~Astrid~
"Why are you here?" Adrian asked, his tone flat, and I stared at him for a long moment, feeling a flicker of something dark and bitter before I caught myself. I let out a slow breath, forcing myself to keep it together. I should have known he was Mr. Voss. How could I have missed that? It seemed so obvious now, looking at him—every detail exactly as I remembered, but somehow worse. Standing there with that same face that had once felt like home to me. Stupidly handsome, still. Cruel in the way that beauty could be cruel. It had been, what, five years? A pang tightened in my chest. Five years since he broke me. He was getting married, while I was still here, quietly picking up the pieces of my shattered heart. "Considering I’m the event planner, that question seems a bit ridiculous, don’t you think?" I replied, keeping my voice light and professional. I felt oddly proud of myself for staying so composed, for keeping the bitterness and hurt buried beneath the surface. He didn’t deserve to know he still affected me. He’d been my first love, my naive mistake, the boy I’d trusted with every vulnerable part of myself. "That doesn’t really answer my question," he replied, raising an eyebrow, his expression annoyingly blank. It was always like that with him—he hid behind that cool mask, leaving me to wonder if anything ever truly touched him. "The party’s in the other hall, isn’t it? I assume you know that, since you’re the planner." He leaned back against the wall, one leg crossed over the other, looking so casual and at ease for a man his size. Adrian had always been a force to be reckoned with—a perfect, intimidating specimen. Those brown eyes that turned to molten gold in the right light, that sharp jawline that looked like it was cut from stone, and his height. Everything about him demanded attention. But I knew better. I knew the man beneath the charm, beneath the looks. Or at least, I’d thought I had. I held his gaze, matching his indifference. If he wanted to pretend we were strangers, as if we hadn’t once shared everything, as if we hadn’t once been in love, I could play that game too. "My assistant told me your fiancée can’t be reached." I glanced at my wristwatch, feigning disinterest. "She’s missing—at least, I assume that’s what an hour late counts as." I returned my gaze to his face, waiting for a crack. His jaw tightened. Finally, a reaction. Without a word, he straightened and took a step toward me, closing the distance until I could smell his cologne, the same one he used to wear back then. My stomach twisted, memories I’d long buried clawing their way to the surface. I wanted to step back, to give myself space, but he was already too close. His arm came up, bracing against the wall above my head, trapping me there. His other hand slid into his pocket, so effortlessly confident. "What are you doing here, sunshine?" His voice dropped, his gaze searing into mine. I flinched inwardly, fury boiling in my veins. No. We weren’t doing this. He had no right to call me that, to act as if the last five years hadn’t happened, as if he hadn’t destroyed me. I forced myself to stay still, to hold his gaze, and twisted a loose strand of hair around my finger, hoping he could see the anger in my eyes. "Where’s your bride, Mr. Voss?" I asked, letting my voice drip with mock sweetness. It was all I could do to mask the anger inside of me. His nostrils flared slightly, and he pushed off the wall, taking a step back, creating just enough distance for me to breathe again. "I can’t reach her," "Obviously," I said, rolling my eyes. He shot me a glare that would have made anyone else run for the hills, but I wasn’t anyone else. He’d never been able to intimidate me, and he wouldn’t start now. He stayed silent, and I took a careful step forward, watching the hem of my dress so I wouldn’t trip. The last thing I wanted was to stumble and give him anything to hold over me. I remembered the last time I’d seen him, how I’d made a scene, crying and shouting, while he stood there, unmoved, unbothered. The anger simmered in my chest, but it was muted by a deeper, older hurt. I’d thought he loved me. I’d been so certain of it. "I’ll leave you to try reaching your fiancée," I said, my tone dry and impersonal, like I was discussing business. "If you can’t, get in touch with my assistant. I’ll arrange to send the guests home." I started to move past him, my steps steady and calculated, heading toward the door with my head held high. As I walked, I couldn’t shake the feeling of deja vu. It felt so much like five years ago, but this time, I was the one leaving. I wasn’t the one being dragged away, crying and broken. I could feel his gaze on me, just like that night. But this time, I had control. "How much did you hear?" His voice reached me just as my hand found the door. I paused, gripping the knob tightly, debating whether I should even answer. For a moment, I kept my back to him, before finally turning to look over my shoulder. He looked composed, but I could see the tension bracketing his mouth. I lifted one shoulder in a careless shrug, my gaze steady. "Enough to know this engagement party is a sham." I saw his fists clench and unclench, and the sight gave me a sick sort of satisfaction. "And I have to say, I’m disappointed in you, Mr. Voss. I thought you could do better." With that, I turned away and walked out, shutting the door firmly behind me. I kept moving, forcing a polite smile for the guests as I passed them in the hallway. But as soon as I reached the bathroom, I slipped inside, locking the door behind me. The second I was alone, I sagged against the door, pressing a hand to my chest, willing my heart to slow down. It was hammering wildly, like it was trying to break free from my ribcage. I hadn’t seen Adrian in five years, not since that night. The night that nearly broke me completely. I lifted my hand, studying the small scar on the underside of my wrist, tracing it with my finger. It had healed over time, but it was still there—a permanent reminder of what he’d taken from me. No matter how many years passed, it would always be a part of me, a silent witness to the pain he’d left behind. The memory came back to me, as vivid as if it had happened yesterday. He’d taken my child from me. I’d been young, naive, and I’d believed he’d protect me. He had a big thing coming if he thought I'd just let go. Oh no. I was going to exact revenge someday.AdrianI stared at her retreating back as she shut the door behind her.“Fuck!” I kicked the empty can next to my foot. The day was already ruined.I had been the one who specifically asked Martha to book her as the event planner for the party. I wanted to see her again, to prove to her—and maybe to myself—that I’d moved on.But seeing her again, looking just as beautiful as she had five years ago, with her blue eyes still as mesmerizing and her lips still as tempting… it hit me like a brick. I hadn’t moved on. Not even close.It took every ounce of self-control not to push her against the wall and kiss her senseless. But I couldn’t. Not after what she had done. Not after what I’d seen with my own eyes.And now Nova had bailed on me, knowing full well her dad’s company was on the line.I had helped Xavier a few years ago, never planning to call in the favor. But Aaron, God help him, had twisted my hand.Aaron, with his perfect fiancée and his annoying insistence that all of us needed
Astrid I returned to the party, my muscles coiled with tension. It’s not every day you meet an ex who was once your entire world.“What did he say?” my assistant asked. I shrugged, gripping the hem of my dress a little too tightly.“We’re sending the guests away. I’ll make a quick announcement, and then you’ll handle the rest,” I muttered, already moving toward the front of the room.“What? What about the bride?” she asked, her voice laced with confusion. I glanced at her over my shoulder, my expression dry and enough to pass a message.“Just do as you’re told, Nora.” My voice was clipped, and she stopped in her tracks, watching as I climbed onto the podium—the very spot where the groom should have introduced his bride.“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” I began, gripping the microphone as every head turned toward me. Murmurs and whispers rippled through the crowd, I could taste their curiosities in my mouth. Bitter and sour. “Thank you all for gracing this occasion. I trust you’
AstridI stared at myself in the floor-length mirror, admiring the white dress I’d bought at the last minute.The dress was beautiful, ending at my knees with a silver lining at the neckline and delicate pearls hanging from it.It felt ironic how a dress so pretty could be for an occasion so… fake. I wasn’t just the event planner anymore. Now, I was the bride.I had pinned my hair into a bun and done my makeup myself. This wasn’t a grand affair. Adrian had decided we’d go to a small chapel to get married, and I couldn’t have been happier.If I was lucky, I’d walk away from this sham of a marriage with a clean slate and someday marry someone who deserved me.I turned away, grabbed the bouquet, and slipped my shoes on. Adrian would arrive any second.Two days ago, at the engagement party, we had exchanged contact information.I opened the door just in time to see an SUV pull up. The chauffeur, who I assumed worked for Adrian, rolled the window down and nodded at me. I quickly crossed th
Astrid“Get her things from her home,” Adrian said to the chauffeur once we'd arrived at his house. It was obvious Adrian was doing quite well, a huge contrast to the man I’d known five years ago.His house was massive, the kind that felt too big for one person. Knowing Adrian, though, he probably lived alone.“Should I be surprised you know where I live?” I asked, crossing my arms. My tone was dry, but I was genuinely curious. His brown eyes narrowed on me.“No, you shouldn't,” he replied curtly, turning away and heading up the wide front steps. The driver pulled out of the garage, leaving me alone to follow.I took in the sight of the house as I trailed after him. Well, if I’d be staying here for a couple of months, I might as well start familiarizing myself with the place.Adrian walked ahead, his strides confident and unhurried. My gaze drifted to his frame. His shoulders were broader than I remembered, his legs stronger. And his biceps? Hard to say, considering he was always in a
~Astrid~“Okay. I saw the news, and it’s ridiculous,” Freya chuckled awkwardly as I dried my hair. I already knew what she was about to say but kept quiet, letting her speak.“Your doppelganger got announced as Adrian’s fiancée. It’s sickening that he’s actually getting married to someone who looks like you. Screw that, I think they’re already married,” she continued as I dressed quickly, my thoughts racing.“Are you listening to me, Ash?” she asked, her voice curious. I nodded, knowing fully well she couldn’t see me.“I can hear you,” I said, glancing around my room. I’d spent most of the night arranging everything while waiting for my things to arrive, so everything was already in place.“I knew he never got over you. I always knew it,” Freya giggled, oblivious to the tension building inside me. I let out a steady breath. It was now or never.“I’m his wife, Fre. I got married to Adrian,” I said, my voice calm but firm. She chuckled at first, thinking it was some kind of joke. Then s
~Adrian~ Aaron watched as his fiancè led Astrid away before turning his attention to me.“You're married, funny,” he said dryly, shoving his hands into his pockets.“Doesn't seem funny to me,” I took a step closer to him. “Don't speak to her like that again...ever,”Aaron didn't look even bothered, he just stared at me like I was some kind of annoying pest.“Considering the fact that you never spoke about a woman in the years since I've known you and then, you get yourself a random lady as your wife because you're about losing your job,” he said and I felt slightly irritated, because he knew nothing about me absolutely nothing.“You know nothing, okay? So don't judge,” he remained silent, just watching me. I stared back just as both women returned.Astrid returned to my side, holding my arm. I tensed almost immediately but forced myself to relax knowing fully well Aaron could pick on it. Aaron’s gaze flickered to Astrid, like he was trying to piece something together. Joan smiled w
~Astrid~It was warm everywhere. I wondered why their pillows felt this good, I could literally stay in bed all day.Except this pillow was breathing. I peeled my eyes open, staring at nothing for the first few seconds.And then it dawned on me. I'd shared a bed with Adrian and that explained why I could feel warmth everywhere.Because he was right behind me with his erection nestled in the crack of my ass. I shut my eyes tightly.If it was back then, I'd have been happy to cuddle with him and when we woke up to situations like this, we just well.. you know.But now? It was goddamn mortifying making me wonder why the hell he wasn't out of bed yet. Adrian wasn't a deep sleeper neither was he a rough sleeper.Making me wonder how he crossed the pillow I'd sacrificed and left in the middle to keep our distance.“God, you crossed the boundaries we set, fucker.” I hissed, shoving him lightly. He groaned and then tensed for a second, pulling back a bit.That was what I thought.“Can you eve
Adrian"Mr. Chase contacted me. He asked that we send a bodyguard—one to keep his daughter safe. I need you to send one of the guys from Seattle. My men are all occupied," Aaron said as we stepped into his study, his tone leaving no room for argument."I don’t think I have any men free. The one left is the scariest of them all. He’s the guy for VIP jobs, and Chase isn’t a VIP member, is he?" I asked, glancing at Aaron, who gave me a pointed look."He owns one of the biggest shares in the company. He’s the famous telecom billionaire. Send whoever you have, as long as they can do their job."I hummed, settling into the chair opposite his desk while he turned around. "Xander is available. But since we’re talking about protecting a woman, he won’t be up for the job," I shrugged.Xander was one of the best bodyguards in ZenithCrypt Securities, and he knew it. Arrogant prick. Most clients had complained that he was cold—too cold. Didn’t talk, didn’t interact, just did the job and left. I di
♡Astrid♡I slid my fingers into his hair, and just like that, he kissed me back. His arm tightened around my waist, shaky and desperate, pulling me closer.And, well—it didn’t feel fake. Not even with a pair of eyes on us.His tongue brushed mine, and I pressed a hand to his chest to stop him before things went too far.Because if we didn’t, this wouldn’t end well. We might as well start acting out a porn scene.He must’ve caught the signal because his hand swept along my back before he pulled away. I gave a tight smile and looked off to the side.“I’m surprised you’re back this early,” I muttered, finally meeting his eyes again. They looked like a lighter shade of brown—my favorite kind.That color made him look easygoing, warm, and even funny. But when his eyes went cold, he turned into someone else completely. Detached. Unreachable.“Yeah?” he murmured, running his fingers through my hair. God, that felt so calming. His gaze flicked past me, and I knew—he’d seen her.He raised a br
♤Unknown♤Turning the knob, I walked into the study where Nox was waiting for me.The thick scent of cigarette smoke hit me, and I wrinkled my nose."How many times do I have to tell you not to fucking smoke in my house?" I snapped, shutting the door behind me. He just bared his teeth, plucked the cigarette from his lips, and crushed it into the ashtray.I walked over and sat down across from him. He crossed his legs and leaned back in his seat, moving with an ease that didn’t match his bulk.He was a massive man—dangerous because of it—and that's exactly why I kept him close."It's been a long time, Gary. So why am I here? You don’t just call for nothing," he muttered. I pressed my lips together and leaned forward, grabbing a photo from under one of the files.I pushed it across the table. His eyes stayed on mine for a second before he looked down.His brows pulled together as he stared at the image."She's still alive," I said. He looked up, his gaze meeting mine."It’s been five ye
♤Adrian♤I called Axel the moment I drove out of the compound."Where is he?" I asked as soon as he picked up. There was a pause."My sources say he left the house last night and hasn’t been back. No sign of travel or anything," he said. My jaw tightened."And?""He didn’t look like he was running. Nothing suspicious," Axel added. My brain scrambled trying to piece one and two together. “There’s a good chance he either played us… or he was taken,” Axel muttered. I pressed my lips together.Derrick was smart—but not smart enough to know I had men watching him, close enough to track his every move.So maybe he was abducted. But by who? And why?"How’s the search?" I asked."We’re doing what we can. Nothing solid yet. Tracking his last movements. I’ll update you if anything turns up," he said, sounding frustrated."Even if it’s just a guess, tell me right away," I said and ended the call.I turned the wheel, changing course. I wasn’t heading to the office anymore.I drove to Maya’s.It
♡Astrid♡Hands. Fingers. They were everywhere all over my body, grabbing me roughly.I tried to fight it, but it was stronger than me. Screaming didn't help either, and it felt like I was drowning.And then it felt like the life was being snuffed out of me. I woke up with a gasp, drenched in sweat. I leaned forward and switched on the bed light.Light flooded the room, but it did nothing to help me relax. I was in my room, all alone, and God, it was a little frightening.Moments like this made me wish Freya was still here and hadn't gone on that school trip. But who was I to stop her? She needed to clear her head too, and that trip was a great distraction while I sorted things out.Sliding out of bed, I grabbed my phone and walked barefoot towards the door. I needed a glass of water—it’d calm me down.Once I was outside my room, I knew I didn't need water. I glanced at Adrian's door.Should I go there? Wouldn't it be weird? Yeah, he'd told me two days ago to come in whenever I wante
♡Astrid♡I mumbled something gibberish and snuggled further into the pillow, burying my face in it and taking a long sniff.Smells like Adrian. And it smells so fucking good.Wait... why does my bed smell like Adrian?That’s when I realized—I wasn’t in my bed at all.I opened one eye and was greeted by the sight of dark walls.I opened the other to be sure of what I was seeing. Yup, the walls were dark, radiating masculine energy, and definitely not mine.I sat up, brushing my hair out of my face before looking around the room. Adrian was nowhere to be found.He didn’t return last night? Well, it didn’t matter. I swung my legs off the bed and stood up, quickly smoothing out my wrinkled clothes.It was better to leave now before he popped out of nowhere.Scurrying toward the door, I turned the knob and opened it—only to run headfirst into someone.Judging from how sweaty the person was—I knew it was Adrian.I stumbled back, heart in my mouth, and looked up.He just stood there, straigh
♤Adrian♤Once Astrid and Joan finished whatever it was they were all about — the wedding — Astrid and I got home and went our separate ways.I walked into my bedroom, shut the door, and undressed quickly. Grabbing my laptop from the nightstand, I sat on the bed and opened it.I still had some digging to do on Derrick before meeting with him.I’d had one of my men fix a fake meeting with him to discuss “goods.”Obviously, after he disappeared from Astrid's life nine or ten years ago, he went into drug trafficking. Now, suddenly, he reappears — needing a new place to stay after being on the wanted list in California. He moves back to Brooklyn, and well… Maya lets him in.Unknown to her, she’s harboring a hard-core criminal. And not just that. He tried abusing his own daughter. There are records of him sexually abusing girls in California. Turns out he's not only a drug trafficker — he's a pedophile and a rapist.And that brings me to why I'm invested in this case.He touched Astrid.
♤Adrian♤Astrid stepped in front of me as we walked into the restaurant. I watched her dominate the space.She probably didn't know it, but whenever she walked into a room, she owned it. The air shifted—and then it was all about her. I liked it then. I still do now.Her hips swayed in the black dress she wore, drawing my attention to it. Her dress ended mid-thigh. And, well, it turns out she was the hottest woman I’d seen in a while. And it did something to my insides that she had my ring on her finger—whether real or fake.Tucking both hands into my pockets, I followed at a steady pace as she sashayed to the table where Aaron and his fiancée sat.The smile on Aaron’s face dropped the second he saw her. Then his expression hardened when he saw me.I just raised a brow."Hey. Sorry, we’re late," Astrid said, and I pulled her chair out. She glanced at me, her eyes softening."Thank you," she muttered, brushing her fingers over my arm. I nodded and sat down next to her."No, no, we ju
♡Astrid♡After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I sauntered out to go find Adrian. If I was lucky, he would still be at home, but if not, I'd have to call him.I walked up to his door and knocked. Once. Twice. There was no response.I turned away and walked toward the gym. He’d left. A little earlier than usual.Pushing the door open, I walked into the cold space. I should burn a few calories and get off some tension before seeing Joan and Aaron.And there I paused. He was there.His body glistened with sweat as he hit the punching bag like it didn’t hurt. Every punch echoed in the room. The muscles in his back flexed with every move, and those pants?He really needed to stop wearing them. It should’ve been illegal to look that good in sweatpants.“Enjoying the view?” His voice came out raspy and in quick breaths. I quickly cleared my throat and walked farther into the room.“What are you talking about?” I asked, glancing at the treadmill. I walked toward it.He stopped hitting
♡Astrid♡"What? Why?" he asked and I sucked in a breath and leaned slightly into the couch."He tried to abuse Freya," I whispered and his brows furrowed. "What?""I know it's hard to believe, but... that's why she's here. Lucky for her, she got away before it got worse."He shook his head slowly. "That's... horrible."I nodded. At least one person agreed."Do you have proof? Anything? Freya’s word probably won't be enough."He didn’t know I was once a victim too. Nobody knew and neither did Adrian.I never told him when we were dating. I thought I was healed. But seeing it happen to my sister—by that same man—showed me I’d only buried it."There are two witnesses. And a text."He raised a brow. "A witness aside from Freya?"I nodded and met his eyes. He looked at me for a long second, before they narrowed slightly."Who's the other witness?"I gave a small casual shrug. "Some girl..."But it seemed like he'd picked up on my body language. "Did he touch you too?" His voice was cold,