After a minute, Dad storms into my room, and then Grace enters, following him with a hint of evilness in her eyes.“What the hell, Steve? Grace is your wife now. Why are you giving her such harsh treatment?” As he rebukes me, I glare at Grace, who stands with a sly grin on her face.As he drifts his eyes toward her, she makes an innocent face in an instant.It’s clear that she’s manipulating my father with her emotional drama, and I despise how skilled she is at this game.I clench my fists, trying to contain my anger as my father continues to reprimand me. “Stop glaring at her, Steve, and answer me.”I take a deep breath, struggling to keep myself composed. “Dad, you don’t understand. Grace is not what she appears to be.”She chimes in with her sweetest tone, her eyes welling with fake tears. “I don’t know what Steve is talking about, Dad. I just want a chance to make this marriage work.”My father’s concern deepens as he turns to her. “Grace, my son can be difficult sometimes, but h
Steve’s P.O.V.Next morning,I wake up early, disturbed by the sound of Grace setting up a live video on Instagram.Annoyance flares up in me as I hear her greeting her fans. “Hey, everyone! It’s Grace, and welcome to my first Instagram Live after my wedding. I know you’ve been waiting for this, so before we dive into your questions, here’s a quick fashion tip for you. Always add a touch of confidence to your outfit. It’s the best accessory you can wear. Now, let’s get to your questions and comments.”Great, just what I need—my sleep getting disturbed because of her.The realization hits me—I’ll have to endure her Instagram sessions, and my peaceful mornings are officially a thing of the past.I walk out of bed, ready to express my irritation, but stop as I see her.She sits on the couch, putting a tripod on the table, the soft glow of morning light highlighting her natural beauty. I’m captivated.For a few seconds, I forget my annoyance as I watch her, absorbed in her live video. Her
As the evening approaches, we’re on the private jet, seated side by side but worlds apart. Paris is a city of romance, and I think of how ironic it is to go there with Grace.As the air hostess brings the wrong drink for her, Grace rebukes her, raising my anger. “What the hell? Didn’t I make myself clear to you to bring red wine for me? You all are so useless-“I can’t bear her behaviour any longer and interject.“Shut up, Grace.” I snap, my tone harsh and final.“Please, I don’t want your lecture again, Mr Grey.” She retorts in annoyance before turning her attention back to the air hostess.“Now, why are you still standing here? Go bring my drink,” she orders with no regard for basic courtesy, and the air hostess leaves after bowing to her.“You can’t behave like this with her, Grace.” I chide her.She rolls her eyes. “Why? Is she your girlfriend?”“Shut up.” I mutter, increasingly frustrated by her antics.“I’ll shut up if you stop lecturing me all the time.” She folds her arms acro
Jace’s P.O.V.After waiting for what felt like an eternity, at night, I finally receive a message from her when I lie down to sleep.Unknown: Hey, Jace!Me: Are you the piano girl?I inquire to confirm.Unknown: Yes, the piano girl.She replies with a laughing emoji.Me: So it’s yes from your side to have something more than what happened last night?After not receiving any response from her, I text her.Me: Stop blushing and answer me.Unknown: How do you come to know that I’m blushing?I grin, replying to her.Me: I just know.Unknown: I’m impressed.Me: Anyway, you didn’t answer me.Unknown: If I didn’t want it, I wouldn’t have messaged you.She sends a blushing emoji, causing me to smile.Me: I was certain you would message.Unknown: How?Me: Because you didn’t stop me last night, and the way you reacted to the kiss and my commands. Everything was telling me you wanted me as much as I wanted you.Unknown: Why do you want me, Jace? I’m not that attractive! You’re so tall and handso
The kiss is forceful, a collision of our anger and frustration. I can taste the alcohol on her lips.God! My hatred for her is profound, but I can’t deny that there is a magnetic pull in between us.For a moment, it feels like she might resist, but then I feel her surrender, her body relaxing against mine, her hands clutching my shirt. Our lips move in perfect sync, burning our bodies with desire.I just hate myself for feeling something for this woman, although it is just sexual.She suddenly pushes me away with a gasp, her eyes filled with confusion and anger.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” She hisses, wiping her lips.“Grace, my father’s man is watching us, so just behave if you don’t want him to come to know about your true face.” As I whisper in her ear, her eyes widen in shock.I keep a watchful eye on my father’s man, who pretends not to be watching but is clearly keeping tabs on us. Our kiss seems to satisfy him, and he leaves, giving us some much-needed privacy.G
Grace’s P.O.V.The next morning, I wake up with a severe headache.“Fuck! Why do I always end up consuming so much alcohol?” I groan, my head pounding from the hangover. As I sit up, I realize I'm wearing Steve’s shirt.How could he take advantage of my drunken state?“Mr. Steve Grey, where are you?” I yell, climbing down the bed, frustration and anger bubbling within me.He emerges from the bathroom, and I glare at him.“Why are you shouting early in the morning? What’s the matter?” He asks in a casual tone, strolling towards me.“What’s the matter? Seriously, Steve, did you forget what happened last night?” I accuse him.“What? I don’t know,” he shrugs, fueling my anger.“You broke the vital rule of our contract by sleeping with me last night.” I snap at him. “You took advantage of my intoxicated state. What happened to your ethics, Steve?”He chuckles, causing my brows to narrow in confusion. “Mrs Temporary Grace, nothing happened between us last night.”“Then why am I in your shir
Steve’s P.O.V.As Grace storms off to the bathroom, I’m left alone with my thoughts and the memories of the previous night.I feel frustrated as I think about how hard it was to clean her up and help her change, all the while trying to resist the undeniable attraction I feel toward her.I can’t deny that Grace is an incredibly alluring woman. Her words and actions, even in a drunken state, made it difficult for me to maintain my composure. Yet, I controlled myself.***She is about to leave the room, but stops as I call her, “Grace.” She turns to face me, and I continue, “Please, don’t get drunk today. I can't go through that again.”Annoyed by my remarks, she retorts, “Don’t sleep with men. Don’t do this, don’t do that. Just stop fucking telling me what I should or shouldn’t do, Mr. Steve.”I respond in a firm tone, pointing my finger at her. “This situation is an outcome of your choices, Grace. Remember that the contract marriage was your idea, so you should be prepared to accept th
The next day, we are on a luxurious yacht in the waters of Paris. I stand, leaning against the railing and enjoying my drink, and Grace sits away from me, making her vlog. I only tolerate this woman because of my father.I notice a young woman, clad in a stylish summer dress, who can’t take her eyes off me. She approaches me and leans against the railing beside me. With a mischievous glimmer in her eyes, she begins a conversation.“Such a beautiful day, isn’t it? Do you come here often?” She enquires flirtatiously.“Not as often.” Although I’m not interested in her, I answer her because I can’t behave rudely with her.Grace, sitting a short distance away, is now quietly observing us, with the corner of her mouth curved into a sly grin. Now, what’s going on in her mind?She rises from her seat, and her eyes remain locked on the girl as she approaches us.“Anyway, I’m Maya.” The girl holds out her hand to me.Before I can answer, we hear Grace’s voice. “Excuse me, may I have a word wit