CASPIAN’s POVReaching Dorian, I sank to my knees in front of the bed, right where he sat at the edge. My chest hurt at the sight of him. His palms were pressed tight against his face, his shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. Slowly, I reached up, gently prying his hands away until his tear-swollen eyes met mine.“Dorian…” My voice was raw, trembling before I could steady it.His lips shook. His breath stuttered. And then, like a knife in my chest, he recoiled. “Don’t touch me,” he whispered, sliding back across the sheets, away from me.The rejection cut deeper than I was prepared for, but I couldn’t stop. I climbed onto the bed, crawling closer even as he dragged himself to the center. “Please…” I reached out, my fingers aching to hold him.“Please?” His voice cracked. “Please for what?”“For forgiveness. For trust. For… anything you’ll still give me.” My words spilled out.His face twisted, torn between anger and sorrow. “I just don’t want you near me,” he cried, clutching at his sh
CASPIAN’s POVDorian was halfway down the stairs, Xavier chasing after him, while Alexandra froze in the dining area, a tray trembling in her hands. My parents sat stiff in the living room, their eyes locked on the scene.My chest clenched so hard I could barely breathe. This was it. The nightmare I had avoided all my life. My parents were about to see the truth I had tried to hide. That I loved a man. That I wanted him.What would they think of me now?I bolted forward, catching Dorian just before he reached the bottom step. My hands grabbed his shoulders like he was my last anchor.“Dorian,” I whispered, my voice shaking.He blinked. “Please? For what?”“You don’t remember much because of… your illness. We’ll talk later, I promise.” I darted a glance at my parents, their eyes sharp and waiting. My throat burned as I forced the words out. “For now, you’re my employee. Just… just an injured staff member. That’s it. Please.”Dorian studied my face, then turned to them with a small, kno
Mary clutched her chest as she began gasping for air. Her husband quickly passed her a bottle of water as he rubbed her back. Victoria’s skin burned with jealousy before she pulled Dorian away from Caspian whose face was full of concern. Dorian found his grip and stopped a few meters away from them. “After ruining my life, how dare you come here to stop my wedding?” she demanded. “Victoria, no one will show empathy for you. If by now you haven’t realized it. Let me help you to, darling.” Dorian breathed, pausing for a while.“Caspian is mine. He’s the air that I breathe.” He added, his words cutting into Victoria’s skull. A smile spread on Alexandra’s face before she beckoned to Xavier. Quickly, they moved to where Mary and Maxwell sat. She bowed before them and whispered some words into Mary’s right ear. Mary’s eyes brightened. “Are you sure? Are you not lying to me?” She asked, breathing shakily. Her body shivering. Alexandra nodded her head, her eyes gleamy. “So, that’s why w
Through the heavy silence, the figure stepped in, his stride slow as every of his movements dripped with composure. His suit caught the light with a subtle gleam, the black file bag dangling from his hand like a verdict yet to be read.Gasps scattered across the room. Cameras clicked as whispers swelled like a wave.“Dorian…” Caspian muttered. His chest tightened, and for a split second, his eyes found Dorian’s which held a silent reassuring plea.“Why… why…” Victoria stammered, clutching her bouquet so tightly. “This can’t be happening.”As soon as Dorian stood a few feet away from the altar, the priest’s brows furrowed. His voice was gentle, but steady. “Young man, may I ask why you have objected to this wedding?”The congregation leaned forward, hungry for the hot action happening in their presence. Cameramen angled closer, flashes lightening the air. That very reporter from earlier had a smirk on her face as she continued typing some words down on her tablet. Dorian smiled. A f
When the car rolled to a stop before the church, the sun flashed against rows of luxury cars, each one gleaming like tribute. Lucifer was there instantly, opening her door, freeing her gown from the snare of the pavement with a precise grip. She allowed it, just this once. A queen permitted a knight his use.Her father waited at the entrance, guarded. Martins extended his arm, his jaw tight. “You’re certain this is wise?”Victoria slid her hand through his arm, her chin tilting higher. “Everything I do is wise. Marriage, Father, is the cleanest way to launder power.”His nostrils flared. “Marriage is not a transaction.”Her lips curved—not a smile, but a baring of teeth. “Everything is a transaction. You of all people should know that.”His silence was answer enough. Together they entered the church, and the atmosphere bent toward her. Cameras flashed and gasps fluttered as every head turned. She drank it in like consecration.A flicker caught her. Deborah was seated on the left. For
Victoria stood before the mirror, her figure bathed in pale light. The gown clung to her like a crown of silk, its jeweled shimmer drawing out the gleam in her eyes. She tilted her chin, admiring not just her beauty, but her inevitability.The door creaked. Collins slipped inside, his hands tucked behind his back.“I’m here.”Her reflection didn’t change. “And what use is that announcement? You think I can’t see?”“You asked me to be here at nine.”“And I am no dullard.” She turned smoothly, her heels whispering against the carpet. A purse rested on the bed; she lifted it, opened it, and with a flick of her wrist, sent a bundle of cash spinning through the air.Collins caught it, his lips tugging into a grateful smile. “Thank you, ma’am.”But before he reached the door, her voice rang, cool as icewater.“Wouldn’t you wish me a happy married life?”He paused, shifting uneasily. “Happy married life, ma’am. Take care of yourself.”“And you?” Her eyes narrowed, watching. “Not even curious