Chapter: The Real DevilsMaya's POV"What do you mean?" I whispered.He hesitated. "Regan, he got arrested."I was stunned. "What? Why?""I don't know," he stuttered, shivering. "They just showed up, handcuffed him, and drove away. I asked them what they were doing, but they weren't telling me anything. Maya, I really have to go. My flight is an hour. I just wanted you to know."I was going to question her when the line disconnected.I stood there with my phone, panting. My head spun so quickly that it hurt.Theresa's voice broke in. "Maya, what's wrong?"I spoke to her, my trembling hands. "Regan's been arrested."She gasped, her hand in front of her mouth. "What? Why?""I don't know," I whispered, shaking my head. "Andrew said nothing. He had to go."We just looked at one another, stunned. We couldn't even consider it at all.We have to know what is going on," I blurted out.Theresa agreed. "Let's go to the station."I ran to my closet and grabbed the first things that lay within reach, my fingers fumbling
최신 업데이트: 2025-10-17
Chapter: ButterfliesMaya's POVMy cheeks grew hot with embarrassment, and I tried to play dumb. "It was… fine.""Fine?" She mocked me with laughter. "No, no, no. You're not going to give me one-word answer. Something did happen. I noticed the way you and Andrew were making eyes at each other before Andrew's phone cut you short. Spill the beans, Maya."I pressed my lips together, considering whether to dodge or just confess. But the excitement in her eyes left me with little alternative.Finally, I sighed and drew breath, "We're… officially dating."Theresa's jaw fell wide open, then a scream so high I had to shush her before Mom would burst in. "Are you kidding me?!"I nodded, a goofy smile splitting my lips. "Yes. He asked me this morning, and… I said yes."She clapped her hands over her face, still shrieking through them. "Oh my God, oh my God! I knew it! I knew something was going on. You've been glowing all day.""I have not," I protested weakly, though my cheeks betrayed me with their warmth."Yes,
최신 업데이트: 2025-10-17
Chapter: FarewellMaya's POVAndrew nodded gravely. "She could, yeah. If she thinks you're still recovering."Theresa rolled her eyes theatrically. "Don't tell me you're going over to his side now."I shrugged, not wanting to grin. "I just don't think it's the worst idea."Regan grinned smugly, clearly happy. "Finally. Someone makes sense."Theresa tossed a pillow at him, which he expertly caught. "Don't get too big for your britches. I still say beach.""Let's make a list," Andrew said, trying to remain the voice of reason. "Beach, camping, or something else altogether. We'll decide tonight."I breathed slowly out, my heart still pounding quicker than it should be. "As long as we're together, I don't care. I just want us to go do something we'll remember."Andrew's expression softened. "Then that's what we'll do."We brainstormed the next half hour spewing out other ideas, movies, amusement parks, even karaoke night, but none of them stayed like the first two.Theresa would not sleep in the dirt, and
최신 업데이트: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Failed PlanMaya's POVI let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my hand reflexively clenching the blanket wrapped around my waist. "I'm better too. A bit exhausted, but nothing like yesterday."He tilted his head to the side, eyes flashing with something cunning. "Your body's healing quick. Strong. I knew you weren't as fragile as you attempted to lead me to believe."I rolled my eyes, though the heat that crept up my neck betrayed me. “Don’t make it sound weird. I’m still recovering, remember?”He chuckled, low and smooth. “I remember. Doesn’t stop me from noticing you.”Before I could even formulate a response, a loud knock came at the door. I jumped involuntarily, my stomach churning. Regan stood up immediately, his eyes roaming in the direction of the door as though he hadn't expected anyone so early.There was another knock, and it was followed by Theresa's familiar voice. "Maya? Awake?"I exchanged a hurried glance with Regan before answering, "Yeah!The door creaked open and The
최신 업데이트: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Confessed AffectionMaya's POVI hesitated, my heart thudding in my chest. My mouth parted, but the words stuck in my throat, shivering under the weight of all they meant.Regan's gaze held mine, steady, holding back. He wasn't forcing me, but the intensity of his stare left no room to sidestep the truth any longer.Finally, I exhaled and barely managed a whisper, "I… I can be yours."The relief that moved across his face was immediate.A creeping smile inched across his lips, lighting up his face in a manner that made my stomach turn.He leaned in close, the heat of his breath on my skin, and before I could even register it, his lips were on mine.The kiss was hesitant at first, tender, inquiry-like, as if he required assurance that I would not send him away.I didn't. I moved closer and let myself melt into his lips.The tenderness soon gave way to something more demanding, more forceful.His hand came to the back of my neck, pulling me towards him, and with every kiss of his lips on mine, the fire in
최신 업데이트: 2025-10-07
Chapter: Alone With HimMaya's POVI adjusted my shoulders a bit square, gritting determination into my voice. "I'm fine. The problem is, my mom. I don't think she'll let me go if she's not absolutely sure I'm all right. But don't worry, I'll figure out how to get around her."Andrew sighed and glanced down at his phone. "My friend isn't answering my call. I'm going over there so I can tell him about the yacht in person.""I'll go with you," Regan offered on impulse."I want to go too," Theresa said, then paused, looking at me. "But Maya can't stay home alone."Regan shook his head again. "Then I'll stay with Maya if you do plan to leave."Andrew smiled reassuringly at me. "I'll be right back, okay?"Theresa touched my shoulder lightly, her tone teasing but restrained. "Take care of my best friend when I'm not around," she said to Regan.Regan nodded, his gaze for an instant met hers. "Don't worry. I'll take care of her."And that was it, Theresa and Andrew were both gone, with only the two of us- me and Reg
최신 업데이트: 2025-09-04
Chapter: EpilogueDarla's POVI watched everything unfold from a distance, quietly observing the chaos and the resolutions that followed. Richard had shocked everyone by marrying Mandy. Melanin had begged, cried, and tried everything to sway him, but he had pushed her away without a second glance, choosing Mandy and making it clear that there was no turning back. It stunned everyone,friends, family, even those who thought they knew him well. His calm, decisive choice left no room for second-guessing, and in a way, it felt like the closing of a painful chapter for everyone involved.Melanin, on the other hand, was a broken figure amidst the wreckage of her own making. She had gone back to Sam, thinking that perhaps he could be a refuge, someone to cling to for comfort or validation, but Sam’s response was colder than she had expected. He rejected her bluntly, stating that there was nothing left in her that he could respect, love, or even tolerate. That rejection hit her harder than any scandal or
최신 업데이트: 2025-12-30
Chapter: My DecisionRichard's POVThe hotel was quiet, discreet, exactly the kind of place no one would look twice at. I checked in, got the key, and went up to the room. Once inside, I loosened my tie and sat on the edge of the bed, my elbows resting on my knees.Everything felt like it was closing in.Too many names. Too many lies.I hadn’t even finished processing my conversation with Xavier when Mandy’s name lit up my screen again.I’m here.Less than a minute later, there was a soft knock on the door.I opened it to find Mandy standing there, dressed simply, her expression serious. No seductive smile. No playful glint in her eyes. Whatever she had come to say wasn’t about pleasure.I stepped aside to let her in.As soon as the door closed, I asked, “What’s happening?”She didn’t sit immediately. She paced once, then stopped and looked at me. “Darla knows.”I stiffened slightly. “Knows what?”“That Melanie is sleeping with Sam.”I let out a slow breath. “I figured.”She blinked. “You did?”“Xavier
최신 업데이트: 2025-12-30
Chapter: New PlanRichard’s POVThe glass was cold against my palm, the amber liquid inside barely moving as Vincent talked. We were seated at his private lounge, the lights dim, the kind of place where secrets felt lighter once alcohol got involved.“So,” Vincent said casually, swirling his drink. “How’s Mandy?”I didn’t answer immediately. I took a slow sip instead, letting the burn trail down my throat. My mind flashed, skin, heat, the quiet danger of her presence under my roof while Melanie slept upstairs.“To be honest?” I finally said.Vincent smirked. “I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”“She’s… great,” I admitted. “On the bed.”He raised an eyebrow. “Better than Melanie?”I laughed under my breath, shaking my head slightly. “Much better.”Vincent let out a low whistle. “Damn.”“She’s uncomplicated,” I continued, staring into my glass. “No pretending. No emotional chess. Just… release.”“And Melanie?” he asked.I clenched my jaw. “Melanie is… history I haven’t finished closing yet.”Vincent leaned back
최신 업데이트: 2025-12-30
Chapter: My Worse FearsMelanie’s POVI stood there long after Darla walked out, staring at the door like it might open again and tell me this was all some twisted joke.Sleeping with Sam.The words echoed in my head, sharp and poisonous.My heart was racing so hard it felt like it was trying to escape my chest. I lifted a hand to my throat, swallowing, forcing myself to breathe. I had laughed it off in front of her. I had acted calm, amused, superior.But inside?Inside, panic was clawing its way up my spine.“How did she know?” I whispered to myself.I turned sharply. “Everyone out.”The room went quiet.One of the guys frowned. “What?”“The party is over,” I snapped. “Now.”They didn’t argue. One by one, they grabbed their things, murmured awkward goodbyes, and filtered out of the house. In less than five minutes, the space felt too big, too empty.Too loud with my thoughts.I slammed the door shut and leaned against it, chest heaving.Mandy was still there, standing awkwardly by the couch, her brows dra
최신 업데이트: 2025-12-30
Chapter: Clap-BackDarla’s POVThe house Mandy sent me the address to was nothing like what I expected.It wasn’t loud. No blasting music. No drunken chaos spilling into the street. Just a quiet, well-furnished duplex tucked away in a gated area, the kind of place people used when they didn’t want to be noticed.Interesting.I parked, took a steadying breath, and stepped out of the car.By the time I knocked, the door opened almost immediately. Mandy stood there, glass in hand, surprise flickering briefly across her face before she masked it with a smile.“You’re early,” she said.“I said within an hour,” I replied lightly. “This counts.”She stepped aside to let me in.Inside, there were a few people scattered around, two men on the couch talking quietly, a woman leaning against the counter scrolling through her phone. Laughter drifted from somewhere deeper in the house. The atmosphere felt… contained. Controlled. Like everyone here knew discretion was part of the deal.And then I saw her. Melanie.
최신 업데이트: 2025-12-30
Chapter: UnbelievableDarla's POV“So all this time,” I said, more to myself than to him, “she was hiding behind Richard… judging everyone else.”“I didn’t want to tell you like this,” Xavier said. “But you deserved to know. Especially since Sam’s name keeps coming up around you.”I closed my eyes briefly. The irony was bitter. I had been fighting to prove I was innocent of something that had never existed, while the real affair was happening right under everyone’s nose.“I didn’t expect this,” I admitted. “Not at all.”“I know,” he said softly.There was a moment of silence between us, different from the tense silence in the car earlier. This one felt heavy, thoughtful.“So now you know,” he continued. “That’s the full story.”I let out a slow breath. “Thank you for telling me.”“I’m not saying this to win an argument,” he said quickly. “Or to justify what I did. I know I went about it the wrong way.”I didn’t answer immediately. My emotions were too tangled for quick responses.“I need time,” I said fin
최신 업데이트: 2025-12-30
Chapter: The Missing EnvelopeADELINE povThe next morning felt even heavier than the last. I woke before the sun had fully risen, but I already knew Jackson would be awake. He had looked too determined to sleep after the phone call about the waitress. When I walked into the dining room, I wasn't surprised to find him standing beside the table with another cup of cold coffee. The files from yesterday were still spread across the table, but now they were joined by fresh photographs, printed maps, and new pages covered with handwritten notes.Mikhail came in a minute later, still buttoning his shirt. He looked at Jackson, then at the mountain of papers, and let out a slow breath."You didn't sleep, did you?"Jackson gave a tired smile."I closed my eyes for about twenty minutes.""And then?""I kept thinking about Devon."Mikhail let out a short laugh.Devon rubbed his forehead."The more I looked at his last day, the more I realized we were missing something."I pulled out a chair and sat down."What did your team
최신 업데이트: 2026-07-03
Chapter: The Last Name He SpokeADELINE povI barely slept that night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Devon lying on the floor with a slit throat, and every time I forced myself back to sleep, I saw the headlines calling me a murderer. By the time the sun came up, I had already given up on resting. I walked into the dining room with heavy eyes and found Jackson sitting at the table, surrounded by papers, printed photographs, an empty coffee cup, and an open laptop. It looked like he had never gone to bed at all, and judging by the dark circles under his eyes, he probably hadn't.Mikhail walked in a few moments later and quietly sat beside me. Jackson rubbed his face before looking at both of us with a serious expression that immediately made my stomach tighten. He pushed a stack of files toward the middle of the table and folded his hands together."I spent the entire night rebuilding Devon's last day," he said. "We're done looking only at his murder. Now we need to understand how he was thinking before he died.
최신 업데이트: 2026-07-03
Chapter: Adeline on the NewADELINE povWalking back into Mikhail's penthouse should have felt like freedom after spending hours inside a cold police cell. Instead, it felt like I was walking into another prison. Through the help of my lawyer and by Mikhail’s intervention, I had been released under strict bail conditions, pending trial. The heavy doors closed behind me as I stepped in, and the silence wrapped around my shoulders like a wet blanket. My body ached from exhaustion, my head pounded from answering the same questions over and over, and my heart still raced every time I remembered Devon lying on that floor. I wanted to cry, scream, or even laugh at how ridiculous my life had become, but none of those feelings came. I simply felt empty.The living room was unusually quiet. Mikhail stood near the large windows overlooking the city, staring outside with his hands behind his back. Jackson was already seated at the dining table with a laptop, several files, and a few photographs spread before him. Both men
최신 업데이트: 2026-07-02
Chapter: Adeline on the NewsConrad POV The soft breeze pf the new day touched my skin from the balcony of my office…I took it all in… everythung. I liked mornings. They were honest. Morning was the only time of day when power really showed off.. where it felt so much better. I entered back into my office slowly, a warm coffee mug in my hands… Thus particular morning felt even much better… Three newspapers. Two digital summaries. One internal memo from media consultants I paid obscene amounts to predict public mood with the confidence of astrologers. Across all of them, one name repeated beautifully. Adeline Royce. Suspect. Detained. Questioned. Possible link. The words did change a little depending on publication style, but the melody was the same. I smiled a little, not too much, though… If I did then, that would imply surprise. And nothing about this outcome surprised me. When a person insists on stepping onto a battlefield they don’t understand, eventually they learn the terrain belongs to s
최신 업데이트: 2026-04-30
Chapter: The truthAdeline POV The plan was now in motion.. In every sense of the word, it was a risk… We could lose the case and be denied bail and it that case, my future will be completely out of my hands… but now more than ever, I had to trust Mikhail… I was being driven by a taxi and soon we arrived at the front of the police station. When the door opened, the cold air hit me like a tidal wave. Two officers were outside waiting for me.. I informed them to expect me. “Ms.Royce.” One said as he guided me inside the station… Inside, everything moved quickly and all at once. Walk. Sit. Confirm. Wait. Answer. I was guided through corridors that all looked the same, until I stopped trying to remember them. They first asked my name, then… My identity confirmed. My details recorded. Fingerprint pressed. Photo taken. All in that order. Then next step…questions. The interrogation room was small. A table. Two chairs. A recorder already on. The officers sat across from me. A young one
최신 업데이트: 2026-04-30
Chapter: MIKHAILMIKHAIL POV Morning arrived sharply… I was already awake when the first call came through. Not because I had slept badly. I hadn’t slept at all. Sleep was a negotiation I didn’t trust myself to enter right now. When Adeline arrived at ky door last night, I knew it wasn’t an option anymore… I had three phones stacked up at ky fesk, all active and ready… There was no second to spare. I needed to help Adeline… I started with the lawyer. “Are you awake?” I asked. A tired exhale on the other end. “I am now.” “I need you ready for emergency filing. It’s a bail motion. Defamation containment and possibly wrongful accusation defense depending on how fast this escalates.” There was a pause, then… “That’s a lot of words for morning.” “It’s not morning,” I said. It was a warning. I ended the call before he could argue. Next: security intel. I needed to know who saw her that night.. if they were CCTV cameras or not. I was about to call when a sharp knock broke through…. Fuck… I
최신 업데이트: 2026-04-30
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