Angela POVI arrived at the office, my mood blacker than the clouds that loomed overhead. As soon as I stepped through the doors, the buzzing energy of the place hit me like a brick. Phones ringing, people chatting, the clatter of keyboards, it was all so suffocating. But instead of making me retreat, it only fueled my anger.My assistant, Jenna, was the first to greet me. She was young, eager, and always trying to please. Normally, I could tolerate her sunny disposition, but today it grated on my last nerve."Good morning, Ms. Angela! I have your schedule for the day""Don't bother," I snapped, cutting her off mid-sentence. The shock on her face did nothing to soften my tone. "Just handle it. I don't want to hear about it."Jenna blinked, clearly taken aback, but she quickly composed herself. "Of course, Ms. Angela. I'll take care of everything."I brushed past her without another word, heading straight for my office. As I walked, I could feel the eyes of my coworkers on me, sensing
Angela POV I could feel the tension in my chest like a vice, squeezing tighter with every breath. Kurtis's words lingered in my mind, stirring up emotions I wasn't ready to face. How dare he speak to me like that? How dare he suggest that this was my fault? My life was falling apart, and he had the nerve to lecture me?I was about to lash out, to tell him exactly what I thought of his self-righteous attitude, when the barista called out, "Your coffee, miss."I grabbed the cup without even looking at her, my hand trembling with barely contained rage. "Kurtis, if you think for one second that you can"But before I could finish, I heard a voice behind me. "Angela?"I froze, my heart dropping into my stomach. I turned slowly, dreading what I might see, and there he was, Alex, standing just a few feet away, his eyes wide with confusion and hurt."What are you doing here?" I snapped, my voice harsher than I intended.He looked down at the coffee in my hand and then back at me, his expressi
Angela POVI couldn’t move. The moment Alex turned and walked away, it felt like the ground had shifted beneath me, leaving me stranded in some strange, desolate place. My chest tightened as I watched him go, the image of his broken expression burned into my mind. The anger that had driven me seconds ago began to dissipate, replaced by a gnawing sense of regret and fear. What had I just done?My hand trembled as I took a sip of the coffee, the liquid bitter on my tongue. I didn’t even want it, but I needed something to focus on, anything to stop the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. I looked around, realizing I was still standing in the middle of the busy coffee shop. The sounds of life, laughter, conversation, and the hiss of the espresso machine felt distant, like I was underwater, cut off from everything.My mind kept replaying the scene, over and over. The look in Alex’s eyes when I told him I didn’t know if I ever loved him. It was the truth, at least, that’s wha
Angela’s POVThe door clicked shut behind me, and for a moment, I allowed myself to believe that everything might just be okay. Alex’s apartment felt warm and familiar, filled with the memories of the times we’d shared. The scent of his cologne lingered in the air, mingling with the smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen. It felt almost normal.He turned to me with a small smile, gesturing toward the living room. “I made us some coffee. You look like you could use it.”“Yeah, thanks,” I replied, my voice a little shaky. I followed him to the couch, where two mugs of coffee sat on the table, steam curling up from them. He’d even put out a plate of cookies, just like he always did when we needed to talk.I sat down, taking the mug in my hands, the warmth soothing my nerves. Alex sat beside me, close but not too close, like he was giving me space. We talked about little things at first, work, mutual friends, the latest news. For a while, it felt almost like old times, like the tension be
Angela POVAlex was gone, and this time, it was for good. I knew I had hurt him, but he wasn’t innocent either. He had changed, becoming possessive and overprotective, making me feel trapped. That was when my mind started drifting to Kurtis again. But now, standing in the silence of my empty apartment, I realized something: I was completely alone. No Alex. No Kurtis. Just me.But if there was one thing I knew how to do, it was reclaiming my power. I wasn’t going to wallow in self-pity. No, I needed to remind myself, and the world, who I was. I was Angela, and I was going to shine again.That’s when the idea hit me. What better way to make a comeback than by hosting a glamorous charity event? It would boost my career, put me back in the spotlight, and prove to everyone that I was still the powerful, unbreakable woman they all knew. I wasn’t just going to reclaim my shine, I was going to blind them with it.The grand ballroom was filled with the who’s who of society. Wealthy donors, cel
Angela POVI met David by chance at a coffee shop one rainy afternoon. I was in a hurry, juggling a million things in my head, trying to forget about Alex and all the drama that had consumed my life for the past few months. The last thing I was thinking about was meeting someone new. I had just ordered my usual, an extra shot of espresso in my latte, when I felt someone’s eyes on me. It wasn’t the usual type of glance either; it was intense, curious. When I looked up, there he was, David. Tall, confident, with that easy smile that could make anyone feel like they were the only person in the room. I wasn’t immune to that charm, not by a long shot.He approached me as I stood by the counter waiting for my drink. “You seem like you’ve had one hell of a day,” he said casually, his voice low and smooth.I gave a small laugh, trying to play it off. “Is it that obvious?”“Just a little,” he said with a grin. “Mind if I keep you company? Maybe I can make your day a little better.”I hesitate
Lyra's POV The late afternoon sun streamed through the office windows, bathing the room in a soft, golden light. I sat at my desk, staring at my computer screen, anxiously waiting for the email that could change everything. My heart raced with anticipation, and my hands, despite the excitement, felt clammy against the cool surface of the keyboard. Kurtis was at the other end of the room, pacing, his usual calm demeanor now tinged with tension. It had been months of negotiations, sleepless nights, and an endless barrage of meetings. Today, we would find out if it had all paid off. Then, suddenly, the email came through. For a moment, I just stared at the screen, almost unable to believe it. I blinked, my eyes scanning the words over and over. It was real. The confirmation of our biggest deal yet was sitting right in front of me, signed and sealed. The luxury brand we’d been chasing for what felt like forever had finally said yes. This wasn’t just a win, it was a breakthrough. “
Lyra's POVThat evening, after the initial rush of excitement had worn off, Kurtis and I found ourselves in the quiet comfort of our living room. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, joy, relief, and pride, but now, in the stillness of the evening, it all started to settle in. The deal we had just secured wasn’t just monumental for the business; it was a milestone in everything we had built together. This moment deserved more than a quick toast or a casual dinner. It needed to be special, just like our journey had been.Kurtis sat next to me on the couch, his laptop balanced on his knee as he scrolled through potential restaurants. He was focused, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration, yet relaxed in that way only he could manage. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him, his determination to find the perfect spot for us felt so…us. Thoughtful. Intentional.I sipped on my glass of wine, the rich flavor filling my senses as I curled my feet beneath me, sinking deeper into
Angela’s POV The sunlight poured through my bedroom window, golden and soft, but it did little to ease the weight on my chest. I stared blankly at the ceiling, my thoughts a tangled mess. My phone buzzed on the nightstand, but I ignored it. I wasn’t ready to face anyone, not yet. The silence was suffocating, but it gave me nowhere to hide. Memories crept in, sharp and relentless, playing in my mind like a movie I couldn’t pause. Lyra and I, once inseparable. Lyra and I, laughing until we cried, wearing matching outfits, sharing dreams and secrets. Lyra and I. How had it come to this? I sat up, rubbing my temples as the past clawed at me.We were kids, maybe six or seven, sitting cross-legged on the living room floor. Mom had just finished making us matching blue dresses with tiny white polka dots. “Twins should always match!” she said, grinning as she held up the dresses. Lyra had squealed in delight, grabbing my hand and pulling me to the mirror once we were dressed. “Loo
Kurtis POV Lyra’s trembling fingers tightened around mine as I held her close. Her warmth, her trust, it was everything to me. But tonight wasn’t about comfort. It was about strategy. I leaned down, brushing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Lyra,” I murmured, my voice firm but tender, “we’re going to fight this, but we need to play it smart. For now, you have to keep pretending we’re not together.” She pulled back slightly, her eyes widening. “What? Kurtis, why? I thought” I pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her gently. “I know, baby girl. But if James or Alice catches even a hint that you’re not under their thumb anymore, they’ll escalate. They’ll come at you harder. We can’t risk that.” She looked torn, her brows furrowing as her lips parted to argue, but I cut her off again. “Lyra, trust me on this. Let them think they still have control. Meanwhile, I’ll be working behind the scenes to tear their entire empire apart.” Her lips quivered, but she nodded, her voice bar
Lyra POV As I looked at Kurtis' determined face, I knew he was up to fight, so I asked him again. “Kurtis,” I said softly, pulling back to look up at him. “What do we do now?”His arms tightened around me as if shielding me from the weight of the world. His eyes burned with unwavering determination, his voice low and steady. “We fight back,” he said.Before I could ask what he meant, he pulled his phone from his pocket, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. The sound of each tap echoed in the silence, amplifying my nerves.“Kurtis, what are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.He paused for a moment, his gaze meeting mine, filled with resolve. “I’m calling someone who can help us. You’ve been running for too long, Lyra. That ends now.”He raised the phone to his ear. “Dpo,” he said firmly when the call connected, his tone sharp and commanding. “It’s time. Pull everything we have on James and Alice. I want every shred of dirt they’ve ever tried to bury. Ba
Lyra POV As I looked at Kurtis' determined face, I knew he was up to fight, so I asked him again. “Kurtis,” I said softly, pulling back to look up at him. “What do we do now?”His arms tightened around me as if shielding me from the weight of the world. His eyes burned with unwavering determination, his voice low and steady. “We fight back,” he said.Before I could ask what he meant, he pulled his phone from his pocket, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen. The sound of each tap echoed in the silence, amplifying my nerves.“Kurtis, what are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling with uncertainty.He paused for a moment, his gaze meeting mine, filled with resolve. “I’m calling someone who can help us. You’ve been running for too long, Lyra. That ends now.”He raised the phone to his ear. “Dpo,” he said firmly when the call connected, his tone sharp and commanding. “It’s time. Pull everything we have on James and Alice. I want every shred of dirt they’ve ever tried to bury. Ba
Lyra’s POV The coffee shop had quieted down, the hum of the espresso machine and the occasional clink of cups the only sounds breaking the stillness. Kurtis sat across from me, his hands gripping his cup so tightly I feared it might shatter. His gaze was fixed on me, intense and unwavering, as if he were trying to peel back my layers and see straight into my soul. But I was already bare before him. “Lyra,” he said finally, his voice low, rough. “I need to know something before I go any further.” I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “What is it?” His jaw tightened as he leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “Are you still in love with me?” The question hit me like a freight train, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. My hands trembled, and I clutched my cup as if it could anchor me to the earth. “Kurtis...” I began, but he cut me off, his voice firm and unrelenting. “No, Lyra. Don’t skirt around this. I need to hear it from you. Because if I’m
Lyra's POV I held my breath as Kurtis flung the door open, his presence a storm brewing in the doorway. James stood there, arrogance etched across his face, but even he faltered under Kurtis's fiery gaze. My heart thundered as I gripped Kurtis's arm, trying to hold him back from what I knew could escalate into something dangerous. “Kurtis, don’t,” I whispered, desperation thick in my voice. He ignored me, stepping forward, his towering frame blocking the doorway like a sentinel. “James, leave. Now.” James smirked, though it wavered. “This is between me and Lyra.” “No,” Kurtis said, his voice low and threatening, “this ended the moment you thought you could force her into something she didn’t want. I’m not letting you ruin her life anymore.” The tension between them was suffocating, and I knew if I didn’t intervene, things would spiral. “Stop!” I stepped between them, my palms pressed against Kurtis's chest. “Please, both of you, stop this madness!” Kurtis’s jaw was clench
Kurtis POV I paced the length of the living room again, my hands clenching and unclenching at my sides. The more I thought about Lyra, the more my frustrations turned into an unbearable ache. My heart wasn’t just heavy, it felt shredded, raw with every beat. The dream of her marrying James wasn’t just a figment of my imagination; it felt like a warning, like my soul already knew something I didn’t. The thought of her signing her life away to someone else made my chest tighten. My mind replayed every moment we’d spent together, every promise we’d made, and every touch that had once told me we were unshakable. But now? Now, everything felt like it was slipping through my fingers, and I was powerless to stop it. I couldn’t wait any longer. If I didn’t go to her now, I’d lose her for good. “Tomorrow is too far away,” I muttered under my breath, grabbing my car keys and storming out the door. The drive to her place was a blur. My grip on the steering wheel was tight, and my chest
Kurtis POV I paced the length of the living room, the soft carpet muffling my restless footsteps. My mind was a battlefield, torn between anger, confusion, and a raw, aching sense of helplessness. The image of Lyra signing that marriage certificate in my dream haunted me, her trembling fingers and the tears she couldn’t hide. I couldn’t shake it off. What if it wasn’t just a dream? What if it was a prelude to my reality? "Stop it, Kurtis," I muttered to myself, dragging my hands down my face. The walls felt like they were closing in, and the silence of the room was deafening. I needed to hear her voice, to have her tell me this was all in my head. Grabbing my phone, I dialed her number for the hundredth time this week. It rang and rang until her voicemail kicked in. *“Hi, this is Lyra. Leave a message.”* I clenched my teeth, frustration boiling over. I couldn’t even hear her say my name anymore. What was I supposed to do with this silence? Without thinking, I hurled the ph
Kurtis POV I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the phone in my hands. The last message from Lyra was still there, short and cold, cutting through me like a knife. She’d told me she was getting married to James, just like that. No explanation, no chance for me to argue, nothing. She refused to answer my calls after that, her texts growing shorter and more distant until they stopped altogether. I couldn’t understand it. Lyra wasn’t the type to shut people out, especially not me. I asked her once, begged, even, why she was doing this. “Why leave me for him, Lyra? What does James have that I don’t?” Her response had been vague, her eyes clouded with something I couldn’t read. “It’s complicated, Kurtis. Please don’t ask me this again.” Complicated. That was all she gave me, leaving me stranded with a million questions and a heart that felt like it was being torn apart piece by piece. I leaned back against the headboard, exhaustion weighing on me. My mind couldn’t stop racing