LOGINCharles’ POVThere was a sound drilling into my skull, like it was coming from inside my head. I groaned in pain and turned. I could feel my head throbbing and the sound echoing continuously. Then I realised it was my name. “Charles! Charles!”I threw my eyes open and the light of the room blinded for a second before a figure stood between me and the light. At first, I thought it was Rosa.“Rosa?” I mumbled.But Rosa didn’t have brown hair. The woman leaned closer and her mouth was moving fast. It felt like some crazy dream or a hangover hallucination. Then her voice sharpened.“What did you fucking do last night, Charles?”Nancy?I blinked. It was the sound of her voice. I pushed myself upright…too fast. The room tilted and my stomach lurched, threatening to throw out. I forced it down and peered at the figure in front of me. “What are you screaming for?” I snapped, rubbing my face. I was still trying to gain control of myself and remember where I was. “What the hell is wrong with
Rosa’s POVMy body was still humming from the after effects of the night before. I wanted to remain in bed or barge into Alex’s room, demanding he continue what he started. But an email from Valis had sent me out of the house before Alex woke.I smiled to myself already plotting how I would annoy Alex later —anything to watch that dangerous look flicker in his eyes. I shouldn’t want that version of him so badly, but I can't help it. As I grabbed the steering wheel, the email from Valis played in my head. He had requested an urgent meeting. Nothing else was said. I told myself it was good news as I drove towards the company. I didn’t want to tell Alex yet and I hoped I would be returning with good news. Well, I was wrong. Because the moment I stepped into the conference room, my heart dropped straight to my stomach. And it felt like it had dropped from the top of a high building. Charles Baker was there. He stood near the window with a relaxed posture, as if he hadn’t just spent we
Rosa’s POVFor a moment, I thought the gift was from Alex. My heart was racing with excitement. Everyone was looking at me and even my dance partner had stepped away. Just before I took the gift, I caught Alex watching. He didn’t look happy.That was when I realized the gift wasn’t from him.When I turned back to the delivery man, my heart was beating differently.I managed to speak. “Who’s this from?” I demanded.“It’s signed," he said, pointing to a small card.I braced myself and peeked at the card. It was my favourite poem. Only one person knew that. Charles Baker. I started shaking my head. “I cannot accept this,” I said.“I’m sorry, miss,” was all the delivery man responded.The longer I delayed, the more people around watched. Phones were already lifted and they were videoing the moment. I grabbed a pen and signed. Then I pointed to a corner. “Keep it over there, please.”I had no intention of touching the gift. And whatever Charles Baker was doing had to end. I excused myse
Rosa’s POVTonight was Kane Tech’s anniversary. I was feeling dull all day and tucked in bed —maybe it was the after effects of visiting William Bush and the outcome of the meeting that made me feel this way. But I knew I had to be present for the ceremony.Alex had insisted we arrive together, maybe it would be the perfect time to tell the company about our relationship.“A hint,” he said, pulling me to himself. It was a tempting offer. But I knew the risks involved.“I’ll be right behind you,” I told him. “In my own car.”He kissed me softly on the lips, and even that little touch sent electricity through my body. “If you keep kissing me and holding me this way, we might both be late to the event.”“I don’t mind,” he responded.I pushed him off. “The CEO can’t be late to his event.”Presently, I sat in my car, exhaling deeply as I stared at the lavish decorations that were wrapped around the building. It was a sight to behold. But dread curled up in my chest the longer I stared at
Rosa’s POVThe interior of the penthouse was a statement. It wasn’t loud, but you could see all the intention put into it to make it perfect. Every item whispered money, the kind that didn’t need to announce itself, the type that had seen kings rise and fall. The room was lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that revealed the city like it belonged to him, and I imagined it was one of his favorite spots. And when I had finished looking at the window, original large sized art and photographs of William Bush with presidents, monarchs, and oil magnates welcomed me.He knew I was stunned. In fact, he had created this room for that purpose —to introduce who he was without saying a word. And suddenly, I felt like a flea that had wandered into a banquet hall.He stood by the bar, his expression unreadable, as he poured wine for the two of us. Knowing he was powerful, I knew I had to find a way to make him listen to what I had to say. If Charles got him by his side, they would ruin Kane. And I
Rosa’s POVThe first thing I felt when Charles stepped into my office was shock. Then, fear registered. He was not supposed to be here. No one here knew that we had been together and I was pissed that he was now walking into my office. I moved fast. Closing the door wasn’t enough, so I locked it. My heart was beating so loudly that I was sure he could hear it. “What are you doing here?” I demanded, turning around to face him. “Have you lost your mind?”He looked off. Well, at least he’s got his knotting game figured out or he and Nancy were back to being sweethearts. Whatever rocked their boats. Point is, I don’t need him rocking mine. “You shouldn’t be here,” I continued, my voice low but noticeably shaky. “You don’t get to walk into my life like this anymore. You don’t get to —”“I’m not here for that,” he cut in.His words stopped me mid sentence. “This,” he said, gesturing between us. “we’ll talk about it later. That is not why I came.”I didn’t want him around me anymore. An







