She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.Then before her courage could vanish, she pressed the call button.The phone rang once, twice and thrice.Her pulse increased, each second heavier than the last. If he didn’t answer, maybe it would be easier. Maybe she could convince herself she had tried.On the fourth ring, the line clicked. Silence. Then his voice, low, rough and uncertain.“Briella…”Her throat tightened, tears threatening, but she steadied her voice.“Hayden?” she whispered.“I’m sorry Briella,” he said, his tone ragged and almost breaking. “I didn’t mean to drag you into the spotlight. I just wanted you to see I’d do anything to get you back. I really love you, and I can’t let go.”Her heart leapt and stumbled all at once. She had never been this speechless in her life.“You’re trending because of me,” Hayden continued, his words filled with guilt. “I know you hate the attention. You’ve always loved your privacy. Just… Please, don’t hate me more for this.”“Hayden.” He
Hayden entered his car and took out a pack of cigarettes he hadn’t touched in months and lit a stick.His phone buzzed repeatedly in his pocket. Notifications piling up one after the other, news outlets, gossip blogs, investors, even his board of directors. He didn’t need to open them to know what they were saying.#CEO Linford admits to infidelity on livestream.#Hilda Bennet humiliated at a public proposal.#Briella Milton, the ex-wife at the center of it all.Briella’s name and face were everywhere again because of him.He crushed the cigarette under his shoe and cursed low. What the hell had he done?Michael’s words came back to him: “What are you going to do about it now?”What could he do?If he went to Briella now, she might slam the door in his face. Or worse, she might look at him with those calm, unshaken eyes, tell him she had moved on, and prove that his confession had been too little or too late.And yet… his heart beat with a stubborn certainty he hadn’t felt in years. S
“Hayden stop this, believe me, tell them it’s fake!” She cried.But Hayden only tightened his grip on her hand, raising it into the air for everyone to see. His voice rang out, merciless.“This is the woman I almost gave everything to,” he said. “The woman who thought she could manipulate me, betray me, and walk away untouched.”The audience was a storm now, phones camera still flashing, voices muttering in shock.Hayden’s voice dropped lower, cut into the livestream that thousands were watching.“You wanted a proposal, Hilda?” He leaned close enough that only she could feel the venom in his tone. Then, straightening as he let the venom drip.“Here’s mine: I propose you get punished for everything you’ve done.”And with that, the lights shifted. From the back of the venue, men in black suits moved forward, their badges flashing as the police stepped into view.The crowd screamed, chaos breaking out. The live comments exploded again.Hilda’s eyes locked on Hayden as if he’d stabbed her
7:01pm. Fairytale garden.The place shimmered under strings of multicolored lights, the evening breeze cool. Laughter and murmurs filled the serene space, a soft piano melody playing from hidden speakers. Guests turned their heads as Hayden and Hilda walked in, hand in hand, a picture of poise and elegance.Hilda’s smile lit up her face. She thought it was just another of Hayden’s quiet dinners, one of his unpredictable dates. But the second she saw the balloon and the glittering golden letters **WILL YOU MARRY ME?**She gasped, covering her mouth. Her knees trembled, then her hand flew to her chest.She had been expecting his proposal but not so soon and definitely not like this.The cameras flashed. The guests clapped. Phones tilted up to catch every angle, the moment was already being streamed live.On the projector, images flickered to life, Hayden holding her waist at a gala, her laughing into his shoulder at the beach, his hand lingering on hers during a dinner. Their story, pai
Monument Bank.Kennedy adjusted his tie nervously as he pushed through the revolving glass doors. He told himself to act naturally. It was just a “minor complaint” on his account, nothing he couldn’t smooth over.He arranged his collar as he approached the bank teller’s desk with a forced smile. He slid his ID forward, his voice even.“I came to lodge a complaint about my frozen account and some missing funds. I think there’s been a mistake.”“OK sir, I'll check.“ the teller said politely.She typed quickly, her eyes flicking over the desktop. Her brows pulled tighter with each passing second. Kennedy’s smile began to falter.“Sir… your account has been flagged for fraudulent activities. At the moment, it’s restricted pending investigation.”Kennedy blinked. “Restricted?” His throat went dry.“Yes. Until further notice, you won’t be able to access any funds.”“There must be a mistake. I.. I need to make a withdrawal.”“I’m afraid you can’t. The system is blocked. You’ll need to wait f
Jaylen’s hand trembled as he set the glass of water down but it fell to the ground shattering into pieces. He had been disoriented, Over a week now, He had called, texted and begged but every word had been swallowed into silence. Briella had shut him out completely, and the silence was killing him.Since that disastrous apology the Linfords did on his behalf, the gap between them had grown wider. He felt her slipping further, and the thought tore at him in a way nothing else ever had.And deep in his chest, beneath the uncertainty and anger, there was one truth he couldn’t shake. The child she carried… it was his. He couldn’t prove it, but he knew.That day, desperation drove him to Lex. He had swallowed his pride and cornered the man he knew Briella trusted more than anyone.“Please, Lex. I just need to talk to her, Set up a meeting. Just one.”Lex had refused at first, firm that Briella didn’t need the stress and it's not in his place to force her to see him if she didn't want to. B