Chapter: Chapter 34(Chelsea's POV)It was quarter past seven, when the office had already surrendered to shadows and the cleaning crew's vacuum hummed three floors below. I'd stayed late organizing Leonard's calendar for the following week, a task that should have taken twenty minutes but stretched into two hours because I kept reading the same entries twice.I had been heavily distracted. I found it unfortunately so hard to concentrate that I actually stayed late. Again. This time, being my fault for letting Bianca’s visit get to my head. I couldn't stop thinking about it. The way she had looked at me. The way the alarms in my head had gone off.She seemed like someone to never be messed with. Even though she was no longer married to Leonard, for some reasons, she had still scared the shit out of me. I had only made efforts to hide it.The sudden sound of approaching footsteps made me flinch. It was Leonard. He walked towards me and stopd in front of my desk."You're still here," he said in that low vo
Last Updated: 2026-02-11
Chapter: Chapter 33(Leonard's POV)Unlike other people, Bianca never made an announcement. The general public passed through reception, provided their identities, waited for authorisation, and, if denied, accepted the response.Bianca passed through doors as if they were designed specifically for her. She didn't enquire about her greeting. She acted as though the room owed her a warm welcome. Jenna's speech sounded strained and a little out of breath because of this as she announced through the intercom that Bianca was here.My ex wife.I didn’t look up from the file on my desk. I kept reading, kept my pen moving, kept my posture calm. I could already envision her as vividly as if she were there in front of me, but the words in front of me blurred nonetheless. flawless hair. Excellent posture.Her eyes never met her flawless smile. I clenched my fingers around the pen till I felt like it would break."How did she manage to bypass security?" I enquired.Jenna answered, "She said you were expecting her."
Last Updated: 2026-02-11
Chapter: Chapter 32(Chelsea's POV)I didn't get much sleep. I always saw him in front of my door when I closed my eyes. Beside my head, Adrian's fingers pressed against the wall. When he claimed that I still belonged to him, his voice trailed off. the assurance it contains. As if I were something he had lost, rather than someone who had left.My nerves were ragged by dawn. In an attempt to calm something inside of me that would not go away, I stood in front of the bathroom mirror for longer than usual and brushed my hair back harder than I should have.The drive down to work felt longer than usual. Every time the car stopped at a traffic light, my shoulders tightened, half expecting Adrian to show up like he had done the night before.When the doors finally opened and I stepped out in front of the big, tall building which waited ahead for me, relief washed through me so fast it almost made me dizzy.My mind kept replaying his words. You’re still mine. No one else can have you.I clenched my fists. He fe
Last Updated: 2026-02-09
Chapter: Chapter 31(Chelsea's POV)The scent of burnt toast and old carpet shampoo filled the corridor outside my apartment. Every evening, the faint overhead light flickered and the building's wiring decided to warn everyone that it was tired, and the scent was the same. I'd been here long enough to know which stairwells were always drafty, which neighbours slammed their doors, and which floorboards squeaked.Nothing felt familiar that night. I felt cold holding my keys. My shoulder was cut by my bag. It was the kind of fatigue that sat in your bones, and my body was already hurting from the day.Leonard's fingerprint-like gaze, meetings, and my own anxiety whenever my phone buzzed were all things I had forced myself to endure. I had promised myself that after I got home, I would lock the door, take a shower, and act as though no one could get to me.Then I caught sight of him. Like he belonged there, Adrian leaned against the wall close to my door. He had his suit jacket open. For someone who seemed t
Last Updated: 2026-02-09
Chapter: Chapter 30(Chelsea's POV)Another day to be at work arrived. I moved through Grey Properties liks I had worked there for years. I kept my face neutral anyway, even if my cheeks begged to be flushed when I thought of the kind of relationship Leonard and I seemed to be in now. But I needed to stay professional. That was my job.I didn't want to think about Leonard Grey’s hand between my thighs, my breath breaking on his fingers.Those thoughts stayed buried under work. I recited a few sentences in my head that should help.Do not look at him too long.Do not flinch when he comes close.Do not let him hear your heartbeat.Eventually, Leonard and I walked to the conference room where a meeting was to be held. We walked side by side, his strides closely matching mine. Like we were partners. Like we were a couple.People glanced up as we passed, and I began to overthink. As if I could feel them reading the tension between us like it was printed on my skin.The thought made my stomach churn.Conferenc
Last Updated: 2026-02-08
Chapter: Chapter 29(Chelsea's POV)I Couldn't go home. Not yet. So I took a cab and got down once we came to a stop. By then I was in front of a Café. Far from Adrian.But I did not expect to see Sophia. Not that soon. And most especially not there.The café door chimed when I stepped inside, and the smell of coffee beans and warm sugar wrapped around me, surprisingly cooling my nerves. It was late afternoon already.I wasn’t here because I wanted to drink coffee. I just wanted somewhere quiet. And a place to sit. To let the storm inside me settle before going home. After what had happened with Adrian. After everything that we had talked about.I took two steps further and froze. My eyes landed on Sophia sitting by the window. My Sophia. Or at least the girl who used to be.Her hair fell over one shoulder, her lips glossy, like always. She wore a pale dress that caught the light and she sat staring into space like she was deep in thought. I immediately wondered what she was doing here alone. It was unli
Last Updated: 2026-02-08
Chapter: Chapter Ninety Two-- Grizelda --The atmosphere in the park was alive with excited peals of children's laughter, the rhythmic creak of swings sets and occasional bark of dogs.I sat on a wooden bench, my hands rested on my lap, sunglasses shielded my eyes.I could have been any parent watching their child play except for the fact that a few feet away, Leo was clambering over Alexander Kingston like he was a jungle gym.I'll admit that it felt a bit weird to see him like this. The ever playful, jungle-like, fun lover father. Unlike the days of our marriage, there were no children to watch him play with this way. No son, no daughter. Hence I was used to the scene of him being in a boardroom or in a suit.Instead, he wore a plain T-shirt, dark jeans, and sneakers. His hair was slightly ruffled and a bit of mud on his arm from when Leo tackled him.I could hear the joy in Leo's giggle as he planted his foot on Alex's chest and squealed "I won Dad."Alexander grinned up at him. "Oh no, you're too strong for
Last Updated: 2025-08-23
Chapter: Chapter Ninety One-- Alexander --The numbers on the screen blurred until they were nothing but black smudges. I'd been staring at the same spreadsheet for what felt like hours, trying to make sense of the chaos and mismatched numbers. But no matter how many times I scanned the columns, the figures refused to align or offer the clarity I desperately needed. Maybe they couldn’t, not when my mind was split.A sharp knock jolted me out of my spiraling thoughts and the next thing, Nicholas walked in. He leaned against the frame. “You’re going to carve grooves into that desk if you keep staring at it like that.”I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake the tension out of my shoulders. “I’m working,” I muttered, though the protest sounded hollow even to him.“Nope. You’re pretending to work. Big difference.” Nicholas said, stepping fully into the room, arms crossed. “Last time I saw you this distracted, was when the company was crashing. Difference is… this time, there's nothing keeping the company on edge. Everyth
Last Updated: 2025-08-23
Chapter: Chapter Ninety-- Grizelda --The applause from the boardroom still rung in my ears as I watched the horizon from my window. I always thought it was the most beautiful sight ever. I could spend minutes just watching the skyline, as I surrendered myself to the beauty of nature.The streets shimmered with headlights. I glanced at my phone. There had been no missed calls, no messages from him asking about Leo’s day. This was unlike him. He had been sending for months like clockwork and it became a regular part of my mornings. Now, it had been weeks and I hadn’t seen him. There was no meeting at the school gate or any other chanced meeting that might have forced a conversation.As if he was gone and never coming back but I knew that was not true. It couldn't be true.Then why did I have to keep reminding myself of that in the first place?I picked my bag and jacket, gave my assistant a slight nod, and stepped into the elevator. The vacuumed space of the elevator quietened the storm in my head. I hated
Last Updated: 2025-08-17
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Nine-- Grizelda --As soon as his lips landed softly on mine, I lost all my ability to think clearly. I couldn't afford to pretend I was thinking straight any longer. All through out our conversation, I couldn't keep my eyes off his lips, his eyes, his hair, his muscles, the flex of his arm while he brought food to his mouth a while ago during breakfast. The flex of his jaw. I couldn't think straight!He kissed me and I kissed him back. I gasped softly when his hands found its way to the small of my back and he brought me closer to his chest.God, I wanted him so bad.I had never felt so horny in a long time. I felt extremely hot inside. Like some fire inside me refused to go off.I heard myself moan when his hands tightened around my waist, pulling me close, allowing me to feel the bulge in his pants. He was erect already? I couldn't believe this. I couldn't believe I was doing this to him. I couldn't believe we were doing this.He pulled from me, breaking the kiss and sounding breathles
Last Updated: 2025-08-17
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Eight-- Alexander --I pulled on a nice pair of suit, arranged my hair, wore my favorite scent, stared at myself a little too much in the mirror and then I decided I was ready.I had slept very late last night which I didn't expect on my first day at home. I missed home. I missed everything. But home was a little too quiet for me now that I could barely find the sleep as early as I should've. Lucy was not here anymore, neither was Spencer. Not that I missed them much.Maybe I just wondered how Spencer was doing from time to time but that was it. All that filled my mind most was my baby boy. My one and only. That was why as soon as I got Grizelda's text last night, I knew it was duty calls. I needed to visit again as soon as possible. I was very much aware that we had planned tonight but I said fuck it. I couldn't be too busy to spend time with my family.I took in a deep breath and headed out the front door. This was the best I could do as a responsible father. After all, I'd been away for
Last Updated: 2025-08-15
Chapter: Chapter Eighty Seven-- Grizelda --The house was quiet. Leo went to bed early, tired from the energy he'd used up during his birthday party. He seemed satisfied with the way things had turned out. After all, his father was finally back from his long travel. And here I was, eyes wide open instead of being asleep at such a late hour. I was tired too, but I just couldn't sleep.Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him. Alexander. Like he was suddenly the man of my dreams. If I wasn't going crazy, he probably looked more handsome than when I'd first fallen in love with him before our marriage. Something about him... something about him made me feel like a teenager with a crush in high school again. When he looked at me...What in the world?I shot my head up from my pillow like it was the reason I was overthinking. I got up and paced. Why was I thinking about him like this?I rubbed my arms, suddenly cold."It's just hormones." I muttered. "Either that or too much champagne."Except I hadn't drank anything.I
Last Updated: 2025-08-14
Chapter: Chapter 79*Adele's point of view*“Wait… say that again?” I asked, still trying to catch up with what my wold had just said.“I know,” she replied, her tone tight with frustration. “These girls really planned everything out. They did not miss a thing.”I exhaled slowly, forcing my thoughts to settle. “Did they really?” I muttered. “Because I just spoke with Serenity… and I think I might know how to get out of here. It is not going to be quick though.”A small pause.“Did you reach Trevor?” I asked, my voice sharpening with urgency.“Yeah, I did,” she said. “And Cindy told Demarion too. They are already trying to find you. But it is not easy. James is… not in a good state right now. Aurora’s betrayal hit him hard. And since he is the best tracker we have, Demarion does not want to push him too much.”Her words settled heavily in my chest.“They are trying,” she added softly. “But if we could figure out where you are, I could go back, tell Trevor, and we could actually do something.”I closed my
Last Updated: 2026-04-11
Chapter: Chapter 78*Adele's point of view*“I saw,” she said softly. “But tell me… were you truly trying to free yourself? Or were you reacting out of fear? Was it just your instinct taking over, pushing you into fight or flight?”Her words made me pause.“This is what I am trying to show you,” she continued. “You will not break free until you decide to. Not because of fear, not because of pain, but because of pure will. The same way people remain trapped in their own emotions. They stay stuck because they are not willing themselves to let go. They do not choose to release the past or believe in a better future.”Her voice carried a quiet strength and I let out a long breath. Why did people like her always speak like this? So calm and so wise. And yet somehow, so confusing.“Serenity,” I said, rubbing my temple slightly against my shoulder, “that sounded deep and beautiful, but it still does not tell me what I am supposed to do. Can you just tell me clearly? Or at least give me something simple. A hint,
Last Updated: 2026-04-11
Chapter: Chapter 77*Adele's point of view*“Serenity?” I asked, my voice low. Every part of my body ached. Even breathing felt like work, so moving was not an option.“Yes, of course,” she replied softly.She stepped around me and stopped right in front of me. I had to tilt my head slightly just to meet her eyes.“How are you, dear?” she asked, her hands folded neatly in front of her like everything was calm and normal.I just stared at her. My eyes locked onto hers, refusing to look away. She looked down at me with that gentle, motherly expression, full of concern. It almost made me laugh.“Are you serious?” I muttered, my voice dry.“Yes,” she answered without hesitation.“Oh… wow.” I let out a slow breath. This could not be happening right now.I mean, she could clearly see me. I was tied to a chair, my wrists aching against the restraints. Bruises covered my body, some fresh, some already darkening. My stomach felt hollow. I had not eaten since they took me.So how could she stand there and ask me h
Last Updated: 2026-04-10
Chapter: Chapter 76*Adele's point of view*"Yeah." The voice came from beside Claire. "Hi."I turned slowly and there she was. Aurora, standing next to Claire like she had always been there, like none of this was wrong. Then, a broken breath left my lips.What. The. Heck?"Seriously?" I whispered, my voice rising without control. "You?" My eyes burned as I stared at her. "What did I ever do to you? Tell me. Because right now, I am trying to understand."My chest heaved, my heart racing, anger rising fast and hot."When you came to Italy..." Aurora started, her expression twisting, "everything changed."I stayed quiet to hear what she had to say."At first, it was fine," she continued. "But then, suddenly, you became everything." Her voice sharpened. "The golden child."I blinked, confused."It was always 'Adele this' and 'Adele that.'" Her hands clenched at her sides. "Why can't you be more like Adele?"Her tone sounded hotter now."I was sick of it! Before you, I did not have to try. I did not even hav
Last Updated: 2026-04-10
Chapter: Chapter 75*Adele's point of view*Just like that, ice-cold water slammed into me, soaking through my skin like knives. My body jerked hard against the ropes as the shock tore a gasp from my throat."Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!" Claire's voice rang out, light and cheerful, like this was all a game to her.I tried to breathe. I really did. But before I could even pull in enough air, another bucket of ice cold water slammed into me again.The water hit my face and chest, forcing its way into my mouth. I choked instantly, coughing as it burned down my throat."Are you awake now?" Claire laughed.I could not answer. My lungs struggled, desperate for air that would not come fast enough. I coughed violently, my body shaking with each broken breath. The ropes around my wrists dug deeper into my skin, biting, scraping and reminding me that I could not move and I could not escape.Finally, just finally, I managed to drag in a proper breath. And it hurt. Everything hurt.Slowly, I lifted my head and
Last Updated: 2026-04-09
Chapter: Chapter 74*Adele's point of view*“Okay…” Cindy said slowly.But I was not convinced. Something was definitely wrong. Cindy and I made our way toward the buffet tables together. The closer we got, the stronger the smell of food became. Warm, rich and inviting. It wrapped around me and made my stomach twist with hunger.I grabbed a single plate, holding it loosely in my hand. I was not about to rush this. I wanted to enjoy it, take my time, taste everything.I moved along the line slowly, scanning the different dishes, letting myself actually look instead of just piling food on. After a moment, I spotted one of the waiters and stepped toward him.“Excuse me,” I said politely. “Do you have that special hot tea? The one that helps you eat more?”He nodded with a knowing smile. “Of course. I will bring it to your table.”“Thank you,” I replied before moving on.By the time I caught up with Cindy, I noticed she was already holding two plates.I raised a brow, about to say something, but she beat me
Last Updated: 2026-04-09
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