LOGINAdrianCoffee breaks were supposed to be the one time in my day when I got to sit back and actually breathe, but the cup on my desk had already gone cold, barely touched.My attention was buried under contracts, emails, and a stack of files that all needed my signature and I’d been at it for almost an hour, working my way through the pile one page at a time, so focused on getting through it that I didn’t even glance at my phone the first few times it rang. Whoever it was though, clearly had no intention of giving up, because it just kept buzzing against the table, rattling the pen I’d set down. Finally I reached across the desk and turned it over to check the caller ID.Allysia.Her name lighting up my screen made my jaw tighten on its own. I hadn’t spoken a word to her since three days ago. After the stunt she pulled at my party she’d given me more than enough reasons to like her even less than I already did. I set the phone back down and let it ring itself out, but a minute later
EmmaEven though an hour had gone by, I still couldn’t get over what Allysia did downstairs. The way she had stood up there and acted like a victim in front of everyone, and worse than that, I couldn’t get over the way Adrian had defended and protected me. First with Victoria in the hallway and then with Allysia, and he’d done it without any hesitation, like it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do. I hadn’t expected any of it and I was still more than shocked.After the kiss he’d taken me by the hand and led me away from the noise and all those staring faces, up the stairs and away from the party. He said he had something to deal with and left me alone for a while, and now I was curled up on his bed with my back against the headboard when the door finally opened and he walked back in.He crossed the room and joined me on the bed, stretching his hand out toward me. “Hey, you okay?” He paused and shook his head at himself. “You know what, that’s actually a dumb ques
EmmaAllysia’s smile widened as the whole room hung on her words.“So, the first announcement,” she said, drawing it out and letting the silence stretch. Her eyes flicked toward Adrian, soft and shining like she was about to hand him the world. “It’s the best birthday gift my brother could ever ask for.”She paused.“He’s going to be an uncle!”I could see Adrian roll his eyes beside me through my peripheral like he was tired of hearing it. The room went dead quiet and everyone just stared with their glasses frozen halfway to their lips, like they weren’t sure they’d heard right.Allysia laughed, pressing a hand to her flat stomach. “I mean I’m pregnant, silly!”And just like that the whole place exploded into sudden cheers, clapping and people whistling. A few girls rushed toward the DJ booth to throw their arms around her, squealing like it was the happiest news they’d ever heard.I sat there with the drink still in my hand, watching her soak it all up.And it dragged right back to
Emma“Just take a look at your shameless self, showing up to this party in a dress you probably begged my son to get for you after hooking up with him. It shouldn’t even come as a surprise because you’ve always wanted everything my daughter has. Unfortunately you’re just the quiet girl people remember when they need somebody to screw.”Her words stung but held my head high. Refusing to look away from her. “I was watching you when my daughter-in-law walked in. The disappointing look on your face makes it so obvious you want my son to end up with you.” She let out a hysterical laugh. “Even my son-in-law doesn’t want you, and you think my son will pick up his trash? He’s never wanted you, he’s only having his fun with you and that’s it.”Just as I opened my mouth to speak….Smack!The palm of her hand landed against my cheek so hard that it echoed in the hallway. My head jerked sideways and a few strands of hair I’d perfectly styled turned into a mess. The sting burned through my skin s
Emma Allysia stepped forward and stood on the other side of Adrian, hooking her arm through his with a bright smile.“Well, Mom and Dad are not the only ones here with a present,” she announced, looking around the room.She tapped her finger in the air, and one of her friends quickly stepped out of the crowd, holding an expensive-looking gift bag. Allysia took it from her, reaching inside slowly while glancing at the crowd to make sure everyone was watching.She pulled out a matte black box and handed it over to Adrian.Adrian took the box and flipped the latch open. Resting on a small cushion inside was a watch with a polished bezel and a black colored strap.The crowd broke into fresh cheers and applause.“Happy birthday, big brother,” Allysia said, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “I got you the latest edition of Patek Philippe. I know how much you love their designs.”People in the crowd began whispering to one another, murmuring about how sweet and generous the family was, before c
EmmaI forced myself to look away from Adrian to hide my burning cheeks, but out of the corner of my eye, I caught Allysia leaning in toward Trevor. She whispered something directly into his ear, her finger curling seductively as she gestured for him to come closer. A broad smile spread across Trevor’s face, and he slowly licked his bottom lip, the look of sudden excitement written all over him by whatever she was saying. Allysia took his hand, leading him right to the center of the room where the other guests were already dancing. She raised her hands in the air, swinging her hips even harder while keeping her eyes locked onto his. The eye contact between them was so intense, that it felt like nobody else existed in the room.My stomach twisted.She turned around to face him fully, resting her forehead right against his. Trevor grinned down at her, wrapping one hand tightly around her waist while cupping her stomach with the other, holding her carefully and protectively, as if he we
Emma I was pulled out of a deep, heavy sleep by the sharp, persistent ringing of my phone. I groaned, the sound muffled by the pillow I had pressed over my ears. I wasn't ready to wake up yet. My body felt heavy, and my legs still had that dull ache that reminded me of everything Adrian had done
Adrian’s POVI’d always known Emma as my sister’s best friend, and I was more than surprised when I found out the person Allysia was getting married to was Emma’s boyfriend. To be honest, I’d never liked that scumbag. It was crazy to me, but I hadn’t bothered to go through the trouble of informing
Emma’s POVHe drove fast through the estate gates like he was in some kind of racing competition. It was hard to enjoy the perfectly lit garden view that flashed past the window as we sped toward the main building. It was a massive, modern-style palace standing all by itself.He finally parked in f
Emma’s POVAdrian didn’t say a word as he drove, keeping his eyes focused on the road while his hands stayed steady on the wheel. He shifted gears and pulled out of the parking lot, heading away from the building where my life had just fallen apart. I leaned back and turned my head toward the side







