Chapter: Bitter breakfast Chapter 13“Oh dear, it’s two in the afternoon,” Maggie said, stepping into Elara’s room. She found the young woman still tangled in her sheets, barely awake.“How are you, Maggie?” Elara groaned, pulling the covers higher to shield her eyes from the sunbeam slicing through the window.“When I asked, I meant you should have been up hours ago,” Maggie replied, gently dragging the duvet down to Elara’s waist.“Sorry… I didn't sleep well last night,” Elara admitted, pushing herself up.“I can tell. You look plain,” Maggie noted, sitting on the edge of the bed beside her.“Where is Lucien?”“He’s in the living room, darling.”“What’s he doing here?”“Well, it’s his house,” Maggie said with a small, knowing smile.“Right…” Elara muttered.“You should get dressed, dear. Your food will be waiting on the dining table.” With a gentle pat on the knee, Maggie left the room.Elara rose and dressed quickly, choosing a simple white and pink sundress that fell a few inches below her knee. She gather
Last Updated: 2025-11-14
Chapter: 3 A.M Orders Chapter 12 “Girl, fuck him,” Ryan said, handing Elara a bowl of chicken soup. “He really thinks he rules the world with that tiny business of his.” “‘Don’t curse, darling,’” Elara mimicked, rolling her eyes and mocking Lucien’s tone. “You should’ve just stabbed his throat with these heels,” Ryan said, picking one up and inspecting it dramatically. “Nah,” Elara scoffed. “We don’t want his blood on them.” Ryan laughed and stood up. “Let me grab some blankets. I’m so glad you didn’t go back to that house tonight.” She disappeared down the hallway. Elara exhaled deeply. She couldn’t have gone back anyway. Not after everything. Not after the humiliation. Lucien could rage all he wanted — she didn’t care anymore. Ryan returned with blankets, tossing one over Elara. She’d already changed into one of Ryan’s nightgowns, the soft fabric a small comfort against the chaos in her head. Curling up beside her best friend, Elara closed her eyes, silently praying this was all just a nightmare
Last Updated: 2025-11-14
Chapter: Pretend wife Chapter 11She searched everywhere for Josh and the car, the cool night air biting at her bare arms. Did Lucien find out she left the house? So many terrifying possibilities went through her head as she stared at the empty parking lot.She began walking, taking a different route so Noah wouldn't spot her. A sudden, cold drop hit her cheek. Then another. It began to rain."Shit," she cursed, looking down at her plain tee and jeans, which would soon be plastered to her skin.She noticed a car was following her. Panic flared in her chest, and she hurried her pace, refusing to look back. The car accelerated, pulling up alongside her.The window whirred down. "What are you doing here?" a voice asked, not bothering to look at her.She froze, unable to turn toward him. Gosh, he's really doing a good job scaring the shit out of me, she thought. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't come alone. I came along with Josh, but he vanished.""Sorry, ma'am," Josh said, lowering his own window just as she finally
Last Updated: 2025-11-09
Chapter: Rules and recklessness Chapter 10Elara hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before.The whole change still didn’t sit right with her.The sun streamed through the curtains, its brightness forcing her eyes open. She rubbed them, half-hoping it was all a ridiculous dream—but it wasn’t. Reality hit her again, heavy and suffocating.She took a quick shower and slipped into casual clothes. She didn’t even know what her “job” here was supposed to be. Was she meant to sit around waiting for his orders? The thought made her scoff.She’d always been independent—strong-willed, capable. Now, she felt trapped, like she’d been dropped into a gilded cage.As she reached for the door, she froze. Lucien was probably back. She didn’t want to see him—not yet. She wished he’d just vanish long enough for her to run far away.But hunger won. Her stomach growled in protest.She took a deep breath and opened the door—only to jump back with a gasp.Lucien was standing right outside.“God!” she blurted, pressing a hand to her chest.
Last Updated: 2025-11-04
Chapter: Till Debt Do Us Part Chapter 9“The hell do you mean you’re getting married to Lucien?” Ryan shouted, pacing the room like a storm about to break.“Yes… I don’t know, but it was my only choice,” Elara said quietly.“Girl, that’s bullshit! You didn’t even tell anyone. Taking a loan would’ve been way better than marrying that man.”“And how was I supposed to pay it back, Ryan?” Elara shot back, anger flaring through her voice.Ryan stopped pacing, her lips pressed into a thin line.“If I don’t help them, no one will,” Elara continued, her voice shaking. “We’ve tried everything—we’re stuck. I know it’s stupid, but it would be even more stupid if I let them die just like that. You heard the doctor that night. They can’t do anything for us anymore… no one can.”Her voice broke, and the tears came in heavy drops. She fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably.Ryan’s anger melted away. She hurried over, crouching beside her and pulling her into her arms, running her hand gently through Elara’s hair.“Please… don
Last Updated: 2025-11-03
Chapter: Paper chainsChapter 8Elara’s gaze burned holes through the contract. Lucien had given her until the next afternoon to give him an answer, and he hadn't said a single word after handing it over last night.Why me? she thought, the question a nagging scratch in her mind. Why would he want to marry her of all people? Even though she knew it was purely a business transaction—a year of her life for a billion-dollar contract. It felt strange, and deeply personal. Did he have a hidden agenda?She was supposed to respond today.She read the document again, scrutinizing every clause, terrified she'd missed a term that would risk her life or safety. But it was exactly as she’d first understood it, a stark, unambiguous contract. She would be married to Lucien for one year, solely to secure a major business deal.She hated to admit it, but on paper, it was simple.But she knew Lucien. There was nothing simple or ordinary about him.He’d laid out the rules, a list of demands that made her blood simmer:They
Last Updated: 2025-11-03
Chapter: Flowers for the deadChapter 16 Ameera's PovFlowers. Everywhere.It looked like the company had turned into a giant garden. Each bouquet screamed expensive, like they’d been specially grown for this exact purpose. And of course, they were all in front of my desk. Every single one addressed to Kevin.Michael wasn’t around for breakfast, so I didn’t have anyone to gossip with about it. I ended up sitting with Lily. We usually just exchanged polite “hellos” at work, so this was new.“Hey, Lily, what’s up with all the flowers?” I asked, eyeing the piles stacked around me.“Oh right—you’re new here.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Today’s the day Mr. Blackwood’s parents passed away.”“His parents?!” I nearly choked.She nodded. “People send flowers from all over the world. His father was a huge influence before his death, and so was his mother.”I stared. Was it terrible that I had no idea Kevin was basically an orphan?“He’s not in the best of moods this time of year,” Lily added.“Hmm. Can’t really bl
Last Updated: 2025-11-05
Chapter: Mixed signals Chapter 15 Ameera's Pov“Why didn’t he ask me to drop him off?” Michael asked as we sat together for breakfast.He had hot chocolate and meat rolls; I had coffee and donuts.“I don’t know, he probably didn’t want annoying people around him,” I teased, smirking.Michael laughed. “Yeah right. If that was true, you’d be the first person he asked to stay back.”“But he didn’t, right?” I said, taking a sip of my coffee.He shook his head. “I was scared he’d sacked you though. When I saw the new guy—”“Oh, he can’t do that. It’s not like I did anything wrong.”“Well… that’s what I thought about the guy before you,” I said, grinning.“Yeah, I heard you were the reason he got sacked,” Michael shot back, laughing.“No, I wasn’t,” I added quickly—even though I knew full well I was.---“Are these everything?” Kevin’s voice cut through my thoughts as he scanned the paperwork I’d placed on his desk.“Yes, sir.”He leaned back in his chair, his eyes locking on me. The same way they had last nig
Last Updated: 2025-11-03
Chapter: Uninvited feelings Chapter 14 Kevin's Pov I decided to go with Caden’s dumb plan.The main wedding was held this morning. I couldn’t possibly leave work for that. Tonight was the dinner party—smaller, quieter, family and close friends. The kind of event my grandmother would insist I attend.We had just finished work. She was about to leave. Always lingering with Michael. Laughing too loud outside my office, like she had no care in the world. Irritating. I swear sometimes I think they’re dating.I stepped out and only found her standing there.“I was just about leaving, sir. Is there anything you want me to do before I go?”“No,” I said, staring into those brown eyes. They had this annoying pull, like they knew I’d look too long.“Alright then, have a good night,” she said with a soft smile and turned around.“Wait.” The word came out before I could stop myself.“Yes?”“You’ll be following me to an event tonight.”“Tonight?” she asked, surprise flickering. “Is it a meeting or—”“Like I said, it’s an ev
Last Updated: 2025-11-02
Chapter: Dinner with Loretta Chapter 13 Kevin's Pov “So, you’re not going to eat anything?” my grandmother asked as she sat at the other end of the table. Michael had dropped me off at her place. So much space, yet just for two people. It felt… unnecessary. The dining table stretched wide, covered with enough food to feed ten people. Looking at it alone was enough to make someone full. My grandmother carried herself like she was still in her fifties. Brave, sharp, intelligent—probably the most brilliant woman I’ve ever met. My grandfather always said it was her intelligence that first drew him in, not even her beauty, and I believed him. She was always two steps ahead of everyone. Except the day she lost her son. That broke her, though she did her best to hide it. “I’m full,” I said, watching as she tore into her bread rolls. “Okay, if you say so.” “You asked to see me?” “Yes, indeed. Since you’re so busy with work, you’ve forgotten your grandparents,” she said, dropping her food. “I’m sorry, Grandmot
Last Updated: 2025-11-01
Chapter: Calculated risks Kevin's Pov Every damn meeting was more boring than the last. Old fools, each one of them. I was convinced at least one of them had a hand in my parents’ deaths. The more I looked at their wrinkled faces, the more I wanted to pull my gun out and end it all right there. “Kevin, come over here,” a voice called. Williams. My father’s childhood best friend. The only one of them I could stomach. He’d been there for us—for me—when no one else was. “Mr. Williams,” I said, walking over. “How are you?” “I’m good, son. How are you holding up?” His voice carried genuine warmth, something rare in this world. “I’m well.” I cleared my throat. He handed me a small box. “My wife asked me to give you this. Her homemade muffins. You know she always bakes them around this time.” The remembrance month. Of course. “Thank you,” I said quietly, accepting the gift. “I appreciate the love you and Mrs. Williams show me.” I never ate them. Never wanted to. Eating muffins felt too normal, too comfort
Last Updated: 2025-10-28
Chapter: Between Hope and Burdens Ameera's PovWe were finally back in New York.Mr. Blackwood hadn’t flown with us—apparently, he had “more important things” to take care of. And besides, it wasn’t like he’d ever fly on the same plane as us. Honestly, I was more than grateful for that.I slept through most of the ride back, my body heavy from exhaustion. When Michael and I arrived at the bus station, we went our separate ways.At home, I changed into a pair of sweatpants and an old shirt. Comfortable. Safe. Then I grabbed my purse and headed to the supermarket—I wanted to see Mum today. I hadn’t visited since the day Mrs. Loretta paid for her chemo, though I always called to check in.I picked up a “You’re the Best” card, some balloons, cupcakes, and a basket of fresh fruit. It wasn’t much, but I hoped it would brighten her room.“Miss Parker, right this way,” Dr. Melvin said when I arrived at the hospital, leading me to her ward.The faint beeping of machines filled the quiet room. I pushed the door open with my elb
Last Updated: 2025-10-28
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