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 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 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 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
I slowly opened my eyes, the sterile white light of the hospital room blinding at first. My head felt heavy, my entire body disconnected from the bed I was lying on. Panic and confusion hit me as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. How did I end up here, in a hospital, of all places? I tried to recall what had happened, and immediately fragments of the morning's events began to piece together.I remembered being at my hotel room, immersed in the usual chaos of preparing for legal cases, but today I wasn't myself. This morning started with a persistent cough that I had quickly dismissed as just stress, though it was the first time it felt this bad. It had been six months since I'd been dealing with this persistent cough that wouldn't go away, no matter how many medications I'd taken. Back then, I thought it was because of the winter season. The cough came with other symptoms, ones I had brushed off as nothing.But this morning, the discomfort grew, twisting into a painful tightne
ISABELLA'S POV The sting of his words was unbearable, but I refused to break. “You bastard,” I hissed, my palm connecting with his cheek in a loud, satisfying slap.“Isabella Sterling!” My father’s voice thundered, his control finally slipping. “Enough of this childishness! You’re humiliating us!”I turned to him, my eyes blazing. “Humiliating? If anyone should be ashamed, it’s your precious soon-to-be son-in-law and your despicable daughter!” I pointed at Christabella who sprang up from her chair but mother held her hand and signaled her to sit back."So you're claiming we aren't married?" I turned to Daniel, whose hands were still soothing his cheek. "Then explain this" I slammed the financial report to his chest. "Explain how you've been taking huge amount from my law firm. Explain what you've been doing with my 10 million" I could see the confusion on everyone's face."What? Don't tell me you've been using my hard end money to plan your marriage to my sister?" Daniel snorted an
ISABELLA'S POV The night went by. The birthday party continued and the mysterious man was no where to be found. Frustration and exhaustion weighed down on me as I left to the lodging area to a book a room. I couldn't go back to my apartment. Not with the overwhelming weight of Daniel's betrayal still hanging down on me. I needed space, a place where I could breathe without the ghost of our marriage suffocating me.Taking out my black card, I walked to the front desk "A room for the night, please" The receptionist smiled warmly and took the card, swiping it. The second stretched between us and when she glanced up at me, her expression had shifted. "I'm sorry, Ms. Sterling but it's been declined"My eyes grew wide. "I- what do you mean declined?" My voice wavered but I tried to hold on to my composure. "That’s impossible, Try it again."She glanced at the screen, her brows furrowing "It's not going through. Perhaps there's an issue with your bank"I felt the ground tilt beneath me. H
ISABELLA'S POV "You have stage 2 heart failure, caused by a condition known as cardiomyopathy. Based on the tests we ran on the medicine you submitted…” He paused, as if searching for the right words, “…the medication contains toxic substances. Given what you’ve shared about taking them for years, they’ve caused significant damage to your heart.”I stopped listening. The rest of his words blurred into the background. Stage 2 heart failure. Toxic medicine. Damage. My heart. The only thing ringing clear was the truth: Daniel had done this to me. He had poisoned me while pretending it was to help me get pregnant. My mind spun with disbelief, a sickening, gut-wrenching feeling wrapping around me like a vice, making me want to throw up.As the gravity of his words sank in, the room spun. It felt surreal as if I were watching my life unfold from a distance. All those years of hope, of yearning to be a mother.How could he?The doctor’s voice broke through the fog in my mind. “You’ll need t
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