Brielle “You’re my wife,” he insisted, his words tinged with a sense of ownership that made me shudder. “You signed the contract, remember? It’s binding.” I tried to protest, but every denial was met with the same adamant response: “You’re my wife now.”***Three Months Earlier…I groaned, struggling to wake up as my mom called my name for the tenth time, shouting it like there was no end to her chorus of “Brielle! Brielle!”Christ, Mom. Gimme a break.And before I could even open my eyes, she'd already yanked the covers off my bed, leaving me shivering and cursing in the chilly air. I groaned again, rubbing my eyes to clear the sleep away. “Seriously, Mom? Can’t a girl get some rest on a Saturday morning?”With a resigned sigh, I forced myself out of bed, brushed my teeth, and took a shower. After that, I joined Mom and Dad downstairs for breakfast.As Mom slid a plate of fluffy omelette in front of me, and she pinned me with a maternal gaze. “Hunny, did you write down that list I
Brielle's POV Graduation day had come and gone. Mom, Dad and I had celebrated, done the whole 'picture with the diploma' bit, and now I was ready to party. Ivy and I had hit up the local bar, and were letting loose, celebrating our newfound freedom from school. Mom, bless her heart, was unaware of this particular part of the celebration, also the fact that her goody two shoes daughter was pounding down the drinks like there was no tomorrow. “Hey, bartender, what's that drink called again? You know, the one with the little umbrella?” I slurred my words, barely holding it together. The bartender, a patient-looking woman in her forties, smiled kindly at me. “You mean Mai Tai, hon?” “That’s the one,” I said, giving her a thumbs-up. “I'll have another one of those,” I was having the time of my life. Ariana Grande’s 'Thank U, Next' blasted through the speakers, my head swaying from side to side, nodding to the beat. For the first time in my life, I was in a bar, getting tipsy_
Brielle's POV ”Oh my goodness, she's absolutely stunning!” I opened my eyes, and the first thing that struck me was the enormous size of the room bathed in natural light. The Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a breathtaking view of the city. The walls seemed to stretch on forever, adorned with exquisite artwork and sleek mirrors. The bed beneath me was… impossibly soft. “Drey’s picked a beauty this time,” a voice drawled from a distance “He’s got good taste, that one. I just hope she’s not as trigger-happy as the last one.” “Shhh, Edna. We don’t want to wake her. Let her rest. She’ll need all her strength.” “It’s her wedding day, Helen. If she doesn’t wake up in time, she’ll keep Drey and the priest waiting. You know we can’t have that.” Wedding day? Drey? I felt as if I were in some twisted dream, nothing making sense. But the fear coursing through my veins told me that this was all too real. I blinked my eyes wide open, hoping to clear the haze that clouded my mind, and fou
Brielle's POV The wedding was simple—a few documents to sign, the priest to preside, and a lawyer as a witness. Andrey insisted on taking photos, his enthusiasm for capturing the moment clear. And the wedding was over. I was now married to a man I barely knew. Three years, Mr. Carter had said, and I could walk away. It was a strange arrangement, but I couldn’t help feeling a sense of empathy for this mysterious man. His mask, his accident, his desire to protect his image…it all tugged at my heartstrings, and I found myself wanting to help him, despite my own confusion and uncertainty. After the ceremony, Edna served me a plate of cookies, claiming they were “special,” though I didn’t quite understand what she meant. But the cookies were delicious, and I savored each bite, letting the sweetness calm my nerves. As the bedroom door swung open, my head snapped up. I wasn’t expecting anyone to enter, but there stood Andrei, still wearing the mask and still sitting in his wheelchair.
Brielle's POV “You need to take him to the hospital, Ivy. What the hell were you thinking? What if he’s hurt? You can’t just leave him like that!” “I know, I know. But I can’t go to the hospital. They’ll think I did this on purpose. He’s…he’s got connections, Brielle. What if he’s dead? Or seriously hurt? They’re going to want an explanation." I glanced over my shoulder and saw Andrei deep in conversation with another well-dressed man—his lawyer or right-hand man, perhaps. After a moment, the two of them left the room together. Taking a deep breath, I rushed to the wardrobe, searching for something to wear over my simple shirt and jeans. I found a coat and threw it on, quickly checking the room for my shoes. “Ivy, you need to check his heartbeat,” I said, my voice urgent as I spoke into the phone once again. “Is he still breathing?” “I’m so scared, Brielle… I… I can’t even go near him right now. I’m scared I might’ve killed him.” Frustration welled up inside me. “Pull yoursel
Brielle's POV “Now,” Andrei confirmed. “Why the rush to leave so quickly, my dear? We've just begun our journey as husband and wife. Shouldn't we savor this time together?" I swallowed hard, my throat constricting as my anxiety intensified. With a slight shake of my hand, I attempted to grasp the handle of Andrei's wheelchair, but before I could, he swiftly placed his hand over mine, gently guiding it away from the wheelchair. “I’ve got this, Brielle.” He then pressed the controls on the armrest of his wheelchair, and I adjusted my pace to match his. But my mind was still spinning from the chaos Brielle unleashed. Knocking someone out cold with a bottle? Sure, I knew my bestie can be a bit crazy sometimes. But to hit someone with a damn bottle? On top of everything else, we didn’t know if Liam had any ties to Andrei. No. Please, God. Drey is already neck-deep in problems. He's been through a great deal such that I feel empathy for him. And then, out of the blue, Ivy
Brielle's POV With a heady mixture of panic and disbelief coursing through me, I practically bolted from Ivy's bedroom, “For God’s sake! What in the world did you do? What happened here?!” “Stop sounding so hysterical, Brielle. You’re scaring the shit out of me." The absurdity of Ivy’s statement knocked me off-kilter. I whipped around to face her, “Are you fucking serious? We’ve got a guy lying here, dead or dying, with blood all over his face, and you’re telling me to not freak you out? Yeah, let’s just crack open the champagne and party,” I drawled sarcastically. “Because who cares that there might be a dead guy in your bedroom, right? We’re clearly the life of the party here.” All jokes aside, I faced Ivy with a steely gaze, demanding answers. “What the hell happened?' My patience wore thin with every passing second. Ivy was hesitant and right now, time was the one thing we didn’t have. “Spill it, Ivy, or I’m walking,” I warned, leveling a steely gaze in her direction
Brielle's POV Desperation twisted Ivy’s face, her eyes pleading, “Liam’s life is hanging by a thread, Brielle. Every minute we argue is another minute we lose. If you’re scared of seeing Sanjay again because of some ancient history between you two, you need to get over it. Fast." Jeez. I thought I got over him. Why the hell am I so worked up at the thought of seeing Sanjay again? Sanjay's this adorable, Indian guy I used to have a major crush on. I mean, I tried everything—cards, letters—to get his attention. And nothing. I’m still kicking myself for being so stupid. I’d tried so damn hard to get over him, to put those feelings to bed once and for all. What if seeing Sanjay again stirs up those old feelings? What if I start liking him all over again? I’d already tied the knot with someone else, and the last thing I needed was any more complications. In a nervous tic, I began twisting the ring on my finger, a gesture that caught Ivy’s eye. She gave me a questioning look, an
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