MARCUS' POVRubbing my face, I yawned slightly and opened my eyes. Right beside me was Rachel, who had spent the night with me. On her pretty face was a blissful smile, the kind of smile that sent warmth to my feeble heart and gave me the peace I never knew I could find. I touched her face, her soft, warm cheeks sending a silver of love through me, and a small smile bloomed on my face. I bent to plant a kiss on her cheeks and wiped it gently. "Good morning, Princess," I whispered into her ear. Staring around the suite, I couldn't help but think about how much my life had changed ever since I left Anna. It was as if she had always been a stumbling rock that would never give me the chance to move forward, but the moment I left her, things started changing for good. My life after Anna left was nothing but a dream to the past me, and at the moment, I couldn't help but regret having met her in the first place. "Babe," The tender voice of an angel broke the train of my thoughts and lo
ANNA'S POV"It's sorted. You can return to your office now," Brenda said with a wave of her hand. Her eyes were still fixed on the laptop in front of her, but I could tell there was no more problem. "Can I use your office's bathroom?" I asked, a bit embarrassed, but I really couldn't hold it in anymore. I needed to ease myself, or it might be disastrous. Brenda raised her head. She sized me up with her eyes and nodded, "You're free," her stoic attitude was enough to make people want to avoid her, but well... Brenda was a cool person. "Thanks," I briefly said and rushed into the bathroom.The moment I entered the bathroom, my eyes watered, and I immediately eased myself. It already made me so uncomfortable, and the moment I finished the business, a sigh of relief escaped my lips. I stood up and arranged my dress. A bit of sweat was already on my forehead, but with the help of the mirror in the bathroom, I was able to arrange all the messy things. Even my hair wasn't left behind.
DORIAN'S POV "What is the result of the meeting?" I rubbed my chin with a weary look on my face. I hated video calls the most, but because my assistant wouldn't be able to return until he finished the two meetings we had in California.He was done with one, but he still had one left, "The meeting was in our favor, Dorian. Mr Silvestre was against our objectives at first, but after a few drags with him, he succumbed to our requests and signed the contracts. The only person who wanted to act stubborn was the bald man...""So, did you solve that?" I pulled on my tie as I asked. "Yes, I saw him after the meeting, and we talked a lot more. I spent last night arranging girls for him, and this morning, He called me to sign the contract." He explained, and I nodded my head in approval. He did well as usual. "Have you prepared for the meeting you have tomorrow?" I asked, feeling a bit interested. He chuckled and shook his head, "I wonder when you will get used to this, Dorian. You look l
DORIAN'S POVHis lips quivered, and his eyes widened. "You... Do you agree?" He asked, his eyes showing his disbelief. Maybe this would have been amusing if I had been faced with someone else, but with Marcus, it only served to fuel my displeasure toward him. I dropped the pen that I'd been swirling around my fingers for a while and opened a file, "Do you think I shouldn't agree?" I asked coldly, and his eyes wavered. He immediately clasped his hands and shook his head, "No, Mr Dorian. You've made a very good decision and I will make sure you do not regret it!" He said with excitement written all over his phone, and my eyes went cold. Opening the file to the next page, I immediately signed it before throwing the pen to him, "Sign it then. It's easier to change my mind," I muttered with my head slightly bent. I needed to hide the glint in my eyes...Marcus picked the pen, he was very happy and being an open book, everything he had in his mind was clearly placed in front of me~He
ANNA'S POV "So, how has your stay been? Do you find it fun?" Dorian asked me over the phone. I snorted and rolled my eyes, "As if there's anything fun about working," I replied, but at the moment, there was a smile playing on my lips. Having been in the company for a few days, I had learned the way of the company and made friends with some people. The workers were nice, so that was only natural and including Katt, an accountant staff member who had become my friend. "Really? That's sad. I find work fun, though," Dorian replied, I could hear the amusement in his tone. I rolled my eyes again and smiled but in a low light so he wouldn't hear it, "I'm not like you, Mr Dorian. You are a workaholic while I'm a fragile woman," I replied. "Fragile woman? Why do I suddenly feel like finding that out?" Dorian asked, and my cheeks turned red. I blushed and covered my mouth. I was about to reply when I heard the sound of footsteps, "Let's talk later, Dorian. There's someone coming," I sai
ANNA'S POV Helen's words were shocking. I had intended to apologize to her so everything would end, and there would be peace between us, but who would have thought she was this stuck up?Using my body to claim positions?What was even more annoying was that I wasn't able to reply to her when Dorian walked in, and with the look on his face, he seemed to have heard her. He walked over to my table and had a seat, "What did you say earlier? Mind clarifying it?" He asked, his voice cold and detached. Helen, who had been an aggressive woman from the beginning, grew meek, and all she could do was stare at Dorian with innocent eyes. She looked like someone who had fully surrendered, which was quite surprising. "Helen, I just asked you to repeat what you said. Can't you hear me?" His voice was a bit louder. Helen trembled. She lowered her head, "I didn't mean it. I was just..." She looked at me, "I was just telling her a story about someone. I wasn't insulting her," She forced a very ugl
DORIAN'S POV I only intended to check on Anna to see how she was doing in her office when I overheard what was going on inside. It was so dirty and disrespectful that I felt my blood boiling. So, why did Anna still support her?I expected her to tell me the truth so I would be able to help her deal with someone as rude as Helen, but who would have thought she would lie to me instead. As curious as I was about the matter, I decided to let it be and just ask her later, which was why I asked her to see me when she was free. "Boss... Mr Dorian..."I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead. "Sorry, I was thinking about something." I apologized to Brenda, who had been standing in front of me for a few minutes already. "Submit the files. I will go through them and sign them," I told her. "Okay, sir. Should I approve the request brought by the Samsung company?" Brenda asked, and I frowned. I had totally forgotten about that. "Do you think the content is favorable to us? You know our rules,
ANNA'S POV After listening to the rumor from Kaff, a part of me indeed felt jealous and unable to think straight. Asking Dorian was the only thing I could do, and his reply made me extremely satisfied, but what was this feeling?Just when I thought he was going to change the conversation, his eyes suddenly turned to that of a predator, and he stood up. Unable to calm my racing heart, I decided to stay away from him. At least he heard it, but he followed me instead. He continued moving closer until my back hit the wall. I was flustered and needy... My knees were weak, and if not for the support of the wall, I might lose my balance. Dorian's closeness was doing wonders to my mind, giving me no chance to think straight, but there was one thing I needed at the moment, and that was to kiss that beautiful lips."Would you think it's inappropriate to kiss you in my office right now?" His question was like a bowl of ice cream. Sweet and attractive. It made my throat die, and I couldn't h
Anna's POV The world had watched Freddie Markson’s death unfold, but now, the world had moved on.His empire had crumbled, his enemies had been silenced, and those who remained knew better than to challenge the ones who had orchestrated it all. Anna and Dorian had won—not just their freedom, but the power to shape their own future.They settled into a life neither had ever dared to dream of.A Life Without FearThe estate that once belonged to Freddie was now theirs, though they had stripped it of anything that reminded them of its former owner. The rooms had been redecorated, the walls painted in lighter tones, the heavy, oppressive air of its previous life erased.Dorian had taken control of Freddie’s financial network, diverting assets, cutting ties with anyone who had been a liability. The wealth was staggering—far more than they could ever need. But it wasn’t about the money. It was about never having to run again.And for the first time in years, Anna felt safe.She spent her d
Anna's POV The world was watching.The chaos erupted within minutes.Freddie Markson was dead.The sprawling estate, once filled with laughter and murmurs of power, now buzzed with panic. Security flooded the halls, hushed conversations turning into frantic whispers as news spread like wildfire. Guests clutched their champagne glasses, some gasping, others exchanging knowing glances—men and women who had spent their lives in high-stakes deals, familiar with the consequences of power plays gone wrong.No one knew what had happened. Not yet.But they would soon.And that was why Dorian moved quickly.He had infiltrated the wedding unnoticed, slipping in through the mass of high-profile guests, blending into the sea of tailored suits and designer dresses. He had watched everything—Anna on Freddie’s arm, the way she smiled at him, the way she played her part so well it made Dorian’s blood boil. He had clenched his jaw through every toast, every scripted glance, every sickening display of
The world was watching.Hundreds of guests filled the sprawling estate, their laughter mingling with the soft notes of a grand piano. The ballroom itself was a masterpiece—vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate gold detailing, chandeliers dripping with crystals that refracted the warm glow of candlelight. Outside, the vast gardens were illuminated with soft lanterns, casting long shadows over the manicured hedges and reflecting pools. Waiters in crisp white jackets wove through the crowd, balancing silver trays laden with vintage champagne, caviar, and delicate amuse-bouches.The guest list read like a who’s who of power—Hollywood elite, Wall Street titans, political dynasties, and foreign dignitaries. They moved through the estate like chess pieces, each conversation laced with subtle negotiations and whispered alliances. Tonight wasn’t just about a wedding—it was a spectacle, an orchestrated display of power.And at the center of it all stood Freddie Markson and Anna.The cameras n
Dorian’s POVDorian woke to cold sheets.At first, he thought that Anna was in the shower or making coffee. But the apartment was silent—too silent. His gut twisted. He reached across the sheets, finding them cool to the touch.For a moment, he lay still, his mind sluggish with sleep, but then it hit him—Sophia was gone. She had taken advantage of the night and slipped out.He slept late which was what had made him wake up late as well. He knew it was futile to search for her on foot since she'd have had a wide head start. His heart pounded as he threw back the covers and sat up. The apartment was silent. Too silent. He grabbed his phone from the nightstand and dialed her number. It went straight to voicemail.He tried again. Nothing.Panic gnawed at his insides as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood, scanning the dimly lit room. Her things were still here—her shoes by the door, her jacket draped over the chair. But she wasn’t.Moving quickly, he checked the front do
The wind roared around me as the private jet touched down on a long, isolated runway. I had barely spoken since Viktor led me aboard. Part of me still couldn’t believe I had agreed to this. The USB drive he’d given me burned in my pocket, but I hadn’t dared to look at it. Not yet. Not until I knew exactly what I was stepping into.As the plane taxied to a stop, Viktor unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to me. “This is your last chance to turn back.”I met his gaze. “You and I both know that’s not an option.”His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He stood and grabbed his coat, nodding for me to follow. The moment we stepped off the plane, a sleek black car was waiting for us, the driver already holding the door open.I slid into the backseat, my fingers curling into my lap as Viktor settled in beside me. The moment the door shut, the car moved forward, gliding through the night.The estate was massive. Iron gates loomed ahead, the emblem on them gleaming under the dim security lights.
The fear never left me. It clung to my skin, wrapped around my throat and sat heavy in my chest. I told myself I was strong, that I had survived worse, but the truth was, I was exhausted.Every night, I laid awake listening to Dorian’s steady breathing. I imagined them finding us, breaking down the door, dragging us back into the nightmare we had barely escaped. I imagined what they’d do to us.After a while I couldn’t live like this anymore. I knew what I had to do.I waited until Dorian was asleep. He always slept light, but exhaustion had finally caught up to him. It was the only chance I’d get.I moved carefully, easing out from under the blanket, barely breathing as I pulled on my coat. My heart pounded so hard I was sure it would wake him. My boots were by the door. I slipped them on, then hesitated. My fingers hovered over the doorknob.If I left now, there was no turning back.I stepped out into the night.The cold bit at my skin as I pulled my coat tighter, shoving my hands i
Anna’s POV“You need to be checked, Anna. We don’t know—”“No,” I cut him off, shaking my head. “We don’t know who we can trust.”Dorian clenched his jaw no doubt frustrated by my stubbornness but I wasn't going to back down.We were arguing once more about going to the hospital. I knew that he was right and I ought to but the facility had been relentless in hunting us down. We had no way of knowing who was still looking and who might recognize me. A simple doctor’s visit could be the mistake that led them straight to us.Instead, I focused on listening to my body, trusting what little instinct I had. The nausea came and went, and a strange sort of awareness settled in my bones. It wasn’t just me anymore.Dorian was torn. I saw it in the way his hands hovered near me, as if he wanted to shield me from everything but didn’t know how. He tightened security around us, changing our routines. No more walking the same routes, no more visits to the same markets or shops. He made sure the apa
Anna's POV The highway stretched endlessly before us so much that I wondered if it would end. The sound of the engine was the only noise we heard as we crossed another nameless border under stolen identities. Dorian kept his hands tight on the wheel, his jaw clenched. There were so many things I wanted to talk to him about but I was content for the moment with watching the road signs blur past, my fingers tapping anxiously against my thigh.Neither of us spoke because we didn’t need to. We both understood what was happening. Our old lives and everything as we had known it were gone. The facility, the experiments, Reinhardt. Everything we had run from was behind us. But the thought of them was hard to let go off.I closed my eyes, but the moment I did, flashes of the lab burned behind my lids. I remembered being trapped on the cold metal table. The scalpel in my hands and the guard’s blood seeping between my fingers.I jolted upright, gasping and saw Dorian hovering above me. "Nigh
Anna's POV "You were meant to be an experiment," Dr. Reinhardt said to me leaning over to emphasise his words.I wondered what I had done to warrant the attention of this mad German scientist. I knew though that it had to be because of Dorian mixing up with the wrong crowd.The heavy door behind Reinhardt hissed open and a guard in a black uniform stepped in and Reinhardt nodded toward me."Prepare her for transport."I yanked at the restraints with all the strength I could summon. I wasn’t going to let them win like this.The guard moved closer and just then the lights flickered.The sudden dimming made Reinhardt pause and looked up at the overhead lamps which buzzed as if it was struggling for power. Then, in a blink, red emergency lights flooded the room.A low alarm groaned through the facility and the pitch kept increasing.Something was wrong.Reinhardt’s expression tightened as he turned toward the guard. "Find out what—"~BOOM!!!~The entire room shook and dust rained down