~ ANNIKA ~Six Years Later,Los Angeles, United States."Ma'am, here is the list of new products," Grace, my secretary, said, handing me her iPad. "Please review them and let me know if there's anything you'd like us to change or implement."As I scrolled through the designs, a smile spread across my face. It was surreal to see my design in front of me, knowing that I had the power to shape them into reality. Who would have thought that I'd be sitting in my own office, surrounded by a team of dedicated employees eager to bring my vision to life? It was a dream come true, and I was finally doing what I loved most, turning my passion into a reality.The sense of accomplishment and pride was overwhelming."What do you think of this one?" Grace pointed to the latest design I had modified before sending it to the team."Does the finished product match your expectations?" I leaned in to take a closer look at the jewelry piece that had been brought to life from my
~ ANGELO ~I leaned forward, stretching to reach the drawer on the left side of my office desk. My fingers rummaged through the contents, searching for a specific file that I had hidden away.As I dug deeper, my hands unexpectedly brushed against a small, framed photograph. I pulled it out, and my gaze was instantly drawn to the radiant smile of Annika's face.The frame held a cherished memory, one that I had previously kept on my desk as a constant reminder.However, due to Lisa's persistent complaints, I had reluctantly removed it from its prominent spot. She had never been fond of the picture, and her nagging had finally worn me down.As I held the frame, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. It had been six long, arduous years since the disappearance of Annika. The passage of time seemed to stand still as I gazed at Annika's smiling face, memories flooding back like a tidal wave. It's been six years since she left me. Disappearing from the country with no trace, at first
~ ANGELO ~"Angelo! Angelo!" she said, her tone insistent. I emerged from my reverie, my gaze drifting down to her as I struggled to conceal my irritation at the interruption."What's it?" I asked, my voice neutral, though my eyes might have betrayed a flicker of annoyance. Lissa seemed oblivious to my mood, her expression soft and contemplative as she trailed her manicured fingers across my chest."It's been six years since she left, you know," she stated, her words a gentle reminder of the past. Her eyes locked onto mine, searching for something, though I couldn't quite decipher what."And?" I prompted my tone a little sharper, inviting her to continue. “Didn't you promise to get married to me?” She asked, looking with a frown.“I waited patiently all these years for you to come to terms with her disappearance, but I have gotten tired.” She bites her lower lips as she whispers, “when are we getting joined?” I seemed to be stunned by her question, even though this was not the f
~ ANNIKA ~I wasn't thinking I would meet him this fast, I was expecting the meeting to happen a week or even a month after I returned.But it happened this fast, It hadn't even been up to 48 hours since I arrived, and I had seen him.His presence in the audience stirred a mix of emotions within me, catching me off guard. I was so taken aback that I nearly stumbled over my words during the speech.However, my time abroad has taught me the art of composure, allowing me to maintain a neutral expression and hide my true feelings from the audience.This newfound self-control helped me power through the speech, but my mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of him and the unexpected encounter.I stepped into the dressing room, still reeling from the adrenaline rush of finishing my speech. But my relief was short-lived, as I was met with an unwelcome surprise. Standing before me was the last person I wanted to see, Angelo Blackwood I couldn't fathom how he'd managed to gain access t
~ ANGELO ~My face darkened with anger as I took a step closer to him, my eyes blazing with indignation. "Who do you think you are, speaking to me like that?" I growled, my voice low and menacing. He replied flatly, "Jonathan Blackwood Jr.," his expression unyielding as he waited for a flicker of recognition on my face. And then, it happened, my expression shifted, revealing a spark of awareness as the name registered.I knew Jonathan Blackwood Jr. all too well, the renowned director and owner of Blackwood Couture, a global fashion powerhouse. He was also the man I was set to partner with on a high-profile project. As he took another step closer, his eyes locked on mine with an air of challenge. "Ring a bell?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. But before I could respond, his gaze turned icy, and his voice dropped to a menacing growl. "I don't care who you are or who you think you are, Mr. Angelo, just get away from my girlfriend.”"Your girlfriend?" I sneered, recoveri
~ ANNIKA ~I seethe with rage, muttering curses under my breath as I stomped over to my car. I kicked the tire repeatedly, letting out all my pent-up anger. But before I could hurt myself, Jonathan rushed over, his face etched with concern. He gently grasped my shoulders, his voice a soothing whisper in my ear. "You need to calm down, Annika. Don't hurt yourself." He smoothed back my hair, his touch calming."Come on, he's not worth it," he repeated, his words slowly sinking in, helping to diffuse my anger.“I know he is not worth it, I just wish to strangle him alive,” I growled, imagining how pleasing I would feel, the thrill that would envelop me as I watched him struggle for breath under me.I might not kill him easily, that would be merciful for him, letting him feel the pain I went through six years ago was my plan for him.“Don't worry you will have enough time to do that,” Jonathan said, coaxingly.He had been like this constantly, having my back through every
~ ANNIKA ~"Yeah, that's what Uncle J said," Powell chimed in, backing up his twin. He had the same blonde hair as Pippa, but it always looked like he'd just rolled out of bed, slightly tousled and tangled, no matter how much he brushed it. His grey eyes seemed to hold a depth that belied his years, giving him a wise and knowing look. There was something about him that reminded me of Angelo, despite his eyes being a mirror image of mine. He was a miniature version of his father, a man I'd rather not think about. The resemblance was uncanny, and it was hard to ignore the family traits that seemed to shine through in Powell's features.I let out a sigh and squatted down in front of them, forcing a grin onto my face. I reached out to pat their hair, trying to make light of the situation. "Mum apologizes for not taking you with her. Don't worry, I'll let you both tag along next time, okay?" I promised, despite knowing that might not be possible. The thought of taking them
~ ÃNGELO ~A mysterious restlessness stirred within me, an emotion I couldn't quite grasp. Normally, spending time with Lissa would soothe my soul, but lately, it hadn't been enough. A void seemed to have opened up, leaving me with a nagging sense of longing for something unknown, something just out of reach. This unfamiliar feeling unsettled me, like a whisper in the dark that I couldn't quite decipher.I stepped out for a walk, hoping to clear my head and escape the chaos of my thoughts. Being around Lissa right now felt overwhelming, and I craved some solitude to untangle my emotions. As I wandered through the streets, my mind drifted back to Annika and the unresolved tension between us. The anger and frustration from yesterday's events still lingered, refusing to dissipate.But there was still this sad feeling I had each time I remember how she was holding Jonathan's hand.The sad feeling was also accompanied by anger that was so fierce it startled me each time.I had
~ ANNIKA ~After the awkward encounter, I chose to pretend it never happened. Fortunately, Angelo's business trip would keep him away for a week, giving me a much-needed break from his overbearing presence. I knew he'd resume his annoying habit of following me around like a shadow upon his return.The highlight of this week was Jonathan's homecoming. I had been counting down the days until his return, and I couldn't wait to spend time with him. As we prepared for our date, Jonathan asked, "Where would you like to go?" His smile was infectious, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed at me. I couldn't help but be drawn to him.I've always admired Jonathan's good looks, and the way he cares for my kids only adds to his charm. Sometimes, I catch myself imagining what a romantic relationship with him would be like, but I try not to get too caught up in those thoughts. For now, I'm content with the friendship we share, and I'm excited to see where this date takes us.Jonath
ANNIKA ~Hey lovely, it's your girl Fãvē,This chapter contains mature themes, strong language, and explicit content that may not be suitable for everyone. Please be aware that this is a work of fiction and does not reflect real-life events or individuals.Enjoy the rest of your reading experience!Love you! 😘 *************He carried me out of his study and towards his room, where he placed me on my bed.He delayed just for a minute as he removed his boxers until he was standing naked before me with his cock as hard as ever. Fuck, Annika. How the hell did you go through the five years without sex? Thinking of it now made i decided to change this. Staying celibate isn't for me. I will surely get a man who will fuck my brains out each night. Smirking when he noticed my gaze on his cock, he climbed on the bed and knelt in front of me. "You can touch it if you like." I knew I should have glared at him, and demanded he fuck me and get this over with, but the thoughts of having someth
~ ANNIKA ~ Hey lovely, it's your girl Fãvē,This chapter contains mature themes, strong language, and explicit content that may not be suitable for everyone. Please be aware that this is a work of fiction and does not reflect real-life events or individuals.Enjoy the rest of your reading experience!Love you! 😘 *************"Why?" He placed his hand under my jaw and turned my face towards him. "I like you, Annika. I hope you know that," he said before he forcefully kissed me on the lips. He wasall over me and I couldn't escape from his embrace.I tried to resist by turning my head, but he pulled it back toward him, roughly and shoved his tongue inside my mouth, effectively muffling my protests. I tried to kick and hit him, but all my efforts were in vain, for he was far too strong. He picked me up as if I weighed nothing and carried me to a table. I was too dazed to know where we were. Murmuring some words to me, he sat me down on it."Stop," I begged. "I don't want t
~ ANNIKA ~To distract myself from Angelo's presence, I attempted to mingle with some of the workers, but it wasn't easy. With Astrid absent, I felt like a fish out of water, sipping my drink and trying not to appear awkward among unfamiliar faces. Social gatherings had never been my thing, and the piercing stares from strangers only made me more uncomfortable.Things took a turn for the worse when everyone stood up to exchange pleasantries. To avoid getting dragged into conversations I didn't want to have, I found myself drinking more wine than I should. It became my shield, a way to feign busyness and avoid small talk. By the time I'd met around twenty shareholders and been bombarded by overexcited fans of my work, I was exhausted. The constant smiling had taken its toll on my cheeks, and the polite appreciation for comments on my dress felt like a chore. After downing my sixth drink, I knew I'd had enough, it was time to leave.I stumbled out of the room and towards the restroom,
~ ANNIKA ~"Angelo?" I frowned, stepping out of my house to prevent him from peering inside. With the door closed behind me, I folded my arms across my chest and narrowed my eyes at him, demanding, "What brings you here?" Instead of taking offense, he offered me the bouquet in his hand, tilting his head slightly to the side as a hint of a smile played on his lips. I glared at the flowers, the silence between us growing thick and heavy, punctuated only by the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.The sweet fragrance of the flowers did nothing to temper my emotions as I fixed him with a hard stare. "Why don't you take it?" he asked again, taking a step closer before freezing when my scowl deepened. "What are you doing here? How did you find out where I live?" I had taken pains to keep my address private, asking Jonathan to secure a building far from the company, one that would be difficult to trace. Yet, it seemed Angelo had managed to uncover my secret with alarming ease."Finding
~ANNIKA~"This wasn't part of the plan, Jonathan," I spoke into the receiver, my annoyance filtering through. "Not only did you let me work alone in the company while you took care of your pressing needs, but you're telling me I need to represent you in the meet and greet?" "I'm sorry, Annika," he apologized, his tone regretful. "I didn't know things would turn out this way, I swear." "Can't you take care of it after the meeting? It's not like your investors will die if you delay it for a day or two?" I plopped down on the couch in the living room, crossed my legs, and gazed over at my babies, who were engrossed in playing with their Legos. "I don't think it can wait, Annika." "But-” I tried to speak."Are you worried about the kids? Someone will be there in an hour to help you look after them while you're away." "You know that's not what I'm worried about, Jonathan. I don't want to freaking attend the meet and greet!" I was almost yelling now, my frustration boiling over.
~ ANNIKA ~ The lunch outing was awkward, to say the least. Despite my explicit warning, Angelo tagged along, causing a chain reaction of clumsiness in Astrid. Her nervousness was palpable as she accidentally knocked over everything, sending dishes and utensils crashing to the floor."I'm sorry," she apologized repeatedly, her gaze fixed on the mess as the waiter rushed to clean up the spill. Her embarrassment was evident in her tone and body language.Just as the situation seemed dire, Angelo intervened, dropping a wad of cash on the table as he stood up. "It's okay, I'll cover the damages," he said, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Astrid's distress. "Let's move to the other table; it's vacant, and we can start fresh." His suggestion was a welcome respite, and Astrid's gratitude was evident in her relieved expression."I'm no longer hungry," I said, pushing back my chair. I turned to Astrid, who was shrinking into herself, and gestured for her to follow me. "Let's go."
~ ANNIKA ~The moment I stepped into the office, myjaw almost dropped to the floor at the Beauty. It was enough to take my mind off that damned bastard and his slutty girlfriend.The first thing I noticed was the large, richbrown mahogany desk, perfectly polished to a warm sheen. The desk was paired with a comfortable, high-backed leather chair upholstered in a complementary earthy tone.To one side of the room was a plush couch, its cushions a soft, creamy white. They positioned the couch to take advantage of the stunning view through the wall-to-ceiling window, which stretched from floor to top and allowed natural light to flood the space.From there, I could see those walking below, something I was grateful for since it overlooked the car park.Throughout the room, vibrant green plants added a pop of colour and freshness, their pots a decorative complement to the peach hue of the wall.I could tell, undoubtedly, that the decorator put this all in the room. It was so breath
~ ANNIKA ~As I drove out of the school car park, I put my phone on speaker and waited for Jonathan to answer. When he picked up, his cheerful voice filled the car, a welcome respite from the tension I'd just experienced with Angelo. "Hello, darling. Did you miss me?" Jonathan's warm tone was a reminder that not all men were like Angelo, some were genuinely kind and caring. Every interaction with Angelo left me wondering how I could have been so blind to his true nature when we were together, pouring my heart out to him. Jonathan's voice was a soothing balm, reassuring me that there were still good guys out there, ones who treated me with love and respect.I must have been oblivious to Angelo's true nature while we were together. The thought still stung. Lost in my reverie, I was snapped back to reality when Jonathan said my name. "Annika, are you okay? Why aren't you saying anything?" I focused on the road ahead, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I want to leave," I said,