★★★★★ Rebecca didn’t pack much, careful not to raise suspicion with her parents. She called a cab, loaded her small luggage, and told her parents she’d be staying with a friend for a few days to clear her mind. Upon arriving at Edward’s house, the servants greeted her. Just the day before, they had been wary of her presence, especially in front of their master. Now, they had been informed she would be living under the same roof. They took her luggage to the other room. Rebecca sat on the couch, her palm pressed against her forehead, as a dull ache throbbed in her head. Just then, the head butler approached her and asked, "Miss Jonas, would you care for some tea?" "Actually..." Rebecca began to reply, but before she could finish, a sharp voice cut through the air, "What are you doing here?" Rebecca turned her head toward the entrance and saw Veronica standing there, her eyes widening in shock as she quickly rose from her seat. "I’m just here..." Rebecca stammered, scrambling for a
★★★★★Rebecca smiled hearing the man, adding, "You are the first person who said I can be a model. Thank you! But I doubt I’d fit into that role." “No one’s ever encouraged you! Take a look!” the man said, turning the camera toward Rebecca. She admired the photos; she truly looked beautiful crossing the road. The street light gave her face a soft glow. Rebecca withdrew her head from her pictures and said, “You’re a really talented photographer! Your work is impressive. But I’d appreciate it if you didn’t post my pictures—I really hate attention!”"What? You’ll be popular once the photos go up on our website!" the man insisted, genuinely believing these pictures could secure a top spot in the competition. "No… please. It’s my request," Rebecca replied, firm in her decision. She did not want attention on her at all. Meanwhile, the queue dwindled, leaving her as the last person waiting."Okay!" The man replied and turned around, leaving Rebecca's side, but for some reason, Rebecca felt
★★★★★ "Connor, oh my God!" Rebecca exclaimed, her face lighting up with pure excitement as a wide smile spread across her lips. Connor was Edward's brother, adopted by Elder Harrington when he was just a child. Rebecca had watched him grow up until one day, he was sent abroad for his studies and never returned. She had asked about him countless times, but Grandfather always dodged the question, leaving her wondering what had really happened. And now, here he was, standing right in front of her. Connor moved swiftly toward Rebecca, arms wide open, but she stopped him with a sudden shout, "Wait! The food will ruin your clothes!" Quickly, Rebecca placed the cup down on the ground before she stepped into his embrace. Connor didn’t hesitate; he lifted her effortlessly off the ground, spinning her around as he laughed. "It's been too long, Rebecca!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with joy as he held her in the air. "Stop, stop!" Rebecca laughed, clinging to Connor's neck as he twirled
★★★★Rebecca gritted her teeth in anger as she followed him into his room. The first thing that caught her eye was a red thong carelessly discarded on the floor next to the bed. Her hand instinctively curled into a fist, fury boiling inside her, even though she was fully aware of his relationship with Veronica.He had married her just to torment her, making her feel utterly filthy. Withdrawing her gaze from the thong, Rebecca turned back toward the door and stood there, anger coursing through her. Meanwhile, Edward went into the bathroom to retrieve the medicine box. When he returned and saw her still standing outside, he couldn't help but notice how she had hesitated to follow him in.Then not minding about this matter, Edward paused at the door and handed her the medicine. "Here's a painkiller. Take one now and keep another for later," he said, reaching for a glass of water. But before he could offer it, Rebecca turned on her heel and walked away without saying a word."What the he
★★★★★The next morning, Rebecca was awakened by a knock on the door. Feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, she stepped out of her room and was greeted by Connor, holding a bouquet. His skin glistened with sweat, and he was shirtless, his athletic build on full display, adding an undeniable charm. She couldn’t help but feel a little flustered, her cheeks warming as her thoughts wandered in directions she hadn’t expected.In the past, she might have teased him, but now he was no longer the boy she used to know—he was a grown man.“I don’t recall any special occasion that warrants flowers this early,” she remarked, her tone light. “And why are you so sweaty?”"I was out jogging and somehow took a liking to these flowers," Connor said with a playful smile, his eyes lingering on Rebecca’s messy yet endearing appearance. "Then I realized I had no one to give them to... until I got home.""Next time, if the flowers are not for me, I won't take them," Rebecca replied with a casual smi
★★★★★ The sudden outburst left everyone at the table stunned. The butler quickly served Connor, who chuckled and glanced at Edward. “Relax, Ed! I’m not in any rush,” he said, casually reaching for Rebecca’s half-finished juice. Edward’s jaw tightened, a flicker of frustration evident as his eyes locked on Rebecca. Just as he was about to speak, Veronica broke the silence. “I didn’t know Edward had a brother!” Veronica exclaimed, her surprise evident as she took in the striking man now comfortably seated beside Rebecca. "Well, that's because Edward’s always been secretive—and shy," Connor teased, a playful smirk on his face. "Just like he never mentioned you or how much he adored you until I saw you two on TV." Simultaneously, he sliced his omelette and placed a piece onto Rebecca’s plate. She shook her head to decline, but he insisted, "I asked the cook to make it for us both. Besides, I know how much you love omelettes for breakfast." "Thank you," Rebecca murmured. "How about we
★★★★★“He’s doing it all for himself. He makes me feel like I’m the employee here,” Klein said, frustration flashing in his eyes.“If you tried looking at this positively, you wouldn’t feel like an employee. Besides, he’s the one who got you out of prison. I don’t think you should be bothered by something so minor,” Rebecca replied. She knew one thing for sure—as long as Edward gave his word, he wouldn’t let this company suffer.“Rebecca,” Pete began, cutting into the tense exchange between father and daughter, “you have no idea what he’s capable of. He manipulates you, makes you believe he’s working for your benefit, but in truth, he’s just reaching out to take what’s closest to you.”"I understand! But what exactly are you thinking, Dad?" Rebecca asked her father after listening to Pete. Somewhere, she could connect the dot to what she listened to outside of the chamber."Nothing. All I want is to remain the owner of my own company," Klein said, standing up from his seat as he made
★★★★★ “I’m fine, Mr. Pete! I just wasn’t really prepared to go out,” Rebecca replied, offering an excuse. She hadn’t realized how closely Pete was watching her. “You look perfect. I mean, you’re perfect just the way you are!” Pete said warmly. His words were meant to be sweet, but instead of making her blush, they left Rebecca feeling distinctly uncomfortable. "Thank you, Mr. Pete!" Rebecca said. "Call me Pete- and I mean it," Pete said, staring at the side of her face. Rebecca, in response, smiled lightly and hurried inside the gallery. It was uncomfortable to hear such sweet words from a middle-aged man, who had a twisted intention. The gallery was vast and stunning, filled with people admiring the exclusive photographs on display. Though she had been hesitant about coming, Rebecca found herself unexpectedly enjoying the experience. Taking a turn, she went to the next session but got stumped seeing her three huge pictures in three frames. It was from yesterday night when she wa
★★★★★Imara’s face remained impassive, her tone cold and measured as she continued, "They weren’t going to stop the bond between you and Edward, especially after his accident. But they should have. My father is Mr. Harrington’s best friend; it only makes sense that they’d think of me for Edward. We’re equals, Rebecca. Same status, same world. You? You never belonged. Besides," she added, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Mr. Harrington and your mother were having an affair. Your relationship was a mistake from the beginning."Her words hung in the air, sharp as a blade. There wasn’t a flicker of remorse in her expression, as if she were narrating a mundane event instead of confessing to tearing lives apart.Rebecca’s breath hitched, disbelief etched into every feature of her tear-streaked face. "You’re fucking insane," she spat, her voice trembling with both rage and heartbreak. "I can’t believe it. At your age, you plotted something so cruel, so vile. You didn’t just ruin Edward’s life—y
★★★★★Connor stood there as if paralyzed, his eyes fixed on Edward’s lifeless body, the blood pooling beneath it. His face was a mask of shock, but he didn’t move or speak; he just stood frozen in that terrible moment.Imara, her face streaked with tears, whipped her head around to glare at him. "You bastard!" she shouted, her voice trembling with fury and despair. "You said you wouldn’t let anything happen to him! And now—now he’s not breathing! You betrayed me, didn’t you?"Connor’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he glared at her, his voice low and cold. "Keep your mouth quiet," he said, the distaste in his tone unmistakable.Imara surged to her feet, her fists clenched as she marched toward him. "Don’t you dare tell me to keep quiet! You planned this, didn’t you? You knew this would happen! I stood by you. After all, I trusted you because I wanted to protect him—and you let this happen!"Connor’s expression darkened further, his jaw tightening as he took a threatening step
★★★★★Rebecca’s confession landed like a bomb in the room, silencing everyone in its wake. Edward’s face twisted in fury, his breathing ragged as he stepped back and reached behind him.In one fluid motion, he pulled out a gun, the metallic glint catching the faint light. His eyes were ablaze with unrestrained rage.“I shouldn’t have trusted you,” Edward growled, his voice low and venomous. “I shouldn’t have saved your face from public humiliation. You don’t deserve redemption. You deserve to die in the filth you’ve created.”Rebecca’s breath hitched, her bravado wavering as she took a step back. Connor instinctively moved to shield her, his hands raised in a plea.“Edward, stop!” Connor shouted, his voice edged with panic.Edward ignored him, his gaze fixed solely on Rebecca. “Your entire family ruined mine,” he snarled, his grip tightening on the gun. He raised it, the barrel now trained on Rebecca.Imara gasped, her heart pounding in terror as she instinctively stepped forward. “Ed
★★★★★“I didn’t know this place was so far from the town,” Imara said as she stepped out of the car, glancing around at the pitch-black surroundings. The faint crunch of gravel beneath her shoes was the only sound in the still night. Her arms crossed instinctively as a cool breeze brushed past.Edward closed the car door behind him and stepped forward, his eyes scanning the unlit house in the distance. “This is the place my father bought,” he said, his voice low but calm. “He used to bring us here when he wanted to escape the chaos of work… to relax with the family.”Imara tilted her head, her curiosity piqued as she followed his gaze to the looming structure. “It looks so isolated,” she remarked, her tone a mix of awe and unease. “No wonder it’s good for getting away.”Edward nodded, his expression darkening slightly as he noticed the lack of lighting around the house. “Connor should’ve turned on the lights,” he muttered, his voice edged with irritation. “It’s too quiet.”Imara stepp
★★★★“I know where they are,” Imara said hesitantly, her voice laced with reluctance. She withdrew her hand from Edward, her other hand fidgeting with the edge of her scarf. “Rebecca told me… but she made me promise not to tell you. She said, under no circumstances, should you know where she’s gone.” Her eyes briefly flickered back to Edward before darting away again. “But seeing you like this… feeling betrayed, struggling… I can’t keep it from you.”Edward leaned forward slightly, his intense gaze fixed on her. His expression softened for a brief moment, though the storm brewing in his eyes remained. “Thank you, Imara,” he said with a firm nod. “If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like you to come with me. It’ll be safer that way. I’ll send someone to keep an eye on your father.”Imara shook her head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “No, you don’t need to worry about him. Father… he prefers being alone. He usually lies to make sure I won’t fuss over him.” She grabbed h
★★★★★"You were with Rebecca?" Edward’s voice cut through the air, sharp but measured, as he fixed his piercing gaze on Imara. His dark eyes searched hers, but Imara refused to meet his look, her attention darting around the room instead. Her restless fingers fiddled with the hem of her jacket, an obvious tell that something was off. Anyone watching them would have easily pegged this as a date gone sour.“Yes,” Imara finally said, her voice barely audible. She brought her hands to the table, but her eyes stayed glued to the surface, tracing invisible patterns on the polished wood. “She dropped Ella and me at our homes after dinner.”Edward leaned forward slightly, his brows knitting together, though his tone remained controlled. “Hmmm,” he murmured, his composure wavering as the edges of his frustration began to show. “Do you have any idea where she might be now? Or if she met anyone while you were with her?”Imara’s head shot up briefly, her lips parting as if to speak, but then she
★★★★★The first picture stopped Edward in his tracks, his gaze freezing on the screen. It was Rebecca, embracing Connor in the middle of the road. Her arms were wrapped around him, her expression soft.The next image was worse. Connor’s lips pressed against Rebecca’s neck, her eyes closed as if savouring the moment. They were in a car, the angle of the shot suggesting it had been taken from a deliberate distance.Edward’s blood boiled. His grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles turned white. He swallowed back the roar building in his chest, his mind spiralling into chaos. His fingers worked furiously, dialling Connor’s number.Out of reach.He growled under his breath and immediately tried Rebecca’s number. The same result.With a sharp exhale, Edward called Imara instead.“Edward?” Imara’s voice came through, calm and comforting as always. “What’s going on?”“Where are you?” Edward barked, his tone cutting through her pleasantries.“At home,” she replied cautiously. “Is there
★★★★★"You don’t have to lie to me," Edward hissed, his voice venomous, his nostrils flaring as he struggled to contain his rage. "I went deep, Mrs. Jonas—deep enough to uncover every detail. The resort, the night you spent with my father... everything. Each piece of evidence screams your name."Rebecca’s mother staggered backwards, her composure unravelling as a thread pulled too tight. Her legs buckled beneath her, and she collapsed to the ground, trembling. Tears streamed down her face as the weight of his words sank in. The sin she had buried, the one she had tried so desperately to forget, now loomed over her, undeniable and raw."Edward..." she whispered, her voice cracking. "It wasn’t... it wasn’t what you think.""Spare me the excuses," Edward snapped, his eyes ablaze with fury. "Do you have any idea what you did to my family? To my mother? You shattered her life, and for what? Your selfish desires?"Mrs Jonas covered her face with her hands; her sobs muffled but gut-wren
★★★★"Are you hurt?" Connor asked, his voice low yet steady, as his eyes swept over Rebecca, searching for any sign of injury. His gaze lingered on her trembling frame, moving from her face to her scraped knees and bruised legs."You… you killed that man," Rebecca exclaimed, her voice shaky, ignoring his question entirely.Connor sighed, his expression unreadable. "I had no choice but to gun him down," he replied, his tone devoid of regret. "He had a knife in his pocket, and you were defenceless."He stepped closer, his hand lifting to gently cup her cheek, his eyes scanning hers for reassurance. But Rebecca flinched, taking a small step back.Connor lowered his hand, his expression softening as he placed the gun back in its holster. “Relax,” he murmured, his tone quieter. “I didn’t think this through—I only thought about saving you. That’s all.”Rebecca’s breath hitched, her mind reeling. “There’s someone else we need to save,” she said urgently, her words tumbling out. “Imara.