“A patient needs our attention, not idle chatter about romance,” Eva's footsteps announced her arrival behind me. She directed a stern look that was all business to Sanjay, “You should go check if the patient in the operating room is ready for his pre-anesthesia evaluation. I’ll handle things here.” I glanced over at Ivy, —she was waving her hand, a grin on her face as she bared her pearly whites at Sanjay. In response Sanjay offered a subtle wink. And I couldn’t help but wonder if these two were up to something fishy. With Sanjay’s departure Eva turned to Ivy and me “If you wouldn’t mind giving us some space, we need to avoid overwhelming the patient.” “Brielle should wait behind” Drey said without looking at me, his tone—which usually held warmth—growing chilly. What the hell was that about? Was he mad at me for leaving him behind? Jeez, it's not like I had a choice. After all It's his bossy, know-it-all doctor who thinks I'm crazy. 'Buying her an Audi won't make her an
“I thought you two had discussed it, Helen. That’s why you’ve been holed up in your room, right? You seemed so upset.” Edna said. “What do you mean ‘discussed it' Edna? You think I would be okay with her moving in if I knew about it?” Helen retorted.As if on cue, Andrei wheeled himself into the living room, his voice level as he replied, “I did mention it in passing, Helen. I didn’t think it would be such a big deal.”Somehow, I was angry at him. I mean, here he was putting his doctor before his ‘pretend wife’. Didn’t matter we were in a contract marriage; I deserved to know. ‘Moving in’ meant Dr. Bossypants was coming to stay.Whoa, hold on a sec. Maybe this whole thing's about Eva and Andrei not trusting me.They both might be looking at me and thinking I'm the crazy one. Seriously, are they really out here believing I'm unstable?I let out a big, exasperated huff, flabbergasted by the whole mess.The back-and-forth between Andrei and Helen only got heated, “No, no Andrei. You to
I could feel Andrei's body restless, fidgeting and turning. His sleep was fitful, and his mumbles were filled with confusion. Among the garbled words, one name stood out clearly — Anna. I turned towards him. I gently placed my hand on his arm, attempting to soothe him in his slumber, but the intensity of his body heat startled me and I pulled my hand back. He seemed to be displaying symptoms of fever. I dropped off the mattress, a silent battle raging within me. Should I call his doctor? But was she even helping him? I just wasn't sure. Once again, I softly called his name. His brown eyes, fluttered open, darker and heavier than normal. His breathing was rapid and shallow. My heart was going a mile a minute, and Before I could catch my breath, the door swung and then, in comes Eva, “I'm here to give Andrei his medication,” she stated matter-of-factly. “In the future, have the decency to knock before barging into someone's bedroom.” I snapped. The nerve of her acting li
“Jamie's been spotted, huh?” Eva scoffed, her eyes dancing with a mocking light. “You guys are starting to sound like a bunch of ghost hunters, honestly.”Edna glared at her, her lips thinning into a defiant line. “Don't you dare brush this off like I'm seeing things.”Paul stood stoically beside Andrei as he directed the course of action. ”I need the CCTV footage ensure that's on my desk within 24 hours. And while you're at it, ramp up security around the property. We can't have any more surprises." Paul nods silently, then exited the living room where we all gathered. “I'm telling you, I saw her.” Edna's certainty was almost… tangible, “It was Jamie. That champagne blonde hair and those piercing gray eyes—I'd know her anywhere.”The image of that blonde, gray-eyed woman from the hospital flashed through my mind. Could she be Jamie?“I believe you, Edna,” Helen stated, “Andrei needs to get a handle on this Jamie situation. One maniac is more than enough to deal with; we don't need
“You're the one bright spot in this whole mess, Brielle. The only good thing Eva has done is bringing you into our lives. That's the one thing she's managed to get right, and I've got to give her props for that, even if everything else she does is a straight-up train wreck.” Edna’s dropping some serious cliffhangers, and I’m dying to know more. But that woman's's busier than a squirrel in October, so I haven’t had a chance to pick her brain about Eva," I think to myself. How did Eva even manage to bring me into the picture? *** “Talk about a vibe shift,” I mutter, watching Liam’s return instantly change the atmosphere. The Carter brothers are acting like there's an invisible wall between them, no jokes or nothing, Andrei's all serious, looking at Liam like he's a last-minute tax bill. I’m in Andrei’s room, but I feel like I’m at the wrong family reunion. It’s like a wrestling match of nerves in here, and I’m just trying to dodge the flying elbows and make it out alive. I’d rat
The sight of Edna, with tears streaming down her face and a paper towel held to her eyes, was truly heartbreaking. Clearly, Helen's departure affected her the most out of everyone present. “Why worry now? Brielle's got it all under control,” Helen coolly proclaimed, “Andrei's in good hands. No reason for anyone to fret. No need at all. My girl's got the situation handled.” “I thought you weren't leaving until Jane has her baby.” “Now, Edna, don’t get yourself worked up. My daughter is about to deliver, you know that. She needs me by her side." “I thought we still had about three more months until Jane's due date.” "A pregnancy lasts nine months, Edna, not twelve." Edna gave a small, embarrassed laugh, “I know that, of course.” Helen smiles sweetly at me; “You’re a godsend, Brielle. Who would’ve thought Eva’s selfishness would bring someone like you into our lives? I would’ve laughed in their face. But here you are. It’s amazing how life can throw you a curveball and still l
My mind's working overtime, replaying Eva’s words on a loop. Baby? Hurt the baby?Is this woman seriously pregnant?***After tossing and turning for the tenth time in the last half-hour. I spotted a silhouette of Andrei seated in his wheelchair.“Nightmares again?” I asked him, concerned. “Not sure having your ex-girlfriend as your doctor’s gonna do much to calm those down.”Sliding off the bed, I reached for my slippers. “You get comfy in bed, and I’ll whip up some tea. Edna swears it’ll do the trick. And who knows? Maybe it’ll calm you down. You could use it."“Have you dug through those company files yet?” Andrei asks.“It’s a lot to process. I haven’t cracked the code yet.” With his nightmares keeping him up, the least he could do was take a break from that business brain of his.I headed out to make the tea, the night’s darkness enveloping me. And despite the lack of evidence, I felt eyes on me, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. I remembered the last time I’d had
Andrei's face softens, and he cracks open his mouth, like he's on the verge of jumping on my offer. It's clear as day that he's tempted.And just like that, the door bursts open. In strolls Eva, tray of meds in hand, looking at her watch “It’s time, Andrei. Time for your meds.” “Andrei will not be taking any of those.” Andrei looks at me like he can’t believe I’m standing up to his doctor like this. But I keep my eyes locked on Eva, letting her know I'm dead serious.She lets out a haughty scoff, like I'm some kind of clown trying to pull a fast one on her. “You? Really? Who the hell are you to tell me what to do with my patient?”“It don't matter what you're trying to sell me. Drey isn't swallowing those pills, period.”“He needs his medications.”“You can all 'em 'meds', 'medications', or even 'candy' for all I care, Eva. So save yourself the trouble and walk away.”Eva gives me a cold, assessing glance before turning her attention to Andrei. “Drey, kindly dispatch this contract
Brielle's POV.The muscles in his jaw flex as he grinds his teeth, his deep brown eyes flashing with anger. Yet, in their depths, a spark of vulnerability flickers, hinting at a pain that goes beyond mere fury.“You're really going to cut and run? Just wake up one morning and decide you're done? No discussion, no compromise. Just… gone. You always do this, Brielle, don't you? You do whatever you want, whenever you want, and to hell with everyone else.”I shake my head firmly, my voice trembling with conviction. “That's not true, Andrei. I'm just doing what needs to be done.”“What needs to be done? Yeah. Leaving me, walking out on our agreement, that's what needs to be done_”He runs his fingers through his hair, pacing back and forth as he struggles to contain his emotions. “How… why would you even consider leaving me like this? I don't understand. Have I wronged you in some way?”My heart shatters further, the words barely a whisper, “You haven't wronged me, Andrei. Not really. Exce
Brielle's POV.Mom thinks she's saving me, but from what? Love? Happiness? The Carter's imperfect chaos?Her words are stuck in my head, and I'm freaking out, doubts eating away at my trust in Andrei. Fear's got me in a chokehold.I'm torn between loving him and listening to her warnings. What if she's right? What if the Carters are hiding something?Why did she have to say that? Why now? Just when I thought I'd found my happiness.The Carters may have their skeletons, but they've got heart. Helen and Edna are the ultimate package deal — love, laughs, and culinary mastery.I recall their frantic prep for my wedding: 'Don't trip!' 'Smile!' Now, they're my quirky family. They've been sweet and reassuring since day one. What's not to love?I reminisce about my whirlwind wedding to Andrei. One night, rescue; next day, 'I do.' But those two lovely ladies made me feel like I'd known them forever.And that initial nervousness was forgotten. Marrying a stranger, coping with his wheelchair-b
Brielle's POV Ivy's gaze pierces mine, and I feel my cheeks flush. “You, of all people, handling company finances? You can't even manage your own expenses.” I cringe inwardly. Why do I always bring my emotional luggage – and a side of financial chaos – to her perfectly organized life? “Marketing, Brielle. That's your expertise. Not accounting. What possessed you to take on that role?” I squirm under her scrutiny, shame washing over me. Andrei's offer had seemed like a vote of confidence, a sign that he trusted me. But now, I realize my ignorance. “Andrei suggested it,” I admit. Ivy's expression turns stern. “And you didn't question it? Didn't think twice about taking on a responsibility that's so far out of your league?” I shake my head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and defensiveness. “You have to tell Andrei or if things go south, it's gonna be on you. Or have you told him?” I wince, the weight of responsibility crushing me. Ivy's right, I have to tell Andrei. But how do
Brielle's POV I glance towards the entrance, and my heart skips a beat as Andrei stands there, his presence a welcome relief. Finally, he's home. But my attention quickly shifts to the unsettling scene unfolding before me. Helen's behavior is erratic, and I'm lost. She's been ranting about bad omens and curses, things that need to be “cleansed.” I exchange a bewildered glance with Andrei, his expression mirroring my confusion. I thought I knew Helen, but this superstitious side of her is unfamiliar. And who is this elderly man she's brought along? His presence only adds to the chaos. Andrei's face darkens, his eyes narrowing as he takes in the scene. He looks like he's about to explode. “Oh, Andrei, thank goodness you're here! We need your help to chase away the evil spirits…" Helen motions for him to follow. He keeps his eyes trained on me, gritting his teeth… Well, don't stare at me like that... “The Oracle's here,” she announces. “He traveled 120 miles just to get here.
Andrei's POV I stand by the window of my office, gazing out at the city skyline. The bustling streets below seem to stretch on forever. My thoughts are lost in the urban landscape when Sarah's soft voice breaks the silence. “Sir, package just arrived.” I turn, and there's Sarah with this gorgeous bunch of roses. Thick, velvety petals in deep red and pink Sarah's cheeks flush as she places the flowers on my desk. “They're pretty. Meant for your wife, I presume? Who else deserves these three dozen beauties?” A smirk plays on my lips, my gaze drifting to the bouquet, “You think Brielle would love this?” “I think she'll love them. They're beautiful.” However, Someone else is getting lucky today, I hand Sarah the roses. “Stick these in the car, would you? I'm done for the day.'” *** I arrive at the hospital around 3 pm, just before visiting hours end. Standing in Jamie's doorway, I take in the serene scene. She sits upright, clutching a teddy bear to her chest, eyes fixed on the
Andrei's POV. Whoever shot at wife better start praying to whatever god they believe in, 'cause they're gonna need all the divine intervention they can get once I get my hands on them. The estate's on high alert. I've reinforced the perimeter, stationed extra men around and sealed off all exits. Brielle's staying put, no arguments. I know she can be stubborn, but I won't budge. She'll remain safe at home while my team and I tackle this Ivy situation, no matter how deadly it gets.However, the latest update has my gut twisting. The location's been rigged with explosives. It's absolute chaos unlike anything I've ever witnessed. Events unfold at breakneck speed, but nothing could've prepared me for this. Paul and the explosives expert assured me they'd defuse the bomb, but now I'm gripped by doubt, “How long until extraction?” I ask, eyes fixed on the road ahead. Paul's voice crackles through the earpiece, “Three minutes, tops. We're still working on disabling the security feeds.
THIRD PERSON "You're abandoning ship, Liam? Coward!" Eva's tailing Liam, her feet pounding the ground. He whirls around, his face set in a determined grimace. “This place is a death trap. Every minute we waste, we're one step closer to prison – or worse. You can stay here and rot if you want, but I'm not sticking around to take the fall for all this." “Our plan, our company — we've just started building this thing from scratch! What's going to happen to it all? It's all on the line_” “Fuck it! If you're gonna stay behind and babysit everything, then go for it! You do that shit! I'm ghosting,” Liam walks out, leaving Eva seething. She shoots him a parting glare, accompanied by a scathing curse. But she's not done yet. She's hot on his heels, her feet moving swiftly. “You think you can just bail on me? Think again, Liam.” He storms out of the dilapidated building, slamming the creaky door behind him. The place is a total dump. The surrounding woods are super eerie, wi
Ivy's POV. After hanging up with Andrei, I take a look around and shudder at the creepy atmosphere. The peeling paint, dusty furniture, and flickering lights make this place feel like a haunted house. But my gaze keeps drifting back to the door. It's a behemoth – thick, metal-reinforced, and intimidating. More like a gate than a door, really. I recall trying to secure it earlier… struggling to lift that heavy metal bar and slide the bolt into place. . I'm still catching my breath from that crazy escape. Liam and Eva were too busy arguing to notice me making a run for it. I took off like a shot, pounding up the stairs two at a time. That was either genius or madness. Eva went ballistic, firing three shots that narrowly missed. The woman's got a serious screw loose – Locking myself in here, I've temporarily dodged the bullet, but the clock's ticking. How soon can Andrei rescue me from this hellhole? Each passing moment feels like an eternity. Liam and Eva's fury intensifies, th
Brielle's POV Andrei's intense stare pins me. “You seem uneasy, Brielle What's wrong?” My eyes dart away, taking in the breathtaking view. The rolling hills, lit up by the moon, are like a velvet painting come to life, and the Carter estate glows like a lantern against the dark backdrop. Beautiful scenery, but I'm getting bad juju. Something's off, and it's freaking me out. Andrei's gaze snaps back to mine, his eyes narrowing. “Don't conceal your fears, let me know if something's amiss.” His hand slips behind the hem of his coat, his fingers vanishing from view as though he were tucking something away within its folds. It’s a discreet movement, almost imperceptible, but there’s an undeniable weight to it. I shrug, eyes still scanning the surroundings. “Nothing, Andrei. Just paranoia.” His eyes, dark and intense, bore into mine, questioning my sincerity. I nod, trying to convince myself more than him. “Yeah, I'm good.” “Sure?” “Honestly, it's just a weird feeling I have,” I