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Author: Ashley Wright
last update Last Updated: 2025-09-27 02:45:27

Chapter 80 – Fragile Promises

Monique left the office that night with her nerves raw and her heart heavy. The elevator ride had been suffocating, and by the time she stepped onto the street, the cool evening air barely registered. Her phone buzzed with yet another notification — another headline, another cruel comment, another stranger’s opinion about her life. She didn’t even look. She shoved it into her bag and walked fast, as if she could outrun the shame.

She didn’t get far before a sleek black car pulled up beside her. The tinted window slid down, and there he was. Desmond. His jaw tight, his eyes unreadable, like a storm held back by sheer force of will.

“Get in,” he said simply.

She froze. For a moment, she considered ignoring him, just walking away. But the weight of curious eyes on the sidewalk reminded her she didn’t have the luxury. She slipped inside, the door shutting out the world.

The silence inside the car was thick. Desmond’s presence filled the space, too close, too
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    093. MONIQUE'S POV My face drops when I unlock the door and step out to see that it's just a live band and that means ibwon't get to kill Desmond. Why the hell is he disturbing the peace of this calm neighbourhood? I sniff in the strong scent of rose flowers that's littered on my porch. There's balloon attached to glittering strings and floating in the air. The trumpeters and drummers are arranged orderly in playing good music. This looks like some high priced engagement out of a circus. I can spot my neighbors watching from their doorsteps and windows with smiles on their faces. And then there's Desmond in the center of it all, looking so haggard like he haven't slept in the last two weeks. He steps forward and parts his lips about to speak."What the hell are you doing?" I ask through gritted teeth, glancing around. "I don't know if this is...over the top." He sighs and drops to one knee. The music drops down to a background hum. "But, I just couldn't think of a better way to sa

  • In Bed With My Step-uncle    202

    092. MONIQUE'S POVI stretch and yawn as I stir in bed. Can I just sleep forever, and not wake up? Stop it, that's a silly thing to say. I shouldn't wish to end my life bo matter how tough things are. I should take a deep breath and hold on because things will work out. And about sleeping, I don't think I want to do that if Desmond knocking on my door is what I'll see in my dreams. I snuggle on my bed, and pull my blankets up to my chest. I miss my best friend. I need my Mom. I sigh and stare at the ceiling. Desmond really thinks an apology can erase what he did? He broke any bit of trust I had left in him, or any hopes for a future together. I glance around the crampy apartment I stay in. I don't want to be in Chicago anymore or anywhere near Desmond, but my rent isn't due yet. I can't waste cash anyhow because technically I'm jobless now. I doubt Ryan would give me the job now. I want to pay Rose a visit at the hospital but no body wants to see me or even listen to my pathetic apo

  • In Bed With My Step-uncle    201

    91. DESMOND'S POV"Ahhh. I'd love you accompany. I like that girl." She squeeze my hands over the desk. "But you know in life, they're some things you have to do by yourself, and this is one of those things." I let out a deep breath. "You're correct. Thanks for the talk.""Anytime, son." She beams at me and walks out.Clark rushes in behind her and start reciting my schedule. I sigh, I can't get anything he's saying. They're just entering in through one ear, and flying out through the other. This is fucking frustrating! I slam my desktop shut, and Clark shakes from the force. He compose himself and stare at me with furrowed brows. I ignore him, and stand to my feet, adjusting my tie. I walk towards the door."Sir, are you heading to the first meeting?" He says, following. "Sir, you have a lot of—"I step out of the office and spin, glaring at Clark who's still inside. "Reschedule the meetings." I respond and slam the door nosily in his face and board an elevator down. I can't be craz

  • In Bed With My Step-uncle    200

    090. DESMOND'S POVI manage to put a tough smirk on my face as I step into the DS building, but I'm spiralling inside. The receptionist and few staffs coming in early greet me. I nod and stop to glance around for that blonde hair and blue eyes but I can't spot I anywhere that's when I remember that she's gone. No, I made her leave and now she's not coming back. Oh, I'm just a fool. I keep driving good women out of my life. Why was I so stupid? Why did I do those awful things to Monique?I sigh and fix my hands into my pocket. She's all I've been thinking about. I can't get my mind off her, but what does it matter if she comes back now would I treat her any better? I can't even place the point Monique became someone so important in my life...was it when she helped me bag Moore's campaign? Or, the time I talked about my family and she listened? Or the time we traveled for my mom's spring festival, or... How didn't I realize this sooner? This is the damn feeling I've tried to avoid this

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    Chapter 88 – The Firing Monday morning came too soon. Monique’s eyes were still puffy from crying, but she forced herself into her best black dress and heels anyway. If Desmond thought she was going to crawl away quietly, he was wrong. The office was buzzing when she walked in. Heads turned. Conversations halted. The weight of whispered rumors followed her down the hall like smoke. Some looked at her with pity, others with judgment, but no one dared to say anything to her face. She kept her chin high, her stride steady. When she reached her desk, her computer login had already been disabled. A sinking chill ran through her. “Monique,” Jane’s fake-sweet voice chimed from across the room. “The boss wants to see you.” Of course he did. She walked to Desmond’s office, every step heavier than the last. She knocked once before pushing the door open. He was at his desk, suit pressed, posture perfect, like nothing had ever touched him. “Close the door,” he said without looking up. Sh

  • In Bed With My Step-uncle    198

    Chapter 86 – Fallout The hospital walls still smelled like antiseptic and heartbreak when Monique finally stumbled outside. The night air was sharp against her damp cheeks, cooling the tracks of her tears. She thought she’d find relief, but her chest only felt heavier, as though each breath dragged her deeper into the pit of guilt. She didn’t even realize Desmond was behind her until his shadow fell across hers. “Monique.” Her body froze. She turned slowly, and there he was — tall, immaculate even after the chaos, but his face… his face was carved from stone. No warmth. No softness. Just a mask of control. Her lips parted, trembling. “Desmond, I—” “Don’t.” His voice sliced through her like glass. “Not here. Not now.” The way he looked at her — it wasn’t anger, not really. It was worse. Disgust. As though he couldn’t bear the sight of her. Monique shook her head, words tumbling out in a whisper. “I never wanted this. I never wanted her hurt. I didn’t even know—” “Save it.” He

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