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
KatnissI had tried everything to divert Giselle’s attention, but nothing worked. She was relentless in her inquiries about James. Tension hung thick in our apartment like an unwelcome guest. I had just finished a heated conversation with Giselle, unable to restrain myself any longer. “Giselle, you mustn’t talk to strangers!” I snapped, my voice low but sharp. Yet, with each word I uttered, her curiosity seemed to swell.She gazed at me, bewildered, as if struggling to grasp why her mother was so angry. “But Mom, I just want to make friends!” she pleaded, her small voice tinged with confusion.I could see the unsettling calm behind her inquisitiveness. Giselle probably sensed that there was something larger lurking behind my fury, and that made my anxiety spike. How could I explain this perilous situation without instilling fear in her?***After a grueling day at work, I returned home, yearning to find Giselle waiting for me. Instead, as I opened the door, silence enveloped the space
James I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself before stepping into the conference room. The atmosphere in the office today felt tenser than usual, and I knew the reason. The meeting led by Mr. Corleone wasn’t just a routine gathering; it was a battleground for the egos between him and me. This time, I wasn’t planning to back down.As I entered the room, every gaze shifted toward me. I seized their attention for a moment before heading to a chair in the corner. Mr. Corleone sat at the head of the table, his face calm, but I could feel the tension pulsing in the air surrounding us. He had prepared something, and I needed to be ready for his counterattack.“Welcome, Mr. James Kent,” Mr. Corleone greeted with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “We’ve been waiting for you.”“Sorry, I had a few pressing matters to attend to,” I replied as I took my seat. “But it looks like we’re ready to start.”Mr. Corleone nodded, but his eyes never left my face. He knew this wasn’t just a business
James That day, the atmosphere at home felt more oppressive than usual. I had plenty on my mind after coming back from the office, but what I found in Renata's vanity drawer was something I never saw coming. With steady steps, I approached the drawer, not really thinking about what I might discover. Yet, when I opened it, I was stunned to find several photos of Giselle, Katniss's daughter, hidden inside. A place she had no business being.“What the hell is this?” I muttered under my breath as I stared at the pictures. Giselle was smiling in every single one, her face beaming as though nothing was wrong. But deep down, a knot of unease began to tighten in my chest. Why did Renata have these photos? What was she planning?One by one, I pulled the pictures out, my mind racing with disturbing possibilities. I took a deep breath. I knew I couldn’t ignore this. I had to confront her.When Renata entered the room, I didn’t waste a second. “Renata, we need to talk.” My voice was firm, laced
James With my head full of strategies, I nodded. "What if we confront them and make sure they know they're being watched? I don’t want to involve the police, but we need to make them understand."After finalizing the plan, Alex helped me locate the spies Renata had hired. They looked like lost street kids, which only fueled my irritation. How could they dare to target an innocent child without any shame?We caught up with them at a small café on the outskirts of the city. They looked startled when we approached, but I didn’t give them a chance to run. "You’re working for Renata, aren’t you? Watching Giselle," I said, my voice dripping with contempt.They exchanged uneasy glances, and one of them, a scruffy-looking young man, finally muttered, "We’re just doing what we were told."“Told by Renata, not by God!” I snapped, stepping closer. “If you don’t stop this right now, I won’t hesitate to take more severe action.”One of the others, visibly shaken, tried to defend himself. “We’re j
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
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
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
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