KatnissAs I walked past Scarlett, I gave her a warm smile, but she only glanced at me with a slightly cold look, saying nothing.Now I was outside, waiting patiently for what felt like ages, not wanting to leave. I needed to clear things up with Scarlett immediately.My legs still felt weak. God, I don’t want her to misunderstand what happened in there.But I couldn’t deny that something had drawn me in about Mr. Corleone. There was a mesmerizing quality in his gaze, and I couldn’t lie—his strikingly good looks were beyond the ordinary, and it was impossible not to admire him. But it wasn’t only his looks; his kindness left an impression on me, making it hard to ignore that a small part of me felt drawn to him. It’s just admiration, I told myself.From the way Mr. Corleone looked at me, the way he openly expressed his feelings, saying he cared about me and was willing to do anything to be with me—it was clear that, in another world where things were different, my admiration for him c
JamesI’m heading to Mr. Corleone’s office to go over a few things. Not with Mr. Corleone himself, though—a representative. Since it’s nearly lunchtime, I decide to grab something for Katniss too. I stop by a café near Corleone’s building. But just as I step out of my car, I spot something familiar.“Renata?”I know this car. It’s hers. Even though Renata and I aren’t living together anymore—she stayed at my apartment, and I moved out—we haven’t spoken in ages. Mostly because she’s unreachable. There are still things I wanted to discuss with her, but… nothing.Then something catches my eye: Scarlett’s car, parked close by. How can I tell? It’s rare, plus the license plate gives a clear hint that it’s hers.“They’re at the same café?”Could this be a coincidence? My initial calm is quickly replaced by suspicion. I inch closer to the café to get a better view inside. And just as I thought—Scarlett and Renata, seated at the same table.Scarlett looks shaken. Dark circles under her eyes,
Katniss“We need to meet."I stared at my phone, feeling my annoyance rise. A message from James. What does he want now? Just seeing his name made my blood boil.“You look troubled,” Mr. Corleone’s voice cut through my thoughts. We were in the car, close to our destination.“Who’s the message from?” he asked, his tone casual yet somehow pressing.I hesitated but eventually replied, “James.”His eyebrow arched slightly, and he gave a short, dry laugh. “Ah, so you’re still in regular contact.”“Can I ask what he said?” he probed further.“Nothing much. He just wants to meet.”“I see.” He went quiet, and I assumed he’d lost interest in the conversation. But then, he spoke up again.“I overheard what some of my employees have been saying.”I turned to face him completely. “Excuse me?”“Everyone in the office, nearly the whole staff, has been talking about you,” he said, his gaze fixed straight ahead, unreadable.“So you heard that, sir?”“When everyone’s talking and looking at you like th
James“Let’s meet.”Surprised but strangely pleased to hear Katniss suggest that, I replied without hesitation.“Sure. Where are you? I’ll come to you right away.”“We’ll meet at my apartment. It’s safer there. I have some things to discuss with you,” she said before abruptly ending the call.Without wasting any time, I made my way to her apartment. But just as I reached the building, I ran into Mr. Corleone. He was speaking with someone, nodding curtly as she left, then turned his gaze to me—a cold, penetrating look.The tension was palpable. His disapproval practically radiated off him.“I thought you weren’t around, sir,” I started, hoping to break the ice.“I just finished some business with the representative you recommended,” I continued.“I had some matters to take care of as well,” he replied, his voice laced with an edge. “Are you heading home?”I nodded. “Yes.”“Then be careful,” he said, his tone polite but empty, a mere formality. As I stepped past him, his voice suddenly
Katniss Just before James arrived at my house, my phone rang. It was a colleague.“Katniss, you’re the hot topic at work right now. Do you even realize what’s going on?”“I know,” I answered, trying to stay calm. “I’ve heard people whispering, but I still don’t understand what new rumor could be spreading now. I don’t know why I keep getting dragged into these scandals.” My voice betrayed the exhaustion I felt.“Katniss, it’s serious. This might turn into one of the biggest scandals of the year! The whole business world is buzzing!”My heart dropped. His words hit like a punch, leaving me breathless. Could it really be that bad?“What are you talking about? Please, just tell me,” I managed to say, my throat tight with anxiety.Ding…The doorbell rang, and I hurried to check who it was.“I’m sending you the article now,” my coworker said. I nodded, nerves knotting in my stomach as I went to open the door.I saw James on the monitor, looking shaken. His hair was disheveled, his eyes wi
Katniss"I don’t know how she found out, but she will let everyone believe whatever she wants. She’s trying to make it look like she’s the innocent one, like we’re the ones to blame for the divorce,” he explained.I don’t even want to say anything. The words catch in my throat."Uncle?" Giselle’s voice cuts through the thick silence, and without warning, our attention shifts to her. James stands up quickly, wiping away the hardness in his eyes. His expression softens, like he doesn’t want to worry her—doesn’t want her to see the cracks in his armor."Giselle!"She walks toward him and wraps her arms around him. She must’ve been holding it together for too long. For a moment, James freezes, then his arms close around her, tightly, as though he’s desperate for her warmth to steady him."Ah, Giselle. Thank you for hugging me," he mutters, his voice thick with something raw, something I’m not sure I want to understand.I can’t wait any longer. "Giselle, go to your room. There’s something
James “James!”Katniss tugged at my shirt, her urgency pulling me back from the brink of confrontation. Her voice trembled, carrying the weight of her fear.“I-I swear I didn’t see him leave, sir. B-But when he came in, I noticed him. He hasn’t exited yet,” the security guard stammered, his words tumbling out as his gaze darted nervously between us.I felt my patience snap. “Why didn’t you say that from the start?!” My voice was sharp, cutting through the heavy air. “Instead, you claimed you hadn’t seen anything! Be clear—give me proper answers!”“I’m sorry, sir,” he muttered, his head hanging low in shame.I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to rein in my temper. “Listen closely,” I said firmly, each word deliberate. “If you spot the man with the description Katniss gave, you detain him immediately. Do you understand me?”“Yes, sir,” he replied, his head nodding rapidly in nervous compliance.I turned to Katniss, whose face was a mixture of worry and determination. “That means he’s sti
JamesSpit it out already! You know his name, don’t you? You know who that man is!” I demanded, my voice sharp and unyielding.Beads of sweat poured down his forehead, his face pale and trembling. Who could terrify him to this extent? Just how powerful was the person he was so afraid of?“I-I don’t know, sir,” he stammered.“Don’t give me that!” My voice thundered, drawing the attention of those nearby. Their heads turned in my direction, their curiosity evident, but one icy glare from me sent them scrambling to mind their own business.He flinched, his shoulders hunching further as he struggled to find the words.“T-They… I can’t say much, sir,” he mumbled, his voice shaking. “They… they threatened me.”I frowned, confusion briefly cutting through my rising anger. “Threatened you?” I asked, my tone low and dangerous.“Yes,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “They kidnapped me… took me to some place. They said if I didn’t give them the evidence, they’d…” He trailed off, swallowi
Katniss“Hurry up. Do what you’re supposed to do,” Renata said, her eyes boring into me, forcing me to kneel before her.My hands were balled into fists, shaking with anger that threatened to consume me. The ache in my body, especially in my knees, was nothing compared to the deep hurt in my chest. I was crushed under her rule, even though every part of me cried out for justice.Thud!I dropped on the hard, chilly floor. My pride felt broken, laying in pieces in front of her, but the pain didn't resonate. I swallowed what little dignity I still had and bent my head."Renata, I beg you... I begged for pity," I said in a tremulous voice then continued, "Please, stop this."It felt horrible to hear Renata's silence. She enjoyed her control over me as she stood there motionless. Seconds felt like hours before she finally spoke, her voice tinged with an eerie calmness."How about we add some more fun to this?"Confusion flooded my mind. “What do you mean?” I asked, my heart racing as I tri
Katniss“Get ready, Katniss. You cheap woman!”The message glared at me from the screen, each word a hammer to my chest. My breathing quickened, and a deep sense of dread began to creep in. Renata. I knew exactly what she meant, and it wasn’t good.I snatched up my phone, dialing her number with shaky hands. My heart thudded loudly in my ears as I waited for her to pick up.“Stop this,” I demanded the moment she answered.Her laugh was low and chilling, oozing satisfaction. I could practically hear her smirking on the other end.“Oh, Katniss,” she said, her voice mockingly sweet. “Say whatever you like. It won’t change a thing. I told you before—get ready.”“What are you planning?!” I shouted, anger and panic blending into a desperate cry.Switching to a video call, I felt my stomach twist as her face appeared on the screen. That smirk—a wicked curve of her lips—made my blood run cold.“What do you think I’m planning?” she teased, her eyes glinting with malice.“Renata, you’re going t
Katniss “You don’t have to answer me now,” said Mr. Corleone realizing how hard I was struggling to be able to respond to his kind offer.“I know it’s not an easy choice Katniss.” Still, there was a soft note to his voice as he said, "Well then, do take your time—however long it requires.”"But..." He looked at me and stopped to speak, and I was just gulping for air waiting for more information. It’s like you know the longer you wait to address it, the worse it will only become. "That’s all I wanted to say,” he said with a calm but pointed tone.He glanced at the clock. "Work hours will start soon. If you would like to go home first or if you would like to come with me, that is your decision.”Without waiting for my reply, he walked out of his office, leaving me alone with my tangled thoughts. The weight of his proposal pressed heavily on my mind. Marrying him... It was something I’d never imagined in my wildest dreams.There was no way I could discuss this with James. Even though
Katniss This was no longer a personal matter. It had grown into something much more serious than that and it involved Mr. Corleone and the whole company into my problems. The weight of my choices continued to bear down on me like a heavy weight on my chest and back. Now there was nothing I could do about it – I had to pay the price whatever the state I was in. The investor had departed, and he had taken all his employees with him. The once very active meeting room was very silent, and it was only me and Mr. Corleone. He sat still; his back straight as he made a sharp breath. Sitting back in the chair, he tilted his head up to the ceiling with his eyes closed as if searching for solace in the midst of the storm I have stirred. “I deeply apologize, sir,” I began, my voice trembling. “You prepared everything so meticulously for this investor, but because of my carelessness—” “Do you think apologies will fix this, Katniss?” His voice cut through my words like a blade. He didn’t ev
Katniss "You don’t have to answer me now," said Mr. Corleone, sensing how difficult it was for me to respond to his offer of help."I understand it’s a tough decision, Katniss. So, take your time—however much you need," he added gently."But..." He paused, leaving me breathless, waiting for him to finish. "You know the longer you wait, the bigger the problem will grow. That’s all I wanted to say," he said with a calm but pointed tone.He glanced at the clock. "Work hours will start soon. Whether you go home first or come with me, it’s your choice."Then, he stood and offered, "We could have breakfast together."Without waiting for my reply, he walked out of his office, leaving me alone with my tangled thoughts. The weight of his proposal pressed heavily on my mind. Marrying him... It was something I’d never imagined in my wildest dreams.There was no way I could discuss this with James. Even though this might seem like a good idea, I was certain he’d reject it outright and do everyt
Katniss “Sit, please,” he said, his voice calm but with an edge of authority. I hesitated, my instincts warning me that nothing good would come from this conversation. The air around us felt suffocating, heavy with unspoken tension. “If you think you can fix this mess, then sit and listen carefully. I know this isn’t something you want to hear, but this is the price you must pay for what you’ve done,” he said, his tone sharp yet steady. The weight of his words made my chest tighten. Slowly, I sat on the sofa, feeling the cold leather beneath my hands. He returned to his chair, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, watching me like a hawk. “What should I do, sir?” I asked, my voice low but firm, masking the storm inside me. He tilted his head slightly, studying me with a faint smirk. “Why are you so desperate, Katniss? You’ve already agreed without even knowing the cost.” Mr. Corleone picked up his coffee cup, steam rising from the dark liquid, but his piercing gaze didn’t wave
Katniss"Stay in bed with her. Make sure she does not watch TV or sit to play on her phone or do anything with her social media account. Do you understand?" I said, my voice rising an octave, my stare daring her, looking directly into Nanny’s eyes.She agreed without any further questions. "Yes, ma’am,” she responded.I quietly smiled and nodded somewhat in agreement."I’m leaving now," I said, not waiting for her response.I was ready to go, though I hadn’t showered—just changed my clothes, brushed my teeth, and washed my face. Mr. Corleone had insisted on this meeting at his house, and though I didn’t understand what will he said, I couldn’t risk defying him. He said it was important, and I couldn’t afford to refuse.Before heading out, I quickly sent a message to the maid. I didn’t want Giselle to wake up to any bad news about her parents, especially anything negative about herself.The drive was long, but eventually, I found myself in front of the grand mansion, its towering struc
JamesSpit it out already! You know his name, don’t you? You know who that man is!” I demanded, my voice sharp and unyielding.Beads of sweat poured down his forehead, his face pale and trembling. Who could terrify him to this extent? Just how powerful was the person he was so afraid of?“I-I don’t know, sir,” he stammered.“Don’t give me that!” My voice thundered, drawing the attention of those nearby. Their heads turned in my direction, their curiosity evident, but one icy glare from me sent them scrambling to mind their own business.He flinched, his shoulders hunching further as he struggled to find the words.“T-They… I can’t say much, sir,” he mumbled, his voice shaking. “They… they threatened me.”I frowned, confusion briefly cutting through my rising anger. “Threatened you?” I asked, my tone low and dangerous.“Yes,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “They kidnapped me… took me to some place. They said if I didn’t give them the evidence, they’d…” He trailed off, swallowi
James “James!”Katniss tugged at my shirt, her urgency pulling me back from the brink of confrontation. Her voice trembled, carrying the weight of her fear.“I-I swear I didn’t see him leave, sir. B-But when he came in, I noticed him. He hasn’t exited yet,” the security guard stammered, his words tumbling out as his gaze darted nervously between us.I felt my patience snap. “Why didn’t you say that from the start?!” My voice was sharp, cutting through the heavy air. “Instead, you claimed you hadn’t seen anything! Be clear—give me proper answers!”“I’m sorry, sir,” he muttered, his head hanging low in shame.I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to rein in my temper. “Listen closely,” I said firmly, each word deliberate. “If you spot the man with the description Katniss gave, you detain him immediately. Do you understand me?”“Yes, sir,” he replied, his head nodding rapidly in nervous compliance.I turned to Katniss, whose face was a mixture of worry and determination. “That means he’s sti