I fumbled with the lock, my pulse hammering. I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t want this. "Alaric," I breathed, but his name barely made it past my lips before his hands were on me—hot, demanding, unstoppable. "Tell me to stop," he murmured against my throat, his fingers sliding beneath my dress. "Tell me you don’t want this." I opened my mouth—to argue, to push him away—but all that came out was a soft, shuddering gasp as he found the one place that betrayed me. His dark chuckle sent a shiver down my spine. "That’s what I thought." __ Betrayed and humiliated at the altar. Isla never planned to ruin herself in the arms of another man. But heartbreak led her straight into the grasp of Alaric Voss—powerful, ruthless, and twice her age. One night. No names. No future. Or so she thought. Because when the sun rose, Isla came face-to-face with her new boss—the same man who had just claimed her in every sinful way possible. Now, resisting him is impossible. He’s everywhere—watching, teasing, owning her with every smirk, every touch. She swore it was a mistake. He swears it’s just the beginning. And the more she fights him, the more she realizes the truth: She was his from the moment he laid eyes on her. And Alaric Voss doesn’t let what’s his slip away.
View MoreMy eyes fluttered open, only to immediately shut again as a dull, throbbing headache overwhelmed my senses, making me groan from the pain.
“Fucking hell,” I muttered under my breath, my hands instinctively clutching my head, hoping it would somehow stop the pain. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. If anything, the pain only intensified, pounding against my temples like a relentless drumbeat. And the worst part? My entire body ached. Everywhere. “What happened? How much did I drink last night?” I muttered, asking no one in particular as I opened my eyes, trying to take in my surroundings. But without my glasses, I could barely make anything out. One thing was clear, though—I wasn’t in my room, and I couldn't remember anything, not even where I was. I sighed and reached out for my glasses, hoping I hadn’t broken them. But instead of the familiar frame I expected to feel, my hands brushed something else—something hard, like a human body. I stiffened, my breath catching in my throat as I blinked in confusion, shaking my head at the ridiculous thought that there could be a man in bed with me. There was no way. Absolutely no way. Still, with shaky hands, I reached out again, hesitantly touching whatever I had felt before—and my eyes widened in shock. Not only was it a man, but he was naked. What the… Before I could even process it, a strong hand suddenly grabbed mine. I gasped in shock as I was yanked forward, my body lifted as if I weighed nothing. And in the next second, I found myself sprawled across the lap of a man. Oh, and did I mention he was naked? “Oh my God! Who are you? Let me go this instant!” I yelled, my face flushing as I felt the unbearable hardness beneath me, pressing through my underwear. A strange, unfamiliar sensation coursed through me like wildfire, making my breath hitch. “Let you go?” A low chuckle echoed through the room, dark and amused. “Funny—that wasn't exactly what you were saying last night while being such an obedient little thing.” I froze. My eyes widened in disbelief as I squinted, trying to make out the man before me. And when I did, my heart plummeted. Memories from yesterday crashed into me all at once. The wedding. The club. And then… “I can feel you trembling, little rose. Don't tell me that you are scared especially after what happened between us last night” His voice was a slow drawl, rich with amusement. Alaric Voss. My father's friend. I really had sex with my father's friend. I'm fucked. A day ago. Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest moment of your life—the day every girl dreams about. A day filled with love, joy, and the promise of forever. Just like in those fairy tales where Prince Charming sweeps you off your feet, sealing your happily ever after with a kiss. So tell me, why was mine so different? Why had my happiest day turned into my worst nightmare, caused by none other than my own Prince Charming? Leon. “W-what did you say?” The priest was the first to break out of the stunned silence, his voice uncertain as he turned to the woman standing at the back of the hall. “You… object to the union of these two couples?” The heavily pregnant woman had one hand resting on her swollen belly, the other raised in defiance. A sneer twisted her lips as she glared not at me—but at my boyfriend of three years. At my Leon. “Yes! I said that. You heard me right. I object!” She exclaimed, pointing at Leon, her eyes filled with hate and betrayal that almost made me laugh. “But why?” The priest asked, and the pregnant woman rolled her eyes dramatically. The hall fell silent, with some guests watching in surprise, others with excitement, as the drama unfolded. But at that moment, I couldn't even express what I was feeling. Was it disbelief? Hope that this was just one of those brutal pranks from Leon and his friend? Or perhaps... I glanced at the woman's pregnant belly and moved my glasses higher as dread settled within me. That wasn’t Leon’s child. “Why?” The woman frowned, as if the priest had asked the most absurd question, before pointing to her belly with an expression that screamed, ‘Can’t you see?’ “Because the baby inside me is none other than this bastard over there! That idiot knew I was pregnant and still went ahead and married another woman. Can you imagine?!” “Serena! Shut up” Leon yelled out angrily as soon as she said that, his eyes darkening with unstrained fury. Everyone gasped, and before I knew it, I closed my eyes, falling to the ground with a soft thud. My heart shattered into pieces, and tears threatened to spill. The air felt suffocating, and I clutched my chest as my shoulders trembled. “Leon… how could you? How could you do this to me?” I whispered, my breath barely audible. Almost immediately, Leon reached out, his voice laced with concern. “Isla, I can explain–” He reached out to touch me, but I recoiled, lifting my gaze to meet his as anger surged through me. He could explain? So, this wasn’t a joke, a nightmare, or some cruel dream. This was real. “You can explain? Explain exactly what, Leon!” I yelled, my voice breaking as I stood up and shoved him away with all my strength. “Three years! Three fucking years we spent together, and you get someone pregnant, and you’re telling me you can explain? Explain what?!” I demanded, tears blurring my vision and fogging up my glasses. “Isla… please, just listen to me. It was a mistake, please—” “A mistake?” Serena's voice cut through the air, filled with rage. “Did you just say it was a mistake, you bastard? You slept with me not once, but for an entire year, and you call that a mistake?” I gasped, staring at Leon in shock. A year? He had been cheating on me for a year? “Oh my God, they’ve been having an affair for a year, and she didn’t know. How is that even possible? I’d know if my husband was cheating on me in a week,” someone from the crowd whispered, disbelief in their voice. “Right! It’s her fault for trusting him so easily,” another voice chimed in. The whispers began, filling the air, sharp and suffocating. “Is that true? Have you really been cheating on me for an entire year, Leon?” I asked, my voice trembling with disbelief. Leon opened his mouth to speak, but the woman cut him off, her tone sharp. “Are you that stupid? What’s so hard to believe? I’m due next week, and I’m not about to let you marry him,” she said, her eyes narrowing as she turned back to Leon. “And really, Leon, I’m disappointed. I thought you didn’t like her. You called her ugly and a damn nun and said she wouldn’t even let you touch her in bed and that she was nothing but wife material because her father was wealthy. Still, I am carrying your child. How could you possibly choose her over your unborn child?!” “Serena, watch your mouth or else…” Leon snapped, trying to stop her from saying too much, but it did nothing to erase what I had just heard. The damage had already been done and no one could mend a broken glass once it's been shattered. I took a shaky breath, removing my glasses and wiping away the tears. I pulled off the veil and threw it to the ground. Every eye in the room was on me, and I saw Leon's frantic expression as he opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when I held out my hand, cutting him off. With cold precision, I reached for my finger and removed the stupid ring he had placed there just moments ago before throwing it at him. “Isla, w-what is the meaning of this?” He asked, his voice faltering as I glared at him, then turned to the crowd, ignoring him entirely. “I’m sorry for wasting your precious time today, but the wedding is off. Please make your way to the door, I won't be seeing you out since I’ll be leaving first.” With that, I turned and walked away, not sparing another glance at anyone. I stopped beside the pregnant woman, my gaze cold and unwavering. She stiffened, instinctively stepping back. “Congratulations on your pregnancy. I hope you have a safe delivery next week. You can also keep the trash since you want it so bad, you both fit each other” Her eyes widened at my words, but I didn’t wait for her response. I simply turned and walked away, away from the whispers and murmurs that threatened to consume me. Away from my wedding. Fairytales were a lie, there was no prince charming. There never has been.Liam povSometimes, the monsters aren’t the ones hiding under your bed. Sometimes, they’re in the mirror, your reflection staring back at you. They are you.That was what I had always believed. That the monster I’d feared my whole life had been me all along and only me.I still remember the orphanage. The only thing that truly belonged to me was a name written on a piece of paper, tucked inside the basket I’d been left in at the front door of that cold, gray building. I never knew who my real parents were, or why they left me out there in the freezing night. But I never tried to find out, never cared to. Why search for the people who didn’t want me?So, at an early age, I learned a harsh truth: never expect love from anyone. Because the more you do, the more it destroys you. I wasn’t like the other kids at the orphanage. I didn’t laugh much. I didn’t talk. I kept to myself, I was cold, quiet, distant.It wasn’t surprising that people stayed away from me. And it stayed that way e
Isla povThe first emotion was shock, then fear and then pain.First, the shock. My body went cold, rigid, as I watched the truck barreling toward us at full speed. My eyes were glued to the oncoming vehicle, my mouth parted, but no scream escaped, not even a sound, only a breathless gasp as the truck rushed closer with no sign of slowing. I wasn’t sure, but I thought I heard Liam yell my name, trying to swerve, to avoid it… but it was too late.The world seemed to slow as the truck finally collided. And that was when I felt the second emotion.Fear.The car windows shattered, shards of glass flying everywhere, slicing into my skin. I felt the sting, the warm trail of blood trickling down my arm as the car lifted off the ground, flipping, rolling over and over. My breath caught with every violent turn, the seat belt cutting into me, keeping me from being thrown out. My head slammed against the car again and again until, finally, everything stopped.The world went eerily quiet. My body
Isla pov“Take her to the airport and then to the house,” Alaric ordered, his tone firm, hands tucked into his pockets as he towered over Liam. “Make sure she’s safe until I get back. Do you understand?”“Yes, boss. I understand. I’ll make sure she’s safe,” Liam replied immediately, lowering his head in respect.Alaric then turned his attention to me, his lips curving into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Stepping closer, he reached out, gently rubbing my head as he spoke, his voice low. “I’ll see you when I get back from work today. I also kept some of the wine your friends love in the car, you can give it to them. Be good and wait for me until I return, okay?”There was worry etched into his expression, as though he hated the thought of me leaving his sight. The sight of it tugged at my chest, and the corners of my lips lifted into a smile of my own as I nodded softly.“I understand, Alaric,” I said, taking a step closer as I reached out to softly stroke his cheek. “And y
Isla povTime flew by faster than I would have liked. Alaric and I had spent the week on his private island together. We had so much fun, going on dates, taking long walks, and… well, having sex almost anywhere we could find. It was thrilling, exciting, and most of all, special because we had truly spent time together. I had never realized a relationship could feel this good. But now, it was time to leave. Alaric had work to attend to, especially on the project my father and his family were involved in, and I had to go too, since Esther and Suhyeon were leaving the country this afternoon and I had to see them off.They had told me not to bother with it and to spend more time with Alaric, but I couldn’t possibly let them leave without seeing them, I wonder when we would meet next. Besides, they had been the ones who made these past months bearable, and I had to see them before they left the country.As we boarded the jet, Alaric sat beside me, a file in his hands, eyes trained on it
Third pov It was dark outside. The wind brushed through the trees, crickets chirped, and the night felt thick with tension, as if something bad was coming that he couldn’t avoid. Or maybe it was all in his head. Maybe he was overthinking, like he always did, and nothing would happen. Maybe… maybe he wouldn’t get yelled at and beaten today. Just maybe. Michael, a man who worked in the Voss Corporation, Alaric's company, sat in the silent car, staring at the building with a fearful look, like a dog before its owner after doing something wrong. He knew he’d messed up. He hadn’t finished what he was supposed to do, and the man inside wouldn’t let that slide. This girl was different from the others, not easy. If Michael did anything rash, he’d be exposed as the one stalking Isla Ashford. He wanted to bring her to that man, but he couldn’t. And he blamed one man for it, Alaric Voss. “It’s his fault,” Michael hissed, knuckles white on the wheel. “Because of that bastard I couldn’t fi
James pov “From what I could gather… it seems the fire that broke out in the Voss mansion years ago indeed had something to do with Mr. and Mrs. Voss, your parents,” my secretary said, hesitating, as he sat in the front seat of the car. I didn’t respond, my eyes fixed on nothing in particular as I waited for him to continue. “I interviewed a maid who was fired not long after the incident. At first, she was too scared to speak, but when I told her it was you who wanted answers, she finally told me the truth.” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, pausing before he went on. “She said that on that day, she rushed to the scene and saw that Mr. Alaric was still trapped inside, not everyone had evacuated yet. But when she went to get Mrs. Voss, she said Mrs. Voss only stared coldly at the burning house. She told her not to make a big deal out of it unless she wanted to be fired. “The maid described how Mrs. Voss stood there without a flicker of emotion, listening to Mr. Alaric screa
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