I take a deep breath and push open the restaurant door, stepping into a world of bright lights and laughter. The place had been transformed for the occasion; it was obvious the planner had spared no expense. They had rented out the entire place; every table gleamed with polished silverware, and fairy lights hung delicately from the ceiling, casting a warm glow across the room. My gaze sweeps the space, searching for a particular duo, and there they are—Lisa and Josh.Through the glass partition, I see them surrounded by our classmates, laughing and chatting as if they don’t care in the world. Lisa’s head tilts back as she giggles at something Josh says, her expression radiant. It ignites a fire inside me. My nervousness evaporates, replaced by a fury so intense it makes my hands tremble.Every step I take toward the restaurant strengthens my resolve. Memories flood my mind—every instance of pain, betrayal, and loneliness they caused in my past life. The humiliation, the isolation, the
Josh reaches out, trying to grab my arm, desperation etched into his face. "Anna, please, listen to me!" he pleads. "I swear, she seduced me! I didn’t know what I was doing! She came onto me, and I just... I’m a man, Anna. I love you so much—you have to believe me!"I turn to him slowly, my expression blank, disbelief swirling in my chest. What does being a man have to do with this? My voice is low but sharp, cutting through his pathetic excuses. "So what if she came onto you? How does being a man somehow justify sleeping with my best friend?"Josh falters, unable to form more words. i guess its a good thing though, he can keep his lies to himself.I shift my gaze to Lisa, who is now standing stiffly, arms crossed. Her eyes narrow as she senses the endgame approaching. She doesn't even try to fake innocence anymore."And you," I start, my voice steady but cold.But before I can say more, Lisa interrupts with a sneer, tilting her head mockingly. "And me what? So what if I slept with yo
Alaric’s POVI slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled my nostrils, and a dull ache throbbed in my shoulder. Dammit, I thought, piecing together fragments of memory.I’d been jumped right outside the café after visiting my cousin on campus. I had walked to the back to take a call when two guys came out of nowhere and attacked me. They caught me off guard, but I managed to fight back. Unfortunately, one of them got a lucky hit, stabbing me in the shoulder. The knife must’ve hit an artery because the blood wouldn’t stop.As I struggled to keep pressure on the wound, a girl had appeared. She’d helped me reach my phone and called for help, but everything after that was a blur. I must’ve passed out before anyone arrived.Groaning, I tried to sit up, only for pain to shoot through my shoulder. Before I could move further, Tristan, my personal assistant, rushed to my side. "Easy now, sir," he said, gently pressing me back onto the bed
As I rode to the Drax Industries building, I mentally rehearse my plan for the day. Inspired by heist movies, I feel confident in my approach. First, I’ll scope out the building, observing it from every angle to get a sense of the layout and security. Then, I’ll wait and see if Alaric, the CEO, shows up at the building himself, making it easier for me to spot him.If that doesn’t happen, I have a backup plan: find a way to sneak inside, maybe through a delivery entrance or a back door. Regardless of the method, I am committed to entering the building today.As I arrive at the building, I decide to ditch the nose mask, realising it might draw more attention than it deflects. With my plan set, I step out of the car and begin scoping out the building. I walk around it, observing the architecture and security features from every angle.After my reconnaissance, I settle into a low-profile spot to wait, hoping to catch sight of Alaric. I wait for about an hour, keeping my movements casual a
I hesitated, weighing the enormity of the decision. Could I commit to working for someone like Alaric for two years? The man oozed power and control—qualities that both intrigued and unnerved me. Yet, the thought of saving my father’s company overshadowed every reservation. This might be the only chance to rescue our business from the brink of disaster. "I need more details," I finally said, meeting Alaric's gaze with a firm resolve. He gave a small nod, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Pressing the intercom on his desk, he spoke in a commanding tone. "Tristan, please come in." My curiosity was piqued as I wondered who Tristan was and how he would help me understand more. Moments later, the door opened, and in walked a man I recognized instantly. He was one of the people who had helped Alaric in the alleyway—and, as soon as he spoke, I placed his voice as the one who had answered my call for help yesterday. Tristan approached the desk with practiced efficiency, d
I sank into my bed, the soft embrace of the mattress pulling me into its comforting hold. The evening’s events replayed in my mind as I stared at the ceiling, the glow of the bedside lamp casting soft shadows on the walls. Today had been a monumental, life-altering event. Just yesterday, I was struggling with the weight of my father’s failing company, the looming threat of debt, and the sense that everything was slipping through my fingers. Now, I had a deal—a path forward, even if it meant tethering myself to Alaric for the next two years.How drastically different my life feels now. It wasn’t perfect, but for the first time in a long while, I felt like I had some control. Yet, a part of me was scared. What if this deal changed me in ways I couldn’t foresee? Would I still recognise myself in two years? I sighed, brushing those thoughts aside. One step at a time, Anna.The soft ping of my phone startled me. Reaching for it, I saw a new message.Ciara: Hey, Anna! 😊 Want to grab coffee
I felt a strange mix of nerves and determination as I smoothed down the tailored blazer I’d picked out with Mom over the weekend. Paired with a skirt and my favourite heels, it felt like I was stepping into a whole new version of myself. My wardrobe, once a chaotic mix of casuals and forgotten trends, was now stocked with elegant, professional pieces. I felt confident, more like someone ready to take on the corporate world.Alaric had kept his word. By Friday, Dad’s company had received a string of new contracts, and for the first time in years, I’d seen him truly relaxed. The furrow in his brow had softened, and there was an ease to his laugh that I hadn’t heard in ages. It reminded me why I’d made this deal in the first place.Now it was my turn to keep up my end.As I stepped out of the cab and stared up at the sleek, towering glass building that housed Drax Enterprises, a chill ran down my spine. Was it the air conditioning spilling out from the revolving doors, or was it just the
As Tristan wrapped up the tour, he stopped just outside Alaric’s office, his tone shifting from casual to professional.“Alaric has a meeting in five minutes,” he said, glancing at his watch. “You’ll need to deliver these files to him and assist during the presentation. First impressions matter, Anna.”I nodded, clutching the stack of files tightly. “Got it. Thanks, Tristan.”With a steadying breath, I stepped into Alaric’s office. He was seated behind his imposing desk, typing away on his laptop. The late morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a sharp glow on the polished surfaces.“Mr. Sinclair ,” I began, keeping my voice steady. “The meeting starts in five minutes. Here are the files you’ll need.”He looked up, his piercing gaze momentarily locking onto mine before shifting to the documents in my hands. “Okay,” he said simply, his deep voice calm but commanding.When he stood, I was struck again by his sheer presence. At six foot five, Alaric tower
**Explicit content ahead**He carries me into the bedroom, his grip strong but reverent, like I’m something fragile he’s afraid to break. The moment we reach the bed, he lowers me gently onto the sheets, hovering over me like he’s afraid to rush. His fingers trace the line of my jaw, down my neck, and I shiver under his touch."Take off your clothes." He looks shocked which was exactly what I was going for."What??"“I said, take off your clothes, Mr. Sinclair,” I murmur, my voice low but teasing, a sly smile tugging at my lips.He arches a brow, but there’s a flicker of surprise in his eyes—he wasn’t expecting this version of me. Truth be told, I wasn’t either. But something about being with him—with Alaric—makes me feel bold. Safe. Desired.Normally, I’d shrink away, let him lead. I’ve always been the one to follow, to please, to hope for scraps of affection. But not tonight. Not with him.Tonight, I want to claim him.I lean back into the pillows, watching intently as he slowly beg
We finally return to Alaric’s home, and as soon as I step inside, a wave of familiarity crashes into me.The scent of warm wood and subtle spice. The soft lighting. The quiet hum of the house.God, I missed this place.I slip out of my shoes slowly, letting the comfort of it all sink in. It’s only been a few months, but everything that happened between then and now makes it feel like a lifetime. My gaze drifts to the grand staircase and the tall windows, and for a moment, I just let myself breathe.We’d left Celeste with Tristan at the safehouse. He insisted on staying behind to watch her, and I trusted him—but still, a flicker of worry lingers in my chest. I hope she doesn't try anything stupid. I hope they’re okay.Shaking the thought off, I pull out my phone and call Damian. He picks up on the second ring and the conversation starts off tensed but I give him everything. I tell him about Celeste, the revelation, the name of the man behind it all, and how we finally have leverage.By
Something in me softens as I watch Celeste shrink into herself.Gone is the haughty woman who stormed into Alaric’s office, who tried to pit us against each other and stood tall beside a man she thought was invincible. Now, she’s… a discarded pawn, trembling on the edge of irrelevance.I walk over quietly and kneel beside her, lowering myself to her level so she doesn’t feel surrounded or attacked. Her eyes flick to mine, red-rimmed and wide, like she doesn’t know whether to expect mercy or mockery.But I speak gently.“If you tell us everything you know,” I say, my voice calm and honest, “Alaric will let you go. No more games, no more threats. Just tell the truth, Celeste. Help us stop him.”Her lips tremble, and I see the fight start to leave her body.“No one else has to know,” I add. “But you can’t go back to him. Not after this. And you know that.”She blinks rapidly, a single tear slipping down her cheek before she quickly wipes it away, as if she still doesn’t want to appear we
I lean against the far wall, arms crossed, staring at Celeste’s unconscious form slumped in the chair. Her long hair is a tangled mess now, falling across her face like a broken curtain. It’s hard to believe that just hours ago, she was barging into Alaric’s office in full control, heels clicking like she owned the place. Now she’s here—drugged, tied up, stripped of all that bravado.After she collapsed, Alaric had Tristan haul her through the private elevator, the one most employees don’t even know exists. No one saw us leave. No one knows where we are. The safe house is far from the city, heavily guarded, and soundproof.She stirs.I straighten instantly, watching her brows twitch, fingers flexing behind her bound back. Her eyes flutter open slowly, scanning her surroundings—and then she sees us.Alaric beside me, sharp and unreadable. Tristan near the door, arms folded. Jason to her left, silent and brooding. And me, watching every flicker of emotion play across her face.Her breat
I don’t waste a second.I grab my tablet, the folder of reports—anything that looks official enough to pass as a legitimate excuse—and head straight for Alaric’s office. I keep my expression neutral as I walk past Celeste, who’s typing away on her phone. Her eyes flick up briefly, and I flash her a tight, polite smile. She doesn’t return it.Good.Once inside, I shut the door quietly and lock it, just like he told me to.Alaric’s already up from his chair, tension radiating from his frame. He doesn’t speak at first. He just strides toward me and wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest like he knew it was exactly what I needed.“I heard,” he says, voice low. “Is he okay?”“He’s shaken, but safe. Damian’s got him under heavy protection now.” I pause. “It was deliberate, Alaric. A message. They wanted me to know they can get to my family anytime they want.”He pulls back enough to meet my gaze. His golden eyes are colder than I’ve ever seen them—sharp, dangerous. “That was th
After everyone had cleared out—her parents heading to bed, Brian retreating to his room with a muttered, “Don’t stay up too late,” and Ellie offering one last encouraging squeeze of her hand, i found myself lingering in the hallway.Damian was just about to leave when I called out, “Hey, Damian? Can we talk? Just for a minute.”He paused, nodding, and followed her into the quiet of the kitchen. The warm light from the overhead fixtures cast a soft glow over the space.“I wanted to ask you something,” I began, leaning against the counter, arms crossed loosely in front of me. “Back when you mentioned someone trying to interfere with your company—do you still think someone’s trying to take it over?”Damian scratched the back of his neck, looking thoughtful. “I did,” he said carefully. “Before, there were a lot of unusual movements. Strange buyout offers, shady investors trying to snag minor shares—nothing illegal, but definitely calculated. It felt like someone was testing the waters, se
The next few days felt like a breath of fresh air. It was as if the weight that had been pressing down on my chest had finally lifted, the storm inside me settling into something calmer, more manageable. Alaric hadn’t betrayed me. He hadn’t chosen Celeste over me. I had been wrong, and the truth had set everything into motion again.Work became easier, too. I could focus on the tasks in front of me without that constant knot of anxiety twisting my stomach. The reports, the meetings—everything seemed more like routine again instead of a battleground.But there was still Celeste.Every time I passed her in the halls, my stomach churned, and my gaze followed her as she clung to Alaric’s side like a vine. Her hand was always on his arm; her laughter was too loud, too eager. I hated seeing them together. It was like a punch to the gut, a reminder of everything I’d been afraid of, everything I’d once thought was true.Still, I managed to keep my composure. I focused on my work, on keeping m
His words sink deep into my chest, unraveling something raw inside me. He would do it again—a thousand times over. A shuddering breath escapes me as I stare into his golden eyes, dark and unreadable, yet filled with something that makes my heart ache. I don’t know who moves first. Maybe it’s him. Maybe it’s me. Maybe it’s inevitable. But in the next breath, I’m in his arms. His lips claim mine with a desperate intensity, as if he’s trying to brand his presence into my very soul. I feel his fingers tighten in my hair, his other hand sliding to my waist, pulling me flush against him. A gasp slips from my lips, but he swallows the sound, deepening the kiss, drinking me in. Heat coils low in my stomach, a wildfire igniting between us. Every touch, every caress, is unspoken emotion—frustration, longing, relief. My hands wander over his back, memorizing the way his muscles tense under my fingertips. He’s warm, solid, real. I tilt my head back as his lips move down my jaw, traili
"Why must you be so stubborn?" he retorts, trying to shake me off, but he's so gentle that I could hold on to him with no effort. "This has nothing to do with you Anna"I tighten my grip on his shirt, refusing to back down. “It has everything to do with me,” I counter, my voice unwavering. “You think I don’t see it? The way you flinch when she touches you? The way your jaw clenches every time she’s near?”His eyes darken, a flicker of something dangerous passing through them, but it’s gone before I can name it.“You’re imagining things.”“Liar,” I breathe.His body tenses beneath my hands. I can feel it—the internal war raging inside him, the push and pull between whatever is holding him back and whatever part of him wants to tell me the truth.“Let go, Anna,” he says, but his fingers are still digging into my waist, still holding me close.I shake my head. “Not until you look me in the eye and tell me you love her.”Silence.A heavy, suffocating silence.His lips part slightly, but n