MasukAdrianMy childhood was a lonely one. Not tragic. Just empty in a way that’s hard to explain.As an only child, my parents were hardly ever around. Most of my memories involved nannies, chefs, and housekeepers taking care of me while my parents traveled from one business trip to another.As a kid, I used to wait for them to come home, but most times they never did. Even when they were around, the house still felt cold. They weren’t the type of couple that fought constantly or hated each other. If anything, they were too distant. Like two people simply existing in the same space because it benefited them both.Even as a child, I noticed it. The separate trips, the emotional distance, the way they could go days barely speaking unless it involved business or appearances.There was no warmth in that marriage, and I think that was when I made up my mind that if I ever got married, it would only be for love. The kind that makes you want to stay close to your person no matter how busy life g
“Dad… I didn’t know who he was before I fell in love with him,” I said quietly. “I’m sorry.”Dad let out a tired breath and rubbed his forehead. “Princess, this is exactly the kind of situation I’ve spent years trying to protect you from. A situation where you end up hurt.”“He’s not like that, Dad. If you meet him, you’ll see for yourself.”“I’m not meeting him yet. He’s Damon Valecrest’s son. My biggest rival.”“I know,” I whispered. “And I tried to break up with him. I really tried. But it was hard because I love him.”Mom sat quietly beside him, gently rubbing his arm while he remained silent, lost in thought.Finally, he sighed. “This is difficult for me. You know I live for your happiness. But I also know this relationship could hurt you. Still… since you trust this young man this much, and your mother keeps vouching for him, I’m willing to give this a chance.”“But,” he added, “I’ll be putting him through a test. If he passes, we’ll continue this conversation and see how to mov
Mom arranged to meet Adrian on Monday since Sundays were always reserved for Dad.I went over to Adrian’s place to give him the update. The way I had left the last time hadn’t exactly been great.When I walked in, he wasn’t downstairs, so I headed up to his room.The bathroom door opened just as I got there, and Adrian stepped out with a towel hanging low on his waist, droplets of water still running down his chest.A smile tugged at my lips as I walked up to him and gave him a quick kiss before letting my hands rest against his chest.“Wow,” I murmured. “Look at my man’s body. I’m one lucky girl.”Adrian laughed softly, clearly confused. “What are you up to?”“Nothing,” I replied innocently. “I actually came to talk to you about something important, but first, go wear clothes so I can articulate myself properly.”Now he looked suspicious. “What happened?”“Nothing bad,” I assured him. “Go wear something.”Still unconvinced, he disappeared into his closet and came back dressed a few m
The moment we got home, an idea entered my head and refused to leave.Ten minutes later, I was in Dad’s office typing up a full contract. By the time the printer finished spitting out the last copy, I felt oddly proud of myself.I marched straight to Jason’s room with the papers in my hand. His suitcase was already sitting by the bed, fully packed. I handed him one copy.He skimmed the first page, then slowly looked up at me. “A contract? Really?”“Yes.”A grin spread across his face as he kept reading. “Okay… this is brilliant.”“I know. I’m a genius.”Not long after that, Jason and I summoned our parents to the sitting room.Dad walked in first, already suspicious. Mom came in after him, still looking far too relaxed for someone who had almost caused emotional damage in this family a few hours ago.Dad looked between us. “Why do I suddenly feel like I’m about to be interrogated?”Jason pointed at the couch. “Sit down first.”I cleared my throat and handed both of them a copy. “First
I didn’t tell Adrian the reason for my sudden visit.Somehow, we ended up in his bedroom, lying naked on his bed, talking about random things like nothing else existed.Then Logan called. I ignored it the first time, but when he tried again, I picked up. I didn’t want him panicking and calling my dad, and Adrian was already watching me.I forced my voice into that same soft, tired tone. “Hey.”“I just wanted to check on you,” Logan said.“I’ll be fine,” I replied. “I just want to sleep.”We said goodnight and ended the call, but Adrian didn’t look away. His eyes stayed on me like he already knew there was more.I let out a quiet breath. “That was Logan.”“And?”I finally told him everything that brought me here. When I finished, he remained silent, staring at the ceiling like I hadn’t said anything at all. For some reason, that bothered me more than if he had argued.Then his phone rang, breaking the silence. He glanced at the screen, took his time, then picked up.“I asked for two we
When I got to the office, I was surprised to see Logan there.Jason noticed me first. I mouthed, What is he doing here?His response was a smirk.Dad looked up. “Princess, good. You’re here.”Logan turned and smiled. “Hi.”“Hi,” I replied, taking a seat.Then Dad dropped it.“Logan came to ask for my permission to take you out on a date.”I turned to Logan. “You didn’t.”He smiled wider. “I did.”Dad continued, completely calm. “I assume you’re already acquainted, so that makes things easier. I’ve given him my permission. What happens after that is between the two of you. I won’t interfere.”Logan nodded. “That’s more than enough, sir. Thank you.”He stood to leave, then paused. “Can I have your number?”I sucked in a breath, knowing I’d been cornered. I gave it to him, and he smiled before walking out.I turned back to Dad immediately. “Why would you agree to that? Aren’t you the one who said I shouldn’t be entertaining suitors until I’m twenty-five?”He gave me a look. “So now you a
It had been three days since we got back to L.A. Three long, dragging, miserable days. And I hadn't been the same.I’d tried everything to keep myself sane. Morning runs that left me breathless. Solo dates where I dressed up just to sit alone in a restaurant booth, pretending the silence beside me
The stars were the only ones still awake.Sleep had long abandoned me. Not after the way Liam shut me down. The villa was still, lit only by the occasional flicker of outdoor lanterns. Everyone else was tucked away in their corners of dreams, or drama.Wrapped in a throw blanket, I padded out baref
When we got back to the villa, everyone slowly disappeared, either to their rooms or to unwind in their own corners. I made it almost all the way to my door before I paused.The bracelet.Still tucked at the bottom of my tote bag, hidden like a secret I wasn’t sure I should share. If I didn’t give
I stayed in his arms longer than I should have. Maybe minutes. Maybe hours. I didn’t care.My cheek rested against Liam’s chest, his heartbeat finally matching the rhythm of mine–steady, real, calming after the chaos.His chin rested on my head, and he pressed the softest kiss into my hair.Another







