John dug his teeth into his fingers nervously as he tapped his feet, deep in thought. He was still reeling over the events of the other day and how he had been reduced to a national caricature.He could not walk about freely anymore because people kept throwing judgemental and disgusting glances his way. There were whispers. Everyone was talking, including the damn employees at the company. Nobody was on his fucking side.He sighed. Was this what defeat felt like?"It's not over! I refuse to be the loser. I'm not losing to that bastard. I need to tighten my rein!" He muttered to himself."How long will you keep tightening your rein?" Summer asked slowly. She had been thoroughly shocked at the outcome of the live conference and just like John, she was disappointed, almost hating him for taking such a big move only for him to be ridiculed."How I see it, we are back to square minus zero," she continued with a low chuckle. "He beat your ass just like he did with the rest of us,"John tsk
"Young master, I know you asked not to disturb, but this is really important," Anthony said, walking into Lucian's office with a bunch of files.Lucian looked up with a barely there smile. "What is it this time?"Anthony placed the files on the table. "Mr. Clarke sent in this contract that requires your signature. The deal he discussed with you earlier,"Lucian picked it up as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Clarke promised us the deal, but I never thought it was coming so soon," He paused in suspicion. "Wait… that's not why you're here, right?What is it?""I'm sure you're busy, so…""Anthony?" Lucian shot him a warning look. "Say it,""Fine, I caught Summer snooping around the company earlier today. It seemed she was up to something,""Summer?" Lucian furrowed a brow. "How did she get past security? I thought I specifically told the employees not to let her into any of my companies?""She was in disguise," Anthony said. "She came to see Lena and they ended up arguing,""What were
"I've got to hurry to the store. I have an urgent appointment with the dressmaker, so I'll talk to you later. Bye!" Josephine shouted to her elder sister, Amelia as she rushed out of the house."Your birthday is tomorrow and your dress is not still ready?! How's Lucian going to take the news?" Amelia shouted after her but received no response as Josephine had already gotten into her car and zoomed off.Within a few minutes, Josephine arrived at the store, and to her excitement, her seamstress had finished with the dress that looked even more beautiful than she had envisioned."I hope you love the dress, Miss Josephine," the seamstress said as she handed her the package."It's so beautiful. Thank you so much, Sofia. You're the best," Josephine smiled sweetly."You're welcome. Happy birthday in advance,""Thank you, darling, though I have to go pick up some other items. Bye," Josephine waved and walked out of the store, but her joy was short-lived when she bumped into someone unexpected
Lucian shot her a half smile before motioning for her to enter the car. They drove a reasonable distance in silence with Josephine stealing occasional glances at him."Hey…aren't you going to talk to me?" Josephine forced a stiff smile.Lucian sighed. "What did he say to you? Did he mistake you for Lena?""No, he knew who I was and was just spilling a lot of bullshit,""Like?""Like how I should be careful with the one I claim to have feelings for. Before I joined him in the restaurant, he insisted he had something very important to tell me. Turns out he knew about my birthday and thought that breakfast would serve as a suitable birthday gift,"Lucian scoffed, his hands tightening around the wheels of the car. He looked away so Josephine wouldn't see the burning anger in his eyes. Oh, how John was tempting him every single fucking time.He had thought that John would eventually back down after losing his face before the whole world, but no, it seemed that bastard wanted to wield the m
Josephine grabbed Lucian's hand as apprehension filled her chest. "What is he doing here? We never gave him an invitation,""I wish I had an answer. John is just looking for trouble and that's obvious," Lucian said as he tried to stay calm. He wouldn't have John make attempts to sabotage a party that they had so carefully planned."Gosh, those security men need some scoldings. They can't just let anyone in like that," Josephine muttered in frustration."It's a good thing we separated from Lena earlier. We can't have John know that we're in a good relationship with your sister. Keep your distance, okay?""Okay," Josephine breathed. "I really wonder why he's here though. To catch me ruin the plan?"Lucian shook his head. "I've always known John to be mischievous so his being here might not necessarily be to catch you, but just to prove that he's a dick,""There they are! The birthday celebrant looking so sharp and beautiful," a voice interrupted and as they turned, they came face to fac
The car pulled up at the beach house and Lucian climbed down to open the door for Josephine. In growing excitement, he took her behind the house where she could see the dark, beautiful water and the plenty stars twinkling in the sky."Beautiful…" Josephine whispered as her heart squeezed within her."Oh, that's not all. It's your birthday, remember? We've got to make it more beautiful," Lucian smiled, taking her hand in his. "Close your eyes, J. Don't open them until I say so, alright?""Alright," Josephine breathed and as she felt Lucian's protective hands on her shoulder, leading the way, she relaxed, squeezing her eyes tight."Aren't we there yet?" She blurted as excitement crashed in her blood."You only took four steps," Lucian chuckled. "Patience, my queen,"Josephine swallowed and a few minutes later which felt like several hours Lucian finally asked her to open her eyes and when she did, she was blown away by the sight in front of her.Her hands quickly flew over her mouth in
Josephine left her mouth hanging open in intense shock. She could swear that her blood pressure had skyrocketed to an alarming level in one split second. Her heart accelerated in panic as she stared at Betty whose hands were tightened around the gun in pure hatred."Wh- what are you doing with a…a gun, Betty? Drop that down…""Ugh?" Betty smiled in ignorance like she had lost her hearing."What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Lucian snapped. "You don't have to prove a point with a goddamn gun!""Oh, but I do!" Betty mocked, reaching out to wipe the swear that had assembled between her eyes– or was it tears? "You know I keep wondering why you had to do it. Why did you hide your real identity during our marriage while pretending to be a poor ass loser? Were you testing me?"Lucian chuckled dryly. "This is so like you to pass blame for your inadequacies. Should marriages only be built on material things and not love? This shows how greedy and insatiable you are. You failed,"He pau
A minute passed. Two minutes and Josephine forced her eyes open in terror, waiting for the pain of the gunshot to sink it. She waited, but when nothing happened, her heart hammered painfully in confusion.Another gunshot pierced through the air and Josephine sprang to her feet immediately to find Lucian standing in front of her with eyes filled with matching shock."Lucian…?!" She cried rushing towards him in panic, patting his body looking for a sign of injury. "Wh…where are you hurt, Lucian? Wh…ere? I can't lose you, Lucian, I can't! Please…no!!"Lucian grabbed her trembling hands at once and pulled her into his chest. She was shivering, shaking like a convulsing patient, and in dismay, her eyes traveled through the length of her body. "You aren't hurt anywhere, are you, J?"The tears traveled faster in Josephine's eyes as she buried herself deeper into his chest, grief washing all over her. "No…the bullet didn't hit me. If it's not me, then it's…it's you. Oh, please tell me this is