Novels by Essie E

Jordan’s pov. The day I returned to New York, everything felt…. different. Aurora’s design, my empire named after my mom, stood tall amidst the steel and glass jungle of the city, a monument to years of sacrifice and ambition. But walking back into its walls after months overseas, something shifted. It wasn’t just the familiar scent of polished wood and designer cologne in the air, or the sight of the busy employees passing through the open spaces. It was the quite realization that I was no longer the same man who’d left months ago. I was here to now settle the pieces. The expansion into Europe was critical, but it wasn’t the design or the market that kept my thoughts occupied. “Welcome back, Mr. Carter.”Hayes, my HR lead, approached with his usual polished order. I nodded, aknowledging his presence as we walked towards my office. “Things have been running smoothly in your absence,” Hayes began, his voice professional. “Though, I’d love to bring your attention to a few matters.

Brittney’s povI froze. My brain scrambled to recall the key points of his speech, but my nerves betrayed me. “Well, uh..you mentioned the new expansion into…”Jordan raised up his hand, I took it as my cue to shut.. the.. fuck ..up. “If you’re not listening why are you here?” My cheeks burned in embrassment as I stammered. “I…I was listening, I just…”“Enough,” he hissed, turning his attention back to the table. I felt like disappearing, tears pricked the coner of my eyes. I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but how could I not? Being scolded, isn’t something new to me, but coming from someone like him. It made my heart ache.He continued adresssing the meeting, and I tried as much as possible to avoid his gaze. But I failed every attempt. When the meeting closed, and we’re back at the office, he said nothing. I kept glancing at him, for clues, anything at least. But his expression was neutral. I felt worse.But I kept my composure, I don’t even know how the remaining time went

BrittneyI stood in front of a massive company, aurora designs. This job was my last hope after countless rejections, and I couldn’t afford to mess it up. My hands trembled slightly as I adjusted my bag. I squared my shoulders, forcing myself to take steady breaths before stepping inside. The lobby was breathtaking, polished marble floors, enormous chandelier and gleaming steel accents that screamed sophistication. The company was a hive of activity, workers bustled about with purpose. I approached the front desk, where a poised receptionist approached me with a polished smile. “Good morning, welcome to aurora designs, how can I help you?”“I’m here to meet Mr. Hayes, from HR,” I said, hoping I sounded more confident that I felt. She nodded and directed me to the elevators. “Take it to the twelfth floor, his office is on the left.” I thanked her and stepped into the elevator. This was it, the opportunity to prove that I could stand on my own, away from the shadows of Tony and hi

Tony’s pov Since Brittney left, I’ve been telling myself it’s for the best. It’s easier this way. She was never more than a convinence—a solution to a problem I needed to fix. Now that she’s gone, I can finally breathe. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. The whiskey burned as it slid down my throat, the glass heavy in hand. I sat in my office, the silence pressing against me but I ignored it. I ignored everything. She’ll come back, she always does. For three years I watched her cling to me, like a month to a flame. Desperate for something I never promised her. Love? That was never part of the deal. I gave her my name, my status, a life most people will kill for. What more could she possibly want? But she left. Women like Brittney don’t last long without someone like me to keep them afloat. She’ll realize it eventually. The world outside my name isn’t kind to women like her. The phone buzzes on the desk, Amelia’s name lightening up the screen. Persistent as al

Brittney Brittney’s pov “I’m being honest,” I said, meeting his gaze. “Something this family seems to be having a hard time with!” “You’re overreacting,” he snapped. “This isn’t the time or place for this.” “Why not?” I shot back, my voice trembling. “This family has never had a problem tearing me apart in public. So why can’t I speak my truth?” Lorraine cleared her throat, giving me a pointed disappointed look. “Dear, I don’t think this is the appropriate time to….” “No!” I interrupted, turning my attention back to Tony. My heart was beating faster than it should but I refused to stop. “I’ve spent three years giving everything I have to this marriage. Three years trying to prove myself to you, to your family, to everyone. And for what? To sit here and be humiliated while you say nothing?" “Brittney, that’s enough,” Tony growled, his voice low and threatening. “It’s not enough!” I said, my voice rising. “Do you want to know what I texted you last night, Tony? I told you

Brittney I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the navy-blue dress over my hips. It clung to my frame, in all the right places, elegant and simple. The color complimented my skin tone, and for a moment, I thought I looked….pretty. Not beautiful, but good enough. Or was I fooling myself? The voice in my head whispered doubts as I adjusted the hemline. Was the dress too plain? Too cheap- looking? Would they see me as an outsider I already felt like?I thought of Lorraine’s sharp words, Margret’s snide remarks and Tony’s indifference. No matter what I did—what I wore, how I styled my hair— it would never be enough for them. And maybe deep down, it would never be enough for me. Tony’s arm rested around my waist as we entered the moores grand dining room. His touch was light, almost absent, but it sent a shiver down my spine. Not a shiver of excitement but the chill that no matter what how clear he seemed, I’ll always be alone. The room fell silent as we stepped in. Lorraine s