Lucy’s POVMy heart was so heavy that I cried the whole way outside. It was so lonely, and I felt like no one cared about me, so I thought I was going crazy.The rain started pouring down as I crossed into the walking lane. I felt awful about myself, but I had to keep going. I stood in the middle of the road for a short time while tears slowly ran down my cheeks, but unexpectedly, someone grabbed me out of the road and hugged my small frame. My eyes suddenly widened as I saw it was Arman. He dragged me to the corner of the road and asked, "What are you doing? Are you planning to kill yourself?" "N–no." I then pushed him away and wiped my tears away. My evening gown was drenched, yet I couldn't help but shake as I gazed at him, as if he were in tears under the heavy downpour. He asked, "Do you hate me so much that you have to stand in the middle of the road to kill yourself? What would happen if I didn't save you? You never know what might happen to you!" I threw the wedding ring
Lucy’s POVAs soon as I stepped foot in the airport, an employee saw me and came up to say, "Hi, Miss Lucy Hansley, Arman Romano's wife, I assume?"I wasn't sure what to say at first, but I nodded and stated, "Y–Yes?" She forced a sweet smile on her face and said, "Mr. Romano has banned you from traveling right now." "What the heck?" I raised an eyebrow in surprise. How could that jerk stop me from going on a break? I thought he was set on letting me go, but now he's changed his mind. I clenched my hand and left without saying anything. Someone walked up to me as I dragged my luggage back to the cab stand. He was dressed in a blue royal suit and smiled at me. He extended his hand and said, "Hi, Mrs. Romano, I'm Anthony Hernandez, and I am your divorce lawyer."Damn! I was fed up with it all. This Arman Romano guy is making me crazy. I took a deep breath, shook the attorney's hand, and asked, "What are you doing here in the airport? Tell me, did he just tell you to follow me?" He
Lucy’s POVI never expected to see my grandma again after all these years. She has this ingrained belief that I am a product of an illicit love affair, so when I visited her in her Swiss home a long time ago, she seemed somewhat aloof from me. I took a deep breath and was about to say something, but her palm landed on my face.I touched the side of my face and slowly looked at her with shocked expression and asked, “Grandma—” "Don't call me your grandma. Your family and you are such a shame to my name. Oh, why are you even here? Do you not know that Mr. Roux owns this hotel? The one who fell victim to your father's con?" Stepping back, I noticed Jane's gleeful expression as she watched me cower in shame. "Maybe your dad owes a lot more to all my acquaintances," Grandma Barbara said as she sighed and looked at me with disgust. I wiped away my tears and pursed my lips. "Are you now completely deaf? I asked you, why are you here?" "He is still your son," I said as I looked up. "Yo
Lucy’s POV"Did you hear that right?! Or are you hearing impaired?" The moment she heard my humor, she looked completely crazy. Just as she was going to strike me, Arman intervened and prevented her hand from reaching my face. She looked at Arman in shock and said, “And who do you think you are?!” Arman gave my granny a piercing glare, but I yanked his hand away and said, "Arman—Stop it." "I always think I'm an angel, but it turns out I'm a demon who collects old souls like yours," he said as he plastered a sweet smile.When the tall, intimidating man in front of them said that, everyone's expressions changed to one of utter amazement. The hotel manager fearfully cleared his throat and said calmly, "Madam, the case is already over. Miss Hansley is leaving this hotel soon."Grandma’s lips quivered a bit and raised an eyebrow, “Well, that’s good news.” I could tell by the look on Jane's face that she was shocked and scared by what Arman had just said to them, so she grabbed Grandm
Lucy’s POVI hold my breath as I look at the divorce papers. That sour smile came from the fact that Arman and I were no longer tied. It was sad to say goodbye in this way, but I guess it's for the best since I can't change anything."Miss Hansley, congratulations," my divorce lawyer said with a smile, and he added, "There's no need to wait three months for it to be dealt with. You're now free."I smiled and sighed. "Thank you, Mr. Hernandez." He took out two keys from his suitcase and said, "These are the keys to your new home. The other key is for your new car." "And here's your new bank account that Mr. Romano has already deposited the one million dollars in compensation," he added, presenting me with the bank passbook.This level of generosity from Arman is unbelievable. As in, he paid for everything so I wouldn't complain; he gave this to me so I wouldn't worry about him anymore.He paid me this much because he wanted me to stay out of his life.I bit my lower lip and smiled bi
Lucy’s POVAs I stared at him, holding my breath, I tried to clear my vision, but I still couldn't place this man. Slowly, he moved toward me, and I moved back while I thought about what to do. A voice in my head tells me to run, but I can't move. I was shocked and couldn't move while looking at the man who was getting closer and closer.Until I saw him slowly take something out of his leather jacket. At that moment, I decided to run away from him and clutched my purse. I turned away from him and scanned my surroundings, hoping to find an exit.I turned the corner and saw the word "exit." I sped to the exit while panicking and quickly breathing. I stumbled a little, but when I looked back, he still followed me, which widened my eyes. I took off my green stilettos and ran as fast as I could.I kept running and running, eventually running into someone on the street. My heart dropped as I realized this man could also put me in danger. I moved away from him slowly and looked up to see h
Lucy’s POVI wanted to stop him, but I couldn't, as it would be pointless if I didn't have the right to begin with. I kept telling myself that I couldn't think about him anymore because there were more important things to do. Edward dropped me off at my newly vacant villa and suddenly asked, "Are you sad that he's leaving the country today?" "No. Why do I feel sad that he's leaving the country? He's no longer my business."I smiled at him and then took my bag. But before I got out of his car, I told him, "Thank you for today. But my house is still empty, and I don't have anything to offer. I wish I could ask you over for coffee. Perhaps another time?" He shrugged his shoulders and put on a cute smile. "It's okay. I get it. Here is my phone number in case you need to get in touch with me." He gave me his business card and put it in my hand. "Call me any time." I softly smiled and said, "Uh, okay. Sure." And he left.When I opened my phone to read Mr. Hernandez's instructions, it
Lucy’s POV"What? Is today not a good day for you to eat with me?" He looked at the menu with a happy smile and crossed his legs. Then he asked me, "Do you want to eat something?" Silently, I look at him, my expression betraying my confusion. It's good that I saw him again after two months, but that doesn't change the fact that I still hate him for everything. Everything about him makes me mad every time I look at him. "I am not in the mood to eat anything," I said, clenching my jaw. "I think I should leave because I have a meeting in ten minutes—" He grabbed my wrist and said, "Please just give me this day. I just got back from Portugal, and this is how you greet your ex-husband?" "What do you want from me, Arman?" He said, “I just want to see you.” I scoffed and answered him sarcastically, “So you want to see me miserable? Well, the news is I’m getting better now so thanks to you.” "I don't think I should have lunch with you today," I said as I picked up my pink bag. Then gav
Arman’s POV"Loretta is here; she wanted to talk to you." Ray said as he sat on the couch, playing with his gun.Even though it's crystal clear that I don't want her or want to see her, this woman is continuously trying to force herself on me. I let out a soft sigh and walked to the door. When I opened it, I saw her in her pajamas. Her feet were so dirty that it looked like she had run away from home and come here to see me.I asked with narrowed eyes, "What are you doing here?""H—Help me. My father wants to kill me, and you're the only person I can trust." She said it with a voice full of fear. She looked around, and as she did, her tears began to roll back into her cheeks. I need your help; if he finds out I'm here, he'll kill me.She pushed her way in, which shocked me. Even Ray looked at her in shock and confusion at what she was doing in my house. Ray got up and said, "She left her house. I think Mr. Patani has a bad temper. Are you okay, Loretta?" "Please don't tell him I'm he
Lucy’s POV"Yes, Grandma." I said, lowering my head, trying not to shed tears this time. "But I guess Jane needs you the most now. She just lost her child and it must be painful for her to lose two people important in her life."Grandma sighed in remorse, her voice mixed with pain as she said, "I didn't know that we were being too considerate with Jane but not with you, my dear."I smiled. "It's okay; life is like that. I have to go."I glanced at Uncle Robert, who looked so worried about Jane's condition, and Aunt Cecille ran outside to call the nurse and doctor. My heart felt like it was wrenched a thousand times because Jane still has parents who love her truly, but I am here, feeling like a lost daughter.Aunt Cecille glanced at me as I turned my back on them; she said nothing, but the look of unfathomable guilt was written all over her face. As I made my way outside, I noticed the two bodyguards still standing there. To be honest, I wasn't used to having security. But if my life
Lucy’s POV"What's wrong?" It looked like he didn't want to talk about it again. So I blocked his way and asked, "Say something." "I guess someone hired him to kill you. But no one still knows who that guy was. Why don't you forget about it so you don't have to worry about it anymore?" "How can I forget about it if my life has been in danger and people have tried to kill me ever since my father died?" I asked with disdain. He touched my face and whispered, "You need not be afraid anymore. Please know that I am here for you and will protect you as long as you are with me."I felt a pang, a bitter ache in my heart as I stared at him. He says the same things that Arman always told me, and I can't help but think about the good old times with Arman. Looking at him, though, brought back a memory. I remember another smile, one that completely captivated me. It was Arman's smile, the one that never failed to make my heart race and flutter. “Are you alright?” Hugo asked as he scanned my f
Lucy’s POVI'm out here in the street, shivering from the cold and the agony in my heart from my feelings for Arman, and it's raining again. It's been hard for me to forget about him, but now I'm crying again because of him. I took a deep breath and hailed a cab. When I got inside, I saw a suspicious-looking knife and a rope. I retreated and said, "I think I forgot something. Sorry." I then closed the car door and ran away in fear.But the taxi followed in the street, I frowned and muttered in panic, “What’s wrong with him?” Even though it was pouring rain, I kept running until I tripped and looked like I couldn't go on. The cab driver stopped in front of me. As I tried to crawl, he got out of his car and smiled at me. He had a deep scar on his face. "So, you're Lucy Hansley? You've been on my radar, Lucy...""Who are you?! What do you want from me?" I yelled in fear and then grabbed a rock to throw at him. As I stood up, I groaned in pain and tried to run as fast as I could, even
Lucy’s POVI pushed him away, desperately trying to escape from his grasp. "Arman, I can't! I am dating Hugo now... I can't bear the thought of betraying him!""No, you belong to me. You felt sorry for him, that's why you gave him a chance! I know you still love me—"I slapped his face, my tears slowly rolling down on my cheeks. My heart throbbed in pain as I said, "And after this, what?! You're going to leave me again! How can you kiss me, want to make love to me, and in the end, you're still going to leave me like nothing happened between us?!""Lucy…" Silence engulfed the room as he watched my tears trace paths down my cheeks. Just as I turned to leave, a deafening crack of thunder split the sky, and a blinding bolt of lightning illuminated the downpour that drenched the place in an instant. I stumbled back, only to find myself enveloped in his warm embrace. His arms wrapped around me, and as I looked up, his gaze held me captive, and I whispered, "A-Arman..." "I'm sorry..." he
Arman’s POV"Delayed?!" I growled angrily, my voice a rumble that sent shivers down the spines of my men lined up before me. They all lowered their heads as I barked into the phone, "What do you mean by delayed? It's been three damn days that shipment's been floating in that damn ocean!"Ray answered, "Port security's been doing thorough inspections, and we can't afford to lose another shipment. So, we asked the captain to hold standby.""Ray..." I sighed, my anger simmering. "You better handle this. No more delays by tomorrow, or else we lose the Pattani deal."Looking up, I met my men's eyes and issued a command: "Request an extension from Pattani. I want one of you to dig deeper into Hugo Ricci. I want a comprehensive report on him.""Yes, boss." Then they started marching out.I stepped outside while my chest pounded angrily just thinking about the shipments. Then, my thoughts drifted back to Lucy and Hugo again. I sighed as I saw Loretta, Pattani's daughter. She waved and smiled
Lucy’s POV"Lucy," he said gently, drawing me back to the conversation. But I didn't know what to say to him; my mind was a tangled mess. How could I respond to his question? Part of me feared rejecting him, but another larger part was that I couldn't ignore the growing unease in my gut. Ever since his relentless pursuit began, his true colors had started to show. He didn't just give up so easily; he tried to make me happy again, which made me reluctant to ignore his feelings. Before Alicia could spot us, I dragged Hugo into my office and locked the door. Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm my nerves. He waited patiently, his gaze fixed on me. Then I turned to face him and bit my lower lip. "Hugo..." He smiled."How can you forget him if you don't want to try dating me?" he asked, suggesting a relationship.I took another soft breath and let out a nervous chuckle. "What? What are you talking about? I have already moved on and am trying to make myself happy again. See? I'm happy
Lucy’s POVHugo arrived, his gaze lingering on me as if he longed to offer comfort but held himself back. He watched silently as my sobs wracked my body.Wiping away tears and sniffling, I forced out the words, "I think..." I paused softly and expressed, "I think it's best if you distance yourself from me." "Why?" He reached out a hand hesitantly, then stopped before making contact. "I know I must seem like a stranger, but seeing your pain... It hurts me too. I can't bear to see you cry because of him. I know you don't understand me doing this to you, but trust me, I don't know either." "I know you're trying your best, but seeing you reminds me of him too much."His eyes clouded with sadness as he took a step back. "Well, Lucy," he said softly, "If that's what you want, I can't argue. But remember, whenever you're ready to face the world again, I'm just right here for you, okay?" I nodded, offering a weak smile of apology as I slowly closed the door. Left alone, I sank to the floor
Lucy’s POV"Why would I kill myself just for him?" I asked him with a laugh and added, "That's not who I am." He didn't say anything; he just looked at me as if he had something on his mind that he couldn't say. I met his gaze head-on, "Hugo, I'm fine. Do yourself a favor and go home." His hand went into his pocket as he stood up, his face a mask of concern. "Are you sure you'll be okay by yourself here?" he asked."Hugo, why do you care so much about me? Watching people die is probably nothing new to you," I said, my voice tinged with bitterness. A flicker of pain written on his face and he replied with clenched jaw, "You don't know anything about me. Yes, Arman and I are the same people who grew up in that world. But I am not ruthless like him." I watched him walk to the door. Before he opened it, he glanced back at me and said, "I know you think I'm a bad person, but I'm still human. And when I care for someone, Lucy, I don't fake it. Remember that."And he left me with a hea