I love you all🫶
RACHEL’S POVI forgot everything—the past, my hatred towards Leo. I had been mistaken for a while, but thank goodness my vision cleared before it was too late.Perhaps I should not have signed up for this variety show. Everything started going wrong the day I joined, but what could I do now?I paced back and forth in the room, unable to sleep despite the hour. I hoped Leo wouldn’t wake and see me distressed. I had tried various plans, but none seemed viable.My primary focus now had to be proving my innocence as quickly as possible while devising a business plan to boost my mall and reduce its losses.In the morning, I had breakfast and began my meditation while Leo went to exercise. I no longer wanted to think about him, even in my thoughts. I resolved never to make that mistake again.The other couples sensed the growing distance between us, including Helen. Oh, please, she deserved him, and he deserved her. They were birds of the same feather—betrayers.Minutes later, we rested. Acc
LEO’S POVI felt a twinge of guilt for Rachel. I thought about telling her that the article wasn’t posted by me, but after seeing today’s headline, I wasn’t sure it mattered anymore.I went back inside and dressed to meet with the shareholders. Miss Red had arranged the meeting, and I was eager to hear from John. As expected, I saw a call from him.“Did you find him?” I asked, eager to locate the doctor.“Not yet, boss. His real name isn’t Dr. Finn Rian. He changed it three years ago,” John said, raising more suspicions in my mind.“Do you know his real name?”“Not yet, but I’ll figure it out soon,” he replied. I urged him to proceed with the search; time was of the essence.As I opened the door, I bumped into Rachel. Her face looked like she wanted to say something, but her eyes were filled with fury. We exchanged no words, and I passed by her.Today, a new driver would be taking me around since John was away. I received a call from one of the assistants in the States.“Yes, anything
RACHEL’S POVThe court proceedings were tougher than I had anticipated. The questions were direct and unrelenting, leaving little room for avoidance. While I might not have caused Sarah Eli’s death through power tripping, my negligence in handling my employees was glaringly evident. It took nearly an hour and a half to finish, and once we were done, I headed back to the company for an emergency meeting with all the directors.“What on earth is going on? I’m already framed for a case, and instead of focusing on how to get back on our feet, someone leaked information about ‘Leo’s first blah blah’ to the media. Who is responsible?” I demanded, my frustration palpable.Despite the fact that Leo was now facing a crisis, something I had secretly hoped for, I needed to understand why my team had acted without my knowledge.“I asked again, who is responsible?” I repeated, emphasizing each word. I needed answers on why they took such action without informing me.“I—I did,” came a familiar voice
MICHAEL’S POVIf you ask me whether I hate Leonardo Lugard, I wouldn’t have a clear answer. But one thing I know for sure is that I refuse to lose to him. He has abandoned me, discarded me as his brother, and I cannot simply let that go. I don’t know exactly where it all went wrong, but ever since that day, Leonardo has never spoken to me and seems to harbor a deep dislike for everything I do. But I’ll show him. I’m not just someone he can trample on and leave behind. I am Michael Lugard.You might not know me well, but this is my identity: I’m a man of average height with sharp, dark eyes that can pierce through the toughest of facades. My hair is neatly combed, always in place, matching my meticulously tailored suits. I prefer keeping a poker face—it’s my way of masking emotions. In my world, showing emotions is a sign of weakness, and I refuse to be weak, especially in a world where I have no one to rely on except myself and, perhaps, my father.To be fair, Dad isn’t the ideal fat
CECILIA'S POVIt was him—the last person I expected to see here, of all places. The world around me seemed to blur, and for a moment, I forgot all about the celebration that had brought me to the bar. The laughter and noise around me faded into the background as our eyes met. His expression shifted too, from something hardened and distant to a mix of surprise and uncertainty, maybe even something deeper.I sat there, rooted in place, trying to make sense of my feelings. What is he thinking? What would he say? And more importantly, what am I going to do?It felt awkward knowing that I would meet him in this kind of place.He went to the bartender to grab a drink and seemed to glance at me once in a while.I excused myself from my group of friends to leave the bar, perhaps expecting him to follow me.As soon as I stepped outside, he was right behind me.“Cecilia,” he muttered, almost in a whisper, but loud enough for me to hear. Just the mere sound of my name from his lips brought back o
RACHEL’S POV“You startled me!” Cecilia exclaimed, dropping her purse on the sofa. I was already seated, watching her as she joined me.“Well, I went to the bar for a birthday party,” she answered, playing with her hair. There was something about her demeanor—she seemed happy, but at the same time, there was a trace of mixed emotions lingering on her face.“And you didn’t care to invite me?” I teased, though I knew exactly how she would respond.“Oh, come on, Rachel. The business nerd who barely leaves her desk going to a birthday party?” she shot back, her eyes twinkling with amusement.Just as I expected. “So, did you meet someone there?” I asked, my instincts telling me something was off. There was a certain energy about her that made it clear she had met someone. I could tell—probably a guy. Cecilia and I had both been through our fair share of fleeting relationships. Well, to be fair, hers lasted longer than mine. Still, every time she met someone, there was this unmistakable ex
“Watch out, Rachel”.LEO'S POV“Watch out, Rachel...”I don’t know what came over me tonight. It was as if my body moved toward her on its own. Involuntarily. Definitely not me. Stop, Leo.I kept telling myself, trying to snap out of it, especially when we were just inches apart. I had a few drinks, but they must’ve hit harder than expected because everything felt... different. I couldn’t help but notice she looked kind of... pretty. Pretty? Did I just think that? Damn it, Leo! She’s not pretty. She’s ugly. Ugly like a duckling. That’s right. Finally, I snapped out of it, grabbing the door handle behind her. She was standing between me and the door, not saying anything, but clearly startled by my actions. Her expression was a mix of confusion, as if trying to process what was happening.“Can you get out of my way?” I asked, my voice curt. She looked even more confused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to understand the shift in my tone.She eventually moved aside, and I q
"Help me!"RACHEL'S POVI fell just as I was about to cross the finish line, and Helen used that moment to sprint ahead of me. I heard Leo shout from behind, but it was too late. Why is he acting like he cares? Oh, wait—of course, the cameras are on.I pushed myself up immediately, not wanting to waste any more time. Lily was far behind, so while I might not take first or second, I could still claim third place. With a determined rush, I crossed the finish line."Congratulations, Mrs. Leo. You made it!" Josh announced, and the smugness in his voice irritated me to no end. They know we hate being called that and are just doin watching as though she already knew the outcome.What the—"You know, not to brag, Rachel," Leo said, turning to face me as he placed the bow back where it belonged. "I was the top archer in college. Probably could’ve made the national team or the Olympics if I hadn’t focused on business."His hands were tucked into his pockets, his stance exuding dominance and con
RACHEL'S POVI got a call from Bug saying the rival company’s CEO wanted to see me.Honestly, I couldn’t care less.Cecilia left about an hour ago, and since then, I’ve been sitting here, staring at nothing, feeling completely drained. The room is quiet, but not in a peaceful way—it’s the kind of quiet that presses on your chest, making it hard to breathe. I’ve been thinking about walking away from all of this, leaving the show behind. The idea keeps circling in my mind, louder than anything Bug said on the phone.I don’t even know why I’m here again. At first, I had a clear purpose—to join this variety show, uncover Leo’s weakness, and crush him in the game. Winning would’ve secured my company a top spot in Las Vegas, solidifying our reputation. But now? That goal feels like a distant memory, shattered into pieces. Everything I planned for seems pointless, and I can’t help but wonder if it was ever worth it in the first place.Nothing has been going right since I got here. If anyth
Michael's POV As I walked around the company, an unsettling quietness hung in the air. It wasn’t the usual hum of activity I was used to. Something was off. Perhaps a visitor had arrived, or maybe I was wrong. My suspicions were confirmed—or rather, shattered—when I entered my office and saw him. My so-called father. “That explains it,” I muttered under my breath, the words laced with a mix of irritation and resignation. The atmosphere was heavy, almost suffocating. My steps slowed as I approached my desk, every nerve in my body on high alert. His presence alone was enough to change the air, filling it with tension and unspoken words. As I moved to sit down, his eyes locked onto mine, following my every motion with an intensity that made my skin crawl. His gaze wasn’t just observing—it was probing, dissecting, searching for cracks in my armor. My jaw tightened, and I fought to keep my face neutral, refusing to let him see how his unexpected arrival unnerved me."Oh, I thought you
Rachel’s POV "Now we have to plan for this stupid wedding," I said out loud, my voice laced with frustration. Cecilia said she is coming to check up on me. I heard the doorbell, and I knew it was her. “Oh, sweetie,” she said while hugging me tightly, her arms wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I could feel the comfort in her embrace, her familiar floral scent filling the air as I let out a shaky breath. Her voice was soft, yet filled with concern, and her touch made my guarded emotions threaten to spill over. “Oh, how are you?” I asked as we went to settle down on the couch. I could sense something off in her energy, but I chose to ignore it for now. “I’m angry with you, but I just chose to come,” she said, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of hurt. She tried to mask her expression, but the slight crease in her brow and the way her eyes avoided mine gave her away. I sighed, bracing myself for whatever was coming. “What… why?” I asked, even though I knew exactly why sh
LEO’S POV“But why now?” Rachel asked, her voice edged with frustration and confusion. “I mean, it’s been so long since he was arrested. Why is he attacking us now?” She paced back and forth in the sitting room, her steps quick and restless. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, and I could see the worry etched into her face. I watched her for a moment, trying to make sense of it myself. This wasn’t just a random move—it felt calculated, deliberate. But what triggered it now? After all this time? “I don’t know, Rachel,” I finally said, my tone low and serious. “But whatever it is, he clearly hasn’t let go of his grudge.” She stopped pacing and turned to face me, her eyes searching mine for answers I didn’t have."That won’t do him any good. He needed time to prepare, but eight years ago is way too long,” I said, running my hand through my hair as I tried to piece together every possible clue, every potential motive. “Or... what if he wasn’t planning anything at all?” she
VILLAIN'S POVI’ve been watching them for a long time now. Every time I see them together, it burns me inside. The way they laugh, the way they look at each other—it makes me sick. They don’t even know I exist, not when it comes to the two of them. But that’s fine. They don’t need to know, because as long as I’m alive, I’ll make sure they’re never together. I stand on the balcony, staring out into the quiet night with a glass of wine in my hand. The air is cold, biting against my skin, but I don’t care. The street below is almost empty, just a few cars passing by, their headlights cutting through the dark. The moon is high in the sky, its pale light spilling through the window and making everything look lifeless. It matches how I feel—cold and restless. My left hand grip the railing tightly, my knuckles turning white. I should have been done with this by now. Rachel wasn’t supposed to still be a problem. But the idiot I sent to take care of her is sitting in a police cell, and now
RACHEL’S POVI was stunned, frozen in place as Lily’s words echoed in my mind. She knows Someone pushed me? Why is she just telling me now?“What?!” I gasped, my voice sharper than I intended, cutting through the tense silence in the room. Lily’s eyes darted toward the door, her hand quickly gesturing for me to lower my voice. “Tell me,” I demanded, gripping her shoulders, my voice now a trembling whisper. “Who is it?” Her hesitation hung thick in the air. “It’s…” Just as she opened her mouth to reveal the truth, a sudden knock shattered the fragile moment, sending my heart racing. The atmosphere shifted instantly, tension rippling through the room like an electric charge. I felt my grip tighten on Lily’s shoulders as dread crept into my chest. Who was at the door? And did they already know what Lily was about to tell me? "Tell me… who is it?" I insisted, my voice trembling with urgency, completely ignoring the knock. Lily hesitated, her lips parting as if to final
RACHEL'S POVI insisted the hospital discharge me because I had to go to the police station. First, someone pushed me into the pool, and then I was kidnapped. Now, I can't shake the feeling that something even worse is about to happen. A sense of dread lingers, the air thick with the weight of impending danger. The tension inside me grows as I try to make sense of the chaotic events, my heart racing with fear and uncertainty.As I entered the station, my mind replayed all the horrifying moments I had endured in his place, each memory like a fresh wound reopening.“Oh, you're here to see me too?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.“Also? Was someone else here too?” I asked, a sense of confusion creeping into my voice. He chuckled softly, the sound sending an unsettling chill through the air.“I guess you're unaware. He didn’t inform you? The person who caused your kidnapping?” he said, smiling, but there was something in his expression that made me freeze. He wasn’t joking
MICHEAL’ S POV“Cecilia… listen! Just listen,” I urged, trying to soothe her, but she was far too wound up, pacing back and forth like a storm about to break.“Don’t tell me to calm down! I need to deal with Leo. How dare he treat his younger brother like this? Why is he being so cruel to you?” Her voice was sharp with anger, each word carrying the weight of her frustration.A strange warmth filled me, knowing someone was this fiercely on my side. Perhaps I should have held onto her years ago, made her mine when I had the chance.“Cecilia, please… calm down,” I said gently, hoping to steady her.“Don’t tell me to calm down!” she snapped, grabbing her jacket, preparing to storm out. But before she could take another step, I wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her close.She froze, her breath hitching as I held her tight. I leaned down, my lips close to her ear, my voice a soft murmur. “I’m okay. I promise,” I whispered, letting each word linger. “And besides, time heals ever
LEO’S POV“What do you mean I’m the cause of everything?” I asked, my voice tense. He grinned mischievously.“You think I’d just tell you? No, that’s a puzzle for you to figure out,” he replied, leaning back with a smug look.I could tell he was playing mind games, trying to throw me off balance. But if I played my cards right, there was a good chance I could get him on my side.“Alright, listen,” I said, keeping my tone steady. “I have an offer for you. Tell me who hired you and the price he promised. I’ll give you triple whatever he’s offering.”He smirked, his expression unreadable.“I’m sorry, but you can’t give me what I want.”He replied, and I chuckled, matching his mischievous grin. “You sure about that? Money? I’ve got plenty. Connections? I have those too. And power? You know well enough that I’m number one on the list of Las Vegas’ most powerful bachelors. As far as I’m concerned, there’s a limit to what your employer can do for you—but his limits are like infinity compa