(Leo's POV) My eyes sweep across from one side of the table to the other as the collection of nervous looking men shift in their seats. It was seen as unusual for me to call a meeting without any particular reason and created an atmosphere of uncertainty. I smirk as I allow for a few minutes of silence to pass before speaking, a tactic to make all the participants on edge and more likely to slip up. “I want to call for a vote to force Daniel Whitlock off the board of directors,” I confidently announce with little to no warning. Their reactions are as I expect with most of them gaining wide eyes and breaking out into cold sweats. “Sir, we need a valid reason to go about such a drastic action,” one sniveling looking man nervously laughs, a few others nodding in his favor. I lean back in the leather chair and rest my head on my hand. “They're more worried about keeping their income than anything, so let's start with that,” I think to myself amused. “There are quite a number of
(Violet's POV) Many days have passed since Leo and I last saw each other. After the incident, I was graciously granted permission to go out on my own, so long as I had a bodyguard. Aunt Bella strangely left me alone and was scarcely seen on the property. On this rainy day, I braided back my black hair and requested that Jason, my assigned guard, escort me to the movie theater to catch a showing. I had long since adjusted to the constant surveillance placed on me, but lately it seemed bizarrely tailored to my habits. “Jason, is everything alright with Leo?” I asked during the drive. He gives a kind smile and glances back using the rear view mirror. “You need not worry, Ms. Bennet. Mr. Whitlock is merely occupied with work,” he reassures me. I slump in the backseat as the trees roll by. To someone else, it might seem as though I was worried about him cheating. After all, it was still common knowledge that we were engaged. “Not for much longer, probably,” I think as my harsh wo
(Leo's POV) Violet's dark eyes peer up at me between the soft waves of her hair. A gentle breeze sways the leaves, causing a rustle to interrupt the silence. As we remain still, mere inches apart, it feels like my heartbeat can be heard across the city. A loud pounding paired with an unavoidable attraction guides my arms as they wrap around Violet's soft body. To my shock, she leans back into me and holds my arm. Though our height differs greatly, I refuse to let it deter me as I lower my head into the crock of her neck. “Leo, can we eat?” Violet quietly asks, her voice uncertain. I pull back enough to laugh, enraptured by her cuteness. Sliding my hands down to take her’s, we both slowly approached the area I had meticulously set up. After careful consideration, I had decided on this pond for our evening together. Though I admit my experience with romantic gestures is extremely limited, the privacy was guaranteed. I watch with tense musicals as Violet settles on the blanket an
(Violet's POV) As the moon gave way to the sun, I awoke to Leo's sleeping form laying beside me on the ground. I softly remove his arm from under my head, careful to not make a sound. I lean down and kiss his forehead, readjusting the blanket over him before rising. Not one to leave a mess, I quickly gathered the extinguished candles and empty plates before making my way inside to obtain some breakfast for us. Making sure to include lots of toast, I stuff all the components for a complete breakfast into a makeshift basket and return to the pond. My heart catches in my throat when he is no longer sleeping peacefully. In fact, Leo is nowhere to be seen and I fear the worst. “Where did you go?” I hear his voice ask from behind the tree. Leaning up against the trunk, he was gazing at me concerned. I hold up the basket and approach. Leo squints, conflict evident in his features. “I'm not much of a morning person, but you are. I wanted to surprise you,” I confidently declare.
(Violet's POV) “No!” my voice shrikes in overwhelmed denial. I aggressively throw the papers to the ground and grit my teeth, tears clouding my sight. Bella remains silent and merely maintains her stare, an unidentifiable emotion plastered on her face. My breathing grows heavy and the previous brief happiness was obliterated. Aunt Bella slowly unties the ribbon in her hair and wraps it around her wrist. Her graying black hair, usually strictly tied back in a bun, falls down to her shoulders as she stops in front of me. “You think I don't miss her too? She was my sister and I was left to pick up the pieces,” Bella speaks softly. My face lowered at the realization of a selfish perspective. I had no right to assume anything about what Bella feels. This was her showing a rare gentle side and that perhaps, mother’s death was just as painful for her. A brief moment to contemplate the idea proves how absurd such a notion was. Was she really trying to guilt me and get away with her a
(Leo's POV) My pleasant mood was impenetrable as I casually meandered through the work day. In brief moments of blissful silence, the delicate image of Violet’s blushing face graced my mind and brought a foolish grin to a normally serious expression. Her dark waves framing her fair skin as she lay comfortably on the ground beside me and the thought of her gentle kiss as she allowed vulnerability to show, made my heart race faster than a formula one car. “She's just amazing,” I think as the piles of papers dwindle down till they're gone. After gaining more and more support from numerous parties in the vote against my father, it was practically a done deal. However, that did not stop the allies who would suffer from this decision to go out of their way to make more trouble. Countless meetings and phone calls pestered me relentlessly as the company prepared for a change that, though not exceptionally impactful, would shift things in a new direction. At the end of one particular
(Leo's POV) The remaining days passed and soon the night of the event approached. The theme was announced to be monochrome and formal attire was required. After settling on a white tuxedo suit paired with a number of black accessories, I waited in the foyer. Gently rocking back and forth on the heels of my feet, the subtle click of shoes caught me off guard. Standing in the doorway to the kitchen, stood Violet dressed in a breathtaking white silk gown. It hugged her curves but still flowed as she walked, successfully captivating me in her aura. Her black hair was pinned up and neatly swirled into a bun, a few stray strands hanging down over one eye. “How long have you been there?” I ask in surprise. I had been expecting her to come down the stairs like last time. Her amused smile tickled my heart as she only shrugged and walked past me. “Hurry up Mr. CEO or we'll be late,” she jokingly sniped from afar, snapping me out of my trance and into the driver's seat. The drive was
(Violet's POV) The slimy looking man gave a ridiculing scoff as he purposely spoke his next words loud enough for all those nearby to hear. “Oh my! It seems that the glass was still wet from washing. No real loss though given that a gold digger like her doesn't suit such a dress,” he snicker with obvious pleasure. The swarm of hushed whispers was annoyingly loud as they conspired amongst themselves. “Sir, you must apologize,” a very nervous looking waiter started to say before the lunatic aggressively cut them off. “For what?! I told you it was an accident and even if it wasn’t, what are you or anybody else gonna do about it?” he yelled as if it was something to be proud of. The silence of the room was deafening as nobody was certain of the correct action. Slowly, almost menacingly, I rose from the chair with a neutral expression and turned to face the moron. With all my might I curled my hand into a fist and landed probably one of the best uppercuts of my life on that exc
(Third Person POV)The gentle warmth of the sunlight danced across the pale complexion of Violet’s dress. The white silk of the gown morphed into lace around her arms and neck. Her dark wavy hair, now cut shoulder length, was adorned with small purple flowers speckled throughout and meticulously secured. “Ms. Bennet, it’s time,” an older looking woman informs Violet from the doorway. She turns to nod towards the lady before glancing back out the window, her eyes looking towards the sky.A chuckle escapes her as deja vu sets in before being quickly ejected from her mind. Their wedding venue was located at a beautiful hotel near a quiet beach with plenty of space for an outdoor party. Leo had insisted that Violet choose where she wanted and he would make sure everything was perfect.A small smirk crosses her face before swiftly shifting into a genuine smile of contentment. Violet clutches her bouquet as she slowly proceeds towards a pair of large double doors.With the start of the mu
(Violet's POV) Walking down the gravel path of the gardens was almost nostalgic as I took my sweet time in approaching the pond area. Suspicious Leo had vanished shortly after our loving exchange with no hint as to where.All the mansion staff seemed to be in on some big secret as they giggled upon every passing and quickly shooed me out the house at sunset. Being curious was an understatement as I wasn’t sure what to expect from this unpredictable man. The leaves rustled as my shoulder brushed a low hanging branch upon passing under the arch of the corner garden. The dark of the night was almost unnoticeable as the entire area was lit up by various lanterns and glowing string lights.Tables covered in absolutely delectable pastries were scattered about the open scratches of grass as the large tree was coated in dangling stars. Amongst the elaborate decor was a dahsing looking Leo dressed in a white tuxedo. In his large hands was the unreasonably heavy book that was now wrapped in a
(Violet's POV)As the weeks rolled by and the storm finally passed, I found the strange world I had entered becoming one of healing. It took Leo absolutely no time to smoke out all the rats that had been accomplices in his father’s crimes. Whitlock Enterprises was swiftly turned around and shifted its focus from international profit to financial support and charity. Though there were many sleepless nights for the both of us, we eventually dreamt without seeing the pain of our past.However, Leo has been acting rather strangely as of late. He leaves earlier than normal for work and arrives later than usual. When I inquire about it, he assures me there is just a lot to arrange. As for me, my nightmares have stopped and the memories of my parents are no longer gut wrenching to recall. I will always miss them, but I know they would want me to be happy regardless. “Hey, love?” I hear Leo call from the library. I quickly jog over to the doorway, a piece of toast still warm in my hand.“Y
(Leo's POV)The room is barren and cold as I wait in the metal chair. Small slivers of sunlight sneak their way onto the table as I wait for the guards to return. The creak of the door signals their arrival, along with the shuffle of worn shoes.Taking a seat across from me, my father remains silent and stone faced. I take a deep breath and ready myself for any means of manipulation that he might attempt.“I’m glad you came,” he states, a tired air hanging off every word. I pause and glare across at his wrinkled pale face.“Don’t get ahead of yourself, father. The only reason I’m here is for an answer,” I grumble with unrestrained disdain. He leans back in his chair and sighs, no longer able to lecture me about anything.“And what question might that be?” father asks. We sat there a moment, the words caught in my throat.“Did mom know?” I finally inquired.“No, I made sure she never suspected anything. Though it did put a strain on us both, regardless,” he recalls. His once constant p
(Violet's POV)The next few weeks flew by in a flash of chaotic events. Aunt Bella’s true intentions were broadcasted around the city leading to an endless stream of rumors and theories revolving around Whitlock Enterprises.Mr. Whitlock’s trial for her murder was suppressed by the press to the best of their ability, but was ultimately made completely public and later passed as self-defense.However, it came to light that Daniel had built an empire built on various illegal wrong doings, resulting in a life sentence in prison.During this time, Leo refused to speak about anything regarding his father and completely devoted his attention to readjusting the shards of his company.Being the heir to a crumbling empire, he found himself helping dismantle it rather than salvaging.As for me, it turns out between watching someone die before you and learning that your family was behind your trauma makes it hard to sleep at night.The only solace I find is in the gardens and in Leo’s arms at ni
(Violet's POV)Present DayThe bang of the gun rings in my ears as a high pitch tone drowns everything out. Aunt Bella’s unnaturally still body was crumpled on the floor, the gun she held lay beside her legs.“Violet!” Leo screams beside me. Though the sound was dull, I could hear his ragged breaths as he gently wrapped me in his embrace. Leo kept glancing back towards the door, his expression one of forced composure. Still numb, I glance over his broad shoulder to see an older gentleman leaving the doorway. Lifting me into his arms, Leo carried me through the dusty room and towards the warmth of the early evening. I squint as the glow radiating from the sunset hurts my pupils and the ache in my head radiates towards my chest.Leo sets me down on a nearby stone barrier before hesitantly turning to look back. Mr. Whitlock meets his son’s gaze as they lock eyes, a strange energy passing between them.“Why did you do that?” Leo asks in disbelief. Daniel does not respond, his face blank
(Third Person POV)FlashbackThe sunlight beams down on a young Bella as she nearly skips down the street on her way to surprise her lover. A homemade lunch box in hand and a vacation planned for their pre-wedding honeymoon, Bella hummed happily in pure bliss.However, her joy was cut short upon the suffocating sound of fire trucks and ambulances racing past her on the road. The air ahead was polluted with thick black smoke and a bright orange glow. The lunchbox falls to the ground with a thud as Bella runs with a fear unmatched towards the source of commotion, but her fear was not prepared for what she found.The building was crumbling in a terrifying display of flames and ash, devouring anything within its grasp. Bella’s heart pounded into her ears as she shoved past, desperately searching for that one familiar face.After her search proved futile, a hand grasped her shoulder and she was met with a remorseful face. The officer held his hat in his hand as he lowered his gaze to the
(Leo's POV) The light pierces my eyes as I stand with both hands in the air. The click of heels echoes through the empty warehouse as Bella takes a few steps toward me. “I knew I didn’t like you,” my voice growls. Bella wears a smug grin as she chuckles in response.“A fair observation, if not a little rude,” she comments, a repulsive amount of confidence coating her words.“If it’s money you’re after, this was beyond unnecessary,” I firmly state. My plan was simply to get Violet safely out of here before this lunatic lost it for good. To do that, I would need to buy time and find an opening.“Oh, I’m looking for something much more fulfilling than some paper bills. Not that I would expect some pampered rich boy to understand,” Bella cryptically replies, her words slowly making less sense.“Was it you who ordered me to take the fall for the crash? I don’t understand what you could gain from something like that,” I question further.A cruel laugh erupts from Bella as she cackles to h
(Leo's POV) After a few phone calls and some vague hints as to the contents of the press release, I find myself standing in front of a room full of reporters. The hushed whispers turn to silence as I take my place before the mic and prepare for what is about to come. “As you all know, a few months ago there was a tragic accident involving a plane leaving Columbus airport. The unfortunate incident claimed many lives and left the public baffled by the lack of sufficient information provided,” I speak, the words previously planned out carefully. “I am here to say that Whitlock Enterprises is completely responsible for all actions leading to the plane’s malfunction mid-flight,” I confidently state. The room erupts into chaos as each reporter rushes forward with questions and accusations. “Further details will be published soon. That is all,” I respond, nodding my head before security escorts me out the bustling room. After escaping to the quiet of the adjacent hallway, I lean back