Brinda's P.O.V

Jason's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as every word landed like a blow. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth, my feet felt glued to the floor.

"Oh, what a touching little fairytale you two were living- too bad reality doesn't care," she said with a sinister gaze. "Now, I need my money, Brinda. And you know what they say-"money makes the world dance." Her gaze sliced through me, dripping with venom.

I was so frozen, unsure how to handle the situation or reach out to Jason, whose eyes revealed hidden pain.

My hands twitched at his side, but his stony stare stopped me. His eyes flickered, stormy and unreadable, as if they held years of unanswered questions. I reached out for Jason's hand, hoping he'd sense what I couldn't say aloud - but his reaction caught me off guard.

"Don't you dare touch me, you disgust me" He snapped. I stared at him, my body frozen in shock.

He looked straight through me, like I was an old photograph he no longer recognized. I knew this was the beginning of my end, as his clenched fists held all the anger inside him.

Before I could speak, he turned and walked to the door-like he needed distance from the stench of betrayal. I stood there, confused.

Miss Cash's smirk curled like a serpent's tail. I felt my stomach twist - she was savoring every second of destruction.

He kept staring at Miss Cash, which confused me about his next move-but I prayed it would go in my favor.

Before my mind could wander, a heavy smack landed on my face, leaving the room in stunned silence.

"You disgust me. And if this child turns out to be mine... it won't change a thing. You'll still mean nothing," he said, his hands still suspended in the air.

He faced Miss Cash and requested her to leave his premises or things would get ugly, which she accepted without hesitation, and I knew it smelt more trouble.

"Darling, you know you shouldn't hit a pregnant woman. Looks like I chose the wrong moment to drop the rest of my bombs. No matter-I'll be back," she smirked, flipping her middle finger as she silently mouthed, "I will be back," which left me trembling for help.

She entered her SUV and zoomed off, leaving me alone to face the aftermath - just like always. It burned - like every betrayal I had ever survived, clawing at my throat all over again.

I turned my head toward Jason, heart thudding, searching for even a flicker of warmth. But his eyes were sunken, lost in some internal war I couldn't fight with him.

"Jason, p–please. You have to listen to me. At least give me a chance to explain," I pleaded, on my knees - but he just stared through me like I was a ghost.

"If you don't want me around, I understand. I'd never cause you pain. Maybe it's best... I abort the child - for both our freedom," My hands trembled. But all I got was silence - louder than any scream he could've given me.

Just as I shifted my foot, fingers wrapped around my wrist - firm, trembling. I turned slowly, my breath caught. It was Jason.

"You're not going anywhere until my child is born. And get ready - we have a public convention tomorrow. No drama," he said, our eyes momentarily locked...but I could notice a sense of hurt on his face even when he tried to mask it from me.

We were so close to each other, but before I knew what was happening, I felt a sudden gap between us and his face back to square one.

"If you need anything, make yourself at home. And I repeat - do not disturb me, or you'll face the consequences," he warned, disappearing upstairs. I stood in a silence so thick it just burned and stayed, unsure whether to run, scream, or collapse.

"She found me. And if she found me once, she'll do it again." I wrapped my arms around myself, cold despite the air. "No more hiding. No more hoping. I have to be sharper. Stronger. Ready." with my hands ruffling my hair.

I walked slowly to the kitchen hoping to get a pain relief when my eyes glimpsed the alcohol section. It was the only thing that listened when I cried. The only friend that never asked questions - just burned,and stayed.

My hands trembled as I gripped the bottle, its cool glass anchoring me. I took another gulp, trying to drown the shiver crawling down my spine. Just a little more. Just until the shaking stops. But it didn't. Not really.

I set the empty bottle down, the burn still lingering in my throat. The silence wrapped around me like a noose-until the doorbell rang.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Each chime louder than the last.

I hesitated. Jason was upstairs. The house was locked. No one should be here.

With slow steps, I approached the door, peeking through the side window.

Nothing.

Then, just as I reached for the knob-

A crisp white envelope slid beneath the door.

No return name. No stamp. Just my name.

Brinda.

With trembling fingers, I tore it open.

Inside, a single photograph.

Jason.

In bed.

With her.

Miss Cash's lipstick smeared across his chest like war paint.

And beneath it, a note scrawled in her cruel handwriting:

"You thought I was the villain? Sweetheart, you haven't even met the monster."

I dropped the photo.

My vision blurred.

But my rage-oh, it had never been clearer.

Still, something inside me - small, stubborn, unyielding - refused to break. With every burning swallow, courage sparked like flint against stone. Miss Cash had started a war - but I wasn't going down easy.

Brinda's P.O.V

I kept looking at the ceiling, wondering what connection Jason had with Miss Cash, but my head kept going blank, which only got me more frustrated than ever.

"God, I hate my life right now." My mind kept thinking of the worst, as always, but I knew that I needed a distraction to redeem my brain back to normal state.

I stretched my hand under the pillow and checked the time - 7:11 p.m and I felt like time wasn't on my side today.

"Brinda, love, you've got to get a hold of yourself baby, you got this." My brain kept saying in a tiny, faint voice, but I knew I still needed something to relax my system.

I crept out towards the door hoping that I won't get a sight of Jason because I know it would never end well.

"Ouch" my foot hit the wall forcefully, creating excruciating pain. "Can today get any worse?"

I slowly found my way down to the kitchen, hoping to get some alcohol to calm my nerves. I looked around at how expensive his kitchen gleamed and wondered if he did anything here. "Gosh, his kitchen is so beautiful, it's just a pity... too bad the owner isn't pretty on the inside." While ransacking the wine cabinet.

"Finally - my favorite. Merlot. It's been long. I remember how I fell in love with you, and it's so good to see you again." which my lips got talking to the non object but it gave me peace.

I poured a glass, desperate for that first calming sip, only to behold a dark shadow from the corner staring at me, which almost gave me a heart attack. "H-hey, who's there, show yourself and face me like a damn adult," with my hands still shaking while holding the wine in one hand.

I kept bracing myself for anything to happen, and I wasn't going down without a fight. "Do you know how to fight, girl?" my mind kept floating on which was the worst time.

As the figure kept moving towards me, stepping into the light area in the kitchen - I embrace myself for a battle.

His steps were quiet, deliberate. Like a predator stalking prey. I should've run - but my legs, my heart, refused to move.

As my hands got ready to strike, I was astonished at the broad–built figure in front of me with his biceps calling my name. "It's insane how I still crave him... despite the emotional chaos he brings."

"What are you doing here?" He said while staring at me with his ocean eyes locked on my body, lingering shamelessly on my radiated lingerie while his hand slid down my shoulder.

He kept on staring at me with so much lust that for a second I felt I saw hunger written in his eyes for me.

"Well, if you must know, I came to drink and I don't know how it's any of your business," pouring the wine into the glass cup.

"Drinking now, huh? Pathetic. Just like the choices you make." with his hands inside his pocket like he owns the world.

"Your cruel words don't faze me anymore, Jason. Besides, if you want a drink all you could have done was ask instead of playing Mr you know it all," while sipping the wine slowly to irritate him even more.

"So my words don't have any effect on you. Amazing which I need to know more," while he kept coming closer to me.

I could feel the tension arising between us, but I refuse to give into his demand, "If he's playing with fire, I'll be the wildfire."

As I kept on sipping the wine, my mind lost track of his movements, only to see him standing an inch away from me, which made my heart skip.

"Why does it seem you are ignoring my look?" He said, swiftly raising my chin in his direction, which made my pussy drip.

"Why the hell are you showing him you want this? Get a grip, Brinda." but I knew deep down that I wanted him to rip off my dress.

He kept looking into my eyes like I was his, and the whole world fell still when his scent invade my senses, making my body betray every restrained emotion.

I wanted to fight him, but a powerful force kept me standing still, waiting for his next line of action, which was getting me restless.

He looked at me, only licking his bottom lips while whispering in my ears, "If you weren't a whore, I would have eaten you up, but you are just like every public girl I met."

His words broke my heart into pieces, and I immediately slapped his hands off my chin while taking the last sip of wine to soothe my restless night.

"I hate you so much, Jason, and I can't wait to get you out of my life for good," while storming my way up to my room not caring what he had to say.

Trust me, Jason. I'll find out who you really are - and once I do? It ends with my winning, Jason. You'll see.

Jason P.O.V

I stare at my reflection wondering if I should back out of this event, but I know that it is not in my place to make such a decision. This was a once-in-a-lifetime event where you meet men with standards, with a mixture of wealth and power. Men known to change destinies with just a flick of their fingers. "I can't believe that I have to carry that whore with me," I muttered, rubbing my forehead...searching for answers that didn't exist.

I stormed to her room and pounded on the door "Brinda! Open up." I knocked repeatedly.

Silence.

"Ugh! You know what? If you're not ready when it's time to leave, you're on your own, bitch!" I snapped, my voice laced with anger, with clenched fists, struggling to keep myself from exploding, but yet no answer.

I returned to my room, pacing like lion in a cage. What gave her such guts to ignore me? I was Jason Adams. No one ignored me. "I can't believe the mess I got myself into, and I can't wait to get rid of her once she delivers."

The time struck 9:30 pm, and I knew it was time to put up a fake performance for the crowd at the event.

I stood in front of the mirror, knotted my blue bow tie while adjusting my black jacket with my other hand adjusting my black leather belt.

"I hope this girl is ready because if she isn't, she'll see another side of me, I swear," I muttered, storming toward her room.

As I neared her door again, the sound of music slipped through. And her voice - soft, almost haunting - stopped me cold.

I peeked in.

She stood there, brushing her hair back, in a long black maxi gown. A goddess. Dangerous.

My heart skipped. What the hell was that?

"Gosh, Brinda is beautiful, no doubt - but I won't let myself fall for this illusion." As I made my way downstairs for dinner.

"Good evening, Mr. Jason I prepared your favorite meal, chicken sauce with a side of rice and beef salad to complement the meal," Mrs Agatha said calmly.

"Thank you, Agatha. I sincerely appreciate all you do," I said, taking a spoonful. Today was perfect for a meal like this - it brightened my mood."

"Agatha, call Miss Brinda down this instant. Tell her she has ten seconds - if not, she'll regret it!" I snapped as she dismissed herself.

It didn't take long, and I saw Brinda entering the kitchen wearing a black maxi gown with light makeup and her hair rolled in bun, which was stunning.

Every step she took into the kitchen amazed my eyes, which urged me to compliment her, but I held it within.

"Why the hell do I care how she looks? She's a problem, not a prize. Still... damn."

"Finally. This is Mrs. Agatha, the housekeeper. If I'm not around, dump your issues on her." I said sarcastically.

"Mrs. Agatha, meet Brinda - our special guest," I said, raising the cup of tea in my right hand.

The look she gave me instantly after calling her special was marvelous, but yet I don't know why a part of me still felt it was wrong.

I saw her exchanging pleasantries with Mrs Agatha, who was so homely and unlike the girl I was expecting, but I remained silent.

"Sir, the driver is here," Mrs Agatha said calmly, and I knew that was my cue to act my part.

- - - - -

Welcome to LA VA business convention, where every prestigious family graces to show off their wealth and attract more wealth.

This was a yearly function, and I knew all eyes would be on me once the lay eyes on her, which I have to caution her before entering the main hall.

"Brinda, just smile and act like we're madly in love. Let me do all the talking - got it?" with a quick tone, but all I got back was a displeased look.

She looked like sin dressed in silk, and that alone could undo me. But I pushed the thought away, focusing on the guests.

As I immediately saw Mr Felix and his colleagues, I knew that it was my cue to make a good impression "Don't leave this spot. I'll come get you." My tone was sharp, not up for debate.

She acted indifferent, but I told myself it wasn't my problem.

"Hey!!! Mr Felix, you look so good, and trust me, you always look younger every day," I said in a respectful manner, and Mr. Felix burst into a hearty laugh.

We all engaged in conversations with some colleagues when I noticed a disturbing stare glaring at me from a corner, which got me feeling uncomfortable when I noticed it was Mrs Cash.

"What the hell is this witch doing at this event, which I know it could only be trouble," My hands kept figeting.

"I'm so sorry, Mr Felix, but I have to excuse myself but would be back soon," which he gave me a worried look, but I smiled to assure him that everything is under control.

I immediately walked to Brinda to get some answers, only to be nowhere close to the spot I instructed her to stay. "This girl is really getting on my nerves, "Argh," I muttered, still holding myself together.

I was about to take a step, roaming through the hall for Brinda, when Mr Felix called me to the stage to make a speech.

My hands trembled - something felt off. Still, I forced a smile.

"Good evening everyone, and welcome to the annual LA VA business convention. My name is Jason Adams, and I'm so pleased to see you all gracing this wonderful event hosted by our very own Mr Felix the owner of the Flip oil and gas," and the crowd erupted into applause at the mention of Mr. Felix.

Before I could continue, the speaker screeched with feedback - then came moans. Loud. Filthy. Raw. My voice, hers- on repeat.

Gasps. Murmurs. Laughter.

I stood frozen.

"Turn it off! Shut it down now!" I barked, but the damage was done.

Everyone looked at me with so much disgust when the audio got louder of me having sex with a woman with different angles of moaning pouring out.

People began murmuring to each other about how I was such a big disgrace, while others used their phones to record the horrific night that shattered me.

The media personals couldn't disconnect it, which made me dash out of the stage, running through the hall like a defeated man.

"How dare she do this to me, especially at an event like this ran a hand through my hair in frustration?

"How would I explain to Mr Felix about this disgraceful act, and I have toiled day and night waiting for this moment now ruined?"

I reached into my pocket for my phone, scrolling through, hoping to end this once and for all.

I never meant for it to reach this stage, but she has left me no choice my mind kept venting when the caller picked the call.

"She humiliated me. She tore my reputation apart. I built my empire brick by brick - so yes, end her. No traces." Which I cut the line immediately to avoid suspicious eyes.

You played dirty.

Now I'll play darker.