Chapter eleven.

Renna's POV.I stood in front of the mirror, tugging at the hem of the emerald bodycon dress I’d just pulled out of the wardrobe.The wardrobe Landon had stuffed full of expensive clothes for me the moment I moved in. I hadn’t bought a single thing in there, and tonight, I was grateful for it.The dress hugged my body like a second skin. Too tightly. I wasn’t used to this.I turned sideways, surprised by the hourglass figure I was seeing in the mirror, I wasn't used to wearing tight clothes back when I was married to Hayes because I was a married woman and wanted to act as such, I've hidden myself under those baggy hideous gowns that I actually forgot how my body was shaped like. I exhaled deeply and lowered myself on the dressing chair, facing the mirror close-up as I reached for the little tube of mascara I kept in my drawer. I wasn’t a makeup person, never had been. But I figured a little something might make me look more put together. A light sweep on my lashes, a dab of gloss, a

Last Updated : 2025-08-01

Chapter twelve.

Renna's POV.The tables were set in a circle around the center of the hall, soft music played in the background, and everyone chatted easily like they’d all known each other for years.Everyone except me.I sat to Landon’s right, my hands folded on my lap, nodding whenever someone said something vaguely directed at me but otherwise staying quiet. This was their circle, their inside jokes and shared memories. I was just the awkward new wife trying to smile at the right moments.Carissa, of course, made sure to take the seat on Landon’s left.And once she sat down, she didn’t stop talking.“Oh, remember that business trip in Paris?” she said, leaning slightly toward Landon. “When we all missed the last train and had to walk all the way back to the hotel? That was insane.”Landon gave a polite nod. “Yeah. I remember.”Carissa laughed, a little too provocatively. “You were so protective that night. Wouldn’t even let me carry my own bag.” She gave a soft sigh. “You’ve always been like that

Last Updated : 2025-08-03

Chapter thirteen.

Renna's POV.I woke up starving. Not the “I could nibble on something” kind of hungry, no, this was the deep, stomach-growling, “feed me or I’ll die” kind of hungry. I didn’t know why, but I felt like I could eat a whole buffet. Still, there was no way I was going downstairs for breakfast without at least brushing my teeth and showering.With the speed I was trying to move, I started undressing right there as I climbed off the bed. Off came my nightshirt, then my shorts, leaving me in just my bra and panties. My brain was only on one mission... finish fast, eat faster. I unhooked my bra and tossed it aside, already reaching for my panties... and then my skin prickled, a creepy, gut-deep awareness that someone was watching.I froze mid-motion.Impossible. Landon should be at work by now. Or anywhere but here. It wasn’t even a question... I haven't woken up to him still in the room except it was the weekend, and it isn'tSlowly, I turned, ready to glare at whatever weird painting or wi

Last Updated : 2025-08-08

Chapter fourteen.

Renna's POV.I sat at the dining table, quietly spooning food into my mouth, determined not to think about the humiliation from earlier. My cheeks still burned every time my mind replayed the way Landon had been sitting there, watching me as if I were some kind of entertainment show.I was determined to eat quickly, quietly, and then vanish upstairs before I had to face him againThe maids moving around served as a good distraction from the haunting flashes of memories running through my head.I kept hoping that the creepy husband of mine doesn't come down for dinner tonight, or even if he does, I should be done with my meal before then, so I don't have to endure an annoying tormenting dinner, when I could have a quiet one. Thankfully, minutes passed and there was no sign of him.I had almost convinced myself that dinner would pass peacefully when I heard his footsteps, echoing faintly from the stairs.I froze, my spoon halfway to my mouth.Of course.Landon strolled in like he owned

Last Updated : 2025-08-18

Chapter fifteen.

Renna's POV.The very first thing I did immediately I opened my eyes... before yawning, before stretching, before even thinking of stepping out of bed was to dart my eyes around the entire room like a paranoid cat, making sure there was no trace of Landon lounging anywhere he had no business being.“Good,” I muttered to myself, sinking back against the pillows with relief.Because I’m not giving him another free show today in my rightful sense.Yesterday’s incident was still fresh in my head, the way his eyes had shamelessly traveled all around me, the smirk tugging at his lips when he knew I’d realized he was standing there. It had been embarrassing, mortifying even, but the worst part? He’d enjoyed it way too much. And judging from how he had teased me at dinner, he wasn’t planning to let me live it down any time soon.So this morning? I was on high alert.I wrapped myself up in my robe, double checked the lock before heading to shower, and even at that , I was still very much on th

Last Updated : 2025-08-22

Chapter sixteen.

Renna's POV.The car slowed to a stop, and I was still not over the fact that Landon actually picked me up to take me out; I have never experienced that before in my life.When I looked out the window, my heart did a tiny, traitorous flip.The restaurant was extraordinarily fancy, the entire building was almost made of glass that radiated so elegantly, there was a valet waiting by the curb. I blinked a few times, wondering if we were lost.“This is the place?” I asked, raising a brow.He didn’t even glance at me. Just smirked as he parked and unbuckled his seat belt. “I told you I have taste, sweetheart.”“Sweetheart,” I muttered under my breath, rolling my eyes. “That word should be illegal coming from your mouth.”He chuckled lowly, flashing me that knowing smirk that always came with him knowing exactly how much he was getting on my nerves. “Careful, Renna. You’ll make people think you secretly like when I call you that.”“Please,” I scoffed, “I’ve heard better sweet talk from sale

Last Updated : 2025-10-20