Monica was finally done with the interview and the photoshoot. When she got back to the lake house, she let out a deep breath and leaned back on the desk. Everything was moving so fast. Her head felt full, her body heavy.She looked up and spotted the small camera Spencer had installed. He’d told her he had shut it down, but somehow… she knew he was lying.Her thoughts drifted back to the kiss. He had been like a mad dog, wild with jealousy just because she’d gone to see Brad. And Brad’s daughter—Tia—had died.Monica sighed as she exhaled slowly. Her chest ached. She needed to talk to Brad. Only he could stop Brie’s men from coming after her.Confronting Brie now would only cause trouble, especially with the media watching her every move. They could twist the story however they wanted. It wouldn’t be good for her image or the brand."Just wait till this fashion week is over," Monica muttered. "You and I, Brie, we have a lot to talk about."She winced, noticing a small bruise on her fi
Madison's heart pounded in her chest, her eyes wide with disbelief."What?" she whispered, her lips parting in shock. "You are kidding me right now."Her gaze flickered to Lake lying on the bed, a wave of realization crashing over her."Of course you're not kidding, he's your boyfriend," she muttered, a mix of anger and hurt swirling inside her.With a sense of urgency, she grabbed her medical box from the floor and rushed out of the room, leaving behind a palpable tension.Sam raised an inquisitive brow at Max, who was visibly tense, running his fingers through his hair in agitation."That seemed easier than I had ever imagined," Sam remarked, his voice betraying a hint of unease."I was hoping to avoid confronting my mom about this," Max confessed in a hushed tone as he made his way to the door. "But I guess I have no choice now."With a heavy sigh, Sam picked up a bowl of water and followed Max out of the room.***Monica walked out of the changing room in a skin-tight gown that
Monica doesn’t have much choice but to get into Spencer’s house and find something to wear, since her clothes are already destroyed. She heads straight to the company.She gets in and walks to Diane, who’s already waiting for her.“I know it’s way past your work hours, but the CEO specifically asked us to release all the designs that would have been used by you today.”“What?” Monica stares. Release all the designs today—then what was she supposed to use on the runway? “Are you being serious right now?”“Our competitor found a way to steal our designs, so...”“You guys are throwing me off the runway?” Monica stiffens with unease, running her fingers through her hair. “Why is today such a bad day, huh?”Diane reaches out. “Look, the CEO doesn’t do things without a backup plan. Just have faith in him.” She says it with a little less professionalism this time.Have faith in Spencer? This is more than just modeling. This is her entry into the industry. She can’t afford to flop.She takes
Spencer dropped Monica in the car and turned to the driver's seat. He took a deep breath as he started the car."What were you doing with him, Monica," Spencer muttered as he ignited the engine and drove to his house.He got out and carried her in a bridal style into the house. Aunt Suzy and her daughter were not in the house.As he ascended the stairs, Monica stirred and slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes met Spencer's cold ones and she looked around."How did I get here?" she asked.Spencer gazed at her, then raised a brow."You passed out at a bar with some guy watching over you. I'm sure it rings a bell," he mumbled as he continued up the stairs.The memories suddenly tackled her, one by one, until her chest tightened."Tia Tia… where is Brad?" she asked, struggling to get out of Spencer's arms. But his hold was too tight. Too unwilling to let go."What." He raised a brow again. "You want to run back to your lover?""What lover?" she snapped, his words stabbing at the raw place wher
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'