LOGIN"Have you arrived yet?" Lucian texted."No, sir. I'm still on the flight," Mirabel replied almost immediately."Cover tomorrow's meeting for me. I have something I need to take care of."A second message followed."And sorry you had to come back to Australia on such short notice. I hope your brother is doing okay.""Yes, sir. I admitted him into a good hospital. Thank you, sir.""You're welcome."Lucian set his phone aside and lay back on the bed.*******Ava knocked on Bella's bedroom door."Come in," Bella called.Ava stepped inside and sat on the couch."I'm so sorry. I really thought I was doing the right thing.""That's bullshit, Ava." Bella looked at her. "How could you hide something like that from me? What did you take me for?""You could've done something reckless. You could've gone looking for him and gotten yourself hurt. He's an animal, and I...""It's still not an excuse," Bella cut her off.The disappointment in her eyes hurt more than the words.Ava's lips trembled.She
Nancy stepped out of the kitchen and placed the food on the dining table before catching up on the news.For a few moments, the room was drowned in silence.Bella was the first to rise to her feet."What?" She looked between the two women. "I'm sorry, but has this turned into some kind of competition between you and Nancy?""I don't need to compete," Evelyn replied. "Good things naturally come to me. What's wrong if Selene and my Danielle get married soon? It's a matter of choice.""You sound so goddamn stupid right now." Bella didn't hold back. "Do these children even know anything about the marriages you're trying to push them into?""Bella," Nancy said, "please be specific about which 'children' you're referring to."She looked Bella in the eye."Danielle is the one in question.""I didn't sell my daughter off to some random man. He came to our house and confessed that he loves my daughter in front of my family."Nancy's voice remained calm."I simply agreed to let them have a chan
Selene looked away.Part of the reason she was so upset was because she knew the truth.If that girl hadn't been found, she would have been the sacrificial lamb in her place.The thought alone made her stomach twist.What Draven had done was dangerous, no matter what his intentions had been. Even if he believed he was serving justice, he had no right to put someone else's life at risk."The police could've handled it," she whispered. "You didn't have to do that.""Selene...""Enough love murmurs," Bella interrupted. "Let's go. I already miss Ava."Selene shot Bella a sorry look before glancing back at Draven.Then she turned and walked toward the car.Following Bella into one vehicle while Kate and Danielle climbed into the other.Moments later, the cars pulled away.Draven stood where he was, watching them disappear down the road.A sigh escaped his lips."So much for honesty."He shook his head."I'll deal with that butler for suggesting this. It didn't help shit."With that, he ope
It was early morning, and a certain mother and daughter were already facing off."Mirabel, you're twenty-seven years old," Mina began. "You're not getting any younger. Aren't you tired of being alone? At this rate, I'm sure you're still a virgin."Mirabel let out a dry laugh."Really, Mother? Is that what you're worried about right now?"She shook her head in disbelief."I've spent my whole life working myself to the bone for Jacob and Susan. But look at you. Not a single contribution. Not a penny. Honestly, I should disown you.""Go ahead," Mina replied with a shrug. "But I still care about you.""If you cared about me, you'd help us."Mirabel's voice rose."You'd save money instead of wasting it. What do you even spend your money on? Drinking and God knows what else." She folded her arms."I already paid the hospital. Jacob's treatment is covered. And before you ask, I'm not giving you a single cent.""Then don't."Mina leaned back in her chair."It's time you started thinking abou
Selene's eyes fluttered open, her heart pounding hard against her ribs. For a moment, she stared at the ceiling before sitting up immediately. She was lying on a bed in a room she didn’t recognize. The walls were made of glass, floor-to-ceiling, giving the space an open, exposed feeling but it offered a clear view of the city outside. "You're finally awake." The voice made her freeze. She turned and found the owner sitting comfortably on a couch. “Draven…” "You passed out from fear," he said with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that." Selene stared at him in disbelief. "Sorry?" she repeated. "You kidnapped me and brought me here, and all you have to say is sorry?" He shrugged. "Well, I have a surprise for you. One that I think you'll love. So I brought you here to show it to you." Selene pressed a hand to her forehead. At this point, she genuinely felt like she was losing her mind. "What happened to asking like a normal person?" she demanded. "You know..
Bella's back slammed against the door as she locked her arms around Lucian's neck and kissed him like she was starving. She gave him no chance to open the door, no space to think. Her mouth was rough, demanding, all tongue and teeth.He broke away with a heavy breath. "Someone will see. Let me open the door, Bella"She didn't answer. Just buried her face in his neck and bit down, sucking hard at the skin while he fumbled the key card out of his pocket. He managed to swipe it, then shoved the door open, pulled her in and kicked the door shut behind them with his foot.Bella yanked his suit jacket off his shoulders and threw it somewhere behind her, then went straight for his shirt. Her fingers worked fast, impatiently popping buttons until she could push the fabric apart. She leaned in and licked a hot, wet line from the center of his chest up to his neck, before she bit down hard…teeth sinking deep like she wanted to mark him, claim him and hurt him a little."Bella..."He voiced out
Bella tensed the moment he said “talk.” His cock was already hard, pressing insistently against her thigh. Lucian crashed his mouth against hers so fast she flinched, convinced he wanted to hurt her with the kiss. He caught her lower lip between his teeth, tugging lightly, demanding she open for h
Bella drew in a slow, shaky breath, her body tense with anticipation as she waited for him to push inside her. The blunt pressure at her entrance built steadily…he was taking his time, letting her feel every tease of his cock.A loud, sudden bang on the door tore through the moment.Lucian let out
Bella thought this was the end.She regretted coming to the camp. What was meant to be a break had turned into the worst days of her life far too quickly.The noise of screaming students still filled the air.“Someone please save Bella! Don’t just stand there!” Clara cried, panicking. The drug’s ef
Morning came, but Bella hadn’t slept. A sharp headache pulsed behind her eyes. She had spent the entire night tending to Zara, who now seemed much better. But one thing was sure, Bella had made up her mind.She packed her bag, lifted Zara gently, and carried her downstairs.Lucian was sitting in th







