FAZER LOGINHARDIN“…should we call the police ?”When I realize my fingers are trembling, I curl them into tight fists.But no matter how much I try to deny it, I can’t escape the fact that Mina is right.Keona never leaves the house without telling anyone.My wife never leaves the house without telling me.I’d made up my mind not to call her, but before I can stop myself, I pull my phone from my left pocket and dial her number. My throat tightens when the call goes straight to voicemail.Something’s not right. “Mina, get Claude. Tell him it’s urgent and—”“Daddy, I’m ready! Do you love my dress…?!”My instructions are cut off as Cora runs into the room, stopping in front of me before twirling in a full circle. One look at her smiling face and those adorable, rosy cheeks is enough to chase every worry from my mind. I drop to one knee in front of her, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before running my fingers through her perfectly styled curls.“You look beautiful, my princess. The most bea
KEONA“…I want to hold you…”I gulp, my gaze drifting involuntarily to the broad expanse of Thane’s chest. Cursing myself inwardly, I quickly look away, forcing my attention back to the calm water. I shouldn’t be looking at another man like this. I’m married for goodness’ sake. But then a cold breeze sweeps across my skin, raising goosebumps along my arms, and suddenly, all I can think about is what it would feel like to have someone hold me.I want to refuse Thane’s offer. I want to be firm and set boundaries right away. But turns out, I’m touch-starved. I need to be held. When was the last time my husband actually held me?Refusing to think too hard about it, and acting on a sudden burst of boldness, I step forward.I look up and my breath catches when I realize that Thane and I are almost chest-to-chest.His eyes are friendly but intense, moving slowly over my face as though he’s taking me in for the first time.And for the first time tonight, a small flicker of doubt creeps int
KEONAI slip out of the house after making sure Cora is sound asleep in the guest bedroom. I could’ve woken her and asked why she didn’t come to me after realizing she no logger loved the decor in her room, but I was too much of a coward.I don’t think I’m strong enough to hear her reason just yet. If she mentions that she did it because of Sophia, I might just fall apart right there.No one notices when I leave. Last I checked, they’d all retired to Hardin’s office, fawning over Sophia’s latest project.Mind you, Hardin hardly ever let me step foot inside his office. But apparently, his childhood sweetheart and dearest mother can come and go as they please.Shaking the gloomy thoughts out of my mind, I ease my car into the private road, my stomach suddenly tightening with nerves.After a close self-inspection, I’m shocked to realize that I’m nervous, not because I might potentially be cheating on my husband, but because I have no idea what to expect when I see Thane again.We’d lost
KEONAMy thumb hovers over the screen as I re-read the invitation over and over again.Thane and I used to be great friends back in college. I admit that I had a teeny-tiny crush on him. But the moment I met Hardin, all the feelings I had for any other man in my life kinda evaporated into thin air.Hardin took over my life like a storm. No other man I’d ever known could hold a candle to his dark beauty and commanding aura. Not even Thane. I get to my feet and pace to the windows overlooking the back gardens.I should say no. No matter the feud between me and Hardin right now, I am still a married woman. I shouldn’t be accepting dates from other men.I don’t even get the chance to make a decision when another notification pops up on my screen.It’s a news alert. Curious, I tap on it, and two seconds later, a picture fills my screen. A picture that almost forces my heart to stop beating.My lips part with shock, my phone trembling in my grasp as I stare at the happy couple on the sc
KEONAFor a few seconds, I can only stare at Sophia, my mind whirling with shock.“Two years?”She nods, almost apologetically. “Hardin gave me the keys when I started coming here. He said it would be easier if I could just come and go whenever I wanted to.”My fingers curl at my sides as I mull over those words. Of course he did. Of course he gave another woman the keys to our matrimonial home for two whole years without bothering to inform me. Before I can even process my emotions properly, footsteps sound behind us. “What’s going on here?” Kaliyah walks into the room, her eyes immediately sweeping over the newly decorated space.As usual, her hair is swept into a tight bun, and her designer skirt and blouse are as pristine as ever. Her face lights up as she turns in a small circle. “Oh, my goodness…”She steps farther inside, taking in the new furniture, the carefully coordinated colours, and the expensive decorations.“This is beautiful, Sophie.” She turns to Sophia with a p
KEONABefore I can say another word, the door behind me swings open;“What is going on here?” I’m still trying to recover from my dizzy spell when Sophia’s voice cuts through the room. “Keona? Who did this to you?”Every head turns. Her eyes land on me first, and for the briefest second, I catch something that looks suspiciously like satisfaction in them. Then it’s gone. Her expression twists into an annoying mixture of rage and pity as she hurries towards me. Before I can co-ordinate my thoughts, soft, delicate arms wrap around my shoulders, gently pulling me upright. “Oh my God, Keona. I’m so, so sorry,” she cries. I grit my teeth and step away from her grip, struggling to swallow the anger that’s currently churning in my guts. “What happened? Did they hurt you?”Her voice is dripping with concern that almost sounds convincing. Almost. She turns towards the men, trembling with rage;“How dare you put your hands on her? Do you have any idea who she is?!”Mr. Rancid Breath sw







