The drive back from the disastrous wine-tasting event was a miserable blur for Reyna. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles white, as she navigated the familiar roads on autopilot. Her thoughts churned endlessly, replaying the confrontation with Olivia and the subsequent catastrophe over and over. How could she have been so stupid, letting her guard down enough for Olivia to sneak in and sabotage Phoenix’s signature wine? And then to steal the proprietary blend Reyna had painstakingly perfected in secret, passing it off as her creation to wow the investors? It was a cutthroat move, even for her ruthless cousin. Mr Daniel’s dismissal of Phoenix’s “amateur offerings” in favour of Olivia’s deception had felt like a physical blow. As if all Reyna’s years of sweat and sacrifice meant nothing under the sway of money and connections. Blinking back furious tears, Reyna forced herself to breathe slowly. She could not let Olivia’s latest scheme break her. Too much depended on her
Nicholas closed the file on his desk while leaning back into his chair and heaving out a soft sigh. The weight of his thoughts was centered on Reyna. His thoughts were always consumed by her face, day and night. She had an undeniable allure that consumed his every waking moment. Her brown eyes never ceased to draw men into a deep trance. Her olive skin had freckles that scattered beautifully across her face, while her soft pink lips fit perfectly on his cock. He groaned softly, feeling the familiar ache of desire surge through his body, as his thoughts were interrupted by the shrill ring of his phone. He took out his phone from his pocket, and the caller ID, ‘Wifey’, flashed on it. Cringing at the name, he reluctantly answered, only to be met with the sound of high-pitched laughter in the background. “Olivia, where the hell are you?” His voice carried a fierce edge, frustration seeping through each word. There was a moment of silence, followed by some shuffling on the other end. “B
Nicholas stared at Olivia, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and hurt. “I can’t ignore the doubts anymore, Olivia. Something doesn’t feel right,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. Olivia scoffed, her eyes flashing with indignation. “How dare you accuse me of cheating? I’ve never been unfaithful to you,” she retorted, her voice laced with venom. Nicholas ran a hand through his hair, his frustration mounting. “It’s not just about infidelity, Olivia. It’s about the way you’ve been neglecting our son, leaving him stranded at school today. This isn’t the first time you’ve dropped the ball, and it’s tearing our family apart.” Olivia’s face contorted with anger, her voice rising. “Oh, please! You’re the one to talk? You’re always so obsessed with Reyna, secretly staring at her picture when you think I’m not looking. Maybe you’re the one who’s been unfaithful!” Nicholas felt a pang of guilt at the mention of Reyna’s name. Yes, he had been captivated by her, drawn to her in a wa
Reyna took a deep breath as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Today was the day she would become Mrs. William Parker. Her heart pounded with anxiety and apprehension. She had gone over every detail again and again, weighing the pros and cons. Ultimately, her ambitions and desire to succeed had won out over any doubts or fears. As she put the final touches on her makeup, her mind wandered to William. They had only met briefly when he proposed the unusual arrangement, but there was an undeniable magnetism about him that both thrilled and intimidated her. She wondered if there could ever be anything real between them, or if this would be a cold business transaction. A soft knock at the door pulled Reyna from her thoughts. “Come in,” she said, her voice tinged with nervousness. The door creaked open and Aunt Mildred entered, her eyes filled with concern. “Reyna, are you absolutely sure about this?” she asked gently. “You know you don’t have to go through with it if you’ve ch
After dinner, Reyna pulled William aside, an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Can I speak with you privately for a moment?” she asked. William raised an eyebrow but followed her out to the hallway. As soon as they were out of earshot, Reyna whirled around, anger flashing in her eyes. “What was that stunt you pulled during dinner?” she demanded, keeping her voice low. “Mia looked terrified. Irritation crossed William’s face. “I told you from the beginning not to expect me to play father to your daughter,” he said coldly. “I provided full financial support to you as we agreed. But parenting is not part of the arrangement.” “That doesn’t mean you need to scare her!” Reyna shot back, struggling to keep her voice down. “She’s just a little girl, William. There was no call for you to try to intimidate me in front of a six-year-old.” William’s eyes narrowed dangerously and he took a step towards Reyna, his tall frame looming over her. She fought the urge to step back, standing
William stared after her fleeing form, the fire dying from his eyes. As the haze of anger and alcohol faded, horror flooded through him at his own actions. “Reyna, wait!” he called hoarsely, taking a stumbling step after her. What had he done? He hadn’t laid hands on a woman in violence since… But Reyna was already gone, her footsteps receding rapidly up the stairs. William ran an agitated hand through his disheveled hair, cursing himself violently. He hadn’t lost control like that in years. And to take it out on Reyna of all people… “Reyna!” he tried again, moving unsteadily toward the stairs. But there was only silence. As he reached the top landing, he thought he heard muffled sobs from behind her bedroom door. William approached slowly, shame and self-loathing threatening to choke him. He raised one hand hesitantly. “Reyna,” he rasped, his voice cracking. “I…I don’t know what came over me. I’m so sorry. Please…” He trailed off helplessly. But his only answer was the resoundin
William sighed in frustration as he went to greet his mother at the front door. "What are you doing here?" Eleanor turned, looking her son up and down with pursed lips. "Well don't you look a mess, William. I see you haven't changed your playboy ways." William ran a hand through his tousled hair self-consciously. "Actually, Mother, things are different now." He put an arm around Reyna's waist. "This is my wife, Reyna." Eleanor's pencil-thin eyebrows shot up in surprise. Her gaze traveled from Reyna's flushed face to William's crooked shirt collar. A judgmental glint flashed in her eyes. "Your wife?" she said dubiously. "I wasn't aware you were even dating anyone. How long has this been going on behind my back?" "Uh, well..." William faltered, exchanging a nervous glance with Reyna. Thinking on his feet, he fibbed, "We met a while ago through, uh, mutual friends. Been secretly together for months." He faked an adoring smile at Reyna. "You know how I like to avoid publicity, Mo
Reyna looked at herself in the mirror as the maid finished zipping up the back of her evening gown. It was a sleek red number that hugged her curves delicately. She knew William had specifically chosen this gown for the charity gala they were attending that evening, wanting his "wife" to look the part. As she applied the final touches of lipstick, her thoughts drifted to Mia. Her daughter was asleep in one of the many guest rooms of the lavish mansion, being cared for by their usual nanny. Reyna hated leaving her, even for a few hours, but these public appearances were important for maintaining her and William's fabricated relationship. A few days after the emotional ordeal with William's father, Reyna and William found themselves preparing for their next public appearance as a married couple. A big charity gala was being held by one of William's philanthropic foundations, and as the public faces, they had to put on a happy front. Reyna quickly got ready, slipping into a glittering