– This is going to be fun

Molly's POV

“Molly. Molly Campbell," a female voice yelled my maiden name right at the entrance. I turned around, about to leave, but she caught up to me and held me by the shoulder.

"Molly, where have you been?" She asked, warmth and relief resonating from her. However, I had faced too much betrayal to trust anyone or believe that she genuinely cared.

What if she was there to mock me like the others before? "It’s nothing. I have to go," I turned to leave, but she blocked my path.

Our eyes met, and I could see the hurt in her eyes. Yet, she still comforted me.

"It’s okay. I can give you a shoulder to lean on. You can’t be coming here alone at this hour for no reason. We weren’t exactly friends, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care or believe in the rumors."

Nora was one of my backup singers by then, and her care broke me into pieces. What I so desired from family, I was getting from a stranger I never cared much about before.

"All I want is something to ease the pain. Do you have any hard drinks?" I asked, feeling pathetic in my situation.

Nora was in casual clothes, so I could not tell what she was doing there, and her tag was flipped.

"This is a club. Of course, we do, but I won’t advise you to mingle. Those rich folks can be dangerous."

She wasn’t pretending, and that made me understand that there were still a few kind people out there. I didn’t have a choice but to trust her. "You have no idea what I have been through."

"Alright, come with me." Her voice was tranquil, and as if she knew I was going to refuse, she held my hand firmly and led me to one of the VIP booths. But I pulled her back. I had to be honest with her.

"I can’t afford a place like this."

"Don’t worry. It’s on the house. I’m the manager here, so let’s say today is your lucky day."

She left and returned with some drinks, and I gulped down the first glass she filled for me. "I’m very stupid, Nora." The liquor helped me to open up, and she comforted me.

"No, you are not."

I felt she was saying it because she didn’t know what I had been through. After gulping down three glasses of martini, it was as if my parrot mode was activated.

I never talked much, but after losing everything, there was nothing to lose by letting it out. My dignity and everything that made me, me, had already been taken away.

"You can sell my necklace, shoes, and dress to foot the bill. They are worth over a million." These were expensive items my parents gifted me on different birthdays before their passing, and they were very expensive.

Drowsiness was taking a toll on me as a result of the alcohol, so I let out a yawn after narrating everything to her.

She didn’t judge me, only offering to help. "Let me get you a room. We can go to my place after. You don’t deserve this, Molly. I believe you."

I wish I had been nicer to her in my times of fame. Perhaps we would have been good friends, and maybe, just maybe, I would not have ended up with Wesley.

"I want to pee," I said to her. She stood up and held out her hand to me. "Come with me."

I saw the signposts, so I knew where the restroom was. "I can take care of myself."

"No, you are drunk. Someone might take advantage of you," she said seriously. Worry dulled her eyes, and it felt strange that she cared so much.

I mean, it would be okay if she showed me sympathy, but she actually cared. As soon as we stepped out of the booth, a waiter approached her.

"Ma’am, we need help with a difficult client in booth five."

Nora did not seem like she wanted to leave me alone. "Get Sampson to take care of it."

But the waiter insisted. "He’s already handling another problem in booth three."

Nora stared helplessly at me, but I assured her. "I will be fine. I will wait here for you."

"The restroom is that way," she showed me, but as soon as she turned around, I saw a smirk in the corner of the waitress' lips, but I was too drowsy to care.

I staggered to the restroom with the loud music hitting my eardrum, but when I returned, there were two men in my booth.

"What are you doing here?" I slurred. One of them smirked. "Beauty is back."

My heart dropped to my stomach, and I looked around for Nora, but I couldn’t find her. Beauty was a taunting word they used during the time of my fall.

Most people addressed me as a beauty without brains, so I knew that these men recognized me. Everyone was somewhat busy, drinking, dancing, or doing whatever made them happy.

I caught the wrist of one of the waiters. "Where is Nora?" I asked him.

"Boss could be anywhere," he shrugged and pulled his hand away. I felt a hand wrapped around my waist. It was one of the men in the VIP booth.

"Come on, drink some more," he offered me a glass of liquor after dragging me back to the booth, but I could not accept it.

I was nervous. "No. I’ve had enough."

"Who said you have a choice? Kiara paid us very well to take good care of you," the second man said leisurely, staring at me like a piece of trash.

Hearing her name, uncontrollably tears escaped from my eyes.

So, it was Kiara again. After taking everything, what else did they want from me?

I felt a harsh pain in my scalp, making me scream, but the loud music dominated my voice, as my head was tilted backward, and the drink was forced down my throat.

It burned, and my eyes blurred with tears, but I began to feel strange. It was the same thing that happened four years ago, and all I wished for was death before it happened, but I was too weak.

The blend of alcohol and whatever was in that drink they gave me was too much for someone who had not taken any strong drink in two years.

"Don’t worry, everything will be recorded, just so you won’t say that we forced you."

Tears streamed down my cheeks. I felt helpless, and yet, worse things awaited me. "We have to show her the video first," the guy who dragged me into the booth said and brought out his phone.

On the screen was a video of Kiara. "Big sister, I just thought you should pay for being with my man for two years. If you don’t sign the divorce paper within 7 days, this video will be played to the public, just like old times."

Wesley appeared beside her, nibbling her ears as she moaned before saying.

"And that reminds me. If you fail to show up at the court, the video will still be aired. Enjoy, my big bitchy sister." The video ended, and I felt numb. The drug must have been an aphrodisiac, reminding me of all that I went through four years ago.

It was a mistake for me to come here, but now, it was too late to escape. With all my dignity gone, all I could do was beg.

"No, please don’t do this," I cried, looking around for any sign of Nora, but she wasn’t there. I was lifted off my feet, but my body was feeling funny as he walked through the crowd of dancers into a room.

I knew that something was not right, but I lost control and began removing my clothes. I was feeling too hot, I needed a release.

"This is going to be fun," I heard one of the men say, as they began to undress, but a force so strong sent the door flying in the air, and three men walked in.

I saw blurrily, Nora behind them, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Someone covered me with his jacket, and I wrapped myself around him. His scent was so calming, but I couldn’t hear anything he said to me.

Words were coming out of my mouth, but they weren’t making sense as he when we got to a much bigger room.

I couldn’t see his face, only my body being immersed in cold water, I liked it because of how hot I was feeling before. I could not remember anymore, as everything turned dark.

I don’t know for how long I drowned in my unconscious state, but I woke up in a strange luxurious room with a painful headache.

As if that was not enough, there was a strange man in the bed with me. Not again...

Author's note:

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– Lie on the bed

I woke up in a strange luxurious room with a painful headache. As if that was not enough, a man was in the bed with me.

Remembering the events of last night was a complete disaster, increasing the pain in my head so I sneaked out of bed, my heart heavy with fear making me wonder why my life always turned out like this.

Why was there so much pain in my life? This reminded me so much of what happened four years ago, I did not want it to happen again.

His face was buried in the pillow, but my heart rate was already uncontrollable. What if he was somebody’s husband like my former producer? How could I have allowed this to happen again?

I cursed myself internally, hating the fact that I had been foolish twice because of a strong drink. Checking myself, I knew there hadn’t been any form of intercourse, except that this time, my clothes had been changed.

Where do I begin searching for them, including my diamond necklace? That was a gift from my mother. Those two men, I wondered what happened to them and if they had taken my diamond necklace.

Still, what mattered was for me to get out of here before another scandal happened, but I could not help wondering where Nora was. I remembered her from last night, but most of the events after that were blurry, and I hadn’t taken her number either.

I almost thought I had escaped this one smoothly when my back was harshly pinned against the wall.

The swift movement scared me out of my wits, a familiar and yet fearful voice heated my ears, forcing me to focus my gaze on the man before me, his arms caging me, pinning my back against the door.

Strangely, his morning breath was rather minty, unlike the bad alcohol breath Wesley always woke up with. “Is this how you repay me after I saved your life?”

His voice was a little familiar but also mixed with power and dominion. I was trying to avoid eye contact, due to the shame I felt in my heart for allowing this to happen.

It seemed that I was indeed unhurt, and I could vaguely recall the shadow figure appearing before the two men before I lost consciousness. Determined to show my apology, I looked him in the eye but the realization suddenly hit me.

“Gianni?”

Memories from six years ago tentatively flooded my mind, the last part being the most painful.

It was during my high school days. I went to eat in a restaurant when I saw him. So handsome and so wild. His food was served, and he stood up to answer a call. It was brief, but one of his friends was pouring a whitish substance into his food.

I videoed it in time and stopped him from eating. When he returned, I showed the video to him, making him force his friend to eat the food. The rest was resolved at the hospital. He found me a few days later to thank me with a bouquet of roses.

His gesture touched my heart, and we fell in love. He told me how his friend confessed to wanting to get rid of him because of jealousy. He didn’t say more, especially when I asked about his family, but since then, he was always there for me, even during prom.

That was how he became my high school sweetheart, even when he was already in college.

I enrolled in college too, and during my second year, he came to visit, and that was when he took my virginity. It was an unforgettable night, but when I woke up, he was gone. There was no note or trace, and his phone was out of coverage area.

Ugly thoughts came to me when I realized I could be tricked. But who would spend years to do this, and make it so real, just to take a girl’s cherry? Especially for a charming man like him?

When my rage faded, I began to get worried. Hope failed me when I didn’t hear from him for months, eventually accepting that perhaps, he died in an accident or something worse because if not, then why would he leave me like that? Without a trace.

“I’m so sorry, Molly, I never meant to hurt you,” I heard him say, but all I felt was the anger boiling inside of me. His betrayal was the worst I ever faced, only living with it after accepting or should I rather say that I convinced myself that he was dead.

I don’t know what came over me but my hand lifted before I could stop it, and I stood on my toes releasing the hardest slap of my life, but the tall man before me was unhinged. Only my palm burned from the slap I gave him, it made me furious, and I began hitting him in the chest.

“So, you are alive.” Tears burned in the corner of my eyes, warmly flowing down my cheeks, as my punches began to weaken. He has grown stronger than I ever saw him as if he was made of steel.

My aching fingers forced me to stop, as I hugged myself in the end like the temperature in the room just dropped. Gio, or Gianni. He loved whichever way I called him back then, but my legs felt like jelly when I looked closely at him.

He had changed so much and I could not tell what it was. His hair color was still a dark shade like before, just like his eyes but there was a strange aura around him, that made me wonder what he had been up to.

“Did I do something wrong?” My voice came out as a whisper. I hated him so much after what he did to me that I tried to forget about him.

I succeeded, except that our paths crossed again in the most unexpected way.

Remorse shone in his eyes but I could not feel any form of pity for him, only hatred.

“It wasn’t your fault. There was something I needed to take care of urgently, but getting home was worse than I thought.”

That should be a tale for babies, not a woman of the 21st century. “Not even a phone call.” Sarcasm laced my voice. I could not believe a word he said to me because I was the kind who trusted only once.

It felt odd how his expression suddenly toughened. “Honestly, it’s best for us to be away from each other.” His words pierced my heart. I couldn’t see any remorse in his eyes whatsoever, making me regret the day we met.

How in the world did I wind up with him again? I gritted my teeth together, remembering my promise to myself.

My zeal to be strong and handle things on my own. “You are right. Thank you for your honesty, but I owe you no appreciation. We are even now.”

Adrenaline surged through me, and I garnered the strength to open the door, but it was locked.

“You have nothing, Molly, you can’t leave.”

His words intensified my headache, and I could not hold it in. “My head,” I groaned. He hastened to the drawers and took out some pills before pouring me a glass of water.

“This will make you feel better.”

I feared a little, remembering how I was knocked out last night and could not remember much of it, but if he saved me from those men… “What’s in this for you?” I asked suspiciously. His expression grew tighter than before.

Giovanni had changed so much, that I could not detect if his expression meant anger or confusion, but there was something so scary about him anytime our gazes met.

“You think I would drug you? G****e it.”

The understanding was clear that he was upset. I swallowed the pill and drank the water. If he drugged it, he won’t tell me to research it before drinking. “I know it wasn’t you. But why are you here?”

“Lie on the bed for a while,” he instructed, ignoring my question. It irritates me. “No. I have to go.” The headache was reducing anyway, but that was when he reminded me.

“You have nowhere to go, Molly. Let me help you, just to make up for old times. No strings attached.”

My heart stopped at the reminder. I indeed had nowhere to go, and those divorce documents were still in my email, so how could I forget Wesley and Kiara’s warning?

I needed a lawyer, but I did not know if it was right to take advantage of Giovanni. He hurt me before, so I don’t have to feel guilty using him to get back at Wesley and Kiara, right?

“How do you plan to help me?” I asked seriously, wanting to know if we were on the same page, but his revelation caused my heart to bleed.

- The worst mistake I ever made

“I want you to be my son’s nanny, and in return, I will help you regain all that you lost," Giovanni proposed casually, but for a moment, my heart seemed to stop beating.

I felt numb as his words registered in my mind. Giovanni had a son? Was this some kind of joke?

Summoning my courage, I locked eyes with him. It was evident from his expression that he was serious about having a son.

He had left me for another woman, and now he was asking me to be his son’s nanny. What an insult.

I couldn't shake the feeling of being foolish. Wesley had a son with my younger sister behind my back, and now my high school sweetheart was offering me a job as his son’s nanny.

"Where is your son’s mother?" I inquired, and he responded with a cold tone, his back turned to me.

"That's not your concern. So, will you accept the offer or not?"

I couldn't understand why I felt so hurt. I didn't want anything to do with him, but the way he had left me for another woman stung.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips as a barrier seemed to form between us, bringing back painful memories of our past.

He sat down, crossing his legs and pouring himself a drink, while I struggled to comprehend the situation.

"My life is complicated. My reputation isn't suitable for a nanny," I explained. I noticed a flicker of emotion in his eyes, quickly masked. "Your wife wouldn't approve either."

This was my polite way of declining his offer. Despite my resentment towards him, I couldn't help but envy his seemingly perfect life.

I longed for a loving husband and a child of my own, but instead, I was left barren by a deceitful husband.

The notion of good triumphing over evil felt far-fetched in this scenario. Giovanni had caused me immense pain, yet he was the one living a picture-perfect life, much like Wesley.

I watched him reach for a cigarette, only to put it back without lighting it. As he stood up and approached me, I instinctively took a step back.

Anger, pain, fear, and insecurity swirled within me, creating a tumultuous mix of emotions.

“Molly Campbell, you need a lawyer, but how will you afford one?" he reminded me, his words cutting deep at my lowest moment. He pulled open a drawer under the bed and retrieved my most precious asset.

"With your necklace?" he taunted, igniting my anger, but he wasn't finished. "And then what? How will you face the public?"

His questions cut deep into my heart. How could he exploit my vulnerabilities so mercilessly? I refused to be manipulated any longer.

"Why can't you hire a professional nanny for your son?" I questioned, wondering if he was simply trying to make my life difficult. His response did little to reassure me.

"I have my reasons."

A bitter smile played on my lips at his reply, the pain of everything he and Wesley had put me through resurfacing.

"I regret ever depending on a man to solve my problems. Not anymore. But how did you know I needed a lawyer?" I challenged him, feeling uneasy about how much he seemed to know about me after all these years.

"You shared a lot with me last night, though I understand if you don't remember. You even tried to seduce me," he remarked with a hint of a smirk, causing embarrassment to flood through me.

"Relax. I'm not looking to recreate the past. I just want to make amends for the pain I caused you."

I pushed aside memories of the previous night, the alcohol, and the entanglement with this callous man who was nothing like my Gianni.

I couldn't help but scoff at his words, hoping that whatever transformation he had undergone wouldn't turn him into a complete monster, as he seemed devoid of a soul.

My ultimate revenge on both men would be to use Giovanni to retaliate against Wesley. "I'll agree on one condition."

"Tell me," he replied, turning to settle back in the recliner, eliciting a sigh of relief from me.

"After this is all over, I simply want to live alone on an island free from the drama of men in my life," I declared. Before he could respond, I added a stipulation.

"You must not interfere in my personal life once I've regained everything. I will choose where I want to reside thereafter."

A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes, but he nodded, speaking with a calm authority. "A fair agreement."

Having reached a mutual understanding about my role in gaining his assistance to reclaim what I had lost, I took a seat on the sofa, facing him in the recliner.

"So, what is your son's name? Do you have a photo of him?" I inquired, unexpectedly noticing a smile tugging at the corner of his lips at the mention of his son.

“His name is Roger Dawson, and he's four," Giovanni said, showing me a picture of a boy with eyes similar to his own. I had to admit, the boy was undeniably cute, but Giovanni warned me that he was not as easy to handle as he appeared.

"He doesn't like nannies, so I have to be honest with you. It won't be as simple as you might think," Giovanni explained, his voice filled with warmth and love for his son.

Having little experience with toddlers, as Wesley's siblings were teenagers, I knew I had to give it my best shot. After all, Giovanni was my key to reclaiming what Wesley had taken from me.

"If you can help me regain control of the company as promised, your son will be happy. I'll rent an apartment and start working right away," I assured Giovanni.

Facing the need to sell my necklace for funds, Giovanni astonished me with a peculiar offer.