Adrian’s POVThe sky was overcast, a dull gray, as though the heavens themselves mourned with Emma. I stood by my car, dressed in black from head to toe, my phone pressed to my ear as I spoke to the temporary assistant filling in for Emma. “I specifically asked you to cancel all my meetings for the week. Yet here I am, getting emails from Mr. Rodriguez’s assistant saying he’s on his way to New York. Care to explain that?”Her voice trembled through the line. “Sir, I sent out a bulk email. Maybe he didn’t receive it…”“Maybe?” I cut her off, anger bubbling. “You’re supposed to make sure everything is handled, not guess! Emma wouldn’t make such stupid mistakes, and to think I doubled your pay for this nonsense…”“I’ll call him again and... ”“Don’t you dare. You’ve done enough damage already. Just get your act together before I lose my patience with you.” I hung up and rubbed my temples, trying to reign in the irritation.Movement caught my eye. Emma stepped out of the house, dressed in
Adrian's Point Of ViewI strode out of the elevator, the soft hum of its machinery fading behind me as my gaze instinctively darted toward Emma’s desk. Empty. Of course, it was. Today marked the last of her approved off days. She had insisted on returning two days after Brandon’s funeral, but I refused. Emma deserved more than a rushed return to the mundane chaos of work. Grief wasn’t something that could be tidied up and shelved away like office files. And yet, I found myself missing her presence more than I wanted to admit.Work hadn’t felt the same these past few days. Hell, life hadn’t felt the same. The end of the workday had become my sanctuary, a time when I could let my mind wander toward thoughts of be returning home to her.The familiar sight of my office greeted me, but I stopped short. A figure sat in one of the visitor chairs, legs crossed, perfectly manicured nails tapping against the armrest. Her emerald-green dress was as short as her patience, and as I stepped inside,
Emma's Point Of View I didn’t realize how deeply exhaustion had claimed me until Adrian’s voice broke through my dreams. “Hey, we’re here,” he said softly, shaking me gently. My eyes fluttered open, and I groggily noticed my head resting against his shoulder. Heat flushed my cheeks as I immediately straightened up.“Oh, God, sorry, I must have inconvenienced you all flight” I muttered, fumbling to wipe my cheek.Adrian gave me a lopsided grin. “Yeah, you almost damaged my ear with your loud snoring I'm quite sure people behind us heard you.”“Adrian! I don’t snore!” I shot back, giving his arm a light shove, but my indignation faded as I tried to defend myself. “That’s ridiculous. Brandon would've... ”My voice caught, and the weight of reality hit me like a sledgehammer. Brandon wouldn’t have teased me about snoring or anything else ever again.Adrian’s expression softened instantly. Without a word, he draped his arm around my shoulders. “Come on,” he said quietly, “don’t hold it in
Emma's Point of viewThe sizzle of butter melting on the skillet and the aroma of fresh bread filled the air as I danced through the kitchen, letting the upbeat rhythm of the music on the sound system take over. I wasn’t just making breakfast; I was putting on a show, twirling the spatula in one hand and shaking my hips like I was headlining a concert. The final note of the song played, and I struck an exaggerated pose, laughing at myself."Bravo!"The sound of clapping made me whip around, nearly dropping the spatula. Adrian stood in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame with a sly grin plastered across his face.“How long have you been standing there?” I asked, cheeks flaming as I tried to feign nonchalance.“Long enough to see Adele's long-lost twin in action,” he teased, walking into the kitchen.I rolled my eyes, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips despite my embarrassment. “Good morning,” I muttered, brushing past him to grab a plate.“Good morning,” he replied, r
Emma's Point Of ViewThe morning sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the room in a warm glow. I stretched lazily, expecting to hear Adrian's sarcastic morning greeting, but the cabin was eerily silent. I checked the kitchen, the porch, and even the little reading nook he favored, but there was no sign of him. Irritated, I grabbed my phone and called him. The line rang three times before going to voicemail. Again."Figures," I muttered, tossing the phone on the counter.It was our last day at the resort, and he was already MIA. I wasn’t sure why his absence annoyed me so much. After all, we weren’t exactly a couple. Still, I couldn’t shake the pang of disappointment. Resigning myself to a solo morning, I whipped up a quick breakfast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and orange juice. As I ate, my gaze wandered to the window. The beach was alive with activity,, there were couples strolling hand in hand, kids building sandcastles, and guys with surfboards heading toward the waves.May
Nicholas’s Point Of ViewI felt her body stiffen under my touch, her sharp intake of breath resonating in the silent room. Her reaction to my confession was everything I had anticipated and feared. Before she could respond, I leaned in closer, trailing soft kisses along her neck. Her subtle gasp sent an electric thrill coursing through me, and for a moment, nothing else existed but the woman in my arms.Emma let out a soft moan containing my name "Adrian.." her head tilting slightly to grant me better access. That sound, the way she said my name, it was unlike anything I had ever heard. A melody. I’d fantasized about it for weeks, but hearing it now, raw and unrestrained, was more intoxicating than I ever could’ve imagined. I wanted to savor this moment, to unravel the mystery that was Emma piece by piece, but my restraint was slipping fast.My lips found hers in a kiss that wasn’t rushed or wild. It was tender, filled with longing, the kind of kiss that spoke words I hadn’t yet dared
Emma’s Point Of ViewThe atmosphere in Adrian’s office was suffocating, a mix of tension, exhaustion, and unspoken words pressing against my chest. The past three days had been a blur of chaos and unanswered questions since we returned from our vacation. Adrian had buried himself in work, desperate to uncover how our 3D Mega Project ended up in the hands of Rivera and Sons.Standing before him now, I couldn’t help but notice how worn out he looked. His tie hung loosely around his neck, his usually sharp suit wrinkled. Papers were strewn across his desk in a haphazard mess that mirrored the turmoil in his mind. His hand ruffled through his hair in frustration, and I wanted so badly to reach out and soothe him.“Adrian,” I began hesitantly, my voice soft as if afraid to break him further, “What about the CCTV? Could someone have crept into the archives and stolen the documents?”He let out a heavy sigh, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. “We’ve already checked. Nothing. I was
Adrian’s Point Of ViewThe office had been suffocating for days. Three long, agonizing days since we set the bait, and still, no one had taken it. Emma’s words echoed in my mind, “Don’t trust anyone. This idea remains between us until the time is right.” Her instincts were sharp, almost unsettlingly so, but I couldn't deny the wisdom in her advice. She sounded like my boss and I liked that part of her. The walls of my office seemed to close in on me as I spun aimlessly in my chair. For the hundredth time, I glanced at my phone, hoping for the long awaited call, a lead, anything. And then, as if summoned by sheer desperation, it buzzed.Martin. My private investigator.I shot up so fast my chair slammed into the wall. My heart thundered as I grabbed the phone and rushed to the door. Emma was seated on her desk, her head bent over some files, the soft glow of her desk lamp highlighting her determined expression. She looked up, startled, as I gestured at her“Martin is on the line, come
Emma's Point of ViewThe chill of the morning dew still clung to my skin as I stepped back into my room. I didn’t expect to find anyone there, let alone Adrian, waiting in my room like some brooding storm ready to unload its fury. The sight of him froze me in place. His disheveled hair, the crease in his shirt, he looked like a man who hadn’t slept a wink.But why would he care?I’d spent the morning sitting by Brandon’s grave, letting my tears mix with the cool earth as I whispered my fears to the only person who had never let me down. Brandon had been my anchor, my reminder that I was worth something even when the world made me feel like I wasn’t. But now? Adrian’s actions, his easy belief in his mother’s lies, had left me adrift.“Emma,” Adrian’s voice cut through the haze of my thoughts.“What are you doing in my room?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.Without answering, he closed the gap between us and, before I could pull away, wrapped me in his arms. The embrace ca
Adrian’s Point of ViewMy reflection staring back at me from the mirror wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped to see. My eyes were underscored by dark circles from nights of restless sleep, and the tension in my jaw felt permanent. I adjusted my tie, trying to focus on the day ahead, but my mind was somewhere else or rather, on someone else. Emma.For the past three days, the house had been like a graveyard. Her silence was deafening. I’d catch glimpses of her at a distance, always avoiding me. The space between us felt insurmountable, but I didn’t blame her. I knew I’d crossed a line, siding with my mother without hearing Emma out. I had let my own insecurities and misplaced loyalty blind me.As I grabbed my briefcase and stepped into the hall, I hesitated outside her door. Should I knock? Apologize? The words lingered on my tongue but never left my mouth. Coward. That’s what I felt like. With a sigh, I moved past, trying to shake off the nagging guilt that clung to me.Downstairs, the cook
Emma's Point of View~~Flashback~~I never thought love could hurt this much. Sitting in front of the mirror, towel wrapped around my damp hair, I tried to steel myself against the bubbling anger that refused to subside. Adrian’s footsteps echoed down the hall before the door creaked open, and the moment he walked in, I knew we weren’t going to have a peaceful night.He strode into the room, his briefcase landing heavily on the bed. “Has it gotten to the point where you insult my mother now?”I froze mid-motion, slowly lowering the towel from my hair. “What are you talking about?” My voice was steady, but my heart thudded in my chest.“Don’t act like you don’t know!” he snapped, his hand slicing through the air. “You removed the cake slices my mother wanted just to spite her.”My jaw dropped. “That’s what she told you?” I rose from my seat, incredulous. “Did she mention how it was Celia switched my choice of dessert, calling muffins low-class?”Adrian’s laugh was bitter. “Who even use
Emma's Point of ViewBreakfast should’ve been a calming start to the day, but the tension hung thick in the air, making every bite feel like a struggle. I stared at my plate, pushing scrambled eggs around with my fork as my appetite vanished. Across from me, Adrian sat, his sharp blue eyes darting between me and his coffee cup.“Alright,” he said finally, breaking the silence. “What’s going on, Emma?”I glanced up, feigning a weak smile. “Nothing. Just... stressed. You know, mentally preparing for another delightful day with your mother.”Adrian chuckled softly, though the concern in his eyes lingered. “Come on, she can’t be that bad. My mother's just... strong-willed.”I arched an eyebrow. “Strong-willed? Adrian, she practically lives to tear me down. Every time we’re together, it’s like she’s sharpening knives with her words.”He reached across the table, covering my hand with his. “Then how about you don’t go. Skip the food tasting. Or I can go with you, I’ll handle her. You don’t
Adrian's Point Of View The aroma of coffee and sizzling bacon lured me into the kitchen as I adjusted my tie. Mornings at home had become my favorite part of the day since Emma entered my life. Seeing her moving around the kitchen, her hair pulled into a loose bun and an apron tied neatly around her waist, made everything else fade into the background. “Morning, baby,” I said, slipping my arms around her waist from behind and pecking her cheek. She smelled like lavender and honey, a scent that had become intoxicatingly familiar. “Good morning,” she replied, glancing at me over her shoulder with a soft smile. “What’s for breakfast?” I asked, reluctantly letting her go and sliding into my seat at the table. “Pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs,” she replied, flipping a pancake with practiced ease. The cook stood by the counter, offering assistance when needed, but it was clear Emma was running the show. I smiled, watching her move with a confidence that made me proud. She was
Emma's Point Of ViewThe bathroom was still heavy with the scent of lavender steam as I stepped out, my hair damp and curling over my shoulders. A fluffy towel was tightly secured around me as I crossed the room and sat down at the dresser. My fingers hovered over my collection of skincare products, ranging from toners, moisturizers to serums, a luxury I never thought I would ever afford. Six months ago, the idea of a “night routine” was laughable. My days had been a blur of hospital visits, work, and exhaustion. Picking out a product for my face would’ve been at the bottom of the list.As I opened a drawer to grab my jade roller, my fingers brushed against something familiar. Pulling it out, I saw a photograph of Brandon, his smile frozen in time. My heart clenched. I traced his features on the photo, whispering, “Thanks to you, I got to meet the real Adrian. The man who treats me like a Queen. Without you, I’d still be hating him as my insatiable Casanova boss.”A pang of bitterswee
Emma’s Point Of View The smell of fresh coffee still lingered in the air as I walked into the kitchen, my mind swirling with the morning’s events. Adrian’s quick and simple response to my text, "I’m fine" hadn’t eased my worry, but I knew better than to push him. He’d return when he was ready. Instead of dwelling, I decided to channel my energy into something productive. Lunch. For the first time in my life, I wanted to cook for someone else, for him, my husband.The word still sounded surreal, even in my thoughts. Husband. Six months ago, the very idea of marriage was a distant dream, buried under piles of unpaid medical bills and long, lonely nights trying to make ends meet. And yet, here I was, standing in a sunlit kitchen bigger than my entire apartment used to be, preparing a meal for the man who had turned my life upside down.“Good morning, Mrs. Steele,” the cook greeted warmly, her hands already busy slicing vegetables on the counter.“Good morning, Clara,” I replied with a s
Emma's Point Of ViewWaking up felt like dragging myself from a dream I never wanted to leave. My body ached in ways that were both foreign and thrilling, each twinge a vivid reminder of the passion I had shared with Adrian last night. I stretched my arms above my head, wincing slightly, my mind replaying sexual moments that made my cheeks flush. Before I could gather my scattered thoughts, the door to Adrian's room, soon to be our room, swung open.Adrian walked in, a tray balanced in his hands, his trademark smirk softened by a genuine, almost boyish smile. "Morning, Mrs. Steele," he said, his voice warm enough to melt the frostiest morning."Good morning," I murmured, my voice betraying my shyness as he set the tray down on the bedside table. The aroma of eggs, bacon, and freshly brewed coffee wafted toward me, and my stomach growled its approval.Adrian leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. "I figured you'd need a hearty breakfast after last night’s... activities," h
Adrian's Point of ViewThere’s a moment when life feels like it’s teetering on the edge of chaos and clarity, a fine line where decisions shape not just the day, but the future. That was the moment I found myself in as I stared into my mother’s smug, calculating face. The tension in the room was palpable, every word she spoke laced with venom meant to cut Emma and me down.“How did you…” I started, but she cut me off mid-sentence, her voice dripping with icy authority.“Find out about your little contract marriage, yeah?” She leaned back on the couch, swirling her wine glass like she was the queen of the damn universe. “Well, let’s just say your mother isn’t one to be fooled. The sudden marriage between you and this filthy little rat didn’t sit right with me. So, I had to look into it, and guess what I found?”Her manicured finger pointed to the contract lying in Emma’s trembling hands. Emma looked frozen, her wide eyes darting between the document and my mother’s cruel smile.“Mother