The Scent of Secrets

"Ow!" My hand flew to my head, a heavy throb blooming behind my eyes. My body felt stiff, each tiny movement sending a sharp prick across my skin. Slowly, I forced my eyelids open. My eyes snapped wide at the sight. "Where am I?" I was lying on a queen-size bed that seemed to swallow me in its softness. A plush pink comforter was pulled up to my chin. Above, a grand chandelier, made of glittering crystals with hints of pink, hung directly over the bed. Across the room, an oval-shaped mirror with a whimsical pink bow border reflected the light. The walls, mostly painted in soft pink and white, were adorned with many framed paintings. A small, glowing lamp sat on a nightstand beside me. A dark hallway stretched away, leading to what I guessed was another room, but I couldn't see past the shadows. I couldn't tell if it was morning or evening because the curtains were so thick and heavy, blocking out any light. The air conditioner hummed softly, keeping the room perfectly cool, not to

"Where is he?" I asked the woman, whose name was Bea. Jomin, the driver, explained that Bea's family had been hired by the man's family to be a caretaker for the house. At first, she was the only one there, but over time, five of them ended up working together. I felt a pang of guilt for being rude to her earlier, especially when I learned she was the youngest and working to support her family. Bea approached me where I stood outside. "Sir just left," she said, sounding apologetic. "He just left." "Is he at work?" Jomin asked. Bea nodded, and I let out a heavy sigh. I had hoped to find him and talk, but it seemed he was taking back his offer. A wave of disappointment washed over me, and my body went limp. Suddenly, a phone rang. It was Bea's. She answered it, glancing at me with a strange smile. "Okay, sir," she said before hanging up. She gave me a playful look and nudged Jomin, who had been checking his watch impatiently. He looked at her in annoyance, but when he saw her ex

The night was quiet, but I couldn't sleep. I stood outside, staring at the sky where not a single star peeked through the thick, gray clouds. I took a deep breath, took a long sip of my wine, and thought about Orion's face in the car. How did it happen? Who was behind it? Why was he there? Was he following me? Why? So many questions, and no answers. A pang of guilt shot through me for "marrying" Eavon just to clear my name. It felt wrong, but I had no other choice. Though I liked to believe I was strong, I knew I couldn't handle this on my own. I was stuck in a gilded cage. "Why are you still awake?" a voice behind me made me jump. A heat spread across my cheeks as I turned to see Eavon. He was shirtless, wearing only a pair of black pajama pants, and carrying a bottle of vodka. His presence was so unexpected that my body went warm with a mix of shock and something else I refused to name. "Why do you care?" I said, raising my glass. The alcohol gave me a false sense of confidenc

Eavon's grip on my wrist was like a vise, pulling me away from the man who claimed to be his brother. His fury was a palpable force, a raw, animalistic rage that made the hairs on my arms stand up. I stumbled to keep up with him, my heels digging into the soft earth of the garden. He didn't say a word, didn't even look at me, his focus entirely on getting me away from the other man. "Eavon, stop! You're hurting me!" I finally cried out, trying to wrench my arm free. Even though I am physics strong, his grip made me felt weak. He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving. He turned to face me, and in the faint light spilling from the ballroom windows, I could see the storm raging in his eyes. He wasn't just mad; he was terrified. "What did he say to you?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. His expression changed. He looked so scary and sexy being a mad man. I rubbed my bruised wrist, my heart still pounding from the encounter. "He asked if I was your wife, and then he ask

Reader Discretion Advised: The following chapter contains explicit and mature content, including detailed descriptions of sexual acts. It is intended for adult readers only.Come," he held his hand to me.He turned on the shower while he was only wearing his boxers. He was completely soaked from the water, and all I could do was stare at him in awe.I was having second thoughts about joining him. I knew what would happen after this.I smiled and took a deep breath. I was only wearing my thin dress, and when I took his hand to step into the shower, I was immediately soaked."Don't be scared, babe. You'll be alright." I turned to him, and looked at his eyes with desperation."Eavon, please. Be gentle with me," I half-whispered to him.Our eyes were locked, but his hands were running toward the back of my dress, unzipping me. I could feel the water dripping on my skin at the back. He lifted my dress to take it off completely, and now my underwear was the only thing covering me."You look