LOGIN(The next morning) Lena opened her eyes and remembered—it was the day she would be getting Tarzan's name tattooed on her back. A huge smile spread across her face. She turned toward Tarzan, who was still completely lost in sleep, sprawled on his stomach with one arm flung over her side of the bed as if searching for her even in sleep, the other tucked under his pillow. The sheet was tangled around his waist, leaving the broad, powerful expanse of his back bare. Lena's fingers itched to trace the lines of muscle in appreciation. But first, she had a mission. She leaned over him, her long dark hair cascading down to brush against his shoulder. "Babe," she whispered, her voice a soft melody. "Wake up, my love. It's morning." Tarzan didn't make a move or even a sound. "Babe," she whispered again and poked his shoulder. This time he groaned and pulled the sheet over his face. Lena covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing. "Oh, so we're doing this the hard way? I will gi
She didn't want to send a text or a call. And if she had to wait until tomorrow to talk to her maybe she wouldn't have the chance since Lena might be busy with her preparations.So she decided to do it that night.Julia slowly stood."What's wrong Julia, you seem a bit restless?" Jessie asked."I just... I need to check on Lena," Julia replied.The three friends sat up, alert."What's wrong? Did anything happen to Lena?" Jessie asked."If something happened, I would be the first to know since I am her best friend. So, y'all should relax—it's probably nothing serious, right Julia?" Nora asked, though she couldn't hide her worried expression."You are right. I just want to talk to Lena about something. I am sure she is fine," Julia replied.Hannah sighed."Goodness! When you said 'check on her,' that scared me. Anyway, isn't it a little bit late?""I think she might still be at the dining hall with her family. Go check her there," Nora suggested.Julia nodded. She picked up her phone
Then she opened the notification. Her lips parted, and her heart began pounding so violently she could feel it in her throat. Never in her life had she received such an amount of money. "No way." She stared at the figure again, then up at the faces of the trio who were completely unaware of what was happening. She looked down at the amount—it was still there. Immediately, her hands began shaking. Just then, another message appeared: "If it won't be enough, you let me know. Make sure our babies are enrolled in the best school." Julia's throat tightened, and she blinked rapidly. Slowly, she lowered her phone as her eyes burned with raging tears pushing to flow down her face. But she fought back—she didn't want to cry in that spot, in front of everyone. Not when everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves. She swallowed hard and forced a smile. "Girls, I'll be right back." Nobody questioned her. They just nodded and smiled back. Julia stood and hurried toward the restro
GUEST'S VILLA: RICARDO ESTATENora stretched her fingers languidly as the uniformed nail technician carefully applied the final coat of polish onto her nails. "I swear, I'm not ready to go back to Paris," she groaned, her head falling back against the plush cushion of the massage chair. "I want to stay in this villa forever." Jessie laughed from beside her, her own feet submerged in a warm pedicure bath that released delicate wisps of steam into the air. "Don't remind me. Culinary school is about to destroy my peace again." "To surviving another semester." They all clinked their glasses together. Julia smiled, though she couldn't help feeling slightly different from the others. Nora, Jessie, and Hannah were still students and their conversations were mainly about classes, demanding chefs, assignments, and everything they wanted to accomplish after graduation. Sitting with them made her feel like she was standing just outside a circle she used to belong to. Still, today, it w
They barely made it through the door before Tarzan's mouth found hers again in a hungry, demanding way, as if he'd been starving for the taste of her. He walked her backward until the edge of the bed hit the backs of her knees. She stumbled, but he caught her easily, lowering her gently onto the sheets, his body covering hers. His shirt was still on and was her dress. That felt like a problem, a hindrance to the promised land. Impatiently , Lena tugged at the hem of his shirt while Tarzan helped her pull it over his head. The sight of him—those broad shoulders, the rise and fall of his chest, the way his muscles tensed under her gaze made her mouth go dry and heat pool low in her belly with an aching need settling between her thighs. "You're staring," he murmured, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “You're worth staring at," Lena said, her voice husky as she ran her hand down the ridges of his abs, lower, until her fingers disappeared into his underwear and wrapped ar
"We'll... I mean..."He paused and cleared his throat."We'll see about that. But I'm choosing the tattoo artist. Just want to let you know that."He said it while still hiding his flushed face, avoiding her gaze.Lena narrowed her eyes immediately."Why?""Because we need a female artist. I'm not letting some man put his hands on—"He stopped. His mouth snapped shut, but it was too late.Lena burst out laughing."Oh, look who just got possessive. Tarzan, you're adorable when you're blushing.""I am not blushing."His ears were turning pink again. He could feel the heat creeping down his neck and cursed inwardly.Lena stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck. Tarzan's hands found her waist immediately, as if by instinct.She rested her cheek against his chest, eyes closed."You know, I'd really like you by my side if I get that tattoo. As my emotional teddy bear.""Well, it would be a pleasure to serve you, my goodness."Lena chuckled and pulled back to look into his eyes.
Suddenly, we heard the front door slam.Jake's head snapped up."Jake?!"Jake's wife, Sarah, called out as she stormed down the stairs like a hurricane in yoga pants and a messy bun. Her face was twisted with pure rage, eyes already red and glassy."You cheating piece of shit!" she screamed, pointi
The message I sent to my husband Mitch was left unanswered. Just like the ones I sent days ago… weeks ago. He had stopped replying to my texts. I scrolled through the one-sided conversation, my heart tightening at how pathetic it looked. Suddenly, a message popped up. Hoping it was his reply, I
MITCH'S POV I was staring at the TV replaying highlights of the match we’d lost 3-1 with bottles on the table in front of me. I cracked open another one, trying to flush down the frustration inside my chest. My childhood friend Jake walked in from the kitchen, towel over his shoulder, and rai
I forced myself up and walked back into the bedroom Mitch and I had shared for three years of our marriage. I hadn’t slept in that bed for over two years now. Not since I left it. Every morning, he used to wake me up to complain about my snoring. I apologized. Then… I started staying awake







