Emma's Point Of View
The doctor’s words kept echoing in my head non stop like a haunting melody I couldn’t shut out. “If treatment doesn’t commence in a few days time, your brothers condition might get worse of perhaps he might lose his life.” The phrase played on repeat, each word cutting deeper than the last. I stared blankly at my laptop screen, the spreadsheets and deadlines a blur. My chest tightened as I grabbed my phone to check my bank account for what felt like the hundredth time today. My savings were laughable, a cruel joke in the face of the mounting medical bills. I had a good paying job but the bills that followed the pay was way more than I can handle, every cent I had managed to save wasn’t enough to scrape the surface of what they needed to save Brandon. The helplessness clawed at me, my throat dry, my hands trembling. I didn’t even hear the elevator chime at first. The sharp ding only registered when the doors slid open, snapping me back to reality. My eyes darted toward the entrance. There he was in his mighty aura... The Almighty business Mogul Adrian Steele. Most eligible bachelor and perhaps one of the youngest billionaires in New York. He strode in like he owned not just the building but the damn world, his designer suit tailored to perfection, every inch of him screaming arrogance and control. Hanging off his arm was a woman who looked like she belonged on the cover of a playboy tabloid. Her dress or lack thereof clung to her in ways that left little to the imagination. I stifled an eye roll, keeping my face blank. This wasn’t anything new. Adrian’s revolving door of women was as predictable as the sunrise. He had a type, they were usykkhgorgeous, disposable, and eager to please. I felt a pang of pity for the girl. She didn’t know she’d be yesterday’s news by the time the sun set. I rose to my feet as they approached, forcing a professional smile despite the storm in my head. “Good morning, Mr. Steele.” My voice was steady, neutral. Adrian barely glanced at me. His piercing blue eyes, cold as the Arctic, skimmed over me like I was part of the furniture. “Miss Carter ,” he said curtly, his tone carrying that familiar edge of command. “Yes, sir?” He stopped in front of his office door, finally turning his full attention to me. For a fleeting moment, his gaze settled on mine, and I felt an inexplicable chill. “No interruptions. Unless I say otherwise, nobody and I mean absolutely nobody comes in, do you understand?.” I nodded, suppressing the urge to bristle at his tone. “Understood, sir.” The door slammed shut behind them, the sound echoing through the quiet office. I exhaled sharply, sinking back into my chair. My hatred for Adrian Steele wasn’t a secret, not even to myself. His cold demeanor, his Casanova lifestyle, the arrogance, the pride, it all made my skin crawl. And yet, I couldn’t afford to say a word, I couldn't lose this job. Not with Brandon depending on me. "Focus, Emma." I pulled myself together, diving back into the mountain of work on my desk. But the thoughts wouldn’t stop swirling. A movement caught my eye making me look up from my desk. The woman from earlier stormed out of Adrian’s office, her face a mask of anger and humiliation. She shot me a glare, muttering something under her breath before stomping toward the elevator. I bit back a laugh. Another one bites the dust. This was his usual method, have fun with them girls and throw them out like trash Shaking my head in amusement. I returned to typing, trying to ignore the clock ticking down on my brother’s life. Minutes blurred into hours. The intercom beeped, Adrian’s voice cutting through the silence. “Emma, my office. Now.” I grabbed a stack of documents and stood, smoothing my skirt as I approached his office. The moment I stepped inside, the stench hit me, a sickly blend of lavender and… something unmistakable... Intercourse. My stomach churned, but I kept my expression neutral. I loved my job so much not to interfere in my Boss's life. Adrian sat behind his massive mahogany desk, his sleeves rolled up, revealing forearms corded with muscle. He didn’t look up as I entered, his focus on the screen in front of him. “What’s my program for today like?” he asked, his tone brisk. I cleared my throat, struggling so hard to ignore the lingering scent of sex in the air. “Your meeting with Mr. Callahan is at noon. After that, you have a lunch appointment with the investors from Toronto.” I placed the documents on his desk, careful to avoid his gaze. “These require your signature.” He finally looked up, his blue eyes pinning me in place. “Anything else?” “Not at all, sir.” I took a step back, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere. “Good. Don’t screw up my schedule today just as you have been doing for weeks now , only reason you you are still here is because you know your place and stick to it, don't make me fire you, Emma.” “Yes, sir,” I murmured, turning on my heel and retreating to my desk. My phone buzzed as soon as I settled in, the sound startling me. The number was unfamiliar, but I picked up anyway, my heart already racing. “Miss Carter?” The voice was calm but urgent. “This is Nurse Patel from St. Mary’s. Your brother is having an episode. We need you to come over immediately.” Panic flared in my chest. “I’ll be there,” I said, my voice shaky. I hung up, grabbing my bag without a second thought. I didn’t care what Adrian would say about me leaving. Brandon needed me and that was all that mattered. I rushed to the elevator, my mind racing. The office blurred around me, the weight of my brother’s condition crushing me. All I could think about was getting to the hospital. "Please, Brandon. Hang in there."Emma's Point Of View The elevator doors slid shut with a soft ding, sealing me inside as the floor numbers ticked upward. My heart pounded against my ribs, a relentless rhythm of worry. Adrian Steele’s reaction to yesterday was anyone’s guess, and I wasn’t naive enough to think he’d just let it slide. The man wasn’t known for his mercy, especially not when it came to his staff. Rumors had it that I am the longest assistant he had ever had. The rest would one to work for him with the intentions of seducing him, it did work, they seduced him but the hot fired immediately after the fun. I on the other hand despises him and nothing would ever happen between us that's why I still have my job!I leaned against the cold metal wall, I took my mind off the consequences of my actions yesterday and the doctor's words began slicing through my thoughts like shards of glass. "Miss Carter, you are running out of time, If he has an episode like this one more time, we might not be able to save him."
Adrian’s Point Of ViewThe steady hum of my office filled the silence, broken only by the faint ticking of the clock on the far wall. Outside, the city stirred with life, but here, within these four walls, I was locked in thought. My chair creaked as I leaned back, fingers steepled under my chin, staring at the faint reflection of myself in the dark monitor.Emma Carter.Her response still echoed in my mind, crisp and defiant, though her voice held a strong uncertainty which made me believe I could crack her if I pushed harder "With all due respect, sir, I cannot marry you. You are my boss"The corner of my lips curled upward, a wry smile forming despite myself. She actually thinks she is better than me? She thinks she could just walk away from the deal I’d laid on the table?"Two years, No emotions, No intimacy" She had indirectly turned it down but she’d learn soon enough.I’d offered her salvation, an escape from her desperate reality, any girl would jump on my lap at such opportun
Emma's Point Of View The air in the hospital wing was cold and sterile. The faint scent of disinfectant clung to everything, making my stomach churn. I sat on one of the hard, wooden benches near the nurse’s station, the creak of my shifting weight echoing faintly in the quiet. In my right hand, I clutched a file.. the infamous contract Adrian Steele had handed me. In my left, a cheque with enough zeroes to save my brother’s life. I stared at them one at a time, my thoughts a chaotic mess of fear, anger, and desperation. How had it come to this? How had I ended up here, forced to decide between my dignity and my brother’s life? A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat, though I swallowed it back before it could escape. Adrian Steele. Just thinking about him made my blood boil. His smooth, infuriating voice echoed in my head: "Marry me… or get the fuck out of my Office. And if you choose to get fired, I’ll make sure you never work in this city again. I mean every word of it." I belie
Emma's Point Of View The air in the luxury suite was thick with the hum of activity. I sat in the center of the room, surrounded by a swarm of stylists, makeup artists, and hairdressers who seemed determined to reinvent me. Brushes swished across my cheeks, hot tools hissed in my hair, and a steady stream of orders filled the air."More volume on the crown.""Darken her eyeliner. She needs to look bold.""That dress has to be steamed again, every wrinkle must disappear!"Their chatter blurred into white noise as I stared at myself in the mirror. Was that even me anymore?It wasn’t the first time I had prepped for one of Steele Enterprises grand events. For three years, I’d been in the background at every company anniversary and gala, efficiently managing guest lists, sorting out seating arrangements, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. I was always the effective assistant. The invisible one.But tonight was different.Tonight, I wasn’t Emma Carter, the assistant. I was Emma Steele,
Emma’s Point Of ViewThe murmurs of conversations and the faint clinking of glasses echoed in the grand hall, blending with the low hum of classical music in the background. My fingers fidgeted with the fabric of my dress, its luxurious silk far too extravagant for someone like me. Standing beside Adrian, I could feel the weight of the evening bearing down on me. He looked completely in his element, exuding confidence as he discussed business with a client. Meanwhile, I was struggling to breathe normally under the scrutinizing gazes of Evelyn Steele and Celia, the blonde woman who seemed all too comfortable in Adrian’s world.I forced myself to keep my shoulders straight, though my palms were sweaty, betraying my nerves. Evelyn's icy eyes scanned me with such intensity I almost squirmed. Celia, with her model-like elegance, stood poised and graceful, her sharp gaze darting to me with subtle disdain. My thoughts wandered, questioning yet again why I had agreed to this charade. Then I
Adrian’s Point Of ViewThe sun broke through the curtains in soft golden rays, the only hint of calm in a house that felt unsettlingly quiet. My sneakers scuffed the hardwood floor as I entered, sweat dampening the back of my tee from my morning run. The silence was jarring, and for reasons I couldn’t quite place, it made me uneasy.Normally, for the few days Emma had been here, I’d usually hear her bustling around the kitchen and with house work, her faint humming betraying her nervousness in my presence. I had told her severally to let the house staffs do their work but for some reason she returns from work and still goes on to make food, but today, though, there was nothing but the hum of the air conditioner.I made my way to the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water and leaning against the counter, a disguise to see if she was there but she wasn't. Maybe she’s upstairs, I thought, though the nagging feeling in my chest said otherwise. She was always so punctual, so predictable. That
Emma's Point Of View “Sleeping Beauty,” a voice teased gently, tugging me out of the comforting void of sleep. My brother Brandon’s hand was on my shoulder, lightly shaking me. His faint smile, so rare these past few years of constant pain and struggle, was like a ray of sunlight breaking through a stormy sky.I rubbed my face with my palm, smiling back at him. “Morning, lazybones,” I teased, though my voice came out groggy. “How was your night?”“Not bad,” he replied with a casual shrug that quickly turned into a wince as he shifted his weight.I shot up, instantly alert. “Are you in pain? Should I call the nurse?”Brandon chuckled softly. “Calm down, Em. It’s nothing serious.”Just then, the door opened, and the doctor walked in with the nurse trailing behind him. “Good morning, Ms. Carter,” he greeted with professional warmth.“Good morning, Doctor,” I replied, smoothing my hair as if it mattered.The nurse handed him a file, and he flipped through it briefly before handing it bac
Emma's Point of ViewThe shrill sound of my alarm tore through the early morning silence, pulling me from restless dreams into the harsh light of reality. I groaned, slamming my hand down on the snooze button before reluctantly rolling out of bed. My muscles ached, a dull reminder of the tension from yesterday. After a quick stretch, I sat up and muttered a short prayer under my breath. God knows I would need it.The bathroom greeted me with its cold tiles, jolting me further awake. Brushing my teeth and constantly gagging on water felt almost mechanical, my thoughts drifting to what lay ahead. After my shower, I stood in front of the mirror, carefully adjusting the bandage on my wrist. The pale blue dress I chose seemed unassuming yet professional, perfect for avoiding unnecessary attention.Looking into the mirror, I smiled in satisfaction before muttering "A new week as Mrs Steele, here goes nothing" with that I took to my heels and went down. Downstairs, the rich aroma of coffee
Ryan’s Point Of ViewWe have been out here for hours, it took me a whole lot getting Celia’s residential address. For some reason she had this file hidden but I always had my way around it all. The air inside the car was thick with tension, the kind that came from hours of waiting with no payoff. Marian let out a dramatic sigh, stretching her legs as much as the cramped car allowed."Ryan, we’ve been sitting here for hours, ""So?" I muttered, my eyes locked on the house we were watching."So?" she repeated, voice dripping with irritation. "I didn’t think we’d be this useless. I thought we'd have gotten closer to the truth by now so everything will be over and done with."I shot her a glare. "If you are tired, why don’t you just leave? I don't remember asking you to tag along you know.""i tagged along because I want to catch Celia too. To get this damn complication out of our lives," she huffed, arms crossing over her chest. "I just didn’t sign up for a full-day surveillance missio
Celia’s Point Of ViewThe rich aroma of wine filled the air as I swirled the deep red liquid in my glass, my fingers lazily tracing the rim. The soft glow of the chandelier cast golden reflections against the pristine marble floors of my living room. Everything was perfect, just as it should be. My plans were working and it was just a few more cards to play before it all happens.I took a slow sip, savoring the taste of expensive indulgence, relishing the satisfaction of knowing that everything was going according to plan. Adrian was slipping further into my grasp, Emma was as good as forgotten, and soon, my life would be exactly as I had envisioned it.Then my phone rang.I didn’t even have to check the caller ID... I already knew who it was.Adrian. Again. This was the umpteenth time he was calling.I ignored it, continuing to sip my wine. But the ringing didn’t stop. Over and over, it filled the air, each shrill tone like a mosquito buzzing in my ear.Annoyance prickled through me.
Emma’s Point Of ViewI have spent so long in here that I have lost complete track of time. My body was getting weaker as the day goes by, my throat dry, my mind clouded with exhaustion. Time had lost meaning to me in this place. I wasn’t sure how many the outside world looked like now, All that rested in my mind was only that I was starving, they would usually bring food, on some occasions good food and most almost rotten food. When I heard the heavy creak of the door opening, I barely lifted my head because I knew what it was that was coming to me.The guard who always brought the food entered, his footsteps slow and deliberate. He carried a plate of food like always, but something about his presence today made my stomach tighten. His stare as he walked up to me lingered too long, his lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smirk but held just enough malice to set off every alarm in my head.I forced myself to sit up from my lying position. Ever since I'd been locked up in th
Ryan’s Point of ViewA sharp ringing jolted me awake.For a second, I was disoriented, my mind still trapped in the hazy remnants of sleep. Then I felt it... Marian’s head resting on my chest, her arm draped across my stomach.Memories from last night came rushing back.Her moans.Her nails digging into my back.The way her lips tasted warm, desperate, claiming.My phone rang again, cutting through my morning haunted thoughts.I sighed, carefully adjusting Marian so I wouldn’t wake her. I reached for my phone on the nightstand, my brows furrowing at the unregistered number flashing on the screen.Who the hell was calling me this early?I hesitated before answering. "Ryan speaking."A pause. Then a voice I hadn't expected."I know, Ryan."I froze. My grip on the phone tightened.That voice.. I recognized it instantly, anywhere, any day"Nanny Isidro?" I asked, sitting up straighter.She sighed. "Yes Ryan, it’s me. I had to call you."I swung my legs off the bed, my pulse quickening. "H
Ryan’s Point of View"How dare he.." I slurred to my glass "To think she chose him over me" I raised the glass and made to pour the content into my mouth but unfortunately it had finished I raised a hand at the bartender and he came over and refilled my glass. "He got that suspicious bitch pregnant, I bet my entire life that she us behind Emma's disappearance" I gulped down the drink at a go and it stung my throat"Sir, my shift is over, and you look totally wasted, can I take you home?" the bartender offered. Looking at my glass, I felt it was time to go home, but Marian was there! Waiting for more nagging. But could I leave my home to her? I decided to go home. " It's fine I can still find my way" I dipped my hand in my pocket still staggering and took out my wallet, I gave him my credit card and in minutes I stumbled out of the bar, the night air hitting me like a slap. My head was spinning, but not just from the alcohol. Celia. Pregnant. With Adrian’s child.I gritted my tee
Ryan’s Point Of ViewI watched as Celia’s car took a sharp right, her tires screeching against the pavement. She was trying to shake me off. Good. That meant she had noticed me and she was scared.I slowed down, letting her disappear into the highway as I went straight.I wasn’t here to catch her though. Not yet.No, I wanted her to feel some one lurking, to feel like eyes were always on her, like danger was around every corner. Once paranoia settled in, she would slip up. She’d get reckless while trying to cover her tracks, make mistakes that would give me an upper hand . And when that happened, I’d be there to catch her red handed.But for now, she could keep playing her little hide and seek game. She could keep thinking she was in control.I turned my car around and drove back home.The moment I set foot into my apartment, I knew something was off.I stood by the light switch, scanning the room. My instincts tensed, my fingers hovering near the glass vase by the door side.Then I f
Celia’s Point Of ViewI stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the maternity dress that hugged my belly just right. It was subtle.. just enough to make myself look like a responsible soon to be mother but still graceful. If I played my cards right today, everything would fall into place. Adrian had asked to meet after days of absolute silence. Could this mean he had made a decision? Maybe he is finally ready to accept me and our baby into his life.A smile tugged at my lips, but I quickly wiped it off. No, I had to stay in control. I shouldn't be swayed by just a invitation. I had spent too much time, too much energy on this to get excited over an ordinary invitation. Emma was never coming back, and Adrian had to accept that.I grabbed my handbag and stepped out of my room, I had given my men strict instructions before leaving the hide out.. From now on, I didn't want Emma’s door opened for any reason. Not even to let her use the bathroom, if she ever wanted to relieve herself, she
Emma's Point Of ViewA loud clatter jolted me awake. My eyes snapped open, but all I could see was darkness. My body ached all over from sleeping on the cold concrete floor. My limbs felt stiff, my head pounded, and my throat was dry from dehydration. It had been days since I last ate anything, and my stomach twisted in painful knots.I turned toward the source of the noise, my heart pounding. A metal tray had been pushed through a small rectangular opening at the bottom of the heavy door, the same way you would feed a caged animal.My stomach growled at the sight of the food: stale bread, watery soup, and what looked like leftover rice. I wanted to reject it like I had before, to show them I wasn’t broken yet, but my body had other plans. I was weak, too weak. The last two times I had tried to escape, I had failed miserably because I had no energy. If I was going to make it out of here, I needed strength.Swallowing my pride, I crawled toward the tray and grabbed the bread first. It
Adrian’s Point Of View I sat in my car outside the café, my fingers tapping restlessly against the steering wheel. Ryan had sent me a new address an hour ago, telling me someone had been tailing him but he managed to get away so it's better they meet at the new address. He suspects that for someone to tail him like that meant he was onto something, something big. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after everything that had happened in the past few days, I was ready for anything.Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the car door and stepped out. The night air was cool, carrying the scent of freshly brewed coffee from the café. I walked in and spotted Ryan, his face covered with a baseball cap, he was sitting at a booth near the window, a cup of black coffee in front of him. His face was serious, his sharp eyes watching me as I approached.“About time,” he muttered, gesturing for me to sit.I slid into the seat across from him. “You said you found something. What is it? I have waited so