Marrissa's point of view "What did I just hear Morgan say? Did he just confess his hidden feelings for me and did the words I heard exactly come out of his mouth?""No, it can not be, Morgan Thornhill, my arrogant CEO and husband could not have just confessed he gets jealous when I'm close to another man."I tried to put my thoughts together, but his lips on mine made it difficult for me to even think properly.My body responded like it had been waiting for his touch for a long time.Damn, I felt betrayed by my own body.Morgan was kissing me like a passionate lover who had been away for a while, he was biting and nibbling on my lips. I reached for his hair, felt it between my fingers. He sighed into my mouth and his hands moved to my back He caressed my waist, rubbing his hands on my ass and molding it with force. I groaned and pulled away from the kiss. Our eyes connected, and I could have sworn I saw a flicker of something I had never seen in him before.He wanted to go further.
Morgan's point of view If someone had seen me running toward the hall, they might have assumed something—or someone—vicious was chasing me. The urgency in which I walked was not just physical; it was emotional. It was desperate. And honestly, I still can't wrap my head around it. I, Morgan Thornhill, was running just to be alone with Marrissa. The same Marrissa who had made me swear—in fact, I had sworn with everything in me, never to care for her, never to get involved with ,never to give a damn about her. And I had kept that vow. For a time, at least. But here I was, rushing to get my car keys so we could be alone together, I was running like my life depended on it. How did this happen? When did this emotion start? Truthfully, I do not know, and I do not care. What I do know—what I felt right now. And that is I have her every way inside me. In my mind, body, soul. Everywhere. She had become this insatiable presence I could not shake no matter how hard I tried. My journey to
Marrissa's point of view I stepped into the mansion and stood at the door, the silence of the place heavier than ever before. My legs felt weak, but I managed to make it to the living room. Dropping onto the couch, I held my phone like it was the last lifeline holding me together. I stared at it, willing it to ring. I dared it to buzz with a call, a text, something—anything from Morgan to explain, to apologize, to reduce the storm that was tearing through my chest. The minutes ticked by. The screen stayed dark. Each passing second felt like a blade slicing deeper into my heart. I pressed a hand to my chest, hoping to steady the ache that was overwhelming me, but it was no use. The tears came fast and hard, shaking me to my core. I could not remember the last time I cried this much. Not even when I lost my mom to cancer did I allow myself to break down like this. But tonight, it was different. The pain was raw and all-consuming, like every nerve in my body was on fire. I fe
Morgan's point of view I woke up to a pounding headache, the kind that made me feel like my brain was about to fall off my body. Groaning, I pressed my hands to my head, begging the pain to stop. “What the hell happened to me?” I whispered, struggling to sit up. My mouth was dry, my whole was body heavy. Then, I looked around, immediately I realized that something was wrong—seriously wrong. This was not my room. The walls were an unfamiliar pale gray, the furniture were sleek and somehow old design. I looked at the massive window that showed the morning sun and my heart skipped a beat. Where the hell was I? Adrenaline shot through me, cutting through the heavy fog in my head. Immediately moving my legs over the side of the bed, I stood up, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to pull me back down. My eyes moved around the room, looking for anything I could use as a weapon. A lamp, a chair, anything. “I think it's time to break someone's head,” I whispered. The door creak
Morgan's point of view I stood across from my dad, feeling the weight of his gaze piercing through me. My head was pounding, my thoughts were scattered, but I had to keep it together. I took a deep breath and finally spoke. “Dad, as crazy as this sounds, I have no idea how I ended up there,” I said, trying to sound convincing. He leaned back in his chair, his expression flat but his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, of course, Morgan. And because I’m such a gullible idiot, I’m supposed to believe you, right?” “Someone must have done something to my drink,” I said firmly. “The last thing I remember is telling Marrissa to wait outside while I went back in to get my car keys. After that…” My voice faltered as an unwelcome name floated into my mind. “Glow,” I whispered, the name like poison on my tongue. Dad’s raised an eyebrow. “Glow?” Ignoring him, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and dialed her number. It rang and rang before going to voicemail. I tried again, and the same
Farrow’s point of view “Fool!” I said loudly the moment Morgan stepped out of my rented apartment. The words echoed in the room. I jumped on the bed and smiled, satisfied with everything that had happened.“Oh, Farrow Hudson, aren’t you just a genius?” I said to myself, laughing as I kicked my legs into the air like a child. The way I was feeling at that moment was intoxicating. Victory had a sweet flavor, and I was enjoying every drop.I crossed my legs and leaned back, letting the bed creak beneath me as I smiled to myself. I had outplayed them. and I had won. I planned it perfectly and it played out better than I had even imagined. I have perfectly worked my way into Morgan’s life—whether he wanted me there or not.I reached for my phone on the bedside table and scrolled through my contacts until I found the number I needed. My hired photographer. The man who had made my plan even more perfect.The call connected after a few rings.“You did a brilliant job,” I said smoothly, not w
Marrissa's point of view “Hey, Mar,” Molly’s concerned voice came through the phone,I could definitely hear the worry in her voice.“Hey, Mol,” I replied, trying to sound casual even though my heart was bleeding.“How are you holding up? I saw the news online and thought I should check on you,” she said.News? What news? I thought , but then my heart skipped a beat. Wait, did someone publish Morgan and Farrows pictures? I had not seen them yet, but I know that must be what Molly was referring to.“Oh,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “So it’s out, then.”“I’m here if you need someone to talk to,” Molly offered, her voice filled with kindness.“Thanks, Mol. I’ll stop by your place later today.”“I’ll be waiting. And please do not think too much of it, okay? You know it’s not your fault.”I smiled faintly, nodding my head. “I know, Mol. I’m fine, really. Thanks.” I said.“Okay, love,” she said softly and hung up.I sat on the edge of my bed, my phone was still in my hand and my brain to
Morgan's point of view My feet felt very heavy as I stood on the same spot, frozen, watching Marrissa walk away. Her words rang in my ears, sharp and cutting me deeply. My heart still hurts from the force of them. I refused to believe what she had just said. No, she could never have gone out with another man that night. It was not true. It could not be. But the look in her eyes, the calmness in her voice, told a story I was not ready to hear. My chest tightened, and I reached for my phone, wanting to solve this mystery immediately. I need an answer, an explanation that would keep me from going insane. If anyone could explain what was happening, it was Glow, she was right there and everything changed after I left her and Farrow in the party. So, I dialed her number. But there was no answer. I called again. Nothing. I tried a third time, and by now, frustration and anger was building like a storm inside me. Glow was avoiding me; that much was clear now. If she was not answering,
Marrissa's point of view I stood outside the shimmering glass doors of the executive conference room with my heart pounding in my chest like it was trying to escape. Behind those doors was a panel of investors, each one a name I had memorized from the dossier Mr. Adrian handed me just yesterday. The Echelon Project. A multi-million-dollar initiative that could reshape tech-integrated education.“You’ve got this,” Samira whispered beside me, nudging my arm. She had tagged along under the pretense of delivering tea, but I knew she was really there to support me. My ride-or-die bestie.I took one deep breath. Then I walked in.Thirty-seven minutes later, I came out looking like I had fought a war and somehow survived. My hands trembled, but my voice had not cracked once. I answered every question, deflected the skepticism, and even got to make them laugh.“How did it go?” Samira asked, practically vibrating with excitement.“I think…” I exhaled, blinking. “I think I killed it.”“YES!”
Marrissa's point of view After my meeting with Mr. Adrian, something inside me shifted.I was not going to cry in the bathrooms anymore. I was not going to let Bianca or anyone run me out.If they wanted a show? I would give them the best damn performance they had ever seen.Samira found me later in the break room, still gripping my coffee cup like a weapon."You look like you are about to commit a felony," she said brightly."Felony?" I echoed, smiling thinly. "More like... a strategic takedown."She slid into the seat across from me, her eyebrows raised."God, I love it when you get scary," she said, laughing. "Tell me everything."And I did.I told her how I would start saving backup files on a separate drive in a hidden folder labeled Birthday Party Clowns. No one would ever check that one. I told her how I would place subtle marks on my original documents. I would use things only I would recognize and if they were tampered with, I would realize immediately.I explained how
Marrissa's point of view Daniel told me to continue working on the Echelon project even thoughno results had come about who would really lead the project.“There's no harm in being prepared,” he said and I agreed.He agreed to assist me in the best way he could and today we were supposed to have a meeting.Well, yes iIt was supposed to be a quick meeting.Just me and Daniel. We were supposed to finalize a section of the Echelon project before the weekend.Instead, it turned into three hours of gisting and snacking. There were two pizza boxes, and one playlist full of 90s hits blasting through the empty office.At some point, I realized we were laughing more than working."I swear," Daniel said between bites of cold pizza, "half of all the good architect are just surviving the ridiculous clients.""Oh, you mean the lady who wanted her lobby made entirely out of glass? Including the floor?" I asked, grinning.Daniel shuddered dramatically. "I tell you."We both laughed.And then — Th
Bianca's point of view I saw everything and I was not only irritated,I was angry.Who the fuck does she think she is. She came in as a freaking newbie and now,she was leading a project I had been working my ass to lead.What the hell did she do to Mr Adrian?I saw the easy smile he always gave her.The way even Daniel lingered by the doorway after her presentation, scribbling notes furiously, his gaze locked on Marrissa like she was some kind of prodigy.It made my stomach twist.Everything about her annoyed me . Her wide eyes and modest outfits and fake humility. She walks about like she had no idea she had just snagged the biggest project in the company. The Echelon Account. My project. At least, it was supposed to be mine.And now, she was everyone's favorite.Including Mr Rodes actually came to the company just to say “Marrissa’s proposal was refreshing. I’m excited to have her work here."Excited?She barely knew which floor the printers were on.After everything I had done, aft
Marrissa's point of view Later that afternoon, my badge beeped me into the sleek, glass-walled conference room. The long table was already packed with managers, strategists, and consultants. And, of course, Bianca was sitting, looking at me like a hawk, her legs were crossed and she was tapping a pen against her notepad with surgical precision.I gulped. Samira gave me a thumbs-up from behind a frosted partition.At exactly one o'clock, Mr. Adrian, Mr Allen and Mrs Spencer walked in. They were all calm and composed,but the room snapped to attention like they carried gravity in their pockets."Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "this is Marrissa and I picked her as the lead on Echelon. We will be hearing her make a presentation as well as Bianca and at the end, we will decide who will really lead the project."There were murmurs in the room . Some looked at me with raised eyebrows and someone even coughed.I opened my folder with trembling hands and began explaining my initial idea
Marrissa's point of view I barely made it home before my phone buzzed again.Samira:> Emergency. > Celebration required. > Meet us at ‘The Olive Lounge by 7:30 sharp. > Dress cute but comfy. Boss Babe orders.I didn’t even bother arguing. Samira had basically dragged me into their circle at full speed with no brakes and honestly, I like it.I threw on a pair of skinny jeans, a soft rose-pink blouse, and some ankle boots that made me feel vaguely fashionable, and by 7:20, Samira was honking outside like a maniac."You are ate!" she yelled as I climbed into the car."You are early!" I shot back.Liana and Tasha were already seated at the backseat, waving like overexcited puppies."You look so CUTE!" Liana squealed."She understood the assignment," Tasha said approvingly, high-fiving me.Samira drove away from the curb like she was auditioning for ‘Fast and Furious: The Suburban Edition’."We have ONE mission tonight," she declared with shining eyes."Survive your driving?" I s
Marrissa's point of view I did say I was on fire yesterday right. Well, there was nothing hot in me right now as I stood in front of Me Adria, trying not to crumble to the ground."Miss Marrissa, I had not been hundred percent truthful to you and I think I should now."My stomach twisted.“What is he about to say?” I thought to myself."I didn't give you the entire information because I didn't want you scared or overwhelmed."My legs began to shake, suddenly too weak to carry the weight of my body."May I sit please?” I asked weakly."Oh please, do take your seat, “ he said, gesturing to a chair across from him.I sat down and placed my shaky hands on my lap.I didn't know why,but I was worried he wanted to say something bad. His nt facial expression didn't even make it any better.He wasn't smiling."First, I want to commend you again for your work so far, you have been incredibly good, but…. I'm afraid there is more to do"."You will be attending a meeting this afternoon with top e
Marrissa's point of view I spent Sunday indoors, preparing mentally and physically for tomorrow's work activities.Monday came and I dressed smartly for work. Today, I will attend my first core planning meeting.The Core Planning Team meeting was held on the thirty-fifth floor — the floor with actual glass walls, leather chairs, and a skyline view that made you feel both inspired and slightly nauseous at the same time.I held my new badge so tightly it nearly left an imprint on my palm.Samira had tried to coach me on the elevator ride up:"Okay, listen," she said in a hushed voice. You are brilliant, but you are also new to this. Some of those people there have been here for years. They are not going to throw you a party, Marrissa. Just... smile. Be polite. And don’t let Karen corner you."I frowned. " Who is Karen?"Samira widened her eyes. "You will know when you see her."Great. Cryptic warnings and mystery enemies. “This was fine,” I whispered.The elevator dinged, and w
Marrissa's point of view I woke up the next day with sunlight streaming through the curtains, casting a warm glow across my room. The noise of the city outside was a comforting reminder that I was in a new place.It was Saturday. A day to relax.I stretched lazily on the bed, feeling the softness of the sheets against my skin. The air smelled faintly of lavender from the diffuser I had set up the night before.Deciding to make the most of the day, I slipped into comfortable clothes and tied my hair up. I put on some upbeat music—something with a rhythm that made cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a party. As the melodies filled the apartment, I moved from room to room, dusting, organizing, and tidying up.An hour into my cleaning spree, my phone buzzed with a notification. I wiped my hands on a towel and picked it up.It was a message from a hidden number: “How are you faring?”I stared at the screen, puzzled.“Who could this be?” Could it be Molly or Andre? But why use