LOGINARIELLA Asher shoves me down against the counter and I buck, but he pins me in place by my hair, so I have no choice but to hold on to the edge of the marble. “Here’s the thing, I’m not going to lie to protect your fragile emotions. I am Don, and Leon is our son and heir. You are my wife and the
ARIELLA A tear slipped down my cheek. And then another. Asher pulled me into him, holding me tight. And just like that, I broke. “I know you’re his father,” I said, my voice muffled against his chest. “And I have never felt jealous of you with him. In fact… seeing the two of you together gives m
ARIELLA Leon stiffened instantly, pulling away from me and going straight towards Sia. “No, don’t leave!” he said quickly, grabbing her hand. “I love you, Sia. Please don't leave, You’re going to be my tutor. Isn’t it right, Mommy?” I looked at him, then at her. Then back at him. “Of course it’s
ARIELLA “Those are all nothing,” I said quickly. “This is all about Leon.” And then I stopped myself. “You see? This is all about Leon. The fact that he really likes her. But I am going to trust your instincts this time..... This is just a phase, and it will be over. Hopefully soon.” “You have to
ARIELLA Asher propped himself up on one arm, using his free hand to gently rub my clit, trying to soothe the tension. I kept my smile fixed on him, wanting him to know how much I wanted him right then and there. "I need this," he growled, his voice vibrating through my chest as he lowered himself,
ARIELLA His hand tightened slightly in mine. “We increased the security measures and Everyone’s more alert now.” His voice dropped, something darker settling in it. “I just hope that the next time he tries anything… or they try anything....” His eyes locked onto mine. “I’m there to get them befo
And now my mom was full-on crying, and I was lost as I just stood there. I wasn’t expecting this. “Why?” I asked carefully, slowly. I didn't believe her. “He doesn’t think you can do it. He doesn’t want you to do it. And he’s decided to put all our lives at stake,” she said, wiping her tears. “He’
I go back into Dad’s office. Head straight for the safe. I kneel down, press the familiar numbers, and it clicks open. Same passcode. Same stacks. Still there. Not enough for four people. Maybe not even enough for three if we’re being smart. But for one? It’s more than enough. Now comes the hard
Dad continues, determined. “That way, even if they find out our death was staged, by then we’ll be so far gone, it won’t matter. It buys us time.” He’s already shuffling papers, his hands trembling slightly. “We’ll need money,” he mutters, half to himself. “Cash is already withdrawn. Quiet withdr
Anger flashed across Asher’s face, fiercer than I have ever seen. This was real fury and for the first time, it was directed at me. “You’ve lived a sheltered life, Ariella. You have no idea what I would do if you broke your word. I’ve had hardened men say no, and in the end, they gave up all their







