Freddy's Pov Lilyanna looked up at me and blinked, not quite catching the meaning.“Right.” She said, moving her hands beside her, “Maybe I should try the guest rooms.”I chuckled, amused at her interpretation of what I said. Of course, she didn't get the joke.I swept up the stack of books and files in one arm. “Not quite what I meant,” I said to her, “Follow me.”I started walking towards my side of the mansion, and she followed hesitantly.We walked down the way to my office in silence, but this time, not uncomfortable silence.I heard the faint rustle of her robe as we walked, her small occasional hums, too.I caught the sweet scent of her perfume. The urge to glance back at her was so strong, but I kept my eyes forward, trying to turn my attention away from the discrepancies in the accounts that I had noticed.We came to a stop at a white door at the end of the hallway. I pushed the door open and gestured to her to go in first.She hesitated again – obviously, she didn't trust
Kaelia's POV That night, I couldn't sleep.Despite the fact that I had taken four baths in the last two hours, my eyes remained open. Lilyanna's words lingered in my mind.Landon's threat followed suit.I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, looking at every single detail of it. The clock on my nightstand ticked steadily. I glanced at it -- 12:07 AM.Four hours since dinner. Four hours since I retired to my room. Lilyanna's words replayed in my mind. You're not his equal, Lilyanna.You should have been with TJ. He's more suitable for you.And then there was Landon. I dug my nails into my pillow, exhaling shakily. I was starting to break under the pressure. I glanced at the clock again. 12:40 am. Yet, I wasn't sleepy.I swung my legs out of the bed and grabbed my robe off the dresser. I wore it, tying it loosely as I stepped barefoot on the cool floors. Maybe I should walk. It would help.If I paced the mansion's endless hallway long enough, I was sure the thoughts in my head wou
Kaelia's POV During lunch break the next day, I went to meet Lilyanna at Brew Haven. It was so easy to spot her with her bright coloured clothes that contrasted with the shop's dull colours. She was sitting by the window, staring out of it, her shoulders tense. Her golden hair caught the sunlight beautifully.The coffee shop on its own felt too quiet, quite in contrast to the turmoil that was going on inside me. It had a faint smell of coffee and vanilla pastries, but even though I loved vanilla pastries, it didn't help either.I hesitated for a while before finally walking over, unsure of what version of Lilyanna was waiting for me today.Her eyes landed on me, and a bright smile appeared on her face, slightly easing the tension I felt as a result of the tone of her text last night.She stood slowly, "Hi, Kaelia. You're here,"I smiled and let her kiss my cheeks lightly. She smelled of flowers. "Yeah. I left work,"She signalled to the waiter to come over, and I ordered a latte an
Kaelia's POV My phone screen blurred for what seemed like the fifth time today, but I refused to let the tears fall. Not here, not now.I was standing outside the main entrance door at the InkTickler, waiting for Freddy to pick me up. I could have been inside, but apparently, Mei Lin and her workers had seen the blog posts. I knew because the energy was different, the air was filled with questions they weren't asking, and explanations I was not ready to give.So when I had had enough of the side glances, I stepped outside instead.I blinked rapidly and folded my lips into a thin line, trying to stop the threatening tears as my eyes scanned the letters and numbers I was seeing.At first, I had thought I was strong enough to withstand anything. I had told myself that there was no way they would get to me.If I had survived bullying back in elementary school, what was this compared to that?But that was hours ago. Before the comments start flooding in.Each more vile than the last.N
Freddy's POVI rubbed my temple as Hannah read out the news headlines for me. They had been relentless since morning.Who is the mystery woman on Petty Island with Freddy Montgomery? From Boardroom to Bedroom: Freddy Montgomery's Intimate Moments Exposed.Billionaire taken? Meet the Unknown Beauty who stole his heart. "Whoo. They are really having a field day with this," She said, then laughed as she read some comments, "Apparently, you're married to about a thousand women, fiancé to two thousand, and rather to about a hundred kids. Well, how do you like being the city's gentleman, Mr. Montgomery?"She was having so much fun with this. Unlike me. I scrolled through the articles on my phone, wondering if Lilyanna had seen them and what her reaction was to all this.Every blog, gossip column, or social media feed was flooded with the same grainy photos.I couldn't deny the fact that we looked good together.Hannah placed her tablet down on the table. "So what do we do about this? Hav
Kaelia's POV “I have to go now. I need to make a quick run for Asher,” Rachelle said as she turned and left, leaving me alone to face my unravelling life.My phone buzzed. I shouldn't check. Whatever I see could affect my mental health, just like Janet Vaughn.But I couldn't help it, so I pulled out my phone, unlocked the screen, and pulled up the blogs.And there they were.The photos.Side by side. The headlines stared back at me.Who is Freddy Montgomery’s mystery woman?Billionaire taken? Meet the Unknown Beauty who stole his heart. Montgomery Grand's Prince no more? Freddy spotted cosying up with a mystery blonde on Petty Island.My stomach twisted. But it was not just about the articles. But the comments, too.Freddy Montgomery is off the market? You have to be kidding me?So Petty Island is only off limits for the average people, then? Well, thank you for breaking my girlfriend’s heart.Why her? She's average at best. I'm crying real tears. She's a gold digger. I'm sure o