0 1. Stormy Goodbyes

*Men fall in love. But when he locked his eyes on her, he never looked away.*

CONTENT WARNING & COPYRIGHT CLAIMS

This book contains some dark themes including violence, abduction, psychological manipulation, and attempted sexual assault. (18+)

Copyright © 2026 by Lakewood

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or real events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Eva’s POV

My hands shook as I stared at the contract that had just ended my three-year relationship, the same contract that once saved my mum's life.

“Sign it Eva, Valentina doesn’t like unnecessary complications.” My stomach tightened.

"You can check the amount and leave.” Adrian Moretti didn’t even look at me when he said it.

I shivered as a chill creeped up my spine from the storm outside.

“Valetina is coming back tonight right.” It wasn’t a question and he finally looked at me.

“She is, and I wouldn't want her to meet you here.” His response stuck in my throat and the lightning against the sky made me flinch.

I remembered the night we signed the contract.

My mum was dying and the surgery cost more than I could earn in ten lifetimes.

“Stay with me for three years. I’ll handle the treatment.”

So I signed the contract, now the three years was over and the woman he truly loved was returning.

I had counted down the days myself.

Adrian slid a thick envelope across the marble table without looking at me.

Inside there was more money than I’d ever seen and the deed to a house in the suburbs. Everything as promised.

“This is your compensation,” he said politely.

I stared back, then pushed it back.

“I can’t take this.” I snapped, surprising myself too.

He lifted his eyebrow at me. “It’s part of the agreement.” I clenched my suitcase.

“I know, but you’ve already done enough.” There was silence for a while, and I panicked.

Three years as his secret lover, Adrian had done more than the contract required.

“You paid for my mother’s surgery, and when the hospitals said it was impossible… you found the doctors.” I choked back a sob. I should be happy that I'm free, but my heart was too heavy.

“You kept paying even after the contract should have ended.” My fingers tightened on the suitcase handle.

“I already owe you more than I can repay.”

Rain hammered against the floor-to-ceiling windows as I spoke.

“You should take it,” Adrian repeated calmly. “You fulfilled your part. You’re entitled to it.”

“I can’t.” I met his gaze for the first time tonight. It was unreadable and dangerous.

“If I accepted, it would make the last three years feel like I was paid to love you.”

I didn't say more, because I might break down and cry in before him. There was silence and his expression was still cold.

“You’ve already done enough.” My voice cracked.

The storm got worse outside. Adrian reached for a glass of whiskey and sipped slowly.

“I also transferred the Riverside apartment to your name, you can take your mum there.” he said casually. “Paperwork’s inside.”

Of course he did. He never left things unfinished.

“I’ll only take what was agreed for the medical bills. The rest… I don’t need it.”

For the first time, irritation flashed across his face.

“Eva.”

“I mean it,” I said firmly. “You’ve already helped me enough.”

He studied me, and it looked like he wanted to say something else, but then he just nodded. “Fine.”

I bent down and lifted my suitcase. “I’ll pack the rest of my things.”

He didn’t stop me and just watched.

Packing was fast. Most things weren’t mine anyway, they were chosen by his assistant and the jewelry were from dinners and events.

I still had some outfits at the Riverside apartment. I grabbed the small velvet box, there was a thin platinum band with a sapphire. Two years ago, after a Switzerland trip, Adrian had left it beside my breakfast plate.

I slipped it into my pocket. It was proof these three years were real and I'd always remember it.

The room still smelled faintly of his cologne, I smiled briefly at my core memories with him.

My first winter night when he noticed me shivering so he made coffee every night and placed by my bed.

Adrian Moretti wasn’t a warm man, but he had cared for me more than anyone did.

With my heart still pounding, I swallowed and walked downstairs.

Adrian stood near the window, and didn’t bother to turn.

“You didn’t take the envelope.”

“No.” I said hoarsely.

“So, you’re leaving now?” His tone was neutral.

I nodded calmly, looking forward to his next words.

“You don’t have to rush. It’s still raining and Valentina would be here by midnight.” But I wasn't going to wait. I took a final look around the empty mansion.

The servants had left, probably instructed to give us privacy.

“You’re still as stubborn as the night we met.” He took a sip.

“Maybe. I learnt from the best.” I smiled faintly… lightning split the sky and thunder followed as I flinched. On impulse, he walked towards me, but stopped and looked away.

I gulped, pushing back the tears. It was really over.

He picked up the envelope and came closer. His familiar scent, cedar and smoke wrapped around me.

His hand closed around my wrist. Just enough to stop me, the same way he used to pull me back into bed on winter mornings.

“Take it, please.” His voice softened.

“No.” My mind was already made up.

“Eva…” he growled.

“If I take that money,” I said quietly, “I might start believing I meant something to you.”

“You were important,” he said, past tense.

I nodded. “Exactly.”

I reached for the door and thunder cracked again with rain pouring in. “Adrian… during these three years, did you ever regret signing that contract with me?”

“No,” he replied. That was all I needed to know and I stepped into the storm with my suitcase. He wasn't going to drop me off, the contract was strict. No future communication between us.

“Eva.” He called and I paused, but didn’t turn.

“Take care of your mother.”

I smiled faintly. I already had.

Headlights flashed through the rain as a car rolled through the gates.

My steps slowed.

The driver stepped out first.

“Miss Valentina, welcome home.”

The back door opened and a tall lady stepped out, elegant even in the storm.

Her coat was the exact shade Adrian once said he liked.

For three years I lived in her place, and now she was here to reclaim it, suddenly her eyes met mine and she flashed an unpleasant smile.