Mag-log inA one-night stand with a billionaire was never Celina’s dream. It was her only choice. When Naomi, the arrogant daughter of her mother’s wealthy employer, corners her with an impossible ultimatum, Celina is forced into the arms of Bryan, a man she believes to be a stranger, in exchange for her mother’s freedom. Her mother, a maid who has spent years serving Naomi’s powerful family, is falsely accused of theft, and the price for her release is Celina’s innocence. That night should have ended in silence, buried forever. But fate has other plans. Days later, Celina discovers that the mysterious man from that night is not only Naomi’s fiance but also her new boss. The revelation shatters her world, binding her to a man she should hate but whose presence awakens emotions she cannot control. As whispers, betrayal, and a devastating scandal threaten to destroy her reputation, Celina’s heart is torn between protecting her ailing mother and untangling the complicated bond she now shares with Bryan. Caught between sacrifice and desire, loyalty and love, Celina must face a truth that could change everything: sometimes, the cost of saving the one you love is giving your heart to the last man you ever expected.
view moreBryan Drake’s POV I looked at her through the tinted glass as she walked toward the car–her wine-colored corporate top tucked neatly into a black pencil skirt that hugged her figure just enough to make my throat tighten. The sun caught in her hair, giving it a faint sheen, softening the sharpness of her expression. She looked composed, confident… and utterly unaware of the effect she had on me.I shouldn’t have noticed. But I did. I couldn’t help it.Earlier that morning, while adjusting my tie for the third time, I’d caught my reflection in the mirror and said something I probably shouldn’t have.“I have to look sharp for her,” I’d muttered, more to myself than to anyone else.But my driver had heard. He always did.He chuckled under his breath. “If you like her, sir, tell her.”I’d ignored him. Pretended not to hear. How could I possibly explain what I couldn’t even define myself?She was an employee. A junior designer. Someone who’d walked into my company, and somehow, my head–wit
Saturday.No work. No drama. Thank God.For once, the sun wasn’t dragging me out of bed to face gossip, deadlines, or fake smiles. The house was quiet except for the distant hum of my mother’s radio in the kitchen. She was getting ready for work again. I honestly didn’t understand how she managed to still show up every day, considering the Banks family she worked for were halfway across the world enjoying Dubai’s luxury.Naomi and her mother, Mrs. Banks, were probably swimming in gold right now. I could almost picture them laughing by the poolside, wearing matching sunglasses, sipping something expensive.And I was very sure whose money they were spending. Mr. Bryan’s.That man had money, no doubt about it. But at least if I were in Naomi’s position–if I somehow got to date a man like him. I wouldn’t spend his money so carelessly. I’d respect him. Treat him like someone more than a wallet.“Date him?” My mother’s voice cut through my thoughts, full of disbelief.I blinked and turned.
The room was frozen in silence.He stood right beside her, his grip firm, his expression unreadable. The tension in his jaw was clear, the sharpness in his eyes enough to silence everyone.“Have you lost your mind?” His voice was low but cut through the room like a blade.The secretary’s confidence melted instantly. She tried to speak, but the words stuck in her throat. “Sir… I…I was just–”“Just what?” His tone hardened. “You think this is a market square where you can raise your hands on your colleague?”The air felt heavy, suffocating. No one dared to breathe. Even Fred, who had just returned with the others, stood by the door looking stunned. His eyes darted between me, the boss, and the secretary–confusion and disbelief written all over his face.“I…” she stammered, lowering her gaze.“Apologize,” he said coldly.She blinked. “Sir?”“Now.”Her voice trembled as she turned to me. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.I couldn’t respond. My heart was still pounding too fast, my palms clammy.
Just when I thought the drama was finally over, she walked toward me again. That same smug look painted across her face. Her heels clicked sharply against the tiled floor, echoing through the office like a countdown to chaos.“The boss said you should design this,” she said, stretching out a file toward me.I frowned, hesitating. She wasn’t my senior designer. In fact, she wasn’t even in my department. So why was she the one delivering the boss’s order?Something didn’t feel right.Still, I reached out to take the file from her. She held it tighter, her fingers clinging to the edge like it was her lifeline. I tried to pull again, gently at first, but she didn’t let go. My patience thinned. I tugged harder this time….too hard.Her hand suddenly slipped free.Before I could steady myself, my balance gave way, and I landed flat on the floor with a loud thud. Pain shot through my wrist, and embarrassment burned hotter than the sting of the fall.The office went silent for a heartbeat.I c
Bryan's POV “Sick?” Celina asked quietly, confusion flickering in her tone.I looked at her–really looked at her.Something about her face, the curve of her lips, the calm in her eyes… it stirred a memory I couldn’t place. A night blurred by whiskey and shadows. A voice whispering my name in the d
"Fred… I can’t do it,” I said, grabbing his wrist and dragging him to a corner near the receptionist’s desk. My voice trembled, and my palms were cold even though the air inside the building was warm.He frowned. “Why?”I glanced around, making sure no one was watching. My words came out in a rush.
The next morning, I got to the office early. The air was still cool, the kind that carried the smell of fresh mop water and newly brewed coffee. The security guard at the gate smiled lazily, his eyes still heavy with sleep.“Good morning, ma,” he greeted."Morning,” I said, forcing a smile as I sig
Celina's POVBy the time I got home that evening, every bone in my body ached. My head was heavy, my shoes felt tighter than they were in the morning, and all I wanted was to lie down and forget the day ever happened.“Celina, where did you go? I’ve been looking for you since morning,” Mom’s voice
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