Chapter: Chapter 77Back in FloridaLeila“Take every damn thing out of this house.” I spat out, my arms folded as I looked down at the servants.They loaded the fourth box into the moving band parked outside while I watched.Since Andre wants war, he'll have it but not while I stay in his house.The most senior maid in the house, Christie, ran over to me, her hands trembling slightly as she extended the landline. “Ma'am, there's a woman on the phone.”I didn't spare her a glance. “Say that I'm not home.”“I can clearly hear your voice dear.” My mother's tinny voice blared through the speaker.Shit.Rolling my eyes heavenward, I called for patience while I jerked the phone out of Christie's hold. “Hello, mother. What a pleasant surprise.” I cooed in a saccharine tone.“Oh, cut the bullshit, Lilly.” She sternly said, using my nickname that I hate. “What are you thinking, moving out of your house?”“It's not mine again, Mom. It's his, he made that very clear.” I tell her, retreating further up the stairs t
Last Updated: 2025-08-12
Chapter: Chapter 76Brittney“Thanks, Jane, you're such a lifesaver.” I breathed out in relief.“Of course,” she clapped my shoulder in support. “I don't know what's going on with you right now but whatever it is, I hope it's all gets resolved pretty soon. In the meantime, it's always a delight having Samantha with me.”Giggling, she spun to face Samantha who has her legs kicking up in the air, chasing some imaginary rainbows or something.“You know that if I could tell you, I would.” I tried to explain to her.As it was now, there were so many uncertainties hanging in the air and with the recent interaction I just had with Adam Willis, I'm not risking or putting anyone's lives in danger.“Girl, you know I don't care about that.” She drawled sweetly, pulling me closer. “All I want to know is if you're okay. Physically and mentally.”My mouthed up and snapped shut.While I can attest to being of sound health, I can't vouch for my mental state as it currently was in shambles.“I will be,” I eventually mana
Last Updated: 2025-08-12
Chapter: Chapter 75BrittneyThis has to be one of the most stupid things I've ever done.I had Katrina reach out to Adam Willis’ office to book an appointment, but in truth, I just wanted to know his whereabouts for the next 24 hours, and it turned out that he's visiting the headquarters office this morning.That explains why I'm lurking by the street like a would-be criminal.I couldn't stop thinking about what Brian said yesterday.Mr Willis sought me out, and something tells me that it's not a coincidence that he did which makes me question his motives.Tugging my cap lower on my forehead, I pressed my back to the brick wall, scouting the large skyscraper before me.Another quick glance at my watch told me that I've been standing here for the past 30 minutes.Any minute longer and I'd probably melt on the sidewalk here.I chose to hang back for 10 more minutes and if I don't see him, then I'll make that appointment.Luckily for me, the man himself walked out, flanked by security and two people around
Last Updated: 2025-08-10
Chapter: Chapter 74BrittneyI just gave Adam Willis a blank stare because what was I supposed to say to that?It's not every day that a highly sought-after billionaire CEO works in a city office and tells you he has plans to destroy everything your baby daddy has worked hard to achieve.“Uh, Mr Willis…” I started off cautiously. “I thought you came here to get the financial analysis of the DeMarco Group.”“Ms Larson, I don't want to beat around the bush, so I'll tell you what I want.” He leans forward, adjusting the lapel of his suit. “Usually, I am supposed to have this conversation with your boss, but for some reason, he trusts you enough with such sensitive information, I'll tell you the same thing I'm supposed to tell him. I want DeMarco Group, and I don't care how.”“Can I speak casually, Mr Willis?” I ask him.“Please do.” He gestured for me to go ahead.“Why? Hearing you talk about getting this company sounds like a vendetta and the truth is, I wouldn't advise my boss to do something that would b
Last Updated: 2025-08-09
Chapter: Chapter 73BrittneyI balked, visibly taken aback. “When you say you want Samantha, what do you mean?”“I mean that I'll drop the silly custody case and you let me get to know my daughter.”My mouth dropped open and I was rendered speechless.“Are you really going to barter with your daughter?” I scoffed, shocked. “I shouldn't be surprised you're the same man who tossed me aside when I was no longer important to you. Guess what? I won't let you do that to Samantha.”“You say you're protecting her by saying that I'm the evil that shouldn't be brought into her life but have you thought about what you're doing?” Andre's cold tone went down my spine. “You're consciously depriving her of a father figure? How do you think that will play out in the future when she grows up and finds out what you did?”His words hit a nerve.I hike my bag up my shoulder. “Forget about this, I shouldn't have come here.”I walked out the door, the weight on my shoulders having doubled since I walked in.Halfway through, A
Last Updated: 2025-08-08
Chapter: Chapter 72BrittneyBiting my lips, I paced to the end of the hallway, throwing furtive glances at Andre's room.The unsigned court documents were digging a hole through my bag.I had told Claire to go home and rest while I looked over her father.She looked so relieved when I offered to do that I didn't have the heart to tell her that it was because I wanted something from Andre.I needed to talk to him about the lawsuit and Jason Bloom.Only he might not be so accommodating.Rolling my shoulders to relieve the tension, I decided to go for it regardless, marching into his room without the faintest idea of what to say.Luckily for me, he was wide awake with hot, nerdy glasses perched on his nose, surprise reflecting in his gaze. “Brittney…you're…here.”“Hi,” I waved, tucking my hair back. “How are you um, feeling?” I gestured to his body, half of which was encased in a bandage.Shit.I could face palm myself right.He must be in pain obviously.“I guess I'm good.” His lips crooked up in a half s
Last Updated: 2025-08-08
THE MARRIAGE GAME
Meet Emma Hart, 24, drowned in debt all her life, from bills to bills, and loans to pay off, the cycle never seems to end. Fresh out of college, she manages to get a few jobs, saving up to clear her debts, until her mother falls sick… lung cancer. Destitute and helpless, she must learn to shake the hand of Liam Caruso. Liam, 35, known for his cold demeanor and controlling act, he's a perfectionist, and, what he wants, he gets. Reluctantly, she shakes hands with the devil himself, after all, she needs to save her mom. Emma must learn to accept Liam's life, including his dark past and unwelcoming mother. With time, Liam must understand, that mutual connections do matter. Will she be able to break through Liam's icy heart? Or, will they be engulfed within their flames? Within the heat, they generate?
Read
Chapter: CHAPTER 115: EMMAI glance at the clock and my heart starts racing. I'm late."Okay, stop fussing!" I scold my bridesmaids, but I can't help the nervous laugh that escapes my lips as Gia fluffs my veil for the third time. Natasha is running around, making sure every single detail is perfect, while Odette is already dressed and helping the makeup artist add the final touches to my lips.And then there's Rob. He's pacing back and forth, muttering under his breath, "You're going to be late for your wedding, Emma. Of course, you are. I knew it. I knew this would happen!""Rob," I groan, rolling my eyes. "You're not helping!"He stops pacing and dramatically places his hands on his hips, his eyes full of fake indignation. "Excuse me, darling. Who has been by your side through every single dress fitting, cake tasting, and meltdown?"I chuckled despite myself, the tension easing just a little. "I love you, Rob.""Yeah, yeah, yeah," he mutters, coming over to adjust my gown. "But seriously, we need to get movi
Last Updated: 2024-09-18
Chapter: CHAPTER 114: LIAMThe darkness is heavy, but slowly, painfully, it starts to lift. I feel a strange tug in my chest, and I'm aware of the beeping sounds, the sterile scent of the hospital filling the air around me. My eyes flutter open, and the brightness of the room stings my vision. It takes a few moments for everything to come into focus.Where… where am I?"Liam?" A soft voice calls out to me, and when I blink again, I see Lilian, Emma's mother, standing by my bedside, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh my God, you're awake."I try to speak, but my throat feels like it's on fire. Instead, I groan, my hand instinctively reaching out to grasp hers. Lilian smiles through her tears, gently squeezing my hand."You've been in a coma, sweetheart," she says softly. "For a while now. But don't worry, you're okay. You're going to be okay." Her smile wavers for a moment before she adds, "Emma… she's at the station with your mother, confronting Serena. But she's fine. She's been by your side every day."My mind race
Last Updated: 2024-09-18
Chapter: CHAPTER 113: EMMAThe silence in the room is deafening. Isabella stands before us, her posture rigid, her hands clasped together tightly as if she's holding on to a secret too heavy to bear. My mom and I sit across from her, the tension thick between us, suffocating."There's something you both need to know," Isabella begins, her voice wavering slightly. I glance at my mom, who looks pale, her fingers tightly gripping the arms of the chair. "I've held onto this for years, but it's time you hear the truth. About Enzo."At the mention of my father's name, my heart skips a beat. I feel my stomach churn as I wait for her to continue. Isabella takes a deep breath, then says the words that make my world tilt off its axis."I knew him."The words hang in the air like a weight, pressing down on me. My mom's face pales even more, her lips trembling as she absorbs the shock of the revelation. Isabella presses on, her eyes filled with a mixture of shame and regret."Enzo and I… we had an affair."The room goes co
Last Updated: 2024-09-18
Chapter: CHAPTER 112: EMMAThe beeping of the heart monitor is the first thing I hear, steady and rhythmic, pulling me from the darkness that has consumed me. My body feels heavy like I'm being held down by invisible weights, and there's a dull ache spreading across my chest and limbs. The sterile smell of the hospital fills my nostrils, and it takes a moment for me to remember where I am.I blinked, squinting against the harsh fluorescent light above, trying to make sense of my surroundings. As my vision clears, I notice my mom, slumped over in a chair next to me, her head resting on her crossed arms, fast asleep. Her face looks worn, more tired than I've ever seen her.I try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my ribs, forcing me to wince. The memories hit me all at once—the truck, the crash, Liam's bloodied face. Panic rises in my chest, and I gasp, "Liam."My voice is weak, barely more than a croak, but it's enough to wake my mom. Her head snaps up, her eyes widening as she sees me. "Emma!" she cries
Last Updated: 2024-09-16
Chapter: CHAPTER 111: EMMAWe're curled up on the couch, the flicker of the fireplace casting warm shadows on the walls. Liam has been quiet all evening, his usual playful mood replaced by a somberness I haven't seen before. I know something's wrong. The weight of his silence presses down on me, but I don't want to push him, not yet.Eventually, he breaks the silence."Emma," he says quietly, his voice strained. His eyes are red and teary, and my heart aches just seeing him like this. "We need to talk."I sit up, my chest tightening. "Liam, what's going on? You're scaring me."He doesn't look at me, his gaze fixed on the fire. His hands tremble, and I gently place mine over his, trying to calm him, to let him know I'm here, whatever it is."I'm a monster," he whispers, his voice breaking. "I've done terrible things, Emma. Things I can't undo."I freeze, my heart hammering in my chest. "Liam, what are you talking about? You're not a monster."He shakes his head, his eyes squeezed shut as if the memories are too
Last Updated: 2024-09-16
Chapter: CHAPTER 110: LIAMI lean back in my office chair, glancing out of the large windows that overlook the city humming with life. It's been a perfect week, just me and Emma, no distractions, no obligations. We've spent our days exploring the city, enjoying quiet dinners by candlelight, and getting lost in each other's company. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely at peace.But now, it's back to reality. Back to work. And as much as I hate to admit it, the tension in the air is thick. I've barely been at my desk for half an hour when my mother storms into the office, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floors. Right behind her, Serena follows with a face full of barely contained rage. Great. Just the pair I didn't want to see today."Liam!" my mother snaps, her voice slicing through the silence of the room. "We need to talk."I sit up, bracing myself. I knew this was coming. Ever since Emma returned, I've been waiting for the inevitable confrontation. My mother never approved of E
Last Updated: 2024-09-15