Viktor It was so jarring that I couldn't move for a moment. The instant I processed it my actions were swift. I pushed her away, stumbling back in turn.“What the hell?” left my lips. Shock and disbelief filled me as I looked at her. She'd just…kissed me?She didn't seem undeterred by it or shocked by her own actions. The look on her face could only be described as pleased.“You don't have to be afraid. I'm not going to eat you.” She shrugged amusingly looking more like the friend I knew if not for the amusement on her face.Why would she do this? “Viktor, can't you feel it? The sparks between us. Our chemistry. We belong.” She took a step forward and I was frozen in place.“You're my friend.” I said dumbly and her smile widened.“And?” She asked, leaning in “It doesn't mean that we can't do this.”“Brienne!” She stilled after I shouted, the smile on her face falling a fraction. I didn't get the chance to speak as she interrupted.“Tell me that you've never been attracted to me befo
Viktor As I entered the penthouse, I found the place empty. There was no trace of her.‘She’d gone to meet one of those men.’ the venomous thought slipped into my chest.Brienne was right behind me. My gut tightened at the thought of meeting Eva here. How confused she would be before it set in. Had she been here, would I have the will to go through with this?There was no time to think of anything else. Not when Brienne kissed me, pushing her breasts against me.“Let's see if she will be back by the time we're done.” Brianna coyly smiled.As it turned out, we weren't done by the time she returned and I met the face of the woman I once loved staring horrified at us.‘Are you surprised?’ I thought horribly. My chest twinged in rebellion but I suppressed it. Why should I be the one to feel ashamed after everything she'd done?She had no right to feel sad or betrayed. It was only payback.And it was only just the first thing My decision was on impulse yet it still felt like it was a lo
ONE WEEK AFTER THE REVEALEva“Mom! Mommy look!”The alarm in her voice brought me to action as adrenaline filled me. I didn't hesitate to drop the novel I'd only bought hours ago and get off the deck chair to run towards my baby girl's figure as fast as I could. The sight of her not far enough from the tides didn't help, yet as I stopped Anthea turned to me, no sign of great in her expression. She hopped excitedly, pointing at the sea.“Jellyfish mommy. I saw a jellyfish. It was just right here.” She squealed, turning back. I followed her gaze to find the ocean, no sign of any fishes around.“You didn't get to see it.” I met her pouting lightly, completely deflated as she looked at me.Any terror I had died already and all that was left was a warm fondness. Letting out a deep breath, I crouched to her level, placing my hands on her shoulders.“It's okay. I know we'll see another one in time.” I assured her, frowning slightly.“I hope you didn't try to touch it though. You shouldn't h
THREE WEEKS LATEREva‘LONG STANDING COMPANY FALLS: REYNOLDS FAMILY CORPORATION ON THE BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY?’I traced the headlines again and again, wondering if I was seeing things.Of course I had expected this, but seeing it in itself was…wow.Shutting my eyes, I dropped my phone on the bed.Only several hours ago we'd returned from the long needed vacation. Jonathan left shortly after dinner and the kids had school, leaving me free to finally turn on my phone after an eternity. After sifting through hundreds of emails and messages that came over the past few weeks, I grew tired and went online to read news.Things weren't going well on their end. Brienne and Geoffrey were both in jail, convicted of multiple sentences by their victims. I couldn't even feel a sliver of emotion reading those words on my screen.That was considered old news now, the trail becoming silent while they awaited trial. On the other hand, Reynolds' Family Corporation was in the news constantly from one new a
EvaMy blood turned to ice instantly. Now I completely understood her reaction and the reason for her hesitation. There was no way she would react that way, was it the other drunken waste of his father. Especially when she alongside everyone else was aware of our past.‘Viktor came. He came here to see me.’ The sentence alone left me reeling.Lucy's voice brought me out if my reverie but I couldn't identify what she'd said, “What?” I asked,“I couldn't dismiss him. Not directly at least, because of...” she bit her lip, cutting herself off but I already knew. She didn't need to complete her sentence. The answer was simple.Whether or not they were at their downfall, he was still a Reynolds and the name still held weight, at least for now.“I thought telling him you were away was enough but he kept on coming. I told him the truth that you left on a vacation and weren't going to be in the office in the near future. After that he stopped coming. He hasn't been here for the past four days
EvaHis presence alone left me frozen in shock, even though I had anticipated it, but what I didn't expect was how…different he looked. He was far from the man I'd seen nearly a month ago.A slight stubble showed on his face. His eyes were lax, and down turned. He looked like he hadn't properly slept or eaten. On the surface he didn't look so different. His hair, albeit ruffled was still orderly and he was in a suit, yet despite his attempt at a pristine appearance, something was missing. And the most obvious part, the look in his eyes…I blinked and quickly averted my gaze to the nearest wall, pushing the thought away. A lump grew in my throat making me squeeze a fist. It wasn't too late to turn away. In fact, perhaps the best thing I should do was ignore him. “I beg you. Don't turn away Eva, Please.” His voice groused and I nearly gasped. I was sure I hadn't said it out loud but it was as though he'd read my thoughts.But more than that…his words struck me. He wasn't asking or co
ViktorMy mouth tasted like sandpaper no matter how many times I swallowed. Even though I'd stopped the car engine minutes ago, it took a while to fully recover from the haze I'd been in. Weariness filled my bones as I stared at the large house against the orange hues of sundown.With a final push I slipped out of the car, dragging myself through the front door. Silence was the new normal. Aside from a few employees and the security guards up front, there were no people. It made it more intimidating, no matter how many times I dragged myself back here.The lights were down, letting more shadows in. As I stepped onto the hallway I could hear noises distantly, but I forced myself to focus on moving to the one place I needed.Knocking briefly I entered, opening the door to find my mother there. There was no need for me to wait for her assent when she really responded. Whether it was because she was used to me constantly coming here or simply wished to ignore me, I didn't want to know,
Viktor Night had fallen when I reached the place. Stepping out of the car, I looked at the building with a hollow feeling in my chest. The lights were off. Yet I stayed in place, feeling like an outsider.After years of avoiding it, I'd returned to the place I'd left years ago.My old penthouse. The home that unused to be ours before I ruined everything.It didn't matter how many times I'd come here, it still felt foreign yet painfully familiar and no matter my state I remained standing in this same spot in the entrance, focused on the room windows above that belonged to that room.Six years ago, she had been thrown out in the same place. Had she looked back at the window? The pang of regret never failed to sting. Shutting my eyes, I finally moved forward. Whatever sounds I gave the security at the reception could barely be called a greeting, but it was enough as I slipped into the elevator. The silence throughout reinforced the memories floating in my mind. The good and bad, all o