The reason why Kiera slated their meeting for Friday was because she needed to go to work in her family's company—Campbell group the next day.
In her previous life she had used a big sum of money to save the Relish group from decline but in turn jeopardized the future of her own company, accelerating its decline.
Not long after, her grandfather fell ill and was hospitalised, his health deteriorating further.
On his last day, he had wished to see the face of his granddaughter once more before passing on but even that became impossible.
Back then, her love for Nicholas was so strong that when her grandfather had called her number, she had offered to leave home to get pastry for her husband, missing the call and in turn, missing her grandfather's last moments.
With her rebirth, Kiera felt she was sent not only to save Campbell group from its ultimate end but also protect her grandfather.
Stepping into the company, Kiera made her way into her office at Campbell Group, her footsteps echoing through the spacious room that held so many memories.
It had been a long time since she had returned to the company, and a strange sense of unfamiliarity washed over her.
She could not blame anyone to be precise. Everything that happened came from her decision, her choice—one that was influenced by her die hard love for Nicholas.
Although she had put her career on hold since her marriage, she still held the title of vice CEO, a position she had earned through her hard work and dedication.
She knew she had a daunting task ahead of her—to change the course of the Campbell Group's future and ensure its prosperity once again.
As she settled into her office, trying to find a sense of belonging, the sound of heavy footsteps approached her door, stopping by the entrance.
Instinctively, Kiera lifted her head from the documents on her table to the entrance only for her eyes to be met with her uncle, Ray Campbell.
Ray was her blood relative, but his greed and lack of business acumen had played a significant role in the decline of Campbell Group in her previous life.
To shape a different future for the company, Kiera understood that she needed to confront Ray's arrogance head-on.
"Why the sudden return, Kiera?" Ray asked, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and condescension.
"And why not, Uncle Ray?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
Kiera scoffed. Obvious, really?
He was always quick to undermine her capabilities, believing that her role as a housewife had rendered her incapable of handling the complexities of the business world.
Taking a step away from her desk, she folded her arms underneath her chest and with a unique smirk plastered on her face as she decided to help clarify things.
"What is more obvious to either of us is that I, Kiera Campbell am back in the company."
Kiera met his gaze, her eyes filled with determination. "I am the main person in charge of the new project, Ray. Grandfather has entrusted me with this responsibility," she replied firmly, refusing to let his mocking words deter her.
A derisive smile tugged at the corners of Ray's lips.
"You've been playing the role of a housewife for far too long, Kiera. These matters are not suitable for someone like you. It would be better if you stayed at home and took care of your husband," he taunted, his arrogance shining through.
Unfazed, Kiera fired back with her own question, her voice dripping with subtle sarcasm.
"And how is your collaboration with the Greenberg Group going, Ray?"
Her words struck a chord, and Ray's expression instantly soured. It was a deal he had failed to negotiate, one that could have brought much-needed opportunities for the Campbell Group.
"If you have the time to come here and tell me what to do, perhaps you should channel it somewhere else and be more concerned about your own career," Kiera retorted, her voice holding a note of authority.
Ray's eyes widened in surprise, the realization hitting him that Kiera was not the same person he had underestimated.
The determination in her eyes, the unyielding spirit, it all made him realize that she was a force to be reckoned with.
"Nicholas would never agree to let you start working again," Ray challenged, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice.
"A successful man needs women who have nothing to do, who are solely dedicated to his needs," Ray added and placing both hands in his trouser pocket.
Kiera's lips curled into a defiant smile.
"Thanks for your unneeded concern, dearest uncle but," she paused, spreading both hands to the side, "My marriage to Nicholas is ending, Ray. It will no longer tie me down," she declared, her voice steady and resolute.
She had made up her mind, determined to reclaim her independence and forge her own path.
"Now, if this is how you run Campbell group by indulging in idle and useless bugging gossips, forgive me. Alot of changes needs to be done to correct that, starting now."
She turned half way and paused, then cast a side glance at him, a dark glint flashing in her eyes.
"If you'll excuse me, I have so much work and cleansing to be done."
*********
As Ray left Kiera's office, he clenched his hands into fists as his thoughts ran in turmoil.
He knew he had underestimated her, but he couldn't let her actions go unchecked.
With a sense of urgency, he reached for his phone and dialed a certain number.
"Hello?"
"Mr Ray, to what do I owe the pleasure? It's not everytime you call a private detective," the man stated from the phone.
"Yes. I need your services. I need you to uncover the truth about Kiera and Nicholas's current situation. Everything about it."
"Right on it, Boss."
********
After a long day at work, Kiera pa ked up and decided to call it a day.
Since she was known in the company, the few workers left in the premises greeted her on her way out with smiles on their faces.
That alone told her she needed to fix thungs.
She emerged from the building to find Nicholas waiting for her, leaning casually against his car. His presence brought a sense of dread and her heart skipped a beat.
Taking a deep breath, she took a step forward.
She knew deep down that she needed to stand on her own and protect herself and remain unmoved by him.
Kiera stood at the car park corner, her gaze fixed on the sleek black limousine. Nicholas loomed beside it, a brooding figure that sent a shiver down her spine.Her heart felt heavy, burdened by the weight of her decision.She had made up her mind—tomorrow, she would meet Nicholas to finalize their divorce and put an end to their tumultuous marriage.She wanted to avoid him now, to gather her thoughts and find the strength to face him one last time.The second she got close enough, he stepped forward, his face a mask of anger and confusion."Kiera! Where do you think you're going? We need to talk!" he demanded, his voice sharp and commanding.Kiera recoiled, her eyes narrowing. She did not intend on evading him but the menacing glare in those eyes of his sent a shiver down her spine.The past memories of his abuse flashed through her mind, igniting a fierce determination within her.She had never dared to resist him before, always yielding to his wishes, but not anymore.She had learn
After leaving the company, Kiera placed a call to Iris and the two of them met up in front of a club.Stepping into the executive club Styling Royals, a sanctuary for celebrities and the elite, Kiera swept her gaze around, taking in the magnificent designs of the place.“You like it?” Iris’ voice cut through the music to reach her friend’s ears.Stunned, Kiera could only nod her head in response.“Hehhe, how does it feel to finally break from the shackles of your past and experience the thrill of a club for the first time?”“I don’t know but it sure feels great. You come here all the time?”“Seldomly but yeah.”Styling Royals was a club with an invitation-only membership. It ensured that only the most prestigious figures in society could enter its doors, some of which were high-end celebrities.“Come let’s find a seat.”As they navigated through the vibrant atmosphere, Kiera couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation. She had finally found herself, breaking free from the suffocating
The tension in the room crackled like electricity as Nicholas’ face contorted with anger, staring at the stranger in his path. His eyes burned with a mixture of fury and fear.Behind him, Kiera’s heart raced, unable to tear her gaze away from the man, Jace, who had been her defender.At the same time, Jace turned his head to the side, his gaze holding her as though asking a silent question.What she had seen wasn’t what she had expected. To her surprise, he looked more striking than Nicholas.The thought alone made her heart skip a beat as she stared at Jace.She had never seen anyone so captivating before. And despite her fear of Nicholas, her eyes remained drawn to Jace like a moth to a flame.He stood tall, his broad shoulders adorned with a fiery-maroon suit that hugged his muscular frame perfectly.His jet-black hair was styled impeccably, framing his chiselled jawline and prominent cheekbones.Amidst all of that, it was his mesmerizing blue eyes, shining with a mixture of intens
Jace turned to Kiera, his hand still on her waist as they left. "What was that all about?" he asked in a whisper as concern etched on his features.Kiera shook her head, not wanting to think about it. Instead, she focused on Jace, taking in every inch of him."You should come with me," he said suddenly. "I can make sure you're safe."Kiera hesitated, uncertain whether it was a good idea to follow a stranger. But there was something about Jace that made her feel as though she could trust him."Okay," she said softly as she nodded.He gave her a reassuring smile and Kiera couldn’t help but feel grateful for his timing.She felt safe with him like she had finally found someone who could protect her from the dangers that lurked in the shadows.By the time they arrived at his private bar and made their way to the shelf where they sat on their respective stools, Jace let her have her way and drown her sorrows with a few drinks while her lips fed him with her problems.Thanks to the fact tha
I opened my eyes, the room spinning around me, as the throbbing ache in my head intensified."Arrgh… Bloody hell! What did I do…?" I groaned out.Confusion washed over me as I tried to piece together the events of the previous night.My memory was a hazy canvas, fragmented and scattered.The last thing I remembered was drinking with Jace, a man whose presence brought both comfort and mystery and my very saviour.As the memories slowly trickled back, I was struck by a wave of shock and embarrassment.Hell, I was a mess yesterday.I recalled my frenzied behavior, my desperate plea for him to sleep with me, and even attempting to undress him.The way I kissed him, the need, how I stroked his hard on through his trousers.Gosh! Shame and regret coursed through my veins. I feel my cheeks become hot and flushed crimson from embarrassment as I realized the extent of my actions.I cover my face with both palms as the memory replayed in my head all over again.With every second, the more I fel
As soon as her clothes were delivered, she placed them on the bed and went to freshen up. Once done, she picked up her phone attempting to call Jace about her car when her eyes landed on something.The world seemed to spin as the onslaught of notifications came rolling in.Her heart sank as she scrolled through the trending news—articles, photos, and rumours all swirling around Nicholas and her, their broken relationship, and the games they played.Images of Nicholas and Cristal, blurred and elusive, along with pictures of Jace and her flooded the screen.Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding before her eyes."Tsk, these bastards," she cussed out loud.With a sense of urgency, she hastily changed into the beautiful light purple gown that Jace had gotten for her and rushed to the hospital where her grandfather lay.As she entered his ward, she was met with the unsettling sight of her uncle, Ray, wearing a devious grin."Hello, Kiera. Welcome," Ray announced, his s
Kiera’s eyes glimmered with joy as she stared at Van. She was touched by her grandfather’s support. The conversation with her grandfather had both comforted and unnerved her.She originally expected him to oppose her divorce from Nicholas in order to save face and consider the power the Relish Group held over their lives. But instead, he had prioritized her happiness over their business ties.“I am sorry, Van. I never meant to be rash with my words, Diana apologized.Van looked at Kiera, still wearing a smile on his face, he nodded. “Give me a second, I have something to discuss with you.”Shifting his gaze to them, he dismissed them at once. “Ray, Diana, I would like to be alone with my granddaughter. Thanks for coming.”With how angry he almost got just now, Diana did not need a second telling as to when to leave. Quickly she lowered her head respectfully and walked away, but not before stealing another glance at Diana.This time she hoped she would not push through with her plans.
Soon, Friday arrived, and Kiera anxiously stood in front of the city council, waiting for Nicholas to appear. However, as the minutes ticked by, he was nowhere to be seen.She lifted her hand and gazed at her watch. It was already 45 minutes since ehr arrival yet that mongrel was nowhere to be found.With frustration mounting, Kiera dialled his number and waited for him to answer his call.“Hello?”“The nerve, Nicholas,” she commented sharply.“I…”“Save it,” she cut in, her voice tinged with impatience. “You better come to the city council as soon as possible. Come and let’s finalize our divorce.”Nicholas's voice crackled through the phone, filled with defiance. "I've told you before, Kiera. I'm not getting a divorce. So suck it up and accept it.”A mischievous smile appeared on her lips as she took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure."Nicholas Relish, let me remind you this, even if you don't come, according to the regulations, a two-year separation will automatically