Now, years later, she stood before him again, just as fierce, just as untamed, just as impossible to ignore. And this time, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to.
But he couldn’t let her see that. Not when he had spent so long making sure no one ever saw through him.
Vera exhaled, shaking her head. "You’re a terrible liar, Asher."
His lips curved slightly. "Then it’s a good thing you only need me to be a good strategist, not an honest man."
....................
The night had been long, filled with forced smiles, scrutinizing gazes, and whispers that followed Vera wherever she moved. She had learned to tolerate it, to wear her indifference like armor. But even she wasn’t immune to the exhaustion that came with playing a role she hadn’t chosen.
Still, she held her glass of champagne with poise, taking small sips, careful not to let her irritation show.
That was until a passing waiter, hurried and distracted, collided with her side. The impact was light, but it was enough.
Her glass tipped.
The cold liquid sloshed over the rim, cascading down her wrist before splattering onto the pristine fabric of her gown.
A sharp gasp left her lips as she instinctively pulled back, but it was too late. A spreading stain bloomed across the soft material, and for a split second, the entire room felt like it had paused.
Heat rushed to her face, but she forced herself to remain composed. The waiter, a young man with wide, apologetic eyes, stammered. "I.. I'm so sorry, ma’am, I didn’t..."
Vera inhaled sharply, swallowing the immediate annoyance bubbling up her throat. It wasn’t his fault. It was an accident.
"It’s fine," she said, voice clipped but even. She barely spared him another glance before turning toward Asher, who had witnessed the entire thing.
He tilted his head, his mouth curving slightly as if suppressing a smirk. "Didn’t take you for the clumsy type."
Vera shot him a glare before adjusting her posture. "Excuse me," she muttered, not waiting for a response as she turned on her heel and strode toward the restroom.
Vera barely made it to the entrance of the washroom before she spotted Sarah waiting for her.
Arms crossed, a smug smile playing on her perfectly painted lips, Sarah looked like she had been expecting this moment.
Vera’s eyes narrowed. "Shouldn’t you be off somewhere, trying to convince everyone you’re the perfect match for Asher?"
Sarah let out a soft, amused hum. "Oh, I don’t need to convince anyone, Vera. The Donovan family has already made their choice." She lifted a delicate brow. "But then again, you already knew that, didn’t you?"
Vera exhaled sharply, her patience running thin. "If you’re here to gloat, save your breath. I have better things to do."
Sarah took a step closer, lowering her voice. "You think you belong in his world? That this little charade of yours will last?" She tilted her head. "You may have fooled some people, Vera, but not me."
Vera’s lips curled into a smirk. "That’s funny, because I was about to say the same thing to you."
Sarah’s eyes darkened. "I knew you’d be too proud to admit it, so I had to give you a reminder." Her gaze flicked toward Vera’s stained dress. "A little accident to remind you exactly where you stand."
Vera stiffened, realization clicking instantly. "You paid that waiter."
Sarah didn’t even bother denying it. Instead, she simply smiled. "Careful, darling. A woman like you shouldn’t get too comfortable in a place she doesn’t belong."
Vera let out a low chuckle, stepping forward until they were nearly nose to nose. "And yet, Asher still chose me. And he will over and over again." She tilted her head mockingly. "I wonder why that is."
Sarah’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. "You’re nothing more than a temporary distraction. When the Donovan's make their final decision, we both know who they’ll pick. And it won’t be you."
Vera held her gaze, unfazed. "Asher isn’t a puppet for his family to control, no matter how badly you wish he were. And if you think I’m going to roll over and let you intimidate me, then you clearly don’t know who you’re dealing with."
Sarah’s smirk faltered, just slightly, but it was enough for Vera to know she had struck a nerve.
"This isn’t over," Sarah finally said, her voice laced with barely contained venom.
Vera arched a brow. "Oh, I know. I’m looking forward to watching you lose."
Sarah scoffed before turning on her heel, her heels clicking sharply against the marble as she disappeared down the hall.
Vera exhaled slowly, forcing herself to steady the adrenaline still buzzing through her veins. She knew she and Asher were just putting on a show. She knew it was nothing more than a carefully played game.
And yet, when she had told Sarah that Asher would choose her over and over again…
Why had it felt like the truth?
Vera watched Sarah’s retreating figure until she disappeared down the hallway, her sharp heels clicking against the marble in an angry rhythm.
She had meant every word she said to Sarah.
Hadn’t she?
Her footsteps felt heavy as she pushed open the washroom door, the cool air inside offering a brief moment of solitude. She crossed the pristine tiled floor, placing her hands on the edge of the sink, and stared at her reflection in the mirror.
Her expression was unreadable, but her mind was anything but.
She had spoken with such conviction, so much certainty when she told Sarah that Asher would choose her over and over again. But the truth clawed at the edges of her confidence, none of this was real.
Then why had she felt so… possessive?
Her fingers clenched the counter. Asher was not hers to claim. She had known that from the beginning. And yet, something twisted in her chest at the thought of Sarah still believing she had any right to him.
The jealousy in Sarah’s voice had been unmistakable, her attempt at intimidation desperate. But what had unsettled Vera the most was the realization that Sarah wasn’t the only one feeling possessive.
Vera shook her head, pushing away the intrusive thoughts. She turned on the faucet, running cold water over her wrists, letting the chill ground her.“This is just a deal,” she muttered under her breath, as if saying it out loud would make it true.The champagne stain on her dress was already setting in, a visual reminder of Sarah’s petty tactics. She reached for the paper towels, dabbing at the fabric in an attempt to clean herself up, but her hands stilled for a moment.What if… what if it wasn’t just playing anymore?No. She wouldn’t go down that road. She couldn’t afford to.Sarah stormed out of the venue, her perfectly curated composure cracking with every step she took.The night air was cool, but it did little to temper the heat of her frustration. Her nails dug into the palms of her hands as she replayed the conversation with Vera over and over again in her mind.Vera had been so damn confident.As if she truly believed Asher would keep choosing her.As if Sarah was nothing mo
The night breeze was cool against his overheated skin as he gripped the railing, staring out at the city skyline.The Alden estate stood tall in the distance, a testament to the power and wealth that dictated their lives. And inside that estate was Vera, playing a role he couldn’t quite understand but knew she wasn’t suited for.She wasn’t like them. She never had been.And yet, here she was, standing beside Asher Donovan, looking every bit the part of the perfect companion. It made his stomach twist with something unpleasant, regret, jealousy, or maybe just the cruel realization that he had made a choice that could never be undone.“You look like a man being eaten alive by his own choices.”Lucas stiffened at the sound of Nicholas' voice. He didn’t turn, but he could sense the other man’s smirk even without looking.“What do you want, Alden?” Lucas muttered, not in the mood for mind games.Nicholas stepped beside him, his gaze lazily scanning the city lights. “Just enjoying the view.
Asher hadn’t hesitated. He hadn’t even looked back.Sarah’s fingers curled into fists, her perfectly manicured nails biting into the soft flesh of her palm. A part of her wanted to march after them, to make Asher see reason, to demand he explain himself. But that wouldn’t do.No, Sarah Langford didn’t beg.She didn’t chase.She destroyed.So she stood there, her expression carefully composed, her breathing steady despite the anger curling hot in her stomach. Let them leave together. Let Vera think she had won.This wasn’t over.Because in the end, it wouldn’t matter if Asher was momentarily fascinated by her. Fascination wasn’t enough.The Donovan family would never allow Vera to stay.And when the time came, Sarah would be the one left standing beside Asher, just as she had always planned.Vera, however, would be nothing more than a temporary distraction.A mistake.A regret.And Sarah would make damn sure of it.The sleek black car waited out front, engine humming softly against the
The soft click of her apartment door echoed louder than it should have.Vera stepped inside, toeing off her heels without bothering to turn on the lights. Moonlight spilled through the floor to ceiling windows, casting long silver streaks across the wooden floors. The silence that met her was familiar, comforting even, but tonight, it didn’t bring the usual relief.She dropped her clutch on the console table by the door and shrugged off her coat, letting it fall haphazardly over the back of the couch. The damp patch from the champagne stain clung to her skin, cold and unpleasant.She peeled the dress off and traded it for one of Asher’s oversized button down shirt, left behind during their first meeting.She stood still for a moment in the quiet, staring at her reflection in the window. Her eyes were tired. Not from the party. Not even from Sarah’s confrontation. But from the weight she carried. The one she didn’t show anyone.Her fingers itched to text someone, Talia maybe. But her b
Vera Caldwell was fire.Untamed. Unapologetic. Proud.And now, here she was, putting herself on a stage where every single person was waiting for her to stumble.It was wrong.But it was the only way he knew how to protect her.He exhaled harshly, tugging at the collar of his dress shirt. The car was too warm. Too quiet. Too full of thoughts he couldn’t ignore anymore.“You looked at her like you meant it,” Nicholas had said earlier.And he hadn’t denied it.Because how could he?He remembered the first time he met Vera.“Watch where you’re going,” she’d snapped, like he was the one who owed her an apology.He hadn’t laughed in weeks before that moment.She’d stuck in his mind long after, just a flash of a girl in a wrinkled white shirt and oversized sunglasses, too bold for her own good. He’d never expected to see her again. And yet, here she was back in his world, now wrapped in diamonds and secrets.But the girl hadn’t changed. Not really.She was still fire.And he was still helpl
The moment Vera Sinclair walked into the lavish restaurant, she knew something was off.The low hum of conversation, the clinking of crystal glasses, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes did nothing to settle the unease crawling up her spine.Across the table, her boyfriend of four years, Lucas Whitmore, wore an expression she had never seen before, distant, cold, and unreadable.She set her purse on the chair beside her and smiled, ignoring the warning bells in her head. "You’re quiet tonight. Long day?"Lucas exhaled sharply, adjusting the cuffs of his expensive suit. "Vera, we need to talk."Her stomach twisted.No conversation that began with those words ever ended well.Still, she forced herself to remain calm. "Okay. What’s on your mind?"He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he picked up his wine glass, swirled the liquid, and watched it as if searching for words in the deep red color.When he finally spoke, his voice carried a sharp edge. "I think we should break up."For a m
Asher swirled the dark liquid in his glass, his gaze never leaving hers. "Something far better than a man who treated you like a substitute."Vera studied Asher Donovan’s face, trying to decipher his intentions.He was a man known for calculated moves, never saying or doing anything without a purpose. But what purpose did she serve to him?She took another slow sip of her drink, letting the heat settle inside her before meeting his gaze. "You seem awfully invested in my business, Mr. Donovan."Asher chuckled, the deep sound vibrating in the space between them. "Call it an observation. A woman like you shouldn’t waste her time on a man who couldn’t see her worth."His words struck a nerve, and for a moment, Vera wavered. But she quickly masked it with a smirk. "And I suppose you’re here to enlighten me on what I’m worth?"Asher leaned forward, his presence overwhelming in a way that made it impossible to ignore him. "Perhaps," he murmured. "But I have a more interesting proposition for
The grand ballroom was filled with the city’s most influential people, but Vera barely noticed them. Her eyes found Lucas almost instantly.He was standing near the bar, a drink in hand, dressed in a navy suit that matched Camilla’s gown.They looked perfect together, just as he had always wanted.But the moment he saw Vera, the color drained from his face.Camilla, standing beside him, followed his gaze and stiffened. Her grip tightened around his arm, her eyes narrowing.Vera smiled. A slow, knowing smile.I’m not broken. I’m not forgotten. And I’m not the woman you left behind.Asher leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "He’s looking at you like he’s just realized what he lost."Vera let out a soft laugh. "Good. Let him."Lucas Whitmore had always been a man who prided himself on control, but as he stared at Vera across the ballroom, his grip on his drink tightened, his knuckles turning white.Vera didn’t falter. She let the moment hang, let him soak in the reality of what h
Vera Caldwell was fire.Untamed. Unapologetic. Proud.And now, here she was, putting herself on a stage where every single person was waiting for her to stumble.It was wrong.But it was the only way he knew how to protect her.He exhaled harshly, tugging at the collar of his dress shirt. The car was too warm. Too quiet. Too full of thoughts he couldn’t ignore anymore.“You looked at her like you meant it,” Nicholas had said earlier.And he hadn’t denied it.Because how could he?He remembered the first time he met Vera.“Watch where you’re going,” she’d snapped, like he was the one who owed her an apology.He hadn’t laughed in weeks before that moment.She’d stuck in his mind long after, just a flash of a girl in a wrinkled white shirt and oversized sunglasses, too bold for her own good. He’d never expected to see her again. And yet, here she was back in his world, now wrapped in diamonds and secrets.But the girl hadn’t changed. Not really.She was still fire.And he was still helpl
The soft click of her apartment door echoed louder than it should have.Vera stepped inside, toeing off her heels without bothering to turn on the lights. Moonlight spilled through the floor to ceiling windows, casting long silver streaks across the wooden floors. The silence that met her was familiar, comforting even, but tonight, it didn’t bring the usual relief.She dropped her clutch on the console table by the door and shrugged off her coat, letting it fall haphazardly over the back of the couch. The damp patch from the champagne stain clung to her skin, cold and unpleasant.She peeled the dress off and traded it for one of Asher’s oversized button down shirt, left behind during their first meeting.She stood still for a moment in the quiet, staring at her reflection in the window. Her eyes were tired. Not from the party. Not even from Sarah’s confrontation. But from the weight she carried. The one she didn’t show anyone.Her fingers itched to text someone, Talia maybe. But her b
Asher hadn’t hesitated. He hadn’t even looked back.Sarah’s fingers curled into fists, her perfectly manicured nails biting into the soft flesh of her palm. A part of her wanted to march after them, to make Asher see reason, to demand he explain himself. But that wouldn’t do.No, Sarah Langford didn’t beg.She didn’t chase.She destroyed.So she stood there, her expression carefully composed, her breathing steady despite the anger curling hot in her stomach. Let them leave together. Let Vera think she had won.This wasn’t over.Because in the end, it wouldn’t matter if Asher was momentarily fascinated by her. Fascination wasn’t enough.The Donovan family would never allow Vera to stay.And when the time came, Sarah would be the one left standing beside Asher, just as she had always planned.Vera, however, would be nothing more than a temporary distraction.A mistake.A regret.And Sarah would make damn sure of it.The sleek black car waited out front, engine humming softly against the
The night breeze was cool against his overheated skin as he gripped the railing, staring out at the city skyline.The Alden estate stood tall in the distance, a testament to the power and wealth that dictated their lives. And inside that estate was Vera, playing a role he couldn’t quite understand but knew she wasn’t suited for.She wasn’t like them. She never had been.And yet, here she was, standing beside Asher Donovan, looking every bit the part of the perfect companion. It made his stomach twist with something unpleasant, regret, jealousy, or maybe just the cruel realization that he had made a choice that could never be undone.“You look like a man being eaten alive by his own choices.”Lucas stiffened at the sound of Nicholas' voice. He didn’t turn, but he could sense the other man’s smirk even without looking.“What do you want, Alden?” Lucas muttered, not in the mood for mind games.Nicholas stepped beside him, his gaze lazily scanning the city lights. “Just enjoying the view.
Vera shook her head, pushing away the intrusive thoughts. She turned on the faucet, running cold water over her wrists, letting the chill ground her.“This is just a deal,” she muttered under her breath, as if saying it out loud would make it true.The champagne stain on her dress was already setting in, a visual reminder of Sarah’s petty tactics. She reached for the paper towels, dabbing at the fabric in an attempt to clean herself up, but her hands stilled for a moment.What if… what if it wasn’t just playing anymore?No. She wouldn’t go down that road. She couldn’t afford to.Sarah stormed out of the venue, her perfectly curated composure cracking with every step she took.The night air was cool, but it did little to temper the heat of her frustration. Her nails dug into the palms of her hands as she replayed the conversation with Vera over and over again in her mind.Vera had been so damn confident.As if she truly believed Asher would keep choosing her.As if Sarah was nothing mo
Now, years later, she stood before him again, just as fierce, just as untamed, just as impossible to ignore. And this time, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to.But he couldn’t let her see that. Not when he had spent so long making sure no one ever saw through him.Vera exhaled, shaking her head. "You’re a terrible liar, Asher."His lips curved slightly. "Then it’s a good thing you only need me to be a good strategist, not an honest man."....................The night had been long, filled with forced smiles, scrutinizing gazes, and whispers that followed Vera wherever she moved. She had learned to tolerate it, to wear her indifference like armor. But even she wasn’t immune to the exhaustion that came with playing a role she hadn’t chosen.Still, she held her glass of champagne with poise, taking small sips, careful not to let her irritation show.That was until a passing waiter, hurried and distracted, collided with her side. The impact was light, but it was enough.Her glass tipped.The
Vera recognized it for what it was.A warning.She then turned to Asher, arching a brow. "Momentary indulgence? That’s what she thinks I am?"Asher exhaled slowly. "That’s what they think you will be."Vera studied him for a long moment. "And you?"Something flickered in his gaze. "I don’t do ‘momentary,’ Vera."A shiver ran through her, but she wasn’t sure if it was from the way he said it… or the way she wanted to believe him.A low chuckle broke the moment. Nicholas Alden leaned casually against a marble column, swirling the amber liquid in his glass before taking a slow sip. His sharp eyes gleamed with amusement as he watched the exchange.Sarah, still composed but clearly irritated had her fingers tight around the stem of her untouched champagne flute."It’s funny," Nicholas mused, his voice rich with knowing. "You think this is just a battle of reputations, Sarah, but you’re missing something crucial."Sarah turned to him with an icy glare. "And what might that be,?"He smirked,
Asher walked beside her, his presence solid. "You didn’t give him what he wanted, did you?"Vera let out a soft laugh, though it carried a sharp edge. "Lucas doesn’t even know what he wants."Asher smirked, but there was something more in his eyes, approval, maybe even something deeper. "Good. Because I’d hate to have to remind him."His words were casual, but Vera didn’t miss the weight behind them. There was an unspoken promise in Asher’s tone, something possessive, protective even. It should have unsettled her.But, it didn’t.Before she could respond, the music shifted, signaling the start of another dance. Asher extended his hand. "Dance with me."Vera hesitated, eyeing him carefully. "And what exactly do you gain from this?"He tilted his head, considering. "A reason for Sarah, to keep up appearances. She’s watching. She always is."Vera followed his gaze and found Sarah Langford, the woman Asher’s family had long groomed to be his perfect match.Tall, poised, effortlessly elega
The moment Vera and Asher stepped away from Lucas and Camilla, the weight of their stares burned into her back. But Vera didn’t falter. A waiter approached with a tray of champagne flutes, and Asher plucked two, handing one to Vera.She took it with a nod, then turned her gaze to the sprawling city lights beyond the terrace.The cool evening air was a stark contrast to the heated tension inside."You knew he’d approach me," Vera said after a moment, swirling the golden liquid in her glass."Of course," Asher said, leaning against the railing. "Lucas Whitmore is predictable. The moment he saw you with me, he couldn’t stand it. He wanted to reassert control."She let out a soft laugh. "And yet, he no longer has any."Asher tilted his head. "Exactly."They stood in comfortable silence, the noise of the gala fading behind them.Vera took a sip of her drink, the bubbles tingling against her lips."Enjoying this?" Asher asked breaking the silence.Vera turned to face him, her expression un