(Desires)Once again, I found myself in that very place I had sworn never to return to."Whisky or wine?" Simon asked from behind the bar."Wine, please," I replied.He approached me with a glass of red wine, offering it to me as he raised his for a toast."Cheers to... Is there anything else you'd like to add?" he paused, his eyes locked onto mine."Cheers to not caring," I said.A smile formed on his lips as he took a sip from his glass, then sat down on the couch behind him, pulling me down onto his lap.I perched uncomfortably, his pristine white sleeve unbuttoned halfway, revealing a hint of his chest and his disheveled hair contributing to his bad boy image.He was undeniably attractive, but I felt uneasy being in such proximity to him. I attempted to get up, but he tightened his grip, his hand resting on my thigh.I could feel his warmth and the intensity of his touch sent shivers down my spine. As we sat there, surrounded by the lit ambiance, the soft music, became a distant b
(A romantic gesture) (Gustavo pov)**********"You should get dressed,” I said, my voice tinged with urgency.She turned towards me with a mischievous smile. "We still have time," she whispered, pressing her lips against my neck. "Let's go one more round."Annoyed, I tossed her clothes towards her. "We don't have time for this," I insisted.For the past two weeks, I had been tirelessly working to secure those funds, knowing that one wrong move could ruin everything. The thought of being arrested for embezzlement sent a shiver down my spine.Gemini was still essential to my plans, despite how aggravating she had become lately. I needed her, whether I liked it or not."So, what's the plan?" Mrs. Ciara's voice interrupted my thoughts."It's simple," I replied, turning to face her. "You continue playing the role of Saint's devoted wife, earning his complete trust. We need access to those assets."Mrs. Ciara's voice dripped with contempt. "Saint doesn't easily trust anyone, especially when
(Not a request) ~~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~~As I sat down to eat, the sound of my fork clicking against the plate ruined my appetite. I couldn't help but shoot a glance at Simon. How was it that he always seemed to be everywhere?"Mrs. Saint, I have to say, this meal is divine," Simon praised my stepmother, causing her cheeks to turn a faint shade of red.I watched, annoyed, as she basked in his compliment. What a cunning charmer he was. I couldn't keep quiet any longer. I had to put an end to this charade."Just so you know, Simon, she didn't prepare this meal. She simply enjoys putting on a show in the kitchen, pretending to be devoted to it," I interjected, cutting short their moment of happiness.The entire house fell into a tense silence. I could hear a faint chuckle from the maid standing behind us, her gasp barely audible. My father's eyes filled with rage, capable of knocking victims to the ground. And as for Simon, a mischievous
(Just Friends)Simon tidied his desk and gently placed me on top, his hand cradling my face as he kissed me passionately. Lost in the moment, I couldn't help but let out a pleasurable moan, my thoughts scattered."I want to fuck you so badly right now," he whispered in my ear.Eagerly, I unbuttoned his sleeve, my eyes admiring the captivating sight of his tattooed body.Our gazes locked, sending a surge of sensation through me. My desire grew, my body yearning for his touch, craving him inside me.Simon removed the top I was wearing, revealing my bare skin. His hands skillfully unclasped my bra, revealing my succulent breasts."You're stunning," he murmured.His touch caressed every inch of me, his fingers finding their way to my sensitive nipples, teasing and pleasuring them.Electricity coursed through my veins as I couldn't help but moan. His mouth explored my breasts, tantalizing, sucking, and lavishing attention on them. Overwhelmed, my fingers gr
(The Date)(Simon pov) I stood there, my blood boiling with rage as I witnessed him holding her and kissing her. Was I just a pawn in her game? Did she befriend me just to be able to have access to him and fancy places? Am I just a substitute to fulfill her sexual desires because she can't have him?These thoughts consumed me, and I desperately wanted answers. Her eyes were filled with shock, and I realized that maybe I had arrived at the wrong time."Simon," she called out, her voice barely audible."I guess we meet again," I said, trying to compose myself."Hmm," was all she could say. If only she knew how utterly messed up I felt because of her. Maybe then, she wouldn't have thoughtlessly kissed another man."Hello, Mr. Sinclair," Gustavo, the man standing beside her, greeted me, extending his hand for a shake. As I reluctantly took his hand, a surge of anger coursed through me.How long had they been involved? How intimately had he explored eve
(The devil and its minions)I continuously pressed the doorbell, aware that Gustavo must be inside. His car was parked in the lot, after all. Hoping for a response, I tried one last time, but still, there was no answer. Frustrated, I turned to leave and made my way towards the elevator.Confusion gnawed at me, wondering why Gustavo was avoiding me. He was inside, so why was he ignoring my attempts to reach him? I unlocked my car and sat inside, unable to move. Just then, the doors of the elevator opened, revealing a figure stepping out.My eyes widened in disbelief as I recognized my stepmother emerging from Gustavo's place. A wave of realization washed over me. Was there something I was missing? Had Gustavo been avoiding me because my stepmother was with him? The questions raced through my mind, leaving me stunned and lost for words.I sat there in disbelief as my stepmother walked out of Gustavo's place. Confusion and anger washed over me in waves as I tried to
(The Truth)I sat there, struggling to comprehend a single word of what Nanny Laura was attempting to convey. "Wait, are you saying my mom knew my stepmother?"Nanny Laura sighed, her gaze fixed on some distant memory. "Yes, Madam Ciara was employed as your mother's secretary in Paris. She had complete access to your mother's work because she knew every intricate detail like the back of her hand."Confusion consumed me as I absorbed this information. "But how does Gustavo fit into all of this?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.Nanny Laura hesitated for a moment before answering. "I only recently discovered that they have been seeing each other secretly. It seems that when Gustavo was newly employed, your stepmother staged their introduction. It appears she set him up with your father."The realization hit me like a wave, leaving me with more questions than answers. How deep did this secret web of connections go? And just how well did I truly know the
(The pregnancy)I sat in silence while Penelope paced back and forth, muttering to herself."Just tell him," she finally declared."Tell him what, Pen?" I asked."The truth. He's responsible, isn't he?" she replied."Yes, Simon is the father. But Penelope, he's been avoiding me," I reminded her."What exactly happened?" She sat down next to me, curious."He saw Gustavo kissing me and he lost it. He just started avoiding me. The way he looked at me, it felt like I had done something wrong. I felt guilty, even though we were just fulfilling each other's desires. I despised the hatred and disgust in his eyes whenever he looked at me," I managed to explain.“Why was he jealous” she asked “I know right, why was he jealous, he agreed on just being friends and nothing more” I managed to say “Well that's not important, this pregnancy is” Penelope simply added This was too much for me, a child at this moment in my life, how did I make such a mistake, I wasn't th
ONE YEAR LATER: ~SWEET VENICE~ The Venetian night air was thick with expectation as Simon and Gemini returned to their luxurious suite, the soft glow of the city’s lights screening through the curtains. The evening was full of exciting tastes and feelings, but nothing matched the strong desire between them. Gemini's unexpected striptease sparked a passion in Simon, and as they entered the dimly lit room, the tension was clear.The necklace he’d gifted her sparkled around her neck, a subtle reminder of the love they shared, but it was the raw, unspokendesire that dominated the moment.Gemini moved with deliberate grace, her panties and bra the only walls between her and Simon’s hungry gaze. She approached him slowly, her hips swaying to an imaginary rhythm, her eyes locked on his. Simon stood by the window, his breath shallow, his chest rising and falling with anticipation. She reached him, her hands resting on his shoulders, and began a slow, tantalizing lap dance. Her body pr
~DESPERATE MEASURES~Gemini threw herself sideways, wrenching open the car door and tumbling onto the pavement as a deafening crack split the air. More shouting, the sound of running feet, another gunshot. She scrambled away from the car, disoriented, ears ringing.Strong hands grabbed her shoulders—one of the officers, pulled her behind the cruiser for cover. "Stay down," he ordered."My daughter," Gemini gasped. "He has my daughter. Black SUV headed north. My husband—"The officer's radio crackled with static and urgent voices. "All units, be advised that the suspect vehicle is located at the intersection of Mulholland and Coldwater. The child is secured and appears unharmed. Suspect in custody."Relief made Gemini's knees buckle. "Maya's safe?""Sounds like it," the officer confirmed, his attention divided between her and the standoff at the Tesla. "We had units already en route to your home. 911 call came in about twenty minutes ago from a neighbor who saw a struggle."Another
~SIN OF THE MOTHER~Ciara's face crumpled. "I didn't know he would... that he would make her lose the baby. He gave her something, told her it was just a drink...""And when she started hemorrhaging? When she was rushed to the hospital?" Maya pressed. "Did you stand up for her then? Did you confront Gustavo?"Tears streamed down Ciara's face. "I couldn't. He threatened to tell George I was stealing from the company. Said he'd make sure I went to prison, that Tiara would be left with nothing.""So you chose yourself over your daughter." Maya's words were quiet but cutting. "Just like you chose George's money over our friendship.""What was I supposed to do?" Ciara cried, her voice rising enough that the guard at the door shifted, alert. "You had everything! Everything I ever wanted! The career, the marriage, the child, the adoration—everyone called you a goddamn goddess! Do you have any idea what it was like living in your shadow?""I never put you in my shadow, Ciara. You chose to st
~BECAUSE I HATE YOU~Two days later, Gemini stood beside her father's hospital bed, watching as the doctors reduced his sedation. Maya and Brandon waited outside—neither ready to face George just yet.Slowly, George's eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to recognition as he focused on Gemini's face."My daughter," he rasped, his voice weak from disuse."Hello, Father," Gemini replied, the formal address deliberate, a signal that things had changed.George's eyes darted around the room. "Where's Gustavo? I need to speak with him immediately.""Gustavo won't be visiting," Gemini said calmly. "He's currently in federal custody, along with Ciara."An alarm flashed across George's face. "What have you done?""What you taught me to do. Protect what's mine." Gemini leaned closer. "I know everything, Father. About Grandfather. About Mother. About what you've done to Saint Tech."George's expression hardened. "You understand nothing. Everything I did, I did to build an empire worthy of t
THE RECKONINGThe Saint Tech boardroom fell silent as the heavy oak doors swung open. Gustavo Montreal, standing at the head of the table mid-sentence, froze when he saw who entered.Gemini Saint walked in first, her posture straight and confident, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that meant business. Behind her came Simon, then Brandon Greyson, and finally Jerome—Gustavo's supposedly crime in partner."I apologize for the interruption," Gemini said, her voice steady and clear as she addressed the board members seated around the massive table. "But I believe this meeting was scheduled to begin at ten, and I wouldn't want to miss it."Ciara Edwards, seated at Gustavo's right, recovered first. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped an impatient rhythm against the polished mahogany. "Gemini, darling, how unexpected. We thought with your... recent delivery, you'd be taking some much-needed rest.""I'm touched by your concern," Gemini replied, the ice in her voice belying her
~THE FINAL THREAT~Gemini's phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen and frowned, immediately recognizing Gustavo's number. After everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours—discovering her mother was alive, learning the truth about her father's crimes—the last person she wanted to hear from was Gustavo Montreal.Still, she answered it. Know your enemy, her father had always taught her."What do you want, Gustavo?" Her voice was cold, detached."We need to talk, Gemini." His tone was urgent, almost desperate. "In person. It's important."She let out a bitter laugh. "I have nothing to say to you.""It's about your father," he pressed. "About the board meeting tomorrow. Things you need to know before you make a mistake you can't undo."Gemini hesitated, her mind racing. Was it possible he knew about their plans? About Maya being alive?"Fine," she said finally. "Where and when?""The café at the Riverside Hotel. In an hour.""That's across town. I need m
FAMILY RESTOREDGemini sat in the rocking chair by the window, cradling baby Maya as the first light of dawn filtered through the blinds. She hadn't slept—how could she, with her world turned upside down once again? Her mother was alive. The mother she had mourned for five years, whose grave she had visited on birthdays and anniversaries, bringing flowers and tears and whispered confidences.A soft knock at the door made her look up. Her mother—Maya, not a ghost, not a memory, but flesh and blood—stood in the doorway, hesitant."May I come in?" she asked quietly.Gemini nodded, unable to find words. Maya crossed the room and knelt beside the rocking chair, her eyes fixed on her grandchild's sleeping face."She's beautiful," Maya whispered. "She has your nose. And Simon's eyes.""I named her after you," Gemini said, her voice barely audible. "I wanted her to have something of the grandmother she would never know."Tears filled Maya's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Gemini. More than you can eve
~SEEING YOU AGAIN~Penelope sat beside Gemini's hospital bed, gently rocking baby Maya in her arms. "You're sure about this?" she asked for the third time. "Going to Brandon's place instead of home?"Gemini nodded, wincing slightly as she carefully buttoned her blouse. "I can't go back to the penthouse right now. Not with all the press camped outside. And not with..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence."Not with Lauren gone," Penelope completed softly.Tears welled in Gemini's eyes. Sweet, kind Lauren. The nanny who had been more like a mother. Found dead….another victim of whatever sinister plot was unfolding around them."I just can't believe she's gone," Gemini whispered. "And for Ciara to suggest that Simon—" Her voice broke."Hey," Penelope said firmly, "nobody with half a brain believes Simon had anything to do with any of this. The man worships the ground you walk on."A soft knock at the door interrupted them. Gemini hastily wiped her eyes as the door opened to re
~WEBS OF DECEIT~The hospital room was quiet save for the gentle beeping of monitors and the soft cooing sounds baby Maya made in her sleep. Gemini sat propped up against pillows, her eyes red-rimmed from crying, staring out the window at the Manhattan skyline.Three days. Three days since she'd given birth without Simon by her side. Three days of reporters camped outside the hospital. Three days of unanswered questions and growing fear.A soft knock at the door broke her reverie."Come in," Gemini called, expecting Penelope or one of the nurses.Instead, Ciara Saint glided in, impeccably dressed in a designer pantsuit, her blonde hair swept into a perfect chignon. A too-bright smile was plastered across her face, and she carried an ostentatious bouquet of lilies."Darling!" Ciara exclaimed, as if they were the closest of friends. "How are you feeling? And is this the little princess?"Gemini instinctively shifted her body to shield Maya's bassinet. "What are you doing here, Ciara?"