Author’s POVWith his lips lightly touching Anne’s temple, Lucian mumbled,“I don’t want to hide our feelings any longer.”The eagerness in Anne’s heart caused her to nod in accord. She was aware that their shared adventure had taken an unexpected turn, but she wholeheartedly welcomed it.The storm raged outside as they clutched one other in the dimly lighted chamber. However, Anne and Lucian had discovered something more potent than any storm in the security of Lucian’s embrace—they had discovered love.In the midst of the thunder and lightning, their love story started, a tribute to how unpredictable and lovely love is in and of itself. They slept together that night, in each others warm embrace. The next morning, Anne woke up to see Lucian staring at her with so much love written on his face. The tenderness in Lucian’s eyes as he saw Anne awaken was palpable. As his lips softly smiled, his fingers delicately touched her cheek.He sighed, “Good morning, beautiful.”When Anne looke
Author's POVAnne and Lucian turned around to see the person that he dreaded the most, his ex-girlfriend, Amelia Maslow. The same one who broke his heart by cheating on him with a job contractor.Amelia was a beautiful young woman great curves; she was also heavily endowed in front and even behind. She was a model and was an ambassador for almost 12 companies. She was Lucian's girlfriend until she was caught cheating."It's you. I'm so happy to see you," she said in her annoying high-pitched voice as she tried to approach Lucian with a hug.But Lucian stretch out his hand, indirectly asking her not to come any closer and Amelia got the message."Who's this?" Anne asked, looking at the dolled up lady. Amelia gave Anne a critical glance as she shifted her attention to her. "She must be the wife. I heard that you finally got married. Before that, I heard you randomly graced your bed with several women. I couldn't believe it when I heard about your wedding. I thought it was a lie but I
Author's POV Lucian looked up with a smile but was shocked to see who had just walked in."Amelia?""Yes baby," Amelia said as she walked seductively towards Lucian.She was wearing a short, tight fitted gown that hugged all her curves. In that dress, no sane man would want to ignore her advances but Lucian wasn't moved."Why are you here? Did you lie to my secretary about being my wife?" Lucian asked."It was the only way you'd let me see you since you've been ignoring my calls and messages," Amelia answered."Look I wore your favorite gown. I remember how much you used to ask me to wear it. Aren't you turned on seeing me in it?" Amelia said, biting her lower lip seductively."Amelia, get out of my office before I call security on you," Lucian said, fighting the urge to look at her.It was true; this was the gown he loved seeing in her when they were together. Amelia for sure knew what she was doing.Lucian's office was tense as Amelia persisted in advancing her agenda despite his o
Author’s POVAnne answered the call.“Put the phone on loud speaker,” Gemma said.Anne did as she was told. She placed the phone on the table so they would all hear the caller“Aww Anny-bear, are you sad your Bulldogs won’t be around to beat me up?” Amelia mocked over the phone.“Bitch, you’re so lucky,” Daisy said.“Oh please shut up. Anyways, Anne, I called to let you know that I won’t let Lucian go. Rather you’ll leave him for me. Bye girl.”Anne’s mind raced with the implications of Amelia’s foreboding remarks as the connection was abruptly cut off by her frightening finality.As the call came to an end, Anne felt the room encircle her. Her mind was racing with wrath, fear, and bewilderment. Gemma stared into her eyes intently, waiting for an answer.Daisy hit the table with her palm as her rage flared. “Anne, this is insane! Why is she refusing to leave Lucian the f***k alone? And, why does she believe you will leave him for her?”In an effort to calm down, Anne tightened her fi
Author’s POVAnne’s heart raced and she felt more frightened as the journalists’ gasps filled the room. Lucian maintained his hard expression, clinched jaw, and determined features. The gravity of the circumstance hovered over everyone.“Ladies and gentlemen, let me give you some context before you draw any judgments from these pictures.”As all eyes turned on Lucian, the room fell into a quiet. He moved toward the platform while keeping Amelia in his sights. Anne listened intently to Lucian’s every word as she watched from her living room, her heart racing.Lucian said, “Amelia and I did have a past, and these images are in fact of us. But she’s conveniently omitting the duration and circumstances of their occurrence.”Lucian continued, his voice steady as Amelia’s assurance began to sway just a little.“These photos were taken back when we were a couple, years ago. Yes, Amelia and I did once have a romantic relationship. That was, however, before I met Anne.”Anne sensed some glimm
Author’s POVAs days passed, Amelia and David kept gathering facts that they could use to cause Lucian’s company to go into bankruptcy. Their discussions became more serious as they traded strategies and inside information, keeping their voices low.One night, in the soft glow of a streetlight, David murmured, “I’ve managed to get my hands on some sensitive financial documents. These will reveal areas of Lucian’s company that we can take advantage of.”Amelia’s eyes sparkled with eagerness. “Great work, David. With this knowledge, we can begin to undermine his hegemony. But keep in mind that we must be tactful. He shouldn’t have any suspicion before we even have the chance to carry out our plans.”David agreed by nodding.“I’ve already noted some important places where we may exert pressure. He won’t take long to begin feeling the pressure.”“Good,” Amelia said.“So when do we carry out our plans, Amelia. I’m growing impatient,” David said.“Be calm my dear David. We shall carry out
Author’s POVThere was no denying the sensation of relief in Lucian’s heart. He had a chance to preserve his business and ensure the future of his family with Devon’s help.Lucian murmured, his thanks obvious in his voice, “Thank you, Devon.” I’ll remember this, I swear.With each passing minute, Anne’s uneasiness increased as she watched the news at the mansion. Lucian hadn’t picked up the phone despite her persistent attempts to reach him. She was troubled by the ambiguity and worried about her husband’s safety.Amelia and David were smugly pleased as they watched the news report in the background. They believed they had Lucian trapped and that their strategy for undermining his business was succeeding. They were unaware that Devon was Lucian’s strong ally and that their dark alliance of retaliation was about to begin.Lucian and Devon planned how they were going to save Hawthorne Corporation. After what seems like hours, they got the solution.“Thank you so much, my friend. I have
Author’s POVGemma and the girls exchanged looks that made Anne confused. Their smiles even made things more suspicious and confusing.“What’s going on here? Why are you ladies smiling so suspiciously?” She asked them.Gemma pulled out her hand and Anne was a big diamond ring in her. Anne’s eyes flew wide open as squealed in happiness.“YOU’RE ENGAGED? TO WHO? She asked excitedly.“So you remember this dude, Kevin whom I went on a date with, we hit it off and we started seeing each other. He’s been a good guy and I just can’t stop loving him. He proposed yesterday night while we were at my apartment,” Gemma said.The smile on Anne’s face faded, causing the girls to wonder why. “Didn’t you just meet that guy? Don’t you think you guys are rushing things?” She asked.“Rushing things? How? We both love each other and are ready to commit to each other for a long time so what’s the rush about that?” Gemma said.“I mean, you’ve only been together for some weeks. I think you should get to kn
Madeline manages to break Free of Daniel's grasp and runs to stand in front of the guards that is about to shoot her friends. She yells at Daniel "if you want to kill them, you have to kill me too." Daniel scoffs walking towards her " don't be foolish, you can't possibly want to die for their sake, you've hardly know them." Madeline screams at him " what is wrong with you,I love Jake and nothing is going to ever change it even if I go with you my heart will never belong to you, you will never have my heart so why not just kill me instead." Daniel stunned at her revelation looks at her surprise that she was willing to go the extent of dying for her friends, for Jake. Daniel walks to where she's kneeling and grabs her hand " if you won't love me willingly then you'll love me by Force." he grabbed her hand and drags her to the car. He pushes her in and shut the door. He turns around once more he tells Tony to handle her friends. Daniel is about to get into the car and drive away w
The tension in the room is palpable as Tony stands in disagrees with Daniels plans. Tony shakes his head, "You're gambling with everything we built. The gang is not just a means to an end; it's family. Don't forget that."Tony's frustration deepens . "You think leaving the gang is the solution? Daniel, this gang is more than just a way out for us. It's a brotherhood, a family. Remember when you first walked through those doors? Henry doubted you, but I saw potential. I stood up for you, vouched for you, because I believed in the leader I saw in you. We swore an oath to the gang, Daniel, to prioritize the gang before anything else." Daniel clenches his jaw, the weight of Tony's words sinking in. "Tony, Madeline is the key to a life beyond all this. We won't need the gang if we have her and the wealth she brings. Can't you see the bigger picture?" Tony's eyes reflect hurt and disappointment. "You're willing to sacrifice everything we stand for just for your personal desires. This gang is
Madeline, despite the escalating horror, keeps her gaze steady, refusing to break. Daniel's eyes narrow, his frustration growing. He leans in, his voice a dangerous whisper, "I'll keep going until you decide to talk. What happened?" Madeline grits her teeth but doesn't relent. Sarah, in pain and fear, pleads with Madeline to tell Daniel whatever he wants to know. Madeline finally breaks her silence ."Fine, stop!, I'll talk." Madeline pleads with Daniel to stop the cruelty towards Sarah. "Please, Daniel, she's hurt enough. I'll tell you everything," she implores as tears start streaming down her face. Daniel, relentless, insists, "Talk, and maybe I'll consider stopping." her voice shaky but defiant. "We were trying to escape. We had a plan to contact someone who could help us get out of here." Daniel smirks, pulling the knife away from Sarah's throat. "See, that wasn't so hard, was it?" he says, almost amused. Sarah, relieved that the pressure on her neck has eased, is gasping for br
In Daniel's office, a tense atmosphere filled the room as he mulled over the mysterious turn of events. "Sarah's sudden illness is too coincidental. Madeline never mentioned anything about her having a condition," he pondered aloud, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. Determined to unravel the potential deception, he summoned both the guard and the doctor into his office. The guard entered, standing at attention. "What did you observe when Sarah fell ill?" Daniel questioned. The guard, visibly uneasy, stammered, "I, uh, didn't really pay much attention, sir. I was focused on getting help for her." Daniel's sharp gaze scrutinized the guard's response, but he dismissed him and turned to the doctor. The doctor, who seemed less perturbed by the situation, remarked, "Honestly, it seemed quite routine down there. As if they were accustomed to such occurrences." Daniel's brows furrowed in suspicion. "Accustomed? That doesn't make sense. Something's not adding up," he muttered to hi
Daniel sat back in his chair, a sigh escaping his lips, he found himself in a moment of contemplation. Tony, his trusted friend, had always been a loyal companion in the gang, never questioning Daniel's authority or plans. The sudden resistance from Tony left Daniel questioning his decisions. Staring at the dimly lit room, Daniel wondered if he had truly thought through the entirety of his plan or if his actions were driven more by emotion than rationale. He ran a hand through his hair, wrestling with the internal conflict of doubt. "Am I doing the right thing?" Daniel murmured to himself, the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air. He shook his head as if trying to dispel the doubt. The plan had already been set in motion, and there was no turning back now. He had invested too much to back down. As he contemplated the decisions ahead, Daniel recognized the necessity of finishing what he started. The consequences of what would happen if he failed, and he couldn't afford to let doubt
In the dimly lit prison, Stephanie, her curiosity piqued, asked, "So, what's Plan B, Jake?" Jake, explained, "Plan B is contacting Justin. He'll come with friends and get us out of here." Relief washed over the group. "But there's one problem." Jake adds and Madeline sighed, " what is the problem then?" Jake, revealed, "The problem is we need a way to contact Justin." Marie, voicing the collective frustration, groaned, "They took our phones when we came into the prison." So, how do we contact Justin without our phones?" Jake, thinking on his feet, replied, "We just need to get a phone without anyone realizing." Madeline, questioned, "How do you propose we do that? They're watching us closely." Jake, undeterred, stated, "We wait for a guard to come down here. Surely, one of them will have a phone on them. We can try to get the phone, send the message to Justin, and get it back to the guard " Marie, frustrated, sighed, "And how do we get a guard down here? Everything is getting more co
Madeline stares at Daniel still not able to grasp the fact that he betrayed her. She listens as he continues talking. Seated back in his chair, Daniel continued his revelation, a twisted pride in his words. "I got one of my guys to suggest selling drugs to Ashton. Predictably, he bought the idea. Little did he know, my guys were watching him. When he sold the drugs, they waited for the right moment, stole the money, leaving Ashton in a bind." Madeline, disbelief etched on her face, asked, "You set up Ashton to get him involved in drugs, knowing he'd do anything to protect Marie?" Daniel nodded, "I Ashton to owe a debt because I knew he'd want to protect Marie so he'd definitely send her out of the country and if their romance was as strong as everyone said it was she'd definitely want to help him and who better than her own twin sister to help her." Madeline, shaking her head in disbelief, muttered, "What happened to the sweet Daniel I used to know? How did you become this person?" D
The guards led to others out the door forcefully. Daniel gestures to Madeline telling her "take a seat." Madeline, standing defiantly, refused Daniel's command to take a seat. He sighed and decided to continue his story, as if seeking understanding from the person who once meant the world to him. "It was asking for help that brought me into this world," Daniel confessed, a somber tone in his voice. Madeline, though visibly hurt and confused, remained silent, urging him to continue. Daniel delved into his past, revealing a stark contrast to the life Madeline knew. "My mother and I weren't always rich. Her parents were so poor that they had to give her to her uncle, who was living alone, hoping he could provide a better life for her." Madeline, her eyes widening with a mix of surprise and sympathy, finally spoke, "I had no idea, Daniel. Why didn't you tell me all this before?" Daniel, with a bitter smile, replied, "Because I knew you wouldn't understand. Your perfect world and my strugg
The tension in the room escalated, the group grappling with betrayal and shattered trust. Madeline, her voice trembling, demanded answers from Daniel. "What is Marie talking about, Daniel? Why are you doing this?" Daniel, grinning with a sinister satisfaction, confessed, "Marie is telling the truth, Madeline. I never came back to Colombia seeking forgiveness. I came back for wealth, and you were my ticket." Madeline, bewildered, asked, "What do you mean, I'm your ticket to wealth?" Daniel, enjoying the power shift, explained, "The treatment for my mother's cancer drained our resources. I realized marrying into your family, taking over your father's business, was the only way to secure our future." Madeline, hurt and betrayed, demanded, "So, everything between us was a lie? You never loved me?" Daniel, unapologetic, admitted, "I needed you for my own gain. When I saw you with Jake, I became enraged. I was supposed to be the son-in-law, taking over the business. But you moved on, and I