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.

Brinda's P.O.V

I kept rolling on the bed while my legs tangled in the sheets as I twisted again, heart pounding. Every minute that passed felt like a countdown to regret.

I stretched my hand to the side table to grab my phone while looking for the music that suits my mood "The haunting melody filled the room, and I felt my chest slowly rise and fall, syncing with each gentle beat. My eyes fluttered closed - finally, peace.

As I kept on singing to the lyrics, I noticed a loud bang on my door and was wondering who would want to disrupt my quiet time.

Removing my EarPods, I heard Jason constantly banging on my door demanding I should open it immediately. Jason pounded the door like a toddler denied candy. His voice rose, petulant and sharp, making me yank out my EarPods with a groan.

I increased to the highest volume allowing him to rest upon my silence while enjoying my moment before the fake moments came.

I sang so much that I didn't even know that time had passed. I quickly went to check if Jason was standing outside, but I was glad to see he was gone.

Mascara in one hand, towel barely clinging to my body, I darted to the wardrobe. Dresses flew past my hands - too short, too bright, too dull - until my fingers landed on the black maxi gown.

I headed straight to my wardrobe to pick up my black maxi gown my best friend gave me for my birthday.

"I held the gown to my chest, I heard her laugh again in my head - loud, goofy, full of life. "Wear this and steal hearts, babe," she had said. My throat tightened " I can't wait to see you and tell you about my roller coaster life," while I kept applying light touches to my face.

Tying my hair into a bun, I paused - just for a second. It was the same style Mom used to wear. A lump rose in my throat, but I swallowed it down, and for a second, I didn't see myself - I saw her. Her calm smile. Her strength. The room felt less lonely.

I stood up, ready to shake off the mood, while apply my matte red lipstick to brighten up my face.

As I walked down the stairs, I heard Jason talking to someone, which kept me wondering who that was.

His gaze locked onto mine, and the sound of clinking cutlery faded. My heel stuttered on the tile, breath hitching in my throat.

"Finally you are done," he said sarcastically, which spoiled the mood instantly before noticing a middle-aged woman in our midst.

"Brinda, this is Mrs Agatha, the housekeeper, and she can attend to you with any issue when I'm not around," he said. Mrs. Agatha nodded politely, but I caught the twitch in her jaw. She smiled through gritted teeth, the way one does with spoiled royalty.

As I was about to speak, Jason cut me off" Mrs Agatha, meet Brinda, our special guest who needs close observation, and you can attend to her minor needs," while he kept sipping his cup of tea.

I looked at him with so much anger written all over my face, but I still had to compose myself.

"Good evening, Mrs Agatha, and I'm so happy that I finally have company in this house apart from you know who," I said playfully, which left a small smile on her face.

"You also look so stunning, Ma," she said, which left my cheeks turning red before she wandered off to her chores.

She came back into the dining room to inform us that the driver had arrived, and I knew the major show has just begun.

- - - - -

We finally arrived at the event, and the hall was filled with so many prestigious people showing off wealth. Champagne glasses clinked, laughter echoed, and I clutched my clutch like it was armor. My smile was tight, my back stiff. Just a role. Just a mask.

"I wish I was in bed watching a romantic movie, but I'm here fake smiling my way into riches," before Jason's words brought me out of my thoughts.

"Brinda, I need you to put up an act of us being a lovely couple, and I would handle all the talking. I hope you understand?" he said with a quick tone, but I just kept glaring at him like he was nuts, which I knew fueled his anger.

"Don't leave this spot," he said before running off to meet with some wealthy colleagues, who could feel my palms sweaty.

"Who does he think he is? Trying to control my movement when he goes out having fun... Well, I don't play that game," I said in a quick, annoyed tone before heading to the wine section.

"Good evening, Ma'am, and welcome to the LA VA event centre, What would you like to drink?" The barman said, but my eyes were just lost in his body.

"Um madam," he said again before I remembered where I was, which left me feeling embarrassed.

"I would have two glasses of merlot wine with a cherry pop on top," which he hesitated, brows lifting in amusement before he turned to fill the order. His smirk said it all.

I was halfway through my second glass when I noticed the sudden shift - the murmurs, the frozen expressions, the gasps. Then, the speaker cracked... and hell broke loose.

The chatters died. Forks froze mid-air. I blinked twice, the speaker's static buzz still ringing in my ear. No, this was real. Too real.

"How could he stoop so low, even in such a prestigious event? "HOW?!"

I stormed through the crowd, bottling up the words I would say to him, when I spotted him running off the stage.

I immediately followed him, hoping to give him a piece of my mind, "I know we are not a couple, but for dragging me down his horrific lane. He's going to get what's coming to him," when I spotted him in a corner making a strange call.

I hid in a spot to get a better angle of what the call was about when I heard him say, "I need you to end a particular lady for me without traces."

My spine turned to ice - I couldn't believe what I was hearing" Who the hell are you, Mr. Jason?"