All Chapters of The Architect Of My Ruin: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Every corner of the Grand hall was covered in white orchids, the scent thick and cloying, matching the crushing pressure of the expectations in the room.At the altar, Roman Sterling adjusted his cufflinks.He looked every bit the polished heir."Oh, you look so handsome, son." his mother whispered, stepping into his space. Even at fifty, she wore her diamonds and elegance like a charm.Roman offered a smile."I still can’t believe you chose that Pierce girl." she continued with a hiss. "I heard her father is drowning in debt. Are you sure you know what you’re doing, Roman?"Roman chuckled, "Mom, come on. Remember the plan? We just need that land. The mine alone holds enough gold to settle their debts ten times over. They’re desperate...so I offered a ring in exchange for the deed. Two years from now, I’ll hand her the divorce papers and keep the fortune."His mother’s expression softened, a greed mirroring his own."I like the idea..."Roman’s smirk deepened as his gaze drifted towar

"M-Mr. Vane..." Roman stammered, as blood continued to drip from his nose onto his expensive shirt.Killian didn't even blink in his direction, his gaze was pinned entirely on Elara.an uncomfortable heat rushed through her, and she took a cautious step backward.The moment she retreated, a subtle shift crossed Killian’s face, his jaw tightening just a bit."W-we are so incredibly sorry.." Roman sputtered, "We had no idea this was your private suite.""This is a restricted floor.." Killian said flatly, "Were you blind when you entered the elevator, or simply illiterate?"Roman shivered nervously.."I-it was just a mistake. A misunderstanding caused by... my fiancée."To save face, Roman reached out and grabbed Elara, hauling her back against his side.Elara shot a glare at Roman, but with Killian watching, she forced her social mask back on, pinning a fake smile to her lips.Killian eyes dropped to Roman’s fingers around Elara’s waist. Then, very slowly, Killian lifted his gaze back t

The moment they stepped out of the hotel and into the night air, a breeze hit them. Despite the long sleeves of her new gown, Elara couldn't suppress a shiver.Killian walked toward a midnight black Rolls-Royce idling at the curb. His driver had already pulled the door open, waiting with a bowed head.Killian stopped, giving a subtle nod that dismissed the man, who immediately stepped back.Holding the door open himself, Killian turned his gaze onto Elara, who was standing a few feet away, hesitant."Get in." he commanded softly."A-actually, I brought my own car. I can just drive my–""For God's sake.." Killian muttered under his breath.Before she could finish her sentence, his hand wrapped around her wrist. With a firm tug, he hauled her into the plush leather of the backseat."You talk entirely too much.." he mumbled, sliding into the seat right beside her and slamming the door shut.The driver immediately put the car in drive, and the Rolls-Royce drove into the city traffic."Hey

Elara let out a heavy sigh. She had expected her father to be worried, but as she looked closely at his face, she realized this went far deeper than basic anxiety.His eyes weren't just wide with fear, they were entirely wide from horror."Tell me, Elara..." he choked out, his fingers digging into her arms. "Please... please tell me you didn't–"He never finished the sentence. His words catch into a harsh gasp, and his hand instantly flew to his chest, clenching it.His breathing turned shallow, his complexion turning pale as a full blown panic attack seized his chest."Dad! Dad, look at me!" Elara freaked out, as she grabbed his shoulders to keep his trembling frame upright. "Take a breath, please!"Killian didn't hesitate, he tilt of his head and caught the eyes of the two officers standing by the secure doors.The officers immediately rushed forward, expertly taking her father from her arms and guiding him quickly out of the lobby, Elara and Killian followed."Dad!" Elara cried..S

Patrick halt directly in front of the Pierce Corporate Headquarters. Elara didn't even wait, she threw the car door open, speed walked past the security turnstiles with Patrick hot on her tail.But the moment they burst into the lobby, her breath hitched.The bustling corporate energy was completely dead. Instead, the space was occupied by a dozen stern faced federal agents in dark suits, tagging equipments and locking down the elevators."W-what is going on here?" Elara asked, her voice cracking as she forced her trembling legs forward.One of the men leading the operation, a high ranking official holding a tablet, turned at the sound of her voice.He stepped forward."Good afternoon, Miss Pierce." he greeted sternly."What are you doing?" Elara demanded. "Why are your people inside my family’s building? My father’s release papers were finalized this morning!""Ma'am, your father's physical release from detention does not absolve the corporation." the official stated flatly. "As of 1