It still burns. But now, the tables are turning. With Anton stuck in his gilded cage due to security threats, I have all the freedom I need to act. And Kirsten? She’s my ticket to tearing down his carefully constructed world. “She’s mine now,” I muttered to myself with a smirk. “And he can’t do a damn thing about it.” Of course, Kirsten doesn’t know any of this. Why would she? To her, I’m the charming, kind-hearted Vincent—the supportive mentor who’s guiding her in this new chapter of her life. She has no idea she’s being used. And the best part? She’s already falling for it. The way she blushes when I compliment her, the shy smiles she gives me, the gratitude in her eyes whenever I do something as simple as bring her brunch. It’s almost too easy. But this isn’t just about making Anton jealous. No, my plans run much deeper than that. Kirsten isn’t just a distraction for him—she’s a way to infiltrate his world. To weaken his focus. To chip away at the perfect image he’s built
His laugh. His smile. The way he looked at me as if I were the only person in the room. It was all too vivid, too real. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. No, Kirsten. Don’t do this. But my heart was stubborn, refusing to listen to the logic my mind was screaming at it. The following day at the restaurant, I tried to bury myself in work, hoping the routine would ground me. But even as I carried trays and took orders, my thoughts drifted to him. “Earth to Kirsten,” Janice teased, snapping her fingers in front of me. “You’re daydreaming again.” I blinked, startled. “What? No, I’m not.” She smirked, leaning closer. “You totally are. Let me guess... tall, dark, and handsome?” “Stop it,” I groaned, my cheeks heating. “Oh, come on,” she said, laughing. “Everyone saw how he looked at you during the gala. That man is smitten, Kirsten.” I rolled my eyes, but my heart betrayed me, skipping a beat at her words. “He’s just being nice.” “Nice?” Janice raised an eyebrow.
It was peaceful, but I couldn’t help the curiosity bubbling inside me. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, taking in his relaxed posture and the small, confident smirk playing on his lips. “Why don’t you use your car, Mister Fancy Pants?” I teased, unable to resist poking fun at his polished demeanor. He chuckled softly, turning to look at me. “I like this better,” he said, his voice calm and steady. That response threw me off. I expected him to boast about some eco-conscious decision or a love for walking, but his answer felt... genuine. I clamped my mouth shut, unsure how to respond. The silence stretched between us again, but this time, it felt charged with unspoken words. And then, out of nowhere, Vincent broke it with a question that made my heart stop. “Can I court you?” he asked, his tone serious, though his lips curled into a playful grin. I stopped in my tracks, staring at him in disbelief. “What?” “Well,” he continued nonchalantly, taking a step closer t
The bed felt impossibly soft tonight, like I was lying on a cloud instead of my usual mattress. My thoughts were a whirlwind, replaying everything Vincent had said, every look he had given me. “Why me?” I had asked him earlier, and now, lying in the stillness of my room, I kept wondering the same thing. What did he see in me? What could someone like Vincent—polished, wealthy, and confident—possibly find so captivating about someone as ordinary as me? But then I remembered the way he looked at me, as if I was anything but ordinary. His words echoed in my mind, soothing yet electrifying. “Confidence is hoping you’ll like me back. Certainty is knowing I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you do.” I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. “What am I supposed to do with that?” I whispered to the quiet room. The truth was, I didn’t know. I wasn’t sure if I could let someone like Vincent into my life, with all his intensity and charm. But at the same time, I couldn’t ignore
“It’s me.” Vincent’s voice came through the door, calm yet uncharacteristically tentative. I quickly got up and opened the door, finding him standing there with his hands in his pockets. He looked slightly disheveled, his hair tousled like he’d been running his fingers through it. “Vincent? What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised. “I couldn’t wait,” he admitted, his voice low. “I know I said you didn’t have to answer me right away, but I’ve been going crazy all day. I just… I need to know what you’re thinking.” I blinked, caught off guard by his honesty. “Vincent, I—” He held up a hand, stopping me. “Wait. Before you say anything, let me just say this.” He stepped closer, his dark eyes locking onto mine. “I don’t care how long it takes. I don’t care if you’re not ready. I’ll wait for you, Kirsten. As long as it takes.” His words hit me like a tidal wave, and I could feel my resolve weakening. Why did he have to be so genuine? So… him? “You’re making this really hard,
Vincent chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”And in that moment, as he looked at me like I was the only person in the world, I realized something. Maybe this wasn’t just about surviving anymore. Maybe, just maybe, it was time to start living.Vincent's warm smile lingered in my mind even after he left the office to check on the restaurant floor. The realization that I had just confessed my feelings left me a mix of nervous and exhilarated. How could such a simple moment hold so much weight?I busied myself with restocking supplies, trying to distract my thoughts from spiraling. But the truth was, my heart wasn’t racing because of nerves—it was excitement. Vincent liked me, and I had admitted I liked him too.As the restaurant started to fill up for the evening, I caught glimpses of Vincent moving confidently through the space, checking on guests, chatting with the staff, and occasionally sneaking glances at me. I pretended not to notice,
“Vincent—” I started, but he held up a hand to stop me. “Hear me out,” he said, his tone earnest. “You’re talented, hardworking, and capable of so much more. I’ll support you. You can still work part-time at the restaurant while you study. It’s the perfect arrangement.” “Perfect for you,” I teased, narrowing my eyes at him. “What makes you think I’d agree to all this?” “Because,” he said, stepping closer, his voice softening. “I believe in you, Kirsten. And I want to see you chase every dream you’ve ever had. If I can make that easier for you, then why not?” I felt my heart tighten in my chest. His words weren’t just persuasive—they were heartfelt. And as much as I wanted to argue, I couldn’t deny the way his support made me feel like I could take on the world. “I’ll think about it,” I said finally, crossing my arms and trying to look stern. Vincent smirked, leaning down to meet my gaze. “That’s all I ask. But don’t think I won’t keep asking until you say yes.” I rolled my eyes
“Thank you,” I whispered, my heart swelling with emotion as I thought of him. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t just surviving—I was living. And for that, I hoped this happiness would stay with me forever.—ANTONIUS POINT OF VIEW—When Robert reported back about the gala and all the other updates on Kirsten and Vincent’s whereabouts, I felt something I couldn’t quite put into words. It wasn’t just anger or jealousy—it was deeper than that. Something inside me cracked, like a wound that had been quietly festering but now tore open completely.The way Kirsten looked at Vincent, the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled at him—it was unbearable. She was falling into his trap, and I could do nothing but watch. How I wish I could save her, but here I am, powerless. A loser. She doesn’t even know me—not truly. What chance do I have against Vincent? He’s charming, calculated, and always two steps ahead.For the first time in my life, I felt envy—not for his wealth or status, but fo
If he noticed I hadn’t been home last night, there would be hell to pay. But maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t realize it. After all, he hadn’t cared much about where I was before. But fate wasn’t on my side today. The moment I opened the door to the house, I froze. Vincent was standing in the living room, his eyes instantly locking onto me. The sharp intensity of his glare sent a chill down my spine. He didn’t need to say a word—I could already tell he knew. “Where were you?” he asked, his voice low and laced with suspicion. I swallowed hard, struggling to come up with an excuse, but the words wouldn’t come. My heart raced as he stepped closer, his gaze narrowing, demanding an answer. “Well?” he pressed, his tone now sharper. “You think I wouldn’t notice you sneaking out and not coming home last night?” I opened my mouth to respond, but no excuse could cover the guilt I felt. My silence only fueled his anger. I stood there frozen, my mind scrambling for an answer that wouldn’t wo
"Relax, my love," he whispered, his lips brushing your ear, sending shivers down my spine. "Let me pleasure you." His fingers reached the apex of my thighs, and I instinctively parted my legs, offering myself to him. His breath caught as he gazed at my glistening core, his eyes dark with desire. "So beautiful," he murmured, his voice hoarse. "So ready for me." His fingers traced my folds, gathering my essence, and I gasped at the sensation, my hips bucking involuntarily. He teased my clit, circling it slowly, making me squirm and beg for more. "Please," I pleaded, my voice breathless. "I need you." He chuckled, the sound low and sensual. "Patience, my sweet. I want to make this unforgettable." His mouth replaced his fingers, his tongue sliding through my wetness, sending shocks of pleasure through my body. He lapped at my sensitive bundle of nerves, sucking gently, then flicking it with the tip of his tongue, driving me to the brink of ecstasy. My hands clutched the sheet
Did I walk on my own? Or had he carried me? The details were lost in the fog of my mind, clouded by alcohol and emotion.All I knew was the present. The here and now.We were in a room—an unfamiliar, opulent space. The luxurious decor was nothing like anything I’d ever seen before. It wasn’t his home, at least not one I recognized. Perhaps it was a hotel, though even that felt like a distant thought in the back of my mind. The soft glow of golden light bathed the room, casting shadows on the walls that seemed to flicker and dance.He was with me, his lips trailing over mine with a mixture of tenderness and intensity. His kisses were careful yet demanding, like he was holding himself back but couldn’t quite stop himself from indulging in me. It was a contradiction that left me breathless and confused, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst from my chest.His hands moved over me, tracing the curves of my body with an almost reverent touch. Yet there was a hunger in his mo
But as I glanced around, trying to spot Sansa, I realized she was nowhere to be found. Determined not to let her absence dampen my mood, I wandered through the crowd, my steps unsteady and my vision slightly blurred. That’s when I saw him. At the bar, sitting alone, was Vincent. My breath hitched, and my heart raced uncontrollably. I stopped in my tracks, staring at him. He looked different—tired, almost defeated. His shoulders slumped as he cradled a glass in his hand, his gaze distant. For a moment, he didn’t notice me, but then his eyes flicked in my direction. Our gazes locked. His entire body stiffened as if caught off guard, and he quickly turned away, fixing his eyes on his drink. That one gesture—it was so unlike him. Gone was the intimidating, commanding Vincent who always seemed to have control over every situation. This man looked… human. Vulnerable. A swirl of emotions coursed through me—fear, confusion, anger—but what surprised me most was the flicker of somet
I looked up to see her waving as she approached, her smile as bright as ever. She looked effortlessly chic in her casual outfit, exuding the confidence and warmth I always admired about her.“Sansa,” I said, standing up to hug her tightly. The moment her arms wrapped around me, a wave of comfort washed over me, and for a brief moment, I felt like everything might be okay.“It’s been ages! I missed you,” she said as she pulled away, her eyes scanning my face with concern. “But you… you look tired, Kirsten. What’s been going on?”I tried to smile, but it faltered. “Let’s order first. I don’t want to ruin the mood right away,” I said with a weak chuckle, avoiding her gaze.She nodded knowingly, not pressing further. We ordered our meals, and once the food arrived, she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she waited patiently for me to start.After a long pause, I finally spoke. “Sansa, my life’s been... suffocating. I don’t even recognize it anymore. Vincent—” My voice cracked
The road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but it was time to start healing. It was time to take back control of my life. I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew I had to try. Because if I didn’t, I would lose myself completely. And so, with one last glance back, I walked away. Not just from Vincent, but from the version of myself that had let him control my life for so long. It was time to find who I truly was again. I threw myself into work, hoping to drown out the pain of what I had seen. If I kept myself busy enough, maybe I could forget the image of Vincent with that woman—the way he smiled at her, the way he looked so carefree, as if I had never existed in his life. But no matter how hard I tried, the memory haunted me, replaying over and over like a cruel reminder of what I had lost. There was no escape for me, no freedom in sight. I was bound to him, not by love anymore but by the weight of my obligations. I couldn’t leave until I had repaid every ounce of the help he had
I couldn't rely on rumors or second-hand stories—I had to see it with my own eyes. Only then would I be able to fully accept the reality of our relationship and force myself to move on. The thought of him with another woman, the possibility that he had already moved on, was eating away at me. But the fear of facing it was almost paralyzing. I knew that if I didn’t see it for myself, I would never truly be able to convince myself to leave. The love I had for him still lingered, haunting me, keeping me tethered to him even though I knew deep down that I deserved more. The past few days had been a blur, spent in a constant state of inner turmoil. I would find myself staring into space, lost in thoughts of him, wondering if he was out there with someone new, wondering if he had already replaced me. The days passed in a haze as I fought with my own emotions. I couldn’t focus on work, couldn’t shake the image of him with another woman from my mind. Every moment felt like I was slowly su
Part of me wanted to cling to the memories of the man he used to be, to hold onto the hope that he might change, that he might find his way back to the person I fell in love with. But the other part of me—the part that had endured his cruelty, his indifference, his toxic hold over me—knew better. I couldn’t deny it any longer: this was not love. This was control. This was manipulation. This was not the life I had dreamed of, and this was not the man I had thought I would spend my life with. Tears burned in my eyes as I struggled to keep my composure. In that moment, amidst the pain and the heartbreak, a small, defiant spark flickered within me. It whispered that I deserved better, that I deserved to be free, to be happy, to live a life that was truly mine. It was faint, but it was there—a glimmer of hope, a reminder that no matter how lost I felt, there was still a way out. I just had to find the strength to take it. I don’t know how I managed to survive the fierce argument. All I
I stood, my heart pounding in my chest. “Where have you been, Vincent?” My voice was steady, but I could feel the anger bubbling beneath the surface.He frowned, clearly caught off guard by my question. “Out. Busy with work,” he said, his tone dismissive.“Don’t lie to me,” I snapped, taking a step closer to him. “I know where you’ve been. I know about her.”His eyes widened for a split second before narrowing into a glare. “What are you talking about?”“Don’t play dumb, Vincent!” I shouted, my voice breaking with emotion. “Jacob saw you. He saw you with another woman, kissing her! Is that why you’re never home? Is that why you’ve been treating me like garbage?”He didn’t say anything at first, but the silence was enough to confirm what I already knew. I felt my heart shatter all over again.“Fine,” he said at last, his voice cold. “So what if I was? Does it even matter?"His words felt like a slap to the face. “What did I expect?” I repeated, my voice trembling. “I expected loyalty,