As Mara entered the VIP suite at Circo Bille Hotel, the birthday party was already in full swing. She made her way through the lively crowd, clutching the elaborately decorated birthday cake in her hands.
"Good evening, young master Puck. This is the birthday cake that Miss Nina painstakingly prepared for you," Mara announced, presenting the cake to the birthday boy with a polite smile.
But before Puck could respond, one of the party guests couldn't resist chiming in. "Aren't you and Nina going to break things off?" they asked, curiosity evident in their tone.
Puck's response was surprisingly confident. "This is our way of patching things up. She doesn't want to end things with me," he declared proudly.
Impressed by Puck's audacity, another guest couldn't help but comment. "Wow! Now I understand why they call you the stallion. You cheated during your relationship, and she still wants to get back with you?"
Puck smirked, reveling in the attention. "That's why they call me Bad Commando," he boasted, his chest puffed out with pride.
But Mara, ever the professional, redirected the conversation back to the task at hand. "Before opening this cake, can young master Puck press this button?" she interjected, holding out a small remote control.
With a mischievous grin, Puck eagerly opened the box containing the birthday cake. As the lid lifted, revealing an intricately designed bikini-shaped cake, Puck burst into laughter, thoroughly entertained by the surprise. Without hesitation, he pressed the button on the remote control, setting off a cascade of fireworks and sparklers that illuminated the room in a dazzling display of light and
As Mara witnessed the chaotic scene unfolding before her, she couldn't help but suppress a smirk. "Young master, can I help you record this moment of happiness?" she offered, pulling out her phone with practiced ease.
"Sure thing!" Puck replied, his narcissism evident as he posed for the camera. But his moment of vanity was short-lived as the cake suddenly burst, splattering white paste across his face and clothes. Before anyone could react, a voice emanated from the device planted in the cake, filling the room with a chilling message.
"Puck Morgan, I wish you a life full of darkness and suffering. Thank you for making me the laughing stock of my family after cheating on me one week before our engagement party. I'll surely get back at you. I wish you the worst birthday!" The voice rang out, sending shockwaves through the crowd.
Laughter erupted from the VIP suite as Puck's anger boiled over. He reached for a handkerchief to clean himself up, but before he could do so, another eruption burst forth from the cake, covering him in butter and chocolate paste.
The room erupted into wild laughter, with the hilarity spreading from seat to seat. As Mara discreetly recorded the scene, she noticed others in the room capturing the moment on their own devices. Seizing the opportunity, Mara slipped away from the chaos.
Back at the gym, Mara and her friends ran an agency of sorts, helping people with their problems using unconventional methods. While their operations were not strictly legal, they operated within a grey area, utilizing their network of street-savvy individuals to get the job done. It was like being secret agents disguised as gym enthusiasts, and Mara and her friends relished in the thrill of it all.
As Mara and her friends executed their plan with precision, they transformed themselves into a formidable team ready to outwit their pursuers. In their new disguises, they confidently made their way through the VIP suite, evading the searching eyes of Puck's bodyguards.
With Lucian's expertise, they managed to block the CCTV cameras, ensuring their movements remained undetected. Meanwhile, Mara slipped into their rented room and changed into a sophisticated businesswoman attire, while Evelyn skillfully applied makeup to disguise her features. Lucian, ever resourceful, donned the attire of a hotel cleaner, blending seamlessly into his surroundings.
As they emerged from the room, they exuded an air of confidence, brushing past Puck's men as though they were invisible. With practiced ease, they made their way to the elevator, their hearts racing with excitement.
Before the elevator arrived, Mara's phone buzzed with a text message from their client, Miss Nina. As Mara read the message, Evelyn diligently worked on sharing the video of Puck's humiliation online, ensuring their client's revenge was swift and effective.
.As Mara and Evelyn shuffled into the elevator, both glued to their phones, Mara's forgetfulness led to a comedic mishap. Oblivious to her surroundings, Mara's stiletto heel got snagged in the elevator door gap just as Evelyn breezed past her. With a yelp, Mara instinctively flung herself forward, landing in the arms of a man.
But this wasn't just any man—it was Ethan Lewis, her contracted one-night husband! However, instead of a warm reception, Mara found herself being shoved aside by Ethan's sturdy hands, as if she were a pesky fly.
"Sorry, didn't mean to bump into you," Mara stammered, bowing apologetically. But to her surprise, Ethan remained silent, his expression unreadable. It was like trying to have a conversation with a brick wall.
As Mara tried to compose herself, she realized that Ethan likely didn't recognize her under all the thick makeup she was wearing. After all, Ethan wasn't one to appreciate excessive makeup, believing that less is more.
Just as Mara was trying to process this unexpected encounter, a voice interrupted her thoughts. "Excuse me, miss, but could you please move aside?" it said impatiently.
"Oh, yes, of course," Mara replied nervously, stepping away. Meanwhile, Evelyn watched the scene unfold from a distance, seemingly lost in her own world.
Once Mara was out of earshot, Evelyn and Lucian caught up with her, intrigued by the encounter with Ethan Lewis. "Isn't that Ethan Lewis?" Evelyn asked excitedly.
Mara, feeling a bit dejected, replied, "Why are you asking me? You already knew."
But Lucian, ever the optimist, chimed in, "Forget about it, let's go grab some drinks and shake off the tension." And with that, they headed off to the gym, leaving behind the whirlwind of emotions that Ethan's presence had stirred up.
>>
With glasses clinking and laughter echoing, Lucian poured drinks for Mara and Evelyn, celebrating their successful mission. "Here, let's drink to our hearts' content," he declared cheerfully.
"Cheers to us! We nailed it!" Mara exclaimed, raising her glass high.
"I just wish we could do this every day, you know, hang out like old times, but..." Evelyn trailed off, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.
Mara sighed, taking a long sip of her drink. "Yeah, but I've got my imbecile husband and his family waiting for me at home," she lamented.
"Why don't you just stay here? Who cares about your in-laws?" Evelyn suggested, raising an eyebrow.
"I wish! But my evil stepmother would have a fit, not to mention my poor nanny," Mara replied, her tone tinged with frustration.
"Then sneak back in here and crash with us! Let your stepmother stew in her own juice," Lucian chimed in, grinning mischievously.
Mara chuckled, feeling a bit tipsy from the drinks. "You know what? Maybe I will," she said decisively, finishing her drink in one gulp.
With a playful wave, Mara bid farewell to her friends and headed off to face her in-laws, feeling a little lighter and a lot more daring.
One should by this stage know that despite the unraveled and Magnanimousity of this man, he's ruthless and cold blooded and even vicious as rumored.Mara had already fell asleep earlier due to her drunken state before Ethan could return from the function.She had worried about what could have happened to her if he get to know that she's the one behind those thick makeup.This morning however she could put her worries aside because she woke up before him, she had quickly go to the bathroom to run the bath before he could wake up to avoided any of his questions or condemnations.The carefree Mara, hummed a tune as she bent down to run the bath... Ethan found his wife swaying to the beat of the tune when he entered the bathroom.When the sound of the tap ceased, she felt something off and quickly looked back and met his dark gaze looking at her with eyes filled with inquisitive.Mara froze in place, her heart pounding like a drum as she met Ethan's intense gaze. She tried to maintain her
She meekly followed his lead, pushing his wheelchair to the dining room. The several pairs of eyes focused on the couple made it obvious that their private affairs were being scrutinized.The awkward atmosphere prompted her to rush through her meal, eager to finish as quickly as possible. Once she swallowed the last grain of rice and sipped her orange juice, she moved to leave, but the old lady stopped her."Mara, dear, you can't leave the table when your husband hasn't finished eating," she said kindly.Mara nodded silently and sat back down, watching Ethan handle his utensils delicately, as if they were made of foam. His slow and gentle eating only made her more nervous and angry.It seemed Mrs. Lewis noticed Mara's discomfort. She interjected, "Mara, my dear, don't mind Ethan eating slowly; that's just how he is... And he must be extra tired after this morning's activity," she said, smiling warmly."Activity? What—" Mara began, but Ethan cut her off with a cold and menacing tone, "
"Everyone! Hurry up!" Little Gideon shouted in frenzy as he tucked his clothes into the upturned traveling bag. "I don't want to miss the flight!" Happiness was evident in his voice."Well, I guess you have to hurry, Gideon, because we're done with packing; it's just left to you," Mrs. Lewis shouted back from the room above."Coming, Big Mummy," the lad replied from his room.Alexander looked at his family - his grandmother, his mother, his aunt, and his cousin - and smiled, a mixture of happiness and sadness. His lifelong dream of controlling the family business was finally coming true, but he couldn't bring himself to be fully happy because his family would no longer be with him.He returned to his bedroom and paced up and down, his head bowed down sorrowfully. "This is a new start for me. I have to make sure I don't disappoint Grandmother," he said aloud as he waited for his family to get ready for the airport.As he paced, memories of the hardships his family had endured flooded h
Maya's mind conjured up an image of her sister's head drooping low, followed by a scene of Mara and Ethan in a moment of intimacy, while she herself remained hidden in a corner, tears streaming down her face. Her mind's meandering led her straight into a fit of rage.After the butler departed, Maya impulsively grabbed a scalding hot slab of meat from the dining table and hurled it at her sister. Fortunately, Mara's lightning reflexes spared her from a fiery facial tattoo; otherwise, she'd have sported red marks for days, her skin scorched and distorted. Still, a portion of the meat grazed her arm—ouch, that stung!Enraged, Mara retaliated by wielding a plate of piping hot rice, advancing menacingly towards Maya. Sensing imminent danger, Maya cried out, "Don't you dare lay a finger on me, Mara, or Nanny's life hangs in the balance!" But Mara's inner street fighter was unleashed, and she let the rice fly, only for Maya to topple backward, the searing grains landing squarely on her expose
The man emerged from the car, his imposing figure towering over Mara with broad shoulders that hinted at a military background."Why are you here? Shouldn't young girls like you be in school?" he inquired, his tone carrying a hint of authority.Mara quickly composed herself, fear flickering in her eyes. "No, sir. I just came to help clear the road," she stammered, before darting away to rejoin her friends.They eventually reached Evelyn's house, where they tended to their wounds and masked their injuries with makeup."Mara, what will you tell your husband? Doesn't it hurt?" Evelyn inquired."It did, but it's getting better. Besides, my husband's out of the country for a week, so it'll heal before he returns," Mara reassured them."And what about your troublesome sister?" Lucian chimed in."I don't need to do anything. My husband's quite the character himself," Mara replied confidently, knowing Maya's clumsy nature and outspoken demeanor wouldn't align with her husband's preferences. E
Ethan had fought fiercely to kick Maya out because she was Mara's sister, his disdain for outsiders evident in his actions. When Mara entered the room, he couldn't contain his frustration any longer."What is wrong with that sister of yours? Why is she trying to expose herself whenever I am?" he demanded, his voice edged with irritation.Mara feigned ignorance, hanging her head low in an attempt to shield her true intentions. She knew she had to play her cards right to avoid revealing her true feelings."What do you mean?" she replied softly, her eyes avoiding his piercing gaze, knowing that meeting his eyes could betray her.Ethan, however, wasn't easily deceived. He lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, his frustration evident in his eyes."Are you that stupid?" he questioned, his tone harsh and unforgiving.Caught off guard, Mara struggled to maintain her facade. "Even if I'm not stupid, I can't help it," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper."Didn't you just say
"They arrived at the designated spot, finding the man and his partner already there, accompanied by their bodyguards. Mara confidently approached one of the guards."Hey, how's it going? Could you do me a favor and let your boss know that PJ Masks are here?" she asked casually.The guard, taken aback, responded, "Who are you?"Mara retorted, "Who do I look like?" as she swiftly disarmed him and relieved him of his pistol.Meanwhile, Lucian and Evelyn dealt with the remaining guards before joining Mara inside. The man's expression turned to surprise as he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun."Now, hand over all the property documents you took from our client," Evelyn demanded.Under the threat of the gun, the man complied, relinquishing the documents and a bag of cash.Lucian grabbed the bag and hurried back to their awaiting clients. Mara and Evelyn prepared to leave, satisfied with accomplishing their mission, when suddenly, the wail of police sirens filled the air."Hands
"Together... I mean, let's go together," Ethan said, extending his hand as an invitation for them to walk together. They had never been seen in public together before, and Ethan felt a pang of sadness realizing his wife's fear of him."No, no, hubby, don't stress yourself. Just continue what you're doing. I'll hail a cab to go home," Mara insisted, her voice trembling with fear."No, I don't have anything else to do at work," Ethan replied gently, waiting with her for his PA to bring the car.In the car, Mara tried to dissuade him. "Hubby, seriously, you don't have to stress yourself. I have nothing interesting to buy—just some underwear and sanitary pads. It's nothing serious anyway," she rushed, hoping to make him give up. But he remained silent.It was surprising to see the arrogant workaholic CEO become soft with his wife. PA Lee caught on but kept quiet.The ride was quiet. Ethan noticed his wife stealing glances at him before quickly looking away.When they arrived at the superm
As days passed, Lisa continued to deepen her bond with Ethan and Erica. They settled into a routine, with Lisa becoming an integral part of their lives. She often stayed over at Ethan’s place, helping with household chores and taking care of Erica while Ethan spent time at the hospital.But amidst the growing closeness, Lisa’s anxiety over her mission gnawed at her. She hadn’t updated Dilraba in a while, fearing her reaction to how emotionally involved she had become.One evening, after putting Erica to bed, Lisa stepped out onto the porch to make the call she had been dreading. The phone rang twice before Dilraba’s voice came through, cold and expectant.“What’s the update, Lisa?”Lisa took a deep breath. “I’ve made significant progress. Ethan and Erica trust me completely. Ethan even...” She hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. “We’re getting very close.”Dilraba’s silence was heavy, laden with unspoken judgment. “Define that your very close, I hope you haven't messed anything up.’”
As dawn broke, Lisa woke to find Ethan still asleep beside her. She quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him. She needed a moment to herself to process everything. She tiptoed down the hallway and checked on Erica, who was still fast asleep, clutching her stuffed animal.Lisa headed to the kitchen, her mind racing. She made a pot of coffee, the aroma filling the quiet house. As she poured herself a cup, her phone buzzed with a message from Dilraba."Any Update? What is the progress?"Lisa sighed, typing out a response. "Spent the night at Ethan's. Getting closer. He opened up more about his feelings and fears. What’s next?"She sipped her coffee, waiting for a reply. When her phone buzzed again, she quickly read the message."Good. Keep the pressure on. Make him dependent on you. Remember, the goal is to have him trust you completely. You must become indispensable to him and Erica, Mara must come back from the hospital to realize that her husband and daughter is no longer h
After Ethan agreed to take a break, Lisa helped him gather his things. Erica, still groggy from the long day, clung to her father's hand as they walked to the car. Lisa settled into the passenger seat while Ethan buckled Erica into her car seat. The drive home was quiet, the tension palpable. Lisa's mind raced with the steps she needed to take next.Once they arrived at Ethan's house, Lisa helped carry Erica inside. The house was warm and inviting, filled with family photos and the lingering scent of Mara's favorite candles. It felt like a sanctuary, but Lisa reminded herself why she was here.Ethan turned to her, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Lisa. Really. I don't think I could have managed today without you."Lisa smiled softly. "You're welcome, Ethan. I'm glad I could help. Why don't you take a hot shower and relax a bit? I'll stay with Erica."Ethan hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. I'll be quick."Lisa watched as he headed down the hallway to the bathroom. She took a d
As Ethan left to be with Mara, Lisa's mind churned with conflicting emotions. She needed to stay focused. With Erica still asleep, she took a moment to text Dilraba for guidance."Progress update: Ethan is getting closer. Mara's stable but still critical. What's next?" she typed, sending the message before she could second-guess herself.Moments later, her phone buzzed with a reply. "Good work. Keep deepening the bond with Ethan. Make him rely on you more. Ensure he doubts his ability to cope without you and let him have lesser concerns for Mara, in that way, you will assume to control his heart.."Lisa sighed, slipping her phone back into her pocket. She knew what she had to do.When Ethan returned, his face was a mask of exhaustion. "She's stable for now," he said, his voice hollow. "I just don't know how much more I can take."Lisa reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "You're doing everything you can, Ethan. You need to take care of yourself too. Brooding and stressing yourself
Lisa's heart raced as she watched Roger leave the room. The secret message burned in her mind, a constant reminder of her mission. Get close to Ethan. Now.She took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the hospital room. Ethan was still gone, tending to his wife's crisis. But Lisa knew he would return, and when he did, she would be ready.As she waited, a young girl with big brown eyes and curly hair entered the room, her eyes fixed on Lisa. "Mommy said I could come see you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.Lisa smiled, her heart melting. "Hey there, Erica. I'm so glad you're here."Erica climbed onto the bed, her eyes fixed on Lisa's face. "Mommy's sick, isn't she?"Lisa nodded, her voice gentle. "Yes, sweetie, she is. But your daddy's taking good care of her."Just then, the door opened, and Ethan walked in, his eyes red-rimmed from fatigue. "Hey, kiddo," he said, scooping up Erica in a big hug. "How's my little girl doing?"Erica wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes s
Ethan's expression turned guarded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't need anything in return, Lisa. Just focus on getting better."Lisa's smile never wavered. "I'll get better, Ethan. And when I do, I'll make sure to repay your kindness."The silence that followed was palpable, the only sound being the steady beep of the heart monitor. Ethan's gaze lingered on Lisa's face, searching for something - a glimmer of truth, a hint of sincerity. And in that moment, Lisa knew she had him right where she wanted him."I'll hold you to that," Ethan said finally, his voice low and husky.Lisa's heart skipped a beat. "I'm counting on it," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.The tension between them was grow thick, the air thick with unspoken promises and unmet desires. And as the nurse bustled in to check on Lisa's vitals, the spell was broken - but the seeds of determination had already been sown.As the nurse left the room, Lisa's thoughts turned to the real reason she was here. D
Upon waking, Lisa's body throbbed with discomfort, signaling the early hours of the audition day. Attempting to rise, she froze upon spotting a man by the window engrossed in a book. His posture exuded confidence, his long legs crossed casually beneath him, accentuated by a slim-fitting suit that emphasized his broad shoulders and trim waist.Bathed in the morning sunlight, his demeanor remained cool and collected, adding to his stoic allure. Sensing her gaze, he glanced up from his book, his icy stare penetrating her being with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.This man indeed worth spying on. She now got the reason why Dilraba wanted him for herself. Who will see this handsome man and not want him to be her husband? She felt like a surgery knife was piercing her skin, scattering her veins sheet by sheet, when he looked at her. It seems like a staring contest between the man and Lisa, as he didn't loosen his gaze and Lisa was not ready t
As they all got to the direction she was point to, they were all shocked to see Erica pointing to the door leading to the storeroom. Ethan yelled at the Bar manager to open the door. Trembling with fear, the manager reluctantly produced the keys, her hands shaking as she approached the door. "There's a problem!" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to maintain her composure.Despite the formidable presence of her boss and everyone else including Ethan Lewis, the Manager knew she had no choice but to comply. With a trembling hand, she unlocked the door, revealing a sight that sent shivers down her spine—an unconscious woman lying amidst the chaos of the storeroom floor."What is that? Why is there a woman there?" Ethan's voice echoed the confusion shared by those present."I... I don't know what to say. There wasn't anyone in there when I last checked," the Manager stuttered, her panic evident as she realized the gravity of the situation.With no time to w
Erica and Ethan now lives alone, days dragged on roughly and weeks become thinner. Ethan and Erica had been given time that they could visit Mara since she slipped into a coma. Meanwhile, after Ethan Located Mara, he brought her back from Egypt to Los Angeles to continue treatment. Ethan tried his best make sure to give her the best treatment ever from the best doctor. She is not responding to treatment, Just lay on the bed lifeless but still breathing though. "Dad pls come back early" Erica pouted as she escorted her father out for the day. "Don't worry Girl, I will come back as soon as I am done with the Conference" He said while adjusting his tie. Since the house is now empty, Erica and Ethan were the only occupants save for the old Butler and thier servant. Evelyn, Lucian, Maya and speedy visits once in a while but no matter how much they visited could make up for the presence of Mara in the house. Erica became his angel, his only possession, he after leaving work, he comes