Madden’s POV:I splashed cold water over my face, gripping the edge of the marble sink like it might hold me together. My knuckles went white as my jaw clenched.I shouldn’t give a fuck.Right?She’s nothing. Just a name, just a body I signed on paper. I should be used to her little games by now. That look she gave him, smiling like she hadn’t been choking on my name just a week ago.She's laughing like I never existed. Like I hadn’t broken myself in ways I never admit just trying to keep her close.I looked up and the mirror in front of me showed a man barely containing the storm inside.Fuck.Why did it twist like this in my chest? Why did it always feel like she won?That guy—what’s his name? I don’t give a damn. She let him touch her arm, lean in like he had a chance in hell. And she just smiled like she wanted me to see.Damn cheap, I shouldn't have expected less.She’s always been that way, right? Always laughing too loud, smiling too wide for men who don’t deserve shit from her
Calla's POV:The bonfire cast everything in amber glow. Faces were turned gold with shadows flickering across cheekbones and shoulders. All around us, couples were curled into each other on low lounge chairs, talking, drinking, and touching each other. A woman's breast was being sucked by her partner and she was moaning shamelessly.Noah– as he introduced himself – and I sat with a few other couples around a circle of low tables while the party’s host, the tall, loud guy with a mic, took a short break to refill his drink and flirt with the DJ.“So what’s your name again?” the girl across from me asked, tucking her short braids behind her ears. “You look kinda familiar.”I smiled. “Dora.”I'm not about to have everyone gape or judge me with their eyes. If they discovered I was isadora, all hell would break loose.The girl's brows lifted. “Do you model?”I laughed lightly. “No, but thank you. I work in… events, I guess.”Technically true. Events like surviving betrayal, identity theft,
Calla’s POV:.THE NEXT DAY..I woke up to a pounding headache and the distinct scent of something warm, masculine, and annoyingly familiar. My lashes fluttered open, and for a moment, I didn’t register where I was. The room was dim, sunlight slipping through the blinds in tired stripes.Then I felt it a weight across my waist. My eyes darted down to see Madden’s strong, veined, toned arm draped over me like I belonged to him.What the fuck? We…slept close??? How is this possible?I nearly choked on my gasp, heart thudding like it was trying to hammer its way out of my ribs. His breath was steady behind me.I turned slightly, carefully and slowly, until I could see his face.God.He was beautiful when he wasn’t glaring at me like I stole his soul. His jaw was sharp, his lashes too long for a man so cruel, and his hair...I reached up, hesitating—then my fingers slid gently through his dark strands.Soft. Why the hell was it so soft?My chest ached in a way I didn’t expect.Because the
Nyla’s POV:I stormed down the cold streets, my anger intensifying by the second. What the hell was wrong with me?Why couldn’t I just shut up for once?Just once.I knew they would be at the restaurant because of the camera I left in her room before leaving. So I arrived just early, waiting for them so I could pretend it was a coincidence. I even faked that sweet surprised voice on seeing them.God, I almost gagged on it. And then I just had to open my big, stupid mouth and drop that little memory from the past. Although refreshing to say, it pissed Madden off. The look on Madden’s face burned my soul. Why didn't I just shut up? I hated her.I hated how she sat at that table like a queen, legs crossed, sipping wine like she hadn’t ruined everything. And now…now she was changing. Playing the good wife. And worse, he was buying it.I blinked, suddenly stopping in the middle of the sidewalk.Where the fuck was my car?I spun around in confusion, heart thudding faster. Then it hit m
JD’s POV: Charlotte pulled up in her sleek black Benz looking like she just stepped out of a Vogue editorial: hair slicked, lips glossed, heels unforgiving. . I stood outside in my studded blazer, boots freshly wiped, cologne dabbed with scientific precision. Gosh, I hope she doesn't notice that I drank something. She rolled the window down and gave me a flirty look. “You so hot, my hotheaded king.” I smirked. “You trying to undress me with your eyes, Ms. Fontaine?” Charlotte gave me that wicked little smile, the one that always got me into trouble. “I’m mentally halfway there.” I slid into the passenger seat, leaned over, and kissed her—soft but lingering. My hand brushed her thigh, subtle but firm. “You nervous?” she asked, pulling off the curb. “No,” I lied. “I’m only sweating because your car smells like expensive decisions.” She laughed, then glanced at me suspiciously. “You’re acting funny. Did you… drink?” Shit. I gave her my most innocent face. “ Absolu
JD’s POV:EVENING…“I’m gonna throw up,” I muttered, pacing the living room in nothing but briefs and a sports bra while Malik calmly laid out blazers like we were prepping for a magazine shoot, not an ambush dinner with Charlotte’s aristocratic execution squad.“Yeah,” he said, examining a black wool jacket with gold detailing, “but make it fashion.”I spun around to glare at him. “This is not funny, Malik.”“It’s a little funny. You’ve literally faced down neo-Nazis in tattoo expos and bikers who didn’t like your rates. But one dinner with Daddy and Mommy Uptight and you’re vibrating like a squirrel on espresso.”I flopped onto the couch, hands buried in my short hair. Shit, I forgot to get a haircut! This can't get any worse.“It wasn’t even supposed to be tonight! It was next week. I was mentally preparing. Meditating. Googling which fork is for salad. Then Charlotte calls and says, ‘Change of plans, my parents are excited, see you in an hour!’ Like I don’t need time to emotiona