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 morning sun crept through the slits of Vera’s blinds, casting golden lines across her bed.She sat curled up against the headboard, a blanket draped around her shoulders and her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She hadn’t slept much, not after last night.Not after everything.She thought she had braced herself for what this fake relationship would bring.The stares.The whispers.The subtle jabs from socialites like Sarah Langford. But nothing had prepared her for the headlines that greeted her the moment she opened her eyes."Asher Donovan's Date Shocks High Society: Mystery Girl Steals the Spotlight.""Who is Vera Sinclair? Inside the Scandalous Date of the Donovan Heir.""From Nobody to Noteworthy: The Woman Turning Asher Donovan’s Head."Each headline was worse than the last. Photos from the night before were already making the rounds online, her walking beside Asher in that sleek gown, his hand resting protectively on her back, the moment they’d walked out of the banquet
“I won’t apologize for last night,” Asher said finally, staring directly at his parents. “I brought Vera because I wanted to. Because she deserves to be seen.”“You’re being reckless,” Evelyn hissed. “And weak.”“No,” he said with dangerous calm, “I’m being honest.”Richard took a step forward. “You want to throw away everything for a girl who’s nothing but...”“Don’t finish that sentence,” Asher warned, his voice dropping low, almost too soft.For a moment, no one moved. Even the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner felt too loud.Evelyn smoothed her blouse. “So what now? You’re going to date her publicly? Invite her to every function? Pretend this will lead anywhere real?”Asher exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. “What I do with Vera is none of your concern. I’ll handle the media. The board. And if Sarah has a problem with it, she can call her PR team.”He grabbed his coffee at last and turned to leave.But before he stepped out of the room, he paused at the door.“
Vera hit send before she could overthink it.But then, her gaze narrowed.Because she realized something.She was alright.Sarah’s message had stung, sure, but it also brought something unexpected. Closure. Not just for the twisted game she and Sarah were locked in, but for the past that had kept Vera trapped for far too long.Lucas was over. He belonged in the ashes. And she was done sifting through them.Sarah wanted to rattle her? Wanted to play dirty?Fine.Let the games begin.Because Vera was done sulking. She was done reacting.It was time she started acting.Sarah had made one thing clear, she thought Asher was still hers. That Vera was just some decoration, a pawn in the game, something to be discarded when it no longer served its purpose.But what if the pawn became a queen?What if Asher fell for her?Vera smiled to herself, the expression slow and curling, a little wicked around the edges. Not because she wanted to fall in love. Not because she believed in fairy tales anym
Vera bit her bottom lip, feeling the dull ache in her chest pulse a little harder.She hadn’t realized how heavy everything felt until this very moment, until someone had noticed.Until he had noticed.For the longest time, she had made herself believe that no one could. That no one should. Not when her pain came from choices she had made, from trusting the wrong people, from walking paths she should’ve run from.Lucas. They all swirled together like ghosts in her mind.But Asher had cut through it. Quietly. Carefully. And it rattled her.She opened the message again, thumb hovering over the keyboard. She could play it cool. Send a flippant reply, maybe a teasing jab to keep things light.But something in her had snapped since Sarah’s message earlier before. That little piece of pride, that fierce fire that burned only brighter when someone tried to snuff her out. And Sarah had tried, again and again, to erase her.She wouldn’t let her.She wouldn’t let any of them.So she typed with
Vera sat in the quiet of her apartment, wrapped in an oversized hoodie. The soft fabric swaddled her, but it didn’t warm the chill racing down her spine.There was no more pretending.Not if she said yes.No more telling herself this was just about revenge.No more lying that her heart didn’t ache when Asher looked at her the way he did.She bit her lip, forcing herself to breathe.This wasn’t about love. She wasn’t that stupid. She had been in love before, madly, blindingly, with Lucas, and look how that ended.He had chosen Camilla and the safe, polished life that came with her. The betrayal still echoed in the corners of her mind, but it didn’t hurt as much now.Because Asher had shown up.In ways Lucas never had.And even when she’d doubted herself, when she felt like she didn’t belong in this glittering, savage world, Asher had looked at her like she did. Like she owned it.That look… That was what Nicholas had meant. And Sarah saw it too.God, Sarah.Vera gritted her teeth, the
They moved together like a slow burning fire, building, rising, until the world around them disappeared completely. The only thing left was this: his mouth on her skin, her whispered pleas, the sound of their names breathed into the dark like prayers.When Vera shattered beneath him, Asher followed her, losing himself so completely that for a moment, there was nothing left of the man he’d been before her.Only them.Only this.He held her through it, their bodies tangled, his heart pounding against hers as the aftershocks shuddered through them both. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t need to. Every touch, every look said enough.Finally, when the world started to drift back in, the faint hum of the city beyond the windows, the cool air brushing over sweat slicked skin, Asher shifted just enough to pull the covers over them, tucking her against his chest.Vera’s head rested in the crook of his neck, her breathing soft and even. But she wasn’t asleep.He could feel it, the way her fing
Asher groaned under his breath, one hand tightening around her waist. “You don’t fight fair.”“And you love it,” she whispered, leaning forward to brush her nose against his.He tilted his head, eyes locked with hers. “You’re dangerous like this.”“I know,” she smiled, brushing her lips over his, just barely, a tease that made his grip falter.“I mean it,” he said, voice low and thick. “You don’t know what you do to me.”“Maybe I do,” she breathed, eyes hooded, lips parting just enough..And then she yawned.Long. Loud. Incredibly unsexy.Asher blinked. Vera blinked too, like she didn’t believe it happened.“…Okay,” she said, half laughing, half embarrassed. “Maybe I am drunk.”Asher laughed, pulling her close against his chest and kissing the top of her head. “Yeah. You are.”She curled up in his arms, letting out a soft sigh. “Still serious though… you’re mine.”He looked down at her, her eyes fluttering shut, her lips curved in a sleepy smile.“Yeah,” he murmured. “I’m yours.”Vera
They sat down at the kitchen island instead of the formal dining area, something casual and intimate.The late afternoon sun streamed through the wide floor to ceiling windows, casting a golden hue across the space.Vera moved quietly, still lost in the storm of emotions she’d bottled up since overhearing the conversation.Asher pulled out her chair before taking his own, clearly noticing the shift in her demeanor but choosing not to push, at least not yet.“Wow,” he murmured, looking at the spread she’d laid out. “You really went all out.”“I figured I’d cook for you this time,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’ve been practically feeding me for weeks.”Asher chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Well, I’ve just been ordering the food. You actually made it. So you win.”Vera offered a shy smile, finally taking her seat.There was freshly made penne in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, oven roasted vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs, and warm slices of sourdough wi
“Did I hire a chef while I wasn’t looking?” he asked, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorframe.Vera turned around, stirring spoon still in hand. “If you did, she’s underpaid.”Asher chuckled, stepping closer. “I didn’t even know I had real food in here. I thought my assistant just stocked it for display.”“Well, it’s not just for display anymore.” She tilted her head with a teasing smile. “I’m officially christening your kitchen.”“You look good in here,” he said simply, his eyes warm.She blinked. “In the kitchen?”“In my space.”Her breath caught.There was something about the way he said my space that made her feel like he wasn’t just talking about his home. He was talking about his life. About her fitting into it. Being part of it.She turned back to stir the pasta, hiding the smile tugging at her lips. “Well, lucky for you, I plan on feeding you while I’m here.”Asher moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, chin resting on her shoulder. “Mmm, dangerous off
The sleek elevator glided to a smooth stop, its polished chrome doors parting with a soft chime. Vera stepped out first, her boots clicking gently against the glossy marble floor as she followed Asher into his penthouse for the very first time.The moment she entered, her breath caught in her throat.She’d seen wealth before. Been surrounded by it ever since the day her real parents found her. She’d attended banquets, stayed in mansions, worn designer clothes and diamonds that would make the average girl gasp.But this?This was different.This was Asher.Floor to ceiling windows stretched across the entire length of the living room, giving way to an endless view of the city skyline.It was breathtaking, sharp lines of glass towers glittering under the afternoon sun, with a soft haze hanging like a silk veil over the city.The walls were done in deep, warm tones, matte blacks and earthy taupes, softened by scattered art pieces and shelves lined with books. Not cold, not sterile like m
Meanwhile…Vera’s Apartment, Late AfternoonAsher sat on the couch in sweatpants and a fitted black tee, Vera’s head resting on his lap while her fingers lazily played with his.A half eaten box of Chinese takeout was perched on the coffee table, and the hum of a soft playlist filled the room.“Don’t you have somewhere important to be?” Vera asked, teasing, eyes closed as she nuzzled into the fabric of his shirt.Asher smirked, brushing her hair back from her face. “I am somewhere important.”She opened one eye, giving him a playful look. “That sounds dangerously close to cheesy.”“It was cheesy,” he admitted, grinning. “But also true.”She smiled, but he could see the worry creeping into her eyes, faint, but there. “I’m not… ruining things for you, am I?”His fingers stilled.He tilted her chin up so she was looking at him. “Vera, the only thing you’re ruining is my ability to focus on anything that’s not you.”She snorted, but her cheeks pinked.“I mean it,” he added, voice soft. “Y
Donovan Estate, Morning Conference RoomThe large oak doors slammed shut, rattling the glass paneling in their frames as Richard Donovan threw the morning newspaper down onto the polished table.The headline was bold, brash, and unforgiving.“Heir Apparent or Scandal Magnet? Asher Donovan’s Wild Romp With Mystery Girl Continues!”The full page spread showed high quality photos from the golf course, Vera in Asher’s arms on the dance floor, and a slightly blurry, but no less damning, shot of the two of them kissing under neon lights at the club.“We’re a goddamn joke!” Richard barked, his hand slamming down on the wood. “Is this what he thinks representing this family looks like?! Playing house with some girl who showed up out of nowhere and parading around town like a celebrity?!”Across the table, Evelyn Donovan sat, her lips pursed tightly as she stared at the photo with icy silence.Dressed immaculately in a cream silk blouse and pearls, she looked calm. But the grip she had on her
Asher walked over without a word, sitting beside her.His hand gently found hers.“Was that about… your mother?” he asked softly.She nodded, her voice nearly a whisper. “She’s dying.”Asher’s jaw clenched, but not out of anger, out of restraint. He was careful not to push, to let her speak at her own pace.“Her assistant. Eliza Renner. Said she was on her deathbed and asking for me,” Vera murmured, voice trembling. “I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t even know how to feel. These people gave me away, and now they want me to just… show up at her bedside like nothing happened?”She looked up at him, her eyes glassy. “I just… I don’t want to open that door unless I’m ready. And I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”“I get it,” he said, and then he chuckled softly, surprising her.“What?” she asked, frowning.“I just remembered something,” he said, shaking his head. “The Sterling family… they’re not exactly known for their timing. Or sincerity.”Vera’s eyes narrowed slightly.“Let’s just s
Back in the living room, Asher sat at Vera’s small dining table, his laptop open, eyes fixed on a presentation slide he’d been tweaking for the past twenty minutes.It wasn’t that it needed adjusting, he just needed something to do with his hands, something to anchor him as the world around them buzzed with chaos.His phone buzzed again on the table beside him, lighting up for the third time in under five minutes.Sarah Langford.The name flashed in bold, her contact photo, an old professional shot, looking more and more like a ghost from a different life. Asher watched it ring, expression unreadable, jaw ticking slightly.He didn’t answer.Instead, he picked up his coffee mug, took a sip, and returned to reviewing the same bullet point he’d already reread too many times.The phone rang again.Sarah Langford.Again.He reached out this time, not to answer, but to mute the call, dragging the volume bar all the way down before tossing the device back onto the table with a careless flick