Katniss“Enjoy yourself, Katniss,” Scarlett whispered in my ear, her voice laced with excitement.She had told me this was a birthday party for one of her business acquaintances. Everything around us screamed luxury—shimmering chandeliers, sparkling champagne, and the soft hum of classical music filling the air. I recognized a few faces in the crowd, though most of them were business partners of Mr. Corleone. They are here, too? It had been so long since I’d attended an event like this—so grand, so elegant. The sensation of being surrounded by wealth and power again felt almost foreign, and my steps were hesitant, my presence still a little uncertain.The man of the hour, Ryan Carter—his name just recently mentioned by Scarlett—was now standing in front of the crowd, giving a speech. His voice was deep, commanding attention as he welcomed his guests. My gaze followed him, intrigued by his presence.“Psst! Katniss,” Scarlett leaned in closer, her whisper playful yet urgent.“Hm?” I gl
Katniss"He's my boss!" I whispered, my voice tight with disbelief."So, he’s the one you’ve been talking about, the man who changed your life?!" Scarlett’s shock mirrored my own. I hadn’t even told her which company I worked for or who my mysterious boss was that I always mentioned in passing."Oh my God! I can’t believe Ethan is such a good guy!" Scarlett gasped.“You said he was cold? From the moment I met him, he wasn’t cold at all. In fact, he was warm... a bit charming, even,” I said, watching Scarlett freeze, her surprise palpable.“Warm?” she repeated.I nodded. “Yes, he’s very warm. But with other people, especially women, Mr. Corleone can be... distant. Cold, even.”Scarlett went quiet after that, like something was running through her mind that she didn’t dare speak aloud."Katniss?" A familiar voice called from behind, and suddenly Mr. Corleone was standing right next to us.Scarlett jolted, her wide eyes locking onto him, completely caught off guard. She smiled, shy and f
KatnissI was done with my business in the bathroom. I wasn’t sure if she was still out there. I hadn’t heard her voice in a while, probably because I had taken my time in the stall."God, please. Get this woman out of my way. I really don’t want to deal with her drama." I silently prayed.But hope was just hope. When I stepped out, she was still there, arms crossed over her chest, staring at me from head to toe with disgust."Ugh, what’s with that look? Who does she think she is? Does she even look that good?" I bit my tongue, keeping my thoughts to myself. She’s a total narcissist. Ignoring her would be the smartest move, avoiding any unnecessary drama.I quickly glanced at the mirror to fix my makeup, hoping to pass by her, but—damn it—she blocked my path with her foot.“You think you can just walk away?” she sneered.I tried to ignore her. "It’s not worth your energy, Katniss. Totally not worth it!" I reminded myself.But this woman was a master at pushing my buttons."So cocky. D
James I stepped into the grand hall, a sea of opulence laid out before me. Crystal chandeliers shimmered overhead, casting refracted light into every corner of the room. The soft hum of classical music accompanied the quiet murmurs of the guests, who all appeared calm, but behind those polite smiles, I knew deals were being made and business strategies crafted. This birthday party was more than just a celebration—it was a battlefield for top-tier entrepreneurs and investors. Everyone was impeccably dressed, wine glasses in hand, conversing with a thin veil of arrogance.I sighed. Honestly, this party wasn’t my scene. On the surface, I might seem like the perfect husband, attending social events with Renata, my wife, and playing the role of a happy couple. But inside, I knew it was all an illusion. Our relationship had long grown cold. Every word we exchanged at home felt like rehearsed lines, devoid of meaning. Renata had just stepped away to the restroom, leaving me alone, sipping m
James I froze. "My fiancée?" It was like a thunderbolt ringing in my ears when I heard the words. My eyes shifted quickly to glance at Ethan before returning to glancing at Katniss to see if there was anything else she had to say. Ethan. Katniss. Engaged? How could that be?Beside me, Scarlett stiffened. Her expression shifted from pride in her friend for outmaneuvering Renata’s attack to something far darker—pain. I saw the disbelief in her eyes, the same disbelief that gripped me. She had always looked at Ethan with such admiration, but tonight, that admiration was shattered. Yet, she said nothing. Scarlett wouldn’t involve herself more than necessary, not in this mess.Renata, fueled by anger, wasn’t going to let it slide. “Fiancée? You must be joking! Do you even know who she is? Her past is a disaster! You have no idea what kind of filth she comes from. It doesn’t matter what title she holds now!”Ethan’s response was ice-cold, controlled. “I know exactly who she is,” he said, h
KatnissI could still feel the rage boiling within me, the anger that hadn’t subsided since the argument with Renata at the party. How could she dare to air our private issues in front of everyone like that? The memory of her sharp words and insults only made my fury rise. She had no shame, no sense of decency—just creating unnecessary drama to humiliate me. As I sat in silence, my heart pounded not only with anger but with confusion that clouded my thoughts. I couldn’t shake off the scene at the party, the way everyone’s eyes were locked on us. And of course, there was Ethan—calm, composed, always stepping in to save me at the last second.His soft voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Katniss?” he said gently, his tone soothing yet firm enough to bring me back to reality.I turned to look at him, still behind the wheel, his face serene as usual, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. I tried to smile, but it felt forced. Ethan—he could read me too well, always waiting, giving
Katniss“I... I don’t want to talk about it. But he’s the one who destroyed my life, Scarlett. Both emotionally and financially,” I confessed, my voice trembling.Scarlett’s gaze was soft, filled with concern. “Oh, Katniss, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”I continued, struggling to keep my composure. “After the divorce, I felt like I lost everything. He betrayed me, and I’ve never really recovered. Even now, every time I see him, all the pain rushes back.”Scarlett reached for my hand, her grip warm and reassuring. “You’re not alone. I’m here for you,” she said sincerely. “Maybe we can find a way to help you feel better. Have you considered speaking to a professional?”I shook my head. “I know I should, but I’ve never felt ready. It feels too heavy.”She held my gaze, her concern deepening. “Don’t feel pressured to share everything now. I just want you to know that whatever you're feeling, it’s valid. You have every right to feel hurt.”Tears welled up in my eyes as I nodded. “Thank you
James I stood in front of Katniss's apartment door, my heart pounding. Giselle, Katniss's five-year-old daughter, opened the door, her curiosity shining through her bright smile. There was no awkwardness in her expression at all. Where was Katniss?“Hello!” I greeted, trying to sound friendly.“Do you still remember me?” I asked, unsure if she had forgotten our previous encounter. My smile faltered as Giselle nodded eagerly.“Of course, Uncle! I remember you!” she replied, her voice bright.I crouched down to her level, extending my hand to ruffle the top of her head. “Can I come in?” I asked, seeking her permission.Giselle paused for a moment, then nodded, opening the door wider. “Mommy’s in the shower,” she said without hesitation.Ah, so Katniss was in the shower. That explained why it was Giselle who answered the door. My daughter? The thought warmed my heart. I yearned to hear her call me “Daddy.” It would bring me immense joy. I couldn’t wait for that moment to arrive. But… wo
JamesThe cold Malibu breeze brushed against my face as Katniss and I drove along the quiet coastal road. My chest felt tight—a mix of anticipation and fear so overwhelming that I could barely breathe.My father was here.Multiple people claimed this to be the truth.What condition would we discover him in? Did his condition match the image I retained from the past? My brother Liam was nowhere to be seen in the midst of this turmoil.An emotional tempest controlled the last couple of days between anger and betrayal and fear ruled everything. A single feeling took control of my mindset when we approached the isolated resort that my father claimed as his destination.Hope.***We reached the beachfront resort at sunset as the sky turned gold. It didn’t look like the kind of place where a man who once ruled the business world would hide.Yet, here I was.Desperately hoping for a miracle.Katniss placed a reassuring hand on my arm as we stepped out of the car.She answered with absolute c
James:I focused on my phone's screen which displayed rapidly-changing headlines that raced through corporate networks. The words burned into my mind: Charles Kent, Founder of Kent Industries, Overthrown. Emma Kent and Henry Take Control.My pulse thundered in my ears, a mixture of shock and disbelief flooding me. How could something this massive happen overnight? How had Henry—my stepbrother—pulled off such an audacious coup? And my step mother… she…I should have known! This was bound to happen sooner or later!Damn it, Father really has no idea how dangerous it is to let Emma and Henry get involved in the family's business affairs.Damn it!The betrayal hit me like a freight train.I glanced up at Katniss, who sat on the couch across from me, her own phone gripped tightly in her hands. Her sharp eyes flicked toward me, and I could see the same anger brewing in her expression."James," she said evenly, though I could tell her temper was barely in check, "have you talked to your fath
Charles:Bang!The lone piece of paper appeared on the table surface. When I grabbed the note my eyes immediately reacted with stunned surprise by what I discovered. I instantly dropped the paper on the table repeatedly.The room felt cold—unnaturally cold. From my former haven of a grand living room I witnessed Emma and Henry, her son, pull apart everything that I had constructed piece by piece. My mental capacity failed entirely to process the unfolding situation while ignoring the shock of disbelief.At first my voice trembled but my authority from the past remained visible when I spoke to Emma. "What is the meaning of this? Throwing my belongings out? Talking about divorce? How can you—""Stop acting so surprised, Charles." Strong rather than urgent words resonated through her unflinching voice. The loving glimmer that once sparkled in her gaze transformed into an icy expression of determination."This is my house!!" Struggling to regain control I screamed with my voice breaking a
Emma:"You get nothing from me anymore; I’m done with your words Liam!" I broke into the powerful voice that cut across the escalating awkwardness between us. "Look around you. Really look! Do you see their faces? The way they look at you now? No one respects you anymore. You serve as one ultimate failure who remains as only half of your former deceptive self."I held my ground while he processed my words as his face muscles tensed up and his palms turned to stone. His face displayed a single doubt but I continued without mercy."Have you noticed how much you have changed? A joke. A worthless, hollow shell. Inside you already recognize the truth about yourself." Due to my barely audible tone the words I spoke cut through the room like a razor-sharp instrument of truth.His demeanor had nothing to do with anger as he used these words to peel back his false image. Each impact I delivered needed to leave a powerful mark on him.I’ve known Liam for years, long enough to understand exactl
Emma:"Whoa, Emma! You’re incredible. Renata looked at the documents as she admired my incredible accomplishment by making him sign it without little care for the fine print.Her voice displayed genuine amazement when she said "You know what you did right? You gained his trust so deeply that he signed those documents." A triumphant expression flickered across my face as I looked at her. The years I spent with my fake loyalty required that I employ my charm to extract control over Charles.Renata reacted with an overabated sigh but finally complied by nodding. A trace of slight acceptance marked her features."Renata you've gotten so much help from me during this time." I released my meaningful warning through stern words when I spoke to her.A slightly arched eyebrow marked her face as she watched me but I couldn't read her thoughts."Oh, so ypu call me to come here because of this favor? What is it? Which kind of help would be useful to you at this moment?" She stood with her arms c
EmmaI sat at the massive table in the grand living room of our sprawling mansion, accompanied by my personal lawyer, Mr. Albert. My husband wasn’t home—he was off playing golf with his old buddies, as usual. Normally, I would join him just to keep up appearances. But not tonight. Tonight, I had far more pressing matters to deal with.Papers were scattered across the polished mahogany table, every page neatly signed by that old fool, Charles Kent.I couldn’t suppress a flicker of irritation. For years, I’d been playing the long game, steadily wearing down the old man’s health. But his body... that annoyingly resilient, stubborn body just refused to give up. Even the illnesses I’d meticulously introduced into his system didn’t take hold the way I’d hoped. There were moments—brief, tantalizing moments—when he seemed on the brink of death. But then he’d bounce back, as infuriatingly stubborn as ever.And then came his desperate obsession with a grandchild. He wanted one from James, his b
Scarlett:After finishing the call I stood before the hotel suite window smiling slightly. During nighttime Paris became a breathtaking spectacle as the Seine river reflected the golden lights from the city's buildings. The excitement from my current game surpassed every external beauty surrounding me.I took a controlled breath while collecting my thoughts. After waking up I initiated a conversation with Ethan who served as a central component of my tactical plan.A slight lift formed on his eyebrows when I described my plans to stay in Paris.His uninflected voice matched his unwavering gaze which studied me intensely.I responded with remorse in my voice to say I needed time with Katniss. My expression turned remorseful as I lightly nibbled my lip while making it appear like I felt slightly guilty about my actions. "The time has come for me to show Katniss that I have transformed into a new person Ethan. She’s beginning to forgive me. I don't want to waste the opportunity that is
Katniss“She and I will visit your house. To congratulate you on your pregnancy,” Ethan said.I didn’t know how to respond. James was beside me, and it was already late, nearing bedtime. But out of nowhere, I received a message from Ethan, informing me that he would come by next week. What truly shocked me wasn’t just his visit—it was the fact that Scarlett would accompany him.“Katniss? Are you okay? Is it alright?”I hadn’t realized that Ethan and Scarlett were now together. The last I knew, Scarlett was behind bars. James had told me himself. My heart shattered when I found out Scarlett had been one of the orchestrators of my pain.Beep.I ended the call abruptly, my mind reeling. I turned to face my boyfriend, my expression riddled with confusion and pain.“Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, my voice tight.“Because I knew this would be your reaction,” James replied, his tone calm yet remorseful.“Do you forgive her already?” James pressed gently.Every time I asked myself that que
Ethan"Darling," a voice called from behind me, startling me slightly."Scarlett," I greeted her, trying to stay composed.I felt a pang of panic. Her expression looked cold and distant—had she overheard my conversation with my secretary?I forced a calm demeanor as I spoke again, "Sweetheart," the word felt awkward on my tongue, unfamiliar. I wasn’t used to addressing her that way.I wrapped her in a gentle embrace and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Why do you look so upset, hmm?" I asked softly.Scarlett didn’t answer immediately. Instead, her eyes narrowed. "Is Katniss pregnant?"My heart sank. Of course, she had overheard.Damn it!I should’ve been more careful. Even though Scarlett got what she wanted—me—I knew deep down she still harbored resentment toward Katniss. Her hatred could be dangerous, not just to Katniss, but to her unborn child."And you went out of your way to find something rare and expensive for her?" Scarlett pressed, her voice sharp. "Why? Do you still have fee