LISA'S POV As soon as dinner concluded, my father rose from his seat, his expression resolute. "It's time for us to leave," he announced, his tone firm.My mother nodded in agreement, her eyes darting towards Grandma, who looked taken aback. "So soon?" Grandma asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.My father's gaze avoided mine as he replied, "We've overstayed our welcome."Louisa, who had been quiet throughout dinner, spoke up. "I'll gather my belongings."As they prepared to depart, the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense. Unspoken words hung in the air, heavy with accusation and suspicion.Grandma escorted them to the door, her expression stern. "We need to discuss this further," she said, her voice low and urgent.My father's face tightened. "Not now, ma. We'll talk later."As they stepped out into the night, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I didn't want them to stay, not with the tension between us.Leo walked with me to the door, his hand on my shoulder.
LISA'S POV Leo's eyes flashed towards me, his gaze cold and hard. "You should be scared, Lisa," he spat, his voice venomous. "You think you can use me and discard me like trash? You're going to regret ever crossing me."The car swerved again, and I felt my stomach drop. I was trapped, at Leo's mercy, and I knew I had to think fast."Leo, stop!" I screamed, my voice hoarse with fear. "You're going to kill us!"But Leo just laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You're worried about dying now?" he sneered. "You should have thought of that before you decided to play me."Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt, throwing me forward. I gasped, my heart racing, as Leo turned to face me."We're not done yet, Lisa," he growled, his eyes blazing with anger. "Not by a long shot.”I stared back at Leo, my heart pounding in my chest. His eyes seemed to bore into my soul, filled with a fury I'd never seen before. I knew I had to keep my wits about me, or I'd be lost."Leo, calm down," I said, trying to
LISA'S POV I woke up before dawn, the darkness outside mirroring the turmoil within me. Leo's words still lingered in my mind, "I don't know if I can keep pretending, Lisa." Pretending what? That our marriage was just business? I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was playing me again.As I tossed off the covers, the chill of the morning air slapped me awake. I slipped into my robe and began my morning routine, determined to clear my head. The soft hum of the coffee maker and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen.I moved with precision, preparing breakfast and setting the table. The sunlight creeping through the windows highlighted the elegant china and crystal glasses, a stark contrast to the tension simmering beneath the surface.My father's company had been my life's focus since I was a teenager. Now, as Leo's wife, I was vulnerable to my father's wrath. Our marriage had ignited a firestorm of rivalry, with my father determined to test my loyalty.As I expertl
LISA'S POVI walked out of the office, the USB drive securely in my purse, I couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. This wasn't over."Lisa, darling," Louisa called out, her voice dripping with condescension. "Don't forget to pack up your ego along with your belongings."I turned back, a sweet smile spreading across my face. "Louisa, dear, you're going to need more than just Father's favor to fill my shoes."Her eyes narrowed. "I'll have you know, I've been learning from the best – Father. And I'll make sure to erase every trace of your incompetence."I chuckled, a low, husky sound. "Incompetence? That's rich coming from someone who's only achievement is being born first."Louisa's face reddened, but before she could retort, a smooth voice interrupted." Ladies, please. No need for bloodshed in the office."I turned to see Alexander, a successful businessman and old family friend, standing in the doorway. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with amusement."Alexander, perfect ti
LISA'S POV"Who is this?" I typed, my thumbs hovering over the screen. "No names. Just come," the response read.I showed Leo the exchange. His eyes narrowed. "Don't go, Lisa. It's not safe."I understood his concern, but something about the message resonated. This could be our chance to uncover the truth. "I have to," I said, determination etched on my face.Leo's expression softened. "Then I'm coming with you." I shook my head. "The message said to come alone.""I don't care," Leo insisted. "I'm not letting you go into this blind.” His protectiveness warmed my heart, but I knew I had to do this alone. "Leo, please. Trust me."After a tense moment, he nodded. "Fine. But you're calling me the moment you arrive, and I'll be waiting nearby." I agreed, relief washing over me.At midnight, I pulled into the deserted office parking lot, the only sound the hum of the streetlights. The message had specified the north corner, so I parked there, my heart pounding. A figure emerged from the sha
LISA'S POV I stood there, frozen, as Leo disappeared into the night. "Lisa?" a voice echoed in my mind.His words lingered, stirring emotions I thought were long buried. Did I still love him too?Or was I just desperate to hold onto something familiar? The questions swirled, but I pushed them aside. Now wasn't the time.I took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand. Taking down Louisa.As I drove home, my phone buzzed with an incoming text from Alexander. "Meet me at the office tomorrow at 9 AM. We'll finalize our plan."I nodded to myself, determination solidifying. Tomorrow would be the day. The day we brought Louisa to justice.But little did I know, tomorrow would also bring its own set of surprises. As I pulled into my driveway, I noticed a strange car parked outside. My heart quickened. Who could it be?I cautiously approached the house, peering through the windows. A figure sat in the living room. My eyes widened.It was my father. The man I thought was innocent. What w
LISA'S POV I trudged through the front door of my father's house, feeling like I'd been put through a wringer. The stress of the day weighed heavily on my shoulders.Dad looked up from his armchair, concern etched on his face. "Hey kiddo, how'd it go?"I flopped onto the couch beside him, letting out a deep sigh. "It was a disaster. Louisa's not giving up without a fight."Dad's expression turned grim. "I knew she wouldn't. She's always been ruthless."I rubbed my temples, trying to ward off the impending headache. "I don't know how much more of this I can take. She's constantly quarreling, trying to undermine me at every turn."Dad placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You're doing great, Lisa. You're standing up for yourself and what's rightfully yours."But his words of encouragement did little to alleviate my frustration. "It's not just about me, Dad. It's about the company. Louisa's going to ruin everything Mom and you built."Dad's eyes clouded over, memories of my mother f
LISA'S POV I stared blankly at my phone, my heart sinking as I read Leo's message. "I'm done playing games, Lisa. Our arrangement is over."The words cut deep, but I wasn't surprised. I'd seen it coming. Leo had never truly wanted me; he'd only married me to spite my father. To prove a point.I remembered the day he proposed, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Marry me, Lisa," he'd said, "and I'll show your father what it means to cross me."I'd been young and naive, blinded by the luxury and power Leo offered. But now, I saw him for what he truly was - a ruthless manipulator.Our marriage had been a sham from the start. Leo had never loved me; he'd only used me to further his own agenda. And now, he was discarding me like trash.I felt a wave of anger wash over me, but I pushed it down. What was the point? I'd known what I was getting into. I'd made a deal with the devil, and now I had to pay the price.But as I looked around my opulent prison, I realized I couldn't take it anymore. I
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