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
“Three hours already?” I mutter, glancing at my watch before berating myself with a mental eye roll. 'Chill out Brielle. Not every little thing is a conspiracy. Quit being so paranoid.' I try to convince myself that Eva is just messing with my head. Yeah, she is manipulative, but that doesn't mean she's going to pull something crazy in the next few hours I turn my attention the flurry of handshakes, polite smiles, and forced small talk, but the sense of unease refuses to abate, and I'm glancing over my shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of Eva amidst the crowd. Her threats linger in my mind, 'Just stop being paranoid, Brielle!' I reprimand myself, trying to shake off the mounting dread. 'Get it together, or tell Andrei what a demon Eva is and that's setting you on edge.' With guests filtering out of the hall, I scan the room for any trace of Eva, but she remains absent. Andrei and I take pictures with associates, his grin shining through behind that mask. He's so obviously
Brielle's POV Final chapter. “Fine,” Jeremy voice cracks with restraint, the single word drawn out in a reluctant admission. I'm low-key freaking out, my heart racing with anticipation. He's just about confessing. “I'm the one who orchestrated the whole thing. I snatched Brielle's parents right from under their noses, ripping them from their picture-perfect lives. i'd kidnapped her, held her captive against her will, and drained your bank accounts. But here's the kicker, Andrei… you're too little, too late. The police are already en route, and they're coming for you, not me.” I take a deep breath, my eyes burning with determination. “No way, Jeremy. I won't let you pin Jamie's murder on Andrei. He's innocent." He narrows his gaze at me, “You know, for a hostage, you're awfully opinionated.” I sneak a peek at Andrei, and his 'I've got this' expression makes me feel like everything's gonna be okay. I mean, Jeremy's still being his usual, awful self, but with Andrei's ca
Brielle's POV “Just trying to appreciate the finer things in life, Andrei. Like that fine-ass butt.” I admit feeling my face heat up. He chuckles, clearly enjoying my unabashed admiration, “that's… Probably the most creative compliment I ever heard and the way yours fills out that robe is criminal, Brielle.” I suppress the urge to turn around. This mutual butt appreciation is getting ridiculous – or ridiculously entertaining. He scans the room, gathering his belongings. Meanwhile, I stand there, a robe-clad without any to change into or not to talk of clothings to put in a box and yesterday's clothes that are so last season — literally. Just when the silence is about to get deafening, Andrei breaks it with a casual suggestion, “you should shower first.” My mind whirs. I’m thinking, Geez, how do I break this news to him without making it super awkward?” The last thing I want is to be standing there, naked, with no clothes to put on, while he just stares at me like I’ve gon
Brielle's POV I'm deliciously spent, my senses sated. Andrei executes a brief, yet vital, wardrobe adjustment, then turns around, patting his back invitingly, “Okay, up you go.” They say “there’s a first time for everything”, and today I’m getting my inaugural piggyback ride—. Courtesy of Andrei. With the grace of a seal gliding onto an iceberg, I slide my bare rear off the table, leaving behind only a warm imprint of my departure. I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on tight as he firmly grasps my thighs, lifting me up. With his support, I hop onto his back. “Comfortable?” He asks. “Mhm, perfect.” Our journey begins with a trio of solid thuds, Andrei’s feet hitting the floorboards of the pavilion as he descends. The night air is refreshingly still and quiet… except for the sound of my nervous laughter and Andrei's steady breathing as he navigates the stairs. His usually steady gait falters, his foot catching on some unseen obstacle, and my weight threatens to send him
Brielle's POV He leans in again, His mouth hovering over my breast, “How many white lies have you told?” “One.” He pulls back, “Think again.” I knit my brow trying to focus, to pull my scattered thoughts into some semblance of order. It's a futile effort. I'm still drowning in waves of pure ecstasy. Andrei's lips close around my nipple, and I moan at the sudden sensation. He releases all too soon, again. “Two lies, baby” he purrs. “The first, when you said you never fucked yourself.” His words ignite a thrill that courses through my body, culminating in a sweet ache between my legs. “And the second when you denied ever having fantasies. Now, are you ready to confess them to me… and be rewarded?” His grip on my hand slackens, freeing my fingers to roam. He’s upon me, his mouth latching onto my nipple. Sensation overwhelm my ability to think as His tongue swirls and dances, only to pull back again, letting my nipple pop out of his mouth with a wet plop. I writhe be
Brielle's POV “I'd taken his crap before, no problem. He'd kick my ass, I'd take it. But watch him hurt a three-year-old?” That chuckle, that creepy-ass chuckle, is making my hair stand on end. Andrei's got a lot to say, needs to stop drowning in that drink and talk it out with me. Perhaps if we can get to the root of whatever’s got him so twisted, we can cut it out, get him right again. I screw up my courage, trying to keep my voice from cracking as I ask, “What happened next?” “I lost it. Charged at him and slammed him to the ground. I had him in a tight chokehold, crushing the air out of him. His face turned purple, eyes popping… Killing Archibald wasn't the plan. Just wanted to put the fear of God into him… In a wild twist, he managed to grab a blade and… Carved himself a nasty gash.” Andrei scrapes his thumb along the side of his neck, “This is where he sliced himself. Fucker cried assault. Tried to put me away for attempted murder.” “And Helen?” “Was locked up a
Brielle's POV He gives my earlobe a sneaky little nibble. Damn, if that doesn't stir up something inside me, “Why rush when the journey is half the fun, hmm? We've got lines to run, not lips to lock.” So glad Andrei's here to suck the fun out of… everything. What would I do without him? I'm two seconds away from giving him a good shove, just to knock him off his game. “What?” he asks, that infuriatingly smug smirk still slapped across his face. I purse my lips, cross my arms, “You're really asking 'what'? Like you don't know exactly what you're doing?” Andrei whips out a sheaf of papers from his back pocket, "Shall we begin?” I narrow my eyes, “You expect me to jump right into this after all your little games?” He chuckles, shrugging one shoulder in a charmingly nonchalant gesture. “It's all part of the rehearsal.” “Part of the rehearsal, huh?” I retort, “So that little earlobe nibbling number was in the script? I must have missed that memo.” He laughs," I figure
Brielle's POV My heart stutters, “What?” I try to speak. The words wouldn't come out. Not one single word is showing up to the party. Wearing a sidelong smirk, Andrei jerks his head towards the elevator, “she's been tapping her foot impatiently. Shall we give the poor thing some attention?” Nodding, I swallow my regret. Why didn't I just say something? “I'm intrigued, Brielle. This demure side of you is… unexpected.” He plunders the guest room closet, digging through piles of high-quality linens, designer clothes, and expensive accessories. it's basically a carbon copy of his own — super luxurious. I stand back, curious about what Andrei's searching for. My nerves are still on edge, which is… ridiculous. “Guess, I'll coax them out of you. Every last one.” My curiosity spikes, “How?” “All in good time. Shall we get you into something a bit more… refined?” The robe he hands me is a stunner — bold red, V-neck, and flowing long sleeves, all accented perfectly with
Brielle's POV. Drying soap bubbles speckle Andrei's hands as he meets my eyes, “What's so fascinating?” “It's your charm, Mr. Carter, that's got me in a stare.” His mouth curves into a sly, upward tilt, “You're not so bad yourself. Maybe we can stare at each other for a while and see who cracks first.” Deep down, I'm thinking, 'Seriously, Mr. Carter? Are you not seeing this ensemble?' Perhaps he's just trying to be kind? Yeah, that must be it. After completing the dishes, Andrei takes a moment to dry his hands before wandering over to where I'm sitting, his pace leisurely. I stare at his bare feet, my brain momentarily fixated on the sight. “Why no shoes, Mr. Carter?” “Walking barefoot is like a yoga practice. Builds up the balance, strengthens the soles, and gets you in touch with Mother Earth.” I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. How much of that is actually true, I wonder? He reaches out and takes my hand, pulling me gently into his orbit. And suddenly, my focus shifts from An
Brielle's POV. Andrei’s sweatpants could have fit two of me—and the kitchen sink. He’s a big guy, but these pants were made for a grizzly bear on a beer bender. If I didn’t cinch the drawstrings tight enough, I’d be wading in a sea of fabric, wearing a tent masquerading as sweatpants. I’m halfway through adjusting my shirt when I catch a glimpse of my him in the kitchen. Oh, dear lord. The man might as well be wearing oven mitts for hands. I reach for a bottle of water, partly because I’m parched, and partly to cover up the fit of giggles that’s about to erupt from my lungs “You okay, chef?” I ask, trying to keep a straight face as I watch him fumble with the spatula. “Yeah, sure Brielle.” He scratches his forehead, and I can practically see the sweat beading up. Poor baby's never looked so stressed. “Sure you've totally got this, Andrei?” I survey the chaos, raising an eyebrow at the egg-astrophe. The shells are scattered everywhere and there's a bowl of what appears to be e