LOGINAnnabel’s POV The air outside felt different from the quiet intimacy of our room, alive with anticipation and wrapped in a kind of beauty that made everything seem unreal, as though we had stepped into a carefully painted dream that someone refused to let fade. I stood near the center of the open resort space, my back resting lightly against Daniel’s chest while his hands coiled securely around my waist, holding me in place as if he needed that constant reminder that I was right there with him, that this moment was not something he would wake up from. Everything around us was white. White drapes swayed gently in the breeze, surrounded with white chairs that lined the area in perfect rows which were filled with guests dressed in matching tones, their laughter blending with the faint sound of music playing somewhere in the background. Even the tables were decorated with white roses, carefully arranged beside clusters of pink and blue petals that hinted at what today was about. “It
Annabel’s POV “For everything,” he replied, his voice steady but filled with something deeper. “For the hard times… for every moment you had to go through something you didn’t deserve.” My heart tightened slightly, but not in pain anymore. His hand crossed gently around mine as he continued, “I can’t change the past, Annabel… but I promise you, from now on, I’ll make your life easier. I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re happy. That you feel safe. That you never have to doubt where you stand again.” I didn’t say anything right away. I just looked at him, taking in every word, every emotion behind it. Then I smiled. “You already do,” I said quietly. Before he could respond, I leaned in, closing the distance between us, and kissed him. It wasn’t rushed. It was slow, soft, filled with everything we didn’t need to say out loud. His lips moved against mine in the same gentle rhythm, his hand coming up to cup my face as he deepened the kiss just slightly. When we
Annabel’s POV I lifted the bouquet slowly, like it was something fragile, something meant to be held with care and not rushed. The soft petals brushed against my fingers, and I brought it closer to my face, breathing in the delicate scent. It was a mix of roses and something sweeter, something softer. My lips curved into a smile before I even realized it, and I closed my eyes for a second, letting the moment settle into me. This was real. Everything about this felt real. When I opened my eyes again, I turned slowly, taking in the room around me. It was like walking into a dream I never knew I deserved. My eyes caught the soft glow from the candle next, then the bright rose petals that were spread across the floor and the bed, not carelessly, but in a way that felt thoughtful. I stepped further into the room, my bare feet brushing against the petals, feeling their softness beneath me. My fingers trailed lightly over the edge of the bed, then over the smooth fabric, and the small
Annabel’s POV He walked out on me? The words repeated in my head as I sat frozen on the edge of our bed. I could still see him turning away, his tall frame disappearing down the hallway without so much as a glance back. My heart slammed against my ribs, part of it burning with anger, part of it twisting with worry. How could he just leave like that? I shook my head, trying to push the feelings away, but the memory of his touch, the heat of his body against mine, made the anger mix dangerously with confusion. Had he been hiding something? Was he…..cheating? I refused to believe it, but the thought was poisonous, making my stomach clench. Without another second of hesitation, I swung my legs off the bed. My robe pooled at my feet as I hurried to my wardrobe. I needed to find something to wear, something sharp, something that would make me feel in control. I would follow him. If Daniel thought he could leave the house without explanation, he was wrong. “Arrange a car immediat
Daniel's POV Back at the resort, the atmosphere was completely different. The loud chaos of the club was replaced with quiet tension. We all sat in the private lounge. James had already wiped the blood from his lip, but his shirt was torn from the fight. I leaned back in the chair across from him, while Cassian stood near the window and Leo remained by the door. For a long moment, no one spoke. Then James finally broke the silence. “You owe me an explanation.” “Never,” I said, leaning forward slowly. “If anyone here has an explanation, it’s you.” “You must be insane!” he spat. “You just attacked me in public, and you’re here blabbing about what I don’t know.” “Maybe if you didn’t sabotage my company, all this wouldn’t have happened.” “And who told you I did?” “I don’t need to be told, James.” He rubbed his temple. “Daniel, as much as you and I hate each other.…” He looked up. “I’m not stupid enough to destroy my own investment.” The words hung in the air, because he was
Daniel’s POV The moment the plane touched down in California, I already felt the anger sitting in my chest in a way I have never felt before. It hadn’t cooled during the entire flight. If anything, it had grown worse. I stared out the window as the plane taxied across the runway, the bright California sun reflecting against the glass. Most people would have admired the view, the tall trees, the endless blue sky, and how calm it has always been. But I didn’t come here for sightseeing, I came here for answers. And if James thought he could hide from me after what he did, then he clearly didn’t know me well enough. By the time we got off the plane, Leo already had a car waiting. Cassian had also arrived from his side of the city after I called him earlier for an emergency meeting. None of them asked questions. They didn’t need to. The tension around me was explanation enough. Leo drove while I sat in the back seat, my elbow resting against the door as I stared out at the pa
Annabel’s POV It was sunset, and Fiona had invited us all over for swimming. She called it family bonding, but I doubted if that was her intention. The resort swimming pool was already clustered when I got there. Laughter echoed through the air as people lounged on cushioned chairs, sipping colo
Annabel’s POV The whole room began to spin. Was Daniel drunk or something? How could he choose today of all days to reveal the truth in front of all the guests? He didn’t even tell me about his plan. At least I deserved to know, so I could be prepared for what was coming. Or is he trying to humil
Daniel’s POV Everywhere was already filled up, party-like, maybe even festive. Whatever they were celebrating, I didn’t know, and it didn’t matter to me. I just wanted to be alone with my Annie. But how could I, when Mom had ordered me to make myself available for a party that I still couldn’t fi
Annabel’s POV It was a Coldplay concert, thousands of people, lights flashing, music roaring through my chest. It was loud, chaotic, and yet….. perfect. For once, in a long time, I completely agreed with Daniel. We’d been through so much, and we needed something, anything that could make us forge







