AN HOUR LATEREleanor's frustration mounted with each passing moment as she waited on the line, her patience wearing thin as she listened to the woman's pleas for calm. The incessant ringing in her ear served as a stark reminder of the countless attempts she had made to reach Mr. Smith, only to be met with silence or excuses.“Ma’am, please calm down,” the woman on the other end of the call pleaded, her voice tinged with unease. “Mr. Smith is busy right now.”Eleanor scoffed, her irritation bubbling to the surface as she resisted the urge to unleash her pent-up frustration on the hapless receptionist.“You better connect me to him now. I cannot show any more patience. I have been calling him for the past hour. Why is he ignoring me?” Eleanor demanded, her tone sharp with frustration.The woman stumbled over her words, clearly caught off guard by Eleanor's abruptness.“Mr. Smith Sir isn’t ignoring you, Ma’am. He has some back-to-back meetings aligned,” she stammered, her voice betrayin
Kayden Knight sipped the hot coffee in the early hours of the morning. It had been 4 days now that he was in that hotel, away from his home, his family and most importantly, away from the woman who was the reason for his sleepless nights. After their fight in the farm house, things had changed drastically between them. It was evident that he wanted control over this marriage and she wanted to break it off the very next moment he even tried. It was a difficult tug of war he wished to end. Eleanor Watson was a fiery woman and she had captured his heart the very moment he had laid his eyes on her during Max and Avery’s marriage. But if she attracted him in infinite ways, she was also his worst nightmare. In all those teen years and adulthood, the one thing he wanted to have in life was control. And ever since Eleanor Watson stepped in, he feared losing it very often. He had gone out of his normal ways to protect her from humility, to comfort her from the people who disliked her and ge
Kayden stood behind the Doctor who was examining Eleanor. It had been an hour since she was unconscious. Kayden called for the in-room medical help and the Doctor rushed within a few minutes of that incident. The rest of the room was still scattered and looked utterly disoriented. The Doctor injected some sedatives and then stood up.He couldn't shake the image of Eleanor lying unconscious, her face pale and strained."Is she fine, Doctor?" His voice quivered as he addressed the physician, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.The Doctor, a seasoned professional with a calm demeanor, took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "Your wife had an anxiety attack, Mr. Knight."Kayden swallowed hard.“Attack…?? An…anxiety attack?”Kayden's breath caught in his throat. Anxiety attack? The words echoed in his mind, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within him."Yes," the Doctor continued, his tone sympathetic yet matter-of-fact. "These episodes often manifest when a person
“Oh my God” she shouted. “Why are you reacting like I am dying?”“Shut up” he snapped. “You are not dying. It was an anxiety attack”She was silent for a minute to absorb what he just said.“Anxiety what?”“Attack” Kayden chewed his teeth. This was difficult.Eleanor panicked. The way she drew the quilt closer to her body proved that.“Anxiety attack?” she murmured thinking deeply.Kayden was about to explain she would do fine but she didn’t let him speak.“I cannot believe this.. Anxiety attack? I got an anxiety attack?”Kayden kept his gaze on her.“What else would I expect?” she scoffed. “Right from the time you have barged in my life, I am always on the edge”“Excuse me?” Kayden intervened. “I barged in your life? Have you lost your memories? It was you who hopped in the city for Avery’s wedding. I was always there.. .with or without you.. That place has always been mine”“My bad luck,” she muttered. “If I had known a monster like you existed there, I would never have turned mysel
“This Soup is tasteless” Eleanor put the spoon away. She was still on bed with a bed table over her lap to hold the soup bowl and dinner plate.“That’s how it is supposed to taste for patients” he answered sitting next to her.She frowned.“It reminds me of the times when I was a backstage artist. The food we got there was still better than this”Backstage artist? Kayden is intrigued to know what all she did to come up at this level in her career. But the moment Eleanor realized she was talking about her profession which just got ruined because of him, she was depressed again. Probably the agitation inside her didn’t had the energy to bounce back. So, the tears took instead. Her lower lip quivered as her eyes grew shiny with tears. Horrified, he froze for a minute.“Talk” he commanded. “Tell me about those days”She was stunned. Why would he want to know about her struggling life?“So that you could laugh on me?” she asked. “Sorry Mr. Royal Knight, but I am not going to let you do tha
“I have never slept with any woman before” It was a heartfelt confession. She could feel her own heart thudding. Should she believe him?“Guess I was waiting for my wife to be the one,” he added.Now this statement surely got butterflies in her stomach. It was not his words, his charm, his honesty at the moment responsible for that tickling inside her body, but his motive. She had felt him opening up his heart out to her from the past few hours and at times it scared her off because her husband had started building expectations out of her … out of this marriage.He had expected her to struggle to get off his grip. But she didn’t. Eleanor simply met his eyes and smirked.“That miracle is not in your destiny with your present wife then” she answered. “Because women usually give that right to the man, she falls heads over heels for. And sorry, your Royal ego won’t let me ever …ever fall for the man who lied to me for marrying and ruined my career”His arms automatically loosened and she
After the sunset, casting a warm glow over the horizon, they rode down the winding hillside, the engine's hum a comforting soundtrack to the fading light. As they descended, the air grew cooler, carrying the scent of earth and distant blossoms.Halted at the foot of the hill, they found themselves before a modest tea stall, its humble presence illuminated by a single flickering bulb. Kayden, his brows furrowing slightly, glanced at the simple structure."Here?" he questioned, a note of hesitation in his voice."Yes, here," she replied, her tone resolute. "I want tea.""We could find a nicer place," Kayden suggested, his eyes scanning the surrounding area for alternatives."What's wrong with this?" She dismounted from the bike, her gaze fixed on the stall.Kayden took a moment to assess the condition of the stall. The structure appeared weathered, showing signs of age and neglect. The tin roof, battered by years of exposure to the elements, had several holes, allowing slivers of moonli
Dinner was served, the aroma of freshly cooked dishes wafting through the air, enticing even the weariest of appetites. Eleanor stirred from her short nap, her senses awakening to the comforting familiarity of the dining room. It was then that she saw Kayden Knight again, his presence a stark reminder of the tension lingering between them. He looked much the same as before, disoriented and distant, mirroring her own state of mind."Not hungry?" she inquired, noting the sparse portion of food on his plate. "Dieting?" she added, a teasing lilt to her voice as she surveyed his meager meal."Lost appetite," he replied tersely, his response clipped and devoid of its usual warmth.Eleanor raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by his abrupt reply. It was unlike Kayden to lose his appetite, especially in the presence of such delectable fare. Nevertheless, she refrained from pressing further, sensing the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between them.She served herself an equal amount
THE KNIGHT MANSION “Bro.. what's the matter? Why have you called us all here?” Christopher asked as the brothers and Grandma seated in the study room. Max shut the door. “Won’t take long Christopher and let’s keep this discussion only between us” Kayden mentioned. “I didn’t involve Patricia, Eleanor and Aurora because that would raise suspicions in the eyes of people who might be spying on us. I don’t want any outsider to know what we are discussing now. We can always share it with our wives privately after this meeting is over” “Kayden,” Grandma interrupted. “This emergency meeting is scaring me. Did we get any hint on Christopher’s abduction?” Max turned on the projector and the image of Sebastian’s lookalike flashed on the screen. “That’s not Sebastian” Kayden cleared Christopher and Aiden’s doubts before they could ask. “Man!! Who the hell is he then? And what does he have to do with us?” Christopher asked. “He was involved in your kidnapping Christopher” Silence spread in
Veronica was in the kitchen, looking after the dinner arrangements for the guests when someone tickled her waist. She almost jumped in shock before almost running away. Aiden Knight laughed heartily. “Aiden? You.. Was it you? I was so scared” she wiped off the sweat from her forehead. Veronica's heart raced as she spotted Aiden amidst the dimly lit alley. She hesitated, the fear palpable in her voice as she spoke his name. Aiden's laughter echoed off the brick walls, his amusement at her reaction evident.He grinned, still chuckling as he watched her wipe the sweat from her forehead. "Oh God. Look at you... you jumped so far," he said, his laughter infectious.Veronica's concern deepened as she glanced around nervously. "What are you doing here? If anyone sees us together, it would raise their suspicions."Aiden's laughter faded as he approached her, his gaze intense as he pulled her close. "I so wish to take off this mask from your head and..." He leaned in, his lips dangerously cl
THE KNIGHT MANSION Sebastian Knight stormed into the house. He looked completely pissed. “Where is Kayden?” he barked at Sean, their loyal butler. The servant promptly pointed out at the drawing room where Kayden and Max were discussing something. The guests had started crowding in the Palace and the women of the house were busy occupied with them. Sebastian barged in the room, shutting the door behind. Kayden didn’t like the intrusion but observing Sebastian’s present look, he could see the man was annoyed. “How dare you put spies behind me?” Sebastian shouted coming closer. Before he could touch Kayden, Max came in between them. Sebastian's voice thundered through the room, his anger palpable as he advanced towards Kayden. Max swiftly interposed himself between the two, a barrier of resolve. "Sebastian, stay back," Max cautioned, his tone firm. Sebastian's eyes flared with defiance. "Who are you to tell me that? I am talking to my brother, and no third person should intervene
Veronica flew for the Knight mansion again and Kayden was busy with some important calls briefing his team about the almost attack on Aiden which happened last night. Eleanor used the free time to call up Patricia and ask her how the preps were going. The baby shower was in two days and she couldn’t wait to see her sister all decked up and being pampered by everyone.“I am so happy you bagged the lead role. Will that mean I will see you less?” Patricia queried.“Probably” Eleanor sighed. “But I will be there by the time of your delivery. No way I can miss that”“How is dear grandma? And Aurora?”“Grandma is busy with the preps here and Aurora is assisting her. I have never seen them bonding”“Seriously? You mean grandma and Aurora?”“Yes, they seem to have built a good rapport these days”“Aww.. that’s cool. I think the credit goes to you” Eleanor praised. “Before you and Christopher showed your presence, Sebastian and Aurora were going to leave the house. And see now, she is looking
“Veronica” Aiden clutched her arm as they got out of the Pub. “You still didn’t tell me why bro and Eleanor left early?”Veronica held her blush.“You are such a bore Aiden. Why would a couple skip every enjoyment and want some privacy?”Aiden feigned thinking. She knew he was acting. She hit his chest.“You seriously think it’s their special night today?” he queried.“I am confident,” she replied. “Eleanor actually brought a bridal dress and jewelry to surprise Kayden. And we even decorated their bedroom”“How cute” Aiden was impressed. “bro really needed a wife like her”Veronica smiled.“They are a perfect couple”“Like us” He pulled her closer. “And that reminds me.. when am I getting that opportunity to see you decked up in a beautiful bridal dress, waiting for me in my bedroom?”Veronica laughed.“I didn’t joke” his voice was stern.She became serious as he held her jaw.“Aiden?”“How about tonight?”“What?”“You heard it sweetheart”“No” she pushed him away and hurried out.“St
The drive to the Villa was not very long. Eleanor dragged Kayden along and stopped once they reached the living room.“Now that we have reached..” Kayden pulled her closer. “Tell me what the surprise is”Eleanor paused him before he could kiss her. One kiss and she would melt in his arms. She wouldn’t let that happen because tonight was much more than what he had expected out of her. She pushed him on the couch.“You got your phone?” she asked.Kayden was dazed by her actions and question, both. When he didn’t respond, she started checking his shirt and denim pockets to find the mobile. Her playful hands burned his body once again. He pulled her on his lap and ensured she couldn’t get down.“Here” she handed him the mobile. “I will call you in exactly 20 minutes, until then you will behave like a nice boy and stay here. Don’t even dare to come in the bedroom”“Bedroom” he repeated. “So that’s where my surprise is”“Not yet,” she giggled. “But it will soon be ready”Kayden loved the ef
PARIS – CLUB“It worked,” Eleanor said to Veronica as they stepped inside the club and were instantly guided to the VIP area on the 3rd floor. Seemed like their husbands had taken passes for the VIP section and planned to utilize all the facilities of this Club royally.“Indeed. The brothers have united” Veronica replied.“I didn’t expect them to come here by the way”“Then you don’t know anything about their naughty past” Veronica answered. “These two had their share of fun time boozing and dancing in their free time”Now that shocked Eleanor. She couldn’t imagine her husband doing any of that publicly.“Are you serious?” she reconfirmed.“How do you think I met Aiden?”Eleanor was curious and Veronica didn’t hide that incident.FEW YEARS AGOIt was a dark night but the loud music had wiped off the silence around her. She had a short fight with her father regarding her further studies abroad. She had completed her graduation just one month ago and wanted to polish her knowledge and s
VILLAKayden hit the gym because that was the only way to spend time without his wife. Aiden was busy on calls. His producer was giving him a tough time but Aiden was handling things well. He was really a good decision maker too now, unlike before when he changed his mind almost every minute. After pushups, Kayden decided to walk on the treadmill when Aiden joined him in the gym.“You hated treadmills,” Aiden muttered.Kayden shrugged lazily.“No choice here. Unlike the Knight mansion, there is no walking area around this place. Not to mention the pollution in this city is roaring high too”“I know. But this city has some beautiful clubs and the sea link is best for racing high speed bikes at midnight”Kayden let out a chuckle.“You seem to love this city”“A lot,” Aiden nodded. “It’s like a second home”Kayden slowed the speed of the treadmill. Did he say second home?“The Knight mansion has missed you terribly Aiden. Every occasion, every festival, every celebration was void without
PARIS – VILLA“Why are you in so much hurry to show me the house Mr. Royal Knight? I can see that later. Right now I have to chat with Veronica..” Eleanor faked an excuse and joined Veronica in the living room who was sitting alone as Aiden was busy on a call.Kayden clenched his jaw. She was doing this on purpose. He wanted to spend some quality time with his wife and here she was busy ignoring him.“Hey” Eleanor sat next to Veronica. “I forgot to thank you”“Thank me? For?”“Taking up Grandma’s caretaker’s role. We wouldn’t have found a better person than you. She is really impressed by you. In fact, even Aurora and Patricia keeps telling me how much you look after every little need of Grandma”Veronica smiled. She was reluctant to pick that role because she didn’t like Grandma much just like she had hated Kayden Knight. But that was the only way to get an entry in that house.“She means something to me too. Though when I took up the role, I wasn’t very happy to be around the same w