Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 31 - Chapitre 40

ZACHARY 👔 TRIGGER WARNING Valerie was getting naughty lately and it thrilled me in a dangerous way. Every night she slipped into lingerie—lace, silk, satin—each night a different color. She paired them with matching robes that barely concealed anything, strutting through the hallway . I stopped coming downstairs for a glass of water instead, I found myself glued to my monitor screen watching her from the cameras. That has gradually been our routine —her in a lingerie and I silently watching her, wondering what game she was playing. But whatever she was doing… it was working. I now found myself looking forward to seeing her in another color, like a damn addict. I wonder which one she’ll wear tonight. The red was my favorite. Fuck. A twitch in my lower region told me just how far she had gotten under my skin. I underestimated her. She was slowly becoming my addiction. That night in the restroom haunted me—her gasps under my touch, the soft moans tha

VALERIE 🎀 After I threw Michael out of my office despite his pleas, I raced to my apartment. I left the car engine running and rushed inside. That was how desperate I was. My heels clicked frantically against the tiled floor as I half ran to my room. I tossed my bag to the bed and slipped my heels off before moving to my closet.I yanked the door open and dug through the pile of clothes, my chest heaving.My fingers grazed something hard. Slowly, I pulled it out. It was a box I had shoved to the back a month ago.My hands trembled as I flipped it open. Inside, was the note I thought was from Michael, just the way I left it.The words I once tried to erase from my memory stared back at me.I took a closer look at the words and my breath hitched.Something was wrong. I often pride myself in the fact that I knew everything about Michael— his flaws, his habits, his handwriting. So why... why didn't I notice this? It wasn't Michael's handwriting. It mimicked his... but not perfe

VALERIE 🎀 I dragged my feet out of the restaurant, my shoulders sagging with exhaustion. The chatter around me sounded distant, muffled, like I was underwater. Every words of his still taunted me. Cool night air brushed against my skin, but it did nothing to steady me. My mind replayed his sneer, his voice dripping with mockeryFor the first time in a long while, I wasn’t sure who I should fear more—Gareth, or the man I’d married.Were those words true?Zachary married me for an inheritance.The realization dawned on me, knocking the air from my lungs.God. How could I have been so blind?I almost smacked myself right there. What a fool.I should be the one in control here—not the pawn. And yet I let him treat me like I was at his mercyA force suddenly slammed into me from my right and I staggered a little.“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” someone blurted, steadying me with a light touch. “I wasn’t watching where I was going. Are you okay?”My gaze found a small delicate woman in front

VALERIE The resort for the retreat was the kind of place people only saw in glossy magazines. Hidden away on a private Island within pine forest. The kind of place that whispered and screamed money at the same time. The chandeliers bathed the polished marbled floor with golden hue. Tugging my suitcase along, I took it all in. The simple yet extravagant interior has the feel of a five star hotel. I headed for the reception where a young woman leaned lazily against the counter, snapping her bubble gum loudly. I stopped in front of her and she popped her gum loudly, her eyes sizing me with open disdain and boredom. “Checking in?” she asked flatly, her tone stripped of every hospitality expected in a place that charged a fortune for one night. I tightened my grip on my suitcase handle, forcing a polite smile. “Yes. Under Wellington.” Her brows flicked upward at the name, interest sparking for a brief second. She tapped lazily on the keyboard, her acrylic nails clacki

VALERIE “Oh, you two are up already,” Isabel said with a soft smile as we descended down the stairs. She was at the lobby giving instructions to a staff who scurried off at her command.“Yeah we had a rough night,” Zachary replied smoothly with a wink, his tone casual but the pun in his words was anything but.My jaw dropped. Rough night? My cheeks flushed when Isabel gave me a knowing look , her eyes sparkling.She, thankfully didn't say anything else, clapped her hands together. “Well, you are just in time for brunch. Come join us—others are waiting.”When she wasn't looking, I elbowed Zachary in the ribs and he let out a low grunt, still managing to look amused.Isabel turned, her eyes narrowing and I flashed her a smile.We followed Isabel as she led us into dining hall.The dining hall overlooked the ocean, floor-to-ceiling glass windows letting in sunlight that danced across the waves. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and buttered croissants filled the air.Giovanni rose f