LOGINADRIAN'S POV"Mr. Ashford. You wanted to see me?" Elliot spoke as he walked into my chair. I gestured to the chair across from my desk."Sit."He sat down and stared directly at me. "What's this about?"“I won't drag this anymore.” I pushed the document to him. “Sign it now while I'm being nice about it.”’His smile faltered. “No. I've told you before that I won't sign anything.” I leaned back in my chair. “Do you really want to go down this path with me?” “Yes.” His face hardened. “I respect you, but you have no right to force me into signing a prenup.” He snapped. “This is insulting.” I raised my brows. "Insulting?""Yes. You're treating me like a gold digger. Like I married your niece for her money. Like I'm not good enough for her."I didn't respond."I love her. I don't care about her money. I don't care about your family's wealth. I care about her."I leaned forward. "Then put your money where your mouth is. Sign the prenup."He shook his head. "No. I shouldn't have to prov
ADRIAN'S POVThe headache had been there for two days.A dull, persistent ache that settled behind my eyes and refused to leave. I had taken medication. I had tried to sleep it off. I had drunk enough water to drown a fish.Nothing worked.I sat in my office, pressing my fingers against my temples, trying to focus on the documents in front of me. The numbers blurred, and I couldn't concentrate. “I can't do this.” I groaned. I pressed on the intercom. “Marcus, I'm done for the day.” I picked up my keys and left. I was going to see my doctor.*****************The hospital was definitely not my favourite place but I couldn't neglect my health. I couldn't afford to fall sick or break down. I sat in the examination room, waiting for the doctor to arrive. It's the same doctor I've been using for years. He also got me transferred to him when I rushed in by an ambulance after the incident in the rain. He walked in. "Mr. Ashford." He sat down across from me. "What's going on?""I've h
NICOLE'S POVMy exhaustion from the day had already been overwhelming. The articles. The meeting with Matteo and Kevin. The stress of not knowing if I was making the right decision.And now this ; Adrian Ashford, standing outside my apartment, insulting me.I felt the anger rise in my chest. "What are you doing here, Adrian?"He stepped closer. "I asked you a question.""And I don't have to answer it." I walked toward my door. "I'm tired. I don't have the energy to deal with you right now.""You don't have the energy?" He laughed. "You had the energy to go to an event with Matteo Ferragamo. You had the energy to smile for the cameras. You had the energy to let the whole world think you're sleeping with him."I stopped and turned. "Did you come all the way here just to insult me? To continue from where your niece stopped yesterday?"His jaw tightened. “What did Vivi do?” "She attacked me at the event. She called me a whore. She warned Matteo to stay away from me." I stepped toward hi
NICOLE'S POV "Hey guys.” Kevin appeared. “I'm so sorry I'm late, I had to take care of something urgent before coming. “He sat opposite me.” I smiled at him. “You made it just in time.” The rest of the party went on smoothly with fun and excitement. Matteo and Kevin made me feel comfortable. I was more surprised with Matteo's behaviour. He acted like we've known each other for a long time, and it was very easy to get along with him. Matteo taught me some basic Italian words."Say 'ciao.'""Ciao.""Good. Now say 'grazie.'""Grazie.""Perfect."He taught me a sentence."Say this to Kevin: 'Sei un grande idiota.'"I repeated it to Kevin, but I struggled with the accent. Matteo burst out laughing. I turned to him with a frown. “Did I say it wrong?” He shook his head and continued laughing. Kevin frowned at him. “I think he made you say an insulting word.”“What?” My eyes widened. "What does that mean?"Matteo laughed. "It means 'you are a big idiot.'"Kevin stared at him. "Seriou
NICOLE'S POVVivienne stood behind me with her eyes full of venom. I felt my blood boil.Matteo looked at me with a frown on his face, but I smiled at him. “I'll take care of this.” Then I stood up and turned to her with a smile on my face. "Vivienne. Still the same spoiled brat, who doesn't know when to mind her business and shut the fuck up.” Her face twisted. "What did you just call me?" I tilted my head. "Did you lose your hearing because you got knocked up and pregnant?” Elliot stepped forward. "Nicole, that's enough.” “Hey, you wannabe Ashford.” I held my hand up. “Your wife came at me first, you should put a leash around her or tape her mouth instead.” His jaw tightened."You're pathetic," Vivienne snapped. "You think you can just show up here, clinging to another rich man and pretend you're not a criminal?""I'm not…” "Shut the hell up. You're a fraud. A liar. A whore." Her voice rose. “Who even let you in here?” Matteo finally stood up. "Excuse me, signora. Why are
NICOLE'S POVThe car pulled up to the entrance of the Rossi estate.I stared out the window at the flashing cameras. The reporters. The guests arrived in their designer gowns and tailored suits.My heart was pounding.I had been to countless events like this since I turned eighteen with my father and after my father died. I lived for the attention and praise. I walked on red carpets like I owned it and made everyone talk about me. It was never an awkward or uncomfortable moment for me. People said I would pass for a supermodel if I didn't go into business, but I loved and admired what my father did. He was my role model.But tonight, I was nervous. I wasn't the same person who was admired and praised by everyone. I was the branded criminal, the fallen heiress who lost everything. Matteo turned to me. "Are you ready, signora?" He flashed a smile at me.I looked at him and let out a deep breath. "I don't think so.”He placed a hand on mine. “I'm here with you. You'll be fine. If you







