Lawrence's POVI managed to get her out of the situation which because I could see how badly she was itching for her conversation, however another all Cameron and I had to excuse myself. My brother was getting too troublesome and I knew that sooner or later, I would have to confront. But until then, I had to let her have this private face off with Carl whom she loathed. “Did you remember? Or did you never have a memory pposs? I bet that wheelchair is also a fake!” “I see you have no shame at all after everything. Where doesn your loyalty lie? Shouldn't you at least leave me alone now that you're married? Like I said, you're a ugly ass bitch and I wonder what got into me when I let you fuck me. But that happened and I can't change it.” She said with so much seriousness in her tone that I thought she had lost her memory a second time. “Exactly, and I'm saying the same thing. Just come to me and let things continue the way they used to be in the past,” he said and suddenly screamed
Stella's POV“Please, let me walk, I hate that wheelchair,” I pleaded with my cold hearted handsome god, but he shook his head. “I'm sorry but-” “If you're so sorry, then you would give into me. The doctor said I could use my legs already and I even tried dancing yesterday,” but nothing I said got to him. “Then you must also remember how you fell flat on your face and almost broke your nose,” he said. “You don't have to remind me of such a sad moment,” I said gloomily as I tried to get off the wheelchair, but he held me back and made me sit. “Just listen to me today,” he said and I gave in eventually. It was Mrs Martinez’ funeral and also a week and a half after the confrontation at the hospital. We were both dressed in black. Lawrence was suited in black with white shirt and a striped tie while I had a dress on. “Now, shall we?” He said as he held my hand which I yanked from his hold in a pout. After the empty coffin was laid in the ground, we headed back to their family home
Stella's POV"Why's everything so damn boring?" I whined, sprawled on the plush couch in my penthouse.Lawrence strolled in, eyebrow raised. "Bored, princess?"I sat up, pouting. "Bored out of my designer-clad mind.""Want some excitement?" he suggested with a smirk."Lead the way," I said, craving a break from the monotony.We ended up at Lawrence's corporate den. I eyed the wheelchair sceptically."I've outgrown this thing," I declared.Lawrence chuckled. "Doctor's orders?"I shrugged. "Who cares? Let's walk on the wild side."He grinned, kissing me like we were the stars of some dramatic romance."No more wheelchairs," he declared.Doc confirmed my legs were back in business. I waltzed upstairs, designer clothes calling my name."Feeling less bored?" Lawrence asked, watching me doll up."Maybe a little," I admitted, swaying in a ridiculously expensive outfit.As the night unfolded, laughter and banter filled the air. Lawrence, the perfect mix of charm and annoyance, kept me on my t
Lawrence's POVThe sweet floral scent of Stella's perfume enveloped me as I pulled her close, our fingers interlaced. Her touch was electric, sending tingles across my skin. I gazed into her emerald eyes, losing myself in their depths."So, got any wild plans for us today?" I asked, my voice low. Stella smirked, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Oh, I've got some ideas."I raised an eyebrow. "Do tell, princess.""Well, it involves a scenic hike, picnic lunch, and maybe some skinny dipping if you're lucky," she said, tracing a finger down my chest. A pleasant shiver went through me."I like the way you think," I said with a smile.We drove out to a secluded hiking trail, the morning air crisp and clean in my lungs. Birds twittered brightly in the treetops as we strolled hand-in-hand down sun-dappled paths strewn with fallen leaves that crushed underfoot.At a gurgling stream, Stella spread out a picnic blanket and tempting spread - juicy strawberries, creamy brie, crispy baguette. Sweet
Stella I practically floated out of Lawrence's sleek black sedan, barely hearing his reminder to text when I was ready to be picked up later. "See you later, love. " I shouted heading out.My thoughts swirled with giddy exhilaration at the incredible opportunity awaiting inside the understated stone gallery.Lawrence had somehow arranged for me, a complete artistic unknown, to study painting under the great Andre Dubois himself! I still couldn't believe it. Andre was renowned in elite art circles for his lush forest landscapes and minimalist urban scenes that fetched outrageous sums. His works were even displayed in national museums!The other students I glimpsed hauling canvases and equipment into the studio all seemed so polished and artsy. I suddenly felt self-conscious in my thrift store smock and faded bag covered in acrylic stains from amateur experiments at home. Lawrence did have connections for me to be accepting patronage from someone like Andre Dubois.But when the sta
Lawrence's POVI tensed seeing Jameson's expensive Italian loafers propped casually on my pristine glass coffee table. How had he breached the penthouse security again? Surely he hadn't charmed my guard detail this time. Unease prickled beneath my businesslike veneer. Nothing good ever came of my wayward brother's unannounced visits. I strode into the living room prepared to forcibly remove him, only to pull up short. There stood Stella before a wide canvas, laughing brightly at something Jameson had murmured. He lounged on the sofa behind her looking utterly at ease. I shouldn't have been surprised he would foist his questionable charms on Stella given half an opportunity. Was he really so arrogant as to presume no doors barred to him? Or was there a murkier purpose behind this charm offensive?"Hope I'm not interrupting?" I clipped out by way of announcing myself.Stella glanced over her shoulder, face brightening. "Lawrence, you're home! Where have you been all day?" Her deligh
Lawrence's POVI tensed as Jameson's voice carried over the ambient music, his careless laughter grating like nails down a chalkboard. So much for a rare peaceful evening alone with Stella. I glanced up to see my little brother sauntering through the exclusive restaurant as though he owned it, making himself at home at our table."Oh wonderful, you're both here! What a lovely coincidence," Jameson exclaimed with mock delight. "Don't mind if I join you, do you?" Without waiting for a reply, he spun a chair around and dropped into it. "We were rather hoping for some privacy," I bit out, wrapping a protective arm around Stella's bare shoulders. To her credit, she took my brother's intrusion in an amused stride, merely arching one perfect eyebrow."Lawrence, where are your manners? We'd be happy to have James join us," she gestured expansively. Ever the diplomat. As if on cue, our waiter arrived eyeing Jameson curiously. I intervened before he could question the audacious seating shift
Stella's POVI awoke before dawn, tingling with inspiration. Slipping from Lawrence's sleeping embrace, I tucked the sheet around his bare shoulders and pressed a feather-light kiss to his temple. Even relaxed in slumber, power and intellect radiated from him. But vulnerable too in these unguarded moments shared only with me. I would capture that compelling duality today in paint if my humble talents sufficed.Selecting a small canvas and vivid oils, I ensconced myself at the suite's sunlit windows overlooking the awakening city below. My brush darted and swooped, blending hopeful golds and passionate crimsons suggestive of last night's tender intimacy. Though abstract, the emerging image felt alive, my own quickened heartbeat pulsing through each impassioned stroke. Creating has become intensely personal, a conduit for spirit.Some while later, strong arms enfolded me from behind as Lawrence propped his bearded chin on my shoulder. His refreshed scent mingled tantalisingly with pa