Victoria paced the length of her opulent bedroom, the plush carpet muffling the sound of her restless steps. The lingering scent of lilies, usually a source of comfort, now felt cloying, suffocating. Her carefully constructed world, her meticulously planned future for Ezra, was crumbling. That infuriating Olivia, with her deceptive charm and manipulative ways, had stolen her son's heart, and with it, Victoria's carefully laid plans. It wouldn't stand. She wouldn't allow it.
She stopped before her vanity, her reflection a mask of simmering fury. Her perfectly applied makeup couldn't hide the steely glint in her eyes. This wasn't just about Ezra; it was about control, about maintaining the Birmingham legacy. Olivia, a commoner, a social climber, was an unacceptable threat. She had to be eliminated. But not in a way that would draw unwanted attention. This required subtlety, precision, a carefully orchestrated campaign of destruction.
Her gaze fell upon a framed photograph of Valerie, her daughter, a vision of youthful elegance. An idea, cold and calculating, began to take shape in Victoria's mind. Valerie, with her impeccable pedigree and undeniable beauty, was the perfect replacement for Olivia. She would use Valerie as her weapon, a pawn in her elaborate game of revenge. She would make sure Ezra saw the truth, the flaws in Olivia's carefully constructed facade. She would expose Olivia's lies, her manipulations, her true nature. And then, Ezra would have no choice but to turn to Valerie, the woman who truly deserved him. The plan was ruthless, but Victoria felt no remorse. It was a matter of survival, of protecting her family's future...
Her mind went back to the past, to the time where she overheard her husband and Ezra's talk inside the library...
"What I feel for Olivia is genuine, father. I sincerely and honestly love Olivia, and I am going to marry her wether you like it or not!"
Victoria snapped back to the present time, while feeling angry.
"Love? That's what Ezra wants us to believe... But I have this inkling feeling that it's a sham, a carefully crafted illusion. Ezra should be with my Valerie instead, and their marriage can make me wealthier and more powerful!" she smilingly whispered to herself.
And what she needs to do now is to think of an intricate plan on how to separate Ezra and Olivia.
"I have to think of a plan... A plan that's enough to destroy her reputation, to expose her for the fraud she is. And once Ezra sees the truth, he will turn to you Valeria. She is the only woman who truly deserves his love, his respect, his family name... And I'm not the evil one. This is a necessity. For the sake of our family, for the future of the Birmingham legacy, I must do this. Valerie must become Ezra's wife. And I will make sure it happens..." Victoria stated, looking more determined than ever...
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Ezra stared out the rain-streaked window of his private office, the city lights blurring into a hazy, indistinct glow. The events of the past few days swirled in his mind like a tempestuous storm: the explosive confrontation with his father, the unwavering support of Olivia, the dangerous secret maneuvers by Valerie and Victoria's manipulative tactics. He felt a profound sense of isolation, a chasm opening between him and his family, a chasm seemingly unbridgeable.
He’d always admired his father, even though their relationship had been strained. He longed for his approval, for his blessing. Now, that approval felt like a distant, unattainable dream. The weight of his father's rejection pressed heavily on his shoulders, a constant reminder of the choices he’d made, the path he'd chosen.
His thoughts suddenly went to Olivia. He can still remember her eyes filled with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. The image brought a wave of warmth, a stark contrast to the cold dread that had settled in his heart. He was touched by her unwavering support, had become his anchor in this tumultuous sea of family drama and betrayal. Yet, a nagging doubt, a seed of uncertainty planted by his father's words and Victoria's veiled threats, continued to fester.
He knew his father wouldn't easily accept Olivia. He knew Victoria would stop at nothing to break them apart. But he also knew, with a certainty that resonated deep within his soul, that his love for Olivia was genuine, unshakeable. He would fight for it, no matter the cost. He would protect her, protect their love, from the machinations of his family, from the venomous whispers of those who sought to tear them apart.
Ezra runs a hand through his hair.
"I know for a fact that Victoria only married my father for his wealth. And the only reason why she wants me to marry her daughter Valerie is because they also want an inheritance in the future..." he whispered to himself.
It was clear as the day that Victoria is a
manipulative, a gold digger social climber... That she’s only after Birmingham's money and influence in the society. name.
"Although Olivia is helping me because of money, I know that she's still different. She sees me, truly sees me. She doesn’t care about my wealth, my status. She cares about… me."
Ezra fell to a deep thought, while looking at the skyscrapers from his office window.
"I won’t let Victoria and Valerie win. I won’t let them steal my family's money. And I’ll fight for what’s right, and protect my father at the same time. No matter the cost."
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Selena, in the guise of Olivia, sat poised and elegant in the opulent Birmingham drawing-room. The afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air, a silent testament to the stillness before the storm. She sipped her tea, the delicate china cup a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing beneath her carefully composed exterior. Playing the role of Olivia, Ezra’s fiancée, was a demanding performance, requiring a delicate balance of charm, vulnerability, and unwavering resolve...