"Aren’t you tired, Bella?"Athena.I turned, and there she was, standing. Her expensive silk dress clung to her frame, her hair styled to perfection. She always made sure to look like the picture-perfect wealthy heiress, but her eyes—her eyes gave away how much she despised me.I sighed lazily. "You just can’t help yourself, can you?"Athena smirked, stepping closer. "You humiliated my friend."I raised a brow. "I didn’t know your pets had feelings."Athena’s lips twitched, but she quickly masked it with a fake, amused laugh. "You always did have a sharp tongue, Bella. But don’t you ever get tired of playing the villain?"I smirked, shaking my head. "Says the woman who’s been trying to ruin my life since forever."She let out a mocking sigh. "You act like you’re some untouchable queen, but let’s be real—without Jesse, you’re just the same lonely, unwanted girl from before."I clenched my jaw. I wasn’t going to let her get under my skin."Unwanted?" I chuckled. "That’s rich, coming fro
I got a lot of whispers and stares. But I didn’t care. I kept glancing at my pond. I looked forward to seeing Jesse the most. A few women were giggling behind their hands, and some men exchanged amused glances.What now?Then I saw Catherine approaching with her usual entourage, a gleam of malicious delight in her eyes. It seemed they were heading towards me. What act is she getting at now?She stopped right in front of me, her lips curled into a mockingly sweet smile.“Bella, darling,” she cooed. “Sorry about our previous squabble. I’m just so used to being very defensive when it comes to my friends. I know it’s a bit too late now but I must say, you’re looking quite… expensive.”I raised a brow. That was an odd choice of words.“Thank you, Catherine,” I replied lazily, not in the mood for her games. “What do you want?”A few people had stopped their conversations to watch. She wanted an audience.Catherine gave a dramatic sigh, glancing around as if debating whether she should speak
I could feel their eyes on me. The whispers hadn’t stopped completely.I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice so only Jesse could hear.“You really like making an entrance, don’t you?”His lips curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile.“You looked like you were having fun before I got here,” he murmured back, his tone edged with something dark.I rolled my eyes. “Oh yes, it was lovely being publicly humiliated by Athena and Catherine.”Jesse’s gaze darkened. “I should’ve gotten here sooner. I’ll make sure they regret their actions.”He smiled then leaned in closer and whispered into my ears. "Did you miss me, Bella? Even if you didn't, I did." "I...I....I did not miss you one bit." I said coldly. I knew that deep down, I actually missed him a lot. But I was angry at him. Why did he suddenly disappear like that, without texting back on time and here he is claiming to miss me. He held my waist even more tightly. "I dare you to say that again." I began. "I did not--" He carrie
My blood ran cold. "What?""I just got the message." He turned the screen toward me. My stomach twisted when I saw the photo attached—Daniel, bound to a chair, his face bloodied.I covered my mouth with my hand, my heart beating quickly. Daniel… kidnapped? But why? Who would—Jesse’s voice was calm. "They want me to come alone. No backup. No weapons."I clenched my fists. "That’s a trap, Jesse. You know that."His lips curled into a humorless smirk. "Of course, it is. But I will make sure they regret ever touching my person.” "I’m coming with you."Jesse’s expression hardened. "No.""You’re not going in alone. I won’t allow it."He smiled slightly, amused. "Who said I’d be going alone?"Jesse’s phone rang as we were still talking. His eyes flickered to the screen, brows furrowing. Daniel.For a moment, neither of us moved. The picture of Daniel, bloodied and bound to a chair, was still fresh in my mind. But if he was kidnapped, how was he calling? Unless the kidnapper was using his p
“You’re perfect,” he murmured. I gasped when his mouth trailed lower, his breath hot against my skin.“Jesse,” I moaned, my fingers clutching at the sheets, at him, desperate for more.He smirked against my skin, his violet eyes locked onto mine as he whispered, “Do you like that?”He slowly helped me take off my zipper and my gown was completely off leaving me only with panties on. His warm hands roamed over my breasts slowly and deliberately, sending shivers through me. He leaned in, his breath hot against my neck, till lips went down to my nipples. "You’re so sweet, Bella." he murmured, his lips biting and sucking my nipples gently. I moaned out loudly in pleasure, my body arching beneath his touch."Oh, Jesse..." I breathed, my voice trembling with need.His smirk deepened at my reaction, his fingers continuing their slow, torturous exploration down my waist."That’s it. Let me hear you."He pulled his mouth away from my breasts, his lips leaving a trail of heat as he moved low
I blinked awake, stretching slightly, only to wince at the lingering soreness from last night. A deep blush spread across my cheeks as the memories flooded back—his touch, his dominance, the way he completely owned me.I turned my head and saw Jesse still asleep beside me. His usually gentle features were relaxed. In sleep, he looked so innocent—beautiful in a way that made my heart squeeze.I bit my lip, resisting the urge to trace my fingers down his face. Instead, I carefully slipped out of bed, grabbing one of his shirts and slipping it on. The fabric hung loosely on my frame, smelling like him, and I felt a strange warmth settle inside me.I decided to make breakfast myself.I wasn’t the type to cook, not anymore, but I used to—back when I used to live with my family.Cooking had once been my way of caring for my family. Now, for some reason, I wanted to do the same for Jesse.After tying my hair up, I made my way to the kitchen. The staff were already up, but I waved them off. "
"Relax," he murmured against my ear, his breath sending shivers down my spine.His fingers trailed lower, smoothing over my waist before gripping my hips, pulling me back against his solid frame. I gasped at the sensation, my heart pounding as he pressed a kiss to the curve of my neck, his lips hot against my wet skin."Jesse…" I whispered, tilting my head to the side to give him more access.He turned me around, his dark eyes filled with heat as they locked onto mine. Water dripped from his hair, trailing down his jaw, and I couldn’t resist reaching up to trace the droplets with my fingertips. He caught my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing my palm before guiding it to rest against his chest."You drive me crazy, Bella," he admitted, his voice low and rough.He leaned in, his lips capturing mine in a deep, searing kiss. It was slow at first, teasing, until it wasn’t. His tongue slid against mine, his hands gripping me tighter as he pressed me against the cool tiles. My fingers
Daniel leaned back against the couch, stretching his arms dramatically. “Man, I should visit more often. This place is way better than my office. Comfy seats, good food, great company.” He shot me a playful wink.I chuckled. “Don’t get too comfortable. I’m pretty sure Jesse’s already regretting letting you in.”Jesse smirked. “That implies I let him in.”Daniel gasped, placing a hand over his heart. “Jesse, that hurts. Truly. Is this any way to treat your best doctor?”Jesse raised an eyebrow. “You mean my only doctor who refuses to stay in his own damn hospital?”Daniel grinned. “I came because I was worried about you. Don’t be such a kill joy.”I shook my head, amused by their usual banter. Daniel was always full of energy, and it was impossible not to laugh around him.After a few more minutes of chatting, Daniel checked his watch and groaned. “Alright, as much as I’d love to stick around and brighten your dull lives, I actually have real work to do.”I laughed. “You’re finally rem
After hours of playing until our cheeks were pink and our fingers numb inside our gloves, Jesse suggested a swim to warm up.The chalet’s indoor heated pool gleamed invitingly, the tall windows letting in the soft light.Lucas splashed happily at the shallow end with Justin nearby while Jesse held our daughter carefully, letting her float gently across the water as she squealed in delight.I floated lazily, watching them, my heart so full it ached.This.This was everything.Until it wasn’t.It happened so fast I almost didn't see it.A shadow moved near the balcony windows.A figure —tall, fast, predatory —slipping silently into the pool room.And I saw the glint of metal in his hand.A knife."Lucas!" I screamed.The boy turned instinctively toward my voice — just as the man lunged.Everything slowed.I kicked off the wall hard, propelling myself across the water, but I was too far.Too slow.My heart crashed against my ribs, my scream tearing from my throat—When suddenly—Bang!
I leaned forward, heart tightening."Go on.""It's about his son."I froze.For a moment, I thought I misheard him."His... son?""Yes," Tomas said grimly. "The child Athena carried—it was his after all. After everything fell apart, no one claimed the boy. He's in the St. Mary's Orphanage on the east side of the city."I gripped the phone tighter."And no one's...?""No, miss. No one. He's been there since he was born."My chest squeezed painfully. I swallowed hard."Thank you for telling me," I said quietly.I ended the call and stood, my mind racing.I told Jesse everything. "I’ll drive," he said, grabbing the car keys without question.The orphanage was an old, crumbling brick building tucked away in a poorer part of the city.Children played listlessly in the cracked courtyard, most too thin, too wary.My heart ached just looking at them.Then I saw it.A small boy—maybe three years old—being shoved hard by two older kids.He stumbled, falling on the concrete, a bloody scrape bloo
Jesse took to fatherhood like he had been waiting his whole life for it.He hovered over both of us constantly —checking the room temperature,checking if she was breathing,checking if I was drinking enough water.It was both heart-melting and hilarious."Bella," he said one afternoon, practically bursting into our bedroom with a worried look, "I don’t think she’s eaten enough today."I blinked at him from the bed, where our daughter was curled against me, fast asleep and milk-drunk with a little smile on her face."Jesse," I said patiently,"She's fine. Look at her. She’s smiling."He scowled, arms crossed over his chest."I still think we should call the pediatrician."I laughed softly."We already called twice this week."He grumbled under his breath, coming over to sit carefully on the edge of the bed.Gently — so, so gently — he ran a fingertip along her tiny cheek.She yawned, wrinkling her nose, and Jesse froze, looking like someone had just handed him the keys to the univers
Jesse took to fatherhood like he had been waiting his whole life for it.He hovered over both of us constantly —checking the room temperature,checking if she was breathing,checking if I was drinking enough water.It was both heart-melting and hilarious."Bella," he said one afternoon, practically bursting into our bedroom with a worried look, "I don’t think she’s eaten enough today."I blinked at him from the bed, where our daughter was curled against me, fast asleep and milk-drunk with a little smile on her face."Jesse," I said patiently,"She's fine. Look at her. She’s smiling."He scowled, arms crossed over his chest."I still think we should call the pediatrician."I laughed softly."We already called twice this week."He grumbled under his breath, coming over to sit carefully on the edge of the bed.Gently — so, so gently — he ran a fingertip along her tiny cheek.She yawned, wrinkling her nose, and Jesse froze, looking like someone had just handed him the keys to the univers
"Bella? Baby, what’s wrong?"I just stood there, frozen, staring at him.I held up the test with trembling fingers.For a moment, he just blinked at it.Then he looked at me.Then back at it.And then—He dropped to his knees in front of me so fast I gasped.His hands slid up my waist, cradling my hips gently.He pressed his forehead against my stomach, breathing me in.Trembling.Overwhelmed."Are you sure?" he rasped against my skin.I nodded, tears filling my eyes.A broken laugh escaped him — choked, joyful, raw.He wrapped his arms around my waist and held me so tightly I could barely breathe."I love you," he whispered over and over."I love you so much."From that moment forward, Jesse turned into a man possessed.Protective didn’t even begin to cover it.He treated me like I was made of glass wrapped in silk wrapped in diamonds."You’re not carrying a baby," I teased him one morning as he insisted on carrying me—literally carrying me—from the bedroom to the kitchen."You’re ca
"Come on," he said. "I have plans."I groaned dramatically, pulling the sheet over my head."More plans? I’m still recovering from last night’s plans."He laughed — a deep, beautiful sound — and tugged the sheet down gently."You’ll like these," he promised.Half an hour later, we were barefoot, hand in hand, walking along the beach.The sand was cool under our feet, the early morning sky painted in soft pinks and golds.Jesse led me to a small cove tucked away behind a wall of jagged black rocks.There, waiting for us, was a small wooden boat bobbing gently in the shallows.Two paddles rested inside.And a small wicker basket.I turned to him, raising an eyebrow."A boat ride? Seriously?"He smirked."A romantic boat ride."I snorted but allowed him to help me in anyway.We paddled lazily out into the open water.The island shrank behind us, a green gem floating in a sea of blue.Jesse opened the basket, pulling out cold lemonade, fresh fruit, and a blanket.We anchored ourselves wit
t how I got so lucky."He leaned over, kissing me slow and deep."You weren’t lucky," he murmured against my mouth."You were destined to become only mine."Anna’s CollapseThe glass doors of the Elmore estate slammed open so hard they rattled against their frames.Anna flinched instinctively, snapping her head up from where she sat, stiff and pale, on one of the long leather couches in the grand hall.Her father stormed inside —Alexander Elmore, the man whose name had once made entire cities tremble —now glaring at his daughter with a look of absolute fury.Behind him, guards and advisors hovered uncertainly, not daring to enter the room.The air felt thick.Suffocating.Anna rose shakily to her feet, her heart thudding painfully against her ribs."Father—""Silence!" Alexander roared.The word cracked like a whip through the cavernous hall.Anna’s mouth closed with a snap.She had never seen him like this.Not even when rival empires had threatened their holdings.Not even when sc
I sat up, rubbing my eyes, just as he strolled back into the bedroom carrying a tray.Coffee. Croissants. Strawberries.And that boyish, mischievous grin that always made my heart race."Breakfast in bed?" I teased, smiling sleepily.He set the tray down beside me and leaned in, brushing a kiss against my forehead."Not just breakfast," he said.I moved my head."Oh?"He sat down on the edge of the bed, his eyes sparkling with something... secretive."Get dressed, baby," he said, voice low and full of promise."We're leaving in an hour."I blinked."Leaving? Where?"He only grinned wider."You’ll see."An hour later, after much playful grumbling and teasing, I was dressed in casual jeans, a white shirt, and a soft leather jacket Jesse had insisted I wear.The car was already waiting downstairs.Sleek. Black. Windows tinted so dark you couldn’t see inside.I gave him a suspicious look as he opened the door for me."You're not kidnapping me, are you?"He laughed, the sound low and warm.
He slid the phone into his pocket and crossed the room toward me.I set the teacup down as he stopped in front of me.He didn’t say anything at first.Just stood there looking at me with something soft, almost vulnerable, in his eyes.I tilted my head."What?" I asked playfully.He crouched down in front of me so we were eye level."We have a wedding to plan," he said casually, like he was suggesting dinner reservations.I blinked.Then blinked again."What wedding?" I teased, arching a brow."Whose wedding?"He chuckled, deep and low, sliding his hands along my knees, pulling me slightly closer."Ours, baby," he said softly."I’ve annulled the marriage with Anna. It’s only right... we get married."For a moment, my heart stopped.The world spun.Not from fear.But from happiness so fierce it almost knocked the breath from my lungs."Ours?" I repeated, my voice a little shaky.He nodded.Eyes steady.Sure.Certain."You’re the only one I ever wanted, Bella," he said, cupping my cheek.