LOGINCIARA“So? Is this enough to convince you that I’m trustworthy? That I really do have plenty of evidence?” Rowan asked, but I didn’t answer. My eyes just locked onto his laptop screen as I sat in his study.It was all there—a whole folder, photos and videos lined up in neat, damning rows. The sight of Yuri and Austin kissing made something cold twist in my stomach. Even just clicking through these files, knowing there was more, so much more, made me feel sick. Yet, I forced myself to keep going.Maybe if I saw enough, if I kept staring, my feelings for Austin would finally burn out and leave nothing behind.But the truth was, I still had feelings for him, even after all this. As much as I hated and denied it. After all, six years of loving someone doesn’t just disappear, no matter how furious you were.“You sure want to torment yourself. Is seeing one piece of evidence not enough?” Rowan’s voice broke the silence again. He was standing right next to me, close enough that I could feel
CIARAI suppose desperation really does make a person reckless. The moment I said yes to Rowan, I found myself right back inside his house, just as I’d insisted over the phone, waiting for him to arrive.Rowan had initially wanted to meet in his office, to hammer out our arrangement in that neutral, professional space. But I’d refused, point-blank. Given the risks involved, I wanted to avoid any gossip or speculation swirling around us, especially when the scandal of my running away from my wedding was still fresh.Instead, I’d told him I’d wait for him here. Now, with Rowan and Luis both out, I sat alone on the couch, hands clenched together as I kept wondering if I was making the right decision—or if I’d just made the biggest mistake of my life.“Have this, Ma’am.” Alicia appeared suddenly, carrying a small tray with a sandwich and a cup of chamomile tea.“Thank you,” I replied, managing a small smile as she set them on the center table. There was something gentle about the way she
CIARA“Good morning, Ma’am Ciara.” The employees greeted me as I stepped through the entrance of the building. Their smiles were bright as always, but I could see the caution and curiosity flickering in their eyes.They likely already knew about my dramatic escape from the wedding yesterday. After all, it was hard to miss the way their gazes lingered on me, filled with unasked questions. Still, I pushed aside their stares and walked confidently until I reached my office door.Despite the turmoil that twisted inside me, I knew I had to focus on work. As the managing director of the company, I had always maintained a clear boundary between my personal life and my professional responsibilities, and this separation helped me keep everything running smoothly.Once I settled into my chair, I buried myself in paperwork, the stacks of documents becoming my refuge. I worked for hours without pausing, moving through tasks like a robot. It wasn’t until a sharp knock interrupted my rhythm that I
CIARA“Fucking hell, I knew that woman was fake,” I muttered as I wiped away the tears stinging my eyes. It was almost surreal, the way Dad had just disregarded me. He’d never so much as raised his voice before, not even once, let alone hurt me. Yet now, in a single afternoon, it felt like I’d been erased.All because of Yuri.As soon as I stepped out of the gate, I froze when I saw the familiar car parked on the other side of the road. It was like it had been waiting just for me. For a second, I just stared, unsure if I was seeing things right. Then I walked over, knuckles rapping softly against the window. It just took a few seconds when Luis rolled it down.“Why are you still here?” I asked, trying to make sense of it. “Were you waiting for me the whole time?”“No, I went back to the hotel to get your stuff. Then I drove back because Sir Rowan told me to wait for you. He said you’d need a ride.” His words sent a chill up my arms, goosebumps rising instantly.“Shit, your boss is fre
CIARA“Knock it off!” I snapped, frowning as I pressed my palm flat against Rowan’s chest, but pushing him was like trying to move a wall. He didn’t so much as flinch.After a few more pathetic shoves, I gave up, my arms falling limp at my sides. I half-expected him to try something, honestly, but he just stayed where he was, looming, but never crossing the line.“Well, at least you stopped crying,” he said, finally getting up off the bed. For a second, he just stood there, staring down at me like I was some kind of pathetic insect that was slowly dying, while I stayed lying on the mattress. I bit my lip and put an arm over my eyes, wishing I could disappear, or at least have someone by my side who was normal for once.“Do you know how pissed your father was? He kept apologizing to my father earlier.” Rowan’s words made me peek up at him, and I jerked upright. “You might be his only daughter, but what you did is definitely going to put your family in the spotlight… Not to mention your
CIARAFate? That was the last thing I expected to hear from someone this manly. Honestly, he didn’t seem like the type to believe in fate, or destiny, or anything that couldn’t be touched or proven. But maybe I was wrong.Maybe I really couldn’t judge a book by its cover.“So… where are you taking me, mister?” I asked, suddenly realizing how quickly I’d agreed to leave with him. He’d just said he was going to unwind, and for some reason, I’d gone along with it, barely thinking twice.“My friend owns a bar around here, and tonight’s the soft opening,” he said, hands buried in the pockets of his leather coat.Walking beside him, I felt so much smaller than usual—it was almost strange, but not in a bad way. There was something about it that made me feel protected. He reminded me of Austin, but this guy was taller, broader, more solid than Austin ever was.“I see, then I guess I’ll accompany you. I need a drink anyway.” I shrugged, following him through the busy sidewalk, people moving pa







