LOGINI never understood the concept of a date. We dress up just to sit in a restaurant for two hours and discuss things of little consequence when there are far more important matters at hand.In this case I have to try. Because if I don't, the woman I'm about to marry will read it as disinterest. Which, to be fair, is accurate. Whatever chemistry she believes exists between us is entirely sustained by the smile I keep producing on cue.The wine I refilled every two minutes was the only thing keeping me upright while Vanessa talked about our future. She even mentioned kids.Kids.I found that laughable. The idea of me as someone's father was a thought I'd never consciously allowed to form. I don't hate the idea of little, living, breathing humans but I also don't fancy it. When Amy used to bring Jafar in he was always energetic and genuinely happy, but I also found it quietly sad. Because one day he'll grow up and have struggles. Struggles that could have been avoided entirely if he'd just
I've never been able to suppress my emotions. I've tried, multiple times, but my tears were always the giveaway. It's like he opens his mouth and they just come flowing.I've accepted the fact that I'm not over him. And I don't think I will be any time soon. It took me two years to get over Liam, and I didn't see him once during that time, which helped. I really hope to God I never see Liam again.How long it'll take me to get over Darnell, I genuinely don't know. Considering I have to see him every time I walk into the company, and he's marrying Vanessa, so I'll see him at every family dinner and function and every other thing for the rest of my life.In conclusion, I don't think I'm ever getting over him.I cried in front of him today. In his office. That's what he wanted and I gave it to him. I hope he's somewhere jerking off the satisfaction of watching me break."Rhea, why is the kitchen a mess and what the fuck are you eating?!" Lana said, walking in wearing her pajamas, eyes mo
"...and with that I'd like to conclude by congratulating Blackridge's finest CEO, Mr. Donovan."Applause followed Rayna, our head of management, and the whole table turned to me with full smiles."We're all so happy for you, sir," Rayna added."Thank you," I replied with a half smile."That'll be all," Rayna said. "Mr. Donovan, would you like to add anything?""We're in the next phase now. Blackridge will need full cooperation from every member, shareholder, and partner."They nodded and the meeting was over. Everyone filed out except Rayna. I stayed seated, eyes on the chart still displayed on the board."Thirty-eight percent isn't enough."Rayna moved closer and sat to my left. "It's off to a good start. We were at fifteen in January. If everything goes to plan we'll be at seventy before year end.""You're right.""Sir, I've been wanting to speak with you but you haven't been around.""I'm here now.""It's about your engagement to Vanessa Bennett. And how it's being received interna
Never in a million years would I have imagined sitting in front of a private screen watching a show called Ten Ways to Hide a Body.Though it's not the worst thing Maurice has ever dragged me into. He once made sure our car broke down in the middle of nowhere at midnight because someone told him he couldn't survive a night in the woods without supplies. The idiot didn't mention his plan to me and I spent the night under a rock."Did you see that? It was right there and she didn't even see it," Maurice yelled at the screen, spitting chewed popcorn directly at me.I wiped it off my face with a look of pure disgust and cleaned my hand on his shirt. "If you spit on me one more time I'm leaving."His teeth worked and he opened his mouth to say something. I gave him a look. He swallowed it. "This is literally one of the best shows ever."I took a sip of the drink I'd laced with liquor and watched the woman on screen drag a body across the stairs toward her basement."If you didn't want to b
"Can I ask you a favour?""Sure," I said, barely above a whisper."I'm leaving and my plant needs someone to look after it—""Done. I'll take care of it," I said, and her whole face lifted like I'd just offered her a kidney.She grabbed the box from her desk. "I haven't had time to prepare for my flight tomorrow so I'll head off now.""But we haven't covered everything. I'm not ready.""Go through the file, follow his calendar, and you'll be fine."I pressed my lips together and exhaled slowly. "This is too much.""Oh, wait." She went to the shelf and pulled out a document. "Make sure he signs this."I took it. "What is it?""The agreement for—he'll know what it is when he sees it."I nodded and read the heading: Vantrix Enterprises Partnership. "You'll do just fine, Rhea," Amy said, noticing my face."Do you actually believe that?"She looked around the room. Then back at me. "I don't. But I really hope so."I sighed loudly at my life."I'll be back later in the day," Amy promised.
I'm not religious, but all I want to do right now is recite a prayer that ends with, so help me God, Amen.Because so help me God, I don't fucking lose my mind. I've had three days to think about what a total clusterfuck my life has become. And in those three days, I've gathered a hundred and three reasons why I should move to Montenegro, change my name to Anabel, and start a new life there. Maybe make friends with the locals, help them tend their vineyards, and teach the teenagers not to sleep with their sister's fiancé when they're all grown up so they don't end up like Rhea Bennett.I knocked softly on the door. "Hey, good morning," I greeted Amy with a warm smile.She was standing by her desk shoving things into a box with extra force. She turned at my voice and God, she looked terrible. Sulky eyebags, pale skin, hair with rogue strands pointing in different directions. "You're here," she exhaled. "Come in."I walked into her office and despite everything going on it was actually
“It’s been a while since you let me beat your ass.” Maurice rolls his shoulders, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet as he circles the ring. I smirk, tightening my gloves. “The last time we fought, I beat you. Remember?” He scoffs. “You call that a win? I was going easy on you.” “You alway
“Hey… hey, wake up.” My eyelids felt heavy as I forced them open, blinking against the blur. A dull throb pressed at the back of my head. “Rhea, sit up.” The figure above me slowly came into focus. Lana. My brows drew together. “What… how—?” I pushed myself upright, dragging the blanket with m
“I had sex with your fiancé… but it was a mistake.” No. That was too cold. “Vanessa… I slept with Darnell, but it was before I knew he was your fiancé.” Fuck. My chest tightened, and I exhaled slowly, the air leaving me in a shaky breath. I was parked outside Vanessa’s apartment building, my he
“Hey, baby. How’s work today? It’s late and you’re probably tired, but I was wondering if you could come over… I have some new sketches for my wedding dress I’d like you to see. And maybe we could have a drink or two…” I paused the voicemail and dropped the phone onto the passenger seat. The strain







