The sleek black Rolls-Royce glided to a halt in front of the grand King Mansion, its polished surface reflecting the estate’s glowing chandeliers. The bodyguard quickly stepped forward and opened the door.Nicolas King stepped out.His towering frame, dressed in a sharp tailored suit, emanated quiet fury. His face was expressionless, but the chill in his eyes and the tight line of his jaw told another story. He looked like a man who had buried his emotions under layers of steel.Ava slipped out after him, the navy blue dress hugging her curves perfectly, her pearl straps gleaming in the light. She smiled brightly, smoothing her hair before hurrying to his side.She reached out and gently clasped his hand. “Come on, Nico,” she said with a coy smile, leaning close. “Let’s go inside.” "Don't call me that." He said his voice was low. He only liked that name when Aria called him that. No one else called him except Aria. So he was annoyed Ava kept using it. Ava's smile faltered as she cle
Author's POVThe mansion was quiet. Too quiet. The kind of silence that settled in after something had been broken.Aria had left over an hour ago.Nicolas stood by the tall French windows in his study, his figure stiff and still as he stared out at the rain-soaked world beyond. Lightning flashed in the distance, briefly lighting up the sharp angles of his face. A cigarette burned between his fingers, the glowing tip pulsing like a warning.He hadn’t moved in what felt like forever.Behind him, Ava sat comfortably on the leather couch, a glass of red wine in her hand and a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Her eyes stayed on Nicolas, her gaze full of admiration—and something colder, hidden underneath.She rose slowly, placing the glass down with a soft clink. Her heels made no sound as she walked across the thick carpet.“Nicolas,” she said gently, her voice syrupy sweet, “don’t be upset. Aria must’ve been really desperate to do something like that.”She came to stand beside him, li
In the next two hours, the maids packed all my things and dumped them in the living room like they were trash. I stood frozen, my mind unable to process what was happening.A bitter scoff broke through the silence."How can she be so shameless?" one of the maids sneered, crossing her arms as she looked me up and down with disgust.Another maid snickered. "I know, right? Thinking she could baby-trap Nicolas King and become a rich lady of the society? What a joke. As if a man like him would ever fall for a pathetic scheme like that."The third maid, an older woman, shook her head in mock disappointment. "Gold diggers these days have no shame. She’s lucky Mr. King isn't ruining her life.""Oh, I think he is planning something, Nicolas King is not a person who shows mercy to the people who betray him."Their words sliced through me like a blade, but I forced myself to stand tall. I clenched my fists at my sides, refusing to give them the s
"Ms. William, Mr. King has summoned you," the maid announced, her voice laced with condescension. She barely hid her disdain as she looked me up and down, her gaze lingering on my damp clothes from the rain earlier.I swallowed hard and nodded before making my way down the grand staircase.Nicolas sat on the plush leather couch, his expression unreadable, cold. Ava was curled into his side, her fingers delicately tracing patterns on his chest as she smirked at me. Standing beside them was Nicolas’s assistant, a sleek black envelope in his hand.I felt a surge of hope rise in my chest.Finally, the truth will be out. Nicolas will see that the baby in my belly is his. He’ll realize his mistake, and everything will be okay."Give me the envelope," Nicolas ordered, his tone devoid of emotion, his outstretched hand firm and commanding.The assistant immediately obeyed, placing the envelope in his grasp.My fingers curled into fists, anticipation thrumming through my veins as I watched him t
The only thing going on in my mind was I'm sorry babies, Mommy couldn't protect you. In your next life please be born to a loving family.And then, as if the universe had finally decided to throw me a lifeline, a deep, commanding voice sliced through the rain."Let. Her. Go."Everything stilled. The grip on my arm loosened slightly, just enough for me to gasp for air. My eyes darted toward the entrance of the alley, where a tall figure stood under the dim glow of the streetlamp.I didn’t recognize him.He was shrouded in darkness, his face partially obscured by the rain and the hood of his black coat. But even from a distance, I could feel the sheer intensity radiating from him. The way he carried himself—calm, controlled, yet utterly dangerous—sent a chill down my spine.The man holding me scoffed but didn’t let go. "And who the hell are you?" he slurred, tightening his grip on my arm again.The stranger didn’t answer. He just moved.Fast.Before the drunk could react, the man grabbed
Nicholas called me to let me know he was coming to pick me up so we could get the paternity test. I walked outside as soon as I saw his car pulling up. I would see him for the first time in two weeks after our talk. When the car stopped I was waiting. I tried to pull open the passenger door but it was locked. When I tried again the window to the passenger seat rolled down revealing Ava."Hey, Aria." She smiled at me innocently. Nicholas was eating in the driver's seat staring at me blankly. "Aria you don't mind me sitting here right? I get car sick easily and I always sit with Nicolas." She spoke sweetly but only I could see her sinister expression. "Don't worry about her, Ava. Go sit in the back Aria. We are getting late." Nicolas spoke. Quietly I walked and sat in the back seat. Soon we started for the hospital. Ava and Nico talked as If I wasn't in the car."Niocp you promised me that you would take me to our favorite place to eat ice cream." Ava poutred as she leaned her head aga