LOGINKyle’s POVThe morning rays hit my face harder than before. I was usually up before it did, but I had slept in longer. I knew why.A smile spread over my lips, with eyes still closed, I reached out for Aisha. I was met with nothing but the coldness of the bed.My eyes flew open. The bed was empty. I sat up, scanning the room before throwing back the covers and heading for the shower.“Aisha..” I called out her name but there was no response.I opened the blinds. She was not there. I got out of my room and hastened down the stairs.She was nowhere to be found. I raked my hair with my fingers.Theo walked in.“Did you see Aisha?” I asked.“The guards outside saw her leave quite early,”It clicked finally. She only used me for the night.I heaved deeply and went back to my room. I got into the shower and I couldn’t get her out of my head.Craziest part? I didn’t want her out.I reminisced last night as I got ready for the office.•Dressed in a dark navy suit, I got into the car and Theo
THIRTY MINUTES AGOEthan’s POVI arrived at The One’s house, with desperation gnawing at my insides. Every passing minute brought me closer to a reality I had spent my entire life trying to avoid. Bankruptcy. Debt. Humiliation. The collapse of everything I had struggled to preserve.His butler led me to his study. It wasn’t particularly dark outside, yet his study was pitch-black. As always.“Ethan,” his voice resonated through the darkness. “You didn’t call.”“I’m sorry. It was too urgent. I couldn’t wait any longer.” My voice cracked despite my attempt to remain composed. “I’m losing everything.”A quiet tapping sounded against the desk. One finger, perhaps two. I could not see him clearly enough to tell.“I’ve heard the news,” he said calmly. “Bankruptcy. Quite unfortunate, isn’t it?”I said nothing.“How exactly do you intend to pay me back? You still owe me money from our previous arrangement.”My knees weakened. I had rehearsed this conversation countless times on my way here, pr
Aisha’s POVOn the drive home, I checked my phone to see whether Kyle had really called me.Nothing.Not a single missed call.I stared at the screen, my stomach tightening with suspicion.Had he lied to me?Just as he'd lied about the dress?Are you really starting to doubt him? I asked myself.But then again, could anyone be that perfect without a single flaw?I hated that I was beginning to question everything about him. Part of me wanted to believe there was a reasonable explanation, but another part couldn't ignore the growing uncertainty gnawing at me.My phone vibrated.A message from Brandon appeared on the screen.I need to see you. If you don’t come, I’ll post this explicit video I have of you.I scoffed. What explicit video? Was he spewing nonsense now?Hadn't I blocked the bastard already?I tapped on his name and blocked him again. Had Kyle's warning not been enough, or was Brandon deliberately looking for trouble?But then, my heart skipped. What if he truly had a video
Ethan’s POVMarie Ann wrapped her arms around my neck after adjusting the collar of my sweatshirt. “I’m so lucky to have married you,” she said with a smile.I brushed my lips against hers. “I’m the lucky one.”She giggled, leaning closer, and I kissed her. For a moment, nothing else mattered. Just her warmth, her smile, and the quiet comfort of having her in my arms.Then my phone rang.Marie Ann pulled away with a groan. “I’ll get it.” She walked towards the phone on the dresser, muttering, “I can’t even have a moment with my husband without someone interrupting.”She picked it up and glanced at the screen.“It’s work.” She walked back to me and handed me the phone.I frowned at the screen.Alex.Why would Alex be calling me on a Sunday?“Alex, this better be good,” I said as I answered.“Sir, it’s bad. All our investors have issued their withdrawal notices. They’re pulling out! The system has triggered a chain of loan repayments, and we’re on the verge of bankruptcy!”For a moment,
Kyle’s POVWe arrived at the hospital, and Cara was immediately admitted. We waited in the hallway while Dr. Jane attended to her.I watched Aisha repeatedly run a hand over her face, worry written all over her expression.The image of her carrying Cara to the car flashed through my mind.How could someone who had intentionally caused my sister’s accident care for her like this? Why would she be so worried about her?Did this mean she hadn't done it?Or was guilt eating away at her?No. That couldn't be it.If it were guilt, she wouldn't be here. She wouldn't be fighting to make D’Lise a success again.Even though I had never truly given her the company as a tool for revenge or to help me raise it from the ruins, I had given it to her because I wanted her to realize her potential. And if she decided to keep running the business, that was fine.According to Mother's will, I was to remain CEO until Cara came of age. That was why I made Aisha the CFO, a position that couldn't simply be t
Aisha’s POVMy eyes felt heavy when I finally opened them.A knock came at the door.“Go away,” I managed to say.Whoever was at the door clearly didn’t listen.“Honey, you can’t stay in bed all day,” I heard Ann Marie’s voice.“Can you leave me alone?” I pulled the pillow over my head.She sat on my bed and sighed. “It’s eleven AM, Aisha. You look a mess.”I ignored her.“Men are heartbreakers, but we won’t let them stop us from living.”“You don’t understand.” I sighed, a sob almost breaking through my chest. “This is no ordinary man. This is Kyle. A man I had a childish crush on. Then a teenage crush. And when I finally understood what love was, I fell for him. I’ve loved him for half my life.”She placed her hand on my leg, which was covered by the duvet. “I’ve had my fair share of heartbreak at your age. Hell, my first love hooked up with my best friend because she was willing to sleep with him and I wasn’t.”That got my attention.I pulled the pillow away and sat up. “How did you
Kyle’s POV“Where is he?” I asked Rio as I walked into the dimly lit room with Theo.“Right here, boss,” he said, stepping aside.The man looked barely alive. Bloodied. Beaten. Knees pressed against the cold concrete.“Has he confessed?”“He spat in my eye and refused to say a word,” Rio replied.I
Aisha’s POVI walked out of the house and saw Ethan about to get into his car.“Come on, let me drop you off,” he said, smiling at me.I grinned. “Great.”I got into his car, and he drove off.“Ready for work?”I shrugged. “A bit anxious.”“It’s always first-time jitters. You’ll be fine.”I nodded,
Kyle’s POVI narrowed my eyes at Yvonne standing in my office. How many times had I warned her never to come here? It had been over a year since the breakup, and she still refused to let go.“What the fuck are you doing here?” she lashed out at Aisha.“I should be asking you that question,” I fired
Aisha’s POVThe silence that followed his words stretched unbearably thin.Because I plan to make you suffer.My throat went dry as I stared at him. This was a mistake. Coming back here was a mistake. I should have never allowed Charles transfer me to the headquarters. Thinking I could start over w







