บททั้งหมดของ In the arms of two sins: บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

Elias POVMara stepped out from behind the dressing room curtain, testing the first of several gowns. Each one caught the light differently, clinging to her in ways that made my chest tighten with an ache I refused to acknowledge.I sat back in the chair, arms crossed.“Not this one,” I said flatly.She twirled once, the fabric brushing her legs. “Too much?”“Yes.” I didn’t elaborate.She tried another — pale ivory, simple lines and elegant. I stayed silent. My eyes did all the reacting, but she didn’t understand my silence yet.“Still not right,” I murmured.Then came a royal blue one. Subtle beading, flattering neckline. She liked it; I could tell.“I mean… it’s not bad,” she offered lightly.I didn’t bother responding.And then she stepped out wearing the emerald gown.My breath caught without warning. The color deepened the copper in her hair, highlighted the curve of her waist, and made her look—no, made her impossible to look away from. I didn’t even realize I’d been staring unt

Mara's POVI had seen Clara’s text immediately after the board meeting, and I rushed out to get everything she mentioned.I had barely reached the entrance of the pharmacy when a hand closed firmly around my arm.I spun around, gasping. Elias.“What are you doing here?” he demanded, eyes scanning over my face like he was assessing every breath I took.“What are you doing here?” I shot back quickly, trying to pull my arm free.Did he follow me here?“That’s not an answer,” he said, grip tightening for a beat.“Well, maybe you should stop following me everywhere,” I snapped, stepping back the moment he finally let go.He scoffed. “Following you? I should be the one telling you to stay out of my way.”“Why would I do that?” I frowned, already done with the conversation. “I don’t know what you mean, and I really need to go.”His jaw flexed.“You always seem to be exactly where I am.”I ignored that and walked past him without looking back.I returned to the company minutes later, clutchi

Elias’s POVThe message replayed in my head all night.All morning too.I’ll be at the anniversary tomorrow.And I have a surprise for you.Whoever sent it wanted me on edge. And it worked.I remembered how I’d stormed into the company the moment I received it, convinced it was Mara, playing another mind game, pushing another button just to see how far I’d go.I pressed the elevator buttons so hard my fingers hurt, and the second those doors opened, I marched straight to her office and barged in without knocking.She flinched, just once, then stared at me, confused.“What's the problem?”I froze.She didn’t look guilty. She didn’t look startled. She didn’t look as if she had been caught.My chest tightened.“N… nothing,” I muttered, stepping back. “Never mind.”I walked out before I could embarrass myself further.And the question kept burning in my head:If it’s truly not her… then who the hell is playing games with me?I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting my tie.I smoothed my h

Mara's POVThe door creaked open.Margaret stood there, breathless, eyes wide as though she’d seen a ghost.“I’m so sorry, ma’am—sir,” she stammered. “One of the staff must have… accidentally locked it from the outside. I heard a noise and came to check.”Elias exhaled, running a hand through his hair as if forcing down the frustration simmering beneath the surface.“Someone locked us in,” he said, his voice low but controlled. “Thank you for opening it.”She nodded quickly.Then his eyes fell to my bare feet.“Margaret,” he said. “Get her a pair of flats. Something she can actually walk in.”“Of course, sir.”His attention shifted to me again before he turned and walked away.Margaret stepped forward, voice softening.“I’ll be back in a minute, ma’am.”And she disappeared down the corridor.I stood there, trying to steady my heartbeat, still processing what had just happened.We were almost caught.Margaret soon returned with a shoebox cradled in both hands.“These should fit,” she s

Elias’s POV“What about the board meeting, sir?” Richard asked the moment I sat down.I loosened the button of my suit jacket, dropped into my chair, and picked up my pen.“Cancel it.”His eyes flew wide. “Cancel? But, sir—the internet is blowing up. The accident is everywhere. People are saying the anniversary…”“That,” I cut in, “is the PR department’s job. And they are already handling it.”“But…”“Richard.” My voice dropped into a calm warning. “Focus on work. And get me the files that need my signature.”He shut his mouth and hurried out.A minute later, he returned with a stack of documents. I opened them and signed one after another, letting the silence drown every thought I refused to feel.I refused to think about our kiss.I refused to recall the accident.I refused to remember her hand against my skin last night.“Prepare my flight for tomorrow,” I said without looking up. “Full arrangements. I’m leaving for the Dubai trip.”“Yes, sir.”“Oh—and put this on Mrs. Lawson’s des