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
Kurtis’s POVAs I sat there, the evening wrapping around us like a soft blanket, I couldn’t take my eyes off Lyra. She was curled up next to me on the couch, her hair cascading over her shoulders, her face glowing in the soft light. We’d done it. Secured the deal, crossed a major milestone in our lives, and now, sitting in the quiet aftermath, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of gratitude, of happiness. But more than anything, I felt this overwhelming sense of pride, pride in her, in us, and everything we had built together. Lyra wasn’t just my business partner, she was my everything. And seeing her here, relaxed and happy, reminded me of just how lucky I was to have her in my life.I leaned back on the couch, my eyes tracing the curve of her lips as she took a sip of wine. God, she was beautiful. Not just on the outside, but in the way she moved, the way she thought, the way she always seemed to know what I needed even before I did.“Baby girl,” I said softly, reaching for her hand.
Kurtis POVBaby girl, have I told you how much I adore you?”I said as I started repeating everything I told her earlier.Lyra looked up from her wine glass, her lips curling into a soft smile as she caught my gaze. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light, and I could feel my heart thump a little harder just from the way she looked at me. “You tell me every day, Kurtis,” she teased, taking a small sip. “But I don’t mind hearing it again.”I set my glass down, leaning closer to her. “Well, let me tell you again because I don’t think you understand how much you’ve changed my life.” I reached for her hand, brushing my thumb over her knuckles. “You’re the reason I’m here. You’re the reason we’re sitting here, celebrating one of the biggest wins we’ve ever had.”She blinked, a bit surprised. “Kurtis, we did this together. You’ve worked just as hard—”“No,” I interrupted softly, my eyes never leaving hers. “You’ve been my rock, Lyra. Every time things got tough, it was you who kept me grounded.
Lyra's POVI could still feel the warmth of Kurtis’s lips on mine, the taste of our shared passion lingering as he held me close. My heart was still racing, my body tingling from every touch, every whispered word. I’d never felt this alive, this loved. As I rested against him, catching my breath, he suddenly pulled away, grinning like he was up to something."Kurtis, what are you up to?" I asked, trying to catch that mischievous glint in his eyes.He kissed the top of my head, pulling me to my feet. “Come on, baby girl, I’ve got another surprise for you.”I laughed softly, my hand still in his. "Another one? Kurtis, you’ve already given me the best night of my life."He led me outside, where the cool night air kissed my skin, and I realized we weren’t done celebrating yet. “This one’s a bit bigger,” he teased, opening the door and guiding me out. Bigger? What could possibly top what we just shared? I was still floating on the high of his love, the way he made me feel like the most im
Lyra's POVKurtis and I had just come back inside after celebrating, my heart still racing from the intimate moments we shared. I could still feel the warmth of his touch lingering on my skin, the intensity of his gaze making it impossible to think of anything else. But there was something in the way he smiled at me, something more than just the usual affection in his eyes. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was planning something big.He leaned back on the couch, pulling me close to his side. “Baby girl,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair away from my face, “I’ve got a little surprise for you.”I tilted my head, curious. “Another surprise?” I teased, my fingers lightly tracing the line of his jaw. “After everything, we’ve already celebrated tonight?”He grinned that boyish smile that always made my heart skip a beat. “Oh, this one’s even bigger. Something special.” His voice dropped, sending a shiver down my spine. “You’re going to love it.”I raised an eyebrow, intrigued but
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