CHRISTABELLA'S POV The room was silent, but the tension was unbearable, like the air had turned to steel, pressing down on me until I could barely breathe. Father stood by the window, his back to us, one hand gripping the edge of the frame so tightly, his knuckles turned white, while the other held a glass of whiskey. He didn't said a word but his silence was worse than any yelling.“Father,” I called hesitantly “you wanted to see us?”Dominic turned slowly, his face eerily calm. He swirled the whiskey in his glass before placing it carefully on the desk. “Yes,” he said, his voice low and deliberate. “I’d like to know what the fuck is going on.”Daniel shifted beside me, his usual smugness replaced with unease. He cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Mr. Sterling, I can explain—”“No,” Father interrupted, “I don’t need explanations. I want the truth. What. The. Fuck. Is. Going. On?” Each word was said with a quiet menace that made my skin crawl.Daniel hesitated, glancing at me be
NICHOLAS POV I’d never imagined myself in a boutique, let alone offering my unsolicited opinion on dresses, but here I was, following Isabella through racks of shimmering gowns. The soft strains of classical music played in the background, and the scent of expensive perfume lingered in the air.I didn’t know why, but when she mentioned earlier that she was going to buy the dress she needed for the ceremony, an urge to tag along consumed me. Before I could stop myself, I said, “I’ll come with you.”Her brows shot up in surprise, and honestly, mine probably should have too. What was I doing? I never shop. I had assistants for that. Yet there I was, standing in my study room, casually offering to accompany my wife for something I usually couldn’t care less about.“You? Shopping?” Isabella asked, disbelief coloring her tone.“Yes, me,” I replied curtly, already regretting my impulsiveness. But backing out now would only make it worse.And that was how I find myself, driving my wife to th
NICHOLAS POV I pace around my office, clutching my chest like some overdramatic fool. It's been happening every time I see her—every damn time. My heart races, my palms sweat, and I can't breathe like a normal person. I’ve never been one for drama, but right now? Right now, I’m seriously starting to think I’m dying.Maybe not dying... but something isn’t right.I glance at my phone and type out a message to my doctor: "Are there any warning signs of heart failure?""No, no, wait. That sounds too dramatic. I deleted it and started typing again: "What is the quickest way to get rid of tightness in your chest and shortness of breath?" Before I could press send, I looked up and saw Alex leaning against the doorframe, smirking at me like he’d been watching me suffer this entire time.“Didn’t know you were such a drama queen, Nick.” His grin widened. “You feeling alright?”I let out a sharp breath. “I think I’m having a heart attack, Alex. For real.”“Uh huh,” Alex said, clearly unconvince
ISABELLA'S POV The ballroom shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, casting a golden hue over the elegantly dressed guests walking about. The air buzzed with muted conversations and the occasional clink of glasses. As Nicholas and I stepped through the grand double doors, the air shifted. Conversations faltered, replaced by a low murmur that rippled across the room like a wave.“Oh, goodness, look! It’s Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery.”“Mrs. Montgomery looks absolutely stunning. That dress…”“I can’t believe it. Nicholas Montgomery, here with his wife? They’re the perfect power couple.”“He’s never brought anyone before—this is a statement.”“Just look at how they carry themselves. What a pair.”The whispers followed us as we moved further into the room. I could feel Nicholas’ hand resting firmly on my waist, his touch grounding. His posture was as perfect as ever—straight-backed, composed, and utterly unapproachable. I, on the other hand, offered polite smiles and nods as we made
ISABELLA'S POV Nicholas guided me to our seats near the front, his hand still resting on my lower back. The murmurs of the crowd softened as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the evening.The master of ceremonies took the stage, his voice rich and commanding, welcoming everyone and introducing the night’s purpose. Speeches followed, delivered by prominent figures who spoke about innovation, leadership, and the weight of the achievements being celebrated tonight.I leaned back slightly in my chair, soaking in the atmosphere. The soft hum of the speakers, the polite applause, and the occasional clinking of glasses formed a symphony of sophistication. Nicholas sat beside me, silent.But as one of the speakers concluded, I felt it—a sudden pressure on the back of my hand.Nicholas’ hand had moved, his fingers brushing over mine before resting lightly against the surface of my skin. My breath hitched, the unexpected contact sending a ripple of warmth through me.His thumb moved, t
NICHOLAS' POV The soft hum of violins filled the ballroom as waiters moved deftly through the crowd, balancing trays of champagne flutes. I accepted one, more out of habit than thirst. The sharp bubbles tingled on my tongue, leaving a faint metallic aftertaste—but I dismissed it. Next to me, Isabella was glowing, her emerald gown catching the light with every movement. She was laughing softly at something a guest had said, her eyes bright and full of life. I couldn’t help but watch her. She fit in here effortlessly, yet stood out all the same, commanding attention without trying. When she glanced at me, I realized I hadn’t looked away in time. Her smile deepened, and before I could rationalize my actions, I extended my hand. "Shall we?” Her lips curved into that soft smile that always managed to make something in my chest stir. “Are you asking me to dance, Mr. Montgomery?” I tipped my head. “It would be a shame not to, Mrs. Montgomery.” The murmurs around us shifted as
NICHOLAS POV The moment I recognized the truth, a wave of revulsion coursed through me, stronger and more intense than before. My skin recoiled and I felt the unmistakable feeling of bugs crawling into my skin. This wasn't just some random woman. It was her. The realization snapped something inside me. My hand shot out, gripping her throat before she could react. With a burst of strength fueled by my fury and disgust, I slammed her against the wall. The thud echoed in the room and she whimpered, her hands clasping my wrist. "What the fuck do you think you're trying to do, Christabella?" I snarled, my voice low and lethal. Her eyes widened in horror, her pretense crumbling entirely. The confident smile she had worn earlier disappeared, replaced by panic as she struggled to breath through the intensity of my grip. "N...Ni...cho...las..." She choked, her voice trembling but I tightened my hold slightly, cutting her off."I asked you a question, Christabella!" I growled, my jaw clenc
NICHOLAS POV The jolt in my cock instantly snapped me back to reality and I immediately shoved myself away from Isabella with a force that made almost stumble to the floor. "What...are you... doing here?" My voice was hoarse, strained from the chaos brewing within me.Isabella raised a brow in confusion but cleared her throat "You left suddenly without informing me. I was looking all over the ballroom for you. I wanted to discuss something with you" Her eyes searched mine and her expression shifted. "Mr. Montgomery, are you okay?"No. I wasn't. My pulse was erratic. My skin too hot and too tight. My pants were growing impossible tight. The ache in my dick was getting unbearable and I'm seconds away from losing my goddamn mind because her presence was making everything so much worse. "Whatever you wanted to discuss with me can wait" I managed to say, my voice tight "We'll talk in the morning. I just need to...rest"She frowned "Are you okay? Is something wrong?" She asked again. "I
The soft rays of the morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. I stretched lazily in bed, savoring the warmth of the covers and the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. Somewhere down the hallway, faint bursts of laughter echoed—a sound that filled my heart in ways I could never fully explain.“Mommy!” a sweet, high-pitched voice broke through the tranquility.I turned just in time to see a small blur of auburn curls barreling toward me. My daughter, Chloe, climbed onto the bed with a delighted giggle, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. “Mommy, Daddy’s being silly again!”Hot on her heels was her twin brother, Caleb. He shared her curls but had Nicholas’s sharp, gray eyes—the kind that seemed to see through everything. He scrambled up beside her, his grin so wide it threatened to split his face. “Mommy, Daddy said we could have pancakes with chocolate chips today!”My heart swelled as I pulled them both into my arms
ISABELLA'S POV"Now!"Nicholas' voice rang out cutting through the tension like a lifeline. Before I could process what was happening, his arms were around me, pulling me into the safety of his embrace.The gun Daniel was holding clattered to the floor as Nicholas's men, who had been pretending to work for Daniel, lunged forward. Their movements were swift like they’d been waiting for this exact moment. They tackled Daniel to the ground, pinning him there as he roared in frustration, his curses echoing through the room.Victor, always the snake, was quicker to react. His sharp eyes darted to the pile of documents he’d gathered, and in one smooth motion, he scooped them up and tried to flee from the scene until uniformed officers emerged from the shadows, guns drawn, their commanding voices booming.“Hands in the air! Drop the documents and get on the ground!”Victor froze mid-step, his face contorted with fury as he realized there was no escape. His gaze darted around, desperate for an
ISABELLA'S POV The rough hands dragged me forward, my shoes scraping against the jagged rocks. My heart thundered in my chest as I caught sight of the open expanse before me—a cliff, rocky and treacherous, with nothing but empty air beyond its edge. The chilling sound of the wind howling against the cliffs made me shudder.Then I saw him.Nicholas.He was standing at the other end of the cliff. Relief crashed into me like a wave, and tears immediately welled in my eyes."Nicholas!” I cried, my voice breaking as I tried to rush toward him but the cold barrel of a gun pressed against my temple stopped me in my tracks."Ah, ah, ah," Daniel's voice came. "Not so fast, Isabella."My breath hitched. Nicholas yelled from the other side of the cliff.“Isabella, stay where you are! Don’t move!”I froze, looking to him for reassurance.But then I took in our surroundings. There was no one else here—no police, no backup, just Nicholas on one side and Daniel, Victor, two of Daniel’s men, and me
NICHOLAS POV "Explain to me what the fuck you mean by you didn’t come back with my wife?!” My voice thundered loudly. I stared down the group of bodyguards standing in my office, their heads bowed in shame. “Your only job was to protect her. To make sure she was safe. And now you’re standing here—without her!”"Where the fuck is my wife?!" I roared, fury blinding every bit of reasoning.The lead guard flinched but managed to stammer, “Sir, we—there was a commotion. We tried to—”“Tried?” I slammed my fist onto the desk, making it shudder under the force. “You tried? Do you have any idea who you’re dealing with? Who you were supposed to protect?!” My mind was spiraling into chaos, painting horrifying images of what could be happening to Isabella. Was she hurt? Was she terrified? My stomach churned at the thought of her crying out for me, needing me, and I wasn’t there.I pointed at one of my men, my finger trembling with rage. “Lock them up,” I barked “I don’t care how you do it. Ho
ISABELLA'S POV The grand ballroom buzzed with polite conversation, the soft clinking of glasses, and the occasional hum of excitement as bidders raised their paddles. The silent auction had brought together an array of high-profile attendees, from CEOs to philanthropists, each trying to outshine the other with their charitable contributions. I, on the other hand, didn't care much.Life has been good—better than I had ever expected after Daniel was no longer a part of it. My law firm was now soaring to unimaginable heights. Cases came pouring in and with every victory on my part, my reputation as the greatest lawyer only grew stronger.It felt surreal sometimes, standing here in my designer gown, exchanging pleasantries with people who once doubted me, envied me, or outright hated me. Yet here I was, proving them all wrong.I glanced at my phone, briefly wondering what Nicholas was up to. The thought brought a small smile to my lips. He’d encouraged me to attend this event, insistin
ISABELLA'S POV The moment I stepped into Starlight Haven, I was struck by how different it felt. The familiar lobby, usually bustling with quiet elegance, was now glowing with a soft, romantic light. Flowers—white lilies and lavender roses—and pictures of me, lined the path ahead, their fragrance mingling with the faint scent of candles. My heart skipped a beat as my eyes followed the illuminated trail leading toward the rooftop.I took a deep breath, gripping my clutch tightly as I ascended the staircase. Each step seemed to echo in the quiet, heightening the anticipation swirling in my chest. When I reached the top, I paused.The rooftop garden has been transformed into something out of a dream. Strings of twinkling lights crisscross above, casting a magical glow over the space. An orchestra was nestled in one corner, their instruments gleaming as they played a soft, familiar melody. The music seemed to wrap around me, pulling me forward.And then I saw him.Nicholas stood at the
DANIEL'S POV The guard’s voice grated against my ears as he approached my cell. “West, you’ve got a visitor.”A visitor? My heart skipped, but not from joy. Who could it be?Christabella’s face flashed in my mind and I beamed at the thought. Maybe she couldn’t resist the pull that bonded us together. Maybe, just maybe, she had come crawling back, realizing she still needed me. After all, she's head over heels for me.I rose to my feet, ignoring the ache in my bruised ribs, and followed the guard out of the cell block. My steps quickened as the thought of Christabella visiting me filled my mind.But as I stepped into the visitor's room and caught sight of the man waiting on the other side of the thick glass, my blood ran cold.Victor.That smug bastard sat there, his posture relaxed, his hands folded neatly on the table as if he owned the place. Rage bubbled up inside me.“You son of a bitch!” I roared, slamming my fists against the partition between us. The sound reverberated through
ISABELLA'S POV I opened the door to find Christabella standing there, her expression a mix of nervousness and hope. She looked different—less polished, less poised. Her hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, and she clutched a small wicker basket in her hands like it was her lifeline. “Hi,” she said softly, offering a nervous smile.I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes. “What are you doing here, Christabella? What do you want?”She hesitated, shifting on her feet before holding the basket out to me. “I, uh... I brought this for you.”I glanced at the basket and back at her, my brow arching skeptically. “A basket of what?”Her chuckle was uneasy “Dark chocolate with raspberry. I remember it was your favorite when we were kids, so I thought...you know, it’d be a nice gift.”I couldn’t help the incredulous laugh that escaped me. “So you just came here to hand me some chocolate? What are we, five?”Her smile faltered, and her gaze dropped to the ground. She bit her lip, her grip tighten
ISABELLA'S POV Six Months LaterSunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, painting soft golden patterns across the room. The sound of birds chirping outside drifted in with the warm morning breeze. I blinked against the brightness, slowly stretching beneath the covers.It's been half a year since I woke up from surgery, since I felt Nicholas’s hand on mine and heard him whispered my name like I was his entire world. Since I realized that, despite everything, I was still alive.And not just alive. Thriving.I pushed the blankets off and stepped toward the window, my movements no longer hesitant or weak. The first few weeks after the transplant had been grueling. My body had fought against exhaustion, against pain, against the overwhelming weight of recovering.But Nicholas had been there for all of it. Every doctor’s appointment. Every sleepless night. Every moment of doubt when I thought I wouldn’t make it.Now, my reflection in the glass wasn't of a fragile woman barely holding