My mouth's gone dry, and I'm trying to swallow down the shock… “Andrei… That's that is not what I meant.”Andrei looks away, and I catch a glimpse of what might be sadness or disappointment. Or maybe it's something else entirely — I'm like, damn it, Brielle.You hit a nerve or something and everything goes… sideways.“You would have been the first person I've opened up to in such a way since Anna was taken from me.”Andrei says, and there's something in his voice that's just so raw and real. It's like he's laying himself bare for me, and I'm not sure how to handle that. Don't wanna push him too hard, but I feel like we're connecting on a deeper level, and I don't wanna break that. I'm also trying not to trip over the fact that Andrei low-key admitted he wanted to get it on with me. No need to obsess over it, Bri. Just let it slide right on by. “Edna told me about Anna. You really loved her, didn't you?” I say, locking eyes with him. He nods. “Anna. She was my everything, my reason
Andrei's voice buzzed in my ear, rambling on about the business dealings, all sorts of stuff that was way too much to handle at once. Suddenly, I notice that the truck has disappeared. I realize that it is important for Andrei to know about the truck. It is the same one that was present at the scene of his accident.I gathered my belongings, ready to call it a day when it hit me: Where the heck are my keys?Confusion momentarily set in, until I recalled that Paul had picked up my car earlier.I hurried out of the office. My eyes landed on Paul, standing by the entrance with a cordial smile. He greeted me with a courteous nod and placed the keys in my hand.As I slipped into the driver's seat, the vibrant hues of yellow and black seemed to wink at me, like I was a superstar fresh off the catwalk, rather than a frazzled executive racing against time. Instantly a memory nudged its way into my consciousness, and I cursed under my breath. I had completely forgotten about my promise to
“Eva’s bad news, Brielle. She killed a patient, and now Sanjay’s the fall guy. It’s like she’s holding the truth hostage, making it look like he’s guilty when he ain’t. It’s a stitch-up…"***I stab at the button for Andrei's floor. The elevator whirrs and the doors slide open. My feet hit the hallway, and before I can even think, I hear Eva’s voice floating from inside the bedroom_“You’re not thinking straight, Andrei. You’re letting your emotions cloud your judgment. You can’t trust Brielle, not with your company. What if she’s working for someone else? What if she’s a mole, here to take you down? You’re not dealing with just some naïve girl."“I want a close eye kept on Liam,”“Then I could have handled that. You should have entrusted me with your company, as you did your health. My Sabbatical is a chance to prove my devotion. I could have been your partner in business and in life. I still love you. Andrei. I still have feelings for you.”“”Feelings? Eva, I thought we left all t
The following day, a new doctor, fresh-faced and eager, arrived from afar, ready to take on Andrei's care. Eva's just hanging around, trying to act all legit still wearing that doctor’s coat, like that means thing. My phone buzzed, and I step out to answer it, leaving Andrei in the hands of his new doctor, who’s all focused on checking up on him. “Just checking in—have you already made it into the office?” Ivy's asks over the phone. I glanced down at my watch, a calculating look passing over my face. “I'll be on my way in the next forty minutes, give or take a few.” “Did you get the chance to chat with Andrei about what's going on with Sanjay and Eva?” “I haven't had the chance to discuss the situation with Andrei yet. Merely speaking with him won't suffice, Ivy… we need some cold, hard proof. Andrei’s still blindsided by his trust for Eva, which makes things a bit trickier.” “Honestly, Sanjay’s been good to us in the past. We can't just let him get thrown under the bus
“Brielle, you should not go by yourself.” Andrei responds when I tell him about the mysterious call I just received.After a few seconds, his text flashes on my screen: “Do not go until I arrive. On my way.”"Andrei, I got this," I text back. “I'll let you know when I reach the Café...”Keys in hand, I head straight out of the office. ***I had made it to Coffee shop. Its warm, earth-toned brick and large windows framed by an elegant wooden sign proclaiming “The Coffee Club House” in curved, elegant letters. The clear blue expanse above me was dotted with a few cotton-candy clouds.As my eyes traveled beneath the shade of the café's canvas canopy, My heart nearly stopped. Jamie.There she was, standing just a few feet away. It felt like the universe was playing some kind of sick joke, placing the last person I'd expect to be involved in all of this right in front of me.Her cold, calculating stare shifted rapidly between me and the Audi Parked behind me, like she was deciding whic
After the ordeal with Jamie, I finally made it back to the house, my mind reeling as I tried to make sense of the warnings she had given me. I had to tell Andrei. I had promised to tell him everything, even though he sounded a little upset over the phone at my stubbornness earlier in the day. “It's either I'm put in charge of Carter Industries, or I walk.” Liam's voice rang out. Stunned by his outburst, I stood frozen in place, unable to move as he continued, "I've poured my heart and soul into this company for years, and I'll be damned if I let some outsider come in and reap the benefits of all my hard work." “Fine” Andrei retorted, "That’s the door. Walk away. Walk out of my life, and don’t you dare come back.” “But Carter Industries needs me. Without me, you're nothing but a two-bit huckster with a pretty face and a silver spoon up your ass. I make you look good, just like that whore you keep on your arm." “Keep deluding yourself. You think you're indispensable, but t
Baffled, I blurted out my confusion, "Why did Edna leave so suddenly?” “She thinks it’s high time we start having babies,” Andrei answered with a teasing lilt to his voice.And in that moment, he was offering me his hand, as if expecting me to take it. I was half tempted to slap it away.“Isn't that something we both want to have on our to-do list?” He smiles at me and I take his hand.It feels warm and inviting, and before I know it, I'm nestled comfortably on his lap. I forced my gaze away from Andrei's body and turned to look at him. He was gazing at me with a smile so bright. I felt my cheeks flush pink and my hands dropped to my lap, fiddling nervously with my fingers.“Last couple of days have been off the hook,” I reflected, glancing towards him. The events of yesterday alone were more than enough for a single day: It has been a wild ride to say the least.”“Yes, it's been quite an eventful few days,” Andrei murmured, his hands gently settling on my waist as I sat sideways on
Carter industries' launching new technology and revamping their e-commerce platform. Andrei's planned a commemoration and his celebratory mood is the last thing I want to mess up, but what I saw last night was seriously weird. I'm freaked out by the idea that Eva might want to harm me. The memory of her standing at my doorway still unsettles me. It's giving me major chills just thinking about it. “What's wrong, Brielle?” Andrei rolls into my bedroom, his face etched with concern. “Not sure what to wear?” My gaze flickers to the wardrobe, filled with a luxurious array of high-end clothing. I inwardly curse myself, realizing that I hadn't even thought about what to wear for the event. “This will be our first official public appearance as a couple. You need to get ready.” Andrei moves to the wardrobe, a determined look on his face. “Come on, seriously we need to find something for you," he urges, already sifting through the bountiful selection of outfits. I watch him with a m
Andrei's POV. For so long, I've wanted to do this. I've fantasized about it, daydreamed about it. And now, finally, it's happening. One punch, that's all it's gonna take. One swift, sweet punch to wipe the smugness off Liam's face for good.He's got this air about him, this arrogance that's just begging to be shattered. And I'm the one who's gonna do it. I'm gonna knock him off that pedestal he's been sitting on for far too long. The policemen are clueless, and I seize the moment. I cock my fist back, and throw a hard one, fueled by months of bottled-up frustration, months of gritting my teeth and playing nice. Now, finally, I get to let it all out. And I'm far from done. I cock my arm back, ready to unleash another brutal blow, but the cops intervene just in time, pulling me off Liam. I'm prepared to face the music. A fine, a slap on the wrist — it's a small price to pay for taking care of Liam. I'd do it again in a second. They toss him into the back seat of the squad car, a
Brielle's POV The autumn wind howls outside, but it's nothing compared to the ache within me… “Honey, here's a blanket,” Mom whispers, as she wraps the soft material around my shoulders. I accept it gratefully and pull it blanket tight around me, tucking my hands into its folds to stave off the chill. “You're not getting off the hook that easy, Brielle, If you don't eat, I won't either. We're in this together, you and me. You're not gonna starve yourself while I sit here eating a sandwich.” The food on the table stares back at me, “I'm not hungry, Mom,” I insist, my voice brittle. "I couldn't eat even if I tried." Mom's face crumples a little, her eyes speaking the words her lips won't. “Bri, I know this is hard. How long are you gonna keep crying over this? It's been two days since you got back home, and you haven't stopped,” her hands are gentle as she wipes the tears from my cheeks. "Did Andrei break your heart, or did he stomp on it?" I shake my head, "It's not lik
Brielle's POV. Just as my tears are about to spill, I catch a flicker of something in Andrei's eyes- a struggle. His voice is low, strained, like he's forcing the words out, “My apologies if my words caused you any distress. If leaving is what you truly desire, then by all means, please feel free to walk away." Andrei's "apology" is nothing short of infuriating. He speaks as if he's doing me a favor, offering me the gracious opportunity to leave. It's like he's treating this breakup like a casual conversation, not the unraveling of a relationship that I thought was solid. And I'm trying so hard to mask my pain, but His words really cut deep — the idea that he thinks I only care about his money is just really difficult to deal with. I'm literally dying inside right now. How could they all think that? I never cared about the money. It wasn't even on my radar. But Mom thinks I'm some kind of money-grubbing opportunist, and now even Andrei… Maybe they're right. Maybe I'm just a cha
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.