Artemis’ POV Kane’s apartment was nothing like Aiden’s. It was modern and sleek, with dark furniture and warm lighting that cast soft shadows on the walls. It wasn’t cold and impersonal like Aiden’s penthouse, but that didn’t mean it felt like home either. I sank into the plush couch, my body heavy with exhaustion, my mind swirling with too many emotions to process. Kane handed me a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid glowing under the dim lights. I didn’t even like whiskey, but I took a sip anyway, letting the burn chase away the ache in my chest, that's the list I could hope for. He sat beside me, close but not too close, watching me with something unreadable in his eyes. "I always knew he’d hurt you." His words were quiet, careful, but they cut deep. I swallowed hard, gripping the glass tighter with a trembling hands. "You don’t know that," I muttered, but my voice lacked conviction. Kane sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "Artemis, come on. How many times has he let you dow
Artemis’ POV Spending time with Kane had become inevitable. He was always there—waiting, watching, offering comfort when I didn’t ask for it. And maybe I needed it. Maybe I needed someone to remind me that I wasn’t a fool for feeling this way. But no matter how much I tried to lean into the safety he provided, something in me refused to let go of the truth. I still loved Aiden . I wanted to believe Aiden. I promised to trust him, to stop letting doubt control me. But the image of that woman draped over him was burned into my mind, and no matter how much I told myself there had to be an explanation, the ache in my chest wouldn’t fade, I try my possible best to wave it aside but it finds it's way back in , worse than how it felt before. Was I a fool for always giving him the benefit of the doubt? Had I been blind to the truth this entire time? The betrayal still burned, but the idea of replacing him with Kane felt... wrong. And it wasn’t just because my heart wasn’t ready—it was bec
Artemis' pov The moment I stepped into the grand ballroom, the air was thick with wealth, power, and tension. The chandeliers cast a golden glow over the sea of expensive suits and designer dresses, but none of it held my attention. My eyes found him almost instantly, now this grabbed my attention. Aiden. Dressed in black, effortless and untouchable, with a drink in hand and a lazy smirk on his face as some woman leaned into him. Kane’s arm slid around my waist, pulling me closer. "He sees you," he murmured, his lips dangerously close to my ear. I forced a smile. Good. Let him watch. Let him feel what I felt. Let him understand the feeling, he seem not to understand that's why he did it in the first place, and I thought we had a moment. I hope this leaves him chattered and broken just as I am, it's time to pay him back in his own coin, jerk. The Push and Pull Kane played his part well, his hands lingering just a second too long, his voice low and intimate. I laughed at things I ba
Artemis' POVI barely made it past the main hall when a hand gripped my wrist, firm and unyielding. Before I could protest, I was pulled into a dimly lit corridor, the deafening sounds of music and laughter fading behind thick walls. My breath hitched as I was backed against the cool marble, my body locked between it and an all-too-familiar presence.Aiden.His eyes burned with a dangerous mix of frustration and something else—something raw and unfiltered. His chest rose and fell sharply, his fingers still wrapped around my wrist like he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go.“What the hell was that?” His voice was low, rough, barely restrained.I scoffed, yanking my wrist free. “That?” I let out a bitter laugh. “That was me moving on, Aiden. Or what else does it seem like? You should try it sometime.”His jaw clenched, a muscle ticking violently at the side. “You don’t believe that.”I glared at him, willing my heart to slow down, to stop reacting to the nearness of him. “I believe w
Artemis pov Artemis what have you done? I said I said to myself with a lot of regrets with a lot of hatred a lot of anger a lot of confusion are used to wish I can disappear into the same here but because I can't I am in the Greeks mansion and I have to get out of here before I do something else different from what I have done before, at this point I don't know if I am doom or if doom just decided to locate me because it has all vine from bad to worse , it's never getting better, it doesn't seem like it ever will! Why do I keep making this kind of mistakes, before Aidan wakes up what should I do now? I cannot just forgive him just like that! I've come this far just to go back to what broke me into a million pieces . I think I should go back to Kane, a familiar hand that will draw me into comfort. It's true that with every instincts and nerve in my body I feel like this might not be the best decision to make but for now in the absence of any decision or any ideas yet , I have to lea
Artemis pov Kane welcomed me back with warm hand as always. Willing to help and stand by me no matter what. This made me have hope but I can't help but notice how off it all felt, I tried shaking the feelings away but for some reasons it all still feels weird. We sat together outside getting some fresh air. I was clouded with so many horrible thoughts like what if Artemis has given up on us and also think the other night was a mistake, what if he loves the idea of me leaving his house, what if he was awake while I was trying to leave so desperately, what if he is out there with some slut shitting himself. A lot of questions just kept bothering and I couldn't help myself. I think Kane noticed it, my uneasyness, frequent sigh , he even called my name some couple of times and I didn't hear it . Till he called again. “Artemis” Yes, so sorry Kane , I was… He interrupted, I know you were lost. Talk to me , what's going on in that head. I am always here to help, and I can't help
Artemis povIt's another day in kane's house, everything seems good and off at the same time.I decided to stroll around the compound with my headphones on just to clear my head and exercise my muscles in my own way. But I can't help but notice how strange kane’s guard got. Any corner of the house are guards looking and starring at me like I was some criminal or something. I could tell that something was really off about them cause they weren't all over me like this. It felt like they were monitoring me or keeping a close eye on me or even spying on me . I got to admit, I always creeps the shit out of me but I decided to stay put and trust Kane just a little for now till something really happens.As much as they all seemed strange,I decided to just keep my head straight. I will not disturb myself is so much with thoughts. I focus on my personal growth away from Aiden. So I didn't think much about it, I just thought of myself.Until I saw the news. I noticed Aiden was one of the hea
Artemis povEver since I noticed how Kane has been acting, how he has been replying to all my messages about Aiden in sarcasm, and how he has been avoiding and changing topics whenever I bring anything about Aiden. I just I grew more suspicious of him.The more days passed by the more suspicious I get, the more eager and curious I get the more scared of what Kane actually is. Everything was just becoming so suspicious . I went outside to get some fresh air since I can't stay for a minute without thinking of these or that.My biggest fear now is if Aiden was right about not doing anything and how cruel Kane can be at times. He warned me, he asked me not to leave. I hope I'm not playing myself, I just want everything to be right and crystal clear between I and Aiden.As I was going outside , I collected some sliced apples and a bottle of wine, and the glass to pour the liquor . I went to the relax chair outside and settled down there staring at the sky, how blank it is, no clouds.
(Artemis’ POV) I knew something was wrong the moment I tried to stand. Pain. Sharp, deep, and all-consuming. For weeks, I had ignored the discomfort, brushing off Aiden’s concerns, assuring everyone that I was fine. I had always been strong—had survived things that should’ve killed me. But this? This was different. I braced myself against the vanity, sucking in a sharp breath. Aiden was already watching me from across the room, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable—but I could see the tension in his jaw, the way his hands flexed, ready to catch me if I fell. "You should rest today," he said, stepping toward me. I rolled my eyes. "I’ve rested enough." "Artemis." His voice was firm, a warning. I turned, meeting his gaze, ready to argue—when the pain struck again. It was like my bod
(Artemis’ POV)Pregnancy wasn’t supposed to feel like this.I had expected discomfort, sure. I had expected my body to change. But this… this was something else entirely.The exhaustion was unbearable.At first, I thought it was just the lingering effects of our honeymoon—late nights in Paris, stolen kisses in hidden alleyways, and mornings wrapped in silk sheets with Aiden refusing to let me leave the bed. But then the nausea started, and I knew something was wrong.I tried to push through it, keeping up with my work, but even Naomi noticed."Boss, you look like you’re about to pass out," she said, frowning as she set down a stack of files. "You should rest.""I'm fine," I muttered, waving her off, but the moment I stood, the room spun.I barely heard Naomi calling my name before strong arms caught me."Artemis."Aiden.His voice was tight, controlled—but his grip was anything but. He held me as if I’d shatter, his eyes scanning me for injuries."You’re not fine," he said. "We’re goi
I woke up sore.A deep, aching soreness that was both a reminder and a warning. Last night had been… intense. More than I expected. More than I could have imagined. My body felt like it had been claimed, worshipped, and thoroughly ruined, all at once.Aiden wasn’t in bed, but the warmth on his side hadn’t faded yet. I blinked up at the ceiling, barely able to move, and then I smelled it—coffee. The scent curled into the room, rich and inviting, followed by the quiet creak of the bedroom door."You're awake."I turned my head and found Aiden standing in the doorway, carrying a tray.My stomach flipped. He was shirtless, his sweatpants hanging dangerously low, his hair slightly tousled from sleep. But it was the look in his eyes—the satisfaction, the possessiveness—that made my breath catch.He set the tray down beside me. A glass of water. Coffee. Toast. Painkillers."I figured you'd need this."I huffed out a laugh. "You think?"Aiden smirked but didn’t argue. Instead, he sat on the e
Artemis' POVParis.The city of love, of whispered promises, of things that felt like forever. It wasn’t the first time we had been here. The last time had been chaos—high-stakes deals, power plays, and the weight of a contract binding us together. But this time? This time was different.The garden where we stood was secluded, hidden away from the noise of the world. White roses lined the aisle, their scent mixing with the crisp autumn air. The Eiffel Tower loomed in the distance, its lights just beginning to flicker against the darkening sky.Aiden stood at the altar, watching me.No guards. No enemies. No ulterior motives.Just him. Just me. Just us.My dress was simpler than the first one I had worn. No heavy jewels, no extravagant embellishments—just clean, elegant lines that moved with me as I walked. But Aiden? Aiden still wore black, sharp and commanding, his presence impossible to ignore.As I reached him, he took my hands in his, his grip steady, grounding.“We’ve done this b
Aiden’s POVI wasn’t used to an empty house.The penthouse was quiet, the kind of silence that made me restless. Artemis had left early, slipping out before dawn, her scent lingering in the sheets beside me. She had a fitting today—something about finalizing designs before her next trip. I hadn’t asked for details, but I knew she was busy.I ran a hand down my face, exhaling.She was everywhere, even when she wasn’t here.The coffee machine was still warm, the cup she’d set aside for me untouched. A plate covered with foil sat on the kitchen counter—breakfast she’d made before she left, knowing I probably wouldn’t eat if she didn’t.In the closet, one of my suits was laid out, ironed, with a note tucked into the sleeve: Wear this one. You look good in navy.She did things like that. Little things. Thoughtful things.For someone who had grown up fighting for every scrap of control, she gave so freely—to me, to the people she cared about.And I—I hadn’t given her nearly enough.I leane
Aiden’s POVFor the first time in my life, there were no contracts. No lies. Just her.But peace was an unfamiliar thing.I still woke up before dawn, instinctively reaching for the gun that wasn’t under my pillow anymore. My body was trained to react before my mind even processed that there was no longer a war to fight. My enemies were either dead, exiled, or too afraid to make a move.Yet, I found myself restless.The empire was still mine. The city still ran on quiet threats and well-placed alliances. But Artemis had planted a dangerous thought in my head—what if I ruled differently? What if I built something that wasn’t always on the verge of burning to the ground?She was asleep beside me, her breathing steady, her body curled toward me like she belonged there. And she did.I ran a hand down my face and exhaled.I couldn’t just sit still. That had never been my nature.So, I got up.---The sun had barely risen when I walked into the warehouse where my men were gathered. Conversa
Artemis' POVThe battle was over, but the aftermath lingered. Scars—some fresh, some old—marked more than just skin. The weight of the past did not simply lift because the fighting had stopped.I sat on the edge of the bed, watching Aiden pace near the window. His reflection in the glass was sharp, rigid, like a man still expecting a knife in the dark. The empire was his now, but peace was foreign to him. Stillness felt unnatural."You don’t have to stay," he said, his tone measured, unreadable. "You’ve done enough."It wasn’t a command. It wasn’t even a suggestion. It was a defense mechanism. Aiden didn’t push people away forcefully—he gave them an exit and waited for them to take it.I tilted my head, pretending to consider. "And if I don’t want to leave?"His gaze flickered toward me, just for a moment, then away again. "Then you’re a fool."I rolled my eyes, standing. "That makes two of us."I closed the distance between us and pressed my palm against his chest, feeling the steady
Aiden’s POVThe study smelled of aged whiskey, leather, and cigar smoke—just as I remembered it from my childhood. Nothing had changed. The same books lined the shelves, the same decanter of bourbon sat untouched on the desk, and the same man occupied the chair at its head.I stood in front of Don Carlo, the weight of everything that had led to this moment pressing down on my chest. Kane was gone. Hera was locked away where she belonged. The war was over. And yet, the victory tasted bitter. It felt like exhaustion.My father—Don Carlo—sat behind his massive desk, his expression unreadable. The same man who had doubted me. The same man who had once called me weak."You’ve proven yourself," he finally said, voice heavy with reluctant acceptance. "The empire is yours."I didn’t respond immediately. Instead, I studied him. The man who had shaped me, tested me, pushed me to the edge time and time again. And for what? To prove I was worthy of something I never truly wanted?"You thought I’d
Aiden’s POVHera screamed as the guards dragged her away, her shrieks cutting through the air like the wail of a banshee. She kicked and thrashed, her dark hair wild, her emerald-green eyes blazing with madness."You can’t do this to me!" she screeched, her voice raw. "Aiden, you think you’ve won?! You think locking me away will change the truth?! You’ll regret this—I swear it!"I stood motionless, watching as the woman I once knew was forced back into the nightmare she had clawed her way out of. My hands were clenched at my sides, my pulse steady, my face unreadable.The weight pressing against my chest wasn’t fear or anger. It was relief. A slow, settling kind of relief that came when a battle was finally over.There was no regret. No hesitation.She belonged there.The black van’s doors slammed shut, muffling the last of her wails. The driver exchanged a brief nod with the men guarding the facility before stepping into the driver’s seat. With a low, mechanical hum, the vehicle roll