And so she'd walked away, his words stabbing her ears as they struck home.
"You think you can just waltz in here and play like you're good enough to have my love? You'll never have it, Sabrina," he had sneered, the disgust spewing from him like acid that cut into her heart. Every step was hard as she moved through the grand house now that had become a cage of gilded bars and memories bitter with the poison of anger.
She was lost in this world he created, full of resentment and anger. "Why even bother?" he had shouted at her, his face distorted in rage as she tried to reach out to him. "You're just a reminder of everything I hate about my life!" Yet still, she gave in . Deep down, there was still some love from her side of his body that seemed mutually less, but still true love between two souls. She had still not given up. Still catching for breath, "I'm not giving up on you," she could still stare at tear-stained mascara and tears, and hurt etched upon her face staring back from the mirror. But still, he came rushing into the room, eyes blazing red as if in anger. "What do you want here, Sabrina?" he hurled, his words filled with disdain. "Didn't I make it clear that I didn't need you in my life at all?" She stood there, unbroken by him even though he was angry at her. "I want to know you, Benedict. Why do you always keep me away? Do you understand me? he laughed cruelly, the sound echoing off the walls. You think you can just cozy up to me and make everything all right? You're living in a fantasy. Her heart sank, the weight of his words crushing her. "I love you, Benedict," she pleaded, her voice shaking. "Can't you see that? His face went ice cold and stepped closer. "Love? You do not even know what this word is, do you?" He spat his words at her. His eyes had turned dark with the venomous poison of rage. "This marriage is not a fairy tale; it's prison and you are the warden." That's when she was hit with the accusation. She was left for breathless. "I did not want this! I wanted for us to be happy," she countered, trying to keep all her anger locked inside as she could. "But you keep shutting me out!" He sneered in his disgust. "Happy? With you? That's ridiculous, Sabrina. “You have turned my life into a nightmare. Every single day with you is a reminder of everything I've lost.” His words cut deep into her, like the knife which darts straight in. His words hurt so harshly that she felt as if her chest was about to constrict, and tears welled up to spill over from her eyes. It was as if the weight of his disdain was crushing her spirit. “I never wanted to be a source of pain for you,” she choked out, her voice trembling. He gave a glare so full of venom and was so intense that she didn't know how to even react. She was too small under his glare to say words. "I just wanted to love you," she whispered with the pain that had built deep inside of her heart. Feeling utterly defeated, she took a shaky breath. “Why can’t you see the love I have for you?,I am not your enemy! I didn't make you marry me. I only want to reach you!" He leaned back, a wicked smile crossing his face. "Reach me? Save me? You think I need saving, Sabrina? I don't. I need you to disappear.". "Why hate me so much?" she wailed, her voice gradually filled with the pain that came out of it. "What did I do to deserve this?" He looked at her, a flicker of something in his eyes—regret?—but it vanished quickly. "You're not worth my time. You're a mistake I have to endure. The sooner you accept that, the better for both of us." The weight of his contempt suffocated her spirit. "You're wrong. I'm not a mistake. I'm your wife," she insisted, her voice breaking. "I deserve more than this." He laughed, a bitter sound that filled the space between them. "You think you deserve something? Just because you wore a pretty dress and said 'I do'? You're delusional." He said, with every word he thrust the wedge into her heart, but she would not give in and tried to be strong. "I am here for you, Benedict. I wish to help you, but you will not let me!" "Help? Do you think you can help me? You are a bloody joke," he spat in her face, venom from his lips. "You could not even help yourself if you tried. She wept, but she rubbed them away quickly. She did not want to look weak. "You don't know me at all and I can prove to you that I can make you love me and I mean it!" she said. "I am more than your wife. I have feelings too!" He came closer to her. His face was inches from hers. His breath was hot. "Feelings? Please. You are just an obstacle, and I don't need obstacles. I need freedom.". Sabrina recoiled at his intensity, the reality of their situation crashing around her. "Obstacle?Then why don't you just leave?" she challenged, trying to steady her voice. "If I'm such a burden, then why don’t you just walk away? Why are you still here?" Her voice trembled, each word thick with desperation. He looked at her, and his gaze turned icy, like the chill of winter cutting through the warmth of a summer day. "Maybe I will. I'll find someone who actually deserves my time, unlike you.". The finality in his words was a gut punch to her. "You think you can just walk away and leave me behind? You think that will fix everything?" "Fix? There's nothing to fix here. It's broken beyond repair," he said with ice in his voice as he turned to walk away from her. "This marriage was a mistake from the start.". Sabrina's heart was broken, his disgust that broke her spirit. "Then maybe you should just do us both a favor and end this nightmare," she whispered, her voice not more than a breath. As he walked away from her, leaving her alone in the oppressive silence, she understood that it was time to steel herself against the pain of losing a man whom she loved. She silently promised him that she would not give up on Benedict, even if her heart seemed like it would break into a hundred pieces. She would fight for him, for them, to face his demons alone.Morning sun spilled into the expansive dining room as Sabrina set the table for breakfast that took her hours to prepare. She had cooked all his favorites: scrambled eggs with chives, perfectly crispy bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice. It was her silent way of showing Benedict she cared, despite the poison he threw her way every chance he got. She longed to bridge the distance separating them, compel him to look past his revulsion at her. Stepping back from the stove and the last plate, Benedict had entered the room; and certainly, his face showed no softer countenance for traversing it. He darted his look across the table; and then faced about and settled back in the chair with an irreverent huff of discontent. "This is all you had ready? " he snapped, pushing the plate aside as if it were insulting. "A good breakfast, and this is the best you could do?" Sabrina pulled up a small, tight smile. She clung to the side of the chair she leaned on to balance herself. "I — I prepared
Morning sun spilled into the expansive dining room as Sabrina set the table for breakfast that took her hours to prepare. She had cooked all his favorites: scrambled eggs with chives, perfectly crispy bacon, and freshly squeezed orange juice. It was her silent way of showing Benedict she cared, despite the poison he threw her way every chance he got. She longed to bridge the distance separating them, compel him to look past his revulsion at her. Stepping back from the stove and the last plate, Benedict had entered the room; and certainly, his face showed no softer countenance for traversing it. He darted his look across the table; and then faced about and settled back in the chair with an irreverent huff of discontent. "This is all you had ready? " he snapped, pushing the plate aside as if it were insulting. "A good breakfast, and this is the best you could do?" Sabrina pulled up a small, tight smile. She clung to the side of the chair she leaned on to balance herself. "I — I prepared
Sabrina jolted awake, her heart racing with a raucous laugh echoing down from downstairs. It was 1:00 AM by the clock on her nightstand, and something was creating an unsettling knot in her stomach. That kind of laughter made her skin crawl, an unsettling mix of joy and something darker. She crawled out of bed and rubbed her eyes for the sleep as she took steps one by one, with each one becoming a source of tension leading up to herself.Just as she was turning into the living room, that's when she first saw the sight. This tore apart whatever heart was still left for her. Benedict, her husband, lay sprawled across the sofa, surrounded by two beautiful women who laughed and leaned into him, their faces flushed from what Sabrina could only assume was alcohol. His laughter boomed out, and the warmth he had always kept for her was now being liberally dispensed upon these strangers."Benedict!" she shouted, working at keeping her voice even, though it shivered under the load of fear. "Wha
With newfound resolve, Sabrina brushed away her tears and took a moment to pull herself together. She could not let Benedict's words chip away at her self-esteem anymore. Deep inside, she knew she was better than just being a wife in a loveless marriage. She was a strong woman who could conquer any form of adversity.It made her blood boil as she walked back into the living room to find Benedict stretched out across the couch, laughing and flirting with the two women. She inhaled deep to let anger fuel her determination. "I deserve respect," she thought to herself, pounding in her chest."Benedict," she called, her voice strong and steady. He looked up, a flash of surprise crossing his face before it smoothed out into a smirk."What now, maid?" he returned dismissively, reclining himself, his arm loosely curved over Jenny's shoulder. "I thought you were on drink service."."I'm done being your maid," she said, moving forward on him, her heart pounding. "I'm not going to let you disres
The following morning, Sabrina woke up to a thumping vibration on the bed, by her bedside table-that of her phone. Her rubbing eyes went out looking for and retrieved it. What amazement she found seeing on the screen. 'Teresa Thompson', to whom she had talked once over the phone before entering into the company. For such important events, it required attending by all top rank officers of the firm Benedict owned."Hello, Teresa," Sabrina replied, trying to be as bright as possible, though the sting of last night still lingered in her head."Good morning, Sabrina! Hope I didn't wake you. I wanted to inform you that we are having a company event tomorrow evening at the Grand Ballroom. It's going to be a big deal, and we need everyone there—especially Benedict. It's important for the company image."Hope flared in Sabrina. "Of course, I'll remind him. He wouldn't want to miss it, would he?""He doesn't know how important this is," Teresa said vaguely. "He's been. distracted lately."Sabri
She found some strength to go to Benedict, and the laughter and the music faded into the background as she focused on the man who had become both her pain and, in the strangest way, her resistance. The longer she had been at the event, she realized she didn't need his validation but the thought of confronting him, standing up to him even in the smallest ways, felt like a much-needed long-overdue obligation.She came upon him as he played host to a small circle of admirers. They laughed a little too hard, their eyes flicking between him and Sabrina as she closed in on them. Her heart started racing, her hands closing tight around her clutch."Benedict," she said, her voice calm but firm. His gaze fell on her, and his smile died out, replaced by annoyance."What is it?" he said coolly, his voice laced with irritation."We need to talk," she said, forcing herself to meet his steely gaze. She could feel the eyes of the onlookers darting between them, sensing the tension.Benedict smirked,
But for the first time, she felt like she could breathe again; as if the weight of his disdain had finally started to lift. Her heart still hurt and the ache of his rejection still throbbed, but a new strength was simmering beneath the surface. She had faced him, stood up to him, and reclaimed a part of herself that she had lost in the shadow of their broken marriage.As she disappeared in the crowd, along with admirers who never knew the man behind that mask of smiles, Sabrina made herself a promise silently. No more getting held captive to his meanness. No more letting him tear apart the person she was trying to find.Tonight had been a small victory, a spark of defiance that would eventually lead to her liberation. She did not know how or when, but one day, she will leave this broken marriage for good. And on the day she would, she would be stronger, more courageous, and more braver than she had ever felt before. Turning back to the party, she rejoined the crowd, quiet determinatio
Sabrina turned around, the pulsating energy of the dance floor fading behind her. As she spun around with this intoxicating mix of freedom and reckless abandon in her veins, her laughter would have cut through the cacophony of the party like a tune that was so sweet to be savored. She had been free for what had seemed like a blissful few moments, lost to the rhythm of the music, the warmth of people. Concerns that had been growing for so long about Benedict—the spaced-out look in his eyes and the unspoken words lingering between them—became a memory. She lived, pulsed, breathed for the night to hold her folded within its folds.But as the hours went by and the drinks kept pouring, a heaviness started settling in her mind. She blinked away the blur of bright lights as dizziness washed over her. She breathed into herself to try to get her bearings."Hey, I'm going out to get some air," she called out to Claire, who continued to spin and laugh, totally lost in her own bliss.Claire barely
Eliana had managed crises for years. Delays in the supply chain, faulty products, high-pressure investor meetings—she'd mastered them all with cold efficiency.Nothing, however, pushed her patience to its limits like Nathaniel Harper.She stood in the middle of the factory floor, arms folded, as employees scrambled around her, checking the five hundred faulty units that had brought the whole schedule into disarray.Nathaniel, naturally, by her side with his telltale smirk, observing everything as if this was his own soap opera."Gotta say, Princess," Nathaniel said, leaning in with a tilt of his head. "I didn't think your business had such a huge screw-up. I thought you had a tight ship."Eliana gritted her teeth. "I do have a tight ship. But even the best operations have hiccups."Nathaniel whistled. "Interesting. Because if this occurred in my firm, heads would already be rolling by now."She glared at him. "We don't fix things by firing people willy-nilly. Unlike some companies, we
He nodded at Nathaniel as he left and then ran for the door. "Good luck getting along with her, Harper."Nathaniel chuckled. "Oh, I don't need luck. I like it."Eliana tossed a napkin in his direction. "Get back to work!"Nathaniel snatched it out of the air. "Yes, boss."As Saben walked through the doors, Nathaniel leaned on the table and observed as Eliana tore into her food."So… gonna thank me for making your day interesting?"Eliana glared at him, face as flat as a board. "I'm going to throw this hot soup at you."Nathaniel grinned, hands up in defeat. "I'll assume that's a no Eliana."Despite her disdain for saying it, Eliana couldn't help but let the tiniest curl of her lips.Because, despite everything—despite the mess, the fights, and the ever-present arguing—she knew something.This war between them?It was hardly over.And maybe, maybe she didn't care at all.Inside the factory, the workers were busy sorting the merchandise for bulk shipment. Cartons of designer handbags we
The next morning, Eliana drove to the Sabrina Ultra plant in front of her car in an ill-temper. She didn't feel like she was up for handling him.After last night's nightmare of the missing shipments—and the horror of having to work alongside Nathaniel Harper—she barely slept at all. Not out of fear. No. But from the smirking man's face and obnoxious voice going round and round in her head like a broken record.She shook her head. Forget it. Concentrate, Eliana.Taking a big breath, Eliana stepped across the factory doors, her shoes clicking on the gleaming concrete floor.And there Nathaniel was.Nathaniel Harper, standing against the loading docks, looking infuriatingly serene with his arms crossed, wearing a sleek navy blue suit that was too handsome for a man so infuriating.The instant he saw her, his signature smirk appeared."Good morning, Princess. Sleep well?"Eliana shook her head. "Not that it's any of yours, but yeah, I did. You know, unlike you, I have a job to get to."
Early the following morning, Eliana drove up to the factory in a crisp navy-blue business suit, her heels clicking against the ground as she got out of the car. Nathaniel was already present, resting against his brand new black sports car, the smile on his face enraging."You're late, Princess," Nathaniel slurred when she got near.Eliana snorted, adjusting her blazer. "I'm on time. Perhaps you're just too early because you have nothing better to do."Nathaniel grinned, jamming his hands into his pockets. "Or perhaps I just enjoy seeing you hurry about like a madwoman."She shot him a look. "I wasn't panicking.""Refresh your memory, of course," he announced, pushing open the factory door with a flourish and bowing courtly. "After you, Your Grumpiness Royal."Eliana raised an eyebrow but trailed behind, surrounded by the smell of leather and whine of machinery whirring. Laborers scurried to prepare the newest shipping line out into the world.She strolled along the assembly line, taki
Eliana opened the door to her family mansion with a push of the front entrance, fatigue sitting upon her as heavily as an anchor. The moment she set foot inside, home enveloped her in welcome comfort—the scent of food preparation, the muted hum of television, and laughter spilling through from the living room. And then, suddenly, someone hailed."And there she is—the great Eliana Thompson, grumpy and emitting the aura of a thousand boardroom battles." Eliana groaned. No way. Sprawled on the couch was her elder brother Saben, a bowl of popcorn between his knees, a really smug grin dawning upon his face."Not now, Saben," snarled Eliana, kicking her heels off and massaging her temples. Oh no, no, no," Saben said, sitting up."I need to know what happened. You look like you've been through a war… and lost." Eliana gave him a glare. "For your information, I did fight a war, and I am winning." Saben shoved a piece of popcorn into his mouth and smirked."Uh-huh. And does this war include a
Nathaniel looked up, unruffled. "Good morning, Princess. You appear. well, exhausted."Eliana waved the comment aside. "You're distracting my team."Nathaniel rested his arms on the table and leaned back against it. "I prefer to say 'cooperating.'"Her eyes narrowed. "That's ironic, because it appears a good deal of adjusting around here is accomplished without consulting me."Nathaniel assumed an innocent expression. "Oh? I thought you had too much to do last night fixing things up to care about opinions."Her blood boiled. "I don't require your help.""No, but your staff does," he replied with a suave smile, glancing around the designers. "They're skilled, but they don't have vision."Eliana leaned in, fire blazing in her eyes. "And you possess it?"Nathaniel's smile expanded. "I do."She gasped roughly. "This is my company. My mother started this from the ground up. You don't get to waltz in and act like you own the company."Nathaniel moved in closer, his voice low. "Oh, but I do,
Eliana pulled herself in, spent. Her whole body hurt from the hours of repairing the damage Nathaniel had done. Her body longed to sleep, but her mind refused to. Not yet. Not while he was out there deceiving her guests.Light in the living room illuminated as the sole hint to anybody that somebody was awake. The moment she closed the door, she could already hear the approaching footsteps.Sabrina Auburn-Thompson was standing before her, with arms folded and a concerned expression on her face."You're late Eliana," her mother replied back, tone tinged with concern and ire. "Again."Eliana sighed and rubbed her temple. "Mom, not tonight. Please."Sabrina came near, her sharp eyes scanning her daughter's weary face. "You didn't have dinner. Your father, Saben, and I waited."Guilt settled in Eliana's heart. "I was working on something. I didn't mean to—"Her mother cut in. "This is because of Nathaniel Harper, isn't it?"Eliana clenched her teeth. "He messed with the designs, Mom. I had
Eliana stepped into the brand new joint venture office, wearing a chic navy-blue dress and razor-sharp heels.Today would be the day they settled the next phase in the expansion—whether or not Nathaniel intervened.She approached, expecting already to find him inside, sneering at her with that odious smirk.She was right.Nathaniel leaned at an angle on the conference table. His arms crossed over his chest, his bright blue eyes still shot with a twinkle of amusement."Eliana," Nathaniel drawled.She set her tablet down on the table, scowling. "Some of us actually get things done, Harper."Nathaniel rose from his chair, laughing. "Oh, don't try to tell me you're still furious at what happened last night Eliana."Her eyes blazed with anger. "Oh, I'm far beyond furious."Nathaniel grinned. "Good. I prefer you angry."Eliana's jaw hardened. "And I prefer you not standing over me." Nathaniel chuckled. "Where's the fun in that Elaine?"There was a fury on Eliana's face and in the way she h
She hated the way he said it—like he was so sure she would lose. Like he was so sure he would win.Not on your life.Eliana grabbed her phone and dialed in a rush."Mark. Summon an emergency meeting of the design and logistics staff. Now. I want all department heads there in thirty minutes.""As you command, ma'am," Mark replied sharply.She would not let Nathaniel Harper destroy all she had built.Not now.Not ever.Thirty Minutes Later – Conference RoomEliana flung open the door, her mere arrival commanding everyone's attention who sat at the long glass table.“I assume you’ve all heard about the recent ‘technical difficulties’ in our design department,” she began, her voice sharp and clipped.The team exchanged nervous glances."Yes, Ms. Thompson," one of the older designers answered cautiously. "The system crash destroyed a number of design drafts and corrupted others. We've been trying to—""I don't want to hear excuses," Eliana interrupted, her gaze flashing. "I want answers."