Vanessa POV We sat silently in the Mercedes Benz and drove to the Venue. Not even one word. Just Donovan, playing his music. Edward is playing games with me and I'm not sure I can keep up. I felt like breaking into tears again but I won't give him the satisfaction. I can't keep falling victim of his tricks because my heart still yearns for him. It's time to find a replacement. All the guys I dated after him messed up so I lost hope in finding someone. This time I had to make sure it found a way to work out. I could see tons of people crowding the front building of Edward's Company. The name written boldly at the top of the high rise building. 'Silver Tech and co.' One of the leading and most successful tech and business oriented companies in the world. They are into Technology, Business, Finance, stocks and inventions of some popular electrical appliances here in New York. As we got closer to the entrance, I could see paparazzi ready for action with their cameras and some
Susan POV My eye balls were red and dripping hot tears from the way Edward had just treated me. I got home, throwing myself on my couch as I thought of the best possible way to get rid of Vanessa. Everything started to go wrong for me the moment that bitch showed up again in Edward's life. Before then I had it all, the money, the attention, the sex. I was number one in Edward's eyes. Even if our relationship started off on a contract for sex and money, it couldn't change the fact that he was starting to grow fond of me. Now it all felt non existent. Why is she suddenly back with him anyway? What's the connection between them? I have to do some digging. But before then, I need to make sure she pays for the embarrassment Edward put me through last night and this morning. If I did it myself, it would be too obvious. Drying my tears I reached for my phone. There is this powerful Hitman I know from Chicago. He has men who work for him all over America. "Hi Rodrigo, it's your
Vanessa POV I got home that day, waiting anxiously for Edward. You know what he did? Never showed up. It feels like he's running away from me and avoiding confrontation. It's almost 3 days now and he hasn't showed up in the house. I only tried calling him once but I didn't bother my self too much because he's unavailable. Today is Wednesday and I have a date with Daniel. I dropped Liam at school 4 hours ago so I still have some time to myself. After sketching some fashion illustrations, I realized I didn't have anything to wear for the date.I feel very enthusiastic about the outcome. Daniel has made me grow fond of him already and it's barely even two days. We've been texting almost every minute and we had a brief late night call last night. It became so intense and flirtatious.For a guy I barely know I'd say it was quite forward of me. But he has a charm I can't seem to resist and I love it. I want to look very stunning for this date so I thought of going for brief shopping for a
Vanessa POVThe store guards helped me load the stuff I got into the SUV, since Donovan brought the car upfront. I got into the car and we drove off. "You don't need to apologize, Daniel. Hey let's talk about this tonight." "Fine with me. Can I see that pretty face of yours before I leave you to prepare?" And the awkward moment was gone. He had his way of changing the atmosphere and making it a better one. "Okay hold on." I replied smiling like a 5 year old. Then I muted the call. Before switching to a video call I decided to speak. "We're going to pick Liam from school." I said to Donovan, looking up from my phone to the drivers seat. Suddenly a wave of shock hit me. Donovan wasn't the one driving. Who the hell was this? "Sure." He responded. Maneuvering the car into a corner as my body moved sideways from the aggressive driving. "Where is Donovan?" I asked the strange guy. He was bald, wore an all black outfit and had a snake tattoo at the nape of his neck. "Him and I tak
Edward POV I was lost in complete shock. My Nessa got into an accident? How on earth did that happen. Was she with Liam? Are they both safe? I need urgent answers. Feeling restless while seated in the car, I browse through my phone. Fuck. She had sent me some texts already. Why didn't my PA tell me. I place a call to Liam's school. He's still there. I need to get him first before going to see Nessa. I feel so upset about this. Was it a set up? I'd loose myself if anything happens to her. "Drive faster Xavier. This is urgent." I yelled at my driver with hopes to hasten him up. I also texted my private investigator. There's a lot of work to be done. *** Vanessa POV The sounds of police and ambulance sirens echoed in my head as my eyes slowly drifted open. An immediate sharp pain around my head followed, with a feeling of a bandage, wrapped around it. Where was I? My eyeballs moved a little, scanning the location. I am in a hospital, lying flat on a bed, with my le
Vanessa POV The faint aroma of the pink flowers Edward had set in a vase on the kitchen counter blended with the smell of roast chicken as it spread into the living room. Sunlight poured through the living room's floor-to-ceiling windows as I lay in a warm blanket on the plush couch with my head resting on a pillow. The accident still hurt my body, but the bruises were getting better, and the bandages on my head were about to come off. Every employee at the mansion, including the gardeners and maids, was momentarily removed to be questioned about the accident. For all we know it could have been anyone. "Look, mommy! Check out what I got from Edward!” I was interrupted by Liam's eager voice. His smile might have illuminated the entire mansion as he rushed into the room with a bright red toy race vehicle. Wincing a little at the tug in my lower back, I managed a small grin and sat up straighter. Even though my chest was constricted, I murmured, "That's a really cool car, sweethea
Vanessa POVThe air smelt like lavender flowers in the beautiful garden. I sat on the picnic mat, dressed in a mini sundress and entwined in Edward’s arms. My giggles and laughter echoed out of me as he tickled my body. His sexy grin, very alluring and full of mischief made it almost impossible for me to be annoyed. “Alright fine. You win!” I screamed cheerfully managing to push his hands away as I escaped from his embrace. I got up from the mat and spun around in excitement. Edward leaned back on his elbows and crossed his legs, watching me with those piercing blue eyes that saw right through my soul. “Nessa,” he spoke, calling to me softly with a hint of sudden seriousness in his tone. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.” I froze, eyes lighting up as I walked back to the mat and positioned my self on top of him. “Oh yeah? Not even when you won the gambling lottery last week?” I asked, raising my eyebrows as I joked. Edward laughed, shaking his head in opposition. “Th
Vanessa POVThe body guards won’t let me out of their sight, so I pleaded for 20 minutes of space before they came looking for me again. Daniel had given me the address to his company earlier, so I planned to confront him there.When I got to the entrance, the site of the company label boldly written over the high rise roof came to view. “Westborne Inc.” I said the name, walking into what felt like another world. The interior looked very modern, sleek and exotic. Everything shined like it was just newly polished and it made the ambience more appealing. I adjusted the hem of my pink dress, letting the soft silk press against my skin. It’s part of the dresses I bought on the afternoon of the accident. The corset waist held me firmly, extenuating my curves. I paired it with nude heels that caused the marble floors to click as I made my way to the receptionist. Earlier, I pulled my red hair into a slick back low bun. I was finally able to style my hair again after the head bandages we
Edward POVI hadn’t left the penthouse in days.The world outside kept spinning. Meetings, board calls, messages piling up — but I was stuck. Drowning.The theft at the company had gutted a chunk of our reserve accounts. Tens of millions wired out before anyone noticed. No trace of the thief yet. Kaz was still out there, lurking like a phantom in the dark.And then… the attack at Liam’s school.Still a goddamn blur.The footage was too grainy, too fast. No clear shot of who orchestrated it, but I knew, deep down, Kaz’s stink was all over it.I ran a hand through my hair and stared at the pile of contracts and financial reports scattered across my desk. My tie was loose around my neck, sleeves rolled up, head pounding.I didn’t go back to the mansion. I couldn’t face Vanessa. Couldn’t face Mandi, Liam… the life I promised to protect but was failing miserably to.And her.Vanessa.God, her name haunted every breath I took.I missed her. I missed her laugh, the way she looked at me when
Vanessa’s POVMay 1stA new month. Four more months to go before my fate with Edward would be decided.Four more months before the contract that bound us together — and quietly unraveled everything inside me — would end.Nine more days before Liam’s birthday.I sat on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at my phone. The soft morning light filtered through the large windows of the mansion, painting everything in pale gold. Spring was in full bloom outside, but inside me, a quiet storm raged.I was supposed to be excited. Planning a birthday party for my son should’ve filled me with happiness and energy. It was his first real celebration since we moved here, and for the first time, I had the chance to give him something magical.But the question gnawed at me: Should it be big, or intimate and simple?Did Liam need balloons, crowds, clowns, and photographers? Or did he just need a backyard, a cake, and the people who loved him?I pulled my knees up to my chest, thinking about it.An ima
Daniel POVThe door slammed behind me, rattling in its frame. Silence swallowed the penthouse, the only sound my heavy breathing, still ragged from the argument. I dropped Wendy off at her apartment, I couldn’t stand her presence anywhere near me.I tore off the tailored jacket, flinging it across the back of the nearest chair. It slid off and hit the floor, but I didn’t care. I ripped at the buttons of my shirt next, needing to get free of the fabric, of the night, of everything Wendy Hawthorne had just dragged me into.I stalked across the room, ignoring the glittering skyline outside the windows. New York pulsed beyond the glass like a living thing, but I was numb to it. Numb and raw and furious.How the hell had it come to this?A fake engagement. A fake wedding date. August 10th, she had said. She’d even smiled, that sickly sweet, picture-perfect smile for the cameras, clinging to me like a trophy she didn’t deserve.The taste of the lie still burned in my mouth.I collapsed onto
Daniel POVThe night felt heavier than usual.I stood in front of the mirror, straightening the cuffs of my jacket, hating every second of this.Fake smiles.Fake stories.Fake love.The thoughts lingered deeply in my head.And the worst part?I was volunteering for it.For her.For Vanessa.I gritted my teeth and ran a hand through my hair. The dark navy suit clung too tightly to my frame, like it knew this whole thing was a goddamn lie.The media crew was already on stage in the studio, setting up lights, microphones, banners with the movie’s logo plastered across them.I glanced at my watch.Any minute now.Wendy had insisted on doing the interview in their studio, all glamorous and public.Because God forbid she missed an opportunity to flaunt her “perfect life” to the world.I heard her heels clicking down the hall backstage before I saw her.Wendy swept into the room, a vision of strategic perfection—silver gown clinging to her like a second skin, lips painted a bold red, her b
Vanessa POVEven at night time, I couldn’t sleep. My eyes remained wide open.With the distant hum of the lively New York city and the occasional thuds from running up through staircases, it felt like the walls themselves were holding their breath. I lay in my king-sized bed, staring at the ceiling, the silk sheets tangled around my legs.Sleep wouldn’t come. It had been this way for days.I turned over and reached for my phone on the nightstand, half-hoping to find a message from Edward. Anything. Even a simple “Are you okay?” would have been enough.But my screen was empty.Nothing.Biting my lip, I opened my messages anyway and typed:You up?I hovered my thumb over the send button. Then, at the last second, I deleted the text.No.I wasn’t going to chase him.Not tonight. He was under pressure, a theft in his company, the weight of protecting Liam and I. It was a lot to handle.I could easily go to his room to check if he’s there but that could escalate things. But No.I rolled on
Edward’s POVThe glass in my hand was sweating. I hadn’t even touched the damn drink yet. Whiskey, neat. My old go-to when I wanted to forget, when I wanted to feel something burn before the numbness settled in. It was a little past midnight, everyone at home was asleep. But I was restless.I sat in the back of my sleek, black rolls Royce, fingers drumming against the leather seat as the city lights flickered past the tinted windows. New York was still buzzing, as always, pretending like nothing was falling apart. But for me, everything in my world was unraveling—and fast.Kaz was back. My company was compromised. Vanessa… she wasn’t mine the way I wanted her to be. And Daniel. Fucking Daniel, always a step closer to her heart than I was.“Sir?” My driver turned his head slightly. “We’re here.”I looked up. The red neon sign of Club Volta buzzed above the entrance, hazy in the misty night air. The place where I first laid eyes on Vanessa after 5 years. Where her fire and defiance sla
Vanessa’s POVThe ride back to the mansion was quiet, too quiet. Liam had drifted off to sleep in the backseat, clutching his buzz light year action figure to his chest, while Edward kept his eyes on the road, jaw clenched, knuckles white on the steering wheel. I could tell something was wrong. Not just the fatigue etched into his face, but the way his posture had shifted—like a man bracing himself for impact.I’d overheard part of his phone call earlier. Just a few clipped words. More updates about Kaz, he fled. not in custody—but it was enough to churn my stomach. I didn’t press him about it when we left Daniel’s penthouse. I didn’t need confirmation to know that the man who haunted my nightmares had once again slipped through the cracks.The mansion came into view, warm lights glowing through tall windows. It was supposed to feel like coming home, but all I felt was dread creeping into my chest. The moment the car stopped, Edward turned to me, eyes softening slightly.“I’ll carry h
Daniel POVSunday, 29th AprilThe late morning light sliced through the penthouse windows, casting sharp lines over the hardwood floors. Vanessa was still upstairs with Liam, cocooned in a thin bubble of calm that I didn’t want to break. Edward had stepped out to prepare the mansion for their return, since Vanessa and Liam were going back today. Kaz had fled New York so it was safe for them again, but my senses told me otherwise. The past few days have been intense and overwhelming.The world outside didn’t stop spinning just because we needed peace.I grabbed my jacket, left a note by the coffee machine—just in case—and slipped out of the penthouse without a sound. The hallway was quiet. My security detail stood outside the door, nodding once as I passed. They knew the drill by now: stay close, stay alert, stay ready.Ten minutes later, I was buried behind my desk at Westborne inc’s satellite office on the East Side, trying to plow through enough paperwork that I had to clarify befor
Vanessa POV The clock on Daniel’s living room wall ticked too loudly.It was almost noon, but time felt suspended—caught between the silence of waiting and the heaviness of fear.I stood by the window, arms folded tightly across my chest, watching the clouds roll in over Manhattan like bruises. Rain threatened in the distance, but all I could feel was the chill of dread creeping up my spine. Edward left for a business meeting and hadn’t come back yet. I tried to tell myself that was okay—that he was probably stuck in traffic, or giving the police a statement, or just… breathing. But deep down, I knew something had happened.I had sensed it in his voice earlier.The call wasn’t long. I’d only caught the tail end when Daniel stepped out of the room, but I heard the tension. The clipped tone. The sharp inhale before he hung up.Kaz.He’d found him. I didn’t need confirmation—I just knew.“Mommy?”I turned. Liam stood behind me, clutching a stuffed bear to his chest. His curls were messy