LOGINI had no idea why I called him by his first name. I clearly was not intoxicated, so why did it slip out? He stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent into the leather cushion.“Please can you help me lift him?” I asked the nearest security guard, who looked entirely unbothered by the request but hauled Brian’s dead weight upright anyway, one arm slung heavy across my shoulders, his full weight nearly folding me in half as we half walked, half dragged him toward the exit.We got him into my car, and I laid him across the back seat, slamming the door before I could second-guess the entire situation any further than I already had.Halfway through the drive, a low, rough grunt came from the back seat, and I glanced in the rearview mirror just in time to see him tugging viciously at his tie, fumbling with the buttons of his shirt with the uncoordinated determination of the very drunk. His eyes were still closed. “Absolutely not,” I said out loud to no one, pressing harder on the a
I had not worn anything like the dress she picked out for me in years, completely different from anything currently living in my closet. Becky had pulled from the emergency bag of options she apparently kept in her car for exactly this kind of ambush.I changed into a black and white striped mini dress. The top of the dress was loose and sculptural, draping around my chest before narrowing sharply at my waist. From there, the fabric hugged my hips and curves, fitting snugly over my lower body before ending high on my thighs. The strapless neckline left my shoulders completely bare, exposing my cleavage, while the long fabric draped from one side of my waist, falling almost to my ankles and swaying against my legs whenever I moved. I slipped into a pair of black strappy heels, wrapping the thin straps around my ankles, then glanced at myself in the mirror. The outfit was definitely bolder than what I usually wore.She curled my hair into loose waves I never bothered with for work, swap
I opened my mouth to argue further, but caught the flat, immovable look already settling back over his face, and closed it again, swallowing the protest.I didn’t go down for dinner.I sat on the edge of the unfamiliar guest bed instead, still in my work clothes, listening to rain hammer violently against the window, refusing every offer from Brian’s household staff to send up a plate. The moment I was sure no one could hear me through the walls, I called Becky.“Please tell me you’re not still at that ball,” she answered, with a little laugh.“I wish. I’m at Brian’s, because of the storm.” I took a sharp breath. “Selena’s here. She’s currently downstairs, parading around in a silk robe that barely qualifies as clothing.”“Wait. Why do you even care that she’s in a robe?”“I don’t know,” I sighed. “I sound jealous don’t I?” “Yup. What happened to putting him aside.”“I hate it here. I hate staying close to him,” I said, pulling my knees up to my chest, the confession coming out smal
I was at the office before seven the next morning. Brian’s office stayed dark and empty the entire day. No emails, no summons, nothing. I had the best state of mind. By eleven I had almost convinced myself he had taken the day off entirely, some small, petty relief blooming in my chest at the thought of an entire day without him.At noon, an email finally landed in my inbox. It was from Brian. ‘Bring the Lindqvist renewal documents and the quarterly projections binder to my residence. Address below. I need them reviewed today.’I stared at the unfamiliar downtown address for a long moment, something uneasy twisting low in my stomach, before gathering the files and heading down to my car.The moment I stepped inside Brian’s penthouse, I knew it was exactly what I had expected from him. Huge glass windows overlooked the water, flooding the sleek, modern living room with natural light. Everything was spotless, dark furniture, polished floors, expensive décor. Beautiful, but cold.It sme
I was still holding my drink when she found me again.“Enjoying yourself,” Brian’s date said, appearing at my shoulder with that same practiced smile that never reached her eyes.“I’m working,” I said flatly.“Working,” she repeated, amused. “Right. Is that what we’re calling it.”“You know,” she continued, stepping closer, “Brian mentioned you used to be someone important here. Managing Director, wasn’t it?” She tilted her head. “Funny how far people fall when they’re not actually as necessary as they think they are.”“If you’ll excuse me—”Her hand shot out, flicking my glass upward. Red wine hit my chest in a cold, dark splash, soaking straight through the fabric of my gown.A sharp gasp rippled through the small cluster of guests nearest us, someone’s champagne glass pausing halfway to their lips, a woman nearby pressing a hand to her own mouth in shock.The crystal embellishments across my bodice, which had been catching the chandelier light all evening, went dull instantly, weigh
“Eighteen point five million—” Suddenly, a paddle snapped up from the very back of the room.My eyes widened. The rival bidder wasn’t finished; he had tried to catch Brian off guard. A few people laughed nervously at the sheer theater of it. Brian’s jaw visibly tightened. His dark gaze never broke from mine as his hand went up.“Eighteen point eight million.”A collective gasp moved through the ballroom like a wave. The rival bidder stared at him for several agonizing seconds, his face turning a deep crimson, before raising his paddle one final time.“Eighteen point nine.”Brian didn’t even wait for the auctioneer to breathe. “Twenty million.”The entire room fell into an absolute, suffocating silence. The rival bidder slowly lowered his paddle in defeat. The auctioneer looked around, almost breathless himself. “Twenty million dollars. Do I hear twenty point one?”Nothing.“Going once.”My heartbeat pounded violently against my ribs, the sound roaring in my own ears. Brian’s gaze rem
“Mummy, but I don't want to stay home.” Miguel crawled on his bed to meet me from where I sat on his bed to hug me.“No baby, your body says otherwise. It's burning hot.” I place my palm on his forehead. “Ouch! so hot.” I fan my hand. He laughed faintly. “No mummy I'm not.” I sighed. Healthy Migu
“You're pregnant,” The doctor said smiling.“What do you mean? I don't understand,” The word didn't register.“You're pregnant. Congratulations,” She said smiling “On your way out, ask one of the nurses in the reception to guide you to the obstetrician.” I nodded leaving the office numb founded as
"Give me his number.” She demanded.“I don't have his, just the agent's number,” I murmured. “Damn it,” Becky hissed, pulling away from me as she raked her hands through her glossy brunette hair. “Save your tears, love. Fucking bastard should have left your things inside till you came. Maros told
“The landlord. He evicted you from the house” my heart dropped “They broke into your house yesterday and took your things out. He kept screaming about your unpaid rent” My world crashed, I couldn't speak.“I'm on my way Maros” I muttered.I froze, not sure if I should run home, email the agent and







