The atmosphere in the living room was thick with tension, the kind that seemed to press down on the chest until breathing became a struggle. Alex stood still, stunned by the sudden storm unfolding before his eyes. Just a few days ago, peace had finally returned to the house. Melissa and Celine had begun to get along, laughing together, sharing quiet conversations, even helping his grandmother. Now, watching Melissa’s face twisted with rage and bitterness, he couldn’t understand what had gone wrong.“Alex, I said she has to leave this house!” Melissa shouted, pointing a trembling finger at Celine. Her voice cracked, and her eyes were wet, but there was more venom than tears in them.Celine stood still, her back straight, her face pale but calm. Inside, she was anything but calm. Her heart raced, her hands trembled at her sides, and confusion clouded her mind. She didn’t understand how everything had changed so fast. The same woman who had smiled at her days ago now looked at her
Martins staggered back, clutching his cheek, fury burning through the humiliation in his eyes. “You dare slap me?” he spat, stepping forward like he wanted to prove he still had control.I didn’t move away. My fingers found the knife lying on the counter, and before I could think twice, I gripped it tightly, raising it between us. My hand didn’t tremble. My voice was cold, firm, the kind of calm that frightens men like him.“Take one more step,” I said, my gaze locked on him, “and I swear, I will make you pay.”For a moment, silence swallowed the kitchen. His nostrils flared; anger twitched in his jaw, but I didn’t blink. I didn’t flinch. I stood tall, every breath steady even though my heart was pounding against my ribs. He muttered something ugly under his breath, trying to look brave, but my unshaken stance forced him back. When his eyes dropped to the knife still glinting in my hand, I saw fear flicker across his face.He backed off.I stood there, still gripping the knife, wat
Celine hesitated on the threshold, the house quiet behind her and the memory of Martins’s words still sharp in her ears. She had come to Alex’s home out of pity for a frail old woman who had claimed her as a daughter, and because the promise of money had been a lifeline. Yet tonight the shame and accusation from Martins almost undid everything.She turned to Alex, her jaw tight. “I will stay,” she said finally, her voice low but deliberate. “But know this: one more humiliation, one more attempt to drag me through the dirt in this house or anywhere else, and I leave for good. No more second chances.”Alex’s face softened. He stepped forward and took her hand briefly. “I promise,” he said. “I will protect you. I won’t let anyone do that to you here.”Celine nodded. She was not staying for him; she was staying because his grandmother had already opened a small space of warmth in a heart that had been hammered raw, and because she could not refuse the old woman peace. That was enough
The room went silent after Martins’ words, thick with tension and disbelief. Celine stood frozen where she was, her pulse hammering in her ears. The humiliation burned inside her chest like fire. She could feel everyone’s eyes on her, the same way the world had once watched her life crumble. “Martins!” Melissa snapped, turning to her boyfriend with a glare sharp enough to cut through the air. “What’s wrong with you? You don’t just throw accusations like that!” Martins shrugged, unbothered. “I’m not accusing her. I’m stating facts,” he said, his tone unapologetic. Melissa’s voice softened, curiosity sneaking in despite her anger. “But… is that true?” she asked quietly, glancing at Celine, who still hadn’t moved. Before Celine could respond, Alex’s voice thundered across the room. “Enough!” He faced Martins, his eyes cold. “You really think every nonsense you see online is true? You read gossip and suddenly you’re an investigator?” Martins crossed his arms, unmoved. “I’m telling
Two days ago, Celine woke up feeling physically and emotionally drained, burdened by the events and revelations of the past few days. Her whole body ached from exhaustion, but it was her heart that hurt the most. She forced herself to get ready for the day despite the heaviness in her chest.As she stepped out of her room, the receptionist stopped her politely and said, “Ma’am, Mr. O’Neil is already waiting for you in the parking lot.”Celine gave a small nod. “Thank you,” she said, glancing briefly at the wall clock. It was a little past eight. She took a deep sigh before stepping outside.Last night, Alex had suggested they lodge in a nearby hotel and leave early in the morning. She had agreed, but sleep never really came. Her mind kept replaying everything — the humiliation at the hotel, the encounter with the old woman, the offer she had reluctantly accepted.In the parking lot, Alex stood beside his sleek black car, dressed neatly in a light shirt and dark trousers. He looked
Celine forced a smile, but her heart still clung to doubt. As they were about to leave the shed, Alex stepped closer to her, making her shiver. She looked up at him, just then she realized how tall he was, his figure almost filled the small space, intimidating and firm."I think it's time I officially introduced myself," he said, tugging a faint smile. "I’m Alexander O’Neil."Celine raised her eyebrows. That name. It hit her sharply, like a slap of realization."Does your family own the O’Neil Hotel and Suites?" she asked, her voice low but steady.Alex nodded. "Yes, amongst others. Have you been there?"Celine swallowed hard. Her throat tightened, and her heart raced back to the humiliation she faced at that very hotel just a few hours ago. The way the manager and receptionist had thrown her out like she was nothing still burned deep inside her chest. She could still hear their laughter and see the disgust on their faces."Are you okay?" Alex asked, noticing her uneasiness, his ton