LISA'S POV I glanced over at him, taking in the strong lines of his profile. He was lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. But as he sensed my gaze, he turned to me, his eyes softening into a gentle smile."Hey," he said quietly, his voice low and soothing. "You okay?"I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yeah," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm okay."Leo's smile faltered for a moment before he reached out and took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine in a gesture of comfort and support."We'll get through this," he said quietly. "Together.”I wondered why he was been so nice. I couldn't help but be surprised by the calm tone in Leo's voice as he spoke to me. I knew he was only pretending to care, but a part of me wondered if maybe, just maybe, he was being genuine. I had seen him use his charm and good looks to get what he wanted before, but there was something in his eyes that made me question my doubts.As he told me that he wanted to marr
LISA'S POV Liam's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with an intensity that made my skin prickle. "Lisa, listen to me," he said, his voice low and urgent. "You need to go home. Now."I raised an eyebrow, feeling a surge of defiance. "Why? What's going on?"Liam glanced around the room, his eyes darting towards Leo, who was watching us with an unreadable expression. "This isn't the right time or place for this conversation," he muttered. "But trust me, you need to get out of here before things escalate."I hesitated, unsure of what to do. But Liam's words struck a chord deep within me. I knew he was right. This wasn't the time or place for a confrontation."Okay," I said finally, nodding. "I'll go."Liam's face relaxed, his shoulders sagging in relief. "Good," he said. "And Lisa?"I turned to him, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yeah?""Tell Leo to back off, okay? His behavior towards your family isn't helping. If he wants to win your father over, he needs to show some respect."
LISA'S POV As we pulled up to my house, I could feel my stomach knotting with anxiety. My mum, dad, and sister were already outside, their faces twisted with anger."Great," I muttered, feeling a sense of dread. "They're already here."Liam glanced over at me, his eyes sympathetic. "You okay?"I shook my head, feeling a sense of resignation. "No, I'm not. But thanks for asking."Liam nodded, his expression understanding. "I'm going to drop you off and go. I don't want to be involved in this anymore."I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Thanks, Liam. I appreciate it."As Liam pulled up to the curb, my family began to stalk towards us, their faces furious."Lisa, get out of the car now!" my mum shouted, her voice shrill.I sighed, feeling a sense of exhaustion. "I'm coming, I'm coming."Liam leaned over and opened the door for me, his eyes locked on mine. "You okay?" he whispered.I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude. "Yeah, thanks."As I stepped out of the car, my family closed in
LISA'S POV I suddenly remembered that there was one person I hadn't tried talking to yet - my mum. I decided to go to her, hoping that she could help me find a way to get my dad to accept Leo.I found my mum in the kitchen, cooking dinner. She looked up as I entered, and I could see the concern in her eyes."Lisa, what's wrong?" she asked, putting down the spoon she was using.I took a deep breath and explained everything to her - about my dad's refusal to accept Leo, about my sister's anger, about my own frustration and desperation.My mum listened attentively, her expression growing more and more serious."Lisa, I know your dad is stubborn," she said when I finished. "But this time, it's not just about being stubborn. He's scared."I was taken aback. "Scared? What do you mean?"My mum hesitated before answering. "He's scared to give you to Leo in marriage. He thinks it's risky."I felt a surge of anger. "Risky? What does that even mean?"My mum sighed. "Your dad and Leo's family ha
LISA'S POV My dad spoke up, his voice firm but resigned. "You know what, maybe Louisa's right. You can marry Leo, Lisa. But don't come running back to me when things go south. Because I won't be able to help you then."My mum nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with concern. "Lisa, sweetie, please reconsider. You're making a huge mistake."But I was resolute. "No, mum. I've made up my mind. I'm going to marry Leo, and I'll deal with the consequences."My dad sighed, shaking his head. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. You're playing with fire, Lisa. And you're going to get burned."My mum tried again, her voice soft and persuasive. "Lisa, think about what you're doing. Think about the family business, about your future. Is Leo really worth risking all of that?"But I was stubborn, refusing to listen. "I'm not risking anything, mum. I'm following my heart. And that's all that matters."My dad threw up his hands, exasperated. "Fine. Do what you want. But don't come crying to me w
LISA'S POV My dad spoke up, his voice firm but resigned. "You know what, maybe Louisa's right. You can marry Leo, Lisa. But don't come running back to me when things go south. Because I won't be able to help you then."My mum nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with concern. "Lisa, sweetie, please reconsider. You're making a huge mistake."But I was resolute. "No, mum. I've made up my mind. I'm going to marry Leo, and I'll deal with the consequences."My dad sighed, shaking his head. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. You're playing with fire, Lisa. And you're going to get burned."My mum tried again, her voice soft and persuasive. "Lisa, think about what you're doing. Think about the family business, about your future. Is Leo really worth risking all of that?"But I was stubborn, refusing to listen. "I'm not risking anything, mum. I'm following my heart. And that's all that matters."My dad threw up his hands, exasperated. "Fine. Do what you want. But don't come crying to me w
LISA'S POV I finally shook off the gloomy mood and picked up my phone, dialing Leo's number with a sense of determination. He answered on the first ring, his voice smooth and detached as always."Hey, Lisa. What's up?""I was thinking we should meet up tomorrow to discuss some things," I said, trying to sound casual despite the excitement building up inside me."Okay, sure. My office at 2 pm?""Sounds perfect," I replied, already imagining the look on Andre's face when he found out about our meeting."See you then," Leo said, his tone still lacking any enthusiasm. I knew he didn't care about me or our fake relationship; it was just a means to an end for him.I hung up the phone and couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was it, the start of my plan for revenge.As I hung up the phone with Leo, I felt a surge of excitement mixed with nerves. I had taken the first step towards my revenge plan, and now I had to see it through.I spent the rest of the day in a daze, my mind
LISA'S POVAs I stepped into my hotel room, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Finally, I could escape the tension that had been building up all day. I locked the door behind me and leaned against it, letting out a deep sigh. My eyes scanned the room, taking in the plush carpet, the soft glow of the table lamps, and the inviting bed. I kicked off my heels and padded across the floor, feeling the softness of the carpet beneath my feet.I flopped down onto the bed, swinging my legs up onto the duvet. The softness enveloped me, and I let out a contented sigh. But as I lay there, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Andre and his girlfriend were still out there, watching me. I sat up, my heart racing, and scanned the room again. But I was alone.I tried to focus on my breathing, to calm myself down. But my mind kept wandering back to Andre's words. What did he know about Leo? And why was he so determined to sabotage my plans?I threw off the duvet and got out of bed, pacing across the
Lisa’s POVThe thrill of the press conference lingered in the air, a sweet perfume blending with the biting chill that seeped through the slightly open window of my office. Leo closed the door behind us, isolating ourselves in this small sanctuary from the flashing lights and probing questions. The adrenaline crash was imminent, and I could feel it coursing through my veins, more intense than any boardroom battle I had ever experienced.“Can you believe how well that went?” I exclaimed, my heart still racing. I couldn't suppress the wide grin stretching across my face as I turned to face him.“Better than I expected,” he replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear in a tender gesture. “You owned that room, Lisa. Everyone was captivated by your passion and drive. That’s not just charisma; that’s you.”I felt warmth spreading in my chest at his praise. “I was terrified when that reporter asked about my past. But you were right there, grounded by my side. It made all the differ
Lisa’s POVAs I sat in my newly furnished office, looking out over the snowy expanse of Ottawa, my heart lay heavy with emotions I hadn’t quite processed. The view was beautiful, but it felt like a parody of my lifea pristine landscape masking the turbulence within. Leo had made the ultimate sacrifice for me, and I still felt the echoes of betrayal from my past winding through my thoughts, stinging like unresolved wounds.Today was the day we would unveil our joint venture: a philanthropic foundation aimed at helping orphaned children, something Leo had been passionate about since we first met. It was a chance to give back, to make a real difference in lives like his had once been lives that had the potential to achieve greatness. A part of me excitedly anticipated the unveiling while another part of me was terrified. This was not just a business endeavor; it was a collaboration of our fragile trust, a fragile bond that had weathered one of the worst storms life had thrown at us.“Lis
Lisa’s POVThe week that followed was awash in vibrant colors and newfound intimacy. Leo and I devoted ourselves to our "check-in" times, weaving honesty into the fabric of our relationship, and confronting the shadows that had once loomed so large. Each exchanged vulnerability felt like stripping away layers of burdens, revealing the truest forms of ourselves raw, imperfect, and resilient.One evening, as we curled up on the couch with cups of steaming tea, I glanced at the sketchbook filled with our painted memories. “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come in such a short time, don’t you think?” I said, flipping through the pages, each illustration sparking its own joy and reflection.“It really is,” Leo replied, his gaze softening as he scanned the artwork. “Each piece is like a little milestone on our journey a testament to our growth.”Inspired, I picked up a brush, swirling it in the palette. “Do you think we could create something to symbolize this moment? A piece that embod
Lisa’s POVThe weekend air was heavy with the sweet scent of blooming roses and fresh-cut grass. Armed with our watercolor supplies, Leo and I had transformed our garden into a creative sanctuary, a canvas where we would share pieces of our souls. Each stroke of the brush felt like swiping away the remnants of yesterday's pain, replacing it with vibrant hopes for tomorrow.As I dipped the brush into the cerulean blue, I felt a surge of excitement but also a whisper of doubt, lurking just beneath the surface. “Leo,” I started, squeezing the paintbrush just tightly enough to capture his attention. “How do you feel about our project? I mean, really feel.”He paused, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead, his icy blue eyes meeting mine. “I love it. It feels... liberating, doesn’t it? Like we’re reclaiming parts of ourselves that we lost along the way.”I nodded, but lingering uncertainty clouded my thoughts. “Then why do I feel like there's still a barrier between us? Like I’m
Lisa’s POVThe golden hues of sunset wrapped around us as we sat on that quiet bench, the world around us fading into a serene backdrop against the weight of our conversation. Leo's words hung in the air like a promise a commitment to face the shadows of our past together.“Are you all right?” Leo asked gently, his thumb brushing over my knuckles, grounding me with his touch.“I think I will be,” I replied, taking a deep breath. “It’s just daunting to think about everything we’ve been through. Sometimes it feels easier to just focus on the future.”He nodded, understanding the conflict in my heart. “We’ve grown so much, and it feels easy to believe that moving on means ignoring where we’ve come from. But confronting hurts, the fear that what will let us truly move forward.”“Then let’s do it,” I said, my voice steadying. “Let’s find a way to confront our pasts without letting them consume us.”He smiled, that beautiful, encouraging smile I had come to rely on. “I’m with you every ste
Lisa’s POVThe days flew by in a blur of planning, laughter, and tentative steps forward. With every passing moment, Leo and I found ourselves growing closer, our connection deepening as we tackled our individual goals side by side.Summer was in full bloom; the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sounds of birds chirping outside our window. One particularly warm afternoon, I sat at our dining table, typing up my latest blog post about our aspirations and dreams, reflecting on the journey we had embraced together. The sun streamed in, bathing me in warmth, and I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.Just as I was about to wrap up my writing, Leo burst into the room, a twinkle in his eyes and a canvas tucked under his arm. “You’ll never guess what I just finished!”I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it?”He laid the canvas on the table, revealing a stunning painting of the very view I had often admired our backyard, with its vibrant wildflowers and
Lisa’s POVThe soft chirping of birds woke me the next morning, signaling the arrival of a new day. I stretched lazily in bed, the warmth from under the covers wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. The light filtering in through the window hinted at a promising day ahead, filled with opportunity and potential.Rolling over, I smiled at the sight of Leo, still lost in dreamland. His tousled hair and the faintest hint of stubble gave him an effortlessly handsome look. I felt a wave of affection wash over me. There was a calmness in our lives now, and the burden of the past no longer felt quite so heavy.After a few moments of admiring him, I quietly slipped from the bed, careful not to wake him. I padded to the kitchen, replaying our dinner last night in my mind. Planning our future together had felt exhilarating, but there remained an undercurrent of nerves. Would we truly be able to navigate the struggles that lay ahead?As I brewed a fresh pot of coffee, my phone chimed with
Lisa’s POV.The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. I stirred awake, blinking against the brightness. The warmth beside me reminded me of the night before of laughter, promises, and the bold declaration that we would face whatever lay ahead together.Leo was still asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically. A peaceful expression adorned his face, a stark contrast to the chaos of our lives outside these four walls. I smiled softly, tucking a stray hair behind his ear. The silent moments like this felt sacred, and I cherished the tranquility we had carved out in this storm.As I slipped from the bed, I tiptoed to the kitchen, the sound of my bare feet padding against the cool wooden floor a gentle reminder of the mundane world waiting for us. I brewed coffee, the rich aroma filling the space, a promise of energy and clarity for the day to come.Sipping my coffee, I gazed out the window, watching the world awaken. The trees swayed gen
Lisa's POVAs I sat in the dim light of the new apartment Leo provided after our tumultuous return, I felt an odd mixture of relief and anxiety. The walls, though painted in a calming shade of lavender, seemed to loom over me like the ghosts of our past. Memories of betrayal, heartbreak, and vengeance floated like shadows, offering little comfort.Leo’s soft footsteps echoed through the space, breaking me from my reverie. He entered, his icy blue eyes searching mine for something understanding, perhaps. He closed the door softly behind him, shutting out the remnants of our chaotic lives for a moment. “I thought we could finally breathe,” he said, his voice laced with uncertainty as he ran a hand through his jet-black hair. “Just us. No more drama.” I managed a small smile, though it trembled. “Yes, just us.” But I knew the shadows wouldn’t fade that easily. Not after everything we’d been through.“We’ll need to talk about…everything.” His tone shifted, a hint of seriousness threadin