Chapter: Chapter 9AmeliaThe quiet of my penthouse bedroom felt heavier than the dinner downstairs.For two hours, I had stood at Lucian’s side, smiling for his board members, playing the charming, dutiful wife while his uncle Arthur watched my every move like a hawk. The moment the last executive left and the private elevator doors shut, I retreated to my room, my head throbbing from the pressure.I pulled my phone out of my evening bag—and my blood ran cold.Fourteen missed calls. All from Maya.My hands shook as I dialled her back. She answered on the very first ring."You finally decided to pick up my calls!" Maya’s voice burst through the receiver, frantic and breathless. "I've been trying to get through to you for two hours!""I’m so sorry, Maya," I whispered, pressing my back against the locked bedroom door and dropping my voice even lower. "I was trapped at the board dinner downstairs. My phone was on silent. What happened? Is Theo okay?""Theo is fine; he’s watching cartoons, but Amy... someth
Last Updated: 2026-10-31
Chapter: Chapter 8LucianThe drive back to the penthouse from her apartment was carried out in silence.Beside me, Amelia sat pressed flat against the passenger door, staring out the window as the afternoon sun flickered across her pale face. She held that cardboard box tightly against her lap, her knuckles white, her posture so stiff I thought she might break at any second.She thought she had won.She thought that by slamming a door in my face, dropping a few tears, and begging for ten minutes of privacy, she had pulled the wool over my eyes. She thought she was clever.She had no idea that my security team watched every inch of that back alley.I adjusted my suit jacket, my fingers sliding down to tap the screen of my phone. Marcus had sent the video file three minutes after we pulled away from the curb.I unlocked the phone, keeping the screen hidden from Amelia, and played the file.The feed was crisp and clear.The door at the foot of the back entrance swung open. Her short-haired friend, Maya, s
Last Updated: 2026-10-30
Chapter: Chapter 7AmeliaThe brass door handle turned with a smooth, sickening click.Time felt like it slammed into slow motion. My heart hammered wildly against my ribs as the door began to swing open. Five years of secret shifts, hidden birth certificates, and desperate lies were about to crumble in a single second under Lucian Rhodes’ control.No. I can’t let him see him. I can’t let him take my boy.Adrenaline hit my blood like ice water. Before the door could open more than a few inches, I threw my weight forward, slamming my hands against the wood and forcing the door shut with a loud bang.The air in the hallway went quiet.Lucian’s hand was still wrapped firmly around the handle, his knuckles white against the brass. He didn't flinch. He slowly lifted his head, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that burned right through me. His tall frame completely blocked out the light, casting a shadow over me."Amelia," he whispered, his voice dropping into a razor-thin rumble. "Step away f
Last Updated: 2026-10-30
Chapter: Chapter 6Amelia"We are going to her old apartment."Lucian’s voice cut through the silence like a blade.My heart hit my chest in a wild, deafening roar. I stood frozen by the window, clutching my handbag so hard my fingers cramped.He knew. Or at least, he knew enough to tear my lie apart.The pharmacy receipt. The kids' vitamins.Lucian turned around, his suit sharp, his face cold and unreadable as he walked past Marcus toward the doors. "Amelia. We’re leaving.""Lucian, wait!" I gasped, forcing my legs to move. I ran across the floor, stopping him right before he reached the doorway. "There's no reason to go there! My apartment is cleared out! My landlord is already cleaning it—"Lucian stopped, towering over me. His dark eyes locked onto mine, taking in my pale, panicked face."If it’s empty, then a quick check won't take long," he said, his voice dropping into a smooth, sharp rumble. "And as your husband, I want to make sure you didn't leave anything behind.""We signed a contract!" I wh
Last Updated: 2026-10-30
Chapter: Chapter 5AmeliaSunday passed in a quiet, nerve-wracking blur.Mrs NaNa spent the afternoon bringing arms full of expensive clothes to my room—tailored silk shirts, designer suits, and dresses, all fitted perfectly to my size as if Lucian’s team had measured every inch of my body.She was kind, offering quiet smiles and tea, but I couldn't relax. Every step I took in the penthouse felt like I was being watched. Every time my phone buzzed in my pocket, my heart jumped, terrified it was a text from Maya about Theo.By 7:30 AM on Monday, I was standing in front of the mirror, smoothing down an ivory dress. On my left hand, the diamond ring sat cold against my skin.I took a deep breath, trying to settle the nervous knot in my stomach. Today was the press conference—the day Lucian Rhodes would officially introduce me to the city as his wife.The door to Lucian’s wing opened.He walked into the room wearing a suit, his tie knotted tight, his dark eyes locking onto mine.His gaze swept slowly over m
Last Updated: 2026-09-29
Chapter: Chapter 4AmeliaThe private elevator opened right into Lucian’s penthouse.It was pure wealth and isolation—soaring ceilings, marble floors, and glass overlooking the city line.Everything was black, charcoal, and glass. Cold. Impeccable. Empty of any warmth.A housekeeper in a sharp uniform stepped forward and gave a quick bow. "Welcome, Mrs Rhodes. I am Mrs NaNa. Mr Rhodes is in his study, but he asked me to take you to your room first."I gripped my suitcase tighter. "Thank you."She led me down a quiet hallway to a master suite bigger than my entire apartment. King-sized bed, black and gold sheets, a private balcony, and a walk-in closet."Mr Rhodes' private wing is through those connecting doors," Mrs NaNa said softly. "He prefers quiet after nine.""I understand," I said.The second she shut the door, I hurried into the bathroom and locked it behind me. My phone was buzzing frantically in my purse.My heart hit my throat when I saw Maya’s caller ID."Maya!" I whispered into the receiver,
Last Updated: 2026-09-29
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