Liora The spa reception area felt like another world entirely. The air was cooler here, crisp against my skin, carrying that subtle lavender scent Diana had insisted on testing for weeks until she found the perfect balance. Not sharp or cloying. But enough to soothe without announcing itself. A place meant to calm the body before words were even exchanged.The decor carried the same philosophy and clean lines, but softened with muted earth whispers of nature. A tall fiddle leaf fig reached toward the ceiling in one corner, its wide leaves glossy beneath the overhead light. Beside the seating area, orchids bloomed in pristine white, their delicacy almost unreal. It didn’t look like a business meant to take. It looked like a sanctuary meant to give. It is actually, I thought with a flicker of pride, that was exactly what it was.Behind the counter sat two receptionists in their twenties. Their black shirts and trousers mirrored the sample uniforms Diana had sent me weeks ago, blending
Liora “Merci, Professeur… au revoir.”The words left my lips soft but certain. I ended the call and shut the laptop. French class done, at least for today.The clock on the wall blinked a little after nine. Sunlight pooled through the curtains, spilling across the marble counter where my untouched cup of tea had long gone cold.Two days had passed since I told Damien about the weight pressing on my heart. Vale and Nana Helen's names still lived in my chest like rocks.For Vale, I wasn’t sure if she’d ever be interested in being my friend. I told myself I could accept that, even though I wouldn’t be happy. A girl could always use a friend, especially now. And Nana Helen, my heart ached just thinking of her. In my old life, she had been constant, warm, maybe a little too much at times, but hers was the kind of love that stuck to your skin. I wanted her back. I wanted her voice, her hugs, her fussing.And then there was Damien. Who kept pumping money into my account like water into a g
DawnI hadn’t meant for it to go this far tonight. I planned to give Ethan only a taste, just enough to have him clinging tighter when the real moves unfolded later. That’s how my mother taught me to string them along, enjoy their hunger, but never give them everything until it benefits you.But as his hands dug into my waist and his mouth swallowed my gasps, I realized there was still something in me that wanted to enjoy this man. Not for love. Not even for loyalty. But for the sheer reminder of how good he once was at making me lose myself.When his body pressed me against the sofa, I arched for him. My gown was already forgotten on the floor, its sheer fabric discarded like a prop that had served its purpose. His hands roamed my bare skin, rough palms tracing curves they hadn’t touched in months.“Dawn,” he groaned against my throat, the sound guttural, hungry. His teeth grazed the delicate line of my neck, and my nails dug into his shoulders, pulling him closer and steadying mysel
DawnI can’t believe my own mother turned me down. A little cash, and she sounded like I had asked her to empty her savings. My voice still echoed in my head after ending the call, frustration burning in my chest.And Ethan? He was worse. Too slow. If I asked for something, he would drag it out for days, acting like he was calculating and thoughtful, when really he was just stingy. The time he finally gave me anything, the moment had already passed.I sat on the edge of my bed, my phone still clutched in my hand, seething. My eyes flicked to the mirror across the room, to my reflection. I needed a plan fast.Because when I made my grand comeback, I couldn’t show up looking ordinary. I wanted heads to turn. I wanted them to be speechless. Designer clothes from head to toe, diamonds glittering on my hand, the kind of image that silenced whispers and shut mouths.Nothing less would do.I paced the length of the room, my silk robe slipping from one shoulder as I muttered to myself. Think,
EthanWhat’s the point of dragging myself to work every morning when the company already has people paid to do everything? I will own it soon. I am signing the checks. I hand out orders. At the end of the month, salaries are paid whether I sit behind the desk or not.So why should I waste my energy proving myself like some lowly intern, especially to my father? The old man clings to this ridiculous idea that I must “show capability” before he hands me full control. As if running a company is about grinding paperwork. I can buy the loyalty of any man with a few zeros on a paycheck. That’s the truth he refuses to admit.I leaned back in my leather chair, staring at the ceiling, my jaw tightening at the absurdity of it all. Sometimes I wonder why I even agreed to Kate's lame plan in the first place. Till now, nothing has shifted. No progress. No reward. Just the same condescending glances from her, as though I’m still a boy tugging at his coattails.If I weren't married to Dawn, maybe th
LioraEvery movement, every sound, every desperate pull of his lips against mine reminded me that this man was both fire and ice. And Savage in the way he consumed me, tender in the way he steadied me. Possessive and patient, all at once.And God help me, I wanted every version of him.Somewhere far, a car horn echoed faintly, dragging me back for the briefest heartbeat. I pulled away, breathless, my lips tingling and my chest rising unevenly. His hair was a mess beneath my fingers, his mouth red and swollen from mine. Damien the untouchable man the world only whispered about looked Undone by me.I couldn’t stop the faint smile curving my lips. “Do you know what time it is?” I asked, to catch my breath, partly to anchor in something ordinary.His voice came deep, commanding. “Alexia, the time.”“Three twenty-seven a.m., sir.”I exhaled a shaky laugh. “Wow. It’s late.”Damien’s chest rose with a low, breathless chuckle, his hand still cradling the back of my head like he wasn’t ready t