DEVIL IN A SILHOUETTE

Chapter 2 A numbing cold spread through my veins, locking my body in place. "J-Jessica?How could you?" The words escaped my lips, a shattered whisper. "Aurora, please, it's not what you think." Jessica pleaded, her blonde hair a messy curtain across her face. Richard just sat on the couch, a glass of amber liquid in his hand, utterly unfazed. He looked like he was just waiting for me to have my little meltdown and leave. "You're sleeping with my husband?" My voice sliced through the thick air, each word sharp as I felt hot tears trace paths down my cheeks. And then, Jessica’s expression shifted. The pleading mask dissolved, replaced by a wide, vicious smirk tugging at her lips. "Husband?"she scoffed. "Come on, Aurora. You and I both know this marriage is a prison yard. Richard asked you for a divorce, but you refused. God, you're so stubborn." She said it so casually, already starting to pull on her clothes. The audacity of this bitch, defending herself like I was th

Chapter 4: Elizabeth A few days later, I was finally discharged from the hospital. The doctor confirmed I was in good health and fit to go home. My godfather handled my belongings, and we stepped out into the fresh air. A sleek black Mercedes waited at the curb. A chauffeur stood attentively by the vehicle, a warm smile spreading across his face as he opened the rear door. "It's wonderful to see you, ma'am," he said. "Thank you," I replied, sliding into the luxurious interior. My godfather settled in beside me. "Everyone at the estate will be thrilled to have you back," he said reassuringly. I swallowed hard, offering a small smile in return. I had no idea what to expect, and I sent a silent prayer that his household was free of the family dramas I dreaded. The car eventually glided through imposing wrought-iron gates, sweeping up a long, manicured driveway lined with cypress trees. My eyes widened as the mansion came into view. It was a breathtaking palazzo of cream-colored st

Chapter 6:Fire On the Mountain "I'm sure you're wondering why I requested this meeting," I said, my voice steady. A faint smile touched his lips. "I was intrigued, I must admit. I hope this doesn't sound presumptuous, but I'd heard you moved in different circles, with... other interests. So, a business meeting was a surprise. Though, a welcome one. It's an honor to be here with you." A soft chuckle escaped me. "Appearances can be deceiving. I've been following your recent pivot at Legacy Holdings, actually. That move into sustainable tech was... bold. I've been doing some research on your company." I watched his face carefully. A glint of pride flashed in his eyes. "You've been following us? I'm flattered. It's a risky play, but the potential is massive." "I agree. The potential is immense," I echoed. "Which is precisely why I didn't want to see it hampered by... well, by the recent noise." I smoothed the sleeve of my shirt, letting the word noise hang in the air between u

Chapter 8: Skin and Sin“Well, I hate to leave you, Ms. Alvarez, but I have to meet up with some clients,” he said. “Yeah, of course. It was nice chatting with you. And congratulations on our partnership,” I said. We clinked our glasses together. “Our next meeting will be more intimate than this,” he said, his eyes sparkling with a flirty gleam. “You see, I’d like to know you more. I mean, I’d like to know why a beautiful, successful woman like you is still single.” I gave a faint chuckle. “Well, I’ll tell you the reason next time,” I said, winking. Richard offered to drop me home, but I refused, as I had other plans. I got to where I’d parked my car and stared in disbelief. A flat tire. “Fuck,” I muttered, the frustration sharp in my throat. Richard was long gone, and a quick check confirmed my suspicion—no spare in the trunk. I heaved a long sigh and dialed my driver’s number. The call wouldn’t connect. I looked at my screen and realized my battery was dead. “Shit.

Chapter 10: What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas "I understand you feel hurt right now, Mrs. Williams, but that doesn't mean you should lose yourself because you're married," I said softly, letting the words hang in the air. She rubbed her temples, a wave of frustration washing over her. "Lose myself?" she asked, her voice tight. "See, Mrs. Williams, if he finds solace in other women, you can... find solace in other men, too," I said, my tone firm. She shot me a strange glance, trying to digest what she had just heard. "So, are you saying I should cheat on my husband?" Confusion was written plainly on her face. "No, not at all. I was just... saying you shouldn't lose yourself because you're married. I mean, you're beautiful, successful, and famous. There is so much you could achieve instead of going nuts over a man. That's just my opinion, though; I'm not saying you should follow my advice." I took a sip of my hot coffee and skimmed through some files on my table, feigning no