I pulled back, my forehead resting against hers, our breaths mingling. “Kirsten,” I murmured, my voice trembling. “I’ll give you everything you want, everything you need. But let’s do this the right way. When you’re ready, when we both are.” Her eyes softened, and for a moment, I thought she understood. But then she leaned into me, her lips finding mine again, and I realized I was powerless against her. I was hers, always had been, and tonight, I would give her whatever she asked for. As I kissed her again, I made a silent promise to myself: no matter where this night led us, I would do everything in my power to prove that I was worthy of her. This wasn’t just a fleeting moment—it was the beginning of everything I’d been waiting for. I surrendered to her completely, letting her take the lead as I navigated the delicate line between control and passion. Her hands roamed over me with a hunger that both exhilarated and broke me. This wasn’t just about the physical; this was the culm
“No matter what.” Morning arrived, and as I opened my eyes, I was met with the emptiness of the bed beside me. She was gone—just as I had expected. A bitter sigh escaped my lips as I raked my fingers through my disheveled hair, sitting up slowly. I couldn’t help but wonder—did she realize I wasn’t Vincent? Did she finally understand that the man she thought she was with wasn’t the one she once loved? My gaze drifted to the pillow and sheets where she had lain, the faint scent of her still lingering. My chest tightened as my eyes fell on the small red stain on the pristine white fabric. The realization hit me like a freight train. I was her first. Kirsten had been with Vincent for years, but he had never claimed her in the way I did last night. She gave herself to me, not to him. That knowledge sent a surge of possessiveness coursing through me—a selfish, primal satisfaction that I couldn’t quite suppress. She chose me, even if unknowingly. But beyond the pride was something deeper
"To the company," I instructed the driver curtly. The ride was silent, save for the low hum of the engine. My thoughts were my only companion, cycling between Kirsten’s tearful face, her whispered pleas, and the resolve I felt to make things right. The mere idea of Vincent’s name on her lips while she lay with me was enough to harden my expression further. Arriving at the company, I stepped out and adjusted my coat, taking in the towering glass facade of the building I had once called my second home. It felt surreal to be back after all these years, but this wasn’t a time for sentimentality. I walked through the grand entrance, my presence commanding attention as employees turned their heads, whispering among themselves. I barely registered their reactions as Robert approached, falling into step beside me. "Vincent has been notified of the meeting. He’s waiting for you in the conference room," Robert informed me, his voice steady. "Good," I replied, my tone firm. "I want privacy.
"Keep this information between us for now," I instructed, my voice cold and resolute. "I’ll deal with him personally. I don’t want anyone else interfering." "Understood, sir," Robert said, giving me a nod of acknowledgment. As I turned back toward the hallway, my mind was a storm of thoughts. Betrayal from a brother was a wound that cut deep, but it also fueled my resolve. If he thought his schemes could weaken me, he was gravely mistaken. This wasn’t just about reclaiming my company or proving my strength anymore. It was about protecting what I held dear—from enemies, strangers, and even family. If my brother had chosen to stand against me, then so be it. I would face him head-on, and he would learn the hard way that I wasn’t someone to be trifled with. I walked briskly down the corridor, the weight of Robert's revelation still heavy on my mind. My brother had always been ambitious, but I hadn’t anticipated he’d stoop this low. Betrayal from someone you once trusted, someone you
There was an aura about him that Vincent never had, one of power and authority. His sharp features were sculpted with precision, every line of his face seeming to demand attention. His eyes were dark and piercing, holding an intensity that made my stomach churn with nerves.God, why did he have to look so… divine? I struggled to find my voice, but no words came. I was completely disarmed, my usual composure shattered in an instant. His presence was overwhelming, and for the first time, I felt truly intimidated by a man. Not because he was threatening, but because he seemed to see right through me, like he could uncover every secret, every mistake I had ever made, just by looking into my eyes.His gaze was unwavering, locking onto mine with an intensity that made my knees weak. My throat felt dry, and my mind raced for something, anything, to say to break the silence. But the words wouldn’t come. I was utterly and completely at a loss, standing there like a fool as he continued to sta
Vincent don't respect me, and it's my first time to encounter a man who respect a woman's word. I watched as he exited the restaurant, his confident stride drawing the attention of everyone in the room. My stomach churned with a mix of emotions—confusion, frustration, and something else I couldn’t quite name. One thing was certain: this wasn’t the last I’d see of him. And deep down, I wasn’t sure if that terrified me… or thrilled me. I don’t even know his name… I never thought to ask, and yet here he is, standing before me, already knowing mine. For a moment, I wondered how he could possibly know, but then my eyes drifted down to my chest. Of course—my name tag. A small, wry laugh escaped my lips as I shook my head. How silly of me. He didn’t need to ask when the answer was right there. Still, knowing that didn’t ease the turmoil within me. The memory of that night—that forbidden night—had been haunting me relentlessly, and now, seeing him again, those feelings resurfaced with
“A mistake?” he repeated, his voice low. “Is that what you really think?” “Yes,” I said firmly, even as my heart betrayed me by pounding harder in my chest. “It was a mistake. And I don’t want anything to do with you.” For a moment, he didn’t respond. His gaze bore into mine, searching for something I wasn’t sure I could give. Then, to my surprise, he sighed and stepped back. “If that’s how you feel,” he said quietly, “then I’ll respect it. But I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove you wrong.” My voice failed me, caught somewhere between disbelief and panic. I stood there, frozen, unable to find the words to respond. Silence stretched between us like an unspoken tension I couldn’t bear to break. Finally, I managed to speak, though my voice came out quieter than I intended. “I... I have a boyfriend, you see,” I stammered, hoping to put some distance between us with those words. He nodded, his expression unreadable. “I know.” My eyes snapped back to his face, wide with shock.
Morning came too quickly, and I found myself dreading another unexpected meeting. As the hours passed, I noticed something: he wasn’t there. The shadow that had loomed over me the day before was nowhere in sight. A wave of relief washed over me, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. At least for now, I could focus on my work without the anxiety of running into him. Today, I wasn’t assigned to the front desk—a blessing in disguise. Instead, I was tucked away in my small office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and the familiar hum of the air conditioner. But even as I tried to immerse myself in my tasks, my thoughts strayed. A part of me wondered what was happening downstairs on the restaurant floor. Was he there, lingering like a ghost from my past? Or had he truly moved on? I shook my head, trying to dispel the intrusive thoughts. It didn’t matter. What happened that night was a mistake, a moment of weakness that I had to bury and forget. Yet, as much
Anton reached for my hand, his fingers curling around mine in that reassuring way that always made me feel safe. “I’m right here with you.” Together, we made our way to the venue—a small, private room in a government building. It wasn’t extravagant, but it felt right. The judge greeted us warmly, and after a few moments of formalities, we stood facing each other, the weight of the moment settling around us. Anton’s eyes never left mine as the judge began to speak. I could feel the anticipation building in my chest, my emotions swirling. This was it. This was the beginning of everything. When it was time to exchange vows, Anton went first. “I promise to love you, cherish you, and stand by your side in every moment, no matter what comes our way. You are my heart, and I am yours.” Tears welled up in my eyes as he spoke, his words so genuine, so full of meaning. I could feel the sincerity in his voice, and my heart swelled with love for him. When it was my turn, I took a deep breath,
As we stepped through the door, our hands still intertwined, the world outside seemed distant. The comfort of our home wrapped around us like a warm blanket. Anton pulled me close, his arms slipping around my waist as he held me from behind. I could feel his breath against my neck, soft and warm, as he kissed me slowly, tenderly."Mrs. Rockwell," he whispered, his voice teasing, sending a shiver down my spine. His words were full of promise, of a future that, no matter how uncertain, felt like it was finally within reach.I let out a soft laugh, the sound light and carefree. "Not yet," I replied, glancing back at him, my eyes meeting his with a playful glint.His lips curled into a mischievous grin, the kind that made my heart race. "Oh, you will soon," he said, his voice low and intimate, as he tightened his hold on me just enough to make my heart flutter. "And I want you to practice a new signature with my surname in it soon."His words hung in the air, heavy with significance. It w
I smiled, a warm glow spreading through me. "I'm glad we took the chance. I can't imagine my life without you now."As we shared a tender kiss, the fire crackled once more, as if celebrating our newfound love. The sofa, witness to our passionate encounter, seemed to sigh contentedly, its cushions inviting them to stay a while longer. And so they did, wrapped in each other's arms, lost in a world where only they existed, a world filled with love, passion, and the promise of a future together."When did you fall in love with me, Anton?" I asked, my voice soft as I looked up at him.He smirked, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my arm. "I fell for you when you were just a delivery girl," he admitted with a chuckle.I giggled, remembering those days. "I was so naive back then. I only wanted to get your attention so you would hire me. That’s why I started sending those special meals to your office. I thought if I impressed you enough, you’d give me a job."Anton smiled as if recallin
I stopped, turning my head slightly, but I didn’t let go of Anton’s hand. “Yes?”He hesitated, his lips parting and closing as though he couldn’t quite find the words. Finally, he spoke, his voice quieter now. “Do you think I even deserve peace? After everything I’ve done to you… to both of you?”I sighed, glancing at Anton, who gave my hand a small squeeze. He didn’t intervene, allowing me to face Vincent on my own terms. “It’s not about deserving it, Vincent,” I said gently. “It’s about whether or not you want it. Whether or not you’re willing to change and work toward it.”He leaned back in his chair, his cuffed hands resting heavily on the armrests. His gaze fell to the floor as if searching for answers in the patterns of the tiles. “I don’t know if I can live with the guilt. Every time I think about what I’ve done… it’s like it’s eating me alive.”“Then stop running from it,” I said firmly. “Face it. Own your mistakes and make amends where you can. That’s the only way you’ll ever
He looked down at his cuffed hands, his voice lowering to a whisper. "So, I took advantage of it. Out of jealousy, out of spite. I wanted to take away something he cared about, something he might love, just to prove I could. I wanted to hurt him the way I thought he had hurt me... and you became the collateral damage."His words hit me like a tidal wave, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. All this time, I had thought Vincent’s actions were about me, about control, about possession. But now I realized—it was never about me. It was about his insecurities, his bitterness toward Anton, and his need to win a game only he was playing."You used me..." I whispered, the hurt evident in my voice.Vincent’s eyes met mine, and for the first time, they weren’t filled with arrogance or anger. They were filled with regret. "I did," he confessed. "And I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.""I can’t believe you..." I whispered, my voice trembling with disbelief and pain.Vincent nodded slowly, h
"Anton..." I hesitated, my fingers twisting nervously in my lap as I searched for the courage to voice what had been weighing on my mind. "Can I meet him?"The room fell silent, the air suddenly thick with tension. Anton’s jaw tightened, his usually soft eyes hardening as they locked onto mine. "Why do you want to meet him, Kirsten?" His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "Because I feel like I need to," I said softly. "To free myself from him completely—for real this time. I need closure, Anton. I need to look him in the eyes and tell him that we’re done. And... I want him to ask for forgiveness."Anton’s gaze didn’t waver, but I could see the conflict brewing behind his eyes. For a moment, I thought he’d argue, tell me it was unnecessary, that I didn’t need to reopen that chapter of my life.But then, to my surprise, he nodded. "If that’s what you need," he said quietly, his voice firm but filled with understanding, "I’l
The days passed like a dream—soft, fleeting, and almost unreal. I hadn’t been counting them because, for the first time in years, I was truly happy. But that happiness was laced with an edge of unease, especially when Anton told me what had happened.Vincent had been captured. By Anton’s men.The news left a strange weight in my chest, and though I tried to push it aside, it lingered."What are you going to do to your brother, Anton?" I asked, my voice quiet but firm as I sat across from him in the spacious living room.Anton leaned back in his chair, his sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the chandelier. His brow arched slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You sound like you’re worried about him."I hesitated, unsure how to answer that. Was I?Despite the cruel way Vincent had treated me, a part of me couldn’t deny that he had once been a significant part of my life. But worry? Love? Those feelings had long since faded."I’m not worried about him," I said, shaking my h
I learned from him that Vincent had resorted to sending death threats, demanding Anton leave the country. My stomach turned at the revelation. It was a side of Vincent I hadn’t fully understood until now. Anton, however, seemed unfazed, stating firmly, “He’ll pay for that. I’ll make sure he does. Threatening me gives me the leverage I need to put him behind bars.”The thought of Vincent—once the man I thought I loved—going to prison left me torn. A part of me felt justice was inevitable, but another part still struggled to reconcile this side of him with the man I had once known.And then there was Anton. The man who had been a stranger not so long ago but now felt like a lifeline. It was surreal to think back to the days when I would deliver lunches to his company, never once imagining that the CEO himself was aware of me. And now, here I was, living under the same roof with him."Can you believe this?" I murmured to myself one evening as I stood by the window, looking out at the exp
His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought he might lash out. But instead, he turned away, laughing bitterly. "We’ll see about that," he muttered, disappearing into his bedroom and slamming the door behind him. I exhaled shakily, my entire body trembling. This wasn’t living. This was survival. I picked up my phone and opened Anton’s message again. Without overthinking, I typed: Me: I need your help. I hit send and waited, my heart pounding in my chest. Within seconds, his reply came. Anton: I’ll be there in the morning. I stared at the message, a mix of relief and fear washing over me. Tomorrow, things would change. Whether for better or worse, I didn’t know. But one thing was certain—I couldn’t keep living like this. The morning light filtered through the curtains, and I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the floor. My heart felt heavy, weighed down by everything that had happened the night before. Vincent’s words still echoed in my mind—his possessiveness, hi