FLORA’S POV I bolted from my desk, forgetting to shut down my computer as Jolly trailed behind me, her heels clicking against the tiled floor. A small crowd of employees had gathered by the hallway leading to my office, their hushed murmurs mingling with one loud, unmistakable voice. Jayden. By the time I reached the scene, it was clear why everyone was gawking. Jayden was standing at the center, yelling my name like a lunatic. The receptionist, visibly flustered, was trying her best to block him from storming in any further. “She’s my wife, and I need to see her!” Jayden bellowed. Heat crept up my neck as mortification washed over me. My fists clenched at his audacity. Did he seriously think this was acceptable behavior? “I’ll take it from here,” I told the receptionist, forcing calmness into my voice. She hesitated, glancing between Jayden and me as if unsure whether to leave. “Are you sure?” she muttered under her breath, clearly unimpressed. “I was about to call security
FLORA’S POV Alex stood by his window, his silhouette stark against the city skyline. He was now stripped to only his crisp white button-down shirt. One hand was shoved casually into his pocket, while the other gripped a glass of whiskey like it was the only thing tethering him to sanity. Even with his back to me, I knew he felt my presence. But he didn’t turn around. I cleared my throat, trying to gather my thoughts. “Sir, um...” My voice faltered. Jayden’s words still echoed in my head, jumbled and raw. “I’m... I’m really sorry about that.” Alex finally turned, his expression calm but distant. His piercing gaze didn’t meet mine as he downed the rest of his drink in one swift motion. He walked back to his desk with measured steps, setting the empty glass down before taking a seat. “David just called,” he said, his tone flat. “The mask party has been rescheduled to the night of the Rockshire Fashion event. Adjust my schedule accordingly.” I blinked at him, completely thrown. W
MELISSA’S POV “Don’t even think about calling me again!” I hissed into the phone. “Do you have any idea what I’ve got on the line here? I will have you arrested if you ruin this for me! I’m getting married in a few days to the father of my child. What is wrong with you?” I hung up, almost flinging the phone across the room, but my heart leaped when it started ringing again. This time, I froze as my father’s name appeared on the screen. I wondered if the caller had already reached out to him. I swallowed hard and picked up. “Hi, Daddy,” I greeted, injecting a forced brightness into my voice. “How are you holding up, princess?” my father’s deep, steady voice rumbled through the line “I’m fine,” I said, exhaling shakily. “Just busy with wedding preparations. Jayden wants something small and private, but Lisette is pushing for something big and elaborate.” “Go with Jayden’s preference,” he said firmly. “The less attention we draw to this, the better, especially when it all come
FLORA’S POV Rockshire Fashion Night was finally here—or, well, tomorrow, and I was practically vibrating with excitement. A whole month and a few weeks of sketches, late nights, and caffeine-fueled brainstorming sessions were about to pay off. My designs were ready to shine, and I was more than eager to prove myself. But, as with most things in my life lately, joy didn’t come without its shadows. The situation with Alex was a thorn in my side, and not the sexy kind that made you tingle. Ever since Jayden’s unexpected and dramatic office visit, Alex and I had been operating on an unspoken no-contact policy. I was furious at him for his aloofness and remarks about that situation, and to make matters worse, he didn’t even seem phased by my cold shoulder. He mirrored my behavior with frustrating ease, keeping everything between us strictly professional, even when we were alone. Sure, I caught him sneaking a look my way more than once. His gaze always holds a flicker of... somethin
ALEX’S POV “Flora,” I called gently, moving toward her. She didn’t lift her head, her sobs muffled against her folded arms. I crouched down and wrapped her in my arms, pulling her trembling frame close to my chest. Her tears soaked into my shirt, but I didn’t care. I kissed her hair softly, running my hand up and down her back in slow, soothing strokes. “It’s okay, baby,” I whispered. “Please stop crying.” She didn’t answer, just buried her face deeper into my chest. Her tears were like daggers to my heart. Flora wasn’t the type to break easily and seeing her like this made me want to hunt down whoever caused it and make them regret it. As my gaze scanned her office, I caught sight of her main design lying discarded on the floor. I squinted and realized something was terribly wrong. This wasn’t just about a model canceling last minute. Something much bigger had happened. But I stayed silent. What Flora needed now wasn’t questions or lectures. She needed comfort. She needed
FLORA’S POV I paced the changing room, my nerves threatening to eat me alive. Alex and I had spent the entire previous day scrambling for a last-minute solution to my ruined design, and we had worked through the night to bring our ideas to life. Even though I wasn’t too confident in the outcome, that wasn’t my biggest concern right now. Alex had decided to drop a bomb on me at the crack of dawn: my main model had bailed. Completely blindsided, I had panicked, but Alex, in his usual calm and collected manner, brushed it off with a “No worries, you’ll walk the runway yourself.” Walk the runway? Me? I had laughed at first, assuming he was joking. But I was too tired to even think about it and fell asleep almost immediately. When I woke up this morning, I was hit with the reality of it all and dread filled every fiber of my being. My model really wasn’t coming, and Alex insisted I walk the runway with my main design. Thankfully, I had already adjusted the dress to my size, with s
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
JAYDEN’S POV The city lights shimmered like scattered stars outside my hotel window. I leaned against the glass, my forehead pressed to its cool surface as I tried to untangle the mess of emotions. Sleep was very far from me tonight. Seeing Flora again wasn’t supposed to feel like this, like a sharp knife twisting in the wound of my own mistakes. How could I have been so blind? If only I had seen her potential back then. If only I hadn’t let class, status, and my family’s obsession with appearances dictate my choices. Flora could still have been my wife and the most celebrated, rising designer standing by my side tonight. The way people fawned over her tonight made me realize I had truly lost a good thing. But the way she smiled at me tonight gave me a ray of hope. Should I pursue her more? Maybe persistence would make her see me again. But regretting losing Flora was one on the list of my problems right now. I sighed heavily, looking back towards my bed where my laptop sat open.
FLORA’S POV Alex planted soft kisses on my forehead after another mind-blowing lovemaking session. I was thoroughly and completely spent, my body was a blissful heap, and I loved every second of it. Now, he held me in his arms, cuddling me. I couldn’t even tell how long we had been here, lost in each other. “Do you feel good, flower?” Alex murmured, his voice tender as he brushed his lips against mine. I nodded, as a lazy smile tugged at my lips. “I feel great.” “It’s time to take proper care of you,” he whispered into my ear before slipping out of me and getting out of bed. “Come,” he said, extending his hand. I placed my hand in his, and he pulled me upright before scooping me into his arms. My legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, anchoring me to him. I rested my head on his shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. Tonight had been intense, and my body was exhausted in the best way possible. Alex seemed to understand everything I was feeling without me needing to say a w
FLORA’S POV “Can you untie my hands now?” I asked as Alex pulled away from the kiss, leaving my lips tingling with the aftermath. “Your hands stay tied,” he murmured. Then, he spread my thighs. He withdrew the vibrator, the slick sensation sending a shiver coursing through me. His finger trailed up the sensitive line of my core, and a jolt of pleasure rippled through me, scattering like sparks into every nerve. I slumped forward, resting my forehead on his shoulder, my heart pounding. "You’re drenched,” he whispered into my ear, his breath hot against my skin. The deep timbre of his voice felt like a caress all its own. A moment later, his finger plunged into me, coaxing a gasp from my lips. “You want me, don’t you?” His finger slid out, only to return with an intensity that made my legs tremble. “Answer me, baby girl,” he demanded, his voice tinged with a rough edge that sent a thrill through me. “Yes, I want you,” I panted against his shoulder. He groaned in satisfaction
FLORA’S POV I stared at him, unsure of what to say. His words didn’t fully register; I was too busy trying not to gawk at the way his hands moved to unbuckle his belt. Slow. Deliberate. Dangerous. “Say that again,” he urged, his voice was as smooth as melted chocolate. “Say what again?” I blinked confused while my pulse thundered like a war drum. He leaned in slightly, amber-gold eyes fixed on me with the intensity of a predator closing in on its prey. “Look me in the eyes and tell me you want to end this.” The words struck like a bolt of lightning. I froze and my throat suddenly went dry. Oh, right. That. My declaration of independence from this dangerously addictive man. The words had rolled off my tongue in a fit of anger earlier, but now? Standing there with nothing but a handful of fabric and his relentless gaze, I wasn’t so sure anymore. I said nothing, unable to muster a coherent response. “That’s what I thought,” he rumbled. The belt came off with a soft, menacing his
FLORA’S POV I knew I was deluding myself the moment I bolted from the party, thinking I could outpace Alex and avoid him altogether. But of course, Alex was Alex, he didn’t let things go. His footsteps followed me down the stairs, even as I slipped off my heels and made a desperate attempt to disappear into the night. Jayden’s words shouldn't matter, especially those about the scandalous relationship between us, but somehow, they kept repeating in my head. Maybe this thing with Alex, whatever it was, needed to stop before it spiraled completely out of control. I can’t keep getting caught up in sordid affairs with older unavailable men. “Flora! Stop right there!” Alex’s voice thundered behind me as I darted into a dimly lit alley. But I didn’t plan to stop. I didn’t even know where I was headed; anywhere but away from him. As I heard his footsteps come closer, I took to my heels, and he chased after me. “I swear to God, Flora, I will punish you thoroughly for this!” His voice w
FLORA’S POV I met a few more people who were amazed by my presence. Before I was done talking to all those people, I felt better. As much as Cynthia’s little stunt earlier had rattled me, I wasn’t going to let one snooty wine heiress ruin my night. So, I let myself unwind and even flirted a little with some of the younger, single men. Every now and then, I felt Alex’s gaze on me. His eyes lingered just long enough to send a shiver down my spine, but he didn’t approach me. Instead, he remained engaged in conversation with Cynthia and the older man who had joined their little group earlier. After a while, the energy began to wane, and I found myself craving a quiet moment. As the music slowed and couples began to fill the dance floor, I slipped away to the rail overlooking the city skyline, still clutching the glass of champagne I had been nursing since the night began. “Can I have this dance, Ms. Roberts?” The smooth and familiar voice startled me. I spun around, and there h
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
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 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