ログインANDREAOnce I noticed Julian was done with his phone call, I quickly wrapped up my conversation before he could overhear too much.“I’ll call you later, okay?” I said softly into the phone.There was a sleepy murmur of agreement from the other end before I ended the call.The moment I turned around, I found Julian watching me.“Is everything okay?” he asked casually.I nodded immediately.“Yes. Just checking up on something back home.”He studied me for a second longer, like he could tell there was more I wasn’t saying, but thankfully, he didn’t press further.After our tour around the resort earlier, I had done my best to keep my distance from him.And honestly?I had been relieved that it seemed to work.Mostly because the more time I spent around Julian Rhodes, the more dangerous he became to my self-control.Now it was evening, and the anxiety I had managed to suppress all day slowly returned the moment we stepped back into the suite after dinner.The atmosphere instantly changed
JULIANAfter breakfast, I led Andrea out of the private villa and onto one of the cobblestone pathways that curved through the resort.The morning air was crisp and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of flowers and fresh rain from the previous night.Soft sunlight filtered through the tall palm trees, casting golden streaks across the ground as guests wandered around leisurely in robes and sunglasses.Beside me, Andrea remained unusually quiet.But unlike before, her silence no longer felt tense.It felt observant.Curious.Her gaze drifted around the resort slowly, taking in every detail with open appreciation she probably didn't even realize she was showing.I found myself watching her more than I should."That's the spa," I said, pointing toward a large white building surrounded by waterfalls and tropical plants. "It's one of the most popular parts of the resort."Andrea followed my gaze.The sunlight reflected beautifully against her face, making her features softer somehow."An
ANDREAI woke up the next day to find myself on the bed, with Julian nowhere in sight. I looked down at myself and sighed in relief when I saw that I was still very much clothed, which meant nothing had happened while I slept.How did I get on the bed? I thought, since I could remember sleeping off on the couch after I had freshened up last night.Had I been so exhausted that I didn't even know when Julian carried me to the bed? How could I have let myself sleep that deeply! I wondered with a frown as I got off the bed. Seeing as Julian wasn't in sight, I assumed he had left for his meeting without me and decided to use the opportunity to check on Diane and then freshen up before he came back.After the quick phone call, I took out the clothes I had arranged to wear for the day and headed for the bathroom, but before I could open the door, it swung open and Julian stepped out. I froze, my eyes widening as I took in the sight of him emerging from the bathroom, clad only in a white
ANDREAAs Julian and I stepped into the suite after he unlocked the door with his key card, I froze just inside the entrance.The room was luxurious in that effortless, expensive way that seemed to follow him everywhere.Soft golden lighting glowed from recessed fixtures in the ceiling. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched along one side of the suite, offering a breathtaking view of the city glittering beneath the night sky. The marble floors reflected the warm light, and every surface looked polished to perfection.There was a sitting area with a low glass table, two velvet armchairs, and a sleek cream-colored couch.Then my eyes landed on the bed. A massive king-sized bed sat at the center of the room like a silent threat.White sheets. Fluffy pillows. Far too inviting. My stomach tightened instantly.One bed. I rolled my eyes. Of course.My gaze quickly darted back toward the couch.It was smaller than I hoped, narrow and not particularly welcoming, but at least it represented dista
ANDREAThe rest of the week rolled by quickly, and on Friday, immediately after the close of work, Julian and I left for the trip.Even though as usual Julian has been professional with me and I have tried to treat him a bit friendlier. I still couldn't shake off the feeling that I was making a mistake by going on this trip with him.I have tried observing Julian, trying to gauge from his reaction if the trip was just a ruse so he could continue to seduce me as he had said.However, no matter how hard I tried, I have been unable to discern anything unusual from his behavior, and even though it was supposed to make me feel relaxed. I couldn't help but be anxious.He was unpredictable and I was beginning to feel worn out from having my guard up all the time.As we drove into Rhodes Corp's luxurious resort in Paris at past midnight. I sighed, my nerves were tightly wound. The idea of being away with him even though on a business trip stirred up something within me, and if I was not care
VERONICAAs I freshened up and got ready to join my parents for dinner after work, I couldn't help but reflect on my meeting with Andrea.Seeing her again had stirred a mix of emotions, old memories, resentment, and the thrill of manipulation.I was determined to uncover whatever secrets Andrea was hiding and push her back into whatever hole she had crawled out of after all these years. As I entered the dining room, I was greeted by the warm, familiar scent of my mother's cooking. "What's for dinner?" I asked as I approached the kitchen.My mom emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "I didn't hear you come in. Dinner is ready. Help me set the table," she ordered. As my mom and I finished setting the table, Dad joined us. "You're right on time, honey," Mom said with a smile."That's because the delicious aroma of your cooking drew me out," he said, and Mom laughed softly as we all settled at the dining table.While Mom served the meal, roast chicken, mashed pota
ANDREAThe moment his lips touched mine my body went stiff.I have heard about workplace harassment and how powerful people love to abuse their power.But never would I have thought that I would be a victim of this. I would never have imagined that someone like Julian Rhodes could behave this way.
ANDREA“Look mummy, we can see everything from here. Including a swimming pool,” Diane exclaimed as we walked into our spacious, and elegantly decorated room with a view of the city.I smiled, my heart swelling with love for my daughter. “Yes, we can. It's a beautiful view,” I said, as I watched Di
JULIAN“Hey! You should keep your eyes on the road, mister,” I heard a tiny little voice beneath me and I looked up from my phone.“Oh my goodness, my apologies,” I said when I realized I almost stumbled on her because I was so engrossed with the numerous emails I was trying to catch up with.My ey
ANDREAIt's been exactly seven years since I walked out of my uncle's house and left the country the morning of my graduation ceremony and the eve of my engagement ceremony.I have returned with Diane, my six years old daughter. Seven years ago, I not only left my home, I left my country, and now I







