Chapter: Chapter 77: Dangerous Curves Mariah pushed open the office door and paused just inside, letting the heavy air settle over her. The sunlight poured in at a sharp angle, golden stripes cutting across the polished floor. It was barely 9:15 a.m. on a Wednesday, the city just waking outside. She didn’t stride straight to his desk. No. That would be obvious. Instead, her gaze slid over Hudson, the tense set of his shoulders, the fingers tapping on the documents, the faint crease between his brows. She lingered, savoring the quiet authority he radiated, before dropping her bag by the chair in the corner with a soft thud.“Morning, sir,” she said casually, sliding into the chair without waiting for permission. Her legs crossed slowly, the skirt riding subtly higher than usual, just enough to draw attention. “I brought the reports you requested, Q1 projections, market trends, and the European data flagged last week.”Hudson’s eyes flicked to her once, then back to the documents. “Good,” he muttered, clipped, unyielding.M
Last Updated: 2025-12-02
Chapter: Chapter 76: Home Again Annette’s suitcase clattered onto the terminal floor with a hollow thud, the sound echoing in the cavernous space as she exhaled for the first time since the plane had touched down. Her body still felt tethered to Athens, the warmth of the sun, the smells of the city, the memory of Sam’s apartment, and yet, here she was, back in New York. Her chest tightened with a mixture of relief, dread, and exhaustion. She’d flown halfway across the world to escape, only to return carrying the heaviest weight of all: the life growing quietly beneath her ribs.The moment she stepped out of the sliding doors into the late afternoon glare, she spotted Jane immediately. Her best friend’s eyes were wide, her cheeks flushed from running through the terminal, hair escaping in loose tendrils from the scarf wound haphazardly around her neck. Jane had that combination of shock and delight that made Annette’s heart ache a little, seeing someone care so much was comforting and painful all at once.“Annette!”
Last Updated: 2025-12-01
Chapter: Chapter 75: "I'm Sorry—" Annette hadn’t planned to stay in Athens this long. It had started as a brief escape, a few days to think and breathe, and somehow it had stretched into weeks. She no longer counted the days. Time moved differently here, slower, heavier, like the snow pressing against the windows had frozen her will to leave.She’d told herself it was just a break. Just until she could sort through her tangled thoughts. Yet, in the quiet of Sam’s apartment, sharing laughter and quiet domesticity, she’d allowed herself to feel. To let him in. And she had.They’d shared dinners at little cafés tucked in Plaka, wandered through streets thick with history and lights, stolen small moments of intimacy in doorways and rooftops. Sam’s laughter had become a balm, his presence a sanctuary. And each time, she had felt a little less guarded, a little more herself.But the night before had broken something she couldn’t patch.They’d been on the rooftop, city lights twinkling beneath them, music humming in the back
Last Updated: 2025-12-01
Chapter: Chapter 74: Moving Pieces “Didn’t you say you’d marry the guy who baked you that cake?”Annette looked up from the bowl she was stirring, a brow arching suspiciously. Then she recalled.“That was a drunken exaggeration.”Sam leaned against the fridge, arms crossed, a smug glint in his eyes. “You said, and I quote, ‘I love you, Cake Man. I’ll marry you so I can eat this forever.’”She blinked at him.He grinned. “And guess who baked it?”Her eyes narrowed. “No. That was your grandfather’s recipe.”“And I’m his grandson. Legacy flows through these blessed hands.” He held up his palms with mock reverence.She tried not to laugh. Failed. “You’re so full of it.”“You’re in my kitchen, in my shirt,” Sam said, leaning against the counter with a smirk.Annette glanced down at herself—his oversized shirt dusted with flour. She hadn’t brought a change of clothes for their baking date, and somehow, borrowing his had felt… easy. Natural.They’d had a few of these cozy moments over the past week, low-pressure, oddly domes
Last Updated: 2025-12-01
Chapter: Chapter 74: Hudson 2pm, New York.The city outside Hudson’s office window stretched like an ocean of glass and light, Skyscrapers blinked silently, each window a tiny screen showing a life that was different and wasn't his. He sat behind his desk, unmoving, the room was too still, too sterile. A half cup of Irish coffee sat beside him, gone lukewarm.His phone was in his palm, screen lighting with a photo that seemed to mock him. It was from weeks ago. A picture of Annette in winter light, bundled in a cream shawl, hair tucked behind one ear, smiling at something off-camera. She looked peaceful. Unaware. Safe. It had been taken a week before the mall attack that triggered her memory recovery.Back when he could pretend he was worthy of her.He stared at the image, his thumb hovering over her name. Her contact was still saved as "My Annette".But she wasn’t. Not anymore.He’d heard she left the country. Greece. With Sam. That part hurt in places he hadn’t known still existed.He had no right to reach out
Last Updated: 2025-12-01
Chapter: Chapter 72: Catching UpThe wind outside whispered through the lodge’s shutters, brushing snowflakes against the window panes like tiny fingers asking to be let in. Annette sat on the edge of her bed in her hotel lodge. It was 9: pm, the golden light of the antique lamp beside her made everything feel a little softer, like the world was holding its breath with her. Just as she was about to switch off her bedside lamb, her screen lit up with a video call from Jane. She hesitated for a beat, wondering what time it was in New York. 2pm. She swiped to accept. The screen came alive instantly with a chorus of overlapping voices. "ANNETTE!" "There she is!" "Took you long enough, stranger." Jane’s familiar grin beamed at her. George waved from behind, half-visible, tapping on a keyboard. Cassie popped her head into the frame with wide, sparkly eyes and a fancy bonny headband. “Okay, we’re all here," Jane said, crossing her arms dramatically. "You owe us a full update. And don’t you dare hang up in twenty m
Last Updated: 2025-06-22
The Billionaire Wants me
"You're mine, cara mia. All of you…" Stephan whispered huskily into my ear. I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. I could smell the faint scent of his cologne, mixed with the heady aroma of sweat and desire. His large, strong hands were wrapped around my body, one of them trailing slowly down my thigh. I felt completely consumed by him, unable to escape the heat of his touch. My heart was pounding…
“But I have a fiance." Although I was loving every moment of this, I couldn't bring myself to accept what he laid before me. “And he loves me so much, Stephan. I can't do this to him. I—”
His next response left me in bewilderment. “Shssh—” He hushed me, placing a finger across my lips. "I'll pay him off…"
••••••••
Even though I knew it was wrong, I felt my heart racing at the thought of him. I was engaged to someone else, a kind and caring college student who had always been there for me. But this man, this powerful and mysterious billionaire, had awoken something in me that I couldn't ignore. I knew that I was playing with fire, and that it could all go up in wild flames. But I was willing to take the risk, because I knew that this was something I had to explore. Every inch of it.
I had to find out what lay at the end of this dangerous path
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Chapter: CHAPTER 013: *A new responsibility* After the woman left the office, Mr. Gray gestured for me to take her seat. I sat down, placing my bag on my lap. As I glanced at my watch, I realized that Marissa would be returning any minute. And yet, I hadn't been able to accomplish any of the tasks I'd set out to do that day. I felt a sense of frustration and disappointment, knowing that my day had been a waste. Mr. Gray began to peruse the documents I had brought, and I did my best to remain composed, still and silent. My eyes dropped to the floor as I waited.My mind drifted to the thoughts of all that needed to be done: visiting my mother, resigning from my job, and gathering the ingredients Arielle had requested.Time seemed too slow as I waited, fidgeting in my chair and growing impatient. ‘Why is he taking so long?’ I wondered. ‘I have so much to do!’ I couldn't help but glance up, and when I did, I was surprised to find him staring at me. It was as if he could read my every thought. I felt a flutter in my stomach, a
Last Updated: 2024-04-04
Chapter: CHAPTER 012: *Mr. Gray's Order (part 2)* I looked up and read the name on the wall, "Gray's Corporation." And my heart made a flip. I was scared to walk through that door and meet Mr Gray. I was scared of what his employees would think, seeing me deliver documents to him. "You'll find me in the parking lot," Miguel said as he got out of the car after me. The parking lot was massive, taking up a large portion of the company's grounds. There were cars parked in every row, all neatly arranged."Alright. See you later, Miguel," I said, looking around at the impressive sight. Tall trees lined the walkway, providing shade and adding to the aesthetic appeal of the place. The building itself was magnificent, rising up into the sky for over 40 floors. “I hope he's around." I muttered to myself. With my fingers crossed, I walked through the door, hoping that Mr. Gray would be at the reception office, waiting to get his documents, or that he already sent out his secretary to fetch it from me. Inside, the lobby was spacious an
Last Updated: 2024-03-09
Chapter: CHAPTER 011: *Mr Gray's Order* It was 11Am, and the house was quiet. The maids had retired to their rooms, having nothing more to do. The only sound was the ticking of the clock on the wall.I was dressing up, about to step out when someone knocked on my door. I hesitated for a while, wondering who it could be. Of course the last person I wanted to see was Azula. Ever Since the incident at the stairs, I'd tried my best to avoid her. It was too early to have clashes for the sake of my job. “It's me, Scarlett." Arielle said, pushing the door slightly open."Oh please, come in," I said with a warm smile, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "There's no need to knock," I put down the brush I had been using to smooth my hair and walked over to greet her. “Good afternoon." "Are you going somewhere?” Arielle asked, regarding me.“Yeah. There are a few things I need to get from home, before Marissa gets back." I answered, "Is there something I could help you with?”"I'm not feeling too great," Arielle said, "and
Last Updated: 2024-03-08
Chapter: CHAPTER 010:
*Marissa's wish* I woke up with a startle and checked the time. It was 7:10 AM! “What?!” I got out of bed, slipping my feet into my moccasins. I rushed out to Marissa's room. She wasn't there and her bed was made. It looked so smooth like she didn't sleep there the previous night. She wasn't in her closet either. “6 A.M,” he said." I uttered to myself as I rushed to the sitting room, fearing the worst. “Totally useless." Azula sneered as she walked past me carrying Marissa's worn clothes.I turned to look at her, until she was out of sight. “What have I done to her that she keeps making those remarks?" I wondered. "Good morning Miss Scarlett!” Marissa called and I turned to look at her. She was having breakfast at the dining table, and I could see that she was dressed for school. “Hello, Marissa." I said, grinning at her as I walked over to the table. “I can see you're dressed for school.” I said as I dragged out the nearest seat and sank into it. "You look like a Barbie princess in this dres
Last Updated: 2024-03-07
Chapter: CHAPTER 009: *Rules* “I— want to get some water." I stammered. I couldn't understand why Mr Gray's presence always made me feel so uncomfortable and self-conscious. There was something mysterious about him that made me feel this way.“I instructed you to come see me after, but you flout my order. Why is that so?” He asked, looking at me, as he drummed rhythmically on the arm of the couch. “I… I'm sorry I fell asleep.” I apologized looking away.He took a quick glance at his wrist watch. “Okay. Get whatever you want from the kitchen, meet me here, I want to speak with you for a while.” He said as he picked up his glass of water, taking a sip. I nodded, tossing back some tousled strands of hair as they slipped off, entering my mouth. “Alright Mr Gray."As I walked away, very conscious of myself, I wondered how long he had been there, probably ever since the time I got back with Marissa. ‘What kind of a human being is he?’“Damn it, why do I have to feel this way!" I cursed, leaning against the kitche
Last Updated: 2024-03-06
Chapter: CHAPTER 008:
*Midnight Call*I reached for my phone on the nightstand as it kept ringing, jolting me awake. It was the middle of the night, and I had no idea who could be calling at such an hour. As I fumbled to answer the call, I felt someone move behind me on the bed. I froze. "Where am I?" I thought to myself, trying to recall the last place I was before I fell asleep."Marissa's room?" I whispered in surprise. My eyes snapped open and I jolted up to a sitting position, grasping my phone and quickly silencing it. I looked over my shoulder to see the sleeping child who hadn't been disturbed by the noise. By now I was wide awake, my heart pounded in my chest out of fright. I adjusted, holding the phone in my hand, trying to piece together what was happening. ‘How did I fall asleep here?’ I wondered. I glanced over my shoulder at the sleeping child again, she was sleeping so soundly, seeming not to have heard the noise. "You crafty little thing," I whispered as I watched her, "You tricked me into falling asleep
Last Updated: 2024-03-06
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