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RACHEL'S POVI came out of the bathroom with the gown held tightly around me, tiptoeing to avoid making any noise. The last thing I wanted was for Leo to see me like this."Close your eyes before I step into the room!" I yelled from a distance, close enough to the room to hope he'd hear me, but there was no response."I said, close your eyes!" I shouted again as I walked in, only to find the room empty. Relief washed over me, and I quickly grabbed my clothes, making a dash for them. But just as I was about to retreat, the door swung open."Stop there!" I yelled, and he immediately closed his eyes."Good. Now don’t open them," I instructed, tiptoeing backward, making sure he wasn’t peeking.A few minutes later, I returned, fully dressed. "Alright, your turn," I said with a smirk, expecting him to leave the room so he could shower.Leo, clearly enjoying the situation, grinned. "Now I’d like you to leave the room so that I can bathe," he said, his tone teasing.I folded my arms, refusing
LEO'S POVI sensed a figure hovering over me. At first, I thought it was Rachel, but then I realized it wasn't her scent.Before I opened my eyes, I heard her words.“Excuse me, you know, I think you seem to have an unrequited interest in my husband.”I stayed silent, listening to their conversation.For some reason, I felt satisfied with Rachel’s comebacks.I could sense the tension between them.I know Helen is saying those things because she seems to be interested in me, but what about Rachel? What was her reason for doing so?“So you were awake?!” she asked, hands on her hips, as though she felt betrayed.I opened my eyes and sat up, raising my face to meet her gaze. Her eyes showed she had just woken up.“Yeah,” was all I could mutter.“Oh, I see. So you enjoyed it while she was here hovering over you?” she asked again, and I wondered why she was so invested in it.“Why do you care?” I asked, and it looked as though those words hurt her. She kept quiet and turned to leave but then
RACHEL'S POVI can't remember the last time I played hide and seek; it's not fun at all. I really hope Leo finds me soon. There's a screen in the room where we can watch our husbands searching for us.The room I'm in is dark blue, filled with luxury items that only a billionaire would have to pass the time—there’s a state-of-the-art entertainment system, a stocked bar with vintage wines, gourmet snacks, and even a mini spa setup. Anything to keep from getting bored.I sat down at the table filled with food and remembered Barrister Hudson’s call earlier, informing me that the first court appearance is on Tuesday, just after we leave this castle.I felt suffocated, wondering what the prosecutors had against me.I watched through the screen as the men kept searching for us.Leo hadn’t made a move yet. I don’t know what he’s thinking.All the rooms had the same color doors, but there was something that differentiated them: the door knobs.I chose this room because I liked the design of the
LEO'S POVOf course, I hate Rachel, but I’d rather be in the same room with her than with Helen.For the past few weeks, I haven’t rested well, and after what happened yesterday in the forest, it’s been nothing but a headache. I really need to get some proper rest once we leave this castle.I told myself this as I slowly opened my eyes. I turned to see if Rachel was in the room, but she was nowhere to be found.Then the door opened gently, and there she was, peeking in to see if I was awake.“Thank goodness, you’re awake,” she said, approaching the bed.“If you feel you can stand up, then I need you to get ready because it’s almost time for the ball dance,” she said, and I ignored her.I always ignore her when I have no interest in picking a fight. She had this look in her eyes, as if she wanted to ask, “Are you feeling better?” but I knew she wouldn’t actually say it.Why was I even expecting her to ask?I sat up and slowly got out of bed while she watched my every move.Of course, I’
RACHEL'S POV**CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE****RACHEL’S POV**My mind went blank when Leo said those words. I could sense the anger in his voice, but there was also a hurt that seemed to seep through his tone. Perhaps that was why he was so aggressive toward Peter.The question I asked took a lot of courage. I wanted to mind my own business, but worry kept pushing me to ask.When I asked, Leo’s lips parted as if he wanted to answer, but then he shut them again and remained silent. I understood. Not everyone is willing to open up about personal matters, especially when their so-called enemy suddenly acts out of character.About an hour later, I got dressed in my red silky gown. The dress was form-fitting, with a deep V-neckline that added a touch of allure. The fabric shimmered under the light, and the thigh-high slit showed off my legs. The heels I wore were elegant, with delicate straps that glistened, exuding both luxury and grace.Sometimes, I wished I were Marilyn Monroe, but then again,
LEO’S POVRachel looked absolutely stunning in her red dress. The gown hugged her figure in all the right places, flowing elegantly down her legs with a thigh-high slit that added a hint of daring. The silky fabric shimmered under the lights, catching every glint and enhancing her radiant beauty. Her heels were the perfect complement—delicate, high, and exuding an air of sophistication that spoke of both elegance and expense.I was taken aback by how beautiful she looked, but I wasn’t about to let her know that. When I sensed the sincerity in her voice as she asked about Helen, I slowly opened up, realizing she wasn’t planning anything. Then, unexpectedly, the words escaped my mouth: “Care for a dance?”Rachel was silent for a moment, then nodded with a “sure.”I felt a strange satisfaction when she accepted. I wasn’t sure what would follow, but I stretched out my hand, and she placed hers in mine. I couldn’t remember the last time we held hands like this, but her touch was warm and s
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 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