Liam's gaze darkened immediately, and he suddenly slammed on the brakes of the car, causing it to screech to a stop. Monica screamed as she jerked forward. Her heartbeat escalated as the car finally stopped."What the hell is wrong with you?" She snapped. Her hair was blowing in her face as her cheeks flushed. He did that on purpose. Was it to scare her?Liam's grip on the steering wheel tightened and his forehead creased, "So easily? I thought you loved me, is it so easy to let go?""What the hell, Liam. You want to get us killed?"she yelled.He scoffed, slamming his palms on the wheels repeatedly, "You always do everything to get my attention, cook, clean and look pretty. Now you want to act nonchalant?"Ignoring the sudden surge of annoyance, she couldn't help but wonder what his problem was. He should have been happy she was trying to be mature about it. God knows how much she wanted to break something."Are you serious about Spencer? Is that why you find it easier to let go?"Mon
Monica's eyes traveled around the spacious house. Everything was the same, just as she remembered it. The beautiful lake view but she just felt distant from everything. She was standing in the living room, rubbing her arms lightly. She couldn't believe Spencer was the buyer. Back then, she was so happy buying the Lake house, but being back there, it just reminded her of everything that she had lost."I have prepared a hot bath for you," Spencer informed as he came back downstairs.She approached him and was about to climb the stairs when he grabbed her wrists, his worried gaze lingering on her face, "Are you okay? You look a little bit off.""He kissed me....""Monica...." He tried to make her face him."It felt so disgusting,""Monica...."She pulled her hands off and ran upstairs to the room that was slightly open. She passed inside and walked into the shower. Without taking off her clothes, she turned on the shower. The cold water poured on her hair down to her clothes, drenching h
Spencer's fist crashed into the wall repeatedly. He was beyond frustrated. One minute, he was close to her and the next, there was a big wall between them.His phone rang, and he picked up the call, "Hey, Max....""Hey man, I just came into the state, you up for a drink?" he asked at the other end. Max was Spencer's childhood friend, but he traveled a lot after college.He left the penthouse and headed to the bar they were to meet. "Hey look at you man, you look like shit, how are you doing?"Spencer rolled his eyes and climbed onto the bar stool. He ordered a drink while Max slapped his back."I thought you missed me?" Max chuckled at his cold behavior. They have always been like that. Max was outgoing and warm, while Spencer was cold and distant. He was a cool, mysterious kid."Why did you come back?" Spencer asked.Max shrugged, "My dad is sick, and his manager has been misusing the company's funds."Spencer just shrugged. Max groaned, "Look, I'm sorry I left like that. My parents
"From the top, 1, 2, 3...." The female instructor yelled, and the models began walking in a straight line with delicate steps led by Angel.Monica watched from a bench after a series of perfecting her own walk for the fashion show.After the practice, Adriana walked in. They were supposed to have a shoot for an advertisement and the instructor was Adriana. Monica rolled her eyes and moved to the corner. All through the week, Adriana didn't miss a chance at frustrating her and complaining about literally every single thing she did. It was never good enough for her."I know you have all seen the new collection, the beach wear. The company has chosen Monica Banks and Angel White to advertise the product, so we are going to the beach for this," she quickly explained.Angel jumped gleefully as they began to pack. Monica didn't take much. She just wanted to get it over with. She joined the bus and after a few hours, they were at the beach. A few of the other models had decided to tag along
Spencer and Monica were finally out of the water. She changed into her normal outfit after drying off. Her legs were a bit strained after staying in the water for too long.Monica was having leg cramps so she couldn't go back on the bus and had to join Spencer's car. As she approached the car, Adriana grabbed her arms, "You think I don't know what you are at? Pretending and acting nonchalantly? You want to destroy him again."Hearing her words, Monica was quite surprised." Again? What do you mean again?""Nothing,"Spencer suddenly appeared, "You were just leaving, right?" He pulled Adriana off with an annoyed glance. She stomped off, but Monica still felt a bit suspicious.Monica's brow furrowed suspiciously. "Again?" She mumbled to herself but then pushed the thought away. Spencer helped her into the car and then sped off."Are you okay? Do you need a massage?" Spencer glanced at her and she just nodded absentmindedly. She couldn't understand herself anymore. Constantly seeking Spen
Monica hastily pulled away from Spencer. Mr and Madam McKenzie stood by the door with their hands on their chests as Monica hurried to her feet. If only her face could get any shade reddish.The two figures, the man, an older version of Liam, stood by the door with his wife.Mr McKenzie, Liam and Spencer's father, eyes widened in anger, walked into the room, glaring at Monica. "I thought this was a joke when I heard it, but even when Adriana confirmed it, I still couldn't believe it? Spencer, you both want to make a mockery of this family?" He spat out, his voice tight with anger.Spencer pulled Monica behind him, his eyes laced with annoyance, "Monica, please, can you wait for me upstairs?""Charles, have you heard your son, he speaks with no regards to me, ordering my son's wife upstairs."Monica had finally gotten enough. Beatrice McKenzie was the one that approached her about marrying Liam. She had thought she knew her son's preference or maybe her son liked her in a way, but look
Monica kept smiling at Candy and Rose. It didn't feel awkward as she had thought it would. She couldn't help but be curious about what Angel said to people about her. The way Candy looked at her was pitiful.A waiter walked towards them with a tray of wine. He stumbled forward, then emptied the contents entirely on Monica."Christ, "Candy yelled.Monica gasped as the cold liquid seeped into her skin."Oh my God, I'm sorry Ma." He hurriedly apologized, but the damage was already done.Lake stood about to attack him when Monica grabbed his arms. "It's okay, I don't think it was intentional. I'll just clean up in the bathroom.""Get the hell out of here before I call your manager." Lake spat out, and the waiter ran off in fright. Monica sighed and then left for the bathroom. She turned on the water and grabbed a tissue, but she knew she needed to leave. No way could she stay in that dress for a longer period.As her eyes darted back to the mirror, a gasp escaped her lips as her eyes met
Monica was in the living room as Max helped Spencer to his room. She was a bit startled after finding out. Spencer probably knew her for a long time and even liked her. Maybe Max was just exaggerating. The door banged upstairs, and she hurried upstairs, hoping Max wasn't having a difficult time putting him in bed."Hey, Monica, can you help me out? I need to use the bathroom." He seemed to be holding a puke and as Monica arranged the bed, he placed Spencer on the nearby couch and rushed into the bathroom.Monica felt dazed already by what Max told her. All she wanted was to go back and rest. She placed the pillow and was about to shut the cabinet when she noticed a photo of her inside. She picked it out, her fingers trembled. There were several others inside.There were pictures of her, but they weren't from recent times. This was about four years ago when she started modeling. She was picking flowers outside her door when one was taken and another was when she was practicing her walk
The bartender came back with Brad.Spencer stepped forward, frowning. “Who the hell are you? And where is she?”Brad sighed and waved the bartender away. “Who the hell are you? Because you’re not the guy she married.”Spencer looked taken aback. “What?”“I’m Brad Holland,” Brad said. “Monica passed out after hearing something. The doctor’s checking on her.”“I want to see her,” Spencer said sharply.Brad crossed his arms. “And who exactly are you to her?”Spencer’s eyes darkened. “Her friend.”Brad raised an eyebrow. “Really? Just a friend?”Spencer didn’t answer. The air grew tense.Brad gave a small nod. “Fine. You can see her. But she’s not leaving with you. Not until she wakes up and says so herself.”“Fair enough,” Spencer muttered.Brad led him through the large bar, past several back rooms. When they reached one, he opened the door just as the doctor was about to leave.“She’s just stressed. Let her rest—she’ll wake up soon,” the doctor said, shaking Brad’s hand before walking
Max scrambled to pull up his boxers and yanked on his pants. “This is my business,” he muttered, buttoning up. “What was so urgent it couldn’t wait two more damn minutes? I was almost—”“Spare me the details, young Master,” Sam cut in dryly. “Your friend is passed out on the dining table.”Max froze. “What?”“You might want to check on him instead of moaning his name in the bathroom,” Sam added with a knowing look before walking out.Max rushed into the living room—and sure enough, Lake was slumped over the table, unconscious.He knelt beside him, placing a hand on Lake’s forehead. “He’s burning up.”“I already called Dr. Madison,” Sam said from behind.Max groaned. “Why Madison? You should’ve called Oscar or Frank.”“Can’t,” Sam replied. “Oscar’s tied up with an emergency, and Frank flew out with a patient. Madison was the only one available.”Max sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m never comfortable around her.”Sam raised a brow. “You like dicks than ass... her ass.”Max
Lake squirmed, but Max only tightened his grip around his waist, locking him in place."Stop being such a whiny baby and listen to Daddy," Max said with a wink, clearly enjoying every second of Lake's discomfort."You're a maniac," Lake growled, his head starting to spin.Max's playful grin faded. "Hey... are you okay?""Let go of me first," Lake muttered, his voice strained."You’re hungry. Eat," Max said, picking up the plate of steamed mushroom soup. Lake had stopped fighting and was leaning weakly against Max’s chest."Leave me alone," Lake muttered, his voice faint, but Max wasn’t moved. He scooped up some soup and brought it to his lips."Eat," Max repeated softly. Lake stayed silent, eyes closed, refusing to respond."Please," Max added, his voice quieter now, the word almost a whisper.Lake blinked, surprised by the calm but pleading tone. Slowly, he opened his mouth and let the warmth of the soup slide down his throat.Max’s eyes locked on Lake as he lazily dragged his tongue
Then Max reached out and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Lake’s ear. The touch sent a shiver down Lake’s spine, and without meaning to, he leaned in.“I know you probably don’t care whether I’m around or not,” Max whispered, “but I’m happy for you.”Lake’s eyes lingered on Max’s face, mesmerized.“Damn, you look good,” Max added softly, then pulled back like touching Lake any longer might burn him.He started the engine and drove off, and Lake turned to the window, a quiet, genuine smile spreading across his lips.When Max stopped in front of a grand building, Lake’s eyes widened in awe.“Whoa,” he breathed, staring at the mansion.Max grinned as he stepped out. “You look starstruck. This is my place.”He walked around and opened the door for Lake, who stepped out slowly. “This is insane. Kinda my dream house.”Max leaned closer, playful. “Marry me, and it’s yours.”The smile faded from Lake’s face. “Don’t say stuff like that. Why would I marry you?”“Why not?” Max winked.
He caught Lake just before he could fall to the ground, supporting him with one arm around his waist.Lake blinked, his vision blurry. “What the hell...” he mumbled, still disoriented.Max’s grip tightened on his waist, holding him steady. “Lake, are you okay? What just happened?”“I’m fine,” Lake muttered, though he didn’t feel fine at all. His heart raced, but the dizziness still hadn't passed. He pushed Max’s arm away, trying to regain his composure.Max didn’t let go, though. “You sure about that? You nearly passed out.”Lake tried to push him off again, but this time, his mom intervened. “Max, let him go. He needs to sit down.”Max hesitated but released his hold. Lake steadied himself with a hand on the chair, his mom’s concerned gaze following him closely.“You scared me,” his mother said softly, her voice laced with worry. “You need to take care of yourself, Lake.”“I’m fine,” Lake snapped a little too sharply, still feeling dizzy.Max crossed his arms, raising a brow. “Doesn'
Lake pushed open the door, and a nurse who had been attending to his mother stood up with a polite smile. “I’ll leave you two alone,” she said, giving Lake’s mom a quick glance before exiting the room.His mother’s eyes lit up when she saw them. “Well, you came earlier than I expected, I was even beginning to think of ways to convince you.”Lake smiled, but the tension in his posture didn’t go unnoticed. “Hi, Mom. How are you feeling today?”“I’m feeling fine,” she said, then her gaze shifted to Max. A playful grin spread across her face. “Hold on,” she said, her eyes narrowing mischievously, “you didn’t tell me your friend was this good-looking, Lake.”Lake flushed slightly, his hand instinctively rubbing the back of his neck. “Mom, stop, you are going to make his ego burst.”Max stepped forward, offering a confident smile and the bouquet of flowers he had brought. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am, I have always wanted to meet my future...”Before he could complete, Lake hit his a
Monica twirled a pen between her fingers as she waited for Spencer to return from the bathroom. The soft sound of the faucet shutting off was followed by his footsteps and then—he reappeared, casually dressed in a new outfit and then put a big old jacket over it.Her eyes darted to his jaw, then quickly away. Why did he always have to look that good? It was becoming distracting. Dangerous as she was beginning to notice too “Are you okay?” Spencer asked, noticing her flushed expression as he took his seat.Monica nodded too quickly, brushing it off.A knock cut through the air before the door creaked open and Diane peeked in. “Sir, Liam McKenzie is here to see you. Should I send him away or…?”Spencer paused, then said calmly, “You can send him in after a few minutes.”Monica’s body stiffened at the name. She stood and walked to Spencer, who was already slipping into character, putting his usual cold mask as he turned his chair to face away from the door.“You can stay in that room,”
A grin slowly tugged at the corners of his lips. “You’re acting like…”Monica clamped her mouth shut, cheeks burning. Her gaze betrayed her though—it dipped to his lips, lingering just a second too long. Like they had betrayed her. Like she wanted to erase the memory of Adriana’s kiss with her own.Monica didn’t answer. She turned away, but not before he caught the ghost of a smile playing at her lips.****“Good,” the Coach called out, nodding with approval as the male model strutted confidently from one end of the hall to the other, sharp and composed.Lake stepped aside, wiping sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. He grabbed a water bottle, took a long sip, and exhaled. The air inside the studio was thick with heat and tension—everyone was pushing to be flawless.After a brief moment, he tossed the bottle aside and rejoined the line, slipping seamlessly into place.Practice stretched on for another thirty minutes. The room echoed with the clack of shoes, the barked
Lake rushed into the elevator at the Mo’s Fashion Empire just before the doors slid shut. His breath came in short puffs from the quick dash, but it wasn’t just the sprint that made his pulse race.Max was already inside.Their eyes met for a brief second—sharp, loaded. Max's jaw tightened as he looked away and folded his arms across his chest. The cold shoulder was unmistakable.Lake swallowed and shifted awkwardly, glancing at the glowing floor numbers before finally gathering the nerve to speak.“Max…”No response.Lake clenched and unclenched his hands, fingers fidgeting at the hem of his shirt. The silence between them was deafening.“I know you don’t want to talk to me right now,” he said, his voice low, almost hesitant. “But... I really need you to come to breakfast tomorrow. With my mom.”Max didn’t move at first. Then, he let out a quiet scoff and shook his head slightly, still staring at the elevator doors."Max, please," Lake said, stepping closer as the elevator hummed sof