FLORA’S POV The show was about to begin, and I was a total mess. Alex had practically hauled me into a restroom tucked away in one of the hotel suites after I had texted him in full-blown panic mode, declaring my intent to quit. “I really don’t think I can do this,” I whispered, wringing my hands as if in prayer. “What the fuck is wrong with you, Flora?” he hissed, grabbing my shoulders as if trying to shake some sense into me. “You can’t let all this hard work go to waste.” I flinched. “But... what if they don’t like it?” My voice cracked, and I imagined the audience booing, jeering, and sneering as I stumbled across the runway. And then there was Lisette, Melissa, and whoever else had taken it upon themselves to sabotage me. Even if they weren’t actively plotting my demise tonight, their smug faces in the crowd would be unbearable if I failed. Alex exhaled sharply, visibly trying to keep his cool. “We talked about this last night. You’re not here to perform a goddamn Broa
FLORA’S POV Alex didn’t speak to me until we arrived at his place. Luckily, it was empty since Clarissa and the other housekeepers had left. He got out of the car, strode over to my side, and opened my door with a precision that only added to my confusion. Before I could ask what was happening, he lifted me off the ground, tossing me over his shoulder like a sack of flour. My stomach clenched in both fear and excitement. “What are you doing?” I asked, half-laughing, half-nervous. “Keep shut,” he growled, his voice was low and commanding. He carried me through the house, up the stairs with quick strides. I expected him to stop at his bedroom, but instead, he pushed the door to his infamous red room open. Before I could process it, I was tossed onto the bed, the softness of the sheets did little to cushion the shock of the moment. Alex loomed above me with a look masked with anger. “It’s time to get what you deserve, Flora.” His large hands grabbed my ankles and yanked me to
FLORA’S POV I knew the answer he wanted to hear, but deep within, I wasn’t convinced I was perfect at all. Before I could answer, my phone began to ring, shattering the charged silence. Alex sighed and eased off the bed, and I waited with bated breath. “Can I at least answer my phone?” I asked. “No, you can’t,” Alex growled. There was silence for a moment before he added, “Your mom is calling.” My heart skipped a beat. Of course, she was calling. Alex had dragged me away so suddenly I hadn’t even had a chance to see my mom and sister. “Hello?” Alex said into the phone. “Hi,” my mother’s familiar voice floated through the speaker. “Can I speak to Flo?” “Oh, Flora is kind of busy right now,” Alex said, and I could imagine his wicked grin in my direction. “She’s, uh... got herself a punishment.” My jaw dropped. My mother’s silence on the other end spoke volumes. My chest tightened with tension as my brain scrambled to decode what Alex had just said, and what Mom might be imagi
FLORA’S POV There was silence in the room for a while. Maybe Alex had finally come to realize the truth—that I wasn’t the perfect person he thought I was. I couldn’t bear the thought of setting myself up for disappointment. Sure, I basked in his praises, but deep down, I knew he could never see me as anything more than his Sub. Whatever we had was transactional, wasn’t it? And I didn’t want to delude myself otherwise, knowing the caliber of person he was. Especially after what happened with Jayden. “Jesus Christ,” Alex muttered, breaking the silence as he removed the blindfold from my eyes. I blinked rapidly, the sudden light making my vision blur. My gaze dropped to the space between us, avoiding his eyes like they were molten lava. But Alex wasn’t having it. His hand cupped my face, tilting my chin upward. “Give me your eyes, Flora,” he commanded. I obeyed, locking my gaze with his piercing amber eyes. “You are perfect,” he said firmly, like he was stating a universal truth.
MELISSA’S POV Five Days Later… “Miss Roberts, congratulations on such an incredible debut! Your designs were a showstopper and left the audience in awe, and your decision to walk the runway yourself was such a bold move. What inspired you to take on that challenge?" The interviewer’s voice droned from the TV. I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly stayed in the back of my head. Flora's smug smile on the screen was the cherry on top of the torture. She thought she was so clever, didn’t she? Riding on the back of pity to catapult herself into the limelight. Jayden, sitting beside me on the couch, leaned forward like a lovesick puppy. "Thank you so much!” Flora began. "To be honest, it wasn’t part of the plan at all. The day before the event, I found out my signature piece had been sabotaged. It was devastating. Someone had destroyed my dress, and all my sketches had been wiped from my system. To make things worse, my model called in sick just hours before the show." Jayden sighe
FLORA’S POV As soon as I stepped out of the interview room, Vicky was waiting, her warm smile as radiant as ever. In one hand, she held a steaming mug of coffee, which she extended toward me. “Come here, my good luck charm,” she said, spreading her arms wide. I couldn’t help but return her smile as I walked into her embrace. The soft patting on my back was soothing, grounding me after the whirlwind of interviews and public appearances. “How was that interview?” she asked once we pulled apart, her eyes scanning my face with genuine interest. “It was... refreshing,” I replied as we started walking out of the building. Trailing behind us were her assistant and a couple of bodyguards. Vicky nodded approvingly. “Your story is inspiring, Flora. You’re now the new face of fashion in Rockshire. I knew you were a diamond the very first day I saw you, and I’m so glad you proved me right.” Her words sent warmth flooding through me. “Thank you, Vicky. I’m truly grateful for the opportu
ALEX’S POV “Are you nervous?” I asked as I stepped out and opened the car door for Flora, offering her my hand. She shook her head far too quickly, avoiding my gaze. “Not at all.” Liar. I could read her like an open book. Her fingers had trembled on the ride here, betraying the calm front she wore like armor. She had no idea just how much I noticed, every sigh, every nervous fidget, every time her teeth worried that soft bottom lip. One thing Flora doesn’t know about me is that I’m very observant, especially towards people I care about. And I care about Flora—a lot. And then there was that dress. Jesus Christ, that red sequin gown had me spiraling. It hugged every one of her curves as though it was custom-made to drive me insane. The slit up the side teased just enough of her smooth thigh to make my brain short-circuit. All the way to this goddamn event, I had been battling the overwhelming urge to pull her into my lap and take her right there in the backseat. I had been ro
FLORA’S POV “If that isn’t the charismatic Alexander Lee Bennett,” a sultry female voice chimed behind us, rich with amusement and laced with a faint accent. I felt Alex stiffen beside me, his grip on my hand tightening ever so slightly before he turned toward the source of the voice. I followed his gaze, my curiosity piqued, and my eyes met a piercing deep blue gaze staring into mine with a smirk. She looked stunning, and from her poise and the way she clutched her wine glass, I could tell she had been in this game for a long time. She was breathtaking, the kind of woman whose entire existence screamed old money, designer labels, and boarding school poise. Everything about her, her sleek, raven hair and her perfectly lined crimson lips, looked polished to perfection. She seemed familiar somehow, but I couldn’t place her face. “Cynthia,” Alex said with forced cheerfulness as he strode toward her. I watched as they exchanged kisses on the cheek, the kind of cheek kiss rich peo
FLORA’S POV Alex left and didn’t return the entire day, leaving me alone to entertain Jayden. Or maybe, to face the chaos going on in my own mind. I had never seen Alex so uneasy, so off-balance, as I did this morning. He had always been the embodiment of control, sharp suits, unreadable expressions, power, and always ten steps ahead. But today, he looked like a man standing on thin ice, waiting for it to crack. His entire aura shifted the moment Jayden showed up. And it made me pity him. I didn’t know what I was feeling; maybe sadness, maybe guilt, maybe something else I didn’t have the language for. It was all tangled. One second, I felt nothing, and the next, it was everything at once. Anger. Shame. Jealousy. Confusion. Jayden’s arrival complicated everything. A few weeks ago, I might have basked in the drama of it all, maybe even felt vindicated. But now, all I saw was a boy broken, humbled, and so clearly lost. Things were about to get a lot messier. That much was clear. And f
ALEX’S POVDave’s house always looked like a never-ending scene from a frat-boy movie: loud music, too much sun, and always women in bikinis. Today was no different. He was in the pool with three blonde bombshells when I arrived. He always liked them blonde. His personal brand, I guess. I walked over and planted my fists on my hips, shaking my head.“Hey, buddy!” he called out, raising his drink with a grin. “Come join us! Give those CEO muscles a break, you look like you need it!”I exhaled sharply. “Tempting, but I’ll pass,” I muttered.Dave turned back to whisper something to the women beside him, probably something ridiculous. I didn’t wait. I turned on my heel and walked toward the house. I wasn’t in the mood for poolside comedy or small talk. Minutes later, he strolled into the kitchen, wrapped in a towel. He took one look at me, and without asking a single question, poured me a drink.“You good?” he finally asked, eyeing me.“What do you think?” I said through clenched teeth.H
ALEX’S POVThe silence that followed was so thick, it practically smothered the room. You could hear a pin drop. Jayden’s eyes darted between me and Flora, uncertainty all over his face. I stood there, dumbfounded. And Flora’s eyes had gone wide like someone had just dropped a live bomb in front of her.“It’s... It’s okay if you can’t let me stay,” Jayden said quickly, his voice faltering. “I mean, you don’t owe me anything… and I—”“Of course, you can stay here,” I cut in, probably too fast.He gave me a look. Skeptical. Like he didn’t believe me. Then his eyes flicked to Flora, like he was checking her reaction too. I couldn’t blame him. But seriously, how could I say no? What kind of father would I be if I turned him away, especially after years of waiting, hoping, and silently begging for a chance like this? Now, he stood here in my living room, shoulders slightly hunched, eyes heavy with something that looked a lot like shame. My son. A grown man now, bruised in ways I recognized
FLORA’S POVOne minute, I was warm and tangled in Alex’s arms, and my body was still humming from the intimacy we had just shared. The next, I was flying through the air. A startled yelp escaped my lips as I landed on the bed with a soft thud. I blinked up at him, completely disoriented.“What the hell, Alex?”“Put something on,” he ordered, already scrambling for his own clothes.I propped myself up on my elbows, watching him with furrowed brows as he pulled on a fresh pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt in record time. He moved like a man preparing for battle.“Why? What’s happening?”He only spared me a glance. “Jayden’s outside. Right now. Standing in front of the gate.”I froze and my stomach flipped. Jayden? Here?Alex was already reaching for his phone to open the gate remotely, leaving me scrambling to process what was happening. A knot of unease formed in my gut as I quickly grabbed my discarded T-shirt from the floor and pulled it over my head. I found my pair of shorts, yanking
FLORA'S POV Warm steam curled around me as I stepped into the shower, behind Alex. He stood under the steady stream of water, his broad back to me, and his hands braced against the wall. His head was bowed, droplets sliding down his skin, tracing the taut muscles of his back. He didn't hear me come in. I took a deep breath and let my robe fall to the floor before stepping in behind him. The moment my palms pressed lightly against his damp skin, his muscles tensed, only for a second, before he sighed and his shoulders relaxed under my touch. I slowly moved to stand in front of him, looking him in the eyes. "Can I join you?" I asked softly with a smile, letting my fingers glide over his damp skin. Alex let out a deep chuckle. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Of course, baby girl,” he murmured. I reached past him for the washcloth, my fingers grazing against his abdomen in the process. His stomach flexed under my touch. “Let me,” I whispered, lathering the cloth wi
FLORA’S POVI hummed softly as my consciousness returned. My eyelids fluttered open, and I took in my surroundings, realizing I was still in Alex’s bedroom, still tangled up in his sheets, still wrapped in his intoxicating scent. But his side of the bed was empty. A small smile crept onto my face as the memories of last night came rushing back. My body still tingled from his touch, from the way he had claimed me over and over again until I could barely breathe.Just as I started to push myself up, the door creaked open, and in walked Alex, carrying a tray. He was shirtless, his chiseled chest and abs on full display. He was wearing only a pair of low-hanging black sweatpants that clung sinfully to his hips. God help me. The sight of him alone made my breath hitch.He smiled as he sauntered over to me. “Good morning, sleeping beauty,” he murmured, setting the tray down before bending to press a lingering, toe-curling kiss against my lips. “Hope you slept well, my flower?”“Good morning,
ALEX’S POV I felt her stiffen in my grip before she slowly stood up, turning to face me. "I don't know, Alex," she whispered. Her voice was barely audible as she sniffed, trying to hold back more tears. "Maybe because you deserve to be happy. And maybe because I don't care about your age. You said I make you happy, so why won't you choose happiness?" Her tears began to spill down her cheeks, and the sight of it tore at my heart. It was unbearable to watch her in pain. She turned away and started to leave. In the next breath, I stood up quickly, reaching out to grab her wrist, pulling her back into my arms. She collapsed against my chest and her body trembled with her sobs. I held her tightly, feeling the warmth of her tears seep through my shirt. I let her cry while my mind swirled with guilt and regret. This was all my fault. Every bit of it was on me. I leaned down, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss on her forehead, hoping to offer some comfort. "Why don't you want me anymore
ALEX'S POV I sighed as I stepped into my dark bedroom. Another night of avoiding Flora. Another night of trying and failing to outrun my own desire. And, just like every other night, I knew how this one would end, with me alone, wrestling with my frustration. I flipped the switch, and light flooded the room, and then... I froze. My breath caught in my throat. I hadn’t escaped her tonight. She was there. Right in the center of my room. Kneeling. Wearing nothing but red lace panties and a matching bra. Her skin glowed under the bright lights. Her hands rested delicately on her lap, her eyes were downcast, and her hair was pulled into a high ponytail, exposing the soft curve of her neck. She looked every bit the perfect submissive. I blinked twice to ensure I wasn’t just imagining her. This could be a cruel trick of my exhausted mind. But when she raised her head and looked at me with those innocent eyes, I knew this was real. She was right here in my room, waiting for me. A war er
JAYDEN’S POV The bright lights from the cameras nearly blinded me as I adjusted the microphone. The room was packed with reporters who were eager to pick apart every word I said. I took a deep breath. This wasn’t just about me; this was about doing what was right. "Good afternoon, everyone. I won’t take much of your time, but I felt it was necessary to come here today and address the speculation surrounding Kensington and my personal life. First, Kensington is facing challenges, and I won’t sugarcoat that. There are a lot of rumors going around, and while I can’t control what is being said, I can tell you this—we are doing everything we can to resolve these issues. We have a strong team working around the clock, and we are fully cooperating with the authorities in every way possible. "Also, I know my name has been dragged into several personal rumors about my past marriage, my relationships, and my choices. So today, I will answer your questions truthfully, once and for all, s