Jayden couldn't stop glancing at his wristwatch. His heart beat a little faster as the seconds ticked away. He was almost late. He hated being late. Not for events like this. Not when the entire industry would be watching.His phone buzzed."Sir, we’re already at the lobby. Miss Athena is with me," his chauffeur said over the line.Jayden ran a hand through his hair and reached for his jacket. He snatched it off the hanger and shoved his arms into the sleeves, letting the tailored fabric hug his frame. His reflection in the mirror barely caught his attention. Tonight wasn't about vanity. It was about power. Presence.He adjusted his cufflinks with swift movements and took one last deep breath before stepping out of his hotel suite. The elevator ride was silent except for the soft ding of each floor he passed.When he reached the lobby, he found Athena already waiting. Her long gown shimmered under the chandelier lights. She looked… stunning.His three black luxury cars were parked rig
The meeting with the investors had gone smoothly. For once, Jayden didn’t have to fake too many smiles or argue his way into getting the last word. Everything had fallen right into place. They agreed with his terms, trusted his projections, and even praised his vision for the next phase of the company.It was one of those rare meetings that ended on a good note.As the last investor stepped out, Jayden exhaled and leaned back in his chair, silent for a moment. Athena, who had been quietly taking notes and managing the presentation slides, began to gather his things. She packed the tablet, folded up his suit jacket, tucked the loose files into his briefcase, and slung her bag over her shoulder.Without saying a word, she turned and walked out of the restaurant to wait by the car. The sun outside was already heating up, casting long shadows across the pavement. The streets were busy, people rushing about their day, completely unaware of the silent storm brewing inside Jayden's mind.He
The launch date was getting closer every minute.Everything was happening at once. Meetings here, calls there, running up and down... back and forth. It felt like my whole body had been drained. I was always tired. Every single day.I got home late that night, dragging my feet like I had weights tied to them. The moment I stepped in, I dropped my bag, kicked off my heels and collapsed right on the couch with a loud sigh.Tricia walked in from the kitchen with a glass of cold water. She handed it over to me like she already knew what I needed.“Drink this, girl. Then go take a shower. I already made dinner for you and Donald.”I took the glass and drank like my throat had been dry for years. “You’re too sweet. Honestly. Thank you for moving in with me, Tricia.”She smiled and flopped down beside me. “You won’t regret it, babe. You’re stuck with me for life now.”I chuckled. “And Josh?”“Oh, I tucked him in just before you came in. He slept off watching cartoons.”“Aww. Thank you, love.
"Good morning, Tricia. Have you seen Donald around?"I stood in the hallway, arms folded across my chest, my eyes scanning the house like I'd catch him hiding behind the curtains."Who? Donald? Nope, haven’t seen him all morning. Why?" Tricia responded, casually sipping her coffee like nothing was wrong.I let out a frustrated sigh and ran my fingers through my hair, already dialing his number again. "I can’t seem to reach him. He’s not picking up his phone. We planned on heading out early to inspect the building, make sure everything is set for the fashion line launch. Now, I’m just standing here... waiting.""Still not picking up?"I frowned. "No. Ugh, come on, Donald, where the hell are you?"Just then, Josh walked in, half-eaten toast in hand."Mum, you look kinda stressed. What's going on?"I gave him a small smile to keep him from worrying. "It’s nothing, baby. Just trying to reach your dad."Josh wiped his mouth and said, "Dad? I think I just saw him drive in."I froze. "You sa
MONALISA'S POVJayden’s car pulled up to the company entrance, sleek and spotless like always. The morning sun bounced off the glass walls of the building, casting a golden reflection that matched the fire in his chest. He stepped out of the car looking calm on the outside, but his eyes carried the storm of a man who was tired of betrayal and done playing nice.Athena stood by the lobby entrance, her tablet clutched in her hands. She’d been there for a while, waiting. The moment she saw him step out of the car, her heels clicked against the floor as she rushed over.“Good morning, sir,” she said, almost breathless, reaching to take the black leather laptop bag from his hand.Jayden nodded briefly, barely making eye contact. “Let’s go.”The two walked side by side through the hallway. The moment Jayden entered the company, a wave of silence washed over the place. Laughter stopped. Whispers died. Heads lowered back to screens. Everyone knew Jayden Bruno had arrived, and these days, he
MONALISA'S POVIt was Monday morning.The sky outside was still quiet. Birds chirped softly from the trees outside Jayden’s window. The sun had barely begun to rise, casting a warm orange glow across the curtains. But Jayden was already awake. Jayden had woyke up early, like he had an important mission to start the day. The sky was still soft with light, but he was already up, sitting on the edge of his bedHe blinked slowly, staring at the ceiling for a few seconds. His dark eyes looked calm but tired. It was too early for the stress he was about to face, but he had to get up.Jayden sat up on the bed and ran both hands through his hair, pushing it back. Then he rubbed his face gently, trying to chase off the sleep still lingering in his eyes.He let out a deep breath, like he was releasing a weight from his chest, and whispered,“New day. Let’s do this. I need to get ready and go to work. I've got a lot on my plate. I need to brief Athena about the situation on ground and have her