NICHOLAS POV I Touched Something Forbidden.Something that should have never been mine to claim. I tasted sin. The kind of sin that rips apart every ounce of restrain I've spent years building, the type that drags you deeper into an abyss you wouldn't want to climb out. And who could have known that sin would taste so goddamn intoxicating, like heaven wrapped in hell. The cold water poured over my head, drenching my hair and running down my tensed body as I stood under the shower. I leaned against the cold tiles, bracing my palms against the wall as my head dipped forward. My breath came out shallow and ragged, the heat burning inside me refusing to cool despite the torrent of water cascading over me. I squeezed my eyes shut to stop the memory but the image came playing vivid in my head. The way her lips had felt under my thumb was soft and swollen. And her body, Jesus Christ, her body... I groaned, my fingers curling into fits as memories of her body burned into me like a brand.
CHRISTABELLA'S POV By the time the shoot was over and I was done for the day, it was dawn. I grabbed my phone and headed straight to my car with my assistant trailing behind me. I dialed Daniel's number. It rang several times but he didn't pick up. Not the second, third, fourth, fifth, or even seventh time. My frustration grew but I managed to keep a smiling face, even though the corners of my mouth felt like they would snap under my skin. By the time I arrived home, my blood was boiling. I still couldn't reach Daniel. My housekeeper, whatever her name was, greeted me at the door. "Welcome, Madam. What would you like to have for dinner?""Just make something light" I snapped curtly. I retreated to my room, slipped out of my designer clothes into a silk robe, and plunged into my bed. I rubbed my temples, my head pounding out of frustration. A knock came a moment later, and the housekeeper entered with my food. I barely tasted it, my thoughts still consumed by that video, by the auda
ISABELLA'S POV The grand hall was filled with men and woman known for their power and luxury, the type of atmosphere Daniel had always wanted to thrive in. He stood in the stage, a proud smirk on his face. The air was alive with anticipation, marked by the clink of glasses and whispers.Today was Daniel's moment—the day he had long awaited. A turning point in his career: the launch of his stock exchange empire.Investors from far and wide had gathered, eager to stake their claims. The Sterlings were present too, their faces glowing with pride for their son-in-law. Nicholas was also among the attendees, though he’d never shown any interest in investing. I knew Daniel had invited him purely to flaunt his success and rub it in my face. Now I know what he has been using those millions from my law firm for.A few days ago, Anika, my former secretary, and Madelyn, my accountant, sent me an updated report on the firm. Even though I was no longer officially their boss, I’d instructed them to
ISABELLA'S POV The air in the room was suffocating, the tension so thick, one could literally be choke by it. Daniel sat at the long table in Dominic Sterling's study room, his composure barely intact. His jaw clenched tightly, his hand trembling as he tried to contain his anger and frustration. Christabella sat to his right, her fingers fidgeting in her lap. She was glaring at Daniel, holding back the urge to slap him hard across the face. At the end of the table sat Dominic, fury radiating off him. I, on the other hand, leaned back in my chair waiting eagerly for the drama to unfold. I was present because Dominic had summoned me and even though I wanted to turn his summon down, I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to witness Daniel squirm. Dominic slammed his fist onto the table and everyone flinched, except me. "You better start explaining what the fuck just happened, Daniel! Explain to me how an entire room of potential investors just watched a video of my son-in-law dealing
DANIEL'S POVHow Dare She? The thought burned in my mind, searing hotter with each passing second as I stormed into the house. The door slammed shut behind me. My eyes darted around the lavish living room and landed on the vase perched on the fireplace shelf. Without a second thought, I grabbed it and hurled it against the wall. The porcelain shattered, it's fragments scattering across the floor but it did nothing to calm the fury boiling inside me.Isabella.That despicable, cunning woman.She ruined everything. My years of planning, years of hard work. She destroyed it all in one day!I paced back and forth, my fist clenched and jaw tightened. My mind reeled back to years back, when all of this started, the day I decided to charm my way into Isabella's life. It was never about love. The reason I approached her wasn't because I loved her in any way. It was all about power and control. She was a Sterling and the Sterling owned me everything.My father, James West, used to speak so hi
ISABELLA'S POV The faint smell of coffee drifted through the house as I descended the stairs. When I reached the kitchen, Odessa was already there, bustling about and humming to a song, her apron tied around her waist. When she saw me, her eyes instantly lightened up.“Good morning, dear,” she greeted with a warm smile that reached to my heart.“Good morning, ma’am,” I replied softly, almost instinctively, though I didn’t feel guarded with her as I usually did with others.“Come on, my dear. Haven't I told you to drop the ‘ma’am'. You’ll make me feel like an old woman.” she teased. A smile drew up my lips. "Good morning, Odessa" I corrected, feeling a faint warmth in my chest."That's so much better" she chuckled "I was about to make breakfast. Care to join me? Or you can wait a little bit at the dinning. I'll be done in minutes"I froze for a moment. Breakfast. Food. The thought alone made my stomach twist with unease. I swallowed."I... don't usually eat breakfast" I mumbled, lower
ISABELLA'S POVAfter the delightful breakfast with Odessa, she mentioned that Nicholas was in his study. So, I made my way back upstairs. Now standing in front of the rich, dark wood door, I hesitated. I had never stepped foot inside Nicholas’s study before, and I rarely saw Odessa or Alfred venture in there either.As I pushed the door open, my eyes widened at the sight before me. Everything about the room screamed luxury and advanced technology. From the glass floor to the sleek table at the center of the room. When I stepped further inside, running my fingers along the smooth surface of the desk, the faint scent of leather and cedar lingered mingling with the faint scent of Nicholas' cologne but he wasn't in the room. The walls were lined with shelves that stretched to the ceiling and as I got closer, my eyes widened a bit at how meticulously arranged the books were. They were arranged precisely by size, cover, colour and even alphabetically. I also noticed how the books were in f
ISABELLA'S POV Nicholas's sharp intake of breath made me look at him. His jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened, the amusement from earlier replaced by something raw and furious.“I suppose it was my fault,” I added, forcing a smile. “I should have taken better care of her.”Nicholas shook his head “No, Isabella. That wasn’t your fault”"I guess" I tried to laugh it off."Why haven't you bought another one? It's been years," He asked, and I looked at him. His eyes bored right into mine as though he could see the emotions starting to twirl inside."You're scared it might die because you won't be able to take care of it?" he murmured, his words sticking a nerve.I blinked, surprised at how easily he read me. “Maybe.”“Do you want a cat?”His question caught me off guard. “What?”“Do you want another cat, Isabella?” he asked again.My lips parted, but no words came out. Why did he care?“It doesn’t matter,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “Let’s forget about it.”His brow arched as he st
ISABELLA'S POV Nicholas withdrew his fingers, coated with my release, and brought them to my lips. “Taste yourself, Sunshine,” he demanded softly. I obeyed, sucking his fingers clean, my gaze locked with his.“Good girl,” he growled, pulling me into a searing kiss. His tongue swept into my mouth, tasting me as though he couldn’t get enough.My hands fumbled with the button of his pants, tugging them down and wrapping my fingers around his hard length. “Fuck, Isabella,” he groaned as I stroked him, his breath hitching.His hand went to my thighs and he parted them. He stepped back, staring at me like I was a work of art, something meant to be worshiped, explored, and pleasured. I bit my lips, my cheeks burning red. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his gaze filled with unrestrained desire.“Stop teasing,” I pleaded breathlessly, tugging him closer.Nicholas grinned, lowering his head to place a long, teasing lick against my soaked folds. “Impatient, are we?” he teased “Come on, tel
ISABELLA'S POV The Ravioli was finally ready, its aroma filling the kitchen. Nicholas stepped back, his arms crossed as he leaned against the counter, watching me with a small, expectant smile.“Well, Sunshine,” he said, his voice carrying that familiar teasing lilt, “the honor is all yours. Let’s see if my hard work can impress you.” I stared at the plate in front of me, my heart racing—not just because of the food, but because of the man who had made it with me. The Ravioli looked perfect, and I wasn’t sure if it was the dish or Nicholas's piercing gaze that made me feel so warm.“You’re really building this up,” I murmured, trying to play it cool even as my hands trembled slightly.His grin widened. “You’re stalling,” he teased, his voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down my spine. “Come on, Sunshine. I’m on the edge of my seat here.”I swallowed hard, cutting into the Ravioli and bringing the fork to my lips. The moment the flavors hit my tongue, my eyes widened. The ri
ISABELLA'S POV Before we even started cooking, Nicholas stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. “First things first,” he said, reaching for a hair tie and a hair net resting on the counter.“What are you doing?” I asked, arching a brow at him.He smirked. “Making sure your hair doesn’t end up in the Ravioli, Sunshine.”I opened my mouth to protest but froze when he stepped closer, his fingers brushing lightly against my shoulders. “Turn around,” he murmured, and I hesitated for a moment before obeying, letting out a shaky breath as I felt his hands gather my hair.His movements were deliberate. His knuckles grazing the back of my neck as he pulled my hair into a neat ponytail. My skin tingled where he touched me, a shiver running down my spine when his thumb accidentally swept over the nape of my neck.“You okay?” he asked, his voice low and rough, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone, like he knew exactly what he was doing to me.“I'm fine,” I said quickly, though my voice c
ISABELLA'S POV I hummed softly to myself as I rummaged through the cabinets, gathering the ingredients I needed. The kitchen was quiet, save for the occasional clatter of pots and the soft rustle of packaging. Breakfast wasn’t my forte, but I could manage my usual—white pasta with tomato sauce. Simple, safe, and familiar.I had just placed the box of pasta on the counter when I felt it. A presence. My movements stilled, the tiny hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. I turned, and there he was.Nicholas stood at the kitchen entrance, his broad shoulders leaning casually against the doorframe, but there was nothing casual about the way his eyes raked over me. A deliberate inspection that started at my face and moved downward with agonizing slowness.His gaze paused at my chest, and my breath hitched when I realized why. The thin fabric of my shirt did little to hide the outline of my peaks beneath, visible in the soft morning light. His eyes darkened, the grey in them turning s
ISABELLA'S POV The meeting had gone better than I expected. Watching Nicholas handle the presentation with his usual precision and authority had been a sight to behold. Even Mr. Franklin, who initially seemed hesitant, was visibly impressed.As the executives left, I lingered by the hallway. Nicholas was still speaking with Mr. Franklin, their voices low as they discussed final details. I clasped my hands in front of me, a soft smile tugging at my lips. For the first time in a while, I felt like I’d contributed something meaningful.“Mrs. Montgomery?”The deep, confident voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see a tall man in a perfectly tailored navy suit approaching. He looked to be in his early thirties, with striking brown eyes and an easy smile that was undeniably charismatic.“Yes?” I replied, tilting my head slightly.He extended a hand, his voice warm. “Ryan Caldwell. COO of Franklin Industries. I couldn’t leave without introducing myself.”“Ah, Mr. Caldwell,” I said,
NICHOLAS POV The conference room was a fortress of efficiency—sleek, modern, and perfectly calibrated for business. The faint hum of the holographic projector filled the room as I stood at the head of the table, presenting what I knew was a flawless pitch. Across from me, Mr. Franklin Darnell, a man with silvering hair and sharp eyes, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed as he studied the display.I didn’t blame him for being cautious; projects like this weren’t mere investments—they were legacy. His plans to build an amusement park were ambitious, aiming to create not just a destination but an experience for families and children across the region.And that’s where I came in.“As you know, Mr. Franklin, Neuro-Corp specializes in integrating cutting-edge technology into large-scale projects. We have designed systems that will redefine the operational efficiency of your park,” I said, gesturing to the virtual blueprint hovering in midair. “Our autonomous safety protocols are state-o
Isabella's POVThe rooftop terrace was like something out of a dream. The glittering city below stretched endlessly, a sea of twinkling lights dancing beneath the darkened sky. Above, the stars shone faintly, as if whispering secrets to one another. A gentle breeze rustled past, cool but not biting, carrying with it the faint hum of the city far below.Leaning against the edge, I let out a soft sigh. It was breathtaking, every inch of it—the lights, the breeze, the quiet serenity that seemed so impossible in a world as noisy as ours. For a moment, I closed my eyes, letting the stillness sink in. When I opened them, I couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at my lips.“This is incredible,” I said softly, more to myself than to him.I didn’t hear Nicholas move, but I felt him before I saw him, his presence unmistakable as he stepped closer. He was quiet, as always, but there was something different about him in this moment—something softer. The usual edge he carried seemed dulled by the
ISABELLA'S POV "Let's make this more interesting, Mr. Montgomery. Winner gets to demand a favor" "A favor?" His tone was skeptical but I caught the glint of amusement in his eyes. "Any favor?" His gaze darkened in mischief."What's wrong? Afraid I'll beat you to it?" I teased leaning against the counter as the vendor handed a set of darts.Nicholas’s expression shifted, his usual calm replaced by something sharper. He wasn’t the kind of man to back down from a challenge, and I had clearly stoked his competitive side.The reward were low, just a stuffed animal prize but Nicholas had too much pride to back down.“Prepare to lose, Mrs. Montgomery,” he said, his voice laced with confidence.He stepped up to the line, his posture perfect, and movements precise as he put on some gloves. I winked at him as he took aim, watching with quiet amusement. The first dart sailed through the air, landing in the outer ring of the target with a solid thud. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t impressive eith
NICHOLAS POVThe street fair loomed before us like a chaotic storm I had no interest in weathering. The air was thick, the sound of laughter and chatter blending into a noise that clawed at my nerves. Bright colors blurred before my eyes. The crowd swarmed in eaves- shouting, the distant hum of music, the smell of street food mixing with the unmistakable scent of warm bodies and sweat. It all felt too close. Too loud. I stopped at the edge of the pavement, my muscle muscles stiffening as the rush of bodies pushed by. My stomach churned. My throat tightened. I could feel the heat of people brushing past me, their voices rising each passing minutes. My breath faltered as I glanced around, scanning the crowd with precision, calculating every exist, every opportunity to retreat because the closer people got, the harder it became to breath and my chest tightened with the old familiar pressure- like hands were closing in on me. Memories I thought I had long buried resurfaced. A differe