KIERA’S POVIt was around 8 PM when I sprawled on my bed, snug under my comforter, mindlessly scrolling through my phone. Suddenly, Gabriel’s name lit up the screen, and a familiar knot twisted in my stomach like a vice.“Why’s he calling me?” I muttered, annoyance creeping in as I reluctantly answered.“Hi,” I said, attempting to keep my voice even.“I need you to come to my room. It’s important,” he stated, his tone sharp leaving no room for negotiation.“For what?” I shot back, my mood plummeting.“I need help organizing some emails for tomorrow,” he replied matter-of-factly as if it were the most trivial of tasks."You’ve got to be kidding me, Gabriel. You couldn’t have assigned this to me earlier? Ugh... It’s clear now that you’re up to something,” I thought in my mind, frustration eating me up, but I kept the thought to myself, biting my tongue.“Kiera, are you there?” He asked, sensing my quiet.“Umm, yeah... yeah... What did you say? I didn’t quite catch that,” I replied, prete
KIERA’S POVAs I stumbled into my room, my heart raced like an angry bull. Gabriel’s presence had a way of stirring up a tempest inside me, and tonight was no exception.I felt hot, almost feverish, and I needed to cool off. Without thinking twice, I stripped off my clothes and hopped into the shower.The spray of water cascaded over me, washing away the tension from my skin, but not from my mind.I wrapped myself in a towel, still dripping, and flopped onto the bed. My heart was still hammering, and I couldn't help but replay the moments from a few minutes ago.Can anyone please remind again me why I agreed to be his PA? It felt like I had thrown myself in front of a crocodile, waiting patiently to be devoured. Gabriel wouldn’t spare a chance to make me regret my decision, but that’s only if I don’t make him regret his decision first.Suddenly, my phone chimed, and I flinched as if struck by lightning. I assumed it was Gabriel, and a weary sigh escaped my lips as I rolled over, tryin
ELISE’S POVI was halfway through breakfast when Hannah strolled in, her expression inscrutable. Just as I was about to take a bite of my eggs, her words halted my hand mid-motion.“Mrs. Hernandez requests your presence in her room, ma’am.”My gaze shot up, my stare sharpening in surprise, “Lauren?” I asked, incredulously, dropping my fork with a clatter.She nodded, “Yes, ma’am.”“Why?” I demanded, my mind running in circles.She opened her mouth to respond, but I cut her off, “You know what? It’s fine. You’re too dumb to know anything. You can go,” I waved her off dismissively, and she bowed slightly before sauntering out.After the disastrous incident at the gala, I had retreated into myself. I hadn’t spoken much to anyone, not even Miguel. Of course, he didn’t bother to engage with me either. We had become more like strangers sharing a space.Most importantly, I avoided Lauren and David at all costs. I would wait until they were done having their meal before having mine. Just as t
Elise's POV I stormed into the office building like a hurricane, my heart racing from the confrontation with Lauren. Her words echoed in my mind—sharp, biting, relentless.I was tired of being pushed around, tired of being constantly humiliated by all of them, and If I had to go the Kiera route, so be it. I wasn’t scared of their power and connections. I was married to their son, one of the most influential men in the city. I had just as much power as they did.Arriving at BYRON Corporations, I made a beeline for Miguel’s office, my resolve steeling with each step.As I approached his door, Tania, his secretary, blocked my path, her tight smile as fake as a three-dollar bill, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Hernandez, but Mr. Miguel is in a meeting,” she announced, her tone saccharine.I couldn’t give two f*cks about him or any stupid meeting, “Let me in,” I insisted, my voice rising like the tide, urgency lacing my words.Just as she was about to respond, I brushed past her, ignoring her startled
KIERA’S POVI strolled into the office earlier than usual. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting warm rays across the floor. The stillness was comforting, a stark contrast to the chaos that usually erupted once everyone arrived.My first stop was Gabriel’s office, to confirm if he needed assistance with any other thing since he had left me a text stating that he was done sorting the emails—the task that was literally a thirst trap.I knocked lightly before stepping inside."Hi.. umm. I came to see if you need any assistance with anything," I asked, my lips twisting to the side.He barely glanced up from his PC screen, his fingers flying across the keyboard, “I’ll call you if I need anything,” he said, his tone flat and dismissive, like a door slamming shut.Disappointment washed over me, but I kept my face neutral, “Sure thing,” I replied, forcing a smile before retreating to my own office.I sank into my swivel chair, the creak accompanying my movements. I spun around
KIERA’S POV“Are you sure you got the name right? It could be Kayla or Kieran or even Keish—”“No, Miss, there were no misspellings,” the delivery man interjected, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice.He handed me a slip of paper, and there it was—my name, clear as day.“Did you get the person’s name?” I implored, curiosity bubbling up like a shaken soda.“No, Miss,” he replied. “But he said he would call you soon,” he added.The whole situation felt off-kilter, but I accepted the bouquet of flowers, their vibrancy overshadowing my swirling thoughts.“Please sign this,” he said, holding out a receipt.I scrawled my signature, the pen scratching on the paper feeling far more significant than it should have.As the delivery guy hurried off, I cradled the flowers, inhaling their sweet fragrance.Who could possibly want to send me flowers? My mind raced through the possibilities like a whirlwind. Damien? Could he really be the one behind this? I could almost picture him smirking
GABRIIEL’S POV“I’ll catch you at 6 PM. Let’s not make it a habit to wait,” I conveyed wrapping up the call with my business partner, Bernardo.As I scrolled through my phone, I reviewed my inbox, sifting through the messages that piled up while I was busy with other matters.Then a message from my informant caught my eye.[The south coast cartels aren’t on Miguel’s side anymore. Also, I learned Miguel was looking for Kiera a while ago, but for some reason, he stopped]My grip tightened around the phone, anger coiling in my chest like a snake ready to strike.Why TF was Miguel looking for Kiera? What did he need her for? Wasn’t he content with his little plaything Elise anymore? I could only assume Elise had convinced him that Kiera was dead, which was why he’d stopped his search.I had to keep Kiera safe, no matter the cost. Until I could devise a solid plan, Miguel and Elise must never find out that she was still alive.The shift in cartel loyalty didn’t surprise me; they had turned
GABRIEL’S POV“Was all that really necessary?” Kiera’s voice sliced through the charged atmosphere as she stepped into the elevator behind me.I could hear the edge in her tone, and for a split second, I thought about ignoring her. My anger still simmered, barely contained, and the last thing I wanted was to get into a debate right now.I jabbed the button for my floor, my jaw set tight as I struggled to rein in my emotions. The image of her sitting in that car, laughing with that fool, replayed in my mind like an unwanted film loop. My fists clenched involuntarily at my sides, aching for release.“Gabriel, I’m talking to you!” She insisted, moving closer, her frustration radiating off her.Why does she always have to push me? I took a deep breath, trying to quell the storm brewing inside me, remaining silent.“Are you really going to ignore me?” She pressed, her voice escalating. “Why do you get to decide who I can or can’t talk to?”I turned to her, my patience thinning like a stre
ABUELA’S POVThe first thing I became aware of was the dull, insistent throbbing in my head, followed by the faint murmur of voices, hushed yet urgent. My body felt like it had been weighed down with stones, each limb sluggish and aching. A soft groan escaped my lips as a wave of confusion clouded my thoughts. What on earth had happened to me?Memories wavered at the edge of my consciousness, fragmented and disjointed. One moment, I had been walking to my room, and then—sharp, searing pain, like a knife driving into my temple. After that, there was only darkness.My eyelids felt impossibly heavy, but I forced them open, blinking against the golden light spilling through the curtains. The world came into focus in a haze of soft morning glow, and the first thing I saw were two pairs of eyes, filled with an emotion I couldn’t quite place—fear, relief, something deeper. Kiera’s gaze shimmered with unshed tears, her lips parted as if she had been mid-prayer. Gabriel’s was darker, stormier,
KIERA’S POVThe garden unfolded before me like a scene from a dream, the kind you didn’t dare wake from, no matter how unreal it seemed. Lights flickered along the pathway, delicate and soft, casting a golden glow that danced against the darkening sky. My breath caught as I moved closer, the atmosphere heavy with the scent of jasmine and roses.Then I saw him.Gabriel stood at the center of it all, surrounded by the kind of romantic decor you’d only see in movies. Lanterns hung from low branches, their light illuminating his face—a face so achingly perfect it made my heart stumble. His eyes, piercing and deep, found mine instantly, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.He wore a simple white shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal strong forearms, the fabric clinging to his frame in a way that accentuated his broad shoulders and toned chest. Casual, yet effortlessly magnetic, he looked like he had stepped out of a TV show.“What is this?” I asked, my voice trembling as
KIERA’S POVMy mind was a jumbled mess the moment Gabriel stepped into the room, his presence filling the space like a storm cloud about to break. My nerves were already stretched thin, but I forced myself to stay composed. Barely.“What did she say?” I questioned, though I already knew the answer deep in my gut. I just needed to hear him say it.His piercing gaze rested on me for a few heavy seconds before he finally spoke. “I’m sorry, Kiera, but we have to go through with it.”The words landed like a gut punch, knocking the air from my lungs. I blinked, my vision narrowing as I let out a bitter scoff.“I can’t do this!” My voice cracked, betraying the tidal wave of emotions crashing inside me. “Everything is just—just too much! Your grandmother is relentless, Gabriel! Do you even understand what this means?” My chest heaved with every breath, a mocking laugh almost escaping my lips. “She’s talking about an engagement party now. What’s next? Planning an entire wedding? Or let me gues
GABRIEL’S POVWhat the hell was Abuela thinking? My fork paused halfway to my mouth, the food suddenly tasting like ash on my tongue. I forced myself to chew, but each bite felt like gravel, heavy and bitter. The look on Kiera’s face—wide-eyed, pale, practically trembling, was impossible to ignore. It was written all over her: she was overwhelmed, teetering on the edge of panic.My jaw tightened, muscles clenching as I set the fork down with deliberate care. If I let myself speak now, I’d regret it. Abuela’s declaration echoed in my head. "I’m hosting your engagement party tomorrow night." No warning, no consultation, just a bomb dropped in the middle of breakfast.“Abuela,” I said, my voice low, controlled, but with an edge that sliced through the hum of conversation. “I need to speak to you. Now.”Her sharp eyes flicked toward me, arching a brow in challenge, but she didn’t argue.“Fine. My study.”I pushed my chair back and stood. I caught a glimpse of Kiera’s frozen form, her hand
KIERA'S POVThe dining room was a masterpiece of elegance—crystal chandeliers dripping light like molten gold, a table so long it seemed to stretch into eternity, and a breakfast spread that could rival any royal banquet. Platters of freshly baked croissants, ripe fruits arranged like art, and silver carafes brimming with coffee and tea were just the beginning. Yet, the grandeur felt suffocating this morning, as if the walls themselves were closing in on me, ready to swallow me whole.I hesitated near the doorway, my gaze instinctively darting toward Catherine, who was sitting beside Abuela.My heart screamed for me to sit beside her, to escape the magnetic pull of Gabriel sitting opposite Abuela.Just as I took a tentative step forward, Abuela’s voice sliced through the air like a knife, “Kiera, sit next to Gabriel,” she said with a tone that brooked no argument.My stomach twisted. Of course, she’d insist. With a measured breath and a strained smile, I made my way to the chair besid
ABUELA’S POVThe phone pressed against my ear felt heavier than it should, as if the weight of the truth I was chasing had seeped into the very device. My voice was a low, sharp whisper, slicing through the silence of the morning like a blade.“What did you find out?” I asked, the words deliberate, measured.The voice on the other end hesitated, a crackle of static, a pause too long to be innocent. Then, finally, the answer came, as infuriatingly vague as the one before it.“Nothing concrete... there’s no tangible link to her background. It’s like she’s a ghost.”A ghost? The phrase lingered, sour in my mind. Ghosts bury their secrets in shallow graves, hoping no one would dig deep enough. But I had a shovel, and patience, and a gut that had never failed me.“Keep digging,” I snapped, my voice edged with the impatience of a woman who had seen far too much.“Yes, ma’am,” came the hurried reply. The line clicked dead.I placed the phone down carefully, though the urge to slam it was a t
ELISE’S POVMy heart raced as I glanced at the clock—8 a.m. Still no sign of Miguel. Part of me felt a sense of relief; maybe this was a good thing. At least, it would give my kitty a much-needed break from his destruction. But then the thought of Freya crept in, and my mood soured instantly.I grabbed my phone, desperate for a distraction, and scrolled through my messages. One stood out—a text from my mom, asking if I had managed to “sack” Freya. Embarrassment washed over me like ice water. I tossed my phone aside, the screen lighting up with a mocking glow.What could I tell her? That I had been bested by a woman who sauntered into my home like she owned the place? The thought made me cringe.The abrupt knock on my door wasn’t a polite one. It was sharp and persistent, the kind that grated on your nerves before you even answered it. I groaned, throwing my phone onto the nightstand, and stomped over. I swung the door open, and there she was Freya, standing there with her perfectly sc
KIERA’S POVThe water was warm as it surrounded me, but it barely registered. My thoughts roared louder than the two mega speakers together, consuming me in a whirlpool of emotions I couldn’t escape. My fingers brushed against my lips as if they still held the ghost of his kiss.Gabriel.The way he kissed me... it was searing, intense, and damn it—undeniably perfect. I hated that I loved it. I hated that it left me craving more, that it lingered in my chest like an ember refusing to die. Would I be crazy to say I had missed it so much? It was everything I had longed for and yet, every time I thought about it, guilt stabbed through me, sharp and unrelenting.Damien. His face flashed in my mind, his grin, the way he looks at me like I was his entire world. What would he think? How would he feel if he finds out what had happened between Gabriel and me?I let out a shaky breath, brushing my face. Two brothers were in love with me, and I was hopelessly drawn to both. I was torn between two
GABRIEL’S POVThe morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the bed. My eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the soft golden glow. The first thing I saw was her—Kiera, lying beside me, her face serene in sleep. In that moment, I was struck by her beauty. She was stunning in a way that made my chest tighten. Her hair tumbled in soft waves around her face, and her lips, slightly parted, looked so inviting. Watching the rise and fall of her chest was hypnotic, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away.For so long, I had held back my feelings for her, but the incident with Linda had pushed me over the edge. I had confessed my feelings without thinking, and ever since, Kiera had been acting a bit awkward around me.I knew she wouldn’t be thrilled about sharing a room, but I craved the closeness, the intimacy of just being in the same space. When Abuela suggested it, I felt like I had hit the jackpot. I pretended to argue against the idea, but deep down, I knew there was