MasukASHLEYMy lips parted at what I’d just heard.For a moment, I wondered if I’d misunderstood him. But the murmurs spreading through the audience and the gasps coming from different corners of the room told me otherwise.“What are you talking about?” Mr. Henderson demanded.“I’m stepping down from my position,” Jordan repeated calmly. “But that’s not even the shocking part, Father.”I furrowed my brows.Mr. Henderson glared at him. “What is?”“Wait for it.” Jordan glanced to the side.Curious, I followed his gaze, along with everyone else in the room.Ella Warner was making her way onto the stage."Isn't that the girl he got engaged to?” Zara murmured beside me.I didn’t answer. My eyes remained fixed on the two of them, my mind racing as I tried to figure out what Jordan was planning.Ella stopped beside him and leaned toward the microphone.“Hi, everyone. I’m Ella Warner." She said, looking at the audience. "I'd like to announce that Jordan and I have decided to end our engagement."Oh
SELENEOne of the most amazing things about being an expectant mother was how much more aware I’d become of my body.Every morning, I found myself standing in front of the mirror, lifting my nightdress to examine my stomach. I wanted to know if a bump had started to show or if my breasts were getting fuller. Sometimes, I’d turn sideways, studying my reflection as though I might notice a change I’d somehow missed the day before.It was ridiculous, really, considering how early it still was, but I couldn't help myself. There was something exciting about knowing a little life was growing inside me, even if the changes weren't visible yet.As for Julian, he would have to face the consequences of his actions in prison. Sebastian's father and Nora had visited him once, making it clear how disappointed they were. They'd considered him family, welcomed him into their lives, and trusted him, only for him to betray them in the worst possible way.After that, it was up to Julian to decide whethe
ASHLEYThe past few days had been hectic.First, Jordan called to tell me Selene had been shot and was in the hospital.God, I'd been terrified.The thought of something happening to her had sent my mind racing through every possible worst-case scenario. Thank God she'd survived the surgery and was recovering. I didn't know what I would have done if things had turned out differently.Then there was work.With Selene absent, I'd had to take over most of her responsibilities, while Jordan handled the tasks that required his signature. Between that and the upcoming exhibition, there was barely any time to catch my breath. Preparations were in full swing, and we were counting down the days, checking and rechecking every detail to make sure everything went smoothly.Thankfully, the exhibition was finally tomorrow.I still hadn't given Jordan an answer, but it wasn't because I was deliberately avoiding him. We'd both been swamped with work, each of us trying to keep our departments running s
SEBASTIANI stood outside the operating room, my clothes stained with Selene’s blood.No matter how many times I looked down at the stains, I couldn't stop seeing her lying in that chair, pale and helpless, with blood spreading across her stomach.I clasped my hands together, trying to stop them from trembling. Every passing second felt like a punishment. I had no idea what was happening behind those doors, and the helplessness was slowly eating away at me.My family had rushed to the hospital as soon as they heard the news, but even their presence couldn't ease the knot of fear in my chest.“She's not out yet?” my father asked.I shook my head.My mother stood beside him, her expression heavy with disbelief. “I can't believe Julian could do such a thing,” she murmured.My jaw tightened at the mention of his name.I couldn't bring myself to think about Julian. Not when I had no idea whether my wife would open her eyes again.Before I could respond, the doors to the operating room slid
SEBASTIANI drove to the address Julian had sent me, my eyes fixed on the road ahead as the police followed at a distance. Every second felt like an eternity. My mind kept returning to Selene, wondering whether she was safe, whether she was hurt, and whether I would get to her before Julian did something unforgivable.When I reached the location, I pulled up in front of an abandoned building that looked like an old warehouse. I barely waited for the engine to stop before stepping out.I entered cautiously, my footsteps echoing through the deserted space.Then I saw him.Julian sat on a chair in the middle of the warehouse, a gun resting in his hand. He looked completely at ease, as though he were waiting for a business meeting rather than the brother he'd just threatened over the phone.My gaze shifted to the weapon before sweeping across the building.There was no sign of Selene.“You're actually faster than I expected,” he remarked, leaning back in his chair.“Where's my wife?”He le
SELENE The first thing I felt when I opened my eyes was the throbbing pain in my head. Then came the uncomfortable tightness around my wrists and ankles.I tried to move, only to realize I was tied to a chair.Panic stirred in my chest as I lifted my head and looked around. The place resembled an abandoned warehouse, with dusty floors, bare walls, and barely any light filtering into the room. There was no one in sight.I tugged at the ropes binding my hands, but they were tied so tightly that even the slightest movement sent pain shooting through my wrists.“Help!” I screamed. “Somebody, please help me!”“No one can even hear you, Selene.”A male voice sounded from behind me.I froze.I knew that voice.Whipping my head around, I found Julian leaning against the back door. He pushed away from it and began walking toward me, his expression unsettlingly calm.“Julian?” I stared at him in disbelief. “You were the one who abducted me?”“No.” He stopped in front of me, then crouched until







