CHAPTER 73 [ The Angelic Stepsister ] ~ELAINE~ (3) THREE WEEKS AGO Freedom was within my reach. For the first time in years, the chains binding me to that house, to that family, were loosening. I could almost taste it. I had done it. I had convinced Travis to marry me, to offer me the one t
CHAPTER 74 [ Adult Games ] ~SOPHIE~ Two days! Travis said he’d give me two days! But he’s only been physically present—his mind might as well be back in his office. It was the weekend—a damn Sunday for that matter—but it didn’t even seem like it. I paced the length of the hotel room, glaring at
CHAPTER 75 [ On Your Hands and Knees ] ~SOPHIE~ Travis was losing, and he was losing badly. He sat across from me, all broad shoulders and clenched jaw, down to just his shirt and a pair of snug black boxers that had absolutely no business looking that good on anyone. Meanwhile, I was still fully
CHAPTER ONE.LESLIE’S POVMy husband and boss Kian, is laughing at every joke that leaves the lips of his first love while I watch them through the glass doors that separates his office from mine. I had been dutifully preparing some documents that needed his signature and also setting up his meeting
CHAPTER TWO LESLIE’S POV I am speechless for the next few seconds as his words hit me like a freight train. I wait. I wait for his hard eyes to soften with remorse at the harsh words he threw at me but that doesn’t happen. He is glowering at me, nose flaring angrily. “Kian, how…how could you sa
CHAPTER THREE LESLIE’S POV Grandmother’s funeral is being held on a gloomy day, much to my displeasure. I listened to the weather forecast so I could choose the perfect day for the funeral, and according to the forecast, the day is supposed to be sunny and bright just like Grandmother. I feel dup
CHAPTER FOUR KIAN’S POV I want a divorce. The words circle around my head non-stop. Of all the shits I have had the pleasure of hearing–and trust me, I hear a lot of crap as a CEO–Leslie asking for a divorce out of nowhere has to be the worst. I am a man who takes pride in my strength and abil
CHAPTER FIVE LESLIE’S POV I’m thankful that Travis doesn’t ask any questions as he drives me back home. He offers to drive me into the compound but I turn him down and wait till he drives off before I sigh and walk into the house. The house is brimming with maids who rush over to me the instant
CHAPTER 75 [ On Your Hands and Knees ] ~SOPHIE~ Travis was losing, and he was losing badly. He sat across from me, all broad shoulders and clenched jaw, down to just his shirt and a pair of snug black boxers that had absolutely no business looking that good on anyone. Meanwhile, I was still fully
CHAPTER 74 [ Adult Games ] ~SOPHIE~ Two days! Travis said he’d give me two days! But he’s only been physically present—his mind might as well be back in his office. It was the weekend—a damn Sunday for that matter—but it didn’t even seem like it. I paced the length of the hotel room, glaring at
CHAPTER 73 [ The Angelic Stepsister ] ~ELAINE~ (3) THREE WEEKS AGO Freedom was within my reach. For the first time in years, the chains binding me to that house, to that family, were loosening. I could almost taste it. I had done it. I had convinced Travis to marry me, to offer me the one t
CHAPTER 72 [The Golden Boy ] ~ELAINE~ (2) Trigger Warning: This chapter contains depictions of abuse that may be distressing to some readers. ONE YEAR AGO The house was silent, as it always was when Jac orchestrated his games. No stepmother barking orders, no father pacing the halls. Not even t
CHAPTER 71 [My Tormentor ] ~ELAINE~ (1) Somebody save me. The words echoed in my head as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My fingers tightened around my phone, the edges biting into my skin as if the pain could pull me out of the suffocating misery that hung over me heavily My hair, once
CHAPTER 70 [ Hearts-to-Hearts ] ~SOPHIE~ If you had asked me when I was ten years old what my greatest wish was, I would’ve said it was to live alone with my father. No stepmother finding new ways to torment me, no stepbrother hovering like a vulture—just me and my dad. I even prayed about it, e
CHAPTER 69 [ His Morals ] ~JUSTIN~ (1) I’ve never been anyone’s first choice. . No matter how hard I tried, Jac always had the spotlight. He was the golden boy, the prodigy, the one with all the medals and accolades. Meanwhile, I was the kid bringing home crayon sketches and piano recitals that
CHAPTER 68 [Welcome Home ] ~SOPHIE~ “Please tell me you two didn’t fuck in here.” Celeste’s voice cut through the quiet like a whip, sharp and full of disbelief. I glanced over my shoulder, pausing mid-fold as I stuffed another sweater into my bag. She was standing above me, her arms crossed, a
CHAPTER 67 [ Whenever, wherever ] ~TRAVIS~ Having fallen for Sophie’s schemes more than once, I guess it was normal for my brain to process every unusual thing she does as a trick to lure me in. Perhaps, that was why I imagined her smirking when in truth, she was just as stunned as I was to fi