ROBERT "How about this gown?" Renee asked.I looked up from my phone, my eyes widening as I took in the stunning vision before me. “Wow!” The word escaped my lips before I could stop myself, and Renee's self-satisfied grin, which had been slowly forming, grew more prominent. The black sequined dress she wore was almost flawless. Extremely beautiful—as stunning as she was—with every line and curve revealing her long legs and full breasts. The material clung to her body perfectly, creating an enticing appearance that radiated allure, sexiness, and bare seduction. "I can see you like this dress, Mr. Clarke. Are we taking it?" The nearby attendant asked, her eyebrows quirking as she waited for a response. “Absolutely. I think it's beautiful and…." I trailed off, staring at Renee again, this time at her thighs. “Is there a slit anywhere?” “Do you mean showing off some sexy skin? There is, indeed. Do you like it?” Renee teased, twirling and widening her legs slightly, allowing me to
RENEE SOME DAYS LATER "Ma'am, raise your chin slightly. We're almost finished." The makeup artist gave me instructions, and I followed them exactly. The woman was quick. As she brushed my face and smoothed the stray hairs, I looked in the vanity mirror, taking in my appearance. Today was the masquerade Robert had been invited to, and I was being primed and prepped for the occasion. His hotel suite's bedroom had been converted into an intimate dressing room, and various stylists and makeup artists were on hand to attend to my every need. It felt like this event was more for me than for him or us. What else could I expect from our first official outing as a couple? Of course, he'd want to go all out. A shiver ran down my spine as I wondered if I'd fit in with his world. A world that screamed wealth, extravagance, and grandeur. I had doubts, but I’d give it my all for him and us tonight. The vibrating sound of my cell phone drew me out of my reverie. Muttering an apology to the
Stronger than lover’s love is lover’s hate. Incurable, in each, the wounds they make. — Euripides~•~AMANDA Time was speedily running by, yet Robert and his date were nowhere to be seen.What the hell was keeping them? I gripped my wine glass so tightly it almost shattered.They were supposed to arrive an hour ago, according to my watch. The masked ball had begun already. The evening had been busy, with wealthy socialites milling about, talking, and dining while most of the activities set aside for the ball had taken place. Charity donations and auctions which were the party’s main event had finished. Most people in attendance were making their way to the exits. Yet still, the man of the show—or my show—was nowhere to be found. So, where in the world were they? Had they decided to bail out? Had they decided not to attend the ball anymore? I shook my head, attempting to clear my mind of the thoughts and questions brewing. They couldn't bail. They just couldn’t. If there’s one th
RENEE I followed the waitress out of the hall and to the back of the magnificent building. The restroom was oddly located at the back of the building. Whoever designed this building had something up their sleeves. The idea amused me when we finally reached our destination.Murmuring my thanks, the young lady took her to leave, and I pushed the large door open to reveal an empty restroom.It was deserted. Well, lucky me! I mused, a small smile on my lips. I was feeling pressed, as I'd told Robert earlier. I needed privacy and time to myself after what’s happened since we'd arrived at the masquerade. On the outside, I'd acted fine and composed all night, but deep down, I was shaking with nerves. I expected this. I'd even prepared myself for whatever might happen tonight, but it didn't stop me from feeling completely overwhelmed, helpless, and tongue-tied. It’d been difficult not to panic with every camera click taking photos of Robert and me and the never-ending stream of questions
RENEE My heart broke like bricks tumbling down a wall. It shattered into pieces like an ice cube in the middle of December’s snow, and I couldn't string it back together. My soul had taken a back seat in my body, and my entire existence was now dependent on my legs moving, but I remained stiff. The pain grew stronger and sharper with each word this woman said. It was like a punch to my guts. It felt like someone was squeezing my heart until it was as hollow as the pit of my stomach. There was nothing left inside. And maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if I'd had something to hold onto, but now, I could only stare blankly at the wall behind her.Everything in my line of sight was jumbled and the words 'Mrs. Amanda Clarke' kept echoing in my head over and over. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't block it out, and it hurt so damn much. The things she was saying. The way she laughed as she spewed out the trash made me want to scream, but I couldn’t. "I believe I've gotten you e
ROBERT *A FEW MINUTES EARLIER*"Please give me a minute, Mr. and Mrs. Charles. I need to check on someone." I spoke to the elderly couple before me, and my gaze was drawn to the Rolex on my wrist. "Certainly, Mr. Clarke. We'll be patient. The party is still going on, and we're not going anywhere." Mr. Charles smiled at me, then returned his attention to his wife and whispered in her ear. They moved toward the crowded dance floor, where several elites and socialites had gathered, sipping their cocktails and mingling. With a sigh, I glanced at my wristwatch for the umpteenth time and then back at the hall's entrance door, where Renee had vanished. Not just a few seconds ago, but nearly a half-hour, and I was becoming increasingly concerned about her whereabouts with each tick of my watch. She should’ve returned by now. It was unusual for her to spend so much time in the restroom, and as time passed, worry ate at my stomach like acid. Renee was never late. She was always on time a
RENEE “What a beautiful elite family reunion. Isn’t this lovely?” As she spoke, her words dripped with phoniness and venom. My heartbeat quickened as I watched her saunter casually toward where Robert and I were standing, whistling and clapping her hands maniacally, keeping the attention on her. My stomach churned with shock and anger, but I couldn't talk or move a muscle. I was stuck, frozen to the spot in Robert's arms, afraid to blink lest she noticed my fear. But I did blink. My tear-stained lashes fluttered as I looked at Robert, our gazes briefly meeting before he turned away. His grip on my shoulders tightened painfully. That expression on his face. He looked like someone forced to endure a painful and awkward situation—like a student caught doing something wrong and desperately wanting to flee. His lips were drawn into a thin line that showed no emotion. His eyes were lifeless, and his face had turned deathly pale. Terrified. He was terrified, I realized, and by God, ho
ROBERT Regret! That word lingered in my mind, biting at me until I was too sick and tired to think of anything else. It was eroding the edges of my sanity, making it difficult for me to breathe properly or think clearly. I felt a deep sadness as I watched Renee's silhouette fade into the darkness. That's when I realized how much of a jerk I'd been. She had vanished. My woman was gone, and the worst part was that I couldn't chase after her like I used to. Instead, I’d told one of the nearby security guards to follow her and ensure she got home safely. I would keep an eye out for her. After a while, perhaps days, I'd get through to her and... 'And then what?' My mind screamed at me. Despite my best efforts at being strong, tears prickled behind my eyelids. Back in the hall, I’d seen the pain swimming in her eyes and the look of utter disbelief, fear, and disgust as she saw me for who I truly was.She had every right to flee—to turn around and run away from me as fast as she coul
RENEEI had no idea where Robert was taking me tonight, and I didn't ask.He'd told me it was a surprise, and though I was used to him spoiling me, tonight felt different.Was it because this was our first date in months or because we had so much to celebrate? I couldn’t say.And so, when our vehicle stopped in front of a large, automated gate I instantly recognized from the first—and only—time he brought me here, I didn't try to hide my confusion."The hangar?!" I asked after we bypassed security, and the car crept forward to the main building.Robert got out, walking around to open my door. He held his arm out to help me down, but I ignored him and stepped out on my own."Are we flying out for this date?" I asked again as we approached the building, its massive entrance doors sliding open."Yes, we are, baby," he replied immediately, wrapping an arm around me from behind and guiding me through the doors.As we entered the hangar, which looked exactly as I remembered it, with its bri
ROBERT On the way home, my phone buzzed with a text. ‘All is set, sir,’ it read, followed by a wink emoji. ‘Congratulations in advance!’ The text was from Mark, who was to coordinate the surprise I’d planned for Renee tonight—the surprise marking the start of our new chapter. Smirking as I read the message, I quickly typed thanks, before sliding the phone into my breast pocket and taking a glance out the window. The car pulled into the driveway, and before the driver could get out to open my door, I was stepping out. The house staff warmly greeted me as I entered, and one informed me that Renee was in the backyard garden. Nodding gratefully, I made my way there. Sure enough, I spotted her. She stood near the daisies—her miracle flowers she called them. She once told me about a dream where she saw a whole field of daisies. And now she was determined to grow them everywhere in our garden. I smiled softly as I stood there, admiring and taking in every detail of her gorge
ROBERT I watched as the officers led Amanda out of the courtroom, her shackled hands clasped behind her back and her head hanging low. She looked broken. Defeated. And whereas she'd walked in confidently earlier, flashing a smug grin at me, now her feet dragged, and she didn't dare to look up. She couldn't, though, not after all that’d happened. Seeing her like this, knowing she finally got her karma, a bitter satisfaction curled in my chest. Finally, she got what she deserved. After the chaos, the wreck—the way she'd torn through my life, Renee's, and so many others—she would finally pay. This was her end. Her retribution. And it was brutal, yes, but it was also entirely fitting. "Yes," I breathed out, an invisible weight, one I'd carried for far too long, lifting from my chest. "Damn, I feel good," I murmured under my breath, and a smile formed on my lips. God! I couldn't wait to get home to Renee. I couldn't wait to tell her it was all over. That we’d won, and Aman
Your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing. ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky. ~•~AMANDA TWO MONTHS LATER Typically, a day begins when the clock strikes midnight, and the seconds tick.For some, it begins at seven a.m. or earlier. But today, my day began when the courthouse doors swung open and the bailiff ushered me and my lawyer into the courtroom. As we walked in, a hushed murmur rippled through the room, and for a moment, my stomach clenched—not in nervousness, but in anticipation. Which was strange given my crimes.Any prisoner convicted of murder would probably feel fear. Fear of their impending punishment, fear of the unknown consequences of their actions, fear of being executed. They'd also feel guilty, combine that with a sense of helplessness, and voila!But see, I wasn't just any prisoner. I was Amanda Clarke, and I feared no one. I feared nothing. As a convict who'd hired the best defense attorney in the country—my lawyer's record was pristine wi
RENEE "Look who's getting out of these four bleached walls today!" Nicole squealed with delight the moment she entered the room. She ran toward me, arms outstretched. "I'm so happy, Renee." She sniffled. "So fucking happy." "As am I," I said, hugging her with all my strength. "Where's Mom?" I asked. "She's at home, er, the mansion, preparing for your arrival," Nicole said. "I suspect you're going to eat a lot today, my friend," she added, and I laughed. "I can only imagine." I groaned and let go of her when Robert and the nurse assigned to check me out of the hospital arrived. She pushed a wheelchair into the room, signaling it was time for me to leave. As Robert turned to greet Nicole, the nurse, a petite young lady, attended to me. She introduced herself, asked a few questions, provided some healthcare instructions, and then it was time to fill out the discharge paperwork, which Robert quickly took charge of. As usual, he wasn’t letting me lift a finger. It’d been
ROBERTShe was awake.God, she was awake.I couldn't believe it, but as my legs carried me across the room and toward her, yes, Renee was awake. She was alive. She was conscious. And she was looking at me with teary brown eyes, muttering my name repeatedly. As I reached her bedside in a flash, and despite the doctor's warnings to take things easy, I pulled her into my arms and hugged her hard. Tight. Bone crushingly. The tears dropped faster than ever, and I cried. I sobbed. I turned into a blubbering mess, not caring about the doctor or nurses in the room. I just let the fucking grief out because it was about damn time. "Oh, God... Oh, Renee..." I mumbled, my voice breaking as I buried my face in her hair. "I... I thought you wouldn't make it. I thought I had lost you forever." My body shook violently as I spoke, but it didn’t stop my arms from tightening around her. I wanted to permanently hold her close. To never, ever let go of her."You didn't lose me." She whispered, her v
RENEE My dreams were a blur. I saw everything and nothing. I remembered everything and nothing. There was sunshine, and there was rain. There was light, and there was darkness. It was all so beautiful, but so terrifying. It was like time stopped, and I could do nothing about it. Everything felt surreal and I couldn't make sense of it. But then, suddenly… a feeling overtook me—a familiar feeling. The feeling of being alive. Of being whole. Of being complete. There was no more pain, blurry dreams, distorted visions, or anything else. There was only peace. And that peace woke me up. That peace made me move. That peace snapped me from my trance. Eyes fluttering open, the first thing I saw was a white ceiling. Then white walls and curtains. I blinked several times to orient myself to where I was, but the room appeared unfamiliar. It looked like… a hospital room. But why would I be there? I blinked slowly, trying to adjust my eyes to the sunlight streaming through
‘You’re my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you… please don’t take my sunshine away.’The sky really was grey, almost black in its intensity. It looked like a storm could burst out at any moment and unleash its wrath on anything within sight. But he didn't care. Robert. He just stood in the field of daisies, arms crossed, staring up at the gray sky as if it were the most wondrous thing in the world. And he was singing. Singing with that bassy, beautiful voice of his. The one Renee had fallen for. That made her heart skip a beat and sent butterflies fluttering through her stomach. ‘When the sky is dark, and the clouds are thick, I will keep you warm through the rain. And I will always be with you through the wind and snow. I love you. I love you. I love you.’He kept singing, his voice carrying through the air and reverberating throughout the field, causing even the smallest flowers to sway gently to his me
ROBERT“…bad news, Robert. You need to get here. Renee… She was drugged. Or poisoned. I…I'm not sure, but she fainted. She’s in a critical condition, and her life is hanging on by a thread…”Nicole's words swarmed and raced in my mind like angry gnats as I rushed past the hospital's reception, the busy ER nurses and medics, and through the bustling hospital corridors to the VIP room reserved exclusively for the Clarke household.I could hear my heart thumping steadily, but the agony was nothing compared to the million terrifying thoughts flying through my mind. Every thought brought me back to that single word. Drugged. Or was it…Poisoned?Renee had been poisoned. Fuck no!This couldn’t be real. What I’d heard on the phone earlier wasn’t true, neither was this situation. It was a prank. Maybe someone, Nicole or Renee herself, was pulling a cruel joke on me.Yes. That’s it. And by the heavens, my woman was okay. She was at the mansion, and the party was still in full swing. She wasn’t