Vanessa POVAs Edward and I entered Velvet Luxe, a classy club-restaurant with elegant decor, soft lighting, and a seductive jazz undertone humming beneath the bass of the music, the night air was clear.Different couples occupied the dance floor, swaying their bodies to the music and feeling the groove. The smell of Baylee’s and expensive perfumes, heavy in the air. Edward’s hand rested seductively on the small of my back. Then the waiters showed us a private booth near the bar.The booth was welcoming, the ambiance warm, the chairs felt very comfy and were made of leather. The lights hung on the roof and glowed dimly, setting the tone of the environment while making us feel at home at the same time.the server handed us two glasses of red wine,“A Toast” Edward replied.I raised a brow, smirking as I lifted my glass. “To what exactly?”He clinked his against mine. “To a night of forgetting.”A soft chuckle left my lips before I took a slow sip, letting the smooth burn coat my thr
Daniel POVThe car trip back to the penthouse was filled with stress. Wendy sat next me, arms folded, her beautiful dress bunched up in her clutch, fuming. Her reflection in the window showed a storm brewing—jaw tightened, lips squeezed tight, eyes flaming with wrath.I remained focused on the road, grasping the wheel, my own displeasure boiling beneath my skin. When Edward instructed us to go, I felt a weight of humiliation land on my shoulders. Not because of Vanessa. Not even due to Edward. But due to Wendy and the whole calamity she had caused. I knew I shouldn't have brought her. It was a bad idea. The moment I parked, she pushed open the door and stormed inside, her shoes tapping fiercely on the ground of my penthouse.Wendy spun around to face me The second the door slammed shut.“Daniel What the hell was that ?!”I sighed, rubbing a hand down my face. “Wendy, drop it. It’s over.”“Drop it? DROP IT?!” She let out a humorless laugh. “I was humiliated tonight! Do you e
Vanessa POVThe elevator ride to the exotic hotel suite was anticipating.Edward’s body heat radiated towards me as he stood close, his scent a mix of something unique, something only he owned. It intoxicated my mind, my senses. His fingers moved on my bare arm, igniting the excitement from earlier.He leaned into me, pressing his lips to my ears,“I’m going to make you beg for me, Nessa.” he whispered. His voice sending delicious shivers through me.I swallowed hard, my breath became uneven. I could still feel the rush from the Lamborghini ride, the reckless abandon, the speed— it all set my pulse high and racing. I was now standing near him, my stomach coiled in excitement like a tightly strung spring. I hardly heard the lift doors open before Edward grabbed my hand and pulled me inside the room.The suite was wonderful. A king- sized bed draped in soft looking silk sheets, amazing large floor to ceiling windows that showed the bright city skyline. Outside on the balcony, I co
Edward POVHer skin was flushed with heat as she lay beneath me, breathless, her thighs still trembling from the force of her release, her skin flushed with heat.Her body quivered from the aftermath of my touch. I smirked, watching her. She was Mine. I felt so intoxicated by the way she moaned, the way she gasped, the way she fell apart in my hands.Oh God, I missed this.I Missed her. Missed every inch of her body, the way she said my name when she was lost in pleasure, the way she responded to my touch..It had been so long, too long. All those Years of pretending I didn’t need her, of forcing myself to move on. They were of no use because no matter how many women I touched, how many lips I kissed, no one ever felt like this. Like home.I traced the outline of her hips as my fingers moved down the curve of her waist, and memorizing her all over again. Vanessa looked softer now, more womanly, but she was still the same Vanessa that once consumed every inch of my life.Still kneeling
Vanessa POVThe golden brightness of the rising morning sun outside cast a faint light around the hotel suite As I stirred, the silk sheets wrapped over my legs, causing me to blink out of slumber. The warmth alongside me should have been soothing, but Edward's raspy breathing and rigid physique in his slumber revealed a different story. He was having a dream, no, a nightmare. I sat up, pushing my hand on his moist, exposed chest, and felt his racing beating beneath my palm. Edward’s brow furrowed, and droplets of sweat stuck to his skin as he murmured something i couldn’t understand. Then his entire body shook, his hands gripping into the covers.I leaned closer. I said in a whisper, running my fingertips over his jaw, "Edward." Wake up.” Sharp, rapid breaths rose and fell in his chest as his eyes burst wide, wild and disoriented. He just gazed at me for a time, his body still rigid from whatever torture his fantasies had been. His features softened, and recognition flared in his
Daniel POV The roses should have arrived by now. I sat behind my desk, drumming my fingers against the polished surface, my phone screen still open to the delivery confirmation. A hundred pink roses, Vanessa’s favorite. A simple gesture—an apology without words. I wasn’t naive enough to think a bouquet could erase last night. The way she walked away, how she didn’t even spare me a second glance. I had been too stunned to react. Too blindsided by Wendy’s theatrics. I shook my head in annoyance, I should have know this was coming. The landline in my office rang, drifting me out of my thoughts. “Mr West, Miss Hawthrone is in the lobby and would like to see you.” My secretary announced. Of course she was. Before I could even command for her to be let in, she stormed in like a hurricane, the floors became noisy as her shoes clicked on them. “You sent her pink roses?” She yelled, throwing her purse on my office desk. “How romantic” I didn’t even look up, her energy an
Vanessa POVPink roses stood in a crystal vase on the kitchen counter, delicate and lovely. Mandi received them from the Mansion gate and set them there. But for all the attention I had given them, they could have easily been invisible.My mind was elsewhere.On Liam.My thoughts tangled in worry as I sat on the edge of my bed, swaying my legs in a back and forth motion.Today had felt off. It became even worse when I got that text about my son. Ever since the Easter dinner, a gut feeling had been driving in and out of my thoughts.I picked my phone up, going through the daily security report updates. Liam’s body guards had sent their usual updates from school. The things he did, the people he Interacted with, daily schedule, lunch time, everything seemed normal.And yet…Something felt off.Eagerly, I dialed the head security’s number, taking Deep breaths.“Ms. Coleman?” The deep voice of one of my trusted guards came through.“I want you watch Liam closely and double security at
Tuesday April 16th Daniel POV The silence was deafening. Vanessa hadn’t responded to the roses. No text. No call. No message through Mandi. Just silence. I sat in front of my desk, watching my phone with hope that her name would pop up on it. But deep down, I already knew. She wasn’t going to acknowledge it. She’s distracted, I told myself. Probably dealing with Liam. It’s not about you. But the thought felt off. It didn’t feel right to me. I exhaled sharply, leaning back into my chair. The atmosphere around me was so busy. My workers roamed about, my assistants came in and out requesting my signature for contract approvals, but in the midst of all this my mind was absent. My mind was still on her. Wendy had made sure the entire city knew about our so-called engagement, splashing it across every media outlet that would listen. But Vanessa? She hadn’t even batted an eyelash. She didn’t care. The thought burned more than I wanted to admit. “Sir?” I snapped
Vanessa POVThe city lights moved past me like a blur through the tinted windows of my car, but my mind was stuck. Somewhere between Edward’s mouth on mine and the rough whisper of his voice still echoing in my ear.“You’re my peace."I hadn’t said anything back. I Couldn’t.Not because I didn’t feel something. I did. God, I did.But because when a man like Edward says something like that, it demands more than a casual response. It demanded the kind of answer that changed everything.I pressed my fingers to my lips, still swollen from his kiss, as the car eased past the bridge. Donovan drove with soft r&b music filling the environment, giving me space, as always. I was grateful for it. My body guard Harris, sat beside him to accompany me too.Because right now, I was shaking inside.The feel of Edward’s hot body on mine… the way his fingers moved with both hunger and reverence… how his lips had claimed my skin like he was afraid I’d vanish if he didn’t taste me deep enough.It hadn’t
Edward POVI hadn’t left the penthouse in days.The world outside kept spinning. Meetings, board calls, messages piling up — but I was stuck. Drowning.The theft at the company had gutted a chunk of our reserve accounts. Tens of millions wired out before anyone noticed. No trace of the thief yet. Kaz was still out there, lurking like a phantom in the dark.And then… the attack at Liam’s school.Still a goddamn blur.The footage was too grainy, too fast. No clear shot of who orchestrated it, but I knew, deep down, Kaz’s stink was all over it.I ran a hand through my hair and stared at the pile of contracts and financial reports scattered across my desk. My tie was loose around my neck, sleeves rolled up, head pounding.I didn’t go back to the mansion. I couldn’t face Vanessa. Couldn’t face Mandi, Liam… the life I promised to protect but was failing miserably to.And her.Vanessa.God, her name haunted every breath I took.I missed her. I missed her laugh, the way she looked at me when
Vanessa’s POVMay 1stA new month. Four more months to go before my fate with Edward would be decided.Four more months before the contract that bound us together — and quietly unraveled everything inside me — would end.Nine more days before Liam’s birthday.I sat on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at my phone. The soft morning light filtered through the large windows of the mansion, painting everything in pale gold. Spring was in full bloom outside, but inside me, a quiet storm raged.I was supposed to be excited. Planning a birthday party for my son should’ve filled me with happiness and energy. It was his first real celebration since we moved here, and for the first time, I had the chance to give him something magical.But the question gnawed at me: Should it be big, or intimate and simple?Did Liam need balloons, crowds, clowns, and photographers? Or did he just need a backyard, a cake, and the people who loved him?I pulled my knees up to my chest, thinking about it.An ima
Daniel POVThe door slammed behind me, rattling in its frame. Silence swallowed the penthouse, the only sound my heavy breathing, still ragged from the argument. I dropped Wendy off at her apartment, I couldn’t stand her presence anywhere near me.I tore off the tailored jacket, flinging it across the back of the nearest chair. It slid off and hit the floor, but I didn’t care. I ripped at the buttons of my shirt next, needing to get free of the fabric, of the night, of everything Wendy Hawthorne had just dragged me into.I stalked across the room, ignoring the glittering skyline outside the windows. New York pulsed beyond the glass like a living thing, but I was numb to it. Numb and raw and furious.How the hell had it come to this?A fake engagement. A fake wedding date. August 10th, she had said. She’d even smiled, that sickly sweet, picture-perfect smile for the cameras, clinging to me like a trophy she didn’t deserve.The taste of the lie still burned in my mouth.I collapsed onto
Daniel POVThe night felt heavier than usual.I stood in front of the mirror, straightening the cuffs of my jacket, hating every second of this.Fake smiles.Fake stories.Fake love.The thoughts lingered deeply in my head.And the worst part?I was volunteering for it.For her.For Vanessa.I gritted my teeth and ran a hand through my hair. The dark navy suit clung too tightly to my frame, like it knew this whole thing was a goddamn lie.The media crew was already on stage in the studio, setting up lights, microphones, banners with the movie’s logo plastered across them.I glanced at my watch.Any minute now.Wendy had insisted on doing the interview in their studio, all glamorous and public.Because God forbid she missed an opportunity to flaunt her “perfect life” to the world.I heard her heels clicking down the hall backstage before I saw her.Wendy swept into the room, a vision of strategic perfection—silver gown clinging to her like a second skin, lips painted a bold red, her b
Vanessa POVEven at night time, I couldn’t sleep. My eyes remained wide open.With the distant hum of the lively New York city and the occasional thuds from running up through staircases, it felt like the walls themselves were holding their breath. I lay in my king-sized bed, staring at the ceiling, the silk sheets tangled around my legs.Sleep wouldn’t come. It had been this way for days.I turned over and reached for my phone on the nightstand, half-hoping to find a message from Edward. Anything. Even a simple “Are you okay?” would have been enough.But my screen was empty.Nothing.Biting my lip, I opened my messages anyway and typed:You up?I hovered my thumb over the send button. Then, at the last second, I deleted the text.No.I wasn’t going to chase him.Not tonight. He was under pressure, a theft in his company, the weight of protecting Liam and I. It was a lot to handle.I could easily go to his room to check if he’s there but that could escalate things. But No.I rolled on
Edward’s POVThe glass in my hand was sweating. I hadn’t even touched the damn drink yet. Whiskey, neat. My old go-to when I wanted to forget, when I wanted to feel something burn before the numbness settled in. It was a little past midnight, everyone at home was asleep. But I was restless.I sat in the back of my sleek, black rolls Royce, fingers drumming against the leather seat as the city lights flickered past the tinted windows. New York was still buzzing, as always, pretending like nothing was falling apart. But for me, everything in my world was unraveling—and fast.Kaz was back. My company was compromised. Vanessa… she wasn’t mine the way I wanted her to be. And Daniel. Fucking Daniel, always a step closer to her heart than I was.“Sir?” My driver turned his head slightly. “We’re here.”I looked up. The red neon sign of Club Volta buzzed above the entrance, hazy in the misty night air. The place where I first laid eyes on Vanessa after 5 years. Where her fire and defiance sla
Vanessa’s POVThe ride back to the mansion was quiet, too quiet. Liam had drifted off to sleep in the backseat, clutching his buzz light year action figure to his chest, while Edward kept his eyes on the road, jaw clenched, knuckles white on the steering wheel. I could tell something was wrong. Not just the fatigue etched into his face, but the way his posture had shifted—like a man bracing himself for impact.I’d overheard part of his phone call earlier. Just a few clipped words. More updates about Kaz, he fled. not in custody—but it was enough to churn my stomach. I didn’t press him about it when we left Daniel’s penthouse. I didn’t need confirmation to know that the man who haunted my nightmares had once again slipped through the cracks.The mansion came into view, warm lights glowing through tall windows. It was supposed to feel like coming home, but all I felt was dread creeping into my chest. The moment the car stopped, Edward turned to me, eyes softening slightly.“I’ll carry h
Daniel POVSunday, 29th AprilThe late morning light sliced through the penthouse windows, casting sharp lines over the hardwood floors. Vanessa was still upstairs with Liam, cocooned in a thin bubble of calm that I didn’t want to break. Edward had stepped out to prepare the mansion for their return, since Vanessa and Liam were going back today. Kaz had fled New York so it was safe for them again, but my senses told me otherwise. The past few days have been intense and overwhelming.The world outside didn’t stop spinning just because we needed peace.I grabbed my jacket, left a note by the coffee machine—just in case—and slipped out of the penthouse without a sound. The hallway was quiet. My security detail stood outside the door, nodding once as I passed. They knew the drill by now: stay close, stay alert, stay ready.Ten minutes later, I was buried behind my desk at Westborne inc’s satellite office on the East Side, trying to plow through enough paperwork that I had to clarify befor