Chapter 11: "Undenial"

CULLEN’S POV While sitting on the sofa, my thoughts refused to settle. That man—whoever he was—his presence lingered in my mind like an unwelcome shadow. I didn’t like the way he looked at her, and I hated the way it made me feel. I stole a glance at Paige, quietly observing her as she moved around the kitchen. She looked... peaceful. Unbothered. But inside me, a storm was brewing. I wanted to ask her about him, demand to know who he was and why she was with him. But I had no right. I was the one who left. Still, my chest ached with questions I didn’t know how to ask. Words formed in my head only to die on my tongue. A few minutes passed. She began setting the table. The sight of her laying down the plates—so gentle, so ordinary—made my heart pound with a strange kind of urgency. Just the idea of sitting across from her again… it was overwhelming. “It’s time to eat,” she said softly, pulling me from my thoughts. I rose without a word and took my seat. The silence between us wa

Chapter 12: "Unexpected Messages"

The morning light crept through the sheer curtains, soft and golden, kissing the edges of the room with warmth. My eyes fluttered open slowly, the dull ache in my head reminding me of the wine from last night. For a moment, I forgot where I was. And then I felt it. The weight beside me. The steady sound of breathing. The gentle warmth that wasn’t mine. I turned my head — slowly, carefully — and there he was. Cullen. Sleeping. Peaceful. Unarmored. Human. My chest tightened at the sight. His brows weren’t furrowed like usual. There was no storm behind his eyes, no walls. Just a man — vulnerable, quiet, and close enough for me to hear the rhythm of his breath. I don’t know how long I stared, afraid that even blinking might shatter the moment. He looked younger somehow, like the world hadn't touched him yet. Or maybe, for once, he let the world rest. Last night came rushing back — the wine, the silence, my tears, his arms. I had asked him to stay. Half-asleep and trembling, I had

Chapter 13: "Butterflies"

The day felt longer than usual. The lights, the camera, the poses—everything seemed to blur together, and yet, I couldn’t stop checking my phone. Why do I feel like something is about to shift? Then, it buzzed. “My flight was canceled. Maybe I can pick you up from work?” I stared at the message, my heart skipping in that familiar, irritating way it does whenever it’s him. My fingers hovered over the screen, hesitating. Cullen. I should say no. I should keep it professional, distant. But I didn’t. “Okay, will be done in an hour maybe.” The second I hit send, warmth bloomed in my chest—and I hated that I loved it. I caught myself smiling, cheeks tingling from the flush of emotion. Gosh, I hoped no one noticed. He was supposed to be gone by now. I had convinced myself I was okay with that. So why did the idea of seeing him again make my heart race like this? I tried to focus for the rest of the shoot, but my mind wandered to him—his cold stares, his rare smiles, the way he loo

Chapter 14: "The Rivalry"

CULLEN’S POV A blaring car horn shattered the stillness of the morning, jerking me out of sleep. My brows furrowed in irritation. Whoever that was, I already hated them. I blinked, adjusting to the light streaming through the window—then realized I had fallen asleep beside Paige. She was still curled up, sleeping soundly, her breathing steady and calm. Thank God. I stood up quietly and made my way downstairs, each step heavy with annoyance. When I reached the front door and looked outside, my fists clenched. I recognized that car. Before I could even open my mouth, his smug face appeared from the rolled-down window. “I’m here to pick up Paige,” Keres said coolly—but his eyes betrayed something darker. I hated that look. That calm arrogance. “She’s still sleeping. She’s not feeling well,” I said flatly, biting down the urge to slam the door in his face. His expression twisted with irritation. “She can’t be absent today. She has an important shoot.” Before I could shut him down

Chapter 15: "Is this love?"

PAIGE’S POV I stood up slowly, my knees shaky—not from the cold, but from the weight of everything unsaid. Cullen didn’t move. He just sat there, eyes glued to me like he was silently begging me not to go. But I couldn’t stay. Not when the silence between us screamed louder than anything he could say. “I’m going to the room,” I said, keeping my voice steady even as it trembled inside. “I need… I just need time.” He nodded, barely. As if he knew pushing me right now would only drive me further away. I turned and walked away, each step down the long hallway echoing. The mansion was too quiet. Too big. Too unfamiliar. It made the loneliness settle deeper into my skin. By the time I reached the room, I shut the door behind me gently, then leaned against it for a moment—trying to breathe. I stared at the suitcase he packed for me. The warm clothes folded neatly. The scarf he remembered I liked. How could someone be so thoughtful and so frustrating at the same time? I slipped out o

Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 11 - Chapitre 15

Chapter 11: "Undenial"

Chapter 12: "Unexpected Messages"

Chapter 13: "Butterflies"

Chapter 14: "The Rivalry"

Chapter 15: "Is this love?"