Rayan swiftly responded to her kiss by wrapping his arms around hers. The passionate kiss suddenly intensified as they both battled for control. Their tongues started to dance together in passionate sync as they both poured all of their longing emotions through the kiss. As moments passed, their hunger and need for each other increased, making their hands work on their own. Rayan's hand started to explore under Anthea's shirt, causing her to shiver. He savoured her lips, relishing the sweetness he found there. She could feel her heartbeat quicken because of his burning touch. She shivered when his hands made contact with her exposed stomach under her t-shirt. Anthea wanted more. "Rayan." Anthea let out a groan. She clenched her hands on his chest as he leaned over her, kissing her lips with such intensity that she felt her breath catch. His soft, plump lips moved in perfect sync with hers. He kissed her lips before gently caressing her upper ones with his. She returned his kiss with
The following morning, Anthea remained comfortably nestled beneath the comfort of the silk duvet. She snuggled closer to the warm body of Rayan while he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his warm embrace. They were both sleeping soundly after the exhausting night; however, the chain of peace suddenly broke when Anthea heard a knock against the bedroom door. She frowned while trying to brush it off.“Daddy!” As soon as Nevaeh’s voice reached Anthea’s ears, her eyes shot open in shock. She quickly tried to untangle herself from Rayan while glancing at the door worriedly. “It's me. Open the door.” Nevaeh called out from behind the door, her little voice getting impatient with the lack of response. “Shit.” Anthea cursed before sitting up straight on the bed. Thankfully, she was wearing a t-shirt. She looked at Rayan, who moved slightly, trying to open his eyes. “Rayan! Wake up. Nevaeh is here.” Anthea quickly nudged him, her eyes flashing with panic. Her voice seemed to wak
Anthea was preparing lunch in the kitchen after spending some time with Nevaeh. She wanted to make all of her daughter’s favourite dishes to make her happy and also catch up with the missing time in their lives.Rayan went upstairs to attend an emergency video conference while Amalia, Nevaeh, and Noah were busy watching television in the living room. Noah had joined them half an hour later. Amalia was helping her until Nevaeh called her. “Anthea!” Amalia’s voice made Anthea snap her head in her direction. She was standing at the kitchen's entrance with a nervous look on her face. “Yes, Amalia?” Anthea smiled while wondering what the reason was behind her sudden nervousness. She quickly put the next batch of cupcakes in the oven before walking towards Amalia. “Can I talk to you for a second?” Amalia asked after taking a long breath. “Sure. Do you need something?” Anthea nodded her head before inquiring. “No. I just, uh, Amalia shook her head while trying to find the right words t
Rayan stepped into the kitchen, his eyes focused on Amalia. The cold expression on his face sent shivers down her spine. “What were you talking about, Amalia?” Rayan asked again, his tone as cold as ice. Anthea stood a few metres away without saying a single word. She didn't know what to say or how to react. It's not like she didn't know Aurelia and Sarah were the ones behind her accident. But what she didn't know was that Amalia was also involved in this, knowingly or unknowingly. This revelation created a bitter feeling inside her chest. “I…I…” Amalia shuttered while her face paled. She couldn't even bring herself to talk to her brother because of the sudden fear inside her chest. “Answer me, Amalia.” Rayan almost raised his voice at Amalia. He was getting impatient with her. “I'm sorry. I… Please forgive me.” Amalia began to cry again as she clenched her fists in fear. “I didn't do it on purpose. I swear I didn't. Don’t hate me,please.” She began to panic while crying hysteric
“How did I betray you?” Rayan questioned, his brows meeting in confusion. He really needed to know why she kept accusing him of betraying him from the day they met five years later. “You cheated on me with Aurelia and let my dad suffer the humiliation.” Anthea yelled as angry tears filled her eyes before falling down on her cheeks. Anthea’s eyes blazed with anger, hurt, and resentment.“Lily, why do you think I cheated on you with Aurelia? Do you have any proof?” Rayan asked calmly as he walked towards her. Anthea pressed her lips tightly as she raised her chin slightly. “Five years ago, the day before your birthday, you were supposed to come home early and have dinner with me, but you didn't come and didn't answer any of my calls or texts. I kept calling you until Aurelia answered your phone. She told me you were with her, and I should get out of your life.” She slowly began to speak after a few moments of silence, remembering the fateful day that ruined her life completely. The d
“So Asher was working for her the whole time?” Anthea asked, looking still in disbelief. Rayan sighed before nodding his head. “Yes.” He confirmed. “But why? What did he gain by helping her?” Anthea asked, not finding a valid reason behind Asher's action. Rayan could see the confusion in her eyes. “Asher’s father used to work for our company. He was caught selling private information about the company to our rivals. My dad caught him and sent him to jail, where he committed suicide to escape the debts and humiliation, leaving him and his sick mother to deal with everything. Her mother also died because of a lack of proper treatment, and he grew up with a grudge against us. That's why he worked hard and joined our company for revenge. He met Aurelia through me and fell for her. To win her love, he did everything she asked him to until he became her puppet.” Rayan quickly explained to her, his fingers playing with her hair. After she calmed down, they both sat and calmly talked about
“What are you doing here?” Camilla’s expression turned into a glare as soon as she saw Anthea sitting in the living room of her home. How dare that bitch enter her house?” “Oh, hi, mother-in-law.” Anthea glanced at Camilla over her shoulder before smiling at her. “Get the hell out of my house now. I don't want my house to be dirty with your presence.” Camilla gritted out angrily. She felt her blood pressure rise at the sight of that bitch. There was nothing she wanted to do more than slap her ugly face. Her peaceful life had turned upside down the day her ominous presence entered her life.“Relax, dear mother-in-law. Stress is not good for your old age.” Anthea chuckled while standing up from the couch. Her black off-shoulder body-con dress hugged her body perfectly as she moved. The diamond necklace on her neck shone brightly when she turned to face Camilla. Anthea’s every single movement screamed money and power. She really rose from the ashes. “You insolent girl. How dare you sp
“You can have it checked or call your husband for confirmation.” Anthea smiled lazily at them, provoking them further. She was really having fun seeing them suffer so much. “Do you think I will believe you if you bring some fake papers?” Camilla gritted out, refusing to believe the papers or anything she said. How could this house belong to her when she knows it's under Benjamin’s name? He would never give this to Anthea; she's damn sure. “I didn't know you were such an idiot, mother-in-law. I took you for a smart woman.” Anthea chuckled mockingly, making Camilla’s anger surface. “You bitch.” She yelled angrily while stomping towards Anthea. "Yes, I'm a bitch. So what?” Anthea scoffed while crossing her arms over her chest. “Get out of my house right now, and Sarah, go and call Benjamin.” Camilla shouted angrily at Anthea before ordering Sarah. “Do as you wish. I'm already done with your unnecessary drama.” Anthea shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly before pretending to rub her
"Why are we here, Rayan?" Anthea asked the moment she realised where Rayan had brought her! This was the place she dreaded coming to the most.Her father’s grave! Anthea’s mind went blank just thinking of this place. She had never visited this place in the last six years. She just couldn’t go there. Never. It had given her so many memories, sorrows, and pains, along with happiness. "Just trust me, please, baby.""But Rayan, you know I can't." Anthea shook her head; her voice sounded broken and vulnerable. Rayan quickly hugged her, rubbing her back to calm her down. "I know it's hard. But you have to be strong. You are strong. It's high time, Anthea; you need to let this heartbreak go and confront your fear. He's waiting for you, baby," Rayan encouraged while caressing her hair lightly. "You know I can't. It's too painful. I just can't face him, Rayan. How am I going to answer him? He's mad at me, I'm sure. Anthea let out a sob as tears slowly started to fall from her eyes. "Don't
“How did it go?” Anthea asked anxiously as soon as Rayan stepped into the living room. He smiled at her before pulling her into a tight hug. “Everything went well. I have already submitted all the evidence and they are taking the case directly to the court. He wouldn't be able to escape this time.” He answered while burying his face in the crook of his neck, trying to relax. Anthea let out a sigh of relief. “Thank god! You should have taken me with you.” She expressed it heartily while hugging her arms around Rayan’s back. “No! I don't want his dirty eyes to land on you, even for a second. I will take care of everything from here while you just stay here and take care of Nevaeh and our family.” Rayan raised his head and shook it before speaking. Anthea sighed again, totally understanding his concern. “I'm glad finally it's over with the Jones and we can relax.” Anthea smiled, changing the subject as they broke the hug while walking towards the couch. No one was present in the livi
Sebastian just got out of his car and was about to enter the Jones Corporation when a few men walked towards him before blocking his path. “Mr Jones.” One of the men called him before flashing him his ID card. Sebastian, who was surprised by the sudden unwanted visit, looked at the ID card of the man and realised they were from the Central Bureau of Investigation. “What brings you here, Officer?” Sebastian asked, trying to smile politely at them, but deep down he already had an ominous feeling rising inside his chest. “You are under arrest. Please raise your arms and cooperate with us.” The officer announced this loudly, grabbing some passersby’s attention who let out visible gasps while witnessing the scene. Sebastian was quite startled too, as he didn't expect some CBI officer to suddenly appear and tell him that he was being arrested. “What?” He looked at the officer in confusion, not understanding what was going on. “Handcuff him.” The officer ignored his words as he gestured
After the dinner ended, everyone was sitting around and casually chatting when Roman got up from his seat before walking towards Rayan, who was talking to Elijah. “Can I talk to you for a few minutes?” Roman asked Rayan after reaching him. He excused himself from Elijah before nodding politely at Roman. “Of course.” He answered, making Roman nod. Elijah excused himself before giving them some space to talk. “Let's go somewhere quiet.” Roman offered, making Rayan nod. They were about to walk out of the VIP dining lounge when Anthea’s sudden voice stopped them. “Where are you two going?” She asked, looking at them with a frown. Rayan was about to answer her when Roman beat him to it. “Smoking!” Rayan blurted out while trying to cover something from Anthea. The moment the answer left his mouth, Anthea’s eyes narrowed as she looked at her husband with a scowl. “Rayan! I told you to quit smoking.” She glared at him, looking totally pissed. Rayan sighed as he looked at her angry expre
“Anthea, Rayan!” Athena greeted her enthusiastically as soon as Anthea, Rayan, and Nevaeh stepped into the private dining room. “Hey!” Anthea smiled while walking towards her, while Rayan stayed behind her, holding Nevaeh. “We were waiting for you!” Athena said, smiling heartily. Anthea smiled back, her eyes shifting to Roman, Elijah, and Emilia, who were already sitting on the chairs. Emilia waved her hand slightly when she met Anthea’s gaze. “Oh my God! Is that our little princess?" Athena exclaimed in joy when she caught sight of Nevaeh, who was walking beside her father, looking like an angel. Athena was totally awestruck by the sight of Nevaeh. “Yeah!” Anthea nodded with a chuckle, while Rayan smiled. “Nevaeh, say hi to your uncles and aunts." Anthea turned around before instructing Nevaeh with a smile. She looked at her mother before looking at Athena, who was still looking at her with a smile. “Hi!” She grinned shyly while trying to hide behind her father. Rayan let out a
“You didn't tell me you were coming here.” Rayan asked in surprise when he met Anthea in the hallway of the hospital. He was just returning after checking in with his father. He thought she would be going to the office directly after meeting Silas. “Because I knew I would find you here.” Anthea replied with a barely visible smile on her face. Rayan already noticed her dim expression, causing him to frown in concern. “Is everything okay?” He asked, walking towards her before holding her hand. Anthea glanced at him before nodding her head slightly. “Yeah. How is Mr. Allen?” She asked, trying to change the subject. Rayan also realised it but said nothing. He quietly followed her back to the VIP ward. “Better than before. He will be moved to the general word tonight after they did some last inspection.” He replied while intertwining his hands with her. “That's good news.” Anthea nodded, a genuine smile spreading across her lips at the good news. It didn't even pass 48 hours and his c
“You know where. How could you forget what you went through because of him? If it wasn't for family and me, Silas didn't finish his sentence and stopped midway when he noticed Anthea's eyes glaring sharply at him.“So you really think that just because you helped me in my darkest phase, you have some sort of right over me?” Anthea asked, her eyes flashing with coldness at the sudden realisation. “Anthea!” Silas uttered, looking at her with a blank expression. Anthea couldn't read what was running inside her head but at the moment, she barely cared. “Answer me, Silas. Is that what you think?” Anthea pressed further, her expression remaining the same. At that moment, she was sure about one thing: Rayan didn't lie or misunderstand anything. It was she who was blind and delusional. She couldn't see the truth, which was already before her eyes. “Did Rayan tell you this?” Silas suddenly asked back, his expression hardening. He didn't expect that son of a bitch, Rayan, to vomit every sin
“Drop me at this address.” Anthea said this while showing Rayan an address on her phone. “Why? You are not going to the office?” Rayan, who was driving the car, asked before taking the phone from her hand and then glancing at the address. “No. I'm going to meet Silas.” Anthea answered with a sigh. She noticed Rayan’s face hardening as soon as the words left her mouth. For a moment, he didn't say anything. “Okay. I'm going to the hospital to check on Dad. Call me if anything happens.” He nodded after a moment of silence while focusing on the road. “Okay. How is your dad?” Anthea nodded back before inquiring about Benjamin. She didn't receive any news on him from the moment she left the hospital with Silas. “He's improving.” Rayan muttered while taking a turn. The address Anthea showed him wasn't far. “I'm glad to hear that.” She sighed in relief, knowing Benjamin was getting well. She just hoped nothing bad would happen and he would eventually recover. Last night, they talked, an
“Because Silas told me you were in his house and you were going to stay with him when he came to pick Nevaeh up.” Rayan answered, feeling angry and helpless. He shouldn't have listened to that bastard in the first place. He should have known better. “What the hell!” Anthea stared at him in shock. “You don't believe me?” Rayan’s face hardened as he noticed the disbelief in her eyes. She was unwilling to believe him, which meant she trusted that bastard over him. Anthea shook her head immediately. “No! It's not like that. Why would he say something like that?” She denied it before inquiring. Rayan’s expression changed again as he took a step back from her; however, his eyes never left her. “Because he wants to provoke me and create misunderstandings between us.” He answered while grinding his teeth. Anthea frowned as disbelief crossed her eyes. “What are you saying, Rayan? Silas would never do something like that.” She shook her head, trying to deny everything Rayan just said. Ther