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. “ Absolutely not.”
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
(This chapter is filled with alternating POVs of Madden and Calla.)Calla’s POVI stood outside for a moment longer, numb. The cold air didn’t sting anymore, it just settled over me like silence. The kind that follows heartbreak. Nyla was a bitch– that was confirmed today by her reckless words. She's trying to sabotage this relationship that I'm dying to salvage.Then the door creaked behind me and I heard her fragile, fake- whiny voice. “isa?”I turned slowly, the urge to murder her consuming me.. Isa’s rage was deep in me and I was ready to use it. “What the fuck do you want?" She stepped out, arms wrapped around herself. Her makeup had smudged, and she looked more tired than smug now. “I just…” she sighed. “I’m sorry. For everything I said back there. I was stupid and messy and jealous, and I—” her voice cracked, “—I know you don’t want to see me again. I deserve that.”I wanted to scream. I wanted to tell her I didn’t care about her guilt. But changing my mind, I said, “It’s fine
CALLA’S POVMy hand tightened around my glass of water. “What did you say?" I was seething already, glaring daggers at her.Nyla only smiled, “What a coincidence,” she said sweetly, her eyes flicking to mine. “Madden and I used to come here all the time. Isn’t that right, Maddy?”Maddy?My head turned slightly, just enough to catch the flicker in Madden’s eyes—annoyance, maybe guilt.He cleared his throat. “It’s been a while.”“Still,” she breathed, “feels like yesterday.”I smiled coldly. . “Good to know your memory’s sharp.My mind started spinning. It's probable that Madden has an affair with her. I mean, why wouldn't he– when his wife is a total whore?? But then, wasn't he hostile with Nyla? When I brought her to the villa? Or was it a fucking act?And why should I care?? I'm just here to fix things so my chances of getting a revenge isn't jeopardized, right??The waiter finally appeared with his notepad and I gave myself a mental jab to clear my thoughts.“Good evening, are you
MADDEN'S POV:I woke up pissed off.Not because of the cold or the ache in my shoulder or the relentless knock of responsibility. No. I was pissed because of her. Because somewhere between midnight and the first breath of sunlight, I dreamed of Isadora laughing. She was not screaming like a woman possessed or glaring. This time, she was holding my hand like it was something precious. And I didn’t want to let go.God.What the fuck is wrong with me?I groaned, dragging my hand across my face, already regretting being conscious. I needed a shower. I needed black coffee. I needed someone to punch.Instead, my phone buzzed. And buzzed again. And again. What on earth?I turned it over and squinted at the screen. Isadora has spammed me with countless messages. Is she sick in the head?? I almost wanted to ignore them because of my foul mood.“Don’t forget about dinner tonight ”“7PM sharp. No excuses.”“I’m dressing up for this. Don’t be a troll.”“Seriously. I will hunt you down and drag