ISABELLA'S POV Before I knew it, I was standing before NeuraCorp. The sleek glass façade loomed over me, shimmering in the afternoon sun. My heart pounded with unrestrained excitement, but then the questions came flooding in, threatening to dampen my resolve.What if he’s busy? What if he doesn’t appreciate unannounced visitors? What if this was a bad idea?I shook my head, taking a deep breath to calm the storm of doubts. Still, memories of the first time I came here resurfaced. Six months ago, I stood right here in the pouring rain, demanding to meet Nicholas Montgomery. No one gave me a second glance. Not even a shred of pity. I was nothing back then—just a desperate woman seeking justice.But now…As I walked through the glass doors, heads turned. Every pair of eyes in the building followed me. Employees paused their work to bow slightly, murmuring polite greetings as I made my way to the reception desk.It was the same woman. The same receptionist who had asked the guards to thr
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 b
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 unconvinc
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 we stepped on
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
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