ログインThe room exploded into a mess of bright flashes. The cameras didn't stop clicking. Inside, everything was moving too fast.“It seems there is a mix-up,” the announcer said, his voice shaking.Anna couldn't breathe. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She stared at the screen and felt sick. That was her work. Every curve and every detail belonged to her. How did Luca’s company have the exact same thing?“This looks like plagiarism,” someone shouted from the crowd.“A scam!” an investor yelled, standing up.Luca’s face turned bright red. He looked like he wanted to break something. He grabbed his phone and called Jake, but it went straight to voicemail. He hissed a curse and typed a fast message: What the hell is going on? Answer me!Vincent rushed to Anna’s side. He put a hand on her arm. “Anna, how is this possible?” he asked softly. He didn't sound like he blamed her. He looked worried. “This is your design, right?”“It’s mine,” Anna whispered. Her eyes were wide and confused. “But
Anna paced the living room, her bare feet silent against the cold tiles. The clock on her phone glowed 11:47 p.m. She refreshed the screen again, as if the numbers might change.“It’s almost midnight and he still isn’t back yet,” she murmured, worry threading through her voice.A soft knock broke the silence. Her lips curved into a quick, relieved smile. “It’s him.”Before she could take a step, the door swung open. Anthony stepped inside, shoulders heavy, movements slow.“What happened? Why are you out so late?” she asked, moving toward him.He didn’t answer.She studied his face under the warm light of the living room lamp. The color had drained from his skin, leaving him pale and drawn. Dark circles shadowed his eyes.“Are you okay?” Her voice softened with concern. “Is there something bothering you?”Anthony’s gaze finally met hers. For a long second, he just looked at her, fear flickering in his eyes — the kind of fear that came with knowing one sentence could unravel everything.
“I missed you so much,” Anthony murmured against Anna’s lips, his voice thick and slurred with need. He pulled back just enough to breathe before crashing his mouth to hers again, this time even hungrier, more desperate than ever. His hands roamed greedily over her body as if he couldn’t get close enough.Anna broke the kiss with a soft gasp, her chest heaving. “Let’s catch our breath a little,” she panted, forehead resting against his.“Don’t you miss me too?” Anthony asked, sounding almost like a pouty child, his fingers still digging possessively into her hips.“We see each other every day, Anthony,” she replied, still perched on his lap, a small smile tugging at her swollen lips.“I know…” He leaned in, voice dropping to a rough whisper. “But I miss this.”He captured her lips once more, and this time their tongues tangled hotly. The kiss deepened, turning wild and frantic. They sank onto the bed together, bodies pressing urgently against each other as soft, needy moans filled the
“I’ve got great news for you, Jake,” Luca said, a wide grin splitting his face. He slid his tablet across the desk.Jake picked it up. His eyes widened as he stared at the designs glowing on the screen. Sleek. Bold. Different.“They loved it,” Luca continued. “Said it’s fresh, unique. If this takes off, you might just get that promotion.”A slow smile spread across Jake’s face, warm and real. His chest felt lighter. This was exactly what he needed right now — a chance to rise, to climb higher than he’d ever gone. Maybe high enough to tower over Anthony. High enough for Anna to finally look at him again.“This means a lot, sir,” Jake said, his voice thick with excitement he couldn’t hide.Luca waved a hand. “No need to thank me. You earned this. That design… no one else has anything like it.” His eyes flickered with something sharp. “You know how badly I want to crush the Jeffreys. This could be our way. Mine and yours.”Jake barely heard the last part. All he could picture was his nam
The words hit Jake like a punch to the gut. Nausea rolled in his stomach as Anthony turned and walked away, calm and victorious.The moment Anthony’s car disappeared down the street, Jake stormed inside the house. He found Anna in the hallway and blocked her path.“Why does he have to drop you off?” Jake demanded, voice thick with bitterness. “I can do it. I’m still your husband.”Anna let out an exhausted sigh, annoyance flashing across her face. “You know what? I really don’t have time for this. I don’t want to argue or fight with you, Jake.” She tried to step around him. “Move aside. I need to go see my mother.”He grabbed her wrist and squeezed, his grip harder than he intended.“When are you going to stop this?” he growled.“You’re hurting me, you piece of shit!” Anna winced, pain shooting up her arm.The sound of her voice snapped Jake back to reality. If he wanted any chance of getting her back, he couldn’t afford to be aggressive. He released her wrist instantly, regret flashi
“You’re staring,” Anna said, pausing with her fork halfway to her mouth. Her gaze lifted to meet Anthony’s, who hadn’t looked away from her once.A slow, unguarded smile touched his lips. “I just miss you so much,” he murmured, his voice low and rough with honesty. His eyes held that familiar warm glow they always carried when she was near — like she was the only light in his world.Anna tilted her head, studying him with a hint of suspicion. “I’m still a little surprised you’re okay with me staying at my mom’s to take care of her.”Anthony reached across the table and brushed his thumb over the back of her hand. “I know how much you love her. She’s not in the best shape right now, and it’s only right that you’re there for her.” He paused, his expression softening further. “Besides… I trust you, Anna. You won’t do anything to break my heart.”He pouted dramatically and pressed a hand to his chest, earning a soft scoff and an eye-roll from her. For a moment, her smile returned — bright
"I am sorry I am late," Anthony said, sliding into his chair. Opposite him, Mr. Jeffery didn't look up; he simply deepened the scowl etched into his face."I have been sitting here for over thirty minutes," Mr. Jeffery muttered, his voice dropping to a low, sharp edge. "You have never shown up to a
"Yeah, I tried to sleep with someone else, but it didn't work out," Anthony said casually. He shrugged, genuinely not seeing why it mattered. Anna’s expression went blank. "Oh," she said, her voice dropping to a flat, hollow whisper. "I have to go now." Anthony sat up, his brow furrowed. "You
"You can hear me clearly, Mrs. Anna. I want to see what you have prepared for this meeting," Anthony said. His voice was clipped, cutting through the silence of the room. Anna froze. Her heart hammered against her ribs. What was she supposed to present? She looked around the long table, her pul
"You're back early," Jake muttered. He backed away from the woman, his body slackening as the heat of the moment died. Anna’s fingernails dug into her palms, drawing blood. She bit her lip so hard she tasted copper, fighting the urge to scream. "You couldn't even take it to a motel?" Her voice







