Reiner's POV: Too distracted to focus on business discussion, I brooded with my fountain pen on my desk. Laura was all I could think of. The distance between us had gotten wider than before. I knew I had been treating her abominably. If it were a regular girl, I wouldn't have been bothered about it. But since it was Laura, it leaves me in scars that I've never felt before. I gave my head a small shake, dropping the fountain pen on the table. Well, she seemed to have accepted the reality that we weren't a thing and our marriage was only a stepping stone to my goal. I was the one whom made the no-commitment rule in our contract marriage. Seeing her fight against that rule secretly intrigued me but when she finally stopped and stopped caring anymore, it raised some sort of alarm in me. When a woman like Laura stopped caring anymore about my affairs with women, it could only mean one thing. She must've found someone new.Since we both took charge of Griffin groups, Laura had bec
Laura's POV:It was a dark and rainy night. I sat on my bed, tears streaming down my face as I clutched a pillow to my chest. I had just received the devastating news that I had lost my pregnancy.I remembered the joy and excitement I had felt when I first found out I was expecting a baby. I had immediately started planning for the future, envisioning a life filled with love and laughter with my new little family.But now, those dreams were shattered. I felt a deep sense of grief and loss wash over me as I mourned the loss of the child she I had already grown to love.I thought about all the things I would never get to do with my baby - the late night feedings, the first steps, the first words. I would never get to see my child grow and thrive, and the thought was almost too much to bear.As the rain pounded against the windows, the I cried myself to sleep, overwhelmed with grief and sadness. But even as I mourned, I knew that I would eventually find the strength to carry on, be
Reiner's POV:"I want to terminate our contract," she said. To say it came as a shocker to me was an understatement. This was definitely the last thing I expect from her. "Why?" I asked. She met my eyes, hard and steady. "The baby's dead. I don't see any need to continue our marriage.""What are you talking about? We can start afresh," I said, feeling that sense of alarm I felt earlier today again. The truth was that I was afraid of losing her now. She cannot leave. If she's calling it quit, then it's over for me. And this has nothing to do with my goals nor the island. I just don't want to lose Laura. "I'm done with everything, Reiner," she said, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "That's why I'm calling it quit. It was a mistake to sign that contract in the first place.""You do realize if we terminate the contract, you're not getting the ten million dollars I promised you, right?" I reminded her. That was a big mistake and I regretted uttering those words. Laura w
Laura's POV:It was a typical Wednesday evening at Bistro's restaurant when I sat down at the dinner table opposite Reiner. I had been very uncomfortable with tonight's dinner arrangement, but Reiner insisted we eat out. I had messaged him earlier to let him know I'd like us to have a talk. Reiner was as excited as a child about to receive a candy. He made reservations at Bistro's, an Italian restaurant in Sun island and even rode me to the restaurant in his own Rolls-Royce Cullinan. We began by having drinks. Reiner was in such a good mood, I hadn't the heart to bring up my reasons for tonight's meeting. He looked really worn out. From the heavy bags under his eyes, I could tell he's had many sleepless nights. Was I the cause of those sleepless nights? I got no idea. Reiner had promised me financial security and the opportunity to focus on my own career goals. That was part of the reasons why I married him. I chose him because I was desperate to have those things. Now, howe
Reiner's POV:A week later, I sat at the conference table, my lawyer by my side, as I stared down at the divorce papers in front of me. Across from me sat Laura, her lawyer by her side, a look of sadness and determination etched on her face."I can't believe we're actually doing this," I said as I drummed my fountain pen on the table. "I know it's hard, but we both agreed that this was the best thing for us," Laura replied, her voice laced with sadness.I stared at Laura. She looked incredibly beautiful and sexy. She had done her hair and even applied some make-up. And she smelled so nice too. A sense of jealous swept through me as I imagined whom her new man might be. Maybe Cole since he was the closest to her but I doubt that. I haven't seen Cole in a long time aside when he's doing his weekly check ups on grandmother. I bite my lips. Curse my luck. I lost her. I'm never gonna find another woman like her ever again. I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. "I never wanted to
Laura's POV:It's been two days after my divorce. I had moved into my new apartment in New York and started life afresh for myself. Having resigned my position at Griffin Groups, calls started coming in from various organizations I've made deals with. They wanted me to work for their company and they came with juicy offers. The CEOs and Billionaire's I've rubbed shoulders with at conference meetings and events also sent me invitation to their offices or houses.My divorce with Reiner spread like wild fire that it even ended up in the newspapers and gossip magazines. Because I've become a popular sensation, I locked myself indoors. My parents were coming over tomorrow to spend the week with me until I've gotten a grip on myself. I hated public attention which was one of the many reasons I turned down these rich men whom rang up my phone nonstop. I knew what they were after but I'm not giving it to them. Just when I was feeling more and more lonely, Cole came to visit me. He kn
Laura's POV:When I got captured, I couldn't help but wonder about my captor. Who was he and what did he want from me? I had no enemies that I knew of, and my folks stayed off trouble.Never did I imagine that the mastermind behind my abduction was no other person but Sandra, Wendy's personal maid. "What is she doing here?" I demanded, fear and anger rising in her chest as I glared at Cole. "Tell me what the fuck is going on?!""Maybe you should ask her yourself," Cole replied, snaking his arm around her shoulder and stealing a kiss on her cheeks. I was shocked to my bone marrow. Wait a minute, were these two lovers?A sinister smile spread across Sandra's face. "I'll bet you're asking lots of questions, Laura.""You bet I am. Just who the hell are you?"She replied immediately. "I have a score to settle with your husband and you're the leverage we need to make him pay.""We?" I glanced at Cole then at her. "You two?""I just want money," Cole cleared me. "She's the one who's out f
Reiner's POV:I burst through the door of grandmother's bedroom, my face etched with worry and fear. I rushed over to where she was sitting in her favorite armchair, reading a book with her reading glasses on."What is it, dear?" she asked, looking up at me with concern. "You look like you've seen a ghost."I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "I just got a call from a thug," I said, my voice shaking. "They've taken Laura. They're demanding a ransom for her release."Grandmother's book dropped to the floor as she gaped up at me, her face pale with shock. "Oh no, not Laura," she said, her voice filled with grief. "What do they want?""Ten million dollars," I said, my fists clenched at my sides. A cloud of anger came over her eyes. "Ten million dollars? Isn't that a lot?"I replied, "I don't have that kind of money on hand. I'll have to liquidate some investments, sell off some assets. It will take time.""We have to call the police," grandmother said, her voice urgent. "T