Hello, dear readers! I want to apologize for a mistake I made with the recent updates. Yesterday, I accidentally skipped a chapter and uploaded the wrong one. I've corrected it today, so the missing chapter is now in place! If it seems like you’ve read the same content twice, don’t worry—it’s not a repeat. Please go back one chapter, and you’ll find the missing piece of the story! (I’ve also revised this chapter and made some slight edits to improve it, so feel free to give it another read!) Also, I know I haven’t updated for a few days, but rest assured, I’ve been using this time to carefully plan the upcoming chapters. I’m so excited because the story is about to get even more thrilling! Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to me, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. Thank you for your patience and continued support!
(DWAYNE'S POV) As I settled Maverick into the seat beside me, the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. The sudden rush of chaos had passed, and now the room was filled with the soft clinking of silverware and the low hum of conversation. Crisis averted. With the atmosphere settling back into
When the crowd had thinned and most of the Langleys and their guests were scattered around the deck, some sightseeing, others making small talk, I made my move. Micheal was standing by the railing, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert, scanning the horizon. As I approached Micheal, Margaux was wa
(ARIELLE'S POV) As I stepped out onto the deck after dinner, the cool evening breeze swept through my hair like a soothing caress. The sky was a beautiful sight to see at that time of the day, a hue of blue and white. Beside me, Ashley and Maverick were deep in conversation, laughter spilling out
"No," I said simply, shaking my head. "I don’t have anything against you. I just don’t enjoy alcohol. Sorry. I’ll just take this." I reached for the water on the table and took a symbolic sip. “Well, whatever,” she shrugged, the friendly smile not leaving her face. I nodded. “So what is it you wa
Dwayne seemed like he wanted to argue, but he let me be. "Okay, get some rest then." He patted my shoulder fondly, and I nodded, walking on. As I entered my room, the familiar relief of solitude washed over me, but it was short-lived. The moment I crossed the threshold and stepped closer to the bed
(ARIELLE'S POV) The bathroom door creaked open, and out stepped Dwayne. His hair was damp from a shower, droplets sliding down his broad, muscled chest. For a split second, we both just stared at each other, equally startled. “Arielle?” His deep voice broke the silence, his brows knitting together
I barely registered what happened next—the blur of movement, Dwayne’s body still radiating heat as he carried me into the bathroom. The sharp scent of his aftershave mingled with the steamy air, and I felt my pulse quicken coursing through me. He set me down gently, his touch lingering just a fracti
She must have thought the drug was already in full effect, so she’d walk in the perfect time and catch us tangled together on the bed, naked, exposed. I turned to Dwayne, and the look on his face mirrored my thoughts. His jaw was tight, but he gave nothing away. I could feel my hands tremble as ang
The possibility of getting to cook again filled me with strength. “Let’s make a stop at a grocery shop,” I said to Ashley. “Of course. We’d also pick up something for you to eat as well. You haven’t..” “No!” I said more sharply than intended. “Please. I’ll eat when I’m done cooking,” I maintained
(ARIELLE’S POV.) It felt like stepping out of a dream. A long one. The world was a blur around me, full of bright colors swirling into each other in a dizzying dance in the corners of my eyes. Slowly, my vision settled and the colors faded into the fluorescent bulb hanging down from the ceiling. I
(JARED’S POV) The next day, I pulled out of the hotel's driveway, Arielle and Ashley chatting away in the backseat. The atmosphere was lively, with Arielle's infectious laughter and Ashley’s bright smile. I was glad to see Arielle so carefree, even on a day like today. Ashley's presence was a bless
“Okay, how about… the bartender from that rooftop dinner we went to?” “Arielle!” Ashley exclaimed, feigning offense. “Seriously? A random bartender?” I shrugged. “Hey, you never know. Besides, you said it yourself that he was your type.” She rolled her eyes and didn't say a word. I continued the
(ARIELLE’S POV) I halted, my mind going blank. Pregnant? Ashley? It felt unbelievable. The Ashley I know would never let a man knock her up without marriage, she was that uptight. My eyes darted from her beaming face to the hand she was now placing on her stomach. “Pregnant?” The word escaped my l
(ARIELLE'S POV) “Surprise!” She exclaimed, her face beaming with smiles as she stepped fully into the room, pulling a small suitcase behind her. My jaw dropped, and my eyes widened. She looked tired from her trip, but her radiant smile masked it well. “Ashley, what are you doing here?” I asked, st
(ARIELLE'S POV) Back in my room at the hotel, I sat in front of my phone that was placed on the bed’s dashboard, waiting for my mom to answer the phone. Excitement coursed through my system like an unending river, and I couldn't wait to share the good news with my loved ones, my mom topping the cha
“I won’t be long in the shower,” he promised as he dashed into the bathroom. I picked up my phone and found a couple of missed calls from Michael Langley. A little frown crossed my face until I realized he might’ve worried after checking on me at my suite. I didn’t owe him any explanations of cours
(ARIELLE’S POV) I was awake—eyes closed, but very much aware of my surroundings. I could feel the gentle early morning breeze dance over my skin as it traveled across the room. The warmth of Jared’s skin against mine, his spring arms wrapped around me like a second blanket, brought back very vivid