Alexander stood beside the bathtub, his trousers clinging to his legs, soaked from the water Serena had splashed. The damp fabric did little to hide his body’s involuntary reaction—a response he found both unexpected and infuriating. The faint memories of that night, which he had worked hard to suppress, now resurfaced with maddening clarity.He had never imagined that a simple word—honey—could unsettle him like this.“If you’re sober, get out,” he said gruffly, though his voice came out hoarser than intended.Serena’s wet clothes clung to her body, tracing every curve in stark detail. Her long black hair, slick and plastered to her flushed cheeks, made her look like a siren emerging from the depths of the sea—innocent and seductive in equal measure. She smiled faintly, her expression dazed, as if unaware of how disheveled yet alluring she appeared.Feeling the oppressive heat return, Serena shifted, preparing to climb out of the tub. But Alexander wasn’t about to let her. Without hes
Serena stood barefoot, dripping wet, her long hair plastered against her back. Droplets of water trickled down her neck, soaking the towel clutched tightly around her chest. Her bare toes curled subconsciously, as if seeking stability on the cold floor. She looked fragile yet resilient, her discomfort betrayed only by the slight tremble in her posture. Alexander’s gaze flicked down, lingering momentarily on her soaked figure. Her drenched clothes clung tightly to her form, outlining every curve. He closed his laptop with a soft click, leaning back with a sneer. “Honey?” he echoed mockingly, his tone sharp. “You’re not even bothering to hide your agenda anymore, are you?” His words sliced through the already fragile atmosphere, making Serena flinch inwardly. Serena instinctively glanced down at herself, only to notice her current state—drenched, with the outline of her underwear starkly visible beneath the thin towel. Embarrassment surged through her like a tidal wave. Her face, pale
Alexander froze, certain he had misheard her. His eyes narrowed slightly, studying Serena with a mixture of confusion and intrigue.Serena, unfazed by his silence, retracted her hand with practiced ease, her expression remaining composed. She had expected a reaction—just not this one.“I’ve tried reaching out to you several times, but you didn’t seem interested. Perhaps, since you still have my work in hand, this is a better time to discuss it,” she said smoothly, her voice even and professional. “If so, I assume I still have a chance to make it up to you.”In all his life, Alexander Vanderbilt had never encountered a situation quite like this. He, who always maintained control, now found himself momentarily caught off guard.The words interior designer echoed in his mind. His gaze dropped to the photo he was holding, and for the first time, he noticed the small, neat signature at the bottom—Ava Alvarez. Alongside it was a number, presumably her contact information.A frown creased hi
The room grew silent, the ticking of the wall clock amplifying the tension. Alexander remained still, caught off guard by Serena’s composed response. For a moment, he wondered if he was hallucinating. Did she just call him her husband? Had she mistaken him for someone else, or was this part of a ploy he didn’t fully understand?Under the soft glow of the crystal chandelier, Serena’s face was serene as she continued. “I can’t remember what happened that night in detail, and I assume you’ve forgotten as well. I apologize for addressing you improperly earlier.”Her tone was even, devoid of any trace of awkwardness. She shifted the conversation effortlessly back to business. “If you’re interested in my design work, feel free to share your requirements.” Her professionalism made it clear that she had no intention of dwelling on what had transpired. Araminta’s scheming may have led to that night, but Serena wasn’t about to let it dictate her future.Alexander remained silent, his mind drift
Jonathan hovered behind Alexander, prepared to remind him about their meeting, but he paused upon noticing Serena’s presence. His brows furrowed slightly as curiosity flickered in his mind. Is she the woman from last night? What’s going on between her and the boss?The elevator doors slid open, and Serena smiled politely, gesturing for them to enter. “After you,” she said, her tone light and friendly.Alexander didn’t bother with pleasantries. Without a word, he turned to Jonathan. “Head back to the office,” he ordered curtly before stepping into the elevator with Serena.Down in the hotel lobby, the breakfast crowd was already bustling. The scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries filled the air.Serena chose a table by the window, sitting across from Alexander. The waiter arrived promptly, placing two glasses of chilled lemon water before them. The tangy citrus hit Serena’s palate, instantly refreshing her after a sleepless, feverish night.I should grab something to eat before headin
Serena casually offered a lie, her tone steady and convincing. “My husband is a programmer.” With a gentle smile, she added, “Marriage requires effort from both sides. I can’t let him bear all the responsibilities alone.” Gracefully, she pushed the coffee toward Alexander. “Even though his income is modest, he takes excellent care of our family.”Her description painted a picture of an ideal partner—one who, ironically, was nothing like Alexander.Curious to gain more insight, Serena asked, “And you, Mr. Vanderbilt? The lady earlier mentioned you’re married. What’s your wife like?”The question caught Alexander off guard. He furrowed his brows slightly, answering bluntly, “I don’t know.”It was an honest admission. He had sent the divorce papers to the Morales family long ago, but there had been no response. His so-called wife seemed content to cling to the Vanderbilt name without any real connection to him.Serena was momentarily stunned by his frankness. Before she could respond, th
Kevin supported Ava, still reeling from Alexander’s earlier comment. Ava is married? He cast a sideways glance at her unconscious face. Over the past five years, since she had joined his studio after college, he’d never seen her close to any man. How could she have a husband?Noticing Kevin’s confusion, Alexander arched a brow and said tersely, “Let’s get her inside first.”Kevin nodded, carefully helping her into the hospital lobby.Alexander had no intention of lingering. He had only brought her here out of professional courtesy—nothing more. Once she was in Kevin’s care, his obligation was fulfilled.On the drive back to Vanderbilt Group headquarters, Alexander’s phone rang. It was Cornelius.“Alexander, have you seen Serena lately? She must be even more beautiful now, right?” Cornelius spoke slowly, his voice hoarse, punctuated by intermittent coughs. His condition was clearly still critical.“Grandpa, focus on resting. Don’t worry about unnecessary things,” Alexander replied, kee
Rachel had always been refreshingly blunt, her sharp tongue rarely sparing anyone. Yet, beneath her direct manner was genuine concern for those she cared about. It was one of the qualities Serena appreciated most in her longtime friend.Serena lowered her eyes, unable to hide the disappointment weighing heavily on her mind. Her father, Alfonso Morales, was getting old. Never a particularly gifted businessman, his declining health and advancing years had only further dulled his already limited acumen. He seemed more desperate than ever to cling to any lifeline that could salvage his struggling ventures.Rachel, always quick to notice Serena’s mood shifts, decided to steer the conversation in a lighter direction. “So, you mentioned something about getting paid on time. What’s the story? Did you take on a project for Alexander?”Serena sighed, grateful for the change in topic. “Yeah, I landed a deal to design his house in Manhattan.”Rachel’s eyes widened in disbelief, and she immediatel
Alexander was not alone. Hugo Beaumont and Colton Valcrosse stood on either side of him, their towering presences only adding to the weight of his arrival. The air was thick with tension, an unspoken shift settling over the gathered crowd.Michelle, still sitting on the ground, felt her stomach drop the moment she caught sight of Alexander. Humiliation burned through her veins. Of all people to witness her in this pitiful state, it had to be him, the person she had a crush on. Could anything be worse?Alexander’s gaze swept over the scene, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "What’s going on?" His voice was calm, detached—so effortlessly composed that it was hard to believe he had been a man consumed by raw passion just the night before.Victoria wasted no time approaching him, her heels clicking against the polished floor with urgency. "Last night, a bodyguard mistakenly drank the wrong drink and harmed Michelle," she explained, her voice carrying just the right balance of concern and
- please read to the very end of the chapter - Ava woke to the cold touch of the hardwood floor against her skin. Her nightgown felt strangely loose, slipping slightly off her shoulder as she groggily pushed herself up. A dull ache radiated from her waist, making her wince as she realized her lower body was sprawled on the floor while her legs still rested on the bed.Had she fallen off in the middle of the night?She rubbed her temples, feeling weak and disoriented. The last thing she clearly remembered was taking a drink from Alexei. After that, everything was a blur—just a deep thirst and the vague sensation of searching for water. Her mind struggled to fill in the gaps, but nothing came.Ava exhaled in relief. At least she hadn’t embarrassed herself in front of anyone. She must have somehow returned to her room early. However, a new problem presented itself—she hadn’t brought any extra clothes, and the silky sleepwear Rita had given her wasn’t appropriate for stepping outside.Jus
Ava clung to Alexander’s waist, her movements hesitant, unsure of how to respond. The only thing she could manage was wrapping her arms around his neck."It tickles," she murmured, her voice breathy.His hot breath fanned against her skin, seeping through the thin fabric of her dress, igniting a sensation that sent shivers down her spine.Alexander, already on edge from her teasing, tightened his grip on her waist. His voice dropped, husky and deep."So, what should I do to relieve your itch?" He had never imagined himself uttering such flirtatious words, but with Ava, they came naturally.She buried her face into the crook of his neck, her lips brushing against his skin. "Husband, you’re really good... it feels so good."Downstairs, the night was alive with murmurs of conversation and footsteps, but none of it mattered. Alexander held Ava closer, shielding her from the world as if nothing else existed beyond them.Ava whimpered softly, overwhelmed by the moment, but before she could
The pool area buzzed with activity. Waiters weaved through the guests, offering a selection of drinks, fresh fruit, and delicate pastries to those lounging or swimming. Amid the chatter and clinking of glasses, a waiter approached Ava with a light blue cocktail, placing it on the table in front of her.Alexei leaned in, his voice laced with amusement. "Drink it," he said, watching her reaction carefully.Ava ignored him, keeping her gaze steady on the water.Alexei smirked and moved even closer, his breath warm against her ear. "What’s wrong? Do you want me to feed you? Mouth to mouth, perhaps?"Knowing Alexei, he was more than capable of following through on that threat. Without another word, she grabbed the glass and downed the drink in one go. The alcohol burned on the way down, making her cough.Alexei reached out instinctively to pat her back, but she pushed him away."Mr. Volkov, Farah likes you," Ava said flatly. "Even if you help me
Rita led Ava through the vast grounds, passing from the lively seafood section to the entertainment areas. The sprawling estate was designed for indulgence, featuring everything from Olympic-sized swimming pools to high-adrenaline bungee jumps and a state-of-the-art shooting range. The event was in full swing, with guests scattered in various spots, enjoying their freedom to partake in whatever entertainment suited them.By the time they reached the grand dessert display—a magnificent ten-meter-long spread of exquisitely crafted pastries—chefs had already begun preparing fresh seafood under glass enclosures, while clusters of socialites chatted over cocktails nearby.“Farah hosts these gatherings every year, though never on a fixed schedule,” Rita explained as they approached the desserts. “It could be spring, summer, or fall. The chefs she brings in have all worked for the Vanderbilt family before. Michelin-starred talents—worth more than some pro athletes. The food is exceptional.”
As Ava finished helping Rita with her painting, she glanced over and saw Rita on the phone, her voice light and cheerful. Only then did Ava realize that Rita’s driver had already left.Rita returned with a bright smile. “Ava, do you have any plans for tonight or tomorrow morning?”Ava thought for a moment. Her father was still unconscious, and the construction in Manhattan was progressing smoothly. Aside from picking up Rex tomorrow afternoon, she had nothing pressing. “Not really.”Rita clapped her hands in excitement. “That’s great!”Without warning, she linked her arm with Ava’s and pulled her toward the roadside. “I absolutely must treat you to something amazing today! I guarantee you’ve never tasted anything like it before!”Ava was about to protest when she spotted a sleek black luxury car parked ahead. Her stomach twisted. She knew that car.Alexander’s car.Before she could react, Rita had already opened the door and gently nudged her inside.“Xander, I brought Ava along. You
Dear Gentle Readers, This author was denied promotion & the app actually said that this story does not perform well with only 4 readers and 2 comments thus no ads since last week... This author refuses to believe that especially when he saw at least 7 people liked & gave a thumbsup on the last free chapter. Can you please help this author by giving a thumbsup and commenting on this chapter, please? So this author has proof when consulting and reporting this to his editor tomorrow morning. As a token of gratitude for your generous help, please enjoy this chapter free of charge... Grazie mille. Yours, Ethan. P.S. this is actually 2 chapters combined into 1 therefore it is quite long, apologies for that. ---------That night, Serena slept soundly, the kind of deep, dreamless rest that felt like a rare luxury. By the time morning light filtered through her curtains, her spirits were noticeably brighter.The first thing she did upon waking was reach for her phone. A single missed call
The heavy air in Le Châteauesque Manor carried the weight of discontent. The tension was palpable as Mr. Vanderbilt Sr. walked in with slow, measured steps, his cane tapping softly against the marble floor. His presence commanded instant attention. He settled into the high-backed armchair across from the sofa with practiced ease. The room, grand yet intimate, was bathed in the soft glow of antique chandeliers, casting a warm contrast against the tension crackling in the air. His sharp gaze swept across the grand room before settling on Victoria, who sat stiffly on the couch. Aunt Torres, ever the dutiful housekeeper, hurried over with a delicate porcelain teacup, steam curling from its surface. The old man accepted it with a measured nod, lifting the cup just enough to brush away the floating tea leaves with its lid before taking a deliberate sip. His voice, steady and firm carrying the weight of authority. “Miss Laurent,” he began, his tone cutting through the thick silence like a
(From here, Ava will be referred to as Serena, as Mr. Vanderbilt Sr., Aunt Torres, and the staff recognize her as “Serena” or “Miss Morales,” Alexander’s wife.) ---The moment Mr. Vanderbilt Sr. saw Serena’s name flash across his phone screen, his heart lifted. "Serena, what is it? Did Alexander mess with you again?"His voice, though laced with concern, carried an undertone of disappointment. Ever since Alexander’s so-called affair had come to light, Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s anger had not subsided. Just thinking about his grandson’s betrayal to his devoted wife ignited a fresh wave of fury in his chest.Serena had initially called just to vent, but the warmth in Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s voice struck a chord deep within her. He had always been in her corner—more than even her own father. That realization caused a lump to form in her throat, her vision growing misty with unshed tears.Sensing her silence, Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s expression darkened. "I knew it. That boy did something again, didn’