Steve’s P.O.V.As I prepare to lie down on the sofa to sleep at night, Grace suggests, “If we’ve been intimate, we can share the bed too. Right?”Surprisingly, I agree with her perspective for the first time.“Congratulations, Mrs Grey. You’re right for the first time.” I tease her, and she responds with an angry look, causing me to chuckle.After taking my pillow and blanket, I make my way to the bed and lie down beside her.“Good night, Mr. Grey.”“Good night, Mrs. Grey,” I reply, and she smiles before facing away from me.***The next morning,I wake up to find her peacefully sleeping in my arms, her head resting on my chest. It feels comforting to have her so close to me. A smile appears on my face as I watch her sleep. Her warm breath against my chest feels magical, and I automatically press my lips on her forehead.Unsure of why I did it, I brush it aside and continue holding her tightly as I drift back to sleep with a contented smile on my face.This morning has become the most
Steve’s P.O.V.After wearing my bathrobe, I come to the room to open the door after having the sex best of my life in the shower.As I open the door, I find my dad standing there.“So, you were in the shower?” He asks with a hint of suspicion, and I try to conceal my embarrassment.“Yes, Dad.” I give him a nod.“Then where was Grace?” He asks in a teasing tone.I try to avoid further embarrassment, but I fail and end up blushing like a teenager, nervously rubbing the back of my neck.“Dad…” I stammer, trying to explain.“Don’t worry. You don’t have to explain. I can’t believe you two are getting closer. I’m happy.” He expresses his joy.I feel sorry for him because he’s misinterpreting the situation.“Dad…”He interrupts, “Enjoy your time with her, and there’s no rush for breakfast.” He leaves, not giving me a chance to respond.Dad, it’s not what you think. It’s just a physical relationship. I know the separation of us in three months will hurt you the most.Why, Grace, why did you e
Steve’s P.O.V.In the evening, as I return from the office, I find Grace ready as if she just finished a photoshoot. She is dressed to perfection, and her aura radiates confidence.As I notice she has turned my room into her personal photoshoot studio, I shake my head.After dropping my coat on the sofa, as I make my way to the bathroom, she blocks my way, coming in front of me.“Steve, can we take some photos together? My fans have been requesting it, and it’ll be fun.” She asks with a hopeful glint in her eyes.“No.” As I deny, she frowns.“Steve, I want it for my fans. I don’t want to dishearten them.”I let out an exasperated sigh. “Grace, you know I don’t like putting myself out there like that.”“Please, Steve...” There’s a softness in her voice, and her eyes convey an unexpected honesty. It’s the first time she’s genuinely asked for something.I narrow my eyes, ready to refuse as usual. But something in her plea strikes a chord, and I give in. “Okay, fine. But just a few.”Her
Jace’s P.O.V.Next day,In the evening, I stand outside Zara’s house, frustrated as she isn’t opening the door.After taking out my phone from my pocket, I dial her number.After three rings, she finally answers, and I sigh.“Zara, where are you? Why aren’t you opening the door? Is everything okay, baby?” I ask, worried for her.“Jace, I’m not at home and busy. I’ll call you as soon as I get free.” She hangs up without listening to me, making me suspicious because she has never done this before.I just hope she is fine.After opening WhatsApp, I text her.Me: Take care and don’t forget to call me as soon as possible.As I finish typing the message to Zara, my eyes fall on her car parked outside.Did she lie to me? But why? I should check on her.I climb through the window and quietly enter her room. The sight that greets me leaves my heart sinking—Zara, in tears, sitting alone on the bed.“Zara...” I call out softly, my worry intensifying. She startles at my presence and hastily wipes
The party venue looks so enchanting with the gentle glow of soft lights and the lively chatter of people.Grace and I put on a facade, pretending to be a couple deeply in love, as per the expectations of my clients. She plays her part well, her smiles and gestures seemingly genuine.Our act is convincing enough that even my clients, oblivious to the complexities of our relationship, buy into it.As we walk through the crowd, Grace’s hand fits seamlessly into mine, the touch sending unexpected shivers down my spine. This woman is the only one who makes me feel like this.I wish we would be a really happily married couple.Her acting skills surprise me as she effortlessly engages in conversations, laughs at the right moments, and even rests her hand on my arm when required. It’s an act, but to the onlookers, we appear to be the picture-perfect couple.We approach a group of clients, and one of them begins the conversation, “Steve, Grace, you two make such a stunning couple! How long hav
After a week,I’m taken aback to see Grace cooking in the kitchen because I have never seen this scenario before.“What’s the matter? Today seems like a day for surprises.” I quip, leaning against the kitchen counter, watching Grace skilfully move around with pots and pans.“Today, your father is returning, so I just want to welcome him with his favourite lunch.” She tells me with a smile.“I didn’t know you have this hidden talent. I’m impressed,” I admit, a genuine smile forming.She glances at me. “Well, there are many things you don’t know about me, Mr. Grey.”However, a doubt lingers in my mind. Is she doing this genuinely to welcome my father, or does she want to keep him on her side?I pull out my thoughts when she hisses in pain.Fuck! She accidentally cuts her finger while cutting the salad.I rush to her side, her finger slightly bleeding from the cut. Concern fills my eyes as I take her injured hand gently.“Careful, Grace. Let me see,” I say, examining the cut on her finge
Steve’s P.O.V.Days pass by, and despite my attempts to deny any emotional attachment, I'm well aware that strong feelings for her have taken root deep within me.Now it’s only a week remaining of our contract marriage, and it kills me because I want to keep her forever in my life. However, I know our relationship is meant to end one day. Grace and I, we’ve different personalities, and we’ll always clash with each other, so it’s better for both of us to be part away after a week.In these months of our contract marriage, I have also come to know that Grace has a good heart which she hides from the world. I want to know everything about her but control myself because I don’t want to come close to her as it’ll hurt me more when she leaves.After dinner, we come to the terrace for a walk, but like always, we end fucking each other. I just can’t resist her. She’s the first woman who has such a powerful hold over me, making me lose control.I ram into her with vigour, her hands pinned on t
I wake up the next morning with the pain in my back because of sleeping in an uncomfortable position last night. It was harder than I thought to sleep without Grace by my side.I sit up on the sofa, stretching my body, and then lock my gaze on Grace’s sleeping form.As our separation time is coming closer, something is breaking inside me. No matter how much I dislike her behaviour, I still have developed feelings for her in these months.However, I know it’s good for both of us to get separated because we’re not each other’s type. Therefore, for the remaining one week of our contract marriage, I’ll try to maintain my distance from her.Grace’s P.O.V.I wake up, rubbing my eyes and find the sofa empty. I think Steve has already left for the office.Sleeping alone on the bed last night was indeed a struggle. Steve said right, we’ve grown accustomed to each other, and it’s best for us to stay away from each other from now onwards.Then my attention diverts as my phone rings. It’s a call
Grace’s P.O.V. A Few Days Later “You know, if you don’t want to, we can go back home,” Steve whispers, entangling my pinky with his, sitting in the driver’s seat beside me. Twins settle in the car backseats, engrossed in each other. We’re visiting Jace and Zara’s house for dinner. Zara had been urging us to meet her for more than a year because she wanted to apologise, but I wasn’t ready for it. Although she has been mentally stable and adopted a baby girl a year ago, I was still scared that she might try to take Giana away from me again. However, now I’m ready to give her a second chance because I can’t keep Steve away from his best friend forever. I smile softly at Steve’s concern, squeezing his hand in reassurance. “No, I want to do this. It’s time for us to move forward, Steve. Zara deserves a chance to make amends, and Jace is your best friend. We can’t avoid them forever.” “Thank you, Love. I’m glad that you’re ready to do this for me.” He lifts my hand and places a sof
Steve’s P.O.V. Two Years Later “Look here, my little angels.” Grace’s voice catches Evan, Giana, and my attention, and we look at her. I brush Giana’s long brown hair as she sits on my lap, absorbed in playing with her doll. Evan stands behind me, wrapping his arms around my neck, while Grace diligently works on her daily blog with the same enthusiasm as every day. “Mama…” Evan walks over to Grace and jumps into her arms. She giggles, kissing his cheek before turning the camera towards them. “Say hi to my followers, Evan.” “Hi, Mama’s followers.” Evan waves at the camera, beaming. “Keep showering love on her because she is pretty and the best mama.” “Aww… my baby. You are Mama’s best son.” Grace chuckles at Evan’s sweet words, her eyes shimmering with love as she holds him close. “Mama, I’m also your best son.” Giana pouts at them, causing us to laugh. “Princess, Evan is our best son, and you are our best daughter,” I explain, tucking her hair with the unicorn hairpin. She l
After our passionate encounter, we relax in the bathtub, both of us panting. I sit nestled between his legs, my head resting on his chest, my back against his front, his hands encircling my chest while his fingers tease my nipples. “How are you feeling now?” I ask him, breaking the peaceful silence. “Out of the world.” He whispers in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. “And credit goes to you, my love.” He licks my earlobe. “You know very well how to distract your husband.” Making circles around my nipples with his fingers, he bites my earlobe, eliciting a soft moan from my mouth. I’m so sore, yet I’m again aroused. Fuck! “Now if you’re feeling out of the world, husband, spill it out,” I ask him in a serious tone, pushing away my sexual arousal to the side for a moment. “Huh?” “What was bothering you?” Upon hearing my words, his body stiffens behind me and his fingers stop moving. “Tell me.” I urge, clasping his hands. “I got to know about the kidnapper of our daughter
Grace’s P.O.V. Twins are sleeping in their nursery, and I stand in front of the mirror, wiping off my makeup after a photoshoot. Closing my eyes as I spray the toner, I feel warm arms wrapping around me. I don’t need to open my eyes to know who is it because I have already recognised the touch. It’s my man. My husband. Steve. He buries his face in my neck, tightening his grip around my waist. My brows furrow in worry because he seems tense. I can feel it. I immediately open my eyes and meet his gaze through the mirror. “Are you alright, baby?” He looks back at me in the mirror, moving away from me. “I’m fine. Just work stress. Need a warm bath.” He hurries to the bathroom and shuts the door. I’ve never seen him so stressed about work before. I’m certain there’s something else bothering him. And I know very well how to get him to open up and relax. A mischievous glint appears in my eyes as I ponder my plan. I pull off my dress in a jiffy before entering the bathroom. S
Jace’s P.O.V. I can no longer conceal the truth from Steve, the truth that has shattered my life. Perhaps he understands and doesn’t take any action. "I didn’t do this," I finally speak up. “What? Then what the bracelet—” “Zara did this.” As I reveal, his grip on my collar loosens and his expression shifts to one of confusion. “So you were protecting her?” He asks, walking towards my room. “Where is she?” "Steve, I can explain," I plead, grabbing his arm to stop him. He pushes me away, seething in anger. “You can’t protect her anymore, Jace,” he yells. “She committed a crime.” “Steve, please listen to me.” He is about to take a step towards my room, but stops, listening to my words. “Zara isn’t fine.” “What do you mean?” Steve turns towards me, his brows narrowed in confusion. It's time for me to lay bare the truth, to reveal the pain and struggles that Zara has been facing. Only then can Steve truly understand the situation. “Zara was pregnant with a baby girl al
“She’s alright, Steve,” Grace murmurs, resting her head on my shoulder. “The doctor has confirmed it.” “I know, but I still can’t stop myself from worrying about her. She was away from us for a month, Grace,” I respond, constantly checking Giana’s forehead, hand, and every inch of her body to make sure that she isn’t hurt. Grace and I sit on the bed, Giana nestled in my lap, while Evan sleeps nearby. It’s been hours since we reunited with our daughter. It feels surreal, almost too good to be true. How did Giana end up here, alone and unharmed? And why did the kidnapper choose to return her now, after all this time? Grace brushes a stray lock of hair away from Giana’s forehead. “I understand, Steve. It’s been a harrowing ordeal for all of us, but the important thing is that she’s back now, safe and sound.” “I just can’t help but think something isn’t right,” I respond, my gaze fixed on Giana’s peaceful face as she sleeps soundly in my lap. “Why would the kidnapper leave her at o
Two weeks later, Evan is peacefully sleeping, lying on my chest, while I’m lost in my little daughter’s precious memories. I miss the way she used to kick her tiny legs while I converse with her and the way her innocent blue eyes look at me. Will I ever be able to experience this again? Grace is seated on the sofa and engrossed in seeing our family photo album, tears trickling down her cheeks. It hurts to see her so upset. One month has passed since Giana went missing, and each day feels like an eternity without her. Despite our best efforts and tireless searching, there’s been no sign of our daughter. We’ve followed every lead, contacted every authority, and appealed to the public for help, but Giana is still nowhere to be found. It’s like she’s vanished into thin air, swallowed by the darkness. Evan continues to search for his sister, calling out her name with hope and sadness that tears our souls. We do our best to reassure him, promising that Giana will come back soon, bu
Steve’s P.O.V. Grace and I are returning home after our unsuccessful mission. She’s fallen asleep, her head resting on my chest, silent tears slipping from her closed eyes. I hold her closer, my gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the car window. Today, she fought like a warrior to get back our daughter, but fate had other plans for us. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that the monster was playing mind games with us. He hadn’t actually kidnapped our daughter; he was merely toying with our emotions to get to Grace. A part of me wanted Grace to kill him on the spot, but it wasn’t enough. I want that bastard to suffer every day until his last breath for the pain he inflicted on my wife over the years. His actions have left scars on her soul that may never fully heal. And today, he committed one more sin by lying to us and making us feel vulnerable. When he demanded Grace to strip before him, I nearly lost control, ready to storm in and beat the life out of him. But
As I park my car outside the under-construction building, my heart thumps with fright, and my breath becomes heavy. I’m about to confront my childhood nightmare once again, and I pray I don’t falter. Breath in. Breath out. You’re strong, and you know that, Grace. You’re no longer the weak girl. Now you have the strength to face monsters like him. After encouraging myself, I step out of the car, taking a deep breath. The cold air sends shivers down my spine as I approach the building. With every step, my heart pounds in my chest. But I can’t let fear consume me. I’m not the scared child I once was. I have grown stronger, braver, and more resilient. Today, I’m not just fighting for myself; I’m fighting for my daughter, my family, for everything that matters to me. As I step inside, finally, I come face to face with the man who stole my daughter from me and has haunted my nightmares for years. He sits on the sofa, puffing on his cigarette. As his gaze falls on me, his lips cur