*Naomi’s POV*
I woke up with a hangover, my mouth was dry, my head reeling, and my entire body ached in ways I couldn't explain. "What happened?" I asked myself as I held my head trying to recall.
The sheets that was wrapped around me were softer than mine. The scent lingering in the air was different—rich, masculine, intoxicating.
I stood up and watched as the covers slipped off my body. My naked body.
What the hell?
My hands trembled as I did a quick check—no clothes, no memory of putting them back on. Just bare skin and the faint traces of last night’s madness tingling all over me, just thinking about it was already giving me goosebumps.
Suddenly, my mood changed as I remembered all the drama from yesterday. Alexander and Rachel, the betrayal, the bar, and the stranger.
A stranger who kissed me like I was his last breath, Who whispered sweet nothing to my ear and everything against my skin, Who worshipped my body like he had spent lifetimes searching for it.
I started smiling like a child, he stared at me with his brown eyes that was filled with something dark, something dangerous.
He stares at me intently like I was a sin worth committing.
His lips had sent fire down my body, his hands molding me to his will. His mouth… Oh, his mouth.
I swallowed hard, my fingers brushing against my collarbone where his lips had lingered. My skin still felt raw from his touch.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to recall his face—but it was a blur. The only thing I could clearly remember was those piercing brown eyes and the way they had devoured me.
I groaned, burying my face in my hands.
What had I done?
I never did things like this, I have never given myself to a man I didn’t know.
But last night… Last night, I wasn't Naomi, the woman preparing to marry her so-called perfect fiancé. I was someone else entirely. Someone desperate, Someone reckless.
And now, I was alone in a stranger’s bed, the weight of my choices sinking in.
I turned my head, scanning the room. My clothes were neatly placed on a chair. My heels sat on the floor beside them.
And then—
"A note"
The note was neatly folded into half and was placed placed on the desk beside the bed.
I moved closer to the desk and picked the paper up, my heart beating.
"Thanks for last night." Attached to it was a bundle of dollar bills.
A cold, ugly feeling spread through my chest as I stared at the money, frustrating rising in me.
Wait. Did he think I was a whore?
I became furious, I squeezed the note tightly, crumpling it in my hands.
"How dare he?"
I wasn’t some woman he could pay off and forget. I didn't ask for his money neither did I sell myself to him.
I threw the sheets away, stood up from the damn bed and picked up my dress, my hands were shaking as I wore my clothes, frustration building inside me. When I was done, I turned to leave but then I stopped.
My eyes went back to the money, "I would need the money for transportation, I said to myself."
With a bitter laugh, I grabbed a few bills, threw them into my bag before storming out of the room.
...
The ride home was quiet. The driver barely spoke, and I was grateful. My head was still aching from the hangover, and also the feeling of regret.
By the time I got to my house, the sun was up already and my gut told me I was in trouble.
I barely stepped inside before I started hearing voices.
"Naomi, where were you?"
I searched the room for the owner of the voice and to my surprise, It was Alexander.
His voice came from the living room, sharp and demanding.
Rachel was beside him, arms crossed, eyes wide with concern—or was it guilt?
"Naomi, dear, are you alright?" she asked.
I stared at her.
The audacity.
Memories of last night came into my head again. The sound of her voice moaning my fiancé’s name. The way he had held her, whispered to her, loved her.
My stomach churned.
I turned away, only for another voice to slice through the room.
My Aunty, Rachel's mom.
"You were with your lover, weren't you?"
She smirked, looking me up and down like I was filth.
I was determined not to answer any of their questions, not today.
I ignored them all, heading straight for my room.
I grabbed a suitcase, throwing it open on my bed. My hands worked fast, shoving clothes, shoes, documents—anything important—inside.
Tears burned behind my eyes, but I blinked them away. I refused to cry.
Not over them, not over him.
I took a deep breath as I admired my room one last time.
"Goodbye." Without another word, I dragged my suitcase downstairs.
The sound made them all turn.
"What's going on here?" my aunty asked, her voice sharp.
I met her eyes, then Alexander’s.
Rachel shifted uncomfortably beside him.
"The wedding is off," I said.
There was a sudden silence in the room.
"Naomi, wait," Alexander stepped forward, reaching for me, but I pulled back.
"Don’t," I warned, my voice ice-cold.
His brows furrowed. "At least let’s talk about this."
I laughed, the sound bitter. "Talk? Like how you talked with Rachel last night? Or how you planned to use me for my inheritance?" I wanted to say, but kept quite.
Rachel gasped. "Naomi, what's wrong? Is it wedding glitters? Are you feeling nervous?"
"Shut up," I snapped, my patience gone.
She was shocked.
Alexander exhaled. "Naomi, please. You’re upset. And we don't even know what's wrong. Tell us so we could fix it."
Fix?
I bent my head, staring at the man I once thought was my future.
How easily he could lie, How shamelessly he could stand here and act like he did nothing.
I moved closer, my voice a whisper.
"I saw you."
His face paled.
"I heard you."
Rachel shifted beside him, her face crumbling.
"And now," I said, "I’m leaving you."
"You saw what? Heard what?" He asked, like I was speaking Latin, his face innocent as ever.
"Well I don't have the energy to banter words with a cheat. At least not today!" I said to myself.
I turned to my aunty, who looked the most displeased.
"Go ahead," she sneered. "See where life takes you."
I smirked. "Anywhere but here."
With that, I walked out.
The door slammed behind me, but I didn’t look back.
I never looked back.
*Raymond’s POV*I woke up very early in the morning, the room was lightly lit, and there she was, the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes on. She was sleeping so peacefully, the pleasing smell of her perfume filled the air —floral, intoxicating, and already fading. I started smiling as I ran a hand through my hair, forcing myself to remember everything. She had walked into my life last night like a storm, her eyes looked sad, her voice unsteady, yet her resolve was clear. "All I want is for you to make me feel good," she had pleaded.I didn't have the intention of touching her. She was clearly heartbroken, drowning in whatever betrayal had shattered her. But the moment I kissed her, I was gone.Last night was magic. The way she moved her body, the way she responded to my touch, she wasn't desperate, I could tell it was something deeper, something raw. She had trusted me with her body. And damn, I was glad I said yes, because that was the best night of my life. I s
*Noami's POV*There was only a second of silence in the room; then, it was as if the enemy dropped a bomb."You cannot do this, Naomi," Aunt said with disbelief, her face contorted by the stress. "This wedding is beyond your power to walk away from!"I rose and took my suitcase, which was held up with my hand tightly, I gripped on the handle as though my knuckles turned white due to holding it that tight.Yes, I did.My tongue gave me a flawless intonation filled with coldness.Aunt Mildred was burning with rage. She was trembling and pointed fingers at me. "If you do this, then I will take your father’s inheritance as the first thing."I knew she was threatening me not to go Well, but I was determined not to allow all that to get to me.Aunt Mildred had been my guardian since I was fourteen, ever since the accident that took my parents away and left me alone with nothing but memories of a vanished life.For nine years, she had been the one to rule over and the decisions regarding my
*Raymond's POV* Five years had passed, but I still couldn’t erase the memory of that beautiful woman. The stranger from the bar. I had spent countless nights trying to recall her face, but all I ever remembered were her deep, sorrowful eyes and the way her body melted into mine that night. She was wild, desperate, and breathtaking. And just like a storm, she had disappeared by morning. I sent out men after her, using the little information I had, but no one could find her, there was no name, no identity. Just a ghost of a woman who had burned herself into my soul. But I guess fate had its own plans. Five years had passed, and everything had changed. Alexander had moved on and married Rachel. Our father was proud, boasting to everyone about how his "perfect son" had settled down. He even gave Alexander time off from work to enjoy his marriage, while I was left behind to shoulder the entire weight of the company. I didn’t mind at first, Hard work was all I knew.Until my
Naomi’s POV"What's the best way to get to your enemy? By being close to them."That was the first plan that ran through my mind as soon as I set foot back in New York. It had been five long years since I left—years filled with pain, heartbreak, loneliness, and emptiness. But now I was back, and everything outside this city was in my past. Those years had built the new me, the me that was ready to take back what was mine. I wasn’t returning as Naomi anymore. I was coming back as Erica Smith—a new identity that would help me get revenge on Alexander. Yes, Alexander. The one person I had trusted completely, the one I loved since childhood. He’d done everything to win me over, and I even changed my life for him. I quit drinking and stopped going to my favorite bar just to impress him. But just a day before our wedding, he went and humiliated me by sleeping with my cousin, Rachel. And believe me, Rachel wasn’t going to be left out of my plan for payback. She always acted like
Naomi’s POVI turned sharply,my heart racing.And there he was.Raymond Montego.The man who had just changed my fate.He leaned casually against the doorframe,his piercing gaze meeting mine. He was tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a fitted black shirt with the top buttons open, and carried an aura of effortless domiminance. He looked every bit the man who wields power–and now, over my life.I swallowed , forcing my voice to remain in composure.” I didn't expect you to be here.”A smirk spread across the corner of his lips.”And yet, here I am.” The air between us grew heavier as he stepped into the room.“ I assume you read through the contract?”Glancing at the untouched papers in my hands. “Not entirely.” He chuckled. “Then let me make things clear, Mrs. Raymond. This arrangement is purely business. You get to play the devoted wife in public, and in return, You get my protection and access to the Montego name.”With crossed arms. “And what do you get?”His expression darkened slig
Naomi’s POVI was just beginning to adjust into the reality of my new life as Mrs. Raymond, If I was going to be a pretend wife, it would be much easier if I would be bathed in this luxury. Raymond had spoiled me with a mountain of designer clothes, bags, purses, jewelry, and shoes. I couldn’t help but run my fingers over the soft fabrics and admire the sparkling gemstones. Every piece made me feel more special.As I stood there, trying to decide what to wear, my mind was full of thoughts about my goals for that evening. I needed an outfit that was stunning enough to impress my “in-laws” and sexy enough to make Raymond fall for me. After looking through everything, I finally settled on a sleek blue dinner gown. It hugged my curves just right—simple, yet powerful. Wearing it, I felt confident and beautiful. My hair was brushed into a simple bun,almost like I had styled this morning but this time, accessories. A diamond necklace sat on my neck. Was it too much for dinner? Certainly
*Naomi's POV* Today is the happiest day of my life and obviously Tomorrow will be even better. "Aren't I the lucky one?" I asked my designer as she adjusted the fabric of my dashing wedding dress. "Yes, you are, ma'am. Not everyone gets to be with the love of their life," she replied and smiled."Well, I guess I am," I murmured, running my fingers over the fancy, delicate dress. The dress was elegant, and had nice designs and gosh—it was perfect Just like my love for Alexander. I sighed, the only thing missing was my cousin, Rachel. "I just wish Rachel was here. At least she would have helped me get fitted, we'd have had fun fitting this dress. She always does all the hyping and all.”"Don't worry, ma'am," my designer reassured me. "She said she'll be back later for your bachelorette party. No need to worry." I forced a smile. "Yes I know. Alright, I'll leave you to continue your work." "You should rest, ma'am. Tomorrow is such a big day. You need enough rest, so you can
Naomi’s POVI was just beginning to adjust into the reality of my new life as Mrs. Raymond, If I was going to be a pretend wife, it would be much easier if I would be bathed in this luxury. Raymond had spoiled me with a mountain of designer clothes, bags, purses, jewelry, and shoes. I couldn’t help but run my fingers over the soft fabrics and admire the sparkling gemstones. Every piece made me feel more special.As I stood there, trying to decide what to wear, my mind was full of thoughts about my goals for that evening. I needed an outfit that was stunning enough to impress my “in-laws” and sexy enough to make Raymond fall for me. After looking through everything, I finally settled on a sleek blue dinner gown. It hugged my curves just right—simple, yet powerful. Wearing it, I felt confident and beautiful. My hair was brushed into a simple bun,almost like I had styled this morning but this time, accessories. A diamond necklace sat on my neck. Was it too much for dinner? Certainly
Naomi’s POVI turned sharply,my heart racing.And there he was.Raymond Montego.The man who had just changed my fate.He leaned casually against the doorframe,his piercing gaze meeting mine. He was tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in a fitted black shirt with the top buttons open, and carried an aura of effortless domiminance. He looked every bit the man who wields power–and now, over my life.I swallowed , forcing my voice to remain in composure.” I didn't expect you to be here.”A smirk spread across the corner of his lips.”And yet, here I am.” The air between us grew heavier as he stepped into the room.“ I assume you read through the contract?”Glancing at the untouched papers in my hands. “Not entirely.” He chuckled. “Then let me make things clear, Mrs. Raymond. This arrangement is purely business. You get to play the devoted wife in public, and in return, You get my protection and access to the Montego name.”With crossed arms. “And what do you get?”His expression darkened slig
Naomi’s POV"What's the best way to get to your enemy? By being close to them."That was the first plan that ran through my mind as soon as I set foot back in New York. It had been five long years since I left—years filled with pain, heartbreak, loneliness, and emptiness. But now I was back, and everything outside this city was in my past. Those years had built the new me, the me that was ready to take back what was mine. I wasn’t returning as Naomi anymore. I was coming back as Erica Smith—a new identity that would help me get revenge on Alexander. Yes, Alexander. The one person I had trusted completely, the one I loved since childhood. He’d done everything to win me over, and I even changed my life for him. I quit drinking and stopped going to my favorite bar just to impress him. But just a day before our wedding, he went and humiliated me by sleeping with my cousin, Rachel. And believe me, Rachel wasn’t going to be left out of my plan for payback. She always acted like
*Raymond's POV* Five years had passed, but I still couldn’t erase the memory of that beautiful woman. The stranger from the bar. I had spent countless nights trying to recall her face, but all I ever remembered were her deep, sorrowful eyes and the way her body melted into mine that night. She was wild, desperate, and breathtaking. And just like a storm, she had disappeared by morning. I sent out men after her, using the little information I had, but no one could find her, there was no name, no identity. Just a ghost of a woman who had burned herself into my soul. But I guess fate had its own plans. Five years had passed, and everything had changed. Alexander had moved on and married Rachel. Our father was proud, boasting to everyone about how his "perfect son" had settled down. He even gave Alexander time off from work to enjoy his marriage, while I was left behind to shoulder the entire weight of the company. I didn’t mind at first, Hard work was all I knew.Until my
*Noami's POV*There was only a second of silence in the room; then, it was as if the enemy dropped a bomb."You cannot do this, Naomi," Aunt said with disbelief, her face contorted by the stress. "This wedding is beyond your power to walk away from!"I rose and took my suitcase, which was held up with my hand tightly, I gripped on the handle as though my knuckles turned white due to holding it that tight.Yes, I did.My tongue gave me a flawless intonation filled with coldness.Aunt Mildred was burning with rage. She was trembling and pointed fingers at me. "If you do this, then I will take your father’s inheritance as the first thing."I knew she was threatening me not to go Well, but I was determined not to allow all that to get to me.Aunt Mildred had been my guardian since I was fourteen, ever since the accident that took my parents away and left me alone with nothing but memories of a vanished life.For nine years, she had been the one to rule over and the decisions regarding my
*Raymond’s POV*I woke up very early in the morning, the room was lightly lit, and there she was, the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes on. She was sleeping so peacefully, the pleasing smell of her perfume filled the air —floral, intoxicating, and already fading. I started smiling as I ran a hand through my hair, forcing myself to remember everything. She had walked into my life last night like a storm, her eyes looked sad, her voice unsteady, yet her resolve was clear. "All I want is for you to make me feel good," she had pleaded.I didn't have the intention of touching her. She was clearly heartbroken, drowning in whatever betrayal had shattered her. But the moment I kissed her, I was gone.Last night was magic. The way she moved her body, the way she responded to my touch, she wasn't desperate, I could tell it was something deeper, something raw. She had trusted me with her body. And damn, I was glad I said yes, because that was the best night of my life. I s
*Naomi’s POV* I woke up with a hangover, my mouth was dry, my head reeling, and my entire body ached in ways I couldn't explain. "What happened?" I asked myself as I held my head trying to recall.The sheets that was wrapped around me were softer than mine. The scent lingering in the air was different—rich, masculine, intoxicating. I stood up and watched as the covers slipped off my body. My naked body. What the hell? My hands trembled as I did a quick check—no clothes, no memory of putting them back on. Just bare skin and the faint traces of last night’s madness tingling all over me, just thinking about it was already giving me goosebumps.Suddenly, my mood changed as I remembered all the drama from yesterday. Alexander and Rachel, the betrayal, the bar, and the stranger.A stranger who kissed me like I was his last breath, Who whispered sweet nothing to my ear and everything against my skin, Who worshipped my body like he had spent lifetimes searching for it. I started smil
*Naomi's POV* Today is the happiest day of my life and obviously Tomorrow will be even better. "Aren't I the lucky one?" I asked my designer as she adjusted the fabric of my dashing wedding dress. "Yes, you are, ma'am. Not everyone gets to be with the love of their life," she replied and smiled."Well, I guess I am," I murmured, running my fingers over the fancy, delicate dress. The dress was elegant, and had nice designs and gosh—it was perfect Just like my love for Alexander. I sighed, the only thing missing was my cousin, Rachel. "I just wish Rachel was here. At least she would have helped me get fitted, we'd have had fun fitting this dress. She always does all the hyping and all.”"Don't worry, ma'am," my designer reassured me. "She said she'll be back later for your bachelorette party. No need to worry." I forced a smile. "Yes I know. Alright, I'll leave you to continue your work." "You should rest, ma'am. Tomorrow is such a big day. You need enough rest, so you can