LISA'S POV As I stepped into the house, the soft creak of the door seemed to echo through my weary soul. I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, each step a laborious effort to escape the drama that had been unfolding outside. The warm glow of the hallway lights enveloped me, a gentle embrace that seemed to whisper, "You're safe now."I trudged through the foyer, my eyes fixed on the plush carpet beneath my feet, as if willing myself to leave the turmoil behind. The soft rustle of my clothes seemed amplified in the silence, a reminder that I was still tethered to reality.My gaze drifted up to the mirror hanging on the wall, and for a moment, I was taken aback by my own reflection. Dark circles under my eyes seemed to bore into my skin like bruises, a testament to the sleepless nights and worry-filled days. My skin looked pale, almost translucent, as if the very life was being drained from me.With a deep sigh, I began to climb the stairs, each step a slow
LISA'S POV I settled onto my bed, surrounded by the familiar comforts of my room. My bag was packed, and I was ready for the trip to Leo's grandmother's place. But my mind was still reeling from the conversation with my parents. Their indifference stung, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of being alone in this charade.Just as I was starting to drift into a restless sleep, my phone rang, shrill in the silence. I hesitated, my hand hovering over the receiver. The number was unfamiliar, and I wondered if it was work-related. With a sigh, I picked up, expecting a dull conversation about sales reports or marketing strategies.But instead, Marcus's voice dripped with sarcasm, his words laced with a mocking tone. "Well, well, well. Look who finally decided to answer. I was starting to think you'd forgotten about the trip tomorrow."I rolled my eyes, a familiar irritation creeping up my spine. Marcus loved getting under my skin, and I knew better than to engage. "What do you want, Marcus
LISA'S POV We entered the mansion, Leo gestured for me to follow Marcus, his assistant. "Please, Lisa, make yourself at home. Marcus will show you to your room. You can freshen up and change before we head out to my grandma's place."I raised an eyebrow, my tone skeptical. "Your grandma's place? How far is that?"Leo checked his watch, his expression impatient. "It's a few hours away. We need to leave soon if we want to make it on time."I crossed my arms, my voice firm. "Please, you're not going to rush me. I'll get ready when I'm ready."Leo's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of amusement dancing in their depths. "Wow, such a drama queen. I didn't know you could talk to me like that."I shot him a withering look, my patience wearing thin. "Just let me get ready in peace, okay?"Marcus intervened, his voice smooth. "Of course, Miss Lisa. Right this way, please."As we walked, Marcus couldn't help but comment, "Wow, energy, girl! You're so good. I didn't know you could hold my boss d
LISA'S POV After a warm conversation, Grandma smiled and said, "Okay, you guys need to take a bath and freshen up. I've prepared a special bath for you, Lisa."Leo chimed in, "Grandma, Lisa just had a bath at home, it's not that long ago."But Grandma was insistent, "I know, dear, but I've prepared a special bath for her, and it's essential she takes it."I was expecting Grandma to show me to my room, but instead, she dropped a bombshell. "The two of you will be staying in one room, since you're getting married soon."Leo and I exchanged a shocked glance, our eyes wide with surprise. It was as if we were both thinking, "What the hell?"Leo tried to reason with Grandma, "But Grandma, we don't have to..."Grandma cut him off, her voice firm but warm. "Yes, I want you both to bond and get to know each other. No more talking, just go and take your bath, and then rest."The bath she had prepared was a romantic setup, with candles and rose petals floating on the water. It was clear she wan
LISA'S POVHere is the corrected text in first person POV:I narrowed my eyes, my gaze fixed on Leo's fingers as they stumbled over the keyboard. "What's wrong, Leo? You're not usually this clumsy."Leo's cheeks flushed, his eyes darting towards me before quickly looking away. "Just tired, I guess."But I knew better. I'd seen the way he looked at me, his eyes lingering on my skin like a gentle caress. I'd felt the spark between us, the air thickening with tension."Try again," I said, my voice low and husky.Leo's fingers hesitated, then began to type once more. But his eyes kept drifting back to me, his gaze burning with intensity.My skin prickled, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew I should look away, but I couldn't tear my gaze from his.Finally, Leo slammed his laptop shut, his eyes locking onto mine. "I think I need some fresh air," he muttered, his voice rough.I nodded, my throat dry. "Yeah, me too."We walked side by side, the silence between us thick and heavy. But I
LISA'S POV We sat down to eat, Leo's grandmother began to explain her plan. "Today, I want you both to go on a little outing. Just the two of you."I raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of unease. "What kind of outing?"Leo's grandmother smiled sweetly. "Oh, just a little trip to the beach. I think it would be lovely for you both to spend some time together, just the two of you."I glanced over at Leo, who was looking just as skeptical as I was. "I don't know, Grandma," he said. "I'm not really sure that's a good idea."But Leo's grandmother was insistent. "Nonsense, Leo. It will be good for you both. You need to get to know each other better."I sighed inwardly. This was not what I had signed up for. I was here to fulfill a contract, not to go on romantic outings with Leo.But Leo's grandmother was not to be denied. She packed us a picnic lunch and sent us off, insisting that we spend the day together.As we drove to the beach, the tension between us was palpable. We barely spoke, an
LISA'S POV The days went by so fast, the rituals for the wedding started to unfold. Leo's grandmother was keen on us doing all of the traditional rites to make our marriage strong. I had to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first, but she assured me that it was all part of the process.On the second day, we woke up early to begin the preparations. Leo's grandmother had arranged for a priest to come and perform a blessing ceremony. I was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect, but Leo reassured me that it would be fine.The priest arrived, and we sat down in front of him. He began to chant and perform rituals, waving his hands over us. I felt a bit awkward, but Leo seemed to be taking it all in stride.After the ceremony, we were given a task to complete. We had to make a traditional sweet dish together, using ingredients that had been passed down through generations. I was a bit hesitant, not being much of a cook, but Leo took charge and guided me through it.As we worked together,
LISA'S POV I stood there, my anger and frustration boiling over as I watched Leo fail to stand up to Marcus. Why was he allowing his assistant to speak to me like that? Why wasn't he defending me?I felt a surge of indignation and hurt as I realized that Leo was just standing there, doing nothing. He wasn't even acknowledging Marcus's behavior, let alone telling him to back off."Leo, say something," I demanded, my voice shaking with anger. "Tell him to stop speaking to me like that."But Leo just stood there, his expression unreadable. He didn't even flinch, didn't even acknowledge my request.Marcus, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying the situation. He was smirking at me, his eyes gleaming with triumph."You see, Lisa, no one here respects you," he sneered. "You're just a pawn in their game. A means to an end."I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes as I realized the truth in his words. Leo wasn't defending me because he didn't care. He didn't see me as his partner or his equ
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
Kate's POV.As the soft yet commanding music faded into the background, all eyes shifted toward the glimmering stage where Andre stood, a charismatic smile gracing his lips. I felt my heart hammer against my ribs as I braced myself for the unexpected announcement one that would undoubtedly affect my carefully executed plans.“Ladies and gentlemen,” Andre began, his voice smooth and confident, the kind that could lull a crowd into a trance if you weren’t careful. “Tonight, I’m thrilled to announce a new partnership that will change the game for our community and the businesses within it.” He dramatically paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience as if relishing their anticipation. And that’s when I noticed her the woman who had caused the tremors in my world, standing by his side with an equally inviting smile. The mother of Leo’s child, the ghost of our past, stepping into the light with a predatory grace. She wore a dress that cascaded around her like liquid silver, effortlessly
Kate's POV The days that followed our strategic meeting blurred into a whirlwind of activity and anticipation. Every morning felt like a countdown to a confrontation I was both eager for and dreading. Each day, I fine-tuned my plans, meticulously preparing for the impending challenge that loomed like an inexorable storm on the horizon. Leo and I spent hours in my office, poring over documents and strategies, our collaboration gradually morphing into a formidable partnership. With every whispered idea and assertion, I found reassurance in his presence, a grounding balance to my fervid passion. Then came the day I had circled on my calendar an exclusive charity gala hosted by Andre and his family. It was an annual event that amassed the elite of society and offered the perfect backdrop for my vengeance. A means to catapult us back into the political arena of their world while shrouded in the guise of civility. The night arrived like a nightingale signaling spring after a long winter
Kate's POVThe snow fell softly outside the frosted windows of my office, each flake a delicate reminder of how fragile life could be. A coldness settled in the pit of my stomach, a sensation I had become far too familiar with lately. I had spent countless hours immersed in spreadsheets and business plans, desperately trying to juggle the whirlwind that had become my life since the hostile takeover of Andre's company. But now, with my “perfect plan” coming to fruition, I found myself standing at a precipice, teetering on the edge of all I had fought for and all I had lost.As I gazed out into the winter wonderland of Ottawa, I could almost feel the weight of both my triumphs and my failures pressing down on me. I had orchestrated an elaborate scheme to bring Andre Luster to his knees, and success was almost within my grasp. But standing atop that mountain of ambition was not the elation I had anticipated; instead, it was enveloped in a shroud of emptiness. Just then, my reverie was
Kate's POVI paced the waiting room, the sterile scent of antiseptic and the hushed tones of nurses surrounding me like weighted blankets. With each tick of the clock on the wall, unease coiled tighter in my stomach. What was happening to Lisa? I leaned against the cool wall, desperately willing the minutes to speed up, my mind racing through the possibilities. What if she were more hurt than I realized? I felt like a fool for not being more aware of her state. The guilt hung thick in the air, mingling with my fears about my own mess with Kate. Suddenly, Dr. Kenny emerged from the emergency room, his face serious but not grim. My breath caught; he had to have good news. “Mr. Santini, your wife is stable. She suffered from severe dehydration and stress, but we’ve started her on IV fluids. We’ll monitor her closely for a bit, and she should recover without complications.” I exhaled, relief flooding my body. “Thank you, Doctor. Can I see her?” “Soon, but first, I need to discuss som