Beneath The Facade
Although born into opulence, Hermione Watson Pierce has always felt like a mere pawn in her parents' ruthless game of power. Her voice has been silenced since childhood, her autonomy suffocated by the weight of expectation. Behind the facade of luxury, Hermione has discovered a devastating truth: her life is not her own. As a result, she has learned to suppress her emotions, earning her the reputation as the icy queen of the corporate world.
However, when her parents demand she undertake a task that will irreparably alter her future, Hermione decides to seize control of her destiny. That's when Aiden Mendes enters the picture – a charismatic playboy with a reputation for recklessness. But beneath his carefree exterior lies a complex web of scars, forged in the fire of his dysfunctional family.
Aiden's coping mechanism is to indulge in the excesses of life, using his charm and good looks to keep people at arm's length. Yet, when he's threatened with disinheritance unless he marries the enigmatic Hermione, Aiden reluctantly agrees. For him, it's a mere contract marriage, a means to an end. But when they meet for the first time, Aiden is blindsided by an unexpected attraction. It's love at first sight, but his notorious reputation precedes him, and Hermione's disdain is palpable.
As their contract marriage turns into a battle of wills, Aiden must thaw Hermione's icy heart and prove that there's more to him than meets the eye. But can he convince her to look beyond his reputation and take a chance on love?
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Chapter: Chapter Fifty FiveHermione The rest of the day passes without incident. Mercifully, I don't have any further slipups, and I confirm that I won't be taking on any surgeries in the meantime. This will give me sufficient time to practice and hone my skills again. After work hours, I keep myself occupied with surgical props and videos, losing track of time as the night wears on. The vibration of my phone cuts through the silence in the office, and I pause the video to see that it's a call from Aiden. I take a deep breath and answer the call before it disconnects, noticing that it's already past nine. Not typically a late hour for me in my previous single life, but now as a married woman, I have to allocate my time wisely, carefully balancing my work and personal life."Hey, Hermie," Aiden's voice comes through the speaker, laced with a hint of fatigue. I blink. "Hi, Aiden. How was your day?" "It's been long," he answers with a sigh. "Are you coming home tonight? I'm about to prepare dinner." "I'll
Last Updated: 2025-07-20
Chapter: Chapter Fifty FourHermione I sit in my office, cringing at the memory of my embarrassing moment. I've clearly lost my edge after indulging in a two-week pleasure trip. It's taken a toll on my skills, and basic functions now feel like a struggle. "Good grief!" I squeeze my eyes shut in mortification as I recall the morning's event, the humiliation leaving a lingering sense of discomfort. I stare at my hands, where blood splattered while I was milking the patient's IV tubing. It's not a task I'd typically undertake, but a resident was struggling, and I stepped in to assist. I wince as I remember chastising the resident for their inability to perform such a basic procedure, only to botch it myself. My gaze drifts to my stained lab coat, which I tossed into the laundry basket as soon as I burst into my office to escape the embarrassment. The heat of the conversation that followed my faux pas still lingers, despite Nurse Sharon's attempt to downplay my mistake with humor. I can sense the underlying c
Last Updated: 2025-07-20
Chapter: Chapter Fifty Three Aiden Nell's excited cheer greets me as I step into my office on Monday. The balloons burst with a loud pop, sailing into the air, and my eyes twitch in reaction to the sudden sound. "Welcome back, VP Mendes!" I grin at his warm welcome and cross the remaining distance to my desk, where he is standing. I hang my suit jacket and settle behind my desk. "Thanks for the lovely welcome, Secretary Nell." "It's my pleasure," he says, delivering a gallant bow. "How have you been managing while I was away?" I ask. "You're the source of our extra workload," he replies, his eyes flashing as he processes his words. "Oops! That came out wrong." My shoulders shake with mirth. "That doesn't make it any less true." Nell makes a contrite expression. "Since the day you stood up to him, the President's demands for our services have decreased exponentially." I nod, relieved that Nell hasn't been overwhelmed with unnecessary tasks during my absence. I wouldn't put it past Lachlan to retaliate aga
Last Updated: 2025-07-19
Chapter: Chapter Fifty Two Hermione Mauritius was an unforgettable experience that left an indelible mark on my memory. We stayed at the Constance Le Prince Maurice, a tropical paradise on the east coast, featuring overwater villas and suites, stunning pools, and exceptional spas. The adventure was exhilarating, from exploring the crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, and scuba diving to hiking and enjoying a romantic catamaran trip with champagne, taking in the breathtaking views that Mauritius has in abundance. Reflecting on it, I feel like my mind was blown. As we drive to our residence, I scroll through the pictures on my phone, reminiscing about our time there. It's amusing how quickly time passed. Our two-week honeymoon flew by just as I was starting to fully immerse myself in the experience. Not that I didn't have fun from the beginning, but my body felt like it was just beginning to unwind and enjoy the adventure. Every day with Aiden was a thrill, filled with intimacy, adrenaline rushes, and exciteme
Last Updated: 2025-07-19
Chapter: Chapter Fifty OneHermione I wake up the following morning with a languid stretch. Last night has been wonderful, and my body still resonates from the thrill of it. I feel sore, having lost count of how many times I climaxed. Aiden drove me over the edge of passion, and heat rises to my face in both embarrassment and desire as I recall the numerous ways he marked my body. The moment we entered our private suite, he lunged at me, kissing me with a mix of urgency, passion, and frustration. When our bodies finally merged, it was an exquisite release. I was on cloud nine, my senses heightened. My belly quivers, a ripple shooting straight to my core as I remember the intensity of that moment. My screams of ecstasy echoed through the room, and I mentally appreciate the soundproofed walls; otherwise, we would have attracted an audience. I place one hand on my belly and roll onto my back, torn between embarrassment and desire as I reflect on last night's memories. I haven't opened my eyes yet, unsure how
Last Updated: 2025-07-18
Chapter: Chapter FiftyAiden Hermione's breathing remains ragged as we stand still, our foreheads touching, our breaths mingling, after she reaches a climax on my hand. I had anticipated she would be vocal, and a thrill runs through me at confirming my suspicion. The taste of her lingers on my tongue, and her scent fills my senses. I've relieved her of her pent-up tension, but I have my own issues to contend with. It may take some time before we can join our parents, as one glance at me would reveal what we've been up to. I'm not keen on broadcasting our activities, aware that Hermione would be mortified. As someone who's been known for his numerous conquests, public scrutiny of my sex life doesn't faze me. "How do you feel?" I murmur. She pants, her chest rising and falling slowly. "I feel better." I smile, my lips curling upward. "That's only the beginning. You have a lot more to experience tomorrow." "Sure... I can barely wait," she retorts sarcastically, pushing me away. "Why do I feel like I've
Last Updated: 2025-07-18
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