MasukAva’s POV“Do you not know?” I blurted out, totally amused. A bitter laugh escaped my lips, tasting sour on my tongue.Bella still stared at me, her eyes still wide with shock. Her perfectly painted lips parted slightly. Her breathing quickened now, chest rising and falling fast under her dress.“My memory got twisted so bad that I mistook the love I had for Julian for Leon,” I said, walking slowly toward her. My bare feet felt real cold on the hard marble floor. Each step sent a dull, aching throb through my tired legs. My heart pounded hard, real painful in my chest, heavy and fast.“You’re a joke,” she scoffed out, probably finding it hard to believe or doesn't what to believe. Her voice dripped with mockery, sharp like a blade cutting through the air.“I’m not,” I hurled back, my voice breaking out but firm. “Leon knew and took advantage of me.” I laughed out, totally bitter. The sound felt broken and raw in my throat. The pain of being a victim of his scheme still burned like aci
Ava's POV.I poured myself a glass of water. My hands shook so badly that some of it spilled onto the table, cold drops landing on my skin. I was so tired and stressed that I felt so close to breaking apart. My body ached deep in my bones. My chest felt tight, like something heavy was crushing my heart and lungs.It had been three days since Leon locked me up in the house. Three long, painful days of silence, fear, and loneliness. I haven't been able to go out. Ms. Lin had quietly opened the room for me that first day he slammed the door. Her hands trembled as she turned the key. She didn’t say a word, just looked at me with pity before going back to her duties, as she can't be of further help. The security men still guarded every door and gate like hungry dogs. I don't even have access to my phone. No one could reach me. Not even Julian. The big mansion felt like a cold, beautiful cage made of marble and silence.I sat down at the long dining table. The wooden chair felt hard under
Leon's POV “There’s a voice recording of all of you,” Bella said, rephrasing herself. Her voice was calm and sure as she looked at every one of us.The words landed like a heavy punch to my stomach. For a few long seconds, nobody moved. The red lights in the VIP booth suddenly felt hot, burning against my skin. The heavy bass music thumped louder in my ears, vibrating deep inside my chest and ribs. The thick air smelled stronger now — heavy cigar smoke, spilled whiskey, sweat, and sweet perfume all mixed together. My shirt clung wet and sticky to my back as heat gushed all over me. My heart slammed hard against my ribs, each beat loud in my ears.After a moment of shock, I bit my lip hard. Sharp pain flared up as I felt the taste of blood filled my mouth instantly. “Goddamn it!!” I cursed under my breath, my voice rough and low.“Oh Shiit!!” Victor roared, slammed his fist hard on the table. The glasses jumped and clinked loudly. His face turned deep red with rage. Veins bulged on
Leon's POV I sat in my favorite exclusive club, Orion, deep inside the VIP booth. The lights were just as I needed it to be — dim and red, painting everything in a dangerous, bloody glow. Heavy bass of the club music thumped through the walls and into my chest, making my ribs vibrate with every beat. The air was thick and suffocating with cigar smoke, strong whiskey, stale sweat, and sweet women’s perfume. My shirt stuck uncomfortably to my sweaty back and chest from the heat coming off me.I popped another bottle of champagne now. The cork flew out with a loud pop. Cold foam spilled over my fingers and on the table, icy and real sticky. The sharp, sweet smell rose up quickly, burning my nose.Victor roared, his voice real loud with joy as he opened four huge suitcases on the table. They were packed full, so loaded with neat stacks of cash. The fresh, crisp smell of new money flooded the entire booth, so sweet and intoxicating.“Ohh… That’s what I’m talking about!!” he shouted ou
Leon's POV I stood still as Bella walked toward me. Her steps were slow and deliberate, swaying her hips under the loose bathrobe. She stopped right in front of me, now so close that I could feel the heat radiating from her skin. She then wrapped her arms around my neck, sliding her fingers into my hair, her nails scraping my scalp real hard, hard enough to get all my attention.“Betray me one last time..,” she breathed those words hot against my mouth, dragging and stressing each word so well that it hit me real deep.She looked right into my eyes, her breath tasted sweet and dangerous. “And I'll kill you myself.”She moved those eyes, searching through my face, then she kissed me hard. Her lips crushed against mine, so aggressive and full of warning. I tasted all her poison and threat in that kiss — sweet, angry, and addictive.I pulled back for a second, staring into her eyes, checking to be sure. what's her take on this. I knew right then — I had won her over. I smirked low, a
Leon's POV I decided to crash at the hotel where Bella was staying with my money. I was still angry as fuck. My jaw still throbbed with sharp, hot pain. My bruised ribs still burned with every breath I took. Fresh blood still tasted sharp on my swollen, split lip.The five-star hotel stood tall and gleaming against the dark city night. Golden lights poured from every floor. The grand entrance had massive glass doors that opened with a soft, expensive whoosh of cool, conditioned air.Inside, the lobby of the hotel smelled rich — fresh white lilies mixed with polished wood and faint, sweet cigar smoke. Soft classical music played low from hidden speakers. Crystal chandeliers sparkled like ice above me. The marble floor felt cold and smooth under my shoes. Everything looked perfect, luxurious. Still, none of it calmed the fire raging inside me.I still had unsettled business with Bella from tonight. I couldn’t believe she had ganged up with Julian while she was fucking me the whole time
James’s POVShe crawled onto the bed like every muscle in her body had already given up, her knees sinking into those cheap black sheets that reeked of old cologne and older sins carried out on it. Her skin was slick, shining under the red lights, a mix of sweat and what we’d already done to her.
Julian’s POV “Get in the pool.” The words just barged out of me, low and ugly and thick with whiskey and smoke and every bad thing I was feeling. They just hung there in the air, like I had thrown a long rope around her neck instead of speaking.Ava went completely still. She curled her fingers
Julian’s POVShe turned to me so damn slow, like every inch was a fight she was losing.Her eyes hit mine and I almost looked away. They were wide, furious, wet with tears she’d never let fall in front of me. Jealousy, hurt, want, all of it burned there. Her lips were trembling even though she was
Julian’s POV God, I was on my third espresso already, and the sun was just barely peeking over the city skyline, spilling this warm, golden light all over the glass walls of my office. The cup sat there empty in my hand, with just this little dark ring at the bottom from the last sip. I kept twi







