenty minutes had already passed since Rachael excused herself to use the restroom.The more minutes passed, the more anxious he became.The waitress he had sent to check on Rachael came back with a worried look on her face—and that’s when he knew something was wrong."Where's Rachael?" he immediately asked as she approached."I'm sorry, sir, but I couldn’t find madam. When I got to the restroom, it was empty... Only this note was on the floor," she said, stretching the note toward Alexis.He took it and read it. His eyes widened.“Fuck,” he breathed out, immediately storming toward the exit of the restaurant.He looked ar
Louis was expecting a scared or tearful reaction from Amara, but he was momentarily stunned when she swiftly turned to face him, glaring while holding her stinging cheek.She smirked scornfully before standing. “Go on, hit me however you want. After all, that’s all you can do,” she said before walking away.“Amara,” Louis called, but she didn’t turn back.“Amara! If you leave this room, you’ll regret it,” he warned.Amara turned to him, then smirked before walking out of the room.Louis folded his fists tightly as he glared at nothing in particular.Roland, who was still casually eating like nothing had happened, smiled. “What’s wrong with your wife? Acting up again?” he said.“You tell me. After all, you were the one who forced me into marrying that wench,” Louis snapped.“Or maybe you’re getting too soft on her. Women are like dogs—you need to constantly remind them who their owner is. Your mother was really a docile one. Too bad she passed away,” Roland said.“I’ll deal with her la
Brandon's eyes sparkled with excitement as he stared at the ring in Alexis’s hand. His little fingers twitched as he could barely contained his giddiness.“So?” Alexis asked, his voice laced with nervous anticipation. "What do you think?"Brandon looked up at him, his expression suddenly turning serious. “You really love my mommy?”“With all my heart,” Alexis said without hesitation. “And I love you too, Brandon. You both mean everything to me.”Brandon squinted his eyes as if sizing him up. “Then you have to promise me something.”“Anything.”“You have to protect Mommy always. No matter what,” Brandon said, bringing up his pinky finger.Alexis smiled, reaching out for his pinky fingers to intertwine it with his, “I swear on my life, Brandon. I will protect her and you with everything I have.”Brandon studied him for a moment, then nodded in approval. A small smile played on his lips before he took a deep breath. “Okay, then… Dad.”Alexis felt his heart stop for a second. The word ech
A brief moment of silence settled between them. Stephen looked at the paper, then smiled before standing up and straightening his suit.He placed an invitation card on the table and pushed it toward Jessica."If you're so eager to know what business I have with your family, then you should come and see for yourself," he said."It's such a shame you're already taken. I love feisty women," he added, eyeing her before walking out of the cafeteria.Jessica picked up the invitation card and stared at it."You’re cordially invited to the masked ball held for Halloween. Sponsored by the Shermans."She read the words before glancing toward the door where Stephen had just exited.____Amara and Evan sat in Evan’s car. The silence between them was heavy, broken only by Amara’s soft sobs. She sniffled and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her tears."Do you feel better now?" Evan asked, breaking the silence.Amara nodded slightly, managing a small smile. "I’m sorry you had to see me like this. M