KatnissThe day went on with laughter and play, but deep down, I felt uneasy. There was something about Renata that didn’t feel right. I had to find out what was going on. Even though I enjoyed the day with Giselle and Scarlett, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. I knew my search wasn’t over. If there was something wrong with Renata, I would find out.As we neared the edge of the park, where Renata and the man were standing, my heart started to race. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I wasn’t going to like it. The air felt thick, like there was tension between us and them. Renata’s smile, usually warm and inviting, now seemed forced, like she was trying too hard.This time, Scarlett noticed because I kept staring in one direction. She followed my gaze. “Renata?” she whispered.“You’ve been watching them all this time?” Scarlett asked, finally understanding why I couldn’t focus.I nodded.“Why didn’t you say anything?” Scarlett said, a little annoyed, as she s
JamesKnock… Knock… Knock…I was working on the laptop when there was a knock on the door. Frustrated I rise from my seat and opened it to find Emma standing right in front of me. There was a certain look of concern painted on her face, like there was something she was bothered by.“What do you want?” I asked, not friendly at all and my voice showed how much I disliked having to deal with her.She hesitated for a moment, then she said in a soft disgusting voice, “There is something that I have to tell you.”“Is it important?” I shot back. “Because if it’s not, I don’t want to hear it. Get out of my room,”I continued.I didn’t mind being abrasive and coming across as being rude at that point. I had no patience for her.“It’s important. Very important,” she repeated, her voice quivering a little.“Then make it quick. I don’t have all day,” I said, interrupting her.Stunned by my reply, Emma tried to hide it but was clearly offended, that is, she tried to but failed to hide it completely.
KatnissAs I was watching Renata with that guy, our eyes met. I saw the shock on her face.She immediately looked at the man, signaling him somehow, and he looked at us too. My heart raced, caught in the act of staring, even though it wasn’t intentional. But Scarlett and I tried to keep calm, hiding our true feelings.Renata gathered her things, then walked toward us with the man we suspected was her affair partner. The thought of their shady plan still echoed in my mind.“Katniss! Scarlett! Wow, I didn’t expect to run into you here!” Renata greeted us with a cheerful voice, but it sounded forced. “Oh, this is my friend. He just moved to the city. I’m showing him around.”Scarlett smiled politely, but I could hear the tension in her voice. “Oh, really? Nice to meet you.” I quickly glanced at the guy, who looked uneasy, casting nervous glances at Renata.Renata quickly added, her voice too eager as if she feared we wouldn’t believe her, “We’re just friends. It’s just a coincidence we’re
JamesI let out a quiet snort behind the door. This lie had been spread for too long, and I knew there was more to Emma's explanation than she let on. I decided to stay and listen, curious to see how far her deceit would twist.Liam was recounting what I had told him, and Emma immediately began boasting.However, Emma's tone shifted to something more serious, as if she wanted to ensure that my brother was completely on her side. “Besides,” she continued with unwavering certainty, “if you stick by me, I can help you get what you want, darling. The position that James holds now… maybe one day, it could be yours.”My heart sank at those words. So this was what she truly offered my brother—a promise to take my place. I knew my brother's ambition all too well, and I could see the spark of interest in his eyes as he listened to her empty promises. Emma knew exactly how to manipulate those around her, and this time, she was targeting my brother to fulfill her own agenda.“Really?” my brother
JamesEmma turned, momentarily startled, but quickly regained her haughty expression. Her smile transformed into a sharp grin, full of mockery. “Ah, James. I didn’t expect you to hear all this. But maybe this is better. Now you know I won’t stop until all this wealth belongs to me and my child.”I clenched my fists, struggling to contain the fury bubbling within me. “You think you can easily defeat me? Take everything my father built and destroy all that’s valuable in this family?”Emma scoffed, her face twisting with loathing. “You’re incredibly naive, James. This world belongs to the strong, those who know how to control. You may still be your father’s favorite son, but what does that mean if I can make him transfer all his wealth to me? You’re just an obstacle that needs to be removed.”I let out a quiet snort behind the door. This lie had been spread for too long, and I knew there was more to Emma's explanation than she let on. I decided to stay and listen, curious to see how far
“James, I know she might not have good intentions, but this isn’t just about us. We can’t go against Dad,” his brother said softly, as if trying to soothe James's rising anger.“So, you choose to stay silent? You’d let Emma control our lives? This isn’t just about you or me; it’s about everything we’ve fought for! I won’t let Emma destroy it all!” James’s voice was laced with fury and disappointment.His brother hesitated for a moment, then replied, “James, you have to trust that Dad knows what he’s doing. Maybe he has his reasons for keeping Emma close. We need to be patient and see how everything unfolds.”“Patient? What are you talking about? This is more than enough! Every day, Emma gets closer to Dad, pushing us further away. If we don’t act now, we’ll lose everything!” James emphasized the urgency of their situation.His brother looked at him seriously. “And what’s your plan? Confront Emma? Ruin our family bond? You know that will only make things worse. We need to find a wiser
JamesAs I stepped into the mansion, my mind was flooded with a mix of anxiety and hope. I knew I had to reach out to Katniss immediately. Grabbing my phone, I dialed the number I had memorized by heart, praying she would pick up this time.The ringing echoed in my ears, each tone sending my heart racing. After a few agonizing seconds, a voicemail greeted me. “Call cannot be completed.” Disappointment washed over me. I tried again, repeatedly, only to be met with the same response. Katniss didn't want to talk to me.Yet, on my fourth attempt, when I was on the verge of despair, her soft voice finally broke through. “James?”“Katniss!” My voice burst forth, brimming with hope. “I’m so glad you picked up. I need to talk to you. We have to clear up all the misunderstandings between us.”“I don’t know what else we can talk about,” she replied coldly, yet I could sense the uncertainty lurking beneath her words.“Listen, I know things are complicated right now, and I don’t want it to stay t
KatnissI felt my heart constrict at his explanation. All this time, I thought James chose to leave me without a clear reason, but now I knew there was something far more complicated. Yet, all of this felt so hard to comprehend.“So, all this time, you didn’t remember me?” I asked, my voice trembling.He shook his head, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’m so sorry, Katniss. I really didn’t know. They made me forget all our memories. And when I came home, I could only see you as the enemy they portrayed. But that’s not true, and I want to make it right.”“Then why are you back now?” I asked, my heart demanding more explanation. “Why are you only coming to apologize after all this?”“I know, I should have done it sooner. I can’t let them control my life anymore. I want to get back what I lost—us,” he replied, as hope and longing flowed from every word he spoke.My whole body trembled. The anger and disappointment I had kept inside began to merge with hope. “James… everything fee
JamesGiselle had been moved to her own private room, no longer in the ER. Katniss was fast asleep on the couch, and Giselle remained unconscious.I decided to step out of the room to grab something for Katniss, but as soon as I exited, I came face-to-face with Ethan. He’d been waiting outside, probably for quite a while.I wasn’t sure why he didn’t just come in—perhaps he was afraid of another confrontation like the last one.His eyes immediately locked onto my face, cleaned and tended to by Katniss. He scoffed, the disdain evident. “You really have no shame, huh?” he sneered.“Ruining someone’s relationship? Shamelessly vying for attention from someone else’s wife?” he continued, his voice dripping with venom.I slid my hands into my pockets casually.“So what? You want me to apologize to you?” I replied, my tone deliberately provocative.Ethan’s attempt to stay calm unraveled quickly. Without warning, he lunged at me, grabbing the collar of my shirt with both hands.“I know it’s yo
JamesNot for a second did I loosen my embrace, even as Ethan stormed in, his hawk-like eyes glaring at me. His stare was a warning—demanding that I release Katniss immediately. He punctuated the word “my wife” with venom, as if staking a claim on her, but it only fueled my defiance.My woman.Yes, Katniss belongs to me. Only me. And I’ll make sure the whole world knows it, no matter the cost.Katniss looked up at me, her eyes wide, silently pleading for me to stop, as though she could read the reckless determination in my mind. She shook her head, desperate to halt my next move.“I said—take your filthy hands off my wife.” Ethan’s words lashed out like a whip, his voice cold enough to chill anyone’s blood.Anyone but me.I wasn’t intimidated. Not one bit.“Let go,” Katniss whispered, her voice trembling. Her hands slid between us, forming a weak barrier as she pushed against my chest. Her effort was small, hesitant. Still, I refused to let go.I turned to her, losing sight of Ethan i
KatnissI received a call from an unknown number. Without hesitation, I answered it.“Hello?”“Katniss, it’s me, Ethan,” said the voice on the other end.I shot up from where I was sitting, my heart pounding. “Ethan! Tell me—did you find Giselle? Is she safe?” My voice trembled as a surge of fear and worry overtook me. My grip on the phone tightened, my teeth sinking into my lip as if the pain could suppress the growing anxiety.It felt like my heart was being shocked with electricity every passing second.“Giselle... We found her. Jack and I got her to safety,” Ethan replied.A heavy breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped my lips. Relief rushed through me like a tidal wave.“Thank God. Thank you, God,” I whispered over and over, tears welling up in my eyes as gratitude flooded my heart.“But she’s unconscious,” Ethan continued. “She’s been admitted to the nearest hospital, in the emergency ward. The doctors are checking her now. I’ve sent someone to pick you up. Wait there, o
James I looked at them as they sat in the car, making sure to flash them the most disgusting look I could muster. I offended the driver’s privacy and I saw the reaction straight on its pupils, which were shrinking with panic as soon as our eyes met.My body reciprocated with the violent bouncing of what I guessed was a deliberate attempt to unbalance me. But they underestimated me. With a lot of force, I managed to kick the car window and it made a faint crack. I aimed at the same area near the driver which distracted him from the way forward. My gaze remained focused on the road in front that way if things turned ugly the car wouldn’t stray too far off course.‘But I need to be cautious now,’ I told myself. ”I can’t risk my daughter getting hurt.”Where I was standing I could see that Giselle was seated next to two men, and there were two more men in the back row. As I thought all along—there are six men in total.CRASH!I landed another solid kick, deepening the cracks in the windo
James: I sprinted down the dimly lit street, stealing a quick glance behind me to ensure Ethan was still on my heels. He was. My focus snapped forward, eyes adjusting to the oppressive darkness as I pushed myself harder. Most of the streetlights were out, leaving the path shadowed and treacherous.Damn it. Why were all the lights turned off tonight of all nights?I didn’t have time to dwell on it. My heartbeat quickened as I spotted them—those bastards. The kidnappers. Two men dragging Giselle toward a waiting black car. Cold sweat dripped down my temple.I didn’t think twice. “Ethan! They’re using a car!” My voice cut through the silence, sharp and commanding, nearly a shout.Ethan nodded grimly, his expression darkening as we watched the car start moving—quickly, too quickly—already a good distance away and fading into the shadows.“Your car! Where’s your car?” I snapped at him, desperation lacing my tone.“Shit! It’s too far from here!” he replied through gritted teeth.“Damn it!”
JamesThe feast was in progress, there was an eerie feeling there that I could feel– not a joyous one, but something wrong. "Strange. Why now is there a festive air? I looked into the schedule before we got here, and nowhere was this indicated. Or… could this be one of Renata and Scarlett’s plans?”I just observed Katniss, Ethan, and Giselle while hiding behind the shadows. Some of them were laughing and chatting carelessly which struck the ears of the dancing crowds. Giselle who did not see anything wrong continued spinning around while music and dancers flooded the beach. It was beautiful and Giselle with her bubbly spirited character who never for a moment was worried about anything spun around in joy as the music and dancers illuminated the night. Then, Katniss looked unsure, her forehead was creased with worry.“Are you sure this is safe, Ethan? It feels… too sudden, doesn’t it? A celebration like this and no one said anything before?” she muttered to Ethan. She was standing wa
JamesI still remember their conversation at the restaurant—Scarlett and Renata scheming, plotting. They made it clear Giselle would become a problem for them again.“You’re right. Giselle is their weakness. That’s what I know for sure,” Scarlett had said, her tone dripping with malice.I decided to follow them, careful not to be noticed. But as luck would have it, I saw their attention shift abruptly—they had spotted Katniss and Giselle in the distance.Renata grabbed Scarlett’s arm, pulling her behind a pillar. Scarlett looked startled at first, but then her composure returned, her sharp gaze following where Renata’s finger pointed. Ethan, Katniss, and Giselle stood not too far away, walking together like a picture-perfect family.I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling inside. I was too far to hear their conversation. Quietly, I moved closer, pressing my back against the wall of a nearby building, peeking just enough to keep my eyes on them.“Ethan wasn’t supposed to be here,” Sc
KatnissEthan looked at James suspiciously.“Him? What about him?” Ethan asked, his tone sharp, clearly forcing the answer he desperately wanted.“He’s actually—”“Daddy!”I froze, my words caught in my throat as a familiar small voice interrupted me. I turned my head quickly, looking down to see Giselle, her face lit up with a bright, beaming smile.Then I looked at Ethan. His face mirrored my surprise, his expression caught between shock and confusion after hearing Giselle call him ‘daddy.’“You’re here, Daddy? Ah, I missed you so much! I’m so happy to see you!” Giselle squealed, rushing forward to hug Ethan’s legs tightly.Ethan and I locked eyes briefly, both of us stunned, speechless. But despite the awkwardness, there was no mistaking the small, triumphant smile creeping onto Ethan’s handsome face.Slowly, he crouched down until he was level with Giselle, their faces now inches apart.“Daddy?” he echoed softly, his smile widening into something more tender as his large hands cra
James: Rip!“James?!”I was utterly shocked when my fake mustache was suddenly ripped off, and Katniss, who had been slightly dazed from the alcohol and the intensity of our earlier moment, seemed to regain her senses.She furrowed her brows, blinking repeatedly as if trying to confirm whether what she was seeing was real.“James?” she said again, her voice trembling.Katniss covered her mouth with one hand, then touched her lips with her fingers. Her cheeks flushed red once more.“I-I…”Katniss stuttered, as if struggling to find words to explain what had just happened—the kiss.I never thought my disguise would be exposed this quickly.“Katniss,” I called her name softly, attempting to reach for her hand.Her eyes widened even more. “Your voice! It wasn’t like that earlier!” she exclaimed, her voice growing sharper.“James… this can’t be! So, all this time, you… you were Jack in disguise?”Katniss took a step back, retreating further from me.“Careful!” I warned, knowing she was ti