CHAPTER 32: WHY ARE YOU WITH THE BOSS?RACHEL'S POVThe moment I step out of the car, I feel the weight of their eyes on me. A few of my colleagues are gathered near the entrance. I believe they just arrived a few minutes before us as they are yet to even settle down or compose themselves.Their conversations come to a sudden halt as they notice me coming out of Noah’s sleek black car, which is behind me, heading towards the general parking lot. The unspoken question is written all over their faces, and before I can make a discreet escape, one of them, Claire by name, steps forward. "Rachel?" she says, her tone laced with curiosity. "That's suspicious. Did you just get out of that car? Our Boss's car?"I school my expression into something neutral, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, yeah," I answer, shifting my purse on my shoulder. "Mr Noah happened to see me looking for a cab and offered a ride since we were heading in the same direction."There's a moment of silence as they process my w
CHAPTER 33: A SCAVENGER HUNT (1)RACHEL'S POVWhen I wake up the next morning, the room feels eerily quiet. For a moment, I forget where I am, but then the events of last night come rushing back. The awkward agreement, the unexpected roommate situation, and the fact that Noah had insisted on taking the couch even after I offered that I could take the couch instead, or we could share the bed. But he had brutally refused. I sit up, my fingers brushing against the empty space beside me. The bed is massive—easily big enough for two—but that would have been way too weird. We’ve never shared a bed before, and honestly, I can’t even imagine what that would have been like.I would probably spend the whole night not sleeping.With a small shake of my head, I push off the covers and stretch. Noah is nowhere to be seen, and there’s no sign that he was ever here, apart from the slightly rumpled couch. Figures. He probably woke up at the crack of dawn and went off to do whatever rich, brooding bo
CHAPTER 34: A SCAVENGER HUNT (2)RACHEL'S POVThe first clue hits my phone, and I glance down at it with a sigh. It reads: Find the oldest thing on the property and look within its roots.I glance up at Noah, who’s standing a few feet away, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. His usual cold expression is back, and I can’t decide if it’s frustration or boredom. Either way, it makes me a little nervous. I can’t afford to screw this up. "Well," I begin, trying to keep my tone light, "looks like we’re looking for something old and rooted. Any guesses?"Noah doesn’t answer right away, his gaze focused on the sprawling garden that stretches ahead of us. Then he shifts his attention to the large oak tree in the center of the lawn, its twisted branches reaching high into the sky. "That," he says simply, pointing to the tree.I stare at the tree for a moment, unsure. “The tree?”He nods once, his tone indifferent. “Oldest thing I see.”I frown, but I don’t argue. I might as well giv
CHAPTER 35: ORGASM RACHEL'S POVThe event is finally over for the day. I should feel relieved, but my chest feels heavy instead, I assume it must be because I am exhausted already. As I prepare to return to my room, my eyes catch sight of Noah standing with Marianne. They’re close—too close. I don’t know what they’re talking about, but the way she leans in, the way he doesn’t pull away, makes something bitter rise in my throat. "He wants me to wear the wedding ring, but he seems not to understand the importance of social distancing," I scold him in my heart, and then I look away. It’s none of my business. It shouldn’t be, after all. It is just a simple agreement in which I don't have to control him. Still, my feet move faster, carrying me back to the room before I do something stupid.Once inside, I head straight for the bathroom. A warm bath should help clear my mind, relax my body, wash away this unnecessary jealousy, and keep me sane. I stay under the water longer than usual,
CHAPTER 36: PUSH A LITTLERACHEL'S POVI haven't seen Noah since that humiliating night, and honestly, I don’t know if I’m relieved or frustrated. Either way, the event must go on, and I have no choice but to push through. Maybe not seeing him is better because, at least, I have control over my thoughts. The best part of it all is the camaraderie I’ve found with some of the other hotel staff. It makes everything a little more bearable.After finishing my round of serving, exhaustion seeps into my bones, and I decide to retreat to the staff lounge for a short break while almost finishing the snacks in my hand. The room is lit, with a few tired workers lounging on the couches or chatting in small clusters. My attention is drawn to a young woman in the center of a circle. She wears a crisp uniform with her hotel's logo embroidered on the pocket, and all eyes are fixed on her. I don't think that I have ever seen her before in any meeting but regardless, I move closer, curiosity filling me
CHAPTER 37: I CAN'T BEAR IT ANYMORE.RACHEL'S POVThe vibration of my phone startles me as I sit on a bench in the evening after the event for the day has finished, trying to gather my thoughts after the long day. When I glance at the screen and see Emily’s name flashing, a sinking feeling grips my stomach. I already know what this is about before I even swipe to answer. "Emily, how are...?" “Rachel,” Emily’s voice is thick with frustration and exhaustion, “I can’t do this anymore.”My grip tightens on the phone. “Emily, are you alright? what happened?” “Dad - He’s gotten worse,” she says, her voice trembling. “A few nights ago, I got a call to come and pick him up. He was passed out drunk in a bar. He lost all his money gambling again, Rachel. I had to beg them not to throw him out. Do you have any idea how humiliating that was?”I close my eyes, inhaling sharply. The pain in my sister’s voice cuts through me like a blade. I can picture it vividly—our father slumped over at so
CHAPTER 38: AROUSAL RACHEL'S POVI rush back to the hotel room, my mind still tangled with Sandra’s words. Would she tell people about my living situation with Noah? How would I even explain it? At first, I was going to pretend like I didn't care but now, I am thinking that I really do.I exhale heavily and sit on the bed, rubbing my forehead. A headache starts to creep in, but before I can process any more thoughts, the door swings open suddenly.Noah steps in, his gaze meeting mine for a brief, awkward moment before he looks away. There’s still this tension between us— something that’s been hanging in the air for a while now after the incident. To say we haven't been avoiding each other is an understatement. "Hi." I manage to greet him.“Hi. I need to get out of here for a while,” he finally says, his voice even, controlled. “So, I was wondering if you have any interest in coming. Do you want to?”I blink at him. “What?”He shoves a hand into his pocket and leans against the doo
CHAPTER 39: WAVE OF PLEASURE.RACHEL'S POV{WARNING: THERE IS AN INTENSE SCENE BELOW}Noah carries me to the bed and places me gently on it. His hand reaches the bed lights and he slowly turns the brightness low. The air between us is thick with tension, every inch of space charged with anticipation. My heart races as Noah steps closer, climbing on the bed. His huge body overshadowed me, the warmth of his body drawing me in. His eyes lock with mine, a silent promise flickering within them. I feel my breath hitch as his fingers graze my cheek, his touch featherlight but electrifying. There's a pull between us, a magnetism that leaves me powerless to resist.Is it because it's been long since I last felt a touch that has made me go this crazy? I am not too sure. But whatever the reason, I desperately want to get loosed up tonight.His hand moves to the back of my neck as I push my body up a little, his thumb brushing along my skin in slow, deliberate strokes. A shiver runs down my spin
CHAPTER 87: A NEW HOPEHer voice is almost audible against the breeze; she whispers, "We cannot run forever." "We are approaching."Noah initially answers hardly at all. He watches her, his own controlled anxiousness reflected in his eyes. " Nums." Still, we cannot face it by ourselves.Rachel stares at him, her history dragging down her shoulders. Once delicate, their relationship now feels like an unspoken promise—a knowledge they will be standing together no matter what happens. Still, even that dedication appears insufficient to shield them from what looms ahead.They have battled so valiantly to recover some normalcy and arrive here. Still, always eager to drag them back into the darkness, the shadows of their past linger, nipping at them. The truth of what they have done and lost forces on their shoulders like a weighty, stifling weight with every day.Noah adds at last. "We fight," his voice low yet firm. "And we triumph." In tandem.Footfall broke the silence before Rachel cou
CHAPTER 86: A NEW BEGINNING The weight of their rebuilding decision presses on Rachel's chest as she glances out the window. The peaceful buzz of the night outside fails to soothe the storm within. Her body hurts from the emotional and physical fights she has engaged in. Though she doesn't let it show, her hands shake slightly. She is far gone; she cannot stop now.Noah is standing next to her; his presence acts as a stabilizer. Though he is silent, she can see the same turbulence in his gaze. Even after the conflict ends, the scars remain. They both are aware of that. Neither of them is the same person who entered the fight several months ago."We can do this, Rachel," Noah replies gently as if trying the words and considering their sincerity. "Together." Her heart twisted, and Rachel turned toward him. She wants to believe it. She does, although the uncertainties still exist. Suppose the past is too difficult to overcome? What if their survival comes at too high a cost?"I'm not s
CHAPTER 85: RISING TENSION Noah's face looks drawn and tired as he walks into the living room, and Rachel can sense the irritation in his eyes. She knows the conversation is approaching even though they have dodged it for days. Indeed, neither of them is good, not yet.Noah replies, his voice laden with the unspoken thoughts between them, "We need to talk."Trying to calm her racing heart, Rachel inhales deeply. "Regarding what?"Rachel, about us. Regarding what's next. His eyes meet hers, begging for some response to help them make sense of the anarchy around them.Rachel bites hard. "I have no idea, Noah. I don't know whether I am capable of doing this.Noah approaches, his hand extended towards hers. "Do we have any option here? We have far to go, but I am not giving up on us right now.She jerks her hand back, the agony from the past several days rising. "It goes beyond just us, Noah." It is much more than that. The past, the falsehoods, resurfaced. I cannot simply let go.Noah's
CHAPTER 84: HEALING WOUNDS Noah's voice disturbs the quiet, raw and forceful. "Rachel, we are still here. Still living is us. It is just that which counts. Though Rachel knows the truth, his eyes flutter with a weary will. Though the fight is not finished, they have survived the worst of it. Not for their use.She suffers anxiety, terrified of what lies ahead, of the unknown road. She fears losing Noah to the dark place the war has brought them and losing herself in the mending process. The intensity of their connection is evident when their eyes lock. The only thing that feels definite and keeps them anchored is their link.Reaching for his hand, Rachel softly squeezes it to try to express everything she experiences with one touch. Her voice quakes as she talks; her words are more brittle than she wishes them to be. " Ah, I'm not sure where to start going ahead. I have no idea what to do anymore.Noah's hold gets tighter, and for a split second, she senses the unspoken promise betwe
CHAPTER 83: THE FINAL PRICE The Sinclairs, their falsehoods, and their decisions have cornered them. One watches every movement they do. Every word counts. Rachel senses the pressure pressing in on her, strangling her, but only one road remains."You know what we have to do, right?" Noah asks, his voice hardly audible but cutting through the suspense like a razor. He glances not at her. His eyes are locked on the door leading to the future, towards the last confrontation—the one they wanted to avoid and the one they had ready.Rachel bites hard, her throat dry. His words weigh heavily, laden with understanding what is at risk. She doubts her readiness for this, from what is implied here. She does not, however, have options. Right now, she cannot back down.Though the words never come from her mouth, Rachel feels she must save him. They are not required, of course. She can feel Noah staring at her without looking. They both are in this, whatever the expense.Rachel moves deliberately
CHAPTER 82: THE FINAL CONFRONTATION Beside her, Noah's presence acts as a counterpoint. Though he is staring ahead at the home, his jaw shows no discernible movement. Though he is here with her, dedicated to the cause, his muscles stiffen as if he is getting ready for a blow. "Ready?" he asks, his voice low as their goal weighs down both.Rachel nods even if her insides are turning over. She knows the weight of the choice; the stakes are too significant. They have battled for so long only to reach this pivotal point where everything can collapse or unite. It has never been more apparent to see that this is the moment they have been battling for—the one either saving or destroying them. Errors have no place in this. Every action has value.Their footsteps resound in the darkness, the home standing before them like a fortitude as they go on. Here is where everything will change. Not now is there any turning back.But a piercing voice cuts across the silence just as they are ready to ap
CHAPTER 81: THE TIPPING POINT "It's not just them," he says, his voice tense with something she cannot place. "That's someone within our circle."The words pierce Rachel like a dagger, more keen than she is ready for. Everything they have battled starts to fall apart right from its fundamental basis. She doesn't know who she should be trusting now. They have been fighting the Sinclair family for so long, trying to destroy their empire, but it is now abundantly evident that other people are also tugging the threads. Someone close to them has been planning from the inside, feeding the Sinclairs information, preparing them for failure.Noah's face is harsh and unreadable. The rock is usually consistent in this relationship, but his eyes show doubt tonight. He has never appeared more exposed. Rachel senses the gap separating them growing and the anxiety seeping into the fissures where their trust previously lived.Rachel continues, her voice almost above a whisper: "We have to find out w
CHAPTER 80: BETRAYAL AND DECEPTION Noah is beside her; his expression is unclear, but his clenched fists say a lot. Every move they have made to free the Sinclair family from their twisted grip on their lives has been deliberate and cautious. However, they have overlooked one essential component: the most trusted individual.Someone they thought was on their side is the traitor. The disclosure stings more fiercely than Rachel had imagined. Her words are almost above a whisper. She looks at Noah. "It was him, not it?"Noah does not respond right away. As his jaw stiffens, Rachel sees a flutter of shame in his eyes for a split second. He was aware already.With shaky hands, Rachel says, "It's been him all along." "How could we have been so blind?"Their world collapsed around them after they trusted and depended on this person. Rachel is sick and feels deceived to a degree she has not known before. Every plan, tactic, and alliance have been lies, expertly crafted to lead directly into
CHAPTER 79: SINISTER PLOT UNFOLDSNext to her, Noah's voice shakes. " Rachel, we have been pawns here. All this time. And we didn't see it till lately." His comments tether her to the reality of their circumstances and carry weight.Her heart thrashes in her throat. "We cannot turn away from this. We have to wrap up here. But today, we don't know who to trust."Every step they have taken and every strategy they have followed now seems contaminated. Rachel looks towards the darkening horizon, the cold reality sinking into her chest. Are the people they have worked with, the allies they believed they had, really allies or merely additional bits in Sinclair's game? Others are in on this as well.Noah closes his fists, and his wrath is apparent. "We have to call attention to them. Down the family, every last one of them." Frantic, with icy fingers, he grabs her hand. But these days, we cannot accomplish this by ourselves.The sound of tyres screaming breaks the silence—Rachel's gut jerks.