FEW DAYS LATER ISABELLA'S POV The soft hum of the air conditioner was the only sound in the room, but it couldn’t drown out the thoughts swirling in my head. I shifted under the covers, staring up at the ceiling. It was my only company, and I hated it. I hated how its blankness mirrored my own confusion. Sleep was impossible tonight- not with so much weighing on me.The next step was clear and reclaiming my firm was no longer impossible. Nicholas had helped me gather enough evidence to make my case if I wanted. Mr. Arlington's final hearing will be in one month which means I had enough time on my hand. I just needed to wait for the right time before making my next move. But as much as I tried to focus on strategy, my mind kept slipping to Nicholas.I had played our night together over and over again in my head- The way he’d touched me, worshipped me, made me feel like I was more than just a body or a means to an end. I had been bracing myself for the usual indifference the morning
ISABELLA'S POV The city unfolded before me in dazzling lights as the car sped toward our destination. My thoughts were still on the plane ride—a quiet mix of stolen glances, comfortable silence, and Nicholas’s presence beside me that seemed to command my every breath. The private jet had been just as luxurious as I’d expected, its leather seats and sleek design screaming Nicholas Montgomery.When we boarded, I’d hesitated, assuming he might prefer his space, but Nicholas had gestured for me to sit beside him without a word. The gesture felt casual, almost as though it were expected.The hum of the engines was oddly soothing as the flight began, and I hadn’t realized how tired I was until my eyelids betrayed me, growing heavy. The next thing I knew, I woke to find my head resting against Nicholas’s shoulder. I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. Before I could fully process the situation, I noticed his coat draped over me, its faint, woodsy scent cocooning me in warmth.I turned
ISABELLA'S POV Nicholas lips curved into the faintest smirk, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers cascading down my spine. "You're welcome, Mrs. Montgomery."Mrs. Montgomery.The way he said it—smooth, effortless, like it was the most natural thing in the world—ignited something inside me. Butterflies burst in my stomach, fluttering with recklessly and filling every inch of me with warmth.It wasn’t just the name. It was the way he looked at me, like the title belonged to me and no one else. My cheeks burned, and I swallowed hard, suddenly hyper-aware of the weight of his gaze and the heat radiating from his proximity.For a moment, I forgot how to breathe, let alone think. My voice caught in my throat, and all I could do was stare back at him, my stomach an absolute riot of emotion.Before the tension between us could escalate further, Nicholas stepped back, clearing his throat. "Shall I show you the rest of the place?"I nodded quickly, my cheeks burning as I tore my gaze away
ISABELLA'S POV I stirred in bed, vaguely aware of something small and persistent tugging at my bedsheet. Half asleep, I groaned and pulled the covers tighter around me. “Let me sleep a bit more,” I mumbled, turning to my side.The tugging didn’t stop. Then, I heard a soft meow, followed by the undeniable weight of something small and furry settling on my stomach. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was enough to stir me from my haze.Another soft meow broke through the stillness of the room, and I finally opened my eyes to the sight of Lilly, the little ball of fur now cradled against me, her soft body warm against my skin. A smile spread across my lips as I took in the peaceful scene around me—the sun was just beginning to peek through the curtains, casting soft rays across the room. The breeze outside was gentle, drifting through the window and carrying the faint scent of morning dew. Everything felt calm and serene. It was a quiet moment, the kind I hadn’t had in a long time.As I la
ISABELLA'S POV The simple gesture sent an unexpected warmth through my chest. “Thank you,” I murmured, picking up my coffee and taking a sip.Nicholas didn’t reply, but something flickered in his gaze, a quiet acknowledgment that made my cheeks flush again.The croissant melted in my mouth, its buttery flakes crumbling perfectly. “This is amazing,” I said, glancing at him.Nicholas smirked slightly. “The café is known for its pastries. Thought you’d like it.”I nodded, enjoying the rest of the croissant. We lingered in a comfortable silence for a while before I finally spoke up. “I’ve always loved places like this. They remind me of my university days.”Nicholas raised an eyebrow, his gaze encouraging me to continue.I smiled, leaning back in my chair. "Back then, we had this tradition. We were sent to different cities to learn about the people’s culture and lifestyle. It was one of my favorite parts of studying law. We were encouraged to immerse ourselves completely. Our professors
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
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
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 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
ISABELLA'S POV The simple gesture sent an unexpected warmth through my chest. “Thank you,” I murmured, picking up my coffee and taking a sip.Nicholas didn’t reply, but something flickered in his gaze, a quiet acknowledgment that made my cheeks flush again.The croissant melted in my mouth, its buttery flakes crumbling perfectly. “This is amazing,” I said, glancing at him.Nicholas smirked slightly. “The café is known for its pastries. Thought you’d like it.”I nodded, enjoying the rest of the croissant. We lingered in a comfortable silence for a while before I finally spoke up. “I’ve always loved places like this. They remind me of my university days.”Nicholas raised an eyebrow, his gaze encouraging me to continue.I smiled, leaning back in my chair. "Back then, we had this tradition. We were sent to different cities to learn about the people’s culture and lifestyle. It was one of my favorite parts of studying law. We were encouraged to immerse ourselves completely. Our professors
ISABELLA'S POV I stirred in bed, vaguely aware of something small and persistent tugging at my bedsheet. Half asleep, I groaned and pulled the covers tighter around me. “Let me sleep a bit more,” I mumbled, turning to my side.The tugging didn’t stop. Then, I heard a soft meow, followed by the undeniable weight of something small and furry settling on my stomach. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was enough to stir me from my haze.Another soft meow broke through the stillness of the room, and I finally opened my eyes to the sight of Lilly, the little ball of fur now cradled against me, her soft body warm against my skin. A smile spread across my lips as I took in the peaceful scene around me—the sun was just beginning to peek through the curtains, casting soft rays across the room. The breeze outside was gentle, drifting through the window and carrying the faint scent of morning dew. Everything felt calm and serene. It was a quiet moment, the kind I hadn’t had in a long time.As I la
ISABELLA'S POV Nicholas lips curved into the faintest smirk, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers cascading down my spine. "You're welcome, Mrs. Montgomery."Mrs. Montgomery.The way he said it—smooth, effortless, like it was the most natural thing in the world—ignited something inside me. Butterflies burst in my stomach, fluttering with recklessly and filling every inch of me with warmth.It wasn’t just the name. It was the way he looked at me, like the title belonged to me and no one else. My cheeks burned, and I swallowed hard, suddenly hyper-aware of the weight of his gaze and the heat radiating from his proximity.For a moment, I forgot how to breathe, let alone think. My voice caught in my throat, and all I could do was stare back at him, my stomach an absolute riot of emotion.Before the tension between us could escalate further, Nicholas stepped back, clearing his throat. "Shall I show you the rest of the place?"I nodded quickly, my cheeks burning as I tore my gaze away
ISABELLA'S POV The city unfolded before me in dazzling lights as the car sped toward our destination. My thoughts were still on the plane ride—a quiet mix of stolen glances, comfortable silence, and Nicholas’s presence beside me that seemed to command my every breath. The private jet had been just as luxurious as I’d expected, its leather seats and sleek design screaming Nicholas Montgomery.When we boarded, I’d hesitated, assuming he might prefer his space, but Nicholas had gestured for me to sit beside him without a word. The gesture felt casual, almost as though it were expected.The hum of the engines was oddly soothing as the flight began, and I hadn’t realized how tired I was until my eyelids betrayed me, growing heavy. The next thing I knew, I woke to find my head resting against Nicholas’s shoulder. I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. Before I could fully process the situation, I noticed his coat draped over me, its faint, woodsy scent cocooning me in warmth.I turned