My eyes grew heavy as the fancy car drove through the big iron gates of my house. We drove under the shade of old trees lining the driveway. I felt exhausted after a day of crazy accusations and unexpected help.Next to me, Charles was typing quickly on his phone, probably trying to fix things so the newspapers wouldn't write bad stories about me and NexGen. We stopped in front of the big white entrance, and I sighed.I knew I had to deal with a lot of meetings in the next few days, and I didn't like it. My dad would also be very angry, even though I did nothing wrong. Maybe I should go to the beach for a while, until the lawyers clear my name.Charles got out of the car first and looked around carefully. Then, he opened the door for me and helped me out.I let him help me, even though I was tired and didn't care what the gossip magazines would say about him coming to my house.We started walking up the stairs to the house, and Charles said sorry. "I know I acted very protective today
Charles POV:The city was alive with its usual sounds as I sat in my office, high above the busy streets. Cars honked their horns, people chatted on the sidewalks, and the rain fell in a steady rhythm. I was lost in thought, my mind filled with images of her - Agatha De Rossi.I had known about Agatha's arrest even before she did. My spies at Richards Inc. had kept me informed, Nathan want her destroyed, and I had confirmed it with my sources at NexGen Tech. I had rushed to her side, playing the knight in shining armor. But it wasn't just about saving her; I had made sure the paparazzi and media cameras were there. I wanted the world to see me as Agatha De Rossi's new partner.But then, Camille showed up. She had looked at me with those accusing eyes, and I couldn't help but feel annoyed by her presence. She just wanted to be seen as a good friend, when she was just a mistress.As I sat in my office, I found myself reflecting on my first meeting with Agatha. It was at the gala, whe
Agatha POV:I woke up slowly, the ocean waves gently crashing outside, making me feel calm and peaceful. For a second, I didn't remember where I was. Then everything came back to me: the police at work, the embarrassment of being arrested, and the sudden help from Camille and Charles. It all seemed like a dream.I rubbed my eyes and looked around the cute cabin. Charles really went above and beyond. The ocean view was amazing, and the whole place felt cozy and welcoming.I felt a bit bad for thinking he had bad intentions. He showed up when I needed him most, just like a knight in shining armor. Now he brought me here, to this peaceful spot, so I could escape the craziness.As I walked downstairs, the yummy smell of breakfast filled the air. I found Charles in the kitchen, humming happily as he cooked. He looked up and smiled when he saw me. "Good morning, sleepyhead," Charles said with a playful smile. "I thought you were going to sleep forever."I chuckled. "Sorry, I guess I was
I nodded, my throat scratchy. His kindness and worry about me were both sweet and a bit much to handle. I almost wanted to hug him and feel safe, but then I remembered everything that happened and held back.We walked along the beach quietly for a while, just listening to the waves crashing. I was about to say something when Charles's phone rang."Sorry, gotta take this," he said with an apologetic look. He walked a few steps away and spoke softly into the phone.While he talked, I took a moment to think, looking out at the ocean. I wondered who was calling - maybe it was about work.After a few minutes, Charles came back looking worried and focused."Is everything okay?" I asked, worried about his frown.Charles tried to smile, but his shoulders were tight. "It's fine, Agatha. Just work calling. Nothing major, but I gotta do a video meeting now."I felt a bit bummed, but I get it. "No worries, go ahead. I'll be fine here for a bit."He squeezed my hand gently. "I'll be quick, prom
Nathan POV:I sat at my desk going over the financial reports, which were looking worse each day. We were hemorrhaging money and investors were jumping ship faster than rats from a sinking ship. My assistant Steve knocked on my office door. "You have a visitor, Mr. Richards," he said grimly.I sighed. "Who is it now? Another creditor demanding payment?" Things had gotten so bad I was half expecting the mob to show up next. "It's Ms. DuBois, sir. Shall I send her in?" Steve replied.Camille. The last person I wanted to deal with right now. Ever since our argument the other day, she had been extra clingy and dramatic. I just wanted some space to handle this mess without her constant hovering."Fine, send her in," I grumbled. Might as well get this over with.Camille bounced into my office, her ever-growing baby bump preceding her. She carried a tray laden with sandwiches and muffins from the café down the street, no doubt trying to butter me up. "I brought you some lunch, honey!" s
I stood in shock, staring down at the papers scattered across the floor. Divorce papers, with Nathan's signature already scribbled on the line. He couldn't even look me in the eye as he uttered those heartless words. "You should start packing. Only take what you came with." The pounding of my heart drowned out all other sounds. This couldn't be real, it had to be some twisted joke. I searched Nathan's face pleadingly, hoping to find even a hint of remorse or regret. But his eyes remained cold and distant. "Nathan, please...we can talk about this. What happened to make you want this so suddenly?" My voice cracked with emotion. Three years of marriage, three years of giving everything to this man, and his lavish lifestyle, meant nothing to him now. He sighed in annoyance. "Don't make this harder than it needs to be, Agatha. It's over. I've already filed the paperwork. Now just pack your things and go." White-hot anger swirled within me now, battling with the remnants of grief and
As the taxi pulled away from the mansion, I let the tears come that I'd held back for so long. All the stress and heartbreak of the past hours came pouring out of me in gut-wrenching sobs. I was finally free to mourn the loss of the life and identity I'd clung to for three years. My mind drifted back to happier times when Nathan and I were carefree college students. I saw him on the rugby pitch, his powerful form weaving effortlessly between opponents. Even then he had a swaggering charisma that drew people to him. Drawn to his confidence and charm, I'd eagerly accepted when he asked me out after a game. It was the first real act of rebellion against my father's expectations. Aldo De Rossi wanted me safely tucked away, continuing my studies without distraction. But Nathan made me feel alive and passionate in a way I never had before. For a while I let myself get swept up in the fantasy, pretending we could live a normal life together after graduation. Of course, it all came crash
The past continued to resurface in my mind, no matter how hard I tried to push it down. I remembered the countless dinner parties where Nathan and his social circle would belittle me for my supposedly humble upbringing. "Fetch me another drink, would you dear?" Nathan would say, smiling that dazzling smile that no longer fooled me. As I walked away, I could hear the snickers and whispers behind my back. "Really Nathan, a farm girl? I thought you had higher standards than that." "She must be a terrific lay if you're willing to marry down so far." I endured it with a stoic smile, not wanting to give them the satisfaction of seeing me upset. But inside, the comments chipped away at my sense of self-worth. If the guests weren't bad enough, Nathan's mother Josephine was ruthless in her criticism of me. Though I had graduated top of my class with a business degree, in her eyes I was nothing more than the help. "Agatha, why isn't this floor polished to a shine? I thought I taught yo