Fragile Desires

**Christine's POV** It has always been him. From the moment I first laid eyes on Steven back in middle school, I was utterly captivated. He swooped in like a knight in shining armor, saving me from the relentless bullies who tormented me for being adopted. Ever since then, Steven became my entire world—my Prince Charming. He was the epitome of cuteness, standing taller than the other boys with his mesmerizing green eyes that sparkled like emeralds and his shiny blonde hair that glinted under the sun. His perfectly shaped nose and soft, strawberry lips added to his undeniable charm. Always my protector, he listened and comforted me whenever my mother chastised me for my lackluster grades. For years, Steven and I were inseparable friends, sharing secrets and dreams, until the day he abruptly moved away to another city. Just like that, he was gone, leaving me feeling adrift and alone. Growing up without Steven was a lonely journey. Friends were scarce, and solitude often became my

**Steven’s POV** She is late again; it is already 8:14 AM, and Christine is not here. She is usually the first one to arrive at work, but these days, she has been acting so differently, and I can’t get it out of my mind. Last Friday, she told Brittany that she had a date. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t have feelings for Christine. The sight of her irritates me. She’s always throwing herself at me, and her family consists of selfish, gold-digging people. Her parents are perfect examples, and her cousin Mabel isn’t any better. I won’t deny that I loved her company as a child and even developed a childhood crush on her, but I’ve moved past that now. Still, I hate the thought of her being with someone else, but I don’t want her for myself. I have to get my act together. I can’t let Christine mess with my mind. This could just be one of her tricks to get me close to her. If only she would just let it go. I mean, she doesn’t need to do much to attract men’s attention; her body is a te

**Steven’s POV** Jesus!! What is that woman doing to me? I kissed her. I fucking kissed her, and I loved it. Christine is one hell of a kisser; no woman has ever made me so crazy about her. “Daddy has been trying to reach you.” Oh God, please, not today. I turn around to see Kelsey sitting on my couch. Who let her in? I am going to kill the person who allowed her in. “How did you get in, Kelsey?” She gets up and walks over to me with a stupid grin plastered on her face, just like her mother. “Chill, bro. I just wanted to talk, and the maid let me in. Daddy wants to see you.” Great, another problem. I wonder what they are up to now. “You don’t look so happy, bro. You'd better brighten up before heading out; we don’t want Christine seeing you like this, do we?” How dare she! She stands there smirking at me. She has the nerve to bring up Christine. “Come on, we all know that the De Niro’s adopted bastard is so smitten with you, bro.” My anger is at its peak.

**Tyler's POV** I just got back and already have them on their toes. Serves them right; it will teach them not to mess with me the way they messed with my dad. The Joneses are nothing more than social-climbing trash, and they always will be. I prepare for my first meeting with that social climber, Steven. The Collinses are easy to manipulate; they're money-hungry and always looking for a way to cheat. I glance up at the Jones building. It's pathetic how some people live. "Are you sure about this, sir?" Claire asks, her concern evident. I look at Claire, my assistant for five years. She has been with me since childhood and knows all about the stormy feud between the Rains and the Joneses. Steven's sudden call for a meeting makes her nervous. She thinks we could be walking into a deadly trap. But what Claire doesn’t realize is that the bastard is the one inviting the devil to play, and I know how to play my game well. We walk up with the receptionist's help, who shows us the way. Th

**Tyler’s POV** I sit in my office all day, unable to stop thinking about Christine. That woman knows just how to mess with my mind. I have never felt this way about any woman. While others beg for my attention, Christine seems completely unfazed by my presence, which only makes me more intrigued by her. To make matters worse, when Claire told me that Christine is so engrossed with Steven, I couldn't help but feel a desire to possess her even more. I want to take something away from Steven, just as he took something precious from me in the past. I can't help but be drawn to her; she is both enchanting and incredibly sexy. There is just something about her that intrigues me and draws me closer to her. I’ve always known that Steven is a coward; he would never have the courage to pursue her. I’m excited to see how things unfold when I have Christine wrapped around my finger. I plan to make her forget anyone like Steven Jones ever existed. I’m so fucked up for this woman, only the me