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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 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
LEO’S POVWe’ve been enemies for years, and nothing unusual happened. But the moment we started caring for each other, the strange occurrences returned, darker and more unsettling.As I drove to meet Micheal, a plan already forming in my mind, my phone rang. Rachel. Her voice was filled with urgency, and the next words she spoke left me cold."What?!" I shouted, slamming my foot on the brake. My car jerked to a stop, my heart racing as if it might tear through my chest."Dave has never been in prison?" I asked, my voice low, but the disbelief was clear. I clung to the steering wheel, knuckles white. "No," Rachel confirmed, her voice shaky. "There are no records of him in the prison database." That was it. Dave was involved—he had a hand in all of this madness. My pulse quickened, thoughts spinning as I tried to piece it all together."I’m coming. I’ll get back to you," I said, my voice strained. Hanging up, I pressed the gas pedal, my mind now consumed by questions.As I drove, I dia
RACHEL’ S POV I know things have been awkward between us lately. We were at loggerheads just weeks ago, but this variety show brought us closer than I ever expected. "Leo..." I called, and he looked up at me. He was sitting a bit far away but moved closer, settling next to me. "Yes?" he answered, his eyes locking with mine. I have so many questions I want to ask him, especially now, but I don't know how to begin. "Could you hand me my phone?" I asked, stretching out my hand. He passed it to me, and I played a video before handing it back to him. He watched it, and I could tell he remembered. "I think this is where everything between us started," I said. It was a video of the day my dad was hit in that tragic accident. For a long time, I believed Leo was responsible, but over the months, doubt crept in. The video felt too real to dismiss, but part of me started wondering if I had been wrong all along. Maybe, just maybe, I should’ve asked instead of blaming him from the start. B
LEO'S POVAs I stepped further into the abandoned building, my heart raced. In the flickering light, I spotted Rachel, tied to a chair, her eyes wide with fear. Panic surged through me as I noticed a group of men emerging from a dark room, their expressions menacing. What made my blood run cold was the sight of a bomb strapped to her body, wires and a digital timer blinking ominously. My instincts kicked in, and I couldn't think of anything else but getting to her. I rushed toward Rachel, my heart pounding in my chest. “Get away from her!” I shouted, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The men, however, just laughed, their eyes filled with malice. One of them held a remote, taunting me with it. “Step closer, and we’ll set it off,” he sneered. “Leo, don’t!” Rachel pleaded, her voice trembling. But I couldn’t back down. I took another step forward, my resolve unyielding. In an instant, pain exploded in my leg as I felt a sharp sting; I had been shot. I stumbled but kept my focus o
LEO'S POVAs I stepped further into the abandoned building, my heart raced. In the flickering light, I spotted Rachel, tied to a chair, her eyes wide with fear.Panic surged through me as I noticed a group of men emerging from a dark room, their expressions menacing.What made my blood run cold was the sight of a bomb strapped to her body, wires and a digital timer blinking ominously. My instincts kicked in, and I couldn't think of anything else but getting to her.I rushed toward Rachel, my heart pounding in my chest.“Get away from her!” I shouted, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The men, however, just laughed, their eyes filled with malice. One of them held a remote, taunting me with it.“Step closer, and we’ll set it off,” he sneered.“Leo, don’t!” Rachel pleaded, her voice trembling. But I couldn’t back down. I took another step forward.In an instant, pain exploded in my leg as I felt a sharp sting; I had been shot. I stumbled but focused on Rachel, who was looking at me
LEO'S POV “What’s our next step?” I asked the officer, urgency lacing my voice.“Right now, we’re compiling a description of the suspect,” he replied, motioning to the forensic team working on their computers.“We’ll use facial recognition software to see if we can match him against any known criminals in the system.”Just then, Bug burst into the room, his face a mixture of concern and determination. “Leo, I’ve got something,” he said, urgency in his voice.“What is it?” I asked, my heart pounding in anticipation.“My boss once told me that she will put tracking device on all her shoes right Sarah Eli’s murder and I think it is linked to her macbook in the office” Bug said, bringing outa macbook that probably belongs to Rachel.“She said on it for safety reasons.”“Right,” I said, nodding.“She wanted to make sure we could always find her if anything happened again.” Bug continued“We can track her location using that device,” Bug said, pulling out his phone. “If she’s wearing those