Chapter: Chapter 20CHAPTER 20AVERYProfessor Callahan was halfway through reading something on his computer when I knocked on his office door."Come in."I stepped inside, with Sienna following behind me. Professor Callahan glanced up, adjusted his glasses, and gestured toward the two chairs in front of his desk."Avery. I was beginning to wonder whether you'd forgotten about our meeting.""Sorry, Professor. I had a class that ran a little longer than expected.""Understandable." He closed the file on his computer. "And you've brought a guest?""Sienna. She offered to come with me.""Well, as long as she doesn't answer your questions for you." He gave Sienna a brief smile before turning back to me. "How are you finding the assignment?""Good, actually. I'm making progress with the interviews.""Are you?" He leaned back in his chair. "Because someone seems to have been rather concerned about your progress."My stomach tightened. "What do you mean?""Your brother came to see me."I closed my eyes briefly
Last Updated: 2026-11-04
Chapter: Chapter 19CHAPTER 19AVERYI found Sienna outside the campus bookstore later that afternoon, sitting on the low brick wall beside the entrance with a coffee in one hand and a book resting on her lap.For a moment, I considered walking past her.It wasn't that I didn't want to talk to her. I did. I'd been thinking about our friendship for days, remembering every conversation I'd cut short and every message I'd left unanswered. But the longer I'd waited to fix things, the more awkward it had become to start.Then she looked up and spotted me.Her expression didn't change much. "Hey.""Hey." I stopped in front of her, suddenly unsure what to do with my hands. "Are you busy?"She glanced at the book on her lap. "I'm reading, Avery. Not defusing a bomb."I almost smiled. Almost. "Can I sit?"She shifted her bag off the wall, leaving space beside her. I sat down, leaving a careful distance between us that felt ridiculous considering how many nights we'd spent squeezed together on her dorm bed, sharin
Last Updated: 2026-10-23
Chapter: Chapter 18CHAPTER 18AVERYI opened my notebook. "Can we just do the interview?""Of course." He leaned back, stretching his arm along the bench. "Ask away, journalist."I ignored the nickname. "How would you describe your role on the team beyond your position as center?""Scoring, creating opportunities, making sure the other team regrets showing up."I looked up. "Can you give me a serious answer?""That was serious.""Callum."He grinned. "Fine. I contribute offensively, help control the pace of the game, and create space for my teammates. Is that better?""Much.""You're welcome."I wrote down his response and moved to the next question. "What do you think separates a good player from a great one?""Talent. Work ethic. The ability to perform under pressure. And knowing when the people around you are holding you back."My pen slowed."Do you believe some players simply aren't good enough to deserve a place on a team?""Absolutely.""Even if they're working hard?""Hard work doesn't magically
Last Updated: 2026-10-22
Chapter: Chapter 17CHAPTER 17AVERYI was beginning to think interviewing Callum Hayes was a form of punishment.Professor Callahan had assigned me a feature on the Hawthorns hockey team, and somehow, every time I needed information, I ended up dealing with the one player who made me want to throw my notebook across the room. Unfortunately, he was also one of the team's most important players, which meant I couldn't avoid him without making my assignment unnecessarily difficult.So, for the second time that week, I found myself walking toward the hockey rink, notebook in hand, repeating three rules to myself.Ask the questions. Get the answers. Leave.No arguing with Callum. No reacting to his stupid comments. And absolutely no remembering that he'd been the person I'd called when I'd needed someone.That last one was particularly annoying.I pushed through the entrance, expecting to find practice winding down. The sound of skates cutting across ice greeted me, followed by the sharp crack of sticks coll
Last Updated: 2026-10-21
Chapter: Chapter 16CHAPTER 16CALLUMCoach slammed the office door so hard the frame rattled.“Do you have any idea what you've just done?”Mason stood in front of his desk, his fists still clenched. I took the chair beside the wall, keeping my sore ribs away from the armrest.“I'm asking you a question, Bennett!”“I understand, Coach.”“No, I don't think you do.” Coach struck the desk with his palm. “You are the captain of this team. You're supposed to set the standard, keep your teammates in line, and make sure this team functions as a unit. Instead, you walked into my facility and beat the hell out of one of my players in front of the entire team. What exactly am I supposed to do with that?”Mason's jaw flexed. His eyes flicked towards me.I didn't say a word.“Look at me when I'm talking to you!” Coach barked.Mason turned back.“You don't get to wear that C on your chest only when it suits you. The moment you put it on, you accepted responsibility for your conduct. Do you think the rules stop apply
Last Updated: 2026-10-17
Chapter: Chapter 15CHAPTER 15AVERY“Enough!”Coach’s voice cut through the training facility before Mason could lunge at Callum again. He strode onto the ice, his expression darkening as he took in Callum’s bloodied face, the players holding Mason back, and the phones still raised around them.“What the hell is going on here?”Nobody answered quickly enough.“Bennett.” Coach pointed at my brother. “My office. Now.”“Coach, he—”“I don't care what he did. You don't get to settle personal disputes by attacking your teammates in my facility.” He turned to the players crowding around us. “Show's over. Put your phones away and get back to work.”A few players immediately lowered their phones. Others exchanged looks before skating away, reluctant to miss whatever came next.Coach looked at Callum. “Go to the clinic and get that face checked. Report to my office when you're cleared. Both of you will explain yourselves, and I expect the truth.”Mason's jaw tightened, but he followed Coach towards the exit. He
Last Updated: 2026-10-13
Chapter: Chapter 27RHYS'S POV.The world seemed to slow down and still on its axis. He wanted to kiss me. My brain short circuited from the bluntness and refused to continue working. I couldn't breathe properly for what felt like eternity. Standing there and looking at his face that had a sincere expression that almost bothered on pleading, my heart stuttered.I wanted to kiss him. Fuck, I wanted his lips on mine. How would it feel? Would it be gentle and slow? Or would Enzo be rough with the kiss? I didn't know and the fact that I wanted to know made me unsure of what to do in that moment.His eyes didn't leave mine. It almost felt like he couldn't take them off me and the thought that he didn't want to caused my heart to flip. ‘Stop looking at me,’ I wanted to tell him. He didn't have any right to make me feel wanted. To feel like I was the only that existed. It was so unfair and I hated it.The two of us stood there, not moving as we watched each other. My fingers dug into the my palms as my breathin
Last Updated: 2026-11-05
Chapter: Chapter 26RHYS'S POV.I had thought about this truce, admittedly not for a long time, but it lingered in the back of my head. It would be good if Enzo and I decided to let go of our grievances and actually tried to be good roommates and eventually friends. It was a good plan. One that would solve all our problems. Enzo would see that. He would realise how beneficial it was to the both of them.But when the words left my mouth, something heavy settled on my chest as my eyes never left Enzo's. The man sitting across from me stilled in his seat and watched me in silence. His verdant eyes grew cold the longer the silence continued.It was a good plan. Being friends. I was right and this plan was smart. This was… God, I fucking hoped he would accept this. A friendship would end all of this. The cordial relationship would end me thinking about him more than I should. It would stop us from trying to kiss or touch each other; sometimes, the lack of physical contact from him, hurt. He was so close to me
Last Updated: 2026-11-04
Chapter: Chapter 25ENZO'S POV.Training had run late that day. Coach wanted us to be in the best shape for the match on Sunday, which meant analysing and going through every single game plan I had worked on that week. Practise had been gruelling and difficult, but it was what I had signed up for. Hockey had been the only thing to give me reprieve from my shitty home life, courtesy of Clint.Mum had tried, but it wasn't enough for me to stay with them. The minute I got recruited to Sainta College, home became a faraway thought and it would have remained that way if Chloe hadn't decided to school here.The day Rhys got injured had to be one of the worst days in my entire life. His injury had been expected by me on some level that was a professional athlete, but it had come too soon. It had come at a time that all I could was watch it happen. Finally, the brat had gotten a grip on how to skate. If he had paid attention to my lessons, we would have started with real Hockey practice.The bullshit of me being
Last Updated: 2026-11-03
Chapter: Chapter 24RHYS'S POV.I hated being angry or upset at anyone. But ever since Enzo came into my life and firmly refused to live, getting angry was daily at this point. Whatever he had said in the hospital stung deeper than I thought it would have because it been Enzo who had said it. Enzo said mean things all the time, but this one made me feel like a burden.It made me remember when I was a kid and my own mother would rather spend her time chasing my father, who was married, than be with her son. The day that solidified that I would always be a means to an end for my mum was when I had been sick and she thought I was asleep and she whsipered, “I really wish you hadn't gotten sick, baby. Now I can't go visit your father this weekend. He'll be spending time with Natasha.”Natasha was his wife. My mother was the other woman. She was the mistress but she could never accept that fact. I was a burden to her. I took up the time she was meant to spend with Richard. Always second place to everyone else.
Last Updated: 2026-11-02
Chapter: Chapter 23RHYS'S POV.The called ID made me jerk back instantly. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over me. Were we about to… kiss? Was I about to kiss the man who fucked my ex-girlfriend and proceeded to make my life unbearable in the week that followed? Enzo grabbed his phone and hesitated for a bit. “You should take the call and see what your dear little sister wants.” The words came out harsher than necessary especially because I didn't care that Chloe was calling him. This should be a regular occurrence for the both of them.Enzo frowned. “We are not related.” “She's your fuck buddy,” I deadpanned, looking away. If he wanted to say something, I wouldn't know because I had focused on going through my mail. It had been a while since I had checked.Enzo walked away from the living room and I could hear him speaking to her, but the contents were unclear. My phone's screen lit up beside me. I peeked down to check why it had done so, and found a reminder from my e-mail. Ap
Last Updated: 2026-11-01
Chapter: Chapter 22RHYS'S POV.“You are not carrying me,” I said flatly, my voice firm and unyielding. Enzo ran a hand through his hair before giving me a blank look. “Is there anything you do other than complaining? Every single time you complain about something I did.” “Maybe it's because I don't want you around me. You're in my space all the time. You keep provoking me and you are annoying.” He rolled his eyes and that did nothing to ease my temper in the slightest. I stared at him, shaking my head before looking away. “I'm just trying to help you, Rhys. I am not your enemy. I've never been.” I scoffed. Every single problem I had at this moment was because of him. “Forgive me for not believing you.” “Rhysand—” “No. I don't want to hear anything you have to say. You are not carrying me and that is final. If you truly want to help me, get me my pillows and a blanket.” His lips were in a firm thin line. “Why would I do that?”“Isn't it clear that I want to stay here? On the couch?’ Enzo crossed
Last Updated: 2026-10-30
SUBSTITUTE WIFE TO THE DISABLED BILLIONAIRE
BLURB:
"I'll never let you go," Adrian Miller vows, his piercing gaze holding Heaven captive, his touch igniting a flame that threatens to consume her.
•••
When Heaven Anderson's fiancé betrays her, she's forced into a marriage with the powerful billionaire. But Adrian's secrets and lies ensnare her in a deadly game of power and manipulation. His rumored disability is a myth, masking a darker truth: a man driven by vengeance and obsession.
As Heaven navigates the treacherous world of wealth and desire, she uncovers secrets about Adrian's tortured past, her family's hidden agendas, and the ruthless Miller dynasty. Torn between loyalty and rebellion, she must decide: surrender to Adrian's all-consuming passion or fight for her freedom.
But Adrian's fixation knows no bounds. He'll stop at nothing to possess Heaven, body and soul. And as their twisted game unfolds, she realizes escape may come at a steep price. Will she risk everything to break free, or succumb to Adrian's intoxicating control?
Dive into a world of power, manipulation, and forbidden passion, where loyalty is tested, trust is shattered, and love becomes a deadly game.
Read
Chapter: CHAPTER THIRTY TWOADRIAN.The night had been going well and not well. It was a difficult mixture for us.We've spent our time reminiscing, regretting and now looking at the present and if we have hope for the future.The restaurant Diana had chosen was pricey but worth it. The food had us mesmerised, we couldn't even have the conversation I had rehearsed the entire drive over.I enjoyed the smooth jazz and I basked in the warm glow of the lights and the serene atmosphere. She's always had good taste.After dinner I was surprised about our desert location but as usual I trusted Diana's choices and went with it.The candy shop was a stark contrast to the fancy restaurant but I wasn't complaining at all. I was just enjoying her company.She got the desserts and I took us to the best location to have it.I recall always coming to the water side whenever I felt troubled by my life and everything in it, now once again I was troubled.I was caught between two women, I had already convinced myself that I didn
Last Updated: 2025-04-11
Chapter: CHAPTER THIRTY ONEDIANA.I could feel his eyes on me, Adrian couldn't look away.This was how it was supposed to be, me enjoying his undivided attention. Afterall, it was us two before Heaven came into the picture.Heaven — I chastised myself for letting her have room in my thoughts at such auspicious moments. She didn't deserve it. I had allowed her to gain more importance in my head than Adrian himself.And I claimed to love him.Tsk tskI'll have to get rid of her sooner than I thought.I pretended to not know Adrian was drinking in the sight of me—as intended, instead I focused on the menu noticing they didn't have the kind of food I'd have preferred to eat.Sighing, I put the menu down, and made eye contact with Adrian.He was caught unawares and so we didn't say anything to each other for a little while. The silence stretched on. Then he cleared his throat, —”I don't know where to begin Diana.”“I've done you wrong the last couple of days and well now we're here. I'm glad we're having dinner to
Last Updated: 2025-04-10
Chapter: CHAPTER THIRTYADRIAN.I deliberately delayed for as long as I could, taking time trimming off excesses in my dressing and trying so desperately to appear more casual than corporate.I knew Diana wouldn't like it if I dressed casually for a fancy dinner — I knew all her likes and dislikes.I spent a full twenty minutes adjusting the cuffs of my shirt, debating whether to leave the third button open or not. I went with it—subtle rebellion. A suit, but no tie. Casual, but not careless. Sleek, but a little undone. Exactly how I felt.The silver chain around my neck caught the light as I leaned over to grab my watch. I checked my reflection one last time—more times than I care to admit—and then sprayed on a light mist of cologne. Not too heavy. Just enough for her to recognize it and remember things she probably tries not to.So I opted for a suit but no tie and with the first three buttons undone showing a peak of my chiseled chest, and a neck chain to complete the look. I looked at myself in the full
Last Updated: 2025-04-08
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY NINEDIANA.The world tilted under the weight of his words. Heaven?Heaven, if I was being honest, was a nightmare wrapped in silk and secrets. She sounded and acted oh so very innocently but I could see through her entire facade.Heaven was bad news.I couldn't do what Justin wanted me to do, it was too risky.“What if she tells Adrian?” I asked, knowing fully well that my relationship with Adrian was already on shaky grounds and that I couldn't push my luck anymore.“Adrian will never find out,” he said. His confidence is even more upsetting.“And what's your assurance for that?” I asked again.“Heaven would be too busy eating into her doubts to want to talk to Adrian. I already triggered the thoughts when I found her at the gym.” He said.I wondered what it was Justin had said to Heaven.I decided not to think about it like he said, it's just easier that way.“What am I supposed to do?” I asked, and I sat there listening to Justin talk about his huge master plan.The more I listened the
Last Updated: 2025-04-07
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT ADRIAN.I sat in my office after Ethan had left, thinking about everything. The therapy, the nightmares, everything.I hadn't done Heaven right in any of this. It wasn't her fault I was messed up, I decided to finish everything pressing at work and go home early.The rest could wait.I quickly went through the days work, calling in staffs to clear and confirm certain contracts when needed, and to transfer files and messages from one office to another.In record time, I was done.A clerk came in to ask me about lunch preparations and I turned him down. Eating with Heaven was top on my list for today.I packed up my briefcase and left the office. I could've skipped to my car if I wasn't a grown ass man.In the car, I played a happy tune and I sang along all the way home.Once I got home, I headed straight for our room so I could surprise Heaven. I had been thinking about it and I decided to make lunch for the both of us, and maybe a simple side dish.My cooking skills are at least above
Last Updated: 2025-04-06
Chapter: CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN HEAVEN.I sat there thinking about what Justin had said.What did he mean by saying he would never lie to me?...What was Adrian not telling me.I finished my workouts in a blur, my near perfect day gone to the shadows once again.My mind had immediately gone back to the call I had received a while back and I began to wonder what it was these people knew, that I didn't.By the time I finished, my muscles ached, but the tension in my chest refused to fade. I wiped the sweat from my face with a towel, inhaling deeply in an attempt to steady myself. The gym felt colder now, emptier, as if the weight of my thoughts had pushed all warmth away.I needed answers.The shower was hot, but it didn’t wash away my frustration. My skin prickled as I dressed in a simple black hoodie and jeans, my fingers moving numbly as I grabbed my phone. I hesitated for a second before calling Adrian. No answer. I tried again. Still nothing.A slow, creeping frustration settled in my bones. He was avoiding me. I
Last Updated: 2025-04-02
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