Mag-log inChapter 6: Her GroomI winced as pain shot through every inch of me. That night had been wild—he’d claimed me completely, holding nothing back, even dragging me into his arms well past dawn.Was he really that hungry for me?I could barely walk! Every step throbbed, like my body had been remade by his hands alone. It felt as though I’d been split open, stitched together only by the warmth he left behind.Tears pricked my eyes—not from pain, but from something softer, something I dared not name. I stumbled out of bed, grabbed his crisp dress shirt off the floor, and pulled it on over my underwear. I had to leave before he stepped out of that shower. I knew the second he saw me, he’d pull me back into his arms and start all over again.And God help me—I’d let him.I limped toward the door, reaching for my heels—then heard the lock click open.My breath caught. “Oh god.”Ignoring the ache screaming through my legs, I scrambled to unlock the door and fled. I heard him call my second name—
Chapter 5Leon was there with Tori, his first girlfriend. But I didn’t care—because his eyes were only on me.Funny how he walked in with her, yet he looked like he belonged to me.“Hi,” I called out, cutting through the crowd swarming around him.He gave a faint, knowing smile, biting his lower lip just enough to show he liked me taking the lead. Tori’s hand slipped from his arm.“Hi, Ava,” Arthur greeted me.I smiled back briefly, then turned my gaze straight to Leon. “You don’t mind if we talk, do you?” I asked, bold and sure.He narrowed his eyes at me. I knew exactly what he was thinking—why is she coming to me first?“Doesn’t your cousin hate the idea of you near me?” he asked. “He told me to stay the hell away from you last time we saw each other.”I rolled my eyes. “If you don’t want to… I’m sure Arthur can keep me company tonight.” I rested my hand lightly on Arthur’s arm, brushing my fingers over it. Arthur caught my hand at once, laughing softly.“Come on, man,” Arthur grin
Chapter 4: Now or NeverForbidden fruit really does taste the sweetest.After that encounter, Tyler dragged me away. He said I shouldn’t get close to Leon.“You know how I feel about him! Why do you keep meddling in my life when I never interfere with yours?” I shouted once we got back to the apartment.“Your father asked me to. Have you forgotten you’re already promised to someone? You should be focusing on becoming a proper wife.”I gritted my teeth, furious. “Why should I even try for a stranger? I know we’ll never get along!”“Maybe you will, maybe you won’t, Avar Sloan. You know your life is already set in stone—so stick to it!” He snapped and threw the door open.I stormed after him, but stopped short when I bumped into his back. “Move! Get out of my way!” I shoved him.Tyler spread his arms wide, blocking my path. He was so much bigger than me, yet he stood firm. I peeked past him and saw Rose standing in the living room, holding a cup of coffee.She stared straight at Tyler. T
Chapter 3: Forbidden Fruit Tastes SweetestAfter Rose graduated, Dad started demanding more of my time. He even ordered me to stay home for months—hiring people to train me on how to be the perfect hostess.And how to be the perfect wife.Pathetic, isn’t it?Actually studying how to be one?As if my future husband would want me waiting on him hand and foot. I don’t even know how to hold a knife properly!During those months, Mom started coming home more often too. Once, I even caught her and Dad kissing.Eww! Gross!Of all times, they choose now to act like lovesick teenagers.If they dare have another child, I swear I’m running away! I’ll leave this whole life behind for my new sibling to deal with.“Now, you have to wait until the oil shimmers before adding the garlic and onions,” Mrs. Garcia instructed.“How will I know it’s ready? Does it boil?” I asked innocently.She smiled gently. “You’ll see when it’s calm and still.” I raised a brow. “Look—there, it’s ready.” She pointed to t
Chapter 2: His PreyI was in Paris for Fashion Week. I only showed up on the first day and slipped away for all the rest—because that was never the real reason I came.It was him. Leon.I followed him to a quiet little café, nearly empty that time of day. He didn’t notice me come in; his whole focus was on his laptop. He didn’t even glance up to thank the waiter when his second coffee arrived.I sat off to the side, pretending to scroll through my phone, and secretly snapped a photo of him. Who wouldn’t want to capture this sight?Those days‑old stubble and messy, unkempt hair only sharpened his rough, striking features. He looked absolutely devastating. The shadow of a beard he’d clearly neglected for days only added to that dangerous, untamed air—making him seem all the more mature, all the more impossible to resist.Truly, he was a walking red flag.I wondered how many other women had fallen into his trap before me. If something happened between us, I knew I would never be the last
Chapter 1: Red Flags in Plain SightI sat quietly on my father’s leather couch, listening to his endless lectures. He kept reminding me to be careful about what I show in public—how people with bad intentions might take advantage of our wealth and power, especially since I refuse to have personal bodyguards. As if I’m the president’s daughter or something, I thought.I’m just a woman trying to live freely before I end up exactly like my mother—trapped in a loveless marriage.“Would you like to know who your fiancé is?” Dad suddenly changed the subject. He must have noticed I wasn’t listening.I let out a long, heavy breath. “No,” I answered flatly.“Maybe you’ll get along,” he said, sounding almost concerned. “Maybe you’ll grow to like him in time.”That only made me wonder all the more.“I’m walking the same path as Mom,” I told him. “I don’t see any difference. I’ll play my part willingly. I’ll give him an heir, and we’ll live separate lives doing whatever pleases us—just like you a







