LOGINThree days. That’s how long I have been locked out of the family accounts since that disaster of a wedding. Sheryl and I became pariahs in the circle of elites, our friends quickly discarding us in fear of ruining their reputations. I have been confined to the mansion Aurora and I shared, my father refusing to let me set foot inside the Knightsbridge companies, stating the stock have declined rapidly with the livestream we had going at the wedding. He was working on damage control. Calling every contact and claiming favours owed to him.I was lucky that I had a separate account where I funneled my paychecks into. It was Aurora’s idea the first month we moved in together. She stated that if I kept my money separate, my family would not have control of it. I thought it was stupid, a way for her to take my things. Sheryl had even said I would be a fool to listen to Aurora and create a separate account only for her to have access to it. Ironically, I brought this idea up to my brother, th
Staring at the pile of art supplies leaning against the wall, I close my eyes and fall backwards, my head hitting the mountain of pillows behind me. My date with Dominic had ended an hour ago after another round of beavertail and talking about everything and nothing and avoiding the one topic Dominic knows I am not ready for – the baby.I don’t know who told him or how he found out about the life we created growing inside me, but part of me feels relieved. It saves me from having to explain it to him.“Okay.” Mira’s no-nonsense voice comes from the door, catching my attention. I look in her direction, catching her leaning against the frame.“You came home from the date and came straight here. What happened, and don’t give me some bullshit lie.” She saunters to my bed, falling in beside me and wrapping her arms around me. I sigh, resting my head against her shoulder and take a deep breath.“He knows about the baby.” I state before delving into our short conversation about me being preg
“Did he actually say it’s a date?” Mira asks as I pull on a pair of boots.“Yes. He said he gets off work at five and to be ready for our first date.” I confirm, a smile on my lips as I make sure I have everything I need in my purse.“Like, an actual first date?” She continues asking in disbelief, her eyes wide while she watches me finish getting ready.“Yes, an actual first date.” I once again confirm, reaching for my cup of cinnamon-chamomile tea and finishing the last little bit, the silver bracelet Dominic gave me reflecting the light. Mira shakes her head, a surprised smile on her face.“I can’t believe he actually is taking you on a date!” Mira says, flopping onto the sofa dramatically and sighing.“I mean, Liam never took you out after moving in with him, yet Dominic is slowly worming his way into your life, starting with helping you escape Liam and Sheryl, and now taking you on a date.” She continues. I pause the hand holding my lipstick halfway to my lips and grin, thinking a
Looking at the painting on the wall, I take a deep breath and breathe in the smell of the art gallery. Today was my interview for the management position at the local gallery, a decent-sized building next to Lake Ontario. One wall faced the water, letting in all the natural light and a beautiful view of the water itself.The spacious gallery held many paintings from Canadian artists, my favourite being the wall dedicated to indigenous artists here in Canada, where dozens of indigenous paintings were hung.“Sorry I am late.” A strong, feminine voice calls, and I turn to find a woman dressed in a black, knee-length sundress with a dusty rose blazer over top walking towards me, her heels, the same dusty rose as the blazer, clicking on the polished floor.“It’s no problem at all. I was looking at all the beautiful artworks.” I reassure quickly, stepping forward and shaking the offered hand.“They are beautiful, aren’t they?” The woman says, her eyes softening as she looks at the painting
Looking out at the streets of Toronto, my mind wanders to Aurora and what she might be doing. Letting her go live with Mira, knowing she is pregnant with my child, had been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. But Aurora needed this; she needed to get her freedom back after the way my brother treated her. At least I know she is with someone who helped take down Liam and Sheryl.Without Mira and her hacker connection, we would not have been able to surprise the two scumbags with Sheryl’s TikTok yesterday. We wouldn’t have been able to share the evidence of Liam cheating on Aurora, or the twisted games that Sheryl planned to harm my Norther Lights.“Sir, your mother is on line one.” My secretary’s voice comes over the coms system, and I frown. I had seen the aftermath of my mother striking Liam, leaving a red handprint on my brother’s face. Turning away from the window, I slowly walk to my desk, dreading whatever conversation my mother wants to have. Picking up the phone
Looking around Mira’s small two-bedroom bungalow, I take in the chaotic scattering of house plants on any viable surface, the canvases stacked by the large bay window with an easel holding onto a half-finished project, and the basket of painting supplies beside it.“It’s…” I trail off, shaking my head and laughing. God, was I so used to the spacious mansion that Liam owned that I did not expect such a crammed space to be my new home.“A mess, I know.” Mira finishes, helping me push my suitcases down the hall ahead of me.“But it’s home, and you can help me organize it, miss neat freak.” She continues, teasing me. I laugh again, following her towards what is to be my bedroom, taking in the chaotic splotches of colours on the wall and the random paintings hung in no order. Mira was always the free-spirited out of the two of us, always the one who had no worries when it came to life. If a man told her he no longer loved her, she would shrug and create a painting of her heartbreak, then m
Towel drying my hair, I make my way out of the bathroom and towards my bed. Liam had texted me an hour after he and Dominic left for the office, saying that it was going to be a late night and to not wait for him. Dominic, on the other hand, had told me the call was fake. There was no emergency;
Looking out the bay window in the living room, I watch the driveway for Liam’s car. Helen had told me that he would be returning sometime tonight and to be prepared, as Sheryl would be coming with a surprise for me. Thanks to Dominic’s warning yesterday morning, I know that this surprise
Strong yet gentle lips kissing along my neck slowly bring me from my sleep. Hands were slowly roaming my body, groping me, claiming me possessively. A small moan escapes my lips when fingers pinch my nipples, sending ripples of pleasure through me.“Good morning, Aurora.” A soft, deep voic
The bedroom door slams open, making me jump. I turn my head to see who it is that intruded on my bedroom and hold back my scoff. There, standing just a few feet away from me, is Dominic Knightsbridge. How do I know it is him when he and Liam were wearing the same suit at the club? Simple, he had







