Chapter: Chapter Thirty-Two(Third Person POV)The gentle warmth of the sunlight danced across the pale complexion of Violet’s dress. The white silk of the gown morphed into lace around her arms and neck. Her dark wavy hair, now cut shoulder length, was adorned with small purple flowers speckled throughout and meticulously secured. “Ms. Bennet, it’s time,” an older looking woman informs Violet from the doorway. She turns to nod towards the lady before glancing back out the window, her eyes looking towards the sky.A chuckle escapes her as deja vu sets in before being quickly ejected from her mind. Their wedding venue was located at a beautiful hotel near a quiet beach with plenty of space for an outdoor party. Leo had insisted that Violet choose where she wanted and he would make sure everything was perfect.A small smirk crosses her face before swiftly shifting into a genuine smile of contentment. Violet clutches her bouquet as she slowly proceeds towards a pair of large double doors.With the start of the mu
Last Updated: 2024-06-09
Chapter: Chapter Thirty-One(Violet's POV) Walking down the gravel path of the gardens was almost nostalgic as I took my sweet time in approaching the pond area. Suspicious Leo had vanished shortly after our loving exchange with no hint as to where.All the mansion staff seemed to be in on some big secret as they giggled upon every passing and quickly shooed me out the house at sunset. Being curious was an understatement as I wasn’t sure what to expect from this unpredictable man. The leaves rustled as my shoulder brushed a low hanging branch upon passing under the arch of the corner garden. The dark of the night was almost unnoticeable as the entire area was lit up by various lanterns and glowing string lights.Tables covered in absolutely delectable pastries were scattered about the open scratches of grass as the large tree was coated in dangling stars. Amongst the elaborate decor was a dahsing looking Leo dressed in a white tuxedo. In his large hands was the unreasonably heavy book that was now wrapped in a
Last Updated: 2024-06-08
Chapter: Chapter Thirty(Violet's POV)As the weeks rolled by and the storm finally passed, I found the strange world I had entered becoming one of healing. It took Leo absolutely no time to smoke out all the rats that had been accomplices in his father’s crimes. Whitlock Enterprises was swiftly turned around and shifted its focus from international profit to financial support and charity. Though there were many sleepless nights for the both of us, we eventually dreamt without seeing the pain of our past.However, Leo has been acting rather strangely as of late. He leaves earlier than normal for work and arrives later than usual. When I inquire about it, he assures me there is just a lot to arrange. As for me, my nightmares have stopped and the memories of my parents are no longer gut wrenching to recall. I will always miss them, but I know they would want me to be happy regardless. “Hey, love?” I hear Leo call from the library. I quickly jog over to the doorway, a piece of toast still warm in my hand.“Y
Last Updated: 2024-06-08
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Nine(Leo's POV)The room is barren and cold as I wait in the metal chair. Small slivers of sunlight sneak their way onto the table as I wait for the guards to return. The creak of the door signals their arrival, along with the shuffle of worn shoes.Taking a seat across from me, my father remains silent and stone faced. I take a deep breath and ready myself for any means of manipulation that he might attempt.“I’m glad you came,” he states, a tired air hanging off every word. I pause and glare across at his wrinkled pale face.“Don’t get ahead of yourself, father. The only reason I’m here is for an answer,” I grumble with unrestrained disdain. He leans back in his chair and sighs, no longer able to lecture me about anything.“And what question might that be?” father asks. We sat there a moment, the words caught in my throat.“Did mom know?” I finally inquired.“No, I made sure she never suspected anything. Though it did put a strain on us both, regardless,” he recalls. His once constant p
Last Updated: 2024-06-08
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Eight(Violet's POV)The next few weeks flew by in a flash of chaotic events. Aunt Bella’s true intentions were broadcasted around the city leading to an endless stream of rumors and theories revolving around Whitlock Enterprises.Mr. Whitlock’s trial for her murder was suppressed by the press to the best of their ability, but was ultimately made completely public and later passed as self-defense.However, it came to light that Daniel had built an empire built on various illegal wrong doings, resulting in a life sentence in prison.During this time, Leo refused to speak about anything regarding his father and completely devoted his attention to readjusting the shards of his company.Being the heir to a crumbling empire, he found himself helping dismantle it rather than salvaging.As for me, it turns out between watching someone die before you and learning that your family was behind your trauma makes it hard to sleep at night.The only solace I find is in the gardens and in Leo’s arms at ni
Last Updated: 2024-06-01
Chapter: Chapter Twenty-Seven(Violet's POV)Present DayThe bang of the gun rings in my ears as a high pitch tone drowns everything out. Aunt Bella’s unnaturally still body was crumpled on the floor, the gun she held lay beside her legs.“Violet!” Leo screams beside me. Though the sound was dull, I could hear his ragged breaths as he gently wrapped me in his embrace. Leo kept glancing back towards the door, his expression one of forced composure. Still numb, I glance over his broad shoulder to see an older gentleman leaving the doorway. Lifting me into his arms, Leo carried me through the dusty room and towards the warmth of the early evening. I squint as the glow radiating from the sunset hurts my pupils and the ache in my head radiates towards my chest.Leo sets me down on a nearby stone barrier before hesitantly turning to look back. Mr. Whitlock meets his son’s gaze as they lock eyes, a strange energy passing between them.“Why did you do that?” Leo asks in disbelief. Daniel does not respond, his face blank
Last Updated: 2024-06-01