Bastian POV I sat across from Dr. Thompson, but the quiet of his office wasn’t helping the storm inside me. His walls were covered with certificates and paintings, but none of it could calm the mess in my chest. Dr. Thompson adjusted his glasses and leaned forward. “You’ve been more tense and quiet than usual, Bastian. What’s on your mind?” I sighed, rubbing my face. Where should I start? Should I tell him I’m thinking things I shouldn’t about my best friend’s daughter? Or that guilt is eating me alive? I decided to go with a safer topic, even though it wasn’t much safer. “I keep thinking about them,” I muttered. “Sofia. And Ellana.” Dr. Thompson’s face softened like he understood. I hated how he looked at me, like I was about to break. “It’s natural to think about them, especially after what happened.” I closed my eyes, memories crashing down like waves, nearly drowning me. Sofia, my daughter, just 18, had her whole life ahead of her. And Ellana, my wife, the woman I
Bastian POV Her body was soft under my hands, her breath warm on my neck as she pressed closer. I knew I should push her away, tell her to leave and never come back, but I couldn’t. I didn’t have the strength to do it.“Lilith,” I growled, my voice tense as I tried to stay in control. “You need to stop.”She looked up at me, her eyes filled with both desire and stubbornness. She wasn’t listening. Her hands slid down, touching the waistband of my pants, and my body went stiff.“I can’t,” she whispered, her lips close to my ear. “I want you too much. Don’t you feel it?”Her words felt like a spark, lighting the fire between us that had been growing for months. I clenched my fists, trying to hold onto the little control I had left, but she didn’t stop. She moved in my lap, her hips pressing against me, and the tension inside me snapped.I grabbed her waist, pulling her down harder against me, my lips crashing into hers before I could think it through. She gasped into my mouth, her finge
Lilith's POVAs I walked out of Bastian's house, tears streamed down my face. I was hurt and angry at his stubborn, old ways. I understand he’s trying to protect me, I really do, but I can’t help how much I want him. Who wouldn’t want a man like Bastian Lockhart, CEO of S-Electronics, the best phone company in New York City? Bastian is the kind of man that looks at you and just makes you weak in your knees.I hadn’t meant to fall in love with Bastian. Growing up with him and my dad around was the best feeling ever. The fact that someone so powerful was friends with my dad and took care of me as if I was the greatest treasure ever made him even more appealing.I wish things could have stayed that way without me complicating them. When I turned sixteen, Bastian started to seem less like an uncle and more like someone I was attracted to. I could have blamed it on teenage hormones, but now I don’t know what to think.I never planned to go after Bastian. He had always been my sweet uncle t
Lilith’s POVAfter I stepped out of Bastian’s penthouse, I stood outside for a while, my mind flooded with the painful memories of six months ago. My heart was still racing. My legs felt weak as I stood there, trying to catch my breath. I clenched my fists together, trying to compose myself.I still couldn't believe what happened. My mind kept spinning every time I thought about it. I felt like I was about to break down right there in front of the building and cry my eyes out. From Bastian’s rejection to the betrayal of the people I trusted the most, it was too much.I was startled by the sound of my father's driver's voice. “Miss Lilith, are you alright?” he asked, his tone full of concern.I blinked, trying to focus. “What?” I asked, looking at him, confusion written all over my face .“I’ve been here for a while. I’ve been calling out to you, but you didn’t seem to hear me,” he said gently. He sounded so worried. Do I look that broken?“Oh... I’m sorry,” I said quickly, feeling emb
Lilith’s POVLooking at the message on my phone, I decided to excuse myself. My hands were shaking with excitement. That’s how badly I feel about him.“Are you okay, baby?” my dad asked. He must have noticed how shaky I was.“Yes, Daddy. I’m alright,” I replied, giving him a small smile. I stood up to head to my room.“Goodnight, Daddy,” I said quietly, not waiting for a response. I hurriedly climbed the stairs to my room, my body brimming with excitement. This house will always hold so many memories for me. Some are happy, but some are painful.As much as I hate to admit it, those memories are haunting me now, especially after what my mom did. I don’t really know how I’m feeling, and maybe that’s why I’ve put all my energy into messing with my dad’s best friend. I guess I’m not that different from my mom after all.I opened my bedroom door and stepped inside. My dad kept the room exactly as it was. My favorite dolls are still around, and the walls are still painted in my favorite blu
Lilith's POV“What the fuck are you doing on Tinder?”As soon as I saw the message, my curiosity spiked. I didn’t even check the name or profile at first, I just clicked. Then, his name appeared: Bastian Lockhart. The profile picture showed off his mouth watering abs.What on earth? Bastian is on Tinder? Why? There are already so many women throwing themselves at him every day.“Uhm… shouldn’t that question be for you?” I clicked send. I wondered if I should play with him a little bit. That obsessive streak of wanting to test his patience and see if he will snap pulls at me. While I waited for his response, I couldn’t resist checking his profile. I found out he had just created it, just like me. I wondered if people would believe he was the real Bastian Lockhart. If they did, I imagined the flood of girls, and even some guys, sliding into his DMs. That thought made a pang of jealousy stir inside me.Suddenly, my mood shifted. I scrolled through my laptop, trying to distract myself fr
Bastian's POVThe moment I clicked send, waiting for her response, which never came, I started feeling frustrated. God, that girl is stubborn. She’s too young to be on Tinder.Well, technically, she’s not. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m jealous. If my body reacts to her in ways that drive me crazy, then every guy on Tinder will be flocking to her as they will be attracted too. Lilith is a gorgeous girl.I don’t know if I should feel good about creating a Tinder account last night. It wasn’t my intention to, but I just needed something to take my mind off her. Since work wasn’t helping, I thought flirting with someone my age might do the trick.My phone lights up, showing I’ve received a message. I pick it up swiftly, letting the tie around my neck dangle loosely. I unlock the phone, thinking it’s from Lilith. But no, it’s not. It’s a message from one of my directors, informing me about an interview happening on Monday.I’d like to handle that interview myself, as I need a new secr
Lilith's POVThe silence in the car was thick, almost unbearable. I can’t understand this man at all. Scottish men are known for being stubborn and unbearably dominating, so I guess I should have expected this. I just have to ignore whatever feelings I have for him. One minute he acts like he wants me, and the next, he sees me like a child that needs protection.“Are you really going to see an employee of mine, lass?” He glanced at me, dividing his attention between the road and our conversation. Irritation was palpable in his voice.“Of course,” I replied, just as my phone buzzed. I knew it was Tommy calling.“Why would you want to date an ordinary worker when you could have…” I didn’t let him finish, picking up the call to avoid his judgmental tone.“Hi, Tommy!” I greeted, trying to sound cheerful.“Hey, baby girl!” Tommy’s voice was filled with excitement.“Where are you? I’ve been waiting for you forever.”Tommy Heidegger was one of the few people I kept in touch with from Jammies
Lilith's POV~Hellena’s face twisted with rage. Her eyes pierced into me like knives; if looks could kill, I would’ve been dead. The hatred this woman had for me was beyond me. Her eyes left mine and darted to my mother.“I don’t want to see your foot near the Lockhart mansion ever again,” she hissed at me, her voice trembling with venom.I blinked. “Hmmm…”“You heard me,” she snapped. I hadn’t even argued yet, she was still talking.“You’re not welcome. And neither is your whore of a mother. No wonder, Beatrice, no wonder you couldn’t stay in your husband’s house,” she added, grinning at my mom.That hurt. That little jab cut more than it should have, even though it was directed at my mom. I felt my chest tighten. I looked at her, waiting for her to lose it.And she did. She didn’t disappoint.Beatrice laughed. Loud and cruel. The kind of laugh that makes the air on your skin rise.“Oh please,” she said, waving a hand like Hellena was nothing more than a speck of dust on her fur coat
~Lilith's POV~My mother stood at the foot of my hospital bed, arms crossed, her eyes fixed on me like I was some puzzle she couldn’t solve.“Who did this to you?” she asked. Her voice wasn’t soft. It was sharp, cold, and full of fire. Something, I recognize is a storm before she would explode. This was the mother I knew when I was younger, not the one I met with in Los Angeles.I blinked at her, unsure if I was still dreaming. “No one, Mum,” I answered practically. I hadn’t called her that in a while. The word felt strange in my mouth. But, I had missed those syllables.She didn’t move. “Don’t lie to me.” she had on the look of, I gave birth to you. So, I know you.“I’m not,” I whispered, even though I clearly was. It wasn’t just one person who did this to me. It was everything. The pain, the lies, the Lockharts, hell, even Bastian. “Who. Did. This. To. You?” she repeated, each word punctuated through the room. It was funny really. Seeing my mom like this. I would have laughed if
~Lilith's POV~Jelly paled the moment she heard what I said. I feel bad asking that of her but she was the best person for the job. No one will suspect her if she plays her card right. " But Miss, I don't think I will be able to," she says in a small voice." You can. Just act as though you are going to beg Hellena."" Not sure it will work, Miss."" It will. After all, Lucy still believes you are working for her."" Alright, Miss. I will try my best." She sighs and then turns to leave.I bring out my phone that I had used in recording our conversation. This is a huge evidence. I can't be caught unguarded when Lucy wants Bastian.Jelly moved fast. By the time I returned from my walk around the hospital at noon, Bastian’s phone was already in my hands. She had taken a huge risk, but we had no other choice. My fingers shook as I scrolled through his messages, looking for the recording that I knew was in his phone. And of course, their chats. I was willing to do anything; that could h
Madam Ellana didn’t die by accident. It was a setup.Jelly’s words sent a cold shiver down my spine, echoing in my mind. I had thought Bastian had grown up in a cozy family when I first came here.But now, I knew better. This house of his was a den of pythons. They swallow whole.I looked at a trembling Jelly, knowing this might actually put her in trouble as well as me.Still, I needed to know. Why? I didn't know.I swallowed hard, pushing past the nausea crawling up my throat.“Tell me everything,” I whispered, my voice barely loud enough, the way I needed it to be. The fear in my voice was undeniable.Jelly’s hands were shaking, her lips trembling as she tried to find the right words. “I... I don’t know if I should…”I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “Jelly, if you don’t, Lucy will keep using you. And one day, she’ll get rid of you too. You know that, don’t you?”Her eyes darted around the room, panic settling in. “I know,” she whispered. “I know, but… I’m scared, Miss.”“I unde
The antiseptic smell of the IV drip hung heavily in the room, hitting my nostrils anew. Jelly's trembling voice broke the suffocating silence Hellena's presence had brought and the trance I was seeking refuge in."Please, ma'am," she pleaded again, her eyes now wide with desperation. "Just let me go, and I promise I'll tell you everything I know."Yes, she had said that before.My heart quickens in excitement, a mix of fear and curiosity dancing within me. I took a cautious step closer, my voice barely above a whisper."What could you possibly know?" I asked again. It was more of a question to myself than to her.Jelly glanced nervously at Dr. Thomas and the officers before focusing back on me. "It's about Ellana, Bastian's late wife."I drew in a deep breath, shocked and appalled at her words. "What do you know about her?" I asked fearfully.Jelly hesitated, wringing her hands. "I know why she died."A cold shiver ran down my spine. "What are you saying?" I asked hoarsely. This was b
We all turned toward the voice that had bellowed that question. I instantly tensed when my eyes met the cold ones of Bastian’s mother. Hellena Lockhart’s sharp voice silenced the yelping of the struggling Jelly. She stood at the doorway, her presence commanding immediate attention.“What’s going on here?” she repeated.Her gaze swept across the room, looking at everyone as if they were insignificant. Even Dr. Thomas wasn’t spared from her disgust. Rather, her eyes shot daggers at him.Finally, her eyes landed on me, burning with an intensity that made my heart race, not with fear, but with anger and bitterness. If I were still trying to be in her good graces, like I had before, the weight of her stare would have been suffocating and overwhelming.But now? I didn’t care.A lump formed in my throat, stopping me from spitting out the venomous words stuck at the tip of my tongue.“You,” she spat, stepping forward with a pointed finger. Her face twisted into a mask of pure rage. “This is a
Chapter 41: Has the operation been scheduled?What did she just say? First madam. Hellena or Rebecca, which one? If they drugged me, what about Bastian? My heart skipped a beat. They did something to Bastian." No, don't take her away," I screamed in fear. My palms became clammy with anxiety as my legs shook, almost giving out again.However, I am held by Dr. Thomas. I felt grateful towards him. Only God knows what Jelly would have done to me if it were not for him." Why?" I knew what he was asking without further clarification. " I need to know who was responsible." I simply stated. My voice, calmer than how I am actually feeling inside." Hmm." He turned to the two security guards who were holding the struggling Jelly down. " Hold her down, so she doesn't escape." The guards did as they were commanded.Jelly calmed after her hands were restrained behind her back. She looked fiercely at the guards. If we didn't know better, we would think that she was the one wronged and not me."
~Bastian's POV~She was here. Ellara and Sofia. They looked so happy and peaceful. If I hadn’t failed them, this is how they were supposed to be, filled with happiness when they were with me.I trailed after them through the wild field of sunflowers and lilies, the air fragrant with their scent, fresh and unpolluted. It was clean. It was refreshing.An overwhelming sense of peace washed over me. I had finally left it all behind. I could finally rest, rest from the guilt, the pain, the hurt, and the failures. My parents, my sins, my regrets, it was all behind me now. That was a good thing. That’s what I should have been thinking.So why was my peace being interrupted by the green-eyed, red-haired spitfire I left behind? Would she be fine? No, I didn’t think she would. Knowing Lilith, she would blame herself.I had heard her crying, soaking me with her tears, yet I couldn’t open my eyes. My eyelids were too heavy. No matter how hard I tried to move, I was stuck.I knew then and there, m
~Lilith’s POV~The sting of the slap still burned my cheek, but I didn’t care. I had drawn blood. Her blood. That was enough for me. But before I could gloat, before I could even process my next move, the world tilted, and I saw myself being welcomed by the ground.However, hands,strong, and firm, gripped my shoulders, steadying me. My body, about to crumple due to the exhaustion from fighting off the drug, threatened to give out, but those hands held me up. Kept me from falling.“Miss Morrell, are you alright?”That voice sounded so familiar. It felt like I knew it, but I couldn't pinpoint where, so I kept my cool, protecting myself from losing control to the drug.“Miss?” The voice called out again. I wanted to say I was fine, but I couldn't. Not that I didn’t want to, but my lips wouldn’t move.“Leave me alone! I was helping her!”It was the fake nurse from earlier. Whatever exhaustion my body was feeling flew out the hallway.Knowing she could still spill lies that might put me ba