جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 40

DAMIENThe light filtering through the curtains feels almost too bright, a sharp contrast to the dim haze that has settled over my thoughts since the wedding. I’m sitting in my study, my tie loosened around my neck, the remnants of the previous night still lingering in my mind. The wedding. The chaos. The attention. It’s all been... a lot.The soft hum of my phone vibrating on the desk breaks through my thoughts. I glance at the screen, noting Evans’ name flashing across it. I let out a sigh before picking it up and bringing the phone to my ear.“Evans,” I say, my voice tinged with a weariness I can’t quite shake.“Damien!” Evans’ voice booms through the speaker, full of energy, like always. “Man, I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all morning! How are you feeling, Mr. Married Man?”I manage a chuckle, though it feels forced. “Feeling... married, I guess.”Evans laughs, the sound hearty and genuine. “Come on, don’t be so serious. Yesterday was a blast! The wedding was incredible. Br

DAMIEN Maldives is paradise. The kind of place that you see in travel magazines and wonder if it could be real. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze—it’s everything you’d expect and more. My late father outdid himself with his last wish as every plan of his is going on well. Who would have thought I, Damien Donovan would ever be travelling to the Maldives with my wife for our honeymoon?Anna is beside me, her face a mix of awe and anxiety. It’s her first time travelling, and I know this trip should be something special for her. But the tension between us is thick, almost suffocating. Ever since the wedding, we’ve been playing our roles, going through the motions, but there’s a wall between us—one that I’m not sure how to break down, or if I even want to.As we arrive at the resort, the staff greets us with warm smiles and cold towels. They show us to our rooms—separate, of course. Anna and I exchange a glance, but neither of us says anythi

ANNAAs I wander along the pristine beach, the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue over the tranquil waters of the Maldives. The beauty here is undeniable, but it feels almost wasted on me. The weight of everything—this hollow marriage, Damien's betrayal—makes it hard to appreciate the paradise I’m in. I walk slowly, letting the cool sand slip between my toes, trying to lose myself in the sound of the waves.I should be happy here. I should be enjoying every moment of this supposed honeymoon. But instead, I feel more alone than I ever have before. My thoughts drift back to the conversation I had with Damien last night, the coldness in his eyes when he told me he had met someone else. A “distraction,” he called it.I sigh, trying to push the thoughts away, but they cling to me like the humidity in the air. I know I should go back to the hotel, maybe take a bath, and try to relax. But the idea of returning to that empty room, knowing Damien is in the next roo

ANNAThe flashes of the images of Damien and that beautiful lady keep popping up in my head. Damien is never going to change, I now fully believe that he agreed to my condition because he can’t afford to lose all that his father left for him. I don’t know why I am being affected by all his actions though, I guess it’s because I now feel like I have failed Mr.Williams Donovan because his son will not stop his promiscuous lifestyle. I should have listened to Lola and ended this whole marriage charade. I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the open suitcase on the floor. It’s half-packed as if I couldn’t decide whether to stay or leave. And honestly, I don’t know anymore.I reach for my phone on the nightstand, my fingers trembling slightly. I know I shouldn’t check it, not now, not after everything that’s happened. But I can’t help myself. I openMy eyes land on a message from Nicholas, “Hey Anna,” the message reads. “I know you’re on your honeymoon and don’t want to intrude, but I’v

ANNAI stare at the closed door, my mind swirling with anger and exhaustion. Damien’s words keep replaying in my head, each one like a little dagger. He doesn’t trust me. After everything, after agreeing to marry him just for him to have access to his inheritance. It’s maddening, frustrating, and hurts more than I want to admit.I pull out my phone, my hands shaking slightly as I scroll through my contacts. I know who I need to talk to. I need Lola. She’s the only one who’ll understand this madness. I press her name and put the phone to my ear, biting my lip as it rings."Anna?" Lola’s voice is warm and familiar, and just hearing her brings a bit of calm to the storm inside me."Lola," I breathe out, trying to steady my voice. "I need to talk.""What’s wrong?" Her tone shifts immediately, concern lacing her words. "Is it Damien?"I nod, even though she can’t see me. "Yeah. It’s bad, Lola. Really bad.""Tell me everything." I can hear her moving around, probably getting comfortable on