SebastianI look at the photos that are scattered all over my desk, and I frown. I didn't know what to expect when I sent a private investigator to follow Ryan around town.I wanted to know the places he visited and the people he saw. Maybe I thought Ryan would meet up with someone from the rival hotel. Maybe a casual, secret brunch of some sort to exchange their dirty little secrets.But things turned out to be much worse.Ryan did see someone, but the person in the photographs was the last person I expected to see. The picture belonged to none other than Delilah Gibson, and it made my blood boil."Is this what you were looking for?" the PI named Marcus finally asked as I was sitting in silence."It is much more than what I was looking for, so thank you, Marcus. You've earned your pay. What else can you tell me about this meeting?" I asked.Marcus looked at his written report. "From what I heard from their conversation is that she is his ex-girlfriend, and Ryan is trying hard to get
SebastianI pour myself a glass of whiskey, then chug it down fast. The alcohol burns my throat on its way down, but I ignore it and pour myself another drink. I feel anger coursing through my veins when I imagine Delilah in another man's arms.Last night, Delilah pushed me off and walked out of the penthouse while trying to fix her messy clothes. Not before telling me how much she hated me. Several times. Her words cut through my heart like a knife, but I had seen it coming. I knew she would despise me after the way I treated her.But oh well, I can handle her hatred. It doesn't matter since she'll marry me anyway.I call Lewis and tell him to attend my so-called wedding. I decided to finish it as soon as possible. I have to make her my wife before she figures out a way to get out of it.And that asshole Ryan....I don't know what Ryan is planning. How is he going to use Delilah against me? I can't wait to spoil his plans.My uncle called and summoned me earlier, but it didn't feel l
DelilahI was organizing some shelves when Sebastian called and let me know about the dinner with his uncle.I didn't think he would bother introducing me to his family as this whole marriage was just a game to him. He must be trying to keep up appearances.I thought about those nasty things he said last night and shivered. He flat-out admitted he wanted to own me. I am just a whore whose body he can use whenever he wants, all because he had paid off my debt. I should've predicted the horrible price I had to pay to receive help from him.The following day, I went home and prepared dinner. Then I looked through my closet. I don't have a lot of nice clothes, but I'm sure I can find something nice to wear for dinner.Ugh...but why am I worried about trying to impress his uncle? I thought and laughed to myself. Maybe I should purposely embarrass Sebastian as payback.No...I shouldn't disrespect his uncle for the sake of revenge. He hasn't done anything wrong other than raising a monster.
Sebastian Delilah is quiet during the car ride to her apartment. She leaned back on the seat and closed her eyes. "I apologize for my uncle's behavior," I said after a while. "He is not the worst I encountered in your family," Delilah remarked. "He is nothing compared to the devil you are. The apple didn't fall too far from the tree." I chuckled. "I guess not." I absentmindedly twirled a lock of her hair on my finger. Delilah flinched as my fingers brushed against her neck, but she didn't tell me to stop. "It's no surprise that you turned out to be a monster. It runs in the family, and I am starting to get used to it," she sneered. I guess she expected me to get angry, but I laughed even louder. "I love that smart mouth of yours," I lean closer. She goes stiff as I stop playing with her hair and run my fingers down her arm. I know my touches still awakened the desire in her even though she undoubtedly hated my guts now. She grabbed my hand as I touched her thigh and tried to s
DelilahI get ready for my date with Ryan. Yes, I am still going to see him again, even though Sebastian found out and treated me like garbage. I am not scared of Sebastian.He thinks I am weak, but I'm not weak. What will he do to me? Beat me? That was the only thing that was left for him to do, and as soon as he did it, I will run to the police.I know I shouldn't be provoking him. I put myself in this situation and gave him a chance to trap me. But that doesn't mean he can push me around the way he does.In a few hours, I arrived at the restaurant and waited for Ryan. He showed up shortly after."Delilah! You look beautiful," he said and proceeded to kiss me on the cheek, but I drew back.Ryan steps back awkwardly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable.""It's fine. Look, I am here, but this doesn't mean anything," I said."Technically, this is our second date," Ryan smirked.I don't find it amusing. I am starting to feel nervous now that I am here. I wouldn't be sur
DelilahI looked at Sebastian after finished talking to my father."There, I told my father you are coming over. Happy now?" I said with a tight jaw."Ecstatic. Since you're already here, why don't you stay the night? That way, we can get up in the morning and go directly to your father's house," Sebastian asked."I don't think so. I am not willing to spend a minute more than I have to with you," I snarled."Sorry if I made it sound like a suggestion. I meant to say you ARE spending the night with me," he smirked."You can't control all of my decisions, you asshole!" I cried out angrily."Kidding, sweetheart. You are free to leave whenever but I would love it very much if you stayed," he took my hand in his.I looked down. "I don't know...""Alright, I understand," he said. "But I haven't forgotten about the whole Ryan deal. You should be punished for cheating on me," he raised his eyebrows."Being forced to marry you is punishment enough," I barked."Is that so?" Sebastian moved his
SebastianI mentally prepare myself to meet Delilah's father. I never met the parents of the women I dated in the past since they were nothing but mere flings, so I didn't feel the necessity to meet them. Besides, most of them wanted to meet me in the hopes of getting some kind of business deal out of my relationship.This feels different.I feel like I have to prove myself to her father, and I have no idea why or how. Not once in my life have I felt the need to impress someone until now."So, you are Sebastian Stanley, the Silver Crest Hotels and Resorts owner," Delilah's father, William, said and looked me up and down."Yes Sir," I replied politely and looked at Delilah, who sat next to her father with a stoic expression."I see...well, you look like a fine gentleman, so I don't see any reason to oppose this marriage," William smiled.Delilah scoffed and then looked away."My daughter seems to disagree," William chuckled. "Is there something you want to say, sweetheart?" he asked he
Delilah"Where are you taking me?" I asked.Sebastian grinned. I was always so trusting despite the things he put me through. After meeting my father, Sebastian asked me to go somewhere with him without telling me, and I hopped in the car with him without thinking twice about it."You ask me that now? Shouldn't you have asked me before getting in my car?" he countered."What would be the point? You would've kidnapped me anyway," I scoffed.Sebastian took my hand and kissed it. "You learn so quickly."I sigh in defeat. "Just tell me now," I said."Well...I'm taking you home with me so we can fuck like rabbits all day and night," he smirked.I was taken aback. "Uh...I...""I am only joking. We are going to do regular wedding stuff and pretend to be a normal couple. You know...cake tasting, picking out silverware, looking at a venue, things like that," Sebastian laughed.He stopped at a clothing store first, so I looked at him questioningly. "I thought we were doing wedding stuff?""I wa
Emma It's my wedding day. I feel like I'm in a daze, floating in the cloud. I can't believe this is happening to me and I'm about to marry this amazing, gorgeous man of my dreams. Things can't get any better. I look at Sam, who is running around and giggling with some of the other kids in his house. He is wearing a tiny tuxedo and looks absolutely adorable. My heart swells with love and pride. I can't believe how fast he's grown up and how lucky I am to have him in my life. As I take a deep breath, I can feel the excitement and anticipation building up inside of me. I can't wait to walk down the aisle and see my husband-to-be waiting for me. "Sam, be careful! You will trip over the decorations!" Delilah scolded him, but he only giggled louder. Delilah couldn't help but crack a smile and look at me. "Ready for your big day?" she smirks. "I don't know," I giggle nervously. She raises an eyebrow. "You don't know? You're not getting cold feet, are you?" I shake my head frantically
Jonathan I go back to the building to check on Alaric. I made sure to have Ray send someone to kill the wasps ahead of time and give Alaric medical attention if needed before my arrival. Alaric is sitting on the chair with his face and body swollen, but he appears to be breathing. "I see you survived the wasps," I comment. "Fuck you," Alaric mumbles. "I came here to give you good news and bad news," I say. He looks at me with confusion. "What?" "The good news is that Emma and I are getting married, and Sam will officially become my son," I say. "Samuel is my son," Alaric barks. "Not anymore, he isn't. You will be waiving all rights as his biological dad," I say, putting the adoption paper on his lap. Alaric glares at me as he looks at the adoption paper. He doesn't say anything for a few moments. I watch as his expression turns angrier. "I don't want to give up my rights," he says. "It's not up to you anymore," I reply. "I've already talked to my lawyer, and everything is
JonathanHere I am at the abandoned building again, three days later. I kept my promise to Alaric and didn't show up until now, leaving him in the dark. I'm sure he is covered in his own piss and starving. The thought gives me comfort. "How was life in darkness, Alaric? It's not fun, is it?" I ask after taking the tape off of his mouth. There is no window down there, so Alaric wouldn't have known the difference between day and night. "Fuck you, asshole! What the fuck is wrong with you, man?" Alaric barks. "I couldn't begin to tell you. Are you ready to confess yet?" I laugh. "Confess what? I didn't do anything!" Alaric shouts. "Ah, so we are still playing the game. Say, Alaric, are you hungry?" I ask and shake the Mcdonald's bag in my hand. "I am fucking starving, man. You left me here tied up for three days!" he says as if I don't know what I did already. I take the burger out and take a big bite. "Mmm...you know I have all the money in the world, and I can afford expensive f
Jonathan "Emma doesn't want the police involved," Sebastian says. "I see..." I say grimly, but I'm not surprised. "I don't blame her. They will ask her a lot of questions in court. It'll keep reminding her of her painful past." Sebastian nods. "There must be an alternative. I want that bastard Alaric to suffer, even if it's in an unconventional way." "Leave that to me. I'll take care of Alaric," I say with gritted teeth. Sebastian narrows his eyes. "Emma is my sister. I shouldn't put this all on you." I shake my head. "You don't understand, Sebastian. I'm taking this personally because I love Emma. She broke down in front of me and told me everything. I could see the pain in her eyes, and it broke me. I'll do anything for her, and I personally want to cause that piece of shit pain." "Alright. Just keep me updated. I have your back," Sebastian says. I nod, then head over to my meeting with someone really special who can help me with my plan. I know it's risky, but I'm willing t
Emma "Mommy! Where were you?" I smile as Sam runs toward me with his arms wide open. I pick him up in my arms, laughing. "Did you miss me?" I ask, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Sam nods his head enthusiastically, burying his face in my shoulder. "Yes, mommy! I missed you so much!" he says, his voice muffled by my shirt. I hold him tight, feeling a surge of love for my little boy. "I missed you too, baby," I say, stroking his hair. "What did you do while I was gone?" "We played cars and watched cartoons!" he exclaims, his face lighting up. "That sounds like fun," I say, smiling. "Did you eat your lunch?" "Yes, I did!" Sam replies, grinning up at me. "Good job!" I say, giving him another kiss. "I'm so proud of you." Sam giggles, squirming in my arms. "Mommy put me down! I want to go get a snack. I'm hungry!" "Okay, okay," I say, lowering him to the ground. "Go get something to eat." I say, feeling my eyes well up with tears. I hope his happiness lasts forever. Sam looks be
Jonathan I feel anger surging through me, but I keep calm for Emma's sake. I need to keep my head clear so I can think of a plan to find that bastard Alaric. And when I do, I will rip both of his arms off. "What happened to him?" I had asked her, and she shook her head. "I don't know. He broke up with my mom after I got pregnant. Maybe he got scared," Emma told me. "And your mom? Did you ever tell her any of this?" I ask. Emma looks down at her hand. "I tried once, but she got mad and beat me. She said I was just making up lies to hide the fact that I got pregnant by some loser." I take a deep breath and try to push down the rage that's boiling inside me. Emma has been through enough already, and I need to stay focused on helping her. I gently put my hand on her shoulder and give her a reassuring squeeze. "Listen, Emma. You did nothing wrong. Alaric is the one who should be ashamed of himself for what he did to you. And your mom... well, she clearly didn't handle the situati
Emma I wake up in his arms in the middle of the night, engulfed by his warmth. I feel his steady breath against my neck as I snuggle closer to him, appreciating the way his arms feel wrapped around me. It is as if I am cocooned in a bubble of safety. I trace my fingers over his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breathing under my touch. It is a comforting rhythm. Why am I like this? Everything was perfect last night, he did everything right. He didn't push me into anything and showered me with warmth. And yet, I had my stupid panic attack and messed everything up. I touch his lips softly, careful not to wake him up. I can't believe I let my past get the best of me. I ruined the moment even though I wanted him to make love to me. I have to make things right, I think to myself, then climb on top of him to kiss him all over his body. And now he is awake, staring at me with those blue eyes, making me feel even more guilty about rejecting him last night. "Emma. You don't ha
Jonathan Fuck...maybe I am going too fast. The last thing I want is to scare her again by acting like a horny teenager. But she is not pushing me away. Instead, she took my hand in hers, still staring into my eyes. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the racing thoughts in my head. I don't want to mess this up. I don't want to push her away or make her feel uncomfortable. The cool breeze hit us both, and I felt her shudder against my arms. "Shit, you're cold. Let's get you inside," I say. "Maybe you can give me a tour of your house." She smiles. "Sure," I say, smiling at her. "I'd be happy to show you around." I start with the living room, then the kitchen. Then we move upstairs. "The upstairs has three bedrooms and a small terrace," I tell her. Emma looks around in amazement. "It's such a beautiful house." she pauses before speaking again. "Where do you sleep?" "Usually in the master bedroom," I say, gesturing towards the door at the end of the hallway. "Can I see it?" sh
Emma I run my fingers over the delicate silk of the dress. I've never seen any dress so beautiful, let alone wearing it. "Go ahead and try it on," Delilah says and smiles encouragingly. But as I hold it in front of me in front of the mirror, I feel weird. "I don't know if this will suit me," I say. "Of course, it will. Put it on immediately," Delilah orders. I laugh at her enthusiasm and then go inside the bathroom to change. I slip into the dress, and I can feel the smooth, silky fabric slide against my skin. It's like nothing I've ever worn before, and I can't help but feel a bit nervous. Will I be able to pull it off? I take a deep breath and step out of the bathroom and into the dressing room. Delilah's eyes light up when she sees me. "Oh my goodness, you look stunning!" she exclaims. "That dress was made for you." I turn to the mirror and can hardly believe what I see. The dress fits me perfectly, hugging my curves in all the right places. The color brings out the warm