Kane’s POVAiden was slipping.I saw it in the way he carried himself—his shoulders tense, his mind elsewhere. He was too preoccupied with his new wife, too absorbed in playing the devoted husband.And Don Carlo? He had forced Aiden into this marriage, believing it would make him stronger, more stable. But now, he wasn’t so sure.Our father valued power above all else. He had spent years molding Aiden into the perfect successor, but lately, doubt had crept into his gaze. I had seen it firsthand.That was where I came in.For years, I had been cast aside, treated as a lesser son. Aiden was the chosen one. But now, I could sense the shift.And I was ready to take my place.---The Bianchi family had been watching closely. When I met with them, their concerns mirrored my own."Aiden is distracted," one of them said, sipping his whiskey. "He hesitated when he should have struck. That’s not the leader we need."I smirked. "That’s exactly what I’ve been saying."Another voice chimed in. "Bu
Artemis’ POVI never thought I’d find myself here again with him. Yet, as I sat curled up on the couch, watching Aiden pour us both a drink, I felt something I hadn’t allowed myself to in a long time.Peace.It scared me.He handed me a glass of wine without a word, then settled beside me, close but not too close. He had been careful with me lately, not pushing, just waiting.“You always make sure my glass isn’t too full,” I murmured, staring down at the deep red liquid.Aiden let out a quiet chuckle. “You always forget to pace yourself.”I did. And maybe that was the problem with us. I had dived headfirst into loving him once, and I drowned. I wasn’t sure I could survive it a second time.He turned his body slightly to face me, his expression softer than I was used to. “Artemis,” he said, my name almost a whisper. “I fought this for so long. Loving you. Wanting you. I thought it would make me weak.”I swallowed, my fingers tightening around the glass.Aiden reached out, brushing his
Artemis' POVA careless conversation between two workers who hadn’t noticed me enter the room.“…Don Carlo wasn’t pleased,” one of them muttered, stirring his coffee absently. “Said Kane shouldn’t have done it.”The other scoffed. “What else was he supposed to do? Let Enzo keep feeding the Bianchis information?”I froze.The words sank in before I could fully process them.I already knew Enzo was a traitor. Aiden had known, too, but things had spiraled too quickly after the wedding for him to handle it himself. Then Kane had found out—and used it to his advantage.But hearing it like this, from the workers, confirmed something I hadn’t considered before.Kane hadn’t just acted on his own. He had exposed Enzo to everyone. Aiden losing control wasn’t just bad for him—it was bad for me, too. Kane had made a move without consulting him, of course he didn't, which meant he thought he could. And if he thought that once… he’d think it again. I wasn’t just standing beside a man in power—I was
(Artemis' POV)Aiden’s silence lingered even after I left his office, the weight of his words pressing against my chest.I’m going to remind Kane that there’s only one boss in this family.The implications were clear—this wasn’t over. But what unsettled me more was the uncertainty of how far Aiden would go to prove that.I had my own battles to fight, but for now, I had to play my role.As I stepped into the main lounge, I was greeted by the sight of Aiden’s mother, the ever-elegant matriarch of the Creek family. Dressed in an expensive cream-colored dress, she sat with perfect posture, her dark eyes sharp despite the warmth of her smile.“Artemis,” she called, beckoning me over.I schooled my features, suppressing any sign of the thoughts still swirling in my head. “Mom.”She clicked her tongue. “That’s better. You’re family now.”Right. Family.I settled into the plush chair across from her, offering a polite smile. “Of course. How have you been?”“Oh, I’m fine. But I must say, I’ve
Aiden’s POVI went into my office and sat. I was so worried, the dim glow of my desk lamp casting its long shadows against the walls of my office. The Creek empire was on the bridge of collapse, and I knew exactly who was responsible,Kane! If only they see it all as much as I do. My younger brother has been circling like a vulture he is, waiting for the perfect moment to strike me. And now, with Don Carlo's patience wearing thin, Kane is closer than ever to claiming the throne that rightfully belonged to me.But I wasn’t about to let that happen. I will never let that happen, not under my watch! I forbid it with every nerve. I have spent years proving myself to everyone, both to those that didn't worth it and those that claim to be worth it, bending the world to my will, and ensuring that no one, not even my father, not even kane, not mad Hera! could ever challenge this my position. Yet here I am, facing the very real possibility of losing everything, everything I sweat for, everyt
Aiden’s POVThe council meeting had ended with Kane’s defeat, but I knew better than to celebrate. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot. Kane wasn’t the type to accept a loss and just walk away. That wasn’t him. If anything, this was just the beginning. Kane was the kind of person who would happily set the whole world on fire just to watch me burn with it.I could feel it—the first match had already been struck."You don’t think this is over, do you?" Artemis asked, swirling the wine in her glass.I shook my head. "Nah. Kane never stops. He’s got something planned—I know it. And I need to figure out what before it’s too late. After what happened at the last empire meeting, he’ll be even more careful. It’s gonna be hard to get a move on him."She took a slow sip of her wine, her lips curling slightly. "Then we find out. The two of us. Together."I almost smiled. Almost. But before I could say anything, my phone buzzed on the desk.Unknown Number.A cold sensation crept down my spine. M
Hera’s POVThe moment my feet landed on the creek's building, I felt a shiver of satisfaction and fulfillness ran down my spine. I had unfortunately returned from the dead, and this time, I would surely make them all suffer dearly for forgetting me.The grand hall was just exactly as I had left it. Extravagant, polished, luxurious a place of absolute power. But it no longer belonged to me. It had already become Artemis Vincent’s playground or should I call it toy house. That crazy woman had replaced me, stolen what has been rightfully mine, and even had the guts to make Aiden my fiance, fall for her.But that was about to change. Now that I am here, things are going to change. I am here to give them a perfect change, they will leave to tell the story to the younger Creek's.I placed my hand on my stomach delicately, in absolute fragility. This child, whether real or not, was my weapon. There was one thing Don Carlo Creek valued undeniably, it was his lineage. And no matter what anyone
Artemis povThe night was filled with tension, the type that embedded deep into the bones and refused to ever let go. Rain falls against the tall windows of the Creek's mansion, and somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled fiercely like a warning. But here, inside, in the heart of Aiden Creek’s empire, the true storm manifests.Hera’s words still echoed deeply in my head."I am pregnant. And the child is yours."Aiden had denied it immediately and completely. His voice had been very sharp, unshakable. But Hera had come really prepared. She had some pictures, old messages, even her very own DNA test from the early stages of their life. It was all laid out well, piece by piece, brick by brick, a spectacular trap meant to tear us apart.But I knew Aiden. And I knew he wouldn’t betray me. Not like this. He won't let this happen to us. Not after what we have went through, not after what we shared. It's not possible.Still, doubt was a really cunning thing. It didn’t need to be so logic
(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