Lyvanne’s POVThe silence in the dining room was heavier than the gold chandelier above us. I can't believe I'm sitting here with Alex just because I needed an explanation for his kindness towards me.I couldn't even comprehend why my curiosity caged me and kept controlling me like a slave. I sat across from Alexander, barely touching my food. The scent of grilled salmon and roasted potatoes did nothing to ease the gnawing ache in my chest. My fork moved on instinct, poking at the meal, but my mind was too clouded to taste anything. Of course, I was starving when I woke up from that bed, but right now there's no sign of hunger in my stomach. Why? I couldn't tell why I was no longer feeling hungry. Perhaps I just need an explanation before leaving the mansion where I was once kicked away by… umm…I don't want to remember that.Sitting confused, I glanced around the room, my eyes catching the familiar corners, the same room where I once slept on a chair because Alexander refused to let
Lyvanne’s POVThe silence in the room was deafening, my gaze never leaving him. The atmosphere was so quiet, like a graveyard.I watched Alexander standing frozen by the door, my question still hanging heavily in the air. I was desperate to hear what he had to say.“Why did you help me?” I asked once more, as curiosity made me feel he was taking ages to respond.His expression was unreadable for a moment upon hearing my question the second time. Suddenly, he blinked, as if finally registering my words. He held his hands akimbo and took a deep breath as though he was still processing what to tell me.My breath hitched, and my muscles tensed.Without thinking, I slid off the bed and stood, putting a safe distance between us. My movement was sharply defensive, and from his expression, my reaction clearly stung him. Just then, his eyes flickered with pain, but I ignored it.No, I can't easily forget the pains he made me pass through. It's time he stopped pretending and told me his real i
Lyvanne’s POVThe sharp, ringing sound pierced through my ears like an alarm inside my skull. My eyelids were heavy to lift, but I managed to raise them.I stirred slowly, my body still sore, my head pounding. As my eyes fluttered open, unfamiliar walls stared back at me. They were deep grey, trimmed with black and royal blue. The air was cool and fresh with an unfamiliar atmosphere that left me dumbfounded. Was I kidnapped or something? Was I not supposed to wake up in my regular bed? Why this strange place?As I was lost in thought while scanning the room, something caught my attention. The fresh air carried a scent I knew all too well. I shouldn't be thinking what I'm thinking.Alexander? I blinked repeatedly, sitting up with effort. “No. No, no, no…” I murmured, trying not to believe my eyes.Just as I sat up on the bed, I recognized the masculine color palette, the sleek, expensive furniture, and the faint co
Lyvanne’s POVThe hall was full of chaos.Screams, coughing, and glass breaking filled the atmosphere. Shoes were scraping against marble as everyone ran for safety. The thick smoke crawled through every corner of the hall, wrapping around people like an invisible curse.I couldn’t breathe anymore.My lungs burned, and my eyes watered. And in that moment of fear, all I could think was, ‘This wasn’t an accident.’ Someone was behind it.I was winning, and someone wanted to stop it. The only name that kept echoing in my mind was ‘Isabelle.’Through the haze, I saw her, her heels clacking, her dress swinging as she bolted for the emergency exit, running to escape.I tried everything possible to move forward, trying to follow, but my body was already failing me. I was still on the ground choking and clawing at the smoke. “No,” I gasped, trying to get up, but my legs weren't helping at all. I was like a baby who wishes to walk but can only crawl. People rushed past me, fleeing the smoke.
Lyvanne’s POVI wasn’t nervous. I was furious. I was so furious that I was certain my anger could boil an egg.The heat in my chest burned hotter than stage lights. This competition wasn’t about designs anymore—it was about my name, my truth, and my dignity. And I was ready to fight for it.I hadn’t returned Alexander’s calls since the betrayal. His denial meant nothing. The leaked chat between us had been enough proof, and though some part of me still clung to the memory of his sincerity, the reality was loud: he chose Isabelle. He always chooses her over even though she's the one at fault.It's time I show him that I'm not the type to be messed with. Enough is enough!I stepped out of my car into the buzzing crowd outside her company’s event hall. Cameras flashed immediately. Reporters called my name, hoping for a statement, but I ignored them all and walked in with poise. My pride wrapped around me like armor.Were they that b
Isabelle’s POVMy world spun the moment the news ended. Lyvanne. A competition. In public. With cameras and judges. A chance to clear her name and destroy everything I had built in one move? No! This can't be happening. Why should she come up with such a stupid idea? Isn't it just one design? Why can't she just forget about it and move on? She can literally make another design more beautiful than this one. Why must she take the matter this seriously?My hands trembled as I lowered my gaze to the floor; different rhetorical questions clouded my mind, leaving me restless. My lips pressed tightly together, thinking of what to do next to dodge the embarrassment that was gnashing at me like a wolf.Before I could even process my rising panic, Alexander's voice sliced through the room.“You’re shocked,” he said flatly. “Why?”I blinked at him repeatedly, quickly masking my face with calmness. “It’s nothing,” I replied, my tone light, too light. “I’m fine… Alex.”Alexander’s eyes buried