ANMELDEN“So how’s your trip going?” Sebastian asked, the phone pitched between his shoulder and ear as he typed furiously on his keyboard.“It’s going fine. We went to the beach, even went swimming with the jellyfish.” She trailed off as the wind howled on the other end. “…And we got invited to a party.”He paused his typing and placed the phone back on the table. “Should I be worried?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.Chloe just laughed. “Are you jealous I would cheat on you?”“Nah, I know you won’t,” he resumed typing. “I’m just worried about some random guy bothering you. You’re just too pretty.”She laughed at the compliment, pulling the phone away slightly. “Don’t worry. You have zero competition with any randos.”He smiled on his end even though she couldn’t see it.“I do wish you could see this. I wish you were here right now,” she said wistfully, resting her head against a wooden beam.“You more than anyone know I can’t right now,” he replied, humming.“I can’t believe Liam Hayes could
Sunlight slipped through the cracked window, bathing both mother and child in its glow.Autumn was still sound asleep when a continuous tap on her cheek woke her. “A minute… I’ll be up in a minute,” she grumbled, turning her back and pulling the covers over herself.A childlike giggle erupted at her action. Her eyes instantly flew open as she sat up in bed.Fin was sitting on his knees at the head of the bed, still smiling. She stared at him wide-eyed. *How did he get here…?* Then the memories from yesterday flooded back — taking him from the Kingston Estate, the school function, coming back home.She ran a hand over her face.“Forgot you’re an early riser,” she yawned.“Good morning, Mommy,” he climbed onto her lap and hugged her.“Hmm. Your breath stinks. Let’s get you ready for the day.” She lifted him and carried him to the bathroom.They laughed at the silly faces she made while getting him ready. When they were done, she walked out hand in hand with him.He tugged at her hand. S
It was the weekend for Autumn — no work, and a chance to take it easy and relax.Unfortunately for her, she couldn’t. Her mind had been plagued by Ezra’s words. They played on repeat, tormenting her until she finally managed to fall asleep in the early hours of the morning.She was already prepared to spend the rest of the day overthinking and micro-analysing everything, trying to find where she might have given him the impression that she was interested in him as more than a friend.Luckily for her, she didn’t have to torture herself any longer. That sweet relief came in the form of Eric — or more precisely, Gabriel.“Sir wanted me to inform you to be at the estate grounds before 10 a.m.,” he conveyed.“Is there a reason I should be there on a weekend?” she asked, biting back a yawn and trying to keep her eyes open. “I don’t have any business with your boss.”“Sir said you should come to the manor to spend time with young master Fin.”He had told her that Eric had permitted her to sp
Ezra returned home — not to his family’s estate, but to his own place.He tossed the car keys onto the coffee table, discarded his jacket, and slumped onto the sofa. Running a hand through his already messy hair, he let out a frustrated breath.“Fuck. I’m a coward,” he chastised himself. “I couldn’t just say it. I couldn’t look her in the eyes and tell her that I loved her.”He punched the cushion. Hard.“This is the exact same shit I did that made her get involved with that man.” He buried his face in his hands.“Am I going to keep quiet? Not tell her how I feel until she gets back with her ex?”The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. The idea of letting her go back to Eric was something he couldn’t accept. He stood up, grabbed his keys, and stormed toward the door.Then he stopped.He thought about the way his family had treated her tonight — the open disdain, the venom in their words. Was he willing to subject her to that?He couldn’t protect her from them.“If only I was the
“Aunt, Autumn is going nowhere.” Ezra stepped to her side, shielding her from the onslaught of words.“You dare defy me?” she yelled, pointing a trembling finger at Autumn. “Because of this harlot?”“Aunt, please refrain from speaking to Autumn like that,” he said, his voice respectful but laced with clear disappointment. “I already told you she is my friend. Someone I cherish. I do not appreciate you speaking to her that way.”“And I told you not to bring this woman here. Whatever is said and done is because of you,” she huffed.“Mother, there is no need to get yourself worked up over trivial matters like this,” William’s wife said, moving to stand beside her and taking her hands.“Deborah, you are such a sensible and well-mannered child… unlike some low-class social climbers.” Her words were aimed directly at Autumn and her status.Ezra simmered with silent anger. He had wanted to introduce Autumn to his family so they could meet the woman who held his heart. Seeing her so utterly
The door to the back seat opened. A pair of slender legs appeared, followed by delicate fingers wrapping around the outstretched hand. He helped her out, the skirt of her dress gliding behind her. As she stepped out, Autumn took her time taking in the architecture of the Sterling estate. Even though it paled in comparison to the Kingston estate, it was still breathtaking. She couldn’t help but marvel at it. It was true old money — riches passed down through generations. “Are you ready?” Ezra whispered gently, drawing her attention back to him. “Yeah.” She turned and smiled at him. “Your family home is beautiful.” They walked together toward the main entrance. She saw people crowded together, talking and exchanging words. She felt painfully out of place. It was the same feeling she used to get when she attended these kinds of events with Eric. Ezra took his time introducing her to a few of his friends and acquaintances. “You know this doubles as an art show,” he said, pulli
The light from the morning sun blinded my eyes, forcing me to squint as I woke up in an unfamiliar room. For a split second, I panicked, my heart racing as I tried to remember where I was. Then, the events of last night crashed into my mind. I buried my face in the silk pillows, blushing at the mem
It had been a few days since the incident at the bistro, and a heavy, suffocating silence had settled between Eric and me. We moved around the estate like two planets in a dangerous orbit—close enough to feel the pull of gravity, but terrified of a collision. I had managed to sneak a text to Marco
Autumn stood before the ornate mirror in the foyer, checking her reflection one last time. She adjusted the strap of her bag, her fingers lingering on the leather. She felt like herself again.Chloe, ever the observant shadow, wandered into the foyer with a bowl of sliced fruit, munching slowly. Sh
The car pulled up to the Seta by Antonio Guida, and we were led through the sleek, turquoise-accented halls of the hotel to Seta by Antonio Guida. Eric had reserved a private section, a secluded nook that felt worlds away from the bustling streets of Milan. The lighting was low, the air filled with







