Ashley's POV:
Filling the room with an electric atmosphere, the DDW hotel in Los Angeles buzzed with the presence of wealthy individuals. Damien Albrecht's grand party for the opening of their new company was the talk of the town.
Damien Albrecht, the supposed heir to the Albrecht group and the world's youngest billionaire, was known for his involvement in various businesses, including rumors of drug dealings and leading a small mafia group. His name alone struck fear into the hearts of those who dared to cross his path. The mere mention of his name sent shivers down the spine. A human with no heart, a heartless, ferocious demon, and a nightmare to whoever obstructs his way at least that was how the rumors described him to be.
Although I had only seen him through the media, Damien Albrecht had become my ideal man. Despite the rumors surrounding his dark and mysterious reputation, I couldn't help but feel excited about the prospect of seeing him in person. My anticipation grew as I hugged myself tightly, a satisfied smile on my face.
To catch a glimpse of the world's richest billionaire, I sneaked out of the house with my best friend Layla. Damien Albrecht had become my celebrity crush, and this was an opportunity I couldn't miss.
However, before the party even began, I had already consumed four glasses of Devil's Springs Vodka. Its name proved fitting as the effects started to take hold, leaving me feeling dizzy. Layla, on the other hand, kept urging me to drink more.
Filling my glass with more drinks insisting that I loosen up and vibe with the guests and rich men there.
"I am coming, I need to make use of the restroom," Layla leaned closer to my ear and suddenly whispered.
"I can't hear you," I yelled back.
"Need to use the restroom!" she half screamed so that I could hear her amidst the loud booming music in the hotel.
"Let me come with youuu!" I squealed, I guess this is the effect of the alcohol.
"No need, I will be right back," with that one word she strode out to God knows where.
And just in time, my phone beeps in my purse, sliding my hand inside my pouch. I pulled it out, not even remembering to check the caller ID. I pressed the phone against my ear.
"Hey, Ash…..!" A smile pulled up on my lips brightening my face, only my fiance Mason Grayson addressed me by that name.
"Mason," I called with a tender voice, struggling for him not to notice how drunk I seemed right now.
"Come to room 5088," my eyes widened at that. My lips formed an o sound with the phone still pressed hard against my ear.
I heard him chuckle at the other end, "Don't worry I am not mad at you, I know that you are a little tipsy,"
All smiley I left the party hall and ambled toward the staircase while still on call, "Babe…… Which room number again?"
"5088," his voice sounds gregarious like he couldn't wait to meet me.
"So what are you doing here?" I asked, my two dimples deepened as I giggled.
"Don't keep me waiting, hurry up and you will find out the surprise on your own," he chuckled.
I ended the call and stared down at my appearance. I knew that I looked breathtaking in the wine red-colored luxurious gown that stopped mid-way showing my thigh. The luxurious gown hugged my exquisite figure scrupulously, making me look charming and at the same time cute.
Walking through the vestibule of the hotel, I kept staggering when patting my forehead.
"How strange…… Only that drink is not enough to make me this weak," Holding the walls for support, I kept walking. My eyes have slowly started getting blurry.
However, just in time, I saw the room number boldly written on top showing that I had finally reached my destination.
"Room 5089….. Finally," I hushed with a puff. Looking around the hallway I noticed that only one room is suited there, but Mason mentioned room 5088. I stared around the foyer for a while and sighed. Maybe he was mistaken because there is no room 5088 here.
And without a second thought, I walked toward room 5089 with the joy of meeting Mason.
KNOCK…!
I banged loudly and suddenly the door hauled open under my hand and I was instantly greeted with the darkness inside the room.
Twitching my eyes to see if I could clearly see or if I was still under the influence of the alcohol but sadly I felt a manly figure clasp hold of my wrist and pull me inside the dark room, slamming the door shut behind me.
I flinched at the forcefulness with which the door crashed at its hinges.
"So you're the woman that they sent,"
"Mason," I called but I was replied by a deep husky voice.
"Shhh," he hushed.
I instantly staggered back, this is not the voice of Mason.
"Hey! Who are you, this is not Mason?" I squawked, clenching the hem of my clothes. My eyes kept darting everywhere in the darkness looking for an escape despite being drunk.
However, I felt him pull me toward him so that my body hits him and from what just happened I could tell that this stranger is fucking tall…….. Taller than Mason.
"Just calm down your nerves and relax into my touch and let me treat you freaking well," he whispers behind my ear, his husky voice sending chills down my body.
I shuddered against his words, not even Mason has made me feel like this but that doesn't mean that I have to cheat on him.
Trying to push him off me caused his grip on me to tighten and before I knew it I was pushed to the bed.
"Shhh……. Close your mouth, enjoy the night and I will pay you ransomly well," he brags and that only exacerbated my fear.
And the next minute, I found myself on top of a bed, and before I could scurry away, a lean and strong body pinned me down against the mattress.
"No!!" I screamed but that only worsened the situation because I suddenly felt lips that tasted like cranberries capture my lips.
Sucking and nibbling on them, a shrill cry escaped my throat.
I struggled to scramble out of his hold but that was absurd because he is muscular and stronger than me.
His lips felt soft and delicate against mine, the deep kiss awakened a burning desire within me unlike the series of kisses I have had with Mason, but still, I felt worthless and ashamed to face the reality of what is actually taking place right now.
How could I explain this to Mason, having lost all hope, tears rushed down my face.
I am just a shit, I am just cheating on my fiance a few days before our wedding.
I feel disgusted, how do I tell Mason? I have dated Mason for years and have planned on giving him my V-card which this stranger is taking in a savagery way.
I struggled one more time before giving up, I couldn't do anything but endure the man's barbarity.
It's heartbreaking to think about what happened. I never imagined I'd end up in this situation. Losing my virginity to a random guy in a hotel room just days before my wedding with my fiancé... it feels like a nightmare. As I wake up, naked and clutching onto a heavy woolen duvet, I see a muscular stranger peacefully sleeping beside me. Tears stream down my face as the harsh reality sinks in. I close my eyes, hoping against hope that this is all just a terrible dream. But when I open my eyes again, the white walls of the hotel room remind me that it's all too real. I can't bear to look at the man lying next to me, afraid that it will only reopen the wounds. But as he stirs, it brings me back to the present. I quickly get dressed, stumbling out of the room, my appearance disheveled and unkempt. Slamming the door shut, I refuse to take one last glance at the man with whom I had a scandalous encounter with last night.I rushed out of the foyer, my heart pounding with anticipation, as I
As I pushed the door open, a chilling silence enveloped the room. The atmosphere felt eerie and ominous, causing a shiver to run down my spine. It was as if the very air was frozen with an unsettling presence. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over me.The atmosphere in Daniel Harlow's house has never been this tense, I could feel the tension hanging in the air like a heavy cloud. It was a stark contrast to the usual atmosphere, even more intense than when he had brought his side chick, who happened to be Olivia's mother, into the picture. Memories of my mother's passing flooded my mind, adding to the already palpable heaviness in the room. As I ventured further into the lounge, the thick tension in the air became even more palpable. My eyes locked onto a towering figure seated on the couch, emanating an aura of masculine intensity with a deep scowl etched across his face. It was impossible to ignore his imposing presence, adding to the already charged atmosphere."
As I sat beside my bed, curled up in a ball, a sudden knock echoed through the room. The sound sent a jolt of surprise through me, and I quickly composed myself. Margaret, our house servant who had taken on the role of a mother figure since my own mother's passing, entered the room. "I've been informed by Mr. Harlow to come and assist you, Miss Ashley," she said with a reassuring smile.With a heavy sigh, I dragged myself up from the floor. The weight of my circumstances seemed unbearable, and the thought of facing my wretched destiny loomed over me. I think that I just need to face my miserable fate. "I need to pack," I said quietly, puffing out a breath. "Tomorrow is my wedding," "Oh, really!" She grinned, not even bothering to inquire about the details. Maybe she hadn't caught wind of the internet buzz or perhaps she assumes it's about Mason. Either way, I stick to my vague reference, not quite ready to face her probing questions. I yank out two suitcases from my closet and plonk
It was already morning and the cold winter breeze in Los Angeles serves as a gentle reminder that Christmas is fast approaching. The holiday spirit fills the air as people prepare for the joyous festivities ahead. The squirting sounds of the squirrels hopping from one cinnamon tree to another fill the air, but their discordant melody is nothing compared to the pain that weighs heavily on my heart. The dissonance of nature mirrors the turmoil within.I stood in the middle of my room, gazing at my reflection, adorned in a breathtaking ensemble for my wedding with Damien. I couldn't deny that I looked stunning, but deep down, this wasn't the marriage I had envisioned. It pained me to think that my special day would be overshadowed by sorrow and heartache.Margaret has worked her magic, skillfully concealing the dark circles under my eyes with layers of foundation and makeup, transforming my face into a stunning sight. One would think I should be overjoyed, right? But despite the outward
I looked at my father, my gaze pleading for him to take back his word and stop this marriage from happening. He wasn't even looking at us, and I knew one thing... I just need to face the reality, he has made up his mind. Inhaling sharply, I stared back at the man in front of me with so much anger and pain. "I... do," the word trembled out of my lips. It takes immense strength to make such a decision in the face of adversity. "Do you, Damien Albrecht, accept Ashley……." "We are done," Damien barked out, shutting the priest who quivered in fear, having him swallow the rest of his words. He gave me a long disgusted look, not bothered to hide his remark. I shrank back a bit under his fierce look, "I think that we're done here, I have to go home with my wife," he snorted, but despite the calmness of his voice, I was able to detect the danger in them. "I, therefore, declare you two husband and wife," the priest proclaimed, sealing our union. The priest had barely a few words to say bu
"I need…… to get my bag," "Sorry, miss, everything you needed is already packed in the car," I instantly snapped my head at the man behind me, shock flashing through my face. Everything I need is already packed….. How? His face was cold but my confused stare had him speak up again, "A servant from your household brought out your bag and is inside the car so Miss if you don't mind we need to go," I took a deep breath as he stepped forward and pulled open the back door for me. My heart raced as I gulped hard and quickly slid inside the car. With a resounding "bam!" he closed the car door and made his way to the other side. He opened the passenger door and smoothly entered the car. The anticipation was palpable as I prepared to embark on this mysterious journey with them.****After five agonizing hours on the road, my butt is seriously hurting, and my stomach is growling like crazy. Finally, we pull up to a building that looks like a hotel...or at least I hope it is. I can't help but
DamienDamien Albrecht... a name that strikes fear and panic into the hearts of anyone who hears it. He's not just ruthless, brutal, and ferocious, but the embodiment of everyone's worst nightmare. Crossing paths with him is like inviting pain and suffering into your life. He possesses no conscience for those with conscience will not do what he does....... Well, that's all they kept saying but I care less about their opinions or how they perceived me."Sh*t..." I groaned as crimson blood splattered in all directions, staining my hands with its gruesome reminder.As the lifeless bodies lay strewn across the cold, unforgiving ground, a chilling silence filled the air. The moonlight cast an eerie glow on the scene, illuminating the dark secrets hidden within the shadows. An enigmatic figure, I stood tall amidst the chaos, my eyes gleaming with a mix of satisfaction and determination."Done," I smirked, a twisted satisfaction coursing through my veins as I released the lifeless bodies, al
"Hmm... You can see that I came alone," he forced out a smile that barely made it over his face as I shot him a deadly glare, "Straight to business," my voice was cold and dreadful to hear.He cleared his throat several times, struggling to compose himself, "I have finally accepted your business deal.""Huh," my eyebrow cocked up, I smirked and took a sip from my drink.There's this tension, this dark aura, and I notice how restless he suddenly seemed. This was the exact man who was neck-bent on not cooperating with us years back... A loyal client of my adversary. But just like the saying goes, "Damien Albrecht always gets whatever he wants no matter the situation." Now, this very wealthy man looks like a chaff in front of me."Me and my team will invest in the business," a smile spread across my lips at his words, but I ignored him and pretended that I didn't hear him.I lifted my hands by the side, giving a small clap and Eros walked up toward us with a file in his hands. He gav