When Jessie's fiancé Louis and Jessie best friend Lucy hatch a scheme to rob her of her well-deserved fame, Jessie's life is ruined by the ultimate deception. Jessie is not about to let herself be victimized, and with all the anger inside her, Jessie takes it into her hands. She finds herself in an act of desperation: agreeing to a marriage of convenience to Jackson Lucas, a mysterious and powerful CEO secretly years in love with her. As she rebuilds her life alongside Jackson, she learns the true meaning of love, loyalty, and revenge. But Louis and Lucy won't let go without a fight.
In the middle of the night, Jessie Callaway woke up with a headache and a dry mouth.
She was thrilled because after years of hard work, she had successfully developed the "dream mine" formula, a perfume. After securing victory in the upcoming competition, Jessie and Louis Carey's wedding would be next on the schedule.
The both first crossed paths in college, have been acquainted for five years, and have been in a relationship for three years. Jessie abandoned everything else to concentrate on creating perfume recipes and successfully assisted Louis in growing his business. Contemplating the bright days to come, she increased her drinking habits.
She massaged her temples, eager to grab a drink to satisfy her thirst. Nevertheless, she listened to peculiar sounds emanating from the room next door.
Jessie resided by herself in a leased flat. Sometimes Louis would spend the night, but he usually slept in a different room.
The sound Jessie perceived caused her concern about Louis's health. As she neared the origin, she heard a female voice in place.
"Louis, do you think Jessie will hear us?"
Despite the unclear voice of the woman, Jessie was certain it was someone familiar to her. She immediately felt discouraged.
Jessie had insomnia as a result of her in-depth research on perfumes. Over the last couple of years, she began depending on sleeping pills, causing her to develop a tolerance to their effects.
Tomorrow, once my new product receives an award, I will achieve success as a top perfumer. It will solidify my position in this field, and you'll receive numerous investment opportunities coming your way. You can then enlist as many individuals as you desire! In what way could Jessie be similar or comparable to me?
Jessie recognized the speaker as she tightened her hands into fists. Lucy, who was a close friend of Jessie's during their college days, was the one. She was engaged in a romantic relationship with Jessie's future husband. Jessie had previously heard the rumors, but decided not to simply trust them without questioning. Nevertheless, the truth was causing pain and ripping Jessie apart.
Louis replied, "I named the business after both of us." Don't you realize the depth of my love for you? Jessie is merely a stepping-stone in the big picture. Would I have meddled with Jessie's perfume formulas at the amateur competition if it weren't for you?
I don't want to listen to you mention her name. Lucy's voice was gentle as she asked, "I just want to know if you love her or me," and she sounded alluring when she modulated her tone. Yet, Jessie did not appreciate it as she found it piercingly high-pitched.
Jessie clenched her jaw and opened her eyes wide, hoping she could spot the bold couple on the other side of the door. The noises she quickly listened to made her feel sick. She tightened her grip on her fists so much that her nails pierced deeply into her palms, causing them to bleed. By doing that, Jessie managed to prevent herself from bursting into the room. She never thought her sincere efforts would result in this outcome.
Three years ago, Jessie achieved fame when she won the regional perfumery competition. She got numerous offers, one of which was from the well-known industry LC Group. Nonetheless, she declined their offers in order to dedicate herself to assisting Louis with the newly established business.
Two years ago, during her involvement in another important competition, she encountered an issue with her fragrance. Everyone mocked her by referring to her as a perfumer who lacked the ability to smell. In the past, she was unable to understand what had gone awry.
Louis stood by her side out of worry. He recommended that Jessie take on a backstage role while Lucy participated in competitions and went to public events.
Jessie believed they would support each other and face life's challenges together, but she was just one of Louis's pawns in a chess game.
Louis named his business Kane lnc. and informed Jessie that he had simply chosen two arbitrary letters. Jessie bought into his silly explanation, but it turned out to be Lucy and Louis's initials.
Lucy and Louis showed no shame as they displayed affection while Jessie assisted Louis in growing his business without hesitation. Thinking back on it now, Jessie realized how absurd it was. Jessie's anger slowly subsided as she became peaceful. After staying awake all night, Jessie finally heard the sc*mbag and b*tch's footsteps as they left at dawn.
She hurriedly rose from the bed and searched through her drawers. She eventually discovered a name card with gold print on it. Three years in the past, Jessie received Jackson Lucas business card directly from the CEO of LC Group. She questioned whether his phone number had remained unchanged. Jessie gripped the phone tightly as she answered the call, feeling a bit nervous. "Mr. Lucas, it's Jessie Callaway speaking."
After pausing, Jessie realized Jackson hadn't ended the call, so she proceeded to say, "We first met at the local fragrance contest three years ago." You handed me your business card at that time.
"I recall that." The man's low pitch and three basic words managed to soothe Jessie's nerves in some way.
Jessie stated that she had a business proposition to discuss, thinking that the person might find it appealing.
Following a period of silence, Jackson responded, "Come to my office at 9 a.m. tomorrow." "We will have a discussion later."
Jessie caught Jackson's intention to end the call and promptly intervened. "Please hold on, Lucas, tomorrow may be too late." How about today? Additionally, meeting you at your office is not convenient for me. Is it possible to choose a different place?
Jessie was rushing and talking quickly. After speaking impulsively, she couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety.
LC Group was not a regular company. It controlled more than two-thirds of the market share in the beauty industry across the country, in addition to its extensive product offerings and excellent financial backing.
Jackson Lucas, the CEO of LC Group, was an icon in the business realm. Jessie was amazed that he agreed to meet with her, but she still had the audacity to discuss the specifics of their meeting. However, she merely did it out of necessity.
The launch of the product and perfume competition were starting that evening, making it impossible for Jessie to speak with Jackson the next day. Attending his workplace could draw unwanted focus, impacting Jessie's scheme.
Jessie squeezed her phone tightly and started to pay attention to her breathing. This time, she desired to lay all her cards on the table. There was a three-minute silence at the other end of the phone call. Jessie believed she was going to be turned down when Jackson said, "Alright." I'll see you at the cafe on Mail Road in half an hour.
Before Jessie could complete her sentence, Jackson interjected, "Don't forget to bring your passport with you."
"Excuse me, can you repeat that?" Jessie inquired, looking confused. Jackson ended the phone call.
Having heard Jackson's words, Jessie pondered whether she had misunderstood him. Nevertheless, she lacked the time for further reflection. Jessie swiftly got dressed and groomed herself before heading out. Luckily, Mail Road was close enough, and she was able to get there on time. Jessie was on the brink of stepping into the cafe when she was intercepted by someone.
"Is this Ms. Jessie Callaway?" The man called her by her complete name, but Jessie didn't recognize him.
"Mr. Lucas awaits your presence." After that, he gestured for Jessie to go in a different direction. Jessie glanced toward the spot indicated by the man and noticed a Lincoln Limousine parked on the side of the road.
Jessie grasped the man's meaning in a moment. She walked confidently towards the limousine and the driver immediately opened the door for her. All she could make out inside the vehicle were a set of long legs adorned in glossy leather footwear.
Upon entering the car, Jessie involuntarily shivered from the chilly air conditioning. Afterwards, she gazed at the man and greeted him with, "Good morning, Mr. Lucas." I would like to...
Straightforwardly, Jackson replied briefly, simply, and disinterestedly.
Jessie suddenly stopped speaking to examine his face more closely.
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