GABRIEL The foreperson stood up, holding the final verdict in the court. “State of New York versus Mr. Aaron Henderson. We, the jury, duly impaneled, charged, and sworn in the above-entitled action, do, on our oath, find the defendant, Aaron Henderson, guilty of rape in the first degree, as charged in the first count of the information.”Aaron fucking Henderson sent me a smirk while the officers were taking him. I wanted to fucking smack him to death, but I had a reputation. The people fled after the court was adjourned, and Carla’s arms flew around me.“Let’s get you out of here,” I said. “Have you eaten anything?”She shook her head. “No. I couldn’t.” She wiped her tears.“Come on.” I took her out of the court and brought her to the nearest restaurant. I got her a chocolate mousse cake because I knew it was her favorite and an African tea and got a coffee for myself.She picked up the fork but didn’t touch the cake. “Thank you, Gabriel, and I’m sorry for the trouble.”“No, I should
AUDREYI felt a little dizzy when I opened my eyes. I didn’t understand what was going on. I was lying in the middle of the rooftop floor. I almost screamed at the sight of Gabriel’s bodyguard unconscious on the ground, bleeding to death.Then I gasped in horror when I saw the figure in front of me. Edward Hopkins. Everything was back now. He punched me earlier, and I lost consciousness. So much for a man who called himself my father. I touched my forehead, and I was bleeding.I moaned as I remembered I was in pain.I pushed my legs to crawl over the corner, and he bent down in front of me. “I’m not going to hurt you, Audrey, only if you listen.”“I’m never going to listen to you anymore. You’re not my real father. You neglected me. You hurt me!”He touched my face. “Oh, but we are family, Audrey,” he whispered. There’s no more hint of a soul in his eyes. “Because even if I know you and that boy Liam messed up my life, turning Charles against me, I’m still willing to forgive you. Beca
GABRIELRUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE, EDWARD HOPKINS WAS ARRESTED FOR THE MURDER OF GEORGINA ROSSI AND SAMUEL HOPKINS. HOPKINS TRIED TO FLEE THE COUNTRY WITH HIS ADOPTED DAUGHTER AUDREY HOPKINS AND THE FIANCÉE OF THE BUSINESSMAN GABRIEL STARK. CHARLES SCOTT TAKES CONTROL OF THE $500M TRUST AND $30M INHERITANCE. YOUNG GERMAN-AMERICAN CEO SENT HIS UNCLE KENNEDY SCOTT TO PRISON FOR STEALING FROM THE SCOTT COMPANY.EDWARD HOPKINS AND KENNEDY SCOTT WERE ARRESTED FOR MURDER, PROSTITUTION, AND CHILD TRAFFICKING. $50 million worth of drugs and prostitution house, namely The Onyx Monkey. BUSTED!Today was the first time the news headline hadn’t made me question the journalists who write them. The story had been discussed all over the state. We were receiving endless calls for an interview, but I was done caring about what they wanted to publish about us. I just wanted Audrey to have peace of mind already. Fortunately, she only sprained her foot when she fell from the helicopter ladder, but th
AUDREYA few years later…Our four-year-old son, Liam, looks exactly like his father. He follows Gabriel everywhere at home, refuses to let anyone bathe him, and if he wakes up late, he’ll always slip into our bed and make sure his father won’t leave while he’s sleeping in the morning.He inherited my hair, but everything is Gabriel. His smile and his personality. He also loves eating ice cream.“Don’t you ever think of taking that in your bedroom, Liam?” I catch him holding a pint of ice cream. “You already had one this morning.”He pauses and looks at me for a moment, and pouts. “Daddy!” he cries and runs toward his father in the living room.Gabriel walks into the kitchen later with Liam in his arms. He opens the fridge and grabs the ice cream, handing it to him.“Yey!” he squeals as his daddy puts him down, and if he’s trying to ease her disloyalty, she will offer the cup to me. “I want to share with you, Mommy,” he says, twinkling his eyes. I resist pinching his nose. “Thank you
JULIAMy reflection looked utterly deceiving.The mirror was showing me a different woman than usual, with bright pink lipstick, thick dark eyelashes, hazel contact lenses, and shoulder-length chestnut hair. She looked like she’d just come from a party—not the one who’d always worn square-framed eyeglasses and hair in a tight bun.You changed yourself for the better, so you won’t look older than your age.I was turning twenty-six this year, but I was still a late bloomer. I didn’t take too much time in front of the mirror, and I never cared about my appearance until I realized why men don’t date wallflowers like me. In short, I was unattractive.And in trouble. I was fifteen minutes late, according to my wristwatch; I came back yesterday from a two-week peaceful vacation in Southampton. I wasn’t supposed to return today, but I had grown tired of my boss’s frustrating calls and e-mails. He had called me repeatedly, saying he needed me back at once. It wasn’t easy to work as an executi
JULIAThe next day, I knocked on Henry’s door, holding the designs he requested.Now, I’ll see if my makeover was effective!“Come in.” A voice spoke, and as soon as I heard it, I stepped inside. I found Henry sitting at his desk; a phone pressed to his ear.“I love you too,” he said, then smiled as he ended the call. Henry shifted his gaze at me. “Hey, Julia.”I didn’t know how to begin. I cleared my throat. “Mr. Cavendish wanted me to give this to you. He will be late, and you need it this morning.” I gave him the binders.“I see. Thanks.” He put the folders on his desk.I watched him for a few more seconds. How was I supposed to get over his beautiful face? He oozed power and charisma. His aftershave and rosewood scent warmed my senses. Everything about Henry was manly.“Do you have something else to say?”Do you have a girlfriend? I shook my head. I shouldn’t ask him that. That might freak him out.“Something else you need?” he asked again.“Nothing,” I murmured.He raised an eyeb
JULIAI’m not a slut. I convinced myself repeatedly. I wanted Henry Cavendish, and I was dying to see him. He approached me, and I knew that he’d shown some kind of interest in me.Nah! I don’t even know if he’s interested in that way.I’d been staring at my computer since my throbbing back felt the cushiony softness of my bed, typing some names of potential people.I re-read what I’d typed a while back.Potential “Safe” Persons to practice kissing. Target: Henry Cavendish.Mark – My ex who wants me back. Not that safe, but at least a little. He might think that I still like him.Drew – My college friend who still texts me.George – One of the company managers who’s asked me out on a date.Thomas – The company chef who’s giving me free meals because he told me that I’m beautiful.Damn it. I felt ridiculous and crazy. Writing a list of people to practice kissing with was crazy! I sighed.This was my ex-boyfriend’s fault. When he broke up with me, he told me I wasn’t a good kisser and w
It was well past midnight when I arrived at my boss’ penthouse. I’d been in his home a couple of times. I’d spent many sleepless nights with him finishing up paperwork.I stepped out of the car, then pressed the doorbell. The gate automatically unlocked. I took a deep breath before I entered. Then I found Adam at the front door in his casual sweatpants and black shirt. He was also barefoot.“Come in,” he invited.I followed him inside. “I am so sorry, Mr. Cavendish.”“Sit here,” he ordered as he sat on the couch and set his computer on his lap.I sat across him, trying to avoid his eyes. It was too embarrassing. He must hate me by now. I shouldn’t have come here at all.“It’s not even twenty-four hours since you pissed me off,” he started.“I’m so sorry.”“And what is this practice kissing thing? What the hell is this?” His sight was still on his laptop.“It’s a mistake. My sister sent you the wrong file.” I tried defending myself.He sighed. “It’s not the point. Why would you make a
JULIA I came to Le Grandi at exactly seven as Henry instructed. I was already guessing that he and his brother were up to something—and this beautiful lilac dress Adam sent to my apartment was the indication. This was going to be our first official date. We had been fighting all our lives because of endless misunderstandings after all. I realized that Adam and I were always in a situation neither of us could stop. This time, fate brought us back together.Excited and nervous as well, I proceeded to the main entrance. The door attendant greeted me with a wide meaningful grin as if he was expecting my arrival. The lights abruptly shut off the moment I stepped inside, then a single spotlight flashed on.My palms caught my mouth instantly when I found Adam standing next to an elegantly arranged table with candlelight, a floral centerpiece, and linen drapes. He was dressed in an impeccable navy-blue tuxedo, holding a bouquet of white roses. Two violinists stood behind him, playing a soft r
He kissed me as he continued to pound inside me. He looked at me as if I was the most desirable woman he’d ever seen. There was no one else I could want this bad—only him.It was already nine o'clock in the morning when I woke up, and Adam's arms were still wrapped around my waist. Though incredibly exhausted and sore, I felt great for the first time in years. His face buried in my hair. We were having sex nonstop, and if it weren't for my exhaustion, he probably wouldn’t stop.“What time is it?” Adam whispered, finally awake.“It's nine.”“Then, I'm late.” He gave me a tender kiss on my forehead, then swiftly stepped out of the bed. Still undressed, he walked straight to the bathroom, letting the blanket fall on the floor, revealing his round, full butt I’d been gripping with my palms all night. He was ridiculously sexy. I couldn’t get enough of him. My insides were beginning to flare up again.He disappeared into the bathroom for several minutes, and then he came back dressed in a t
ADAMI have to tell Bianca now.Damn it. It wasn't that hard. I could just let them take my site in Thailand, ask her parents to sign the transfer papers, and it’s all done. I just couldn't find the right time because I didn’t want to make a scene. I knew Bianca too well, and I knew that it wasn’t going to end well.I had to, though. Immediately. I couldn’t wait to get Julia back, especially with my possessiveness issue. I was always jealous. I wanted to keep her by my side and shove all those men away, even if it's my brother who was now dragging Julia to the dance floor.I clenched my fists.“Don't you want to dance?” Bianca said. She fucking couldn’t stop holding me in public. “Or do you want to get back to the suite?”“Bianca, please...” I moved her hands away from my neck. “Don't.”She sighed and drank another shot of red wine.“When are you going to stop making this harder for us? Hmm? Or maybe I could just tell Dad to let us get married right away? Isn't that what you wanted fo
I let the running water flow continuously as I washed my hands, letting myself cool. I looked up and then looked at my reflection.What are you doing, Julia? Haven’t you had enough of this? Why did I have to be caught up in this situation all the time? I shook my head, then took a handful of water and wet my face.“You're marrying him?” a deep, dangerous voice abruptly spoke behind me. I looked back in the mirror and found Adam’s perilous stare. He was seething.“Do I need to get your permission?” I asked as I continued to dampen my cheeks.“Is that true what he said out there?”“Why does it matter to you?”“It does matter to me,” he said tightly. “You said you wanted me, but when I didn’t answer, you’re already running to Henry?”I dried my face with a napkin, then I faced him. “Then what is your answer, Adam? No matter what we do, we can’t be together.”“But you can't marry him.” He grasped my shoulders, shaking his head.“What made you think that I will? Now, please leave me alone
JULIALouis ushered me to his table, and since I was already aware that Adam will be right next to us, I prepared myself not to look surprised when I see him with his ex-wife-slashed-fiancée. Why was our world so close? Why did I have to see him in every corner of the world?His answer to me last night was clearer than diamonds. He was not going to choose me. He would not break up with Bianca because they had a deal. There was no way he was going to cut their deal because his company was at stake. I was getting pissed with myself already. Should I talk about it with Henry?As expected, Adam and Bianca were there—only a few feet away from our table. Damn it, and she was wearing the same shade of dress as I was, but her hair coordinated more with her dress than mine.I almost wanted to scream. I tried not to look at them, but damn, I couldn’t help it. Adam was wearing a matching suit, and he was fine-looking as always. Unfortunately, they looked so good together. I did not want to appea
JULIAI didn’t go to the site with Luke the next day. I stayed in my room, and fortunately, I needed to make gazillion calls and check the paperwork for the new hotel. I had breakfast and then ate lunch by myself. Luke and Adam would be working together at the site until the next day. My boss did not call, so I guessed it was fine.It was five o'clock when I finished the paperwork. I was suffering from a backache, but I still needed to prepare for the awards night in the evening. Henry hadn’t called yet, but I was preparing for the event anyway.I opened my suitcase and unfurled the only dress I could bring. It was a strapped, long, crimson-red dress. The neckline was a low V cut. I only wore it once, when Claire celebrated her twenty-first birthday. I would match it with my nude heels.I did not care if I look pretty in front of Henry, unlike before. However, he deserved a friend to be with him, and I didn’t want to embarrass him. He might be expecting an award, and I would be walkin
JULIAThe meeting began in the afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton—the hotel we had checked into along with the staff. Adam came, and fortunately, his fiancée didn’t. I was so nervous since he didn’t even reply to my message.What if ignoring it was his answer?Luke enlightened us about the contract, and then we were now officially in business with Cavendish Enterprises. They both signed the deal and sealed it for legalization. Adam’s company was going to be our contractor for the establishment of the new Hotel B in Los Angeles.As stated in the contract, they would be in charge of the resources, workers, and structural design. Adam initially showed Luke the plan for the new hotel, but we were still going to discuss it precisely with the whole team. My new boss still needed to meet Adam’s architects and designers when we return to New York.“It’s a great pleasure working with you, Mr. Cavendish.”“It’s mine as well. Thank you, Mr. Alejandro.” Adam shook his hand, and then the members of our
The door attendant took her cashmere-made cardigan as she and Adam entered the restaurant. She whispered something in his ear while she was slipping her hands on his arm. Adam smiled slightly at her. My heart suddenly felt like a bomb that was going to explode at any moment.“Cavendish said he was traveling alone,” Luke spoke, “but he brought the blonde. This is interesting.”I rolled my eyes at Luke, heaving out a sharp breath. “Really now?”He chuckled, noticing my boredom. “No, seriously. You're so defensive. Who wouldn't notice her long legs?”“What is wrong with you?” I slapped his shoulders unintentionally.“Aw...” He grabbed his shoulders. “What? I was only joking.”“It’s not a good joke. Er… sorry about that. I almost forgot that you're my boss.”“I'm just so glad Jake isn't here. Sit next to me, Julia,” he instructed.“Why?”“Just do it. Cavendish’s fiancée's with him. Sitting next to me would look like you're my date.”“You are clearly having fun with this.”He laughed. “Why
JULIAThese are the important documents we need for our trip to LA. Have you tried calling—” A knock from the glass door interrupted Luke from finishing his sentence. His secretary was standing at the meeting room door.“Excuse me, Mr. Alejandro. There's a visitor in the lobby, and he said it’s important. It's actually for Ms. Taylor, sir,” Ms. Craig informed.“For me?”Luke frowned as he gazed at me. “Expecting someone?”I shook my head. “Did he say his name?”“Oh, his name is Henry.”Henry. How did he know where to find me? “What did you say to him?” I queried. “We’re in a meeting.”“Ms. Craig, we're about to finish here,” Luke prompted. “Tell him to wait five minutes.”“Yes, sir.” She left.“It's okay, Luke. I could just meet him outside.”“Julia, it's eleven fifty-five. Take a break. Come to my office when you get back. And oh! Please contact Cavendish. I’ve got to tell him something about this project.” Luke grabbed the binders and stood up. He held the door open. “Julia?”“Oh, t