Chapter: The Real DevilsMaya's POV"What do you mean?" I whispered.He hesitated. "Regan, he got arrested."I was stunned. "What? Why?""I don't know," he stuttered, shivering. "They just showed up, handcuffed him, and drove away. I asked them what they were doing, but they weren't telling me anything. Maya, I really have to go. My flight is an hour. I just wanted you to know."I was going to question her when the line disconnected.I stood there with my phone, panting. My head spun so quickly that it hurt.Theresa's voice broke in. "Maya, what's wrong?"I spoke to her, my trembling hands. "Regan's been arrested."She gasped, her hand in front of her mouth. "What? Why?""I don't know," I whispered, shaking my head. "Andrew said nothing. He had to go."We just looked at one another, stunned. We couldn't even consider it at all.We have to know what is going on," I blurted out.Theresa agreed. "Let's go to the station."I ran to my closet and grabbed the first things that lay within reach, my fingers fumbling
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: ButterfliesMaya's POVMy cheeks grew hot with embarrassment, and I tried to play dumb. "It was… fine.""Fine?" She mocked me with laughter. "No, no, no. You're not going to give me one-word answer. Something did happen. I noticed the way you and Andrew were making eyes at each other before Andrew's phone cut you short. Spill the beans, Maya."I pressed my lips together, considering whether to dodge or just confess. But the excitement in her eyes left me with little alternative.Finally, I sighed and drew breath, "We're… officially dating."Theresa's jaw fell wide open, then a scream so high I had to shush her before Mom would burst in. "Are you kidding me?!"I nodded, a goofy smile splitting my lips. "Yes. He asked me this morning, and… I said yes."She clapped her hands over her face, still shrieking through them. "Oh my God, oh my God! I knew it! I knew something was going on. You've been glowing all day.""I have not," I protested weakly, though my cheeks betrayed me with their warmth."Yes,
Last Updated: 2025-10-17
Chapter: FarewellMaya's POVAndrew nodded gravely. "She could, yeah. If she thinks you're still recovering."Theresa rolled her eyes theatrically. "Don't tell me you're going over to his side now."I shrugged, not wanting to grin. "I just don't think it's the worst idea."Regan grinned smugly, clearly happy. "Finally. Someone makes sense."Theresa tossed a pillow at him, which he expertly caught. "Don't get too big for your britches. I still say beach.""Let's make a list," Andrew said, trying to remain the voice of reason. "Beach, camping, or something else altogether. We'll decide tonight."I breathed slowly out, my heart still pounding quicker than it should be. "As long as we're together, I don't care. I just want us to go do something we'll remember."Andrew's expression softened. "Then that's what we'll do."We brainstormed the next half hour spewing out other ideas, movies, amusement parks, even karaoke night, but none of them stayed like the first two.Theresa would not sleep in the dirt, and
Last Updated: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Failed PlanMaya's POVI let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my hand reflexively clenching the blanket wrapped around my waist. "I'm better too. A bit exhausted, but nothing like yesterday."He tilted his head to the side, eyes flashing with something cunning. "Your body's healing quick. Strong. I knew you weren't as fragile as you attempted to lead me to believe."I rolled my eyes, though the heat that crept up my neck betrayed me. “Don’t make it sound weird. I’m still recovering, remember?”He chuckled, low and smooth. “I remember. Doesn’t stop me from noticing you.”Before I could even formulate a response, a loud knock came at the door. I jumped involuntarily, my stomach churning. Regan stood up immediately, his eyes roaming in the direction of the door as though he hadn't expected anyone so early.There was another knock, and it was followed by Theresa's familiar voice. "Maya? Awake?"I exchanged a hurried glance with Regan before answering, "Yeah!The door creaked open and The
Last Updated: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Confessed AffectionMaya's POVI hesitated, my heart thudding in my chest. My mouth parted, but the words stuck in my throat, shivering under the weight of all they meant.Regan's gaze held mine, steady, holding back. He wasn't forcing me, but the intensity of his stare left no room to sidestep the truth any longer.Finally, I exhaled and barely managed a whisper, "I… I can be yours."The relief that moved across his face was immediate.A creeping smile inched across his lips, lighting up his face in a manner that made my stomach turn.He leaned in close, the heat of his breath on my skin, and before I could even register it, his lips were on mine.The kiss was hesitant at first, tender, inquiry-like, as if he required assurance that I would not send him away.I didn't. I moved closer and let myself melt into his lips.The tenderness soon gave way to something more demanding, more forceful.His hand came to the back of my neck, pulling me towards him, and with every kiss of his lips on mine, the fire in
Last Updated: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Alone With HimMaya's POVI adjusted my shoulders a bit square, gritting determination into my voice. "I'm fine. The problem is, my mom. I don't think she'll let me go if she's not absolutely sure I'm all right. But don't worry, I'll figure out how to get around her."Andrew sighed and glanced down at his phone. "My friend isn't answering my call. I'm going over there so I can tell him about the yacht in person.""I'll go with you," Regan offered on impulse."I want to go too," Theresa said, then paused, looking at me. "But Maya can't stay home alone."Regan shook his head again. "Then I'll stay with Maya if you do plan to leave."Andrew smiled reassuringly at me. "I'll be right back, okay?"Theresa touched my shoulder lightly, her tone teasing but restrained. "Take care of my best friend when I'm not around," she said to Regan.Regan nodded, his gaze for an instant met hers. "Don't worry. I'll take care of her."And that was it, Theresa and Andrew were both gone, with only the two of us- me and Reg
Last Updated: 2025-09-04
Chapter: The first strikeAdeline's POVMy eyes briefly went to Mikhail as he asked the question. I wasn't so sure what to say since I didn't really know Jackson.Mikhail leaned closer, “You can tell him everything. I trust him greatly, so go ahead" he assured again even though he had done it before.I sighed and began to tell him the story. I started from when I met Conrad, reliving a moment I had thought was my happiest. “It was a museum exhibition, some of the oldest pieces from the old India and their empires. I met him there"As I continued, I remembered how Conrad had struck me. The way his brown eyes had me dazzled, his accent. How he had mesmerized me with the correct history of whatever I looked at. As I said it I wondered if it had ever been real.It had been too smooth - our conversations. The simple way he had slid into the group I had found myself with. He hadn't approached me first nor was I last but he had managed to make an impression that led me to texting him.Jackson stopped me for a moment,
Last Updated: 2026-02-16
Chapter: A beginningAdeline's POVAn hour later I was back in Mikhail's office. He seemed to be in the middle of closing something and so I waited. We had a meeting with his PR manager and I was going to join him because of course this was all me.Finally, he looked up. “Let's be on our way then" he smiled at me and led the way with me following behind him obediently.We went into the empty elevator and once the doors were closed, he entered the seventh floor. “Aren't those your special surgery room floor?" I asked. He never took anyone there unless it was for surgery or inspection.He looked at me, leaning against the shiny walls, his dark suit matched his eyes, giving him a suave look, “Yes, but my private conference room also resides there, so you'll have to see it" . He had a look on his face that made me smile.“Well, I'm eager to see what it holds." I was about to add something else when the elevator suddenly stopped. My heart froze just as it did and I looked at him.He looked back at me, walking
Last Updated: 2026-02-16
Chapter: A startMikhail's POVI stared at her from across the table, wanting to say so many things and yet knowing not to say them. For so long, she had always been someone I mentored but this was affecting me way more than it needed to.Something warned me to stay away but that I couldn't. Even if I wanted to, which I didn't, it involved my reputation as well. One I had carefully curated, making sure there was no stain. My hospitals were the best, including my pharmacies.If this narrative spread too much, trust would fall greatly. Board members had already begun to call for an emergency meeting and this video had worsened an already horrible situation.She looked crestfallen, and I could understand her a little bit. Already I could imagine this scenario with her in it. Her playing a role with her father to bring me down, it would sting just as much and it hurt that I couldn't do just anything about it.There was a knock, it brought her out of her thoughts for a moment, eyes going to the door but sh
Last Updated: 2026-02-16
Chapter: A child's voiceAdeline's POVWhen morning came, it wasn't with comfort. I still didn't know what to do next. Even if Mikhail had tried to assure me and tell me things would be fine, steps had to be taken for that and I couldn't think of anything.I was ready for the day a few hours later, disregarding breakfast. Father sat at the table with his assistant, both of them in deep conversation. “Good morning" he greeted me as soon as he saw me. The lines on his forehead had almost doubled."Good morning dad. Will you be going to work today?” I asked him.He nodded his head, waiting to finish chewing before he spoke, "Yes, I've got a few important meetings this morning. A couple of deals to pull off” his voice had dropped.I wondered if his clients would be hesitant due to his relationship with me. Last night's live from Conrad had further destroyed his reputation. It was my fault, I knew this and I couldn't stand it.But just then my phone vibrated with a message. I opened it to see it was from Mikhail,
Last Updated: 2026-02-16
Chapter: planningConrad's POVMy eyes scanned the empty road carefully. There was no room for mistake, not even a bit. The media couldn't catch me and I sure as hell wouldn't let Adeline do either. If everything had to work out in my favor - being careful was my first savior. When I was sure that there was no watching, nothing lurking in the shadows, I crossed the road into the empty car park. I found his car there, just as we had rehearsed. The door was open already and so I easily slid it. He turned to look at me, locking the doors and fogging the windows. “You have everything with you?” He asked immediately. Somehow it seemed that Devon was even more threatened by this situation than me. He had been the one to give me the suggestion as soon as the news of Adeline's press conference made its round. But this, it had been all me. I opened the documents, one by one, displaying them on the dashboard as it should all be arranged. The phones that had been planted alongside this were also inside the fi
Last Updated: 2026-02-14
Chapter: BacklashAdeline's POV Mikhail's assistant went to the TV, enlarging the comment section so it sat side by side with Conrad's wicked face. That way we would be able to see what everyone else was thinking and know what points we would need to use to counter. ‘But she's the one who left you - Green15’‘Why would she need to destroy you? - Ib78’‘I made a bet with Mads,I told her you both would break up. This doesn't surprise me. Fake celebrity couples-Ty09’‘Your foundation didn't help much anyway-Theblackkidonyourblock33’‘Tell us the story- pea47’‘There was always something in her eyes. I knew it wasn't right-whoareyou27’I couldn't stand to read the comments any longer. Even though Conrad was spitting venom, at least I knew he was a snake. I had accepted that. But the public burned a little more because they believed these lies. Conrad continued, “Please be patient with me" , that fake sadness still in his tone. “It's a little hard talking about this" he gestured behind him. “My assistant
Last Updated: 2026-02-14
Chapter: EpilogueDarla's POVI watched everything unfold from a distance, quietly observing the chaos and the resolutions that followed. Richard had shocked everyone by marrying Mandy. Melanin had begged, cried, and tried everything to sway him, but he had pushed her away without a second glance, choosing Mandy and making it clear that there was no turning back. It stunned everyone,friends, family, even those who thought they knew him well. His calm, decisive choice left no room for second-guessing, and in a way, it felt like the closing of a painful chapter for everyone involved.Melanin, on the other hand, was a broken figure amidst the wreckage of her own making. She had gone back to Sam, thinking that perhaps he could be a refuge, someone to cling to for comfort or validation, but Sam’s response was colder than she had expected. He rejected her bluntly, stating that there was nothing left in her that he could respect, love, or even tolerate. That rejection hit her harder than any scandal or
Last Updated: 2025-12-30
Chapter: My DecisionRichard's POVThe hotel was quiet, discreet, exactly the kind of place no one would look twice at. I checked in, got the key, and went up to the room. Once inside, I loosened my tie and sat on the edge of the bed, my elbows resting on my knees.Everything felt like it was closing in.Too many names. Too many lies.I hadn’t even finished processing my conversation with Xavier when Mandy’s name lit up my screen again.I’m here.Less than a minute later, there was a soft knock on the door.I opened it to find Mandy standing there, dressed simply, her expression serious. No seductive smile. No playful glint in her eyes. Whatever she had come to say wasn’t about pleasure.I stepped aside to let her in.As soon as the door closed, I asked, “What’s happening?”She didn’t sit immediately. She paced once, then stopped and looked at me. “Darla knows.”I stiffened slightly. “Knows what?”“That Melanie is sleeping with Sam.”I let out a slow breath. “I figured.”She blinked. “You did?”“Xavier
Last Updated: 2025-12-30
Chapter: New PlanRichard’s POVThe glass was cold against my palm, the amber liquid inside barely moving as Vincent talked. We were seated at his private lounge, the lights dim, the kind of place where secrets felt lighter once alcohol got involved.“So,” Vincent said casually, swirling his drink. “How’s Mandy?”I didn’t answer immediately. I took a slow sip instead, letting the burn trail down my throat. My mind flashed, skin, heat, the quiet danger of her presence under my roof while Melanie slept upstairs.“To be honest?” I finally said.Vincent smirked. “I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”“She’s… great,” I admitted. “On the bed.”He raised an eyebrow. “Better than Melanie?”I laughed under my breath, shaking my head slightly. “Much better.”Vincent let out a low whistle. “Damn.”“She’s uncomplicated,” I continued, staring into my glass. “No pretending. No emotional chess. Just… release.”“And Melanie?” he asked.I clenched my jaw. “Melanie is… history I haven’t finished closing yet.”Vincent leaned back
Last Updated: 2025-12-30
Chapter: My Worse FearsMelanie’s POVI stood there long after Darla walked out, staring at the door like it might open again and tell me this was all some twisted joke.Sleeping with Sam.The words echoed in my head, sharp and poisonous.My heart was racing so hard it felt like it was trying to escape my chest. I lifted a hand to my throat, swallowing, forcing myself to breathe. I had laughed it off in front of her. I had acted calm, amused, superior.But inside?Inside, panic was clawing its way up my spine.“How did she know?” I whispered to myself.I turned sharply. “Everyone out.”The room went quiet.One of the guys frowned. “What?”“The party is over,” I snapped. “Now.”They didn’t argue. One by one, they grabbed their things, murmured awkward goodbyes, and filtered out of the house. In less than five minutes, the space felt too big, too empty.Too loud with my thoughts.I slammed the door shut and leaned against it, chest heaving.Mandy was still there, standing awkwardly by the couch, her brows dra
Last Updated: 2025-12-30
Chapter: Clap-BackDarla’s POVThe house Mandy sent me the address to was nothing like what I expected.It wasn’t loud. No blasting music. No drunken chaos spilling into the street. Just a quiet, well-furnished duplex tucked away in a gated area, the kind of place people used when they didn’t want to be noticed.Interesting.I parked, took a steadying breath, and stepped out of the car.By the time I knocked, the door opened almost immediately. Mandy stood there, glass in hand, surprise flickering briefly across her face before she masked it with a smile.“You’re early,” she said.“I said within an hour,” I replied lightly. “This counts.”She stepped aside to let me in.Inside, there were a few people scattered around, two men on the couch talking quietly, a woman leaning against the counter scrolling through her phone. Laughter drifted from somewhere deeper in the house. The atmosphere felt… contained. Controlled. Like everyone here knew discretion was part of the deal.And then I saw her. Melanie.
Last Updated: 2025-12-30
Chapter: UnbelievableDarla's POV“So all this time,” I said, more to myself than to him, “she was hiding behind Richard… judging everyone else.”“I didn’t want to tell you like this,” Xavier said. “But you deserved to know. Especially since Sam’s name keeps coming up around you.”I closed my eyes briefly. The irony was bitter. I had been fighting to prove I was innocent of something that had never existed, while the real affair was happening right under everyone’s nose.“I didn’t expect this,” I admitted. “Not at all.”“I know,” he said softly.There was a moment of silence between us, different from the tense silence in the car earlier. This one felt heavy, thoughtful.“So now you know,” he continued. “That’s the full story.”I let out a slow breath. “Thank you for telling me.”“I’m not saying this to win an argument,” he said quickly. “Or to justify what I did. I know I went about it the wrong way.”I didn’t answer immediately. My emotions were too tangled for quick responses.“I need time,” I said fin
Last Updated: 2025-12-30
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