Tamara's POV The day had finally arrived. After years of challenges, long distance, and dreams, here we were standing on the edge of forever. My wedding day. I stood in front of the large mirror, smoothing my hands over the delicate lace of my wedding dress. The soft ivory fabric clung to my curves. My heart pounded in my chest as I gazed at myself, barely able to recognize the woman staring back. I looked radiant, more beautiful than I had ever felt before. My veil sat perfectly on my head, and my makeup had been done flawlessly. But it wasn’t just the dress or the makeup, it was the overwhelming joy of the day. I was marrying Jesse. The love of my life. “Tamara, you look stunning,” my mother said as she stepped into the room, her eyes glistening with tears. She hugged me gently, careful not to wrinkle the dress. “I can’t believe this is happening,” I whispered, my hands shaking slightly. “It feels like a dream.” “It’s not a dream, sweetheart,” my mother said softly. “Yo
Tamara's POV "I will get you a furnished apartment tonight and triple your salary if you would be my fake girlfriend," he said to me. "And why would you think I'd do that?" I asked, giving him a nonchalant look. "You're left without a place to stay after using all your earnings to pay off your parents' debt and cover your tuition fees. Despite needing help, you would rather find a solution yourself." "Are you stalking me? How do you know all this?" I questioned, with disbelief written all over my face. "I have my ways, Tamara," he responded with a stern look. "You even know my name." ➨➨➨➨➨➨➨➨ Tears streamed down my cheeks as I read and reread these words on my computer screen: "Congratulations, Tamara Hinds, you have been offered admission to study at the University of Wellsbrough." For three long years, I had to put my dream of attending college on hold after finishing high school. My parents were struggling with debt because of my dad's medical bills, and my mum's
As the lecturer began his lesson, he introduced himself. "By now, I believe you all know my name is Jesse Carter." His voice stern, “Could he be related to the Carter's family?” a girl behind me questioned. “Obviously not, none of the Carter's would ever stop so low to teach at a lowlife university” another answered. I focused intently, jotting down notes and paying all my attention to him. Suddenly, he turned in my direction, and our eyes locked for a moment. His piercing blue gaze felt almost accusatory. "You," he said, pointing directly at me. "Explain what I covered yesterday." I turned around to see if he was referring to someone near me, but my heart sank when I realized he was addressing me. Summoning up the courage, I replied, "Sir, you sent me out of class yesterday." He raised an eyebrow, his expression hardening. "And you think that's an excuse? If you weren't present, you should have read extensively to catch up. I don't condone unserious students. Get out of my c
Jesse's POVThe morning light filtered through the curtains as I woke up, the day stretching ahead with its usual routine. Today was just another day, or so I thought. I arrived at the university early, ready to start my lectures. As the first class began, I scanned the room, my eyes catching sight of a girl trying to make her way inside. Our gazes locked for a moment.She was stunning—her presence seemed to light up the room. Her hair framed her face perfectly, and her eyes held a quiet intelligence that drew me in. I felt a strange sensation, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I was captivated, almost mesmerized. For a moment, I found myself staring, lost in her beauty. Immediately, I snapped back to reality, anger bubbling up inside me. How could I let her affect me like this? It was unprofessional and inappropriate. In a harsh attempt to regain control, I ordered her to leave."You're late. If you can't come early, you can't be in my class. Get out," I said, my voice sharper
I got home, worry gnawing at me. The image of the girl from earlier kept flashing in my mind, and the thought of getting a girlfriend in 24 hours was all over my mind. I grabbed my phone and called Trevor, my personal assistant and best friend. “Trevor, I need you to meet me at my house. It’s urgent,” I said, trying to mask the anxiety in my voice. When Trevor arrived, I wasted no time. “I need you to do a search on a girl,” I blurted out, pacing the room. Trevor looked surprised. “A girl?” he asked, giving me a fishy look. “Yeah, there’s this student… she’s been stirring up some unwanted emotions in me. I need to find out about her,” I explained, trying to sound casual but feeling anything but. Trevor’s eyebrows shot up. “Unwanted emotions? Are you okay, Jesse?” “I’m fine,” I snapped, then softened my tone. “I just need to know more about her. And… I need a girlfriend. Find a girl to act as my girlfriend for tomorrow.” Trevor was taken aback. “A girlfriend in 24 hours? Jesse,
The rest of the vening continued with me answering all the questions Dad and Aunt Serena threw at us. Ranging from different series questions like how fast we are pacing our relationship, that was none of my business there isn’t any relationship after all. I just wanted to pull through this night. I noticed Tamara sitting quietly, her eyes darting between the speakers, absorbing every word. I knew I had dragged her into my mess, but I was rewarding her for her time, so it really changed nothing. During dinner, I messaged Trevor, my personal assistant, to make arrangements for an apartment near the university. As the evening wound down, dinner was over with Aunt Serena and Dad bidding us goodbye while Olivia just sat indifferently. I led Tamara to the car, opening the door for her before getting in myself. The drive was quiet, the air filled with the unspoken tension of her unasked questions. I could see the curiosity and confusion in her eyes through the rearview mirror. I knew
Tamara's pov The rest of the evening felt like a whirlwind, and I was just trying to keep up. When he led me to the car, the tension between us was palpable. We drove in silence, and I kept stealing glances at him, wondering about the day’s events. The realization of what I had agreed to gradually dawned on me—what exactly had I gotten myself into? We pulled up to a nearby beauty store. Jesse guided me inside, his demeanor still firm but with a hint of softness. "Pick something you like. Something elegant," he said. I could tell he was trying to make me feel comfortable, perhaps making up for his earlier harshness. My eyes darted around the store, overwhelmed by the choices. After I selected a dress, he directed the stylist to work their magic. As they transformed my appearance, I saw a different person in the mirror. Jesse watched me closely, and I thought I saw a flicker of something in his eyes—something unexplainable? It was hard to tell. Once we were back in the car, my heart
The drive home was filled with unspoken thoughts. What kind of life did Jesse lead? Why did he need a pretend girlfriend for the night? I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to his story than he was letting on.As I looked at him again, I couldn't help but wonder about his motivations. His father was one of the most powerful men in the country, yet here Jesse was, leading a seemingly ordinary life as a professor. Was he trying to distance himself from the Carter legacy? Or was there something else at play?When we finally arrived at my place, he reiterated the need for confidentiality. "Remember, this arrangement is strictly confidential.""I remember," I replied, my voice steady.I walked away, feeling his gaze still on me. My thoughts were a jumble of emotions and questions. This night had been a stark reminder of the complexities and secrets that often lay hidden beneath the surface of wealth and power. Jesse Carter was an enigma, and I couldn’t help but feel uneasy
Tamara's POV The day had finally arrived. After years of challenges, long distance, and dreams, here we were standing on the edge of forever. My wedding day. I stood in front of the large mirror, smoothing my hands over the delicate lace of my wedding dress. The soft ivory fabric clung to my curves. My heart pounded in my chest as I gazed at myself, barely able to recognize the woman staring back. I looked radiant, more beautiful than I had ever felt before. My veil sat perfectly on my head, and my makeup had been done flawlessly. But it wasn’t just the dress or the makeup, it was the overwhelming joy of the day. I was marrying Jesse. The love of my life. “Tamara, you look stunning,” my mother said as she stepped into the room, her eyes glistening with tears. She hugged me gently, careful not to wrinkle the dress. “I can’t believe this is happening,” I whispered, my hands shaking slightly. “It feels like a dream.” “It’s not a dream, sweetheart,” my mother said softly. “Yo
Tamara's POVIt had been four long years since I left to study abroad, and everything felt like a blur. Four years of late nights, exams, projects, and internships. Harvard had been a dream come true, but it had also kept me away from home, from Jesse.I hadn’t gone back during the holidays, deciding to take internships at top companies to strengthen my career path. Jesse was busy expanding his family’s business, opening new branches around the world. We barely had time to visit each other, except for the phone calls and video chats that seemed too few and far between.Today, though, was different. It was my graduation day.I woke up early, excitement humming through my veins as I stared at the gown hanging in my closet. I couldn’t believe the day had finally come. I was finally graduating. I had made it through Harvard, one of the toughest schools in the world, and now… now I was ready to go home. To be with Jesse. To start the next chapter of my life.I glanced at my phone, hoping f
Tamara's POVIt had been four long years since I left to study abroad, and everything felt like a blur. Four years of late nights, exams, projects, and internships. Harvard had been a dream come true, but it had also kept me away from home, from Jesse.I hadn’t gone back during the holidays, deciding to take internships at top companies to strengthen my career path. Jesse was busy expanding his family’s business, opening new branches around the world. We barely had time to visit each other, except for the phone calls and video chats that seemed too few and far between.Today, though, was different. It was my graduation day.I woke up early, excitement humming through my veins as I stared at the gown hanging in my closet. I couldn’t believe the day had finally come. I was finally graduating. I had made it through Harvard, one of the toughest schools in the world, and now… now I was ready to go home. To be with Jesse. To start the next chapter of my life.I glanced at my phone, hoping f
Tamara's POVI blinked my eyes open, a little beam of sunlight sneaking through the curtains. The faint murmur of footsteps from the living room reached my ears, and I instinctively reached out for my phone on the nightstand. I unlocked it, eager to see the news I had been dreading and hoping for all at once. I learned that they were taken to court yesterday. I just want the outcome of it.Breaking news: Olivia and Christina sentenced to prison. Olivia, the mastermind, who is also guilty of murder received a life sentence without parole, while her accomplice, Christina who is also her daughter faces a lesser sentence of five years.My breath caught in my throat. It felt surreal. The nightmare was finally over. Olivia was going to prison for life. I tossed the phone aside and sprang up from the bed, the joy of everything lifting off me in an instant. We are free. Finally, truly free from the pain and torture Olivia and her daughter has been putting us through.I couldn't wait to tell J
Tamara's POVI woke up early the next morning, the brightness of the rising sun creeping through the curtains and illuminating the room. I turned over to see Jesse still sleeping, his face peaceful but still carrying traces of the pain he was feeling deep down. Last night had been hard, perhaps the hardest moment I had ever witnessed with him. He had cried himself to sleep in my arms, a vulnerability I never thought I’d see from him. My heart ached for him, but I knew he needed rest, and I needed to do something to help.Carefully slipping out of bed, I tucked the covers back around him and left the room as quietly as I could. The house was still so quiet, and as I made my way downstairs, I realized that I hadn’t seen any of the staff around since I’d arrived. The absence of activity made the house feel so much larger, so much lonelier. But as I walked into the kitchen, I was surprised to see the cook and a few maids bustling around.“Oh, you’re back,” I said, more relieved than I ex
Tamara’s POVAs Jesse’s car pulled to a stop in front of Kevon’s house, I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the strange tension between us. The entire drive, Jesse had been acting overly protective, going on about rules like “no touching” and “one meter apart,” all because of Kevon. I knew he was jealous, and though I teased him about it, I found it oddly sweet that he didn’t want anyone else getting too close to me. His possessiveness was something we’d have to deal with later, but for now, I had to focus on meeting Kevon.Climbing out of the car, I tugged at the baggy jeans and oversized shirt Jesse had made me wear. He was determined no one else should find me attractive today, apparently. I gave him a little wave as he drove off, his intense gaze lingering on me until the car turned the corner. Smiling to myself, I turned toward Kevon’s house, eager to catch up with my friend.As I walked up the steps, something seemed off. The front door was slightly ajar. Frowning, I hesi
Jesse's POVThe usual drive to the family mansion felt so unusual today. It felt like going to my own durgen, the same woman who had been manipulating my father and I had lived in the same mansion all these years. The betrayal and silence was pressing down on me. As I pulled up the driveway, I had once thought it was perfect until it all began to unravel. I parked and stepped out, my chest tightening with every step toward the front door. My mind was racing, wondering what was waiting for me this time.As soon as I stepped inside, I froze. The sight before me was not what I expected.Aunt Serena was standing near the entrance, her eyes red as if she had been crying. But the real shock hit me when I saw my father, sitting in the living room, his face buried in his hands. And there, in front of him, was Olivia on her knees, her wrists in handcuffs with a few police officers standing close to her. She was sobbing uncontrollably, pleading with him, but her words barely registered in my h
Jesse's POV Lying next to Tamara, felt like heaven on earth. I couldn't help but reflect on how everything was finally coming together, and yet, there was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind. Christina and Olivia. I still couldn’t wrap my head around it. If someone had told me they were related, I would have laughed in their face. Now, though, it all made sense. I couldn't just still believe that my father and I were caught up in the middle of the manipulation of a mother and daughter and none of us ever found out. Every step Olivia made was all part of her planned twisted game.I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face. My thoughts were heavy, too heavy to shake off easily. But then I turned and saw Tamara, her body curled up under the sheets, breathing softly. Her face was so peaceful, but I could help but still feel guilty. I don't just deserve her. She deserved better than what I had put her through, and yet here she was, still by my side.The phone on the nightstand vibrated, d
Tamara's POVChristina stormed out of the room, her heels hitting sharply against the floor as the door slammed shut behind her. The tension in the air calmed down with her departure, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I exhaled a sigh of relief. I knew I had talked to her with so much boldness but I was still freaking inside, I stood still for a moment, absorbing the sudden quiet. Everything was finally falling into place. I turned to Jesse, my heart raced for him, but for a different reason now. He stood there, his posture tense, as if waiting for another blow to fall. His eyes, familiar eyes held a hint of guilt like he was doing something very bad. His look was getting softer. “I'm sorry,” he said, breaking the silence. With a very low tone, almost hesitant, as if the weight of everything around him was too heavy to bear. “I'm sorry for everything I made you go through. You didn’t deserve any of it.”I shook my head softly, stepping closer to him, wanting to close