Chapter 10: The proof and The Ultimatum
729 Words
The storm outside mirrored the chaos in JV’s mind. Rain pounded against the mansion’s windows while thunder rumbled, but inside his office, JV was ice-calm — too calm.
On his desk lay a set of photos, freshly delivered by his investigator.
Each one showed Gwen. But not as the timid maid he knew.
In the photos, she was radiant — stepping out of luxury cars, dressed in designer clothes, walking beside Don Emilio Ramirez himself.
JV’s fingers tightened around the pictures. His suspicions were no longer just suspicions. She’s not a maid. She’s a Ramirez. She’s been lying to me all along.
And yet… his heart still raced at the thought of her.
“She lied,” he muttered to himself. “But she’s still mine.”
Meanwhile, Gwen…
Gwen was pacing her small room, hands wringing nervously. JV is watching me closer every day. I can’t slip again. If he learns the truth before I’m ready…
Her phone buzzed. It was her father.
“Papa?” she whispered.
Her father’s tone was sharp. “Enough pretending, Gwen. JV has already called for a private meeting with me tomorrow. He knows. He’s not a fool.”
Her knees nearly buckled. “He… He what?”
“You’ve done your part,” Don Emilio said firmly. “But now it’s my turn. Tomorrow, you will come with me. We will reveal the truth. And this marriage will be finalized.”
Gwen’s throat closed up, tears welling. “Papa, please… I’m not ready. He’ll hate me for lying.”
Her father’s voice softened only slightly. “He won’t hate you. JV doesn’t let go of what he claims as his. Trust me, hija. You’re already his obsession.”
The Possessive Discovery
That night, Gwen thought she was alone in the library, clutching a romance novel to calm her nerves. But suddenly, the heavy door closed with a click.
She spun around — and there he was. JV.
He leaned against the door, eyes burning into her. “Reading, Gwen? Or hiding?”
Her heart pounded. “I-I was just—”
“Enough lies,” JV cut her off, stalking closer. He pulled something from his jacket pocket — the photos. He threw them onto the table in front of her.
Gwen gasped, her blood running cold.
“Care to explain?” JV’s voice was low, deadly calm.
The pictures stared back at her — her true self, exposed. She tried to speak but no words came out.
“Answer me!” JV barked, slamming his hand on the table, making her flinch. His eyes were blazing, a mix of fury and desire.
Tears slipped from her eyes. “I-I… I can explain…”
“Then explain.” JV’s jaw clenched. “Tell me who you really are. Because if you don’t… I’ll find out every filthy secret myself. And when I do, Gwen… you’ll have no choice but to stay by my side.”
The Desperate Plea
Her lips trembled. She wanted to confess everything, to tell him the truth — that she was Gwen Ramirez, the heiress he was destined to marry.
But fear choked her. If she admitted it now, it would feel like a betrayal.
So she whispered through her tears, “Please… just let me go.”
JV’s eyes darkened. He stepped closer, pinning her against the table, his breath hot against her ear.
“Let you go?” he growled. “Never. You’re mine, Gwen. I don’t care if you’re a maid… or a Ramirez. Lying or not — I. Don’t. Care.”
His words sent shivers down her spine. For the first time, she saw it clearly — his obsession had no limits.
The Ultimatum
Before Gwen could respond, the library door burst open.
“Enough!” a commanding voice boomed.
Both of them froze.
Standing in the doorway was none other than Don Emilio Ramirez.
Gwen’s heart dropped. “Papa…”
JV’s eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a dangerous smile. “Finally.”
Don Emilio’s gaze was sharp, his presence filling the room. “Gwen, come with me. It’s time the truth is revealed.”
JV straightened, his hands balling into fists. “No, Don Emilio. The truth belongs to me now. And so does your daughter.”
Lightning cracked outside, thunder shaking the mansion.
The war for Gwen had officially begun.
- Writer
