GraceIt’s dark when Tristin and I step inside the lounge. I frown and blink to adjust my vision to the darkness.“ Why are the lights turned off? ” I mumble and turn around.Before I can walk to the switch, the lights all turn on. Instinctively, I close my eyes and stumble. Tristin catches my waist, holding me up.“ Be careful. ” He whispers.My eyes snap open to land on white and golden decorations, the flowers that are spread everywhere, and the grinning faces. “ Surprise! ” Everyone squeals at once.My heart misses a beat as I stand frozen, just admiring the view in front of me. A balloon bursts above my head, making confetti rain down on me.“ Congratulations, Grace! ” Ania rushes up to me, followed by Mom, Luca, and our little angel.“ We knew you could do it! ” Mom grabs my arms and pulls me in a hug. “ my daughter is so talented. ”A lump forms in my throat as Mom pats my back and releases me. Ania engulfs me next and shakes me excitedly.“ You were worrying for nothing. Beli
Grace“ What are the next big plans? ” Mom asks.I think about it for a second. “ I don’t know, Mom. This is a big project—bigger than I imagined. I will have to give it my all to ensure everything goes smoothly. And if it all goes alright— ”“ It will. ” Mom interrupts, her eyes fixed on me. “ Do not doubt yourself for a second, Grace. ”My heart warms as I nod. “ WHEN it all goes alright, I believe I can take on other big projects and make a name for myself. ”“ You wouldn’t have to work so hard if you had just joined the family business. ” She sighs, leaning back slightly.“ I wanted to do this on my own, Mom. I want to learn and reach the top on my own. ” I whisper and stroke Seb’s hair softly.“ And you will. ” Tristin presses a kiss to my forehead.“ Yes, you will. ” Mom nods, smiling at me gently. “ whatever you do, you will always succeed. And we will celebrate every win with you. ”I nod again, but no words come out. I can’t thank them enough for becoming the family I never h
GraceI sigh, pulling Seb closer to me. He fell asleep after consoling me. That’s why I took him and retreated to my bedroom. I couldn’t face my family, and I am relieved they didn’t say anything to me.I look down at Seb’s innocent, peaceful face and flinch. I can’t get his scared face out of my mind. When he grows up and recalls this incident…will he think I am mad? Will he be scared of me from now on? My son…scared of me…That thought is doing something to my heart.After my little breakdown in the lounge, I feel embarrassed instead of calm. All these years of pretending that I am fine now, that I don’t remember what my past was like…seem like a joke to me now.The chain of my thoughts breaks when Tristin lays on the bed behind me, his arm around my waist, and gently strokes my stomach over my silk shirt. It was supposed to be a celebration—a happy moment. But now it has turned into something ugly.I close my eyes and release a heavy breath. “ how could you keep it to yourself
GraceWhat’s…happening? The secretary opens the door for us because the time is already scheduled. I lift my head and step inside just as all eyes turn in my direction.Mona, a senior in the same field, turns towards me. Her green eyes narrow in anger, and her red lips curl into a sneer.“ Good afternoon— ”“ Mrs. Roberto. ” Mona snaps, cutting me off mid-greeting.“ Yes, Mrs. Alfonso? ” I lift my brows, wondering why she is murdering me with her eyes.“ I heard you got the project. ” Her lips stretch into a blood-curdling smile. “ shall I say congratulations? Or shall I say ‘well done’? You used your husband, Mr. Roberto’s influence well, didn’t you? ”Husband. That word alone sets fire to my veins. I was about to ask why she was so mad at me, but I can’t tame my own anger anymore.“ Are you bitter about losing, Mrs. Alfsonso? If so, I suggest showing that bitterness somewhere else and refraining from using my husband’s name. Or else I will have to sue you for defamation. ” I hiss,
TristinI should have known he is one persistent bastard.“ Mr. Roberto, Mr. Calder is here to see you. ” The secretary’s voice sounds through the speaker.I am tempted to go out and beat the bastard half to death, but I control my temper and tell her to let him in.When his secretary reached out to schedule a meeting two days ago, I told him to tell Ethan Calder to stay hidden if he didn’t want me to disfigure his face. But that hasn’t worked.Like a leech, he has marched into my office and now wants to meet me.What is he here to do? Threaten or play some games?I lean back in my chair and watch the closed door. It opens a moment later, and he appears.The bastard bears no signs of suffering. It’s like he has just returned from a long vacation.I grit my jaw and stare as he walks ahead confidently. Without asking, he takes the seat opposite me and meets my unwavering gaze.“ Tristin Roberto. ” He nods, the corners of his lips lifting into a smirk.“ You caught me by surprise. ” I m
GraceTristin doesn’t pick up.I glance at my phone for the third time, the call screen mocking me with its persistent silence. He always answers. Even if he is busy, even if I am calling at the most inconvenient times. He always answers.But not today.He must be angrier than I thought.A deep sigh escapes my lips as I let my phone drop onto the seat beside me. The unease in my chest grows. I lean back against the leather seat, pressing my fingers to my temple.Why are things spiraling out of control?“ Ma’am. ” My driver’s voice breaks me out of the trance. “ We have arrived. ”The towering building of RB stands before me. Its intimidating height looms over the city, an unspoken testament to the Roberto family’s wealth.I step out of the car, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder. I feel kind of…nervous. It’s been so long since I have felt like this. To think I am nervous to see Tristin is…so weird.Without giving it much thought, I stroll inside the building and take the e
GraceI look down at my body, which has stopped trembling, and release a sigh that was stuck in my throat. I never thought I would come across him and won’t make a run for it.“ I am talking to you. ” The girl says, drawing my attention to her. She is beautiful in an effortless, almost artificial way. Her long black hair is perfectly straight, flowing down her shoulders like silk. Her white blouse is tucked into a navy pencil skirt, highlighting her hourglass figure. She is all curves and sharp edges, with lips painted a vivid red and a gaze that screams disdain.I have never seen this girl around before. “ Do you have an appointment with Mr. Roberto? ” She asks, her tone clipped.I raise an eyebrow. “ Are you new? ”She blinks. “ Do you— ” “ I don’t need an appointment. I am his wife. ” I interrupt, not wanting to engage in a small chat right now.What was Ethan doing here? I need to know right now. Her perfectly groomed brows arch in surprise before her expression hardens. She
GraceIf you trust him, why would you ask him something you don’t believe he can do? That voice whispers in my head again. My conscience refuses to let me ask such absurd questions from him.I sigh, closing my eyes for a moment. “ I went to that meeting in CBA today, and there I met Mona. I am sure you must know her. ”I open my eyes, and Tristin is there, staring at me, silently urging me to continue. I lick my lips and slip closer to him.My heart pounds like crazy, trying to break out of my ribcages. “ She lost the bid, and she was throwing a tantrum. ”Tristin will never undermine me, I repeat to myself like a mantra.“ Can you believe it? ” I huff, my muscles loosening. There is no nervousness in Tristin’s eyes, so I must be overthinking it. “ she said I used you and your power to get that power. She said I am undeserving and only rely on my husband to get everything. Of course, I told her that she was spitting nonsense. There is no way you will do something like this without tel
GraceI sit on his desk for what feels like forever, staring at the door Tristin just disappeared behind.He was hell-bent on devouring me just some time ago. And when I brought that girl up, he just…left me behind. My fingers curl around the edge of the desk. My legs feel weak, my skin still tingling from his touch. But my chest is tight, my breath uneven. The way he looked at me before leaving…Distant. Cold. Like I was a burden.It makes no sense.Just days ago, we had made up. After everything that happened at the event, after the arguments, after the pain—he had held me. He kissed me like he would never let go. He told me everything was fine.Now, it feels like a dream.But it was not. We did make up. We did talk. We discussed things. Everything was fine as he said. Then why is he acting like this now?My guts twist. Suspicion creeps in, slow and poisonous. I clench my jaw and force myself to swallow down the hurt, the jealousy, the anger clawing at my insides.Something is wr
Tristin“ Why are you—mad at me now? ” She croaks, her wrists struggling beneath my tight grip.Realizing it, I release her and grab her hips instead. Her hands drop to my shoulders and shake slightly.“ Tristin… ”I swallow, not saying anything. How do I even begin to tell her that her ex-husband is sending me pictures of their naked bodies pressed together, threatening me with them, and making sure my hands remain tied?I…She put me in this position. But I can’t bring myself to tell her the truth or get her involved. Lost in my thoughts, I almost miss it when a knock sounds on the door. But she does.“ Tristin, someone is here. Hurry up, get off me. ” Grace squeals.My lips twitch as I push myself up, and look down at her, spread on my desk, my cum dripping down her hole, and my cock still inside her. The sight is enough to get me hard again.The door behind me opens. She sits up and hides her face in my chest. The anger inside me melts as I realize she still seeks me for protecti
TristinShe has no idea what’s going through my head. The more I take from her, the more I need. It’s an endless need, an itch that can never get scratched completely. And when she looks at me with those wide, innocent eyes, as if she is not the reason I am being dragged through hell, my control snaps again.I focus on her body trembling beneath me, on her breath hitching as I shove inside her without warning, on the way her slick pussy clenches around me in desperate protest.I do not give her time to adjust. I do not give her time to breathe.A strangled moan escapes her throat as I grip her thighs, spreading her wide on my desk, leaving her no room to escape. Her nails scratch against the desk, trying to find some spot to hold, trying to ground herself as I slam into her over and over again. Her back arches, but I do not slow down. I cannot.She has finally done this. She made me like this.My jaw tightens, my fingers digging into her inner thighs. Her body shudders beneath my p
GraceMy scream fades into breathy gasps, my body arching against the desk as he grips my hips, pulling me closer to his body. The heat between us is unbearable—my skin flushed and damp, my trembling body molding perfectly to his hard one.“ God, you feel…so damn good… ” Tristin growls, his voice rough, barely human. I only get a moment to breathe. And then, he is moving at an animalistic pace. The office air becomes thick with the sound of our bodies colliding, of my soft moans blending with his harsh breathing.I don’t know what’s wrong with him. I don’t know why he is gripping my hips hard enough to bruise, or why he is thrusting inside me like he wants to lodge himself deep in there. But I know…this feels so good. My hands claw at the desk, my nails scraping the smooth surface as I try to brace herself. But it’s not enough. My body slides up on the desk with each thrust, sending tremors down my back. “ Tristin—” I gasp, my voice breaking on his name. “ Slower…please…”He hear
Tristin“ You said you didn’t want to climb the ladder this way before… ” I blurt before I can stop myself.My help? She needs my help… The anger turns into something else—something like a stroke of deep-rooted satisfaction. It makes me shift in my seat again, my cock straining against my pants now. It’s too hard to hold back.“ I…don’t want to climb the ladder or anything like that. I am not asking you to favor us unconditionally. If you think our designs are up to your requirements, we just need you to consider us. That’s all the help we need. If you give us this chance, we will— ” “ Is it I or we? ” I rise from my seat and round the table.She leans back, her mouth parting and a breath leaving it. “ what? ”“ Who am I helping? ” I place my hand on the desk and lean down, my body tingling with the need to have her again.She has come to me for help. For the first time since she started that company. She doesn’t realize how important it is for her to say it’s her who needs me. I c
TristinMy gaze lands on her long legs, clad in a black pencil skirt. Then, lift to a white silk blouse that hugs her figure, highlighting her boobs that have grown bigger after giving birth to our son.“ Tristin… ” She calls my name, a little too squeaky.My gaze snaps up to meet her innocent black eyes, and I freeze. If I just look into her eyes…I will forget about the pictures, about the sting in my bones, and the anger in my blood.But the moment I focus on her nervous smile, her soft lips…I am pulled back into the spiral of memories. The marks on her body, the face in the pictures, the scent on her…It’s all too much.“ What are you doing here? ” I inquire, my voice louder and harsher than I intended.Her smile drops. She flinches and pauses, unsure of what she should do.I notice the way her shoulders drop, her hands shake, her mouth opens and closes as if she is trying to find the right thing to say…The sense of self-loathing rises inside me. I want to punch myself in the face
TristinI stare at the pictures lying on my desk as Luca continues. “ He is doing this to rile you up. He wants to drive a wedge between you and Mrs. Roberto. ”I tilt my head and try to take my eyes off them, but I can’t. It’s one thing to know the truth but it’s another to appease a man’s ego with it.I know Grace has done nothing wrong. Yet, the man in me feels wounded every time I am forced to see her in another man’s arms in some fucked up pictures.I pick up the first picture and stare at her peacefully sleeping face. The blanket is pulled down to her bare upper chest, and his arm is snaked around it. He is hugging her from behind, holding her as close as he can.I let it drop from my fingers and glance at the other one. He didn’t forget to have someone click a picture of them having lunch—Alone.Curling my hands in a fist, I take my eyes off the similar pictures and look out the window. The clouds are rumbling. It’s about to rain.“ Boss, you shouldn’t— ”“ He is not trying to
GraceSeb’s breath grows steady, his body soft and warm against mine as he drifts off to sleep. I hold him close a moment longer, feeling the rise and fall of his tiny chest. A fragile sense of peace settles over us.I rise from the couch slowly, careful not to wake him, and tuck him into bed. His small fist curls into the soft blanket as I smooth it over him. Just as I turn around, my breath catches in my throat.Tristin is leaning against the doorway, one shoulder pressed to the frame, his arms crossed. His eyes find mine with a quiet intensity that sends heat rushing to my cheeks.“ You are back… ” He says, his voice low and husky. I swallow hard and nod. “ I am back. ”The silence between us stretches. My heartbeat quickens, and memories swirl inside my head—his rough hands on my skin, his harsh mouth claiming me, the weight of his body. The air thickens with everything unspoken.Tristin’s gaze flickers, a subtle shift of emotion I can’t name. “ I thought you would stay and see y
Grace“ Mommy, I missed you! ” My son snuggles into my neck.He has been clinging to me since I came back unannounced. Now, I know my baby has one more similarity with his Daddy. He only pretends to be fine when I am away. It makes me reflect back on all the times when I was not there for Seb. Sighing, I kiss the side of his head and pull him in my lap.“ I missed you too, Baby. ” He grins, his cute two front teeth showing, before he wraps his small arms around my neck and hangs there. My heart melts. No matter what I am going through in life…Having my son cling to me can make it all better.“ Did you listen to Grandma? ” I ask, stroking his hair.“ Yes. I did. ” He nods, leaving my neck and sliding down my lap to settle on the couch beside me.I notice the sudden change and look down at his face to see him staring at his hands. An invisible, cold hand grips my heart.“ What’s wrong, Seb? ” I stroke his hair, fixing a few strands that have fallen on his forehead.“ You said…you wi