Masuk[Lily’s POV]When David’s personal assistant took leave for six months, I saw my opportunity. I grabbed at the chance to work closer with him, to become indispensable, to entwine myself further into his life.Besides, I had finished redecorating the villa and needed a new interest.“David,” I tried, after plying him with his favorite whiskey. “With Sylvia off to the Himalayas for heavens knows how long, you’re going to need an interim secretary.”David sat back in his leather armchair, looking relaxed for a change. He glanced at me.“Well, that’s true. Why?”“So…” I began, “I would like to volunteer. I mean, you wouldn’t even have to pay me! You know I have an active mind, I’m totally loyal to you, and I need a new challenge.”I thought, after all, how hard could it be? Booking flights, taking notes, making sure he didn’t skip lunch.He appraised me for a moment. Took a couple of thoughtful sips. I kept quiet, letting him consider the possibility.“You only have a medical background,
[Alice’s POV]Adam collected me from the lab, later in the week. The institute’s board of directors had called an emergency meeting. They were wasting no time in acting on the mounting pressure.“Let’s go, Alice. Time for a showdown,” he said, trying to smile. Trying to lighten the gravity of the situation for me.But it didn’t work. I was terribly worried. Everything I had fought so hard for, was on the line.On our way there, I said, “But I haven’t been invited to attend the meeting, Adam. I mean, I’m not on the board.”“Maybe not, but I am. And with you being a major shareholder, I have invited you to accompany me.”“Do you think David will be there?” I asked.“I expect so. He’s still a director.”We exchanged meaningful glances. David could hardly be expected to go against any vote of the board.When we entered the institute’s boardroom, I got a shock.David was already there.And so was Lily!I was speechless but Adam dove right in.“What is she doing here?” he demanded, his expr
[Alice’s POV] Perhaps Endall was right being so angry about the defamatory articles suddenly trashing my hard-won reputation in all those medical science publications.Despite the accusations having no basis in truth, I was becoming increasingly concerned as I watched them spreading unchecked through otherwise reputable academic journals, and being widely dissected in medical forums.Feeling a little shaken by the backlash, I sought advice from Adam.“This has got to stop,” he growled. His expression was controlled but underneath, he was furious. I could tell by his set jawline and the tick of a muscle under tension in his jaw.“I’ve been watching this garbage spread, and it’s not only dangerous to you, but it threatens the integrity of the institute, as well,” he said.I shrugged. I didn’t want to make too much of it. “I don’t think there’s anything I can do, Adam,” I said. “I don’t know the source of these false rumors. And that’s all it is, really, just rumors.”“Don’t worry too m
[David’s POV]After I had paid a visit to Doctor Bailey this afternoon and received confirmation of Lily’s pregnancy, I drove over to the International School. Today was Camilla’s first day at her new school and I so much wanted to be a part of her new adventure.The first day of school is a big milestone in a small child’s life. I felt I should share it with her but I was no longer permitted to be involved. Still, if I could catch a glimpse of her, that would be something.Alice would collect her when school finished, so I found a vacant space in the school’s parking lot and kept out of sight. Soon, I heard the sound of children’s voices as they burst out of the school and started running to their waiting parents.Leaving the car, I moved closer, keeping a watch on the doors to the building. It wasn’t easy finding my daughter amidst the noisy scrum of excited kids heading home for the day.Then I spotted her. She barreled down the front steps at a crazy pace, excitement written all o
[David’s POV]When I woke up, the other side of the bed was empty. I sat up, alone in the master suite. Someone was moving around in the ensuite. Lily. Of course.Glancing at the time, it was still early in the morning. My alarm hadn’t sounded yet.I heard a little, muffled moan coming from the bathroom. My heart began to pound. Was Lily alright? I had too much to deal with right now, for her to fall sick.When I realized what I was thinking, I felt momentarily ashamed. It was insensitive of me to just be concerned about my problems if my partner was ill.“Lily? Is everything okay?” I called.I climbed out of bed. The floor was cold, so I reached for my slippers.Before I could head into the bathroom, Lily appeared at the doorway. She was holding onto the door frame, her face pale, her hair disheveled. Her expression was grim.“I-I feel nauseous,” she said. “I hope it wasn’t something I ate.”“We had the same dinner together last night,” I said. “But I feel fine.”She tried a fragile
[Alice’s POV]Camilla woke early this morning; it was still dark outside. She raced into my bedroom and shook me.“Mommy, come on! We don’t want to be late!”I groggily sat up in bed and had to smile at what was confronting me. She had dressed herself, ready for her first day at her new school. She wore tartan leggings and her red boots, a short green pleated skirt, a lavender skivvy and her favorite fluffy pink coat.“Whoa, there,” I exclaimed. “We might need to take another look in your wardrobe, honey. And we need to get some breakfast.”I hauled my bulky body out of bed, and stood barefoot and shivering in my nightgown. I chose a warm robe out of the cupboard and pulled it on, before slipping my feet into woolen slippers.Together we headed for the kitchen to make ourselves a breakfast of pancakes with maple syrup, and a cup of coffee for me. When Camilla finished her cup of milk, she had a perfect white moustache on her upper lip.I laughed.“Go and look at yourself in the dressi
[Alice's POV]The corridors in the medical section of the detention center were long and oppressive, and the clang of the heavy iron doors opening and closing was particularly harsh in the pervading silence, each echo cutting into my nerves.I curled up on the crude single bed, my hands tightly pro
[Adam’s POV]I was born with a platinum spoon in my mouth, but it tasted like ash.From birth my trajectory was plotted by men in suits who cared more about stock margins than humanity. I was the sole heir to the Ballard dynasty. The crown prince. The golden calf. And like any prized animal, I was
[Alice’s POV]Just a little longer before I could escape to my sanctuary. I plastered on a social smile.The gala was still a blur of noise and predatory smiles, and I needed a respite. I headed for the restroom. I splashed cold water on my face and stared at the woman in the mirror. I looked fragi
[Alice’s POV]The anesthesia didn’t fade so much as it receded, leaving me stranded on a shore of pain and nausea. I blinked, trying to bring the world into focus. The air smelled of antiseptic and stale coffee — the scent of sickness.I tried to move, but an invisible weight pinned me to the mattr







