Lara had already changed into her dress.While looking at herself in the mirror, she couldn't believe the woman staring back at her.She had never worn anything fancy before. Despite growing up under the guardianship of a billionaire, she had always led a low-key life. She firmly believed that she didn't own anything – everything was Miguel's.Tonight, however, she had agreed to wear the dress. First and foremost, Migo had said so. For a while, she returned to the old Lara who wanted to always please him. She didn't want to disappoint him, not tonight."I really look like you, big sister," she said after staring at herself in the mirror for a long time.It wasn't that she disliked it. On another occasion, she would be ecstatic to have grown to resemble the sister she adored so much. However, her face would keep reminding Migo of Lena.Again, it wasn't like she hated it. She just thought she would not have her own identity in the eyes of Migo. She sighed.Instead of letting her hair d
Lara thought that after that night, things would improve between her and Miguel. But nothing changed. He remained formal with her in the office. In fact, he seemed even more formal now.They didn't get a chance to talk again, as they both had a lot of work to catch up on the following Monday. Even Lara was struggling to keep up with her tasks.But the two other secretaries seemed to have plenty of time to flirt with Miguel's male assistant.Lara remembered him as Jaxen Gordon, the man who had arrived on the day of her wedding to Migo. He had come from the US, where he had attended a two-week business summit on Miguel's behalf. That was why he hadn't been present to welcome her when she was promoted to be Miguel's secretary.When he saw her earlier, he didn't seem surprised. Instead, he politely smiled at her. He probably knew every decision his boss made, including her promotion.When they had a brief moment to talk without Leonie and Ashley around, he addressed her as Mrs. Villareal.
"It's the company's anniversary this Friday, are you coming? What am I talking about? Of course, you must come."She had just passed by Jaxen, but he had already said two sentences at once. She had just walked Wendy and Migo to the elevator.The thick-faced woman had the nerve to ask her to carry her bag while she clung to Miguel's arm.She almost smacked Wendy if she hadn't restrained herself. Besides, Migo's eyes told her not to do anything stupid."Aren't you going to the business party with them?" she asked him. She knew why Miguel's assistant was talking to her.He was trying to pull her thoughts away from the couple who had just left the office together."Nah. But I'm following later. Mr. Villareal needs me to bring his gift to the host.""Why didn't you go with them and bring it now?""So I can keep an eye on them?""No," she denied his guess. "I just thought it's fuel efficient.""Fuel efficient?" he teased.He had the audacity to tease her because, first of all, Migo wasn't t
'You didn't come home last night.'Lara read Migo's email message for her. She reviewed the time stamp and figured that he sent it first thing in the morning.In her personal email, of course. He wouldn't dare use her company email. That would be too risky for their little secret.She didn't reply. Surely, it was either Auntie Rosette or Uncle George who informed Miguel. She can't blame them. They're obliged to tell him her whereabouts. Especially if he was looking for her.Wait, was he looking for her?It's a good thing she didn't change her initial excuse about staying over at Tasya's place.'Let's talk when I'm back.'The way he was sending email messages, it seemed like they were just chatting. She ignored him though and just focused on her work. Did he really think she was interested in talking to him?Ha! She was not!"Lara, do you already have an outfit for the anniversary?" Ashley asked her, trying hard to sound curious and not nosy.She shook her head. It's tomorrow. But Migo
The party had already begun. But according to his assistant, his wife hadn't arrived yet."Didn't she say she would attend the party?" Migo asked his assistant beside him.He hadn't descended to the ballroom of the five-star hotel where they were celebrating the company's founding anniversary yet. But he would join them shortly."Yes, Sir. Do you want me to call her?" Jaxen answered."Find out where she's at." He turned away from him and picked up his black-silver Venetian half mask and put it on. His upper face was completely hidden, save for his eyes. While opting for a full-face mask would have better concealed his identity, the half mask was not a bad choice either.If someone didn't know him, he wouldn't be recognized at all.There was no deeper reason for his choice of anonymity. Or rather, for his decision to maintain a low-key profile.He just wanted a private life. A life away from people who would do anything to destroy him.Just like what happened seventeen years ago… He di
Lara felt extremely uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gazes she received. It wasn't her intention to attract attention; that's why she arrived late, hoping everyone would be preoccupied by the time she arrived. But clearly, she had picked the wrong strategy. Now, all eyes were on her. Thankfully, her mask concealed her identity.However, those who knew her could still recognize her. It was a small consolation that not everyone knew she was the woman behind the popular sugar daddy issue."Are you lost, your highness?" a familiar voice called out.She turned to the voice.It was Jaxen, his eyes the only visible part of his face due to his mask, but she was sure he was grinning at her."Ah, there you are!" she immediately hooked her arm through his, even though he didn't offer it. She just felt the need to hold onto someone."Mrs. Villareal, do you want me to get fired?" Jaxen subtly withdrew his arm. "The Chairman can see us!""I'm scared," she confessed. "Hide me."He chuckled and l
Lara thought the night would end without her talking to Miguel. She believed she could finally go home after dancing with Reed Villareal.But what she didn't expect was, she was given the rare chance of a surprise dance opportunity with the CEO. Above the excited whispers, jealous murmurs, and blatant judgment, Lara's heart pounded loudly when she heard her name being called.Was it just a coincidence? Her feet refused to move, and she felt a sudden chill.Miguel approached her and extended his hand. "May I have this dance?" he asked, his eyes fixed on hers like a whirlpool ready to pull her into the depths of the sea.Reluctantly, she took his hand. Her eyes widened as she felt that electric current again at the touch of his skin."Why are you so surprised? Did you think I would let this night pass without dancing with my wife?" he whispered as they stopped in the center of the dance floor.They were alone, and all eyes were on them. Lara felt her entire body tremble with nervousness
She tasted blood, but Lara refused to cry. She reminded herself that she wasn't a crybaby."Ouch," she uttered softly when Miguel gently applied a cold compress to her cheek and the corner of her mouth, which had swollen.Honestly, she wasn't really in pain. She just used it as an excuse to escape Miguel's intense gaze. She couldn't stand his stares. They felt like they burned her skin."I'll do it," she said, taking the compress from him.Miguel sighed but agreed. Jaxen arrived just in time to inform them that Wendy, Leonie, and Ashley were in the adjacent room.Her husband stood up, his jaw clenched, and his eyes murderous. Lara felt a pang of fear. She hadn't seen him like this for a long time. The last time she saw him this furious was when her sister died. That vengeful gaze was terrifying."Migo," she called out before he could leave the suite. "What are you going to do?" she asked when he stopped to look back at her. She swallowed hard when she saw the anger in his eyes. "C-can