Ian's POV The office lights cast a sterile white glow over the room, but even that couldn’t sterilize the chaos that had just strutted through the door in five-inch heels and an attitude as bold as her lipstick. "Mia?" I asked, eyebrows knitting together. "What are you doing here?" She shut the door with a slow, deliberate click, her red nails grazing the handle as if sealing the moment like a trap. Her heels clicked against the hardwood floors—each step a warning, each sway of her hips a challenge. “Come on, Ian,” she purred, her voice a silky dagger. “I’m here to see you. What’s with the long face? Miss me already?” I leaned back in my chair, folding my hands behind my head to keep them from balling into fists. I had paperwork to deal with, not ex-fiancées who thought the world still spun around them. "Miss you?" I scoffed, chuckling under my breath. "You really are something, Mia." She ignored my sarcasm and strutted across the room like she owned it, her perfume trailing beh
Mona’s POVMy phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, but I was already pacing like a madwoman, chewing my thumbnail to the quick. The last thing I needed today—on top of the back-to-back investor calls, a missing assistant, and a sprained heel—was silence from Ian.I picked up the phone on the fourth ring, already wound tighter than piano wire. “About time you answered,” I snapped, one hand on my hip, the other waving in the air like I had an audience. “You alive or did you finally get crushed under the weight of your own ego?”“Good morning to you too, sunshine,” Ian’s voice came through, smooth and lazy like he hadn’t just vanished for six hours. “What’s wrong now?”Wrong? Wrong?Oh, I was on the brink.“Wrong is that you’ve disappeared off the face of the planet. Wrong is that you skipped breakfast, skipped your meeting with Bennett, and wrong is—hold on, wait a damn second—is that roasted chicken I smell?”Ian made a noise between a cough and a laugh. “Maybe. Flynn brought it.”Ever
Mia – POVI stood in the center of my room, arms crossed tight against my chest like a barrier to everything pressing in on me. The walls felt smaller than I remembered. The silence was too loud. I kept pacing, each step matching the beat of the fury thrumming in my chest.Ian. That man had the audacity to look at me like I was a stranger—cold, dismissive, like the past few months didn’t matter. I left the state for a damn business deal, not a vacation. I was building something—us, or so I thought. And now I was back, treated like I’d betrayed him by breathing in another zip code.Ungrateful bastard.“Mia? What’s wrong?” My mother’s voice floated in from the balcony like an unwanted breeze.I rolled my eyes, dragging my fingers through my hair, tugging at the roots just to release the pressure in my skull.“Stop, Mom,” I snapped without looking at her. “I don’t want you to start asking me questions that break me.”She stepped inside, her presence like a storm cloud hovering just above
Ian’s POV“Pick up, silly girl!” I growled, slamming my fist against the arm of my office chair. It spun slightly with the force, the leather groaning beneath me.The phone buzzed in my hand—straight to voicemail. Again.“Mia,” I muttered under my breath, jaw clenched tight.She was dodging my calls now. Typical. Always running when things got messy. But this time, it wasn’t about feelings, love, or the thousand little arguments we left unresolved between kisses and slammed doors. No—this was business.My company had just locked in a potential game-changing collaboration with her firm. Her signature was the final key. Just one damn name on a dotted line, and we could break into the European market like kings. But she was the CEO. Her word was law.And she wasn’t picking up.I stood, pacing the room, the city lights outside casting jagged shadows across my desk. My office was high-rise, expensive, cold. Just like I liked it. But right now, it felt like a goddamn prison.I dialed her ag
Mia’s POVImmediately the call with Ian ended, I turned on my Bluetooth and connected to my car speakers. I needed this moment—needed to hear her scream with that ridiculous, high-pitched glee that only emerged when Ian’s name came up. That woman never hid her obsession with him. Not when we were together, not even after everything went to hell.I leaned back into my seat, exhaled sharply, and unbuckled my seat belt. My heart was racing, the weight of the last twenty minutes sitting heavy on my chest. I dragged a hand through my hair, trying to pull myself back together. I tapped her number and pressed the call button.“C’mon… pick up, Mom,” I muttered, my fingers rhythmically tapping the steering wheel. “Don’t fail me now.”The line clicked.“Mia!” Her voice immediately erupted with excitement. “Maiia baby, what’s going on? Did Ian call you? I told you he would! I told you he—”“Yes, yes, yes—he called,” I interrupted, rolling my eyes with a smirk she couldn’t see. “You can calm your
Mia’s POVHe exhaled. “Mia, this doesn’t have anything to do with—”“Oh, it doesn’t?” I said, laughing with disbelief. “That’s interesting. Because the last time I checked, you were parading around with that silicone Barbie like she was your forever after.”He sighed, the kind of sigh that wasn’t tired—it was guilty. I knew that sound. I’d heard it too many times when I caught him lying by omission.“You’re deflecting,” I said sharply. “Why?”“Because she’s not in the picture anymore,” he said, suddenly serious. “She doesn’t live with me. She hasn’t for over a month.”I blinked, stunned for a second.“What?” I said slowly. “You broke up?”He didn’t say anything.“Oh my god,” I whispered, the pieces clicking in my head. “You two broke up. And now suddenly you’re interested in working with me?”“I’ve been interested in working with you since the deal was proposed,” he replied firmly. “Don’t twist it.”“Oh honey, I’m not twisting a damn thing. I’m just connecting dots. The timeline’s too
Mona’s POVMy fingers trembled around the handle of my bag, but I wasn’t sure if it was from rage or betrayal. I had tracked Ian here like a madwoman, using a location-sharing app I clowned onto his phone when I felt something in my gut — that sharp, stinging woman’s instinct. And there he was, sitting across from her. Mia. The girl who couldn't read a chapter, let alone close the book.“Yes, it’s me,” I said, my voice shaking, barely above a whisper. “Is she the reason you've been skipping breakfast and ignoring my calls?”I took a step forward. My heels clicking against the marble tiles were the only sound between us. I saw Ian’s lips part like he wanted to say something — a thousand excuses forming behind his guilty eyes — but before he could, she stood up like she owned the air we breathed.“Ian has no explanation to give for his attitude towards you, Madam Mona,” Mia said, her voice laced with smug venom. She tossed her sleek hair behind her shoulder, like she was about to walk a
Mona’s POVIan?Wait—what the hell are you doing here?I blinked once. Twice. But no, I wasn’t hallucinating. It was him. Ian Devereux, standing like a ghost from a past I had just buried — in broad daylight, in front of my favorite corner café, where I was supposed to be minding my business and my cappuccino.I narrowed my eyes, instantly on edge. “I thought we got things over. You chose Me over me, remember? So what’s with the long face? She not reading bedtime stories anymore?”He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His hair was messier than usual, like he’d been running his hands through it out of habit. He wore the same black coat I once stole to sleep in, and the way it clung to his frame made him look colder, heavier… like guilt had a physical weight.“Mona,” he said my name like it was an apology in itself. I didn’t flinch.“No, seriously,” I continued, folding my arms across my chest. “What do you want, Ian? Closure? A sequel? Or are you just here to remind me that I was stu
Ian‘s POVThat's all she wanted, to be fucked by her ex, how many people allowed their ex to fuck then in an office.“Ian…”I didn’t let her finish, as I pressed my thumb lightly against her lip, silencing her before I took over the position, leaned farther down so we were face-to-face. My warm breath fanned over her cheek, my mouth so close to hers it would only take me tilting my chin down a little to kiss my crazy, asshole ex.“You’re playing with fire, Mai,” I murmured, my voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine.“Then burn me, Ian.” Yup… she went there. She said that.“Maybe I like the pain of your Cock,” she added, unable to stop me. And then I growled, and my lips were on hers.Her hands came up, clutching the front of my shirt and pulling me closer as she pressed back against the couch, my body pinning hers to the piece of furniture.“God” she muttered, I don't know if she was about to get fucked by what exactly.Faster than I could expect, I had her off the c
Ian’s POV“Common, get your hands off me, Ian!” she growled, her tone a mix of irritation and defiance. My fingers tightened around her arms as we navigated the dimly lit corridor toward my office. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the heat radiating from her, a stark contrast to the chill of the sterile surroundings.As we reached the door, I took a moment to gather my composure. With a swift motion, I grasped the doorknob and turned it, my urgency palpable. I kicked the heavy door open, the sound echoing in the otherwise quiet hallway, and we stepped inside, the world outside fading away."Please give me some space and allow me the time to be by myself for a while.”I pushed her to the couch, rage surging through me, I felt like punching her guts."What's wrong with you, Mia? Please, tell me," I urged, lowering myself to her level, my eyes searching hers for answers. I squatted close, our faces almost touching, the tension thick in the air."What do you truly want? I'
Mona’s POVI drove slowly down the winding gravel driveway until I reached the small, rusted gate, its hinges creaking in protest as I pushed it open. With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car, the sun filtering through the branches of the ancient oak trees that lined the path to the apartment. As I approached the door, an unsettling weight settled in my chest. It swung wide open, a gaping mouth that seemed to beckon me into the unknown.“Mom?” I called out, my voice trembling slightly, but the silence that enveloped the space was deafening. A cold shudder ran down my spine, and panic began to seep into my bones. I stepped inside, my heart racing, and started to search every room, each corner cloaked in shadows. The familiar scent of her lavender candles hung in the air, but it felt oddly suffocating.I raced up the staircase, calling her name with increasing desperation. "Mom!" My voice echoed in the stillness, cracking under the strain of worry. But there was no response. With ev
Mona’s POVAs I stepped into Ian's room, the familiar scent of his cologne—a mix of cedarwood and spicy cinnamon—enveloped me like a warm embrace, instantly transporting me back to those carefree days filled with late-night drives under starlit skies and laughter that echoed through the night air. The room was a chaotic reflection of his personality, with keys haphazardly scattered across the cluttered bedside table and wardrobe doors thrown open, revealing a disarray of wrinkled shirts and jeans tumbling out like a laundry avalanche.Amidst the chaos, my eyes landed on the keys to his Toyota Camry—the only car he had patiently taught me to drive on those sun-drenched afternoons, our laughter mingling with the sound of tires on pavement. A wave of nostalgia crashed over me, reminding me of those moments when everything felt so simple and right.My mother had been at the forefront of my thoughts for months now, her absence weighing on me like a heavy anchor. I could no longer bear the
Ian’s POVThe room was packed—executives, lawyers, shareholders, even a few smug interns pretending they belonged. Everyone looked polished, precise, pretending they weren’t all silently judging the delay. The air was stiff with anticipation, sharp like glass about to shatter.I couldn’t sit still. The deal was moments from collapsing. The final signature? Mia’s. The genius behind the entire project. The brains, the blueprint, the only one who could pull it off. And she was nowhere.I checked my phone. Nothing. Not even a ghost of a delivered message."Where the hell is she?" I mumbled, pacing behind the long glass table while everyone avoided my eyes.I stepped out of the conference room, heart hammering in my throat. The hallway felt colder. I dialed her again—voicemail. Again. Straight to voicemail.“Pick up, Mia. Come on…”Fifth call. Sixth. I stared at the screen as if it owed me answers.Still nothing.My throat tightened. I called her mother.“Ian?” she answered, surprised. “Mi
MONA – POV“Mona? Mona, are you okay?”The voice felt distant—like it was echoing through a long tunnel. I blinked slowly, my head swimming, limbs heavy. Was I dreaming?“Mona!”SMACK!My head snapped to the side from the force of a slap. My eyes flew open.“What the hell?!” I gasped, jerking upright.I was on the couch. My chest was heaving, heart racing like I’d just run a marathon. My tongue felt thick. My mouth was dry. My limbs? Numb. I looked up to see Ian standing over me, a look of concern mixed with exasperation on his face.“You slapped me!” I barked, dragging my legs off the couch.“You weren’t waking up!” Ian shot back, throwing his hands up. “I’ve been trying for ten minutes! How long have you been out?”I blinked at him, my brain still foggy. “I don’t know—when did you get back?”He checked his watch, then crossed his arms. “I got home over three hours ago.”Three. Hours.I screamed.Ian jumped back, startled. “Whoa! Okay—calm down!”“Three hours? Are you serious?!” I wa
Author's POVShe ran like hell was licking at her heels. Her breath tore from her throat in jagged gasps, eyes wide and glassy, barely seeing where she was going. The night was cool but her skin burned, slick with sweat, heart pounding loud in her ears like war drums. She didn’t dare look back. Not once. She didn’t need to. Brown’s rage was enough to propel her forward, each step screaming with a desperation that only comes when you know—know—you’ve just danced with death and somehow slipped away with your soul.Her boots pounded against cracked pavement, weaving through alleys until she burst into the open light of the main road. Neon signs blinked like watching eyes. Cars hummed by, indifferent to the storm in her bones.And then—tires screeched.A black car jerked to a stop right in front of her. She stumbled back with a startled gasp, ready to bolt again, until the driver’s window rolled down.“Well, damn. That you?”The voice was like velvet and trouble wrapped in sarcasm. Her ey
Brown's POV"What the hell are you saying? You can't bring the documents containing Ian's business deal with the Europeans?" I growled, my voice rough as gravel, slicing through the air like a blade. My fist slammed into the oak table with a thunderous crack, shaking the glass and papers that sat on its surface. She flinched, her body recoiling instinctively. Her wide, glossy eyes stared at me—frightened, wounded. She looked like a cornered animal, ready to bolt, but too broken to run."I—I'm trying my best, Brown. It's not easy to work as a help in a toxic home just to get valuable documents," she stammered, voice trembling, hands wringing together. Her lip quivered as she took a shaky step back, brushing her knuckles over her cheek.“I killed their cook… in the name of getting this…” Her voice cracked, and she swallowed hard, trying to compose herself, but the fear in her gaze betrayed her strength.The words hit me like a slap. Killed? That was unexpected, even for her.She backed
Flynn’s POVBut Mona wasn’t having it. She stepped into the doorway, blocking my exit. Her presence filled the space, making the already small hallway feel even more suffocating."No, no, no, Flynn," she said, shaking her head in mock sympathy. "You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s going on." She crossed her arms tighter across her chest, making sure I knew she wasn’t backing down. "You don’t just sneak out of here without telling me where you’re going. You work for me, remember?"I bit my lip to keep from snapping. Mona had this habit of reminding me of my position every chance she got, and it never failed to get under my skin. I didn’t want to fight her, but I knew I had no choice. If she got curious enough, she’d find out more than she needed to, and that would put me in even more danger."I’m just... taking care of some things. Personal stuff." I repeated, my voice a little more forceful this time, hoping she'd buy it.But Mona was no fool. Her sharp eyes bored into