My dark mood lifted the moment I saw Autumn. She seemed like a ray of light in her pink, flowery dress paired with black flats. Her short bangs were tucked neatly into a tight bun—so tight I feared it might hurt her scalp, yet it lent her an air of meticulousness. Lovely, poised, and far too mature for her years, she took the seat opposite me and next to Nicole.I couldn’t tear my eyes away as she fidgeted with the napkin in front of her, her small hands smoothing its edges nervously. Then, her gaze flicked up to mine, and she smiled. That smile—tentative and shy—made something inside me ache."Hello," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the chatter around us.I squeezed my hands together under the table, trying to steady myself, before finding my voice. "Hi, little one. Nice to see you again." I offered her a warm smile, hoping to mask the storm of emotions brewing within me.“Likewise,” she murmured, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear before glancing toward Nico
It was nice seeing a most familiar face coming towards our table. Alice Rivera was smiling gracefully at Diana. When she got to the table, they exchanged pleasant hugs.I didn't expect her to come and embrace me too cause she doesn't know Tiffany. She doesn't know me. She shook hands with Ryan and Nicole before smacking Cooper in the head."Good to see you after so long, bedbug" She teased him. That has always been her nickname for him. Alice had nicknames for everyone in the house except Mrs Neveah of course. Speaking of Neveah....I watched as she moved across the room carrying so much aura with her. Her gown was silk gold with sparkling diamond stones. Everyone turned to stare at her. She's Royalty. I watched as the woman who locked me in prison for murdering her son, smiled at the crowd.Everyone on our table got up as she joined us. A sign of respect for the elderly. The sixty eight years old woman to
As the night went on, the diamond on my neck seemed to weigh heavier and heavier. I'd had to listen to Jacob talk about how he bought a hotel from Irish men."Are you here with the Riveras?" Jacob suddenly asked me. I pushed my glass of wine away."What?""I see you sat with them...you must be close to them" Jacob half grinned and I didn't want to take that as a sign for anything."My husband, Lucas is quite familiar with them" I said.Jacob chuckled. "So your Grayson's wife" he clapped his hands together. "No wonder he hasn't taken his eyes of you"I turned toward the curtain to where Lucas sat. He held a glass of red wine and his head was tilted toward the bar."You can say so" I smiled. "About your earlier questions about the Riveras" I moved in my seat so I was closer to him. That way, I can whisper if I have to. "How do you know them?"
It's been four days and I haven't seen Lucas. I know he's sometimes around the house somewhere. But it's just so darn big to even look for him anywhere. four days ago, he hired a cook. She's in her fifties and pretty decent. She also seem to know Lucas from before. She has a daughter Anna.Her name is Lara. She's been a great company to me since she arrived yesterday. We shared jokes and also she even taught me some recipes. She's a great cook.As for Lucas, I wonder if he even has dinner. He leaves the house very early and comes back very late. Though Lara says he eats dinner. I think he's avoiding me.I saw him in the gazebo yesterday but he looked so busy and he was with a man so I didn't approach him. After then, he disappeared. Just like he'd been doing for two days.I spotted Autumn in the garden some few times. She found herself a new bug and she's building him a home in the trees. I usually w
The sound of a huge crash against the wall jerked me up immediately and I was in full panic. I searched the bedside for the lamp. When my hand found it, I clicked it on and then sat on my bed wondering what to do next.If I get out of bed and check through the windows, I might frighten myself but yet again, I'm curious. I reach for my phone by my bed side and turned on the flashlight. As I was about to get out of bed, the door to my room creaked opened and I shrinked in my movements.Too scared to ask who it was, I just got back under the blanket. The besides lamp was low enough for anyone to not see me under the covers. There was movement in my room and then I got a whiff of that familiar honey scent hit my nostrils.'Elaine" Lucas called out and I jerked up again and ran into his arms."There was a noise" I ramble on but his hands stroke my hair."I heard so I came to check up on you fir
The warm morning breeze hit against my face as I stepped out into my balcony. The days seemed to get hotter and hotter and I was just about so close to using the pool. When would summer be over?Few men were littered around the back trying to fix the fallen wall from last night. My body cringed when I remembered the awful noise of a car hitting against something and the way I felt someone was watching me. Who does that anyway. What a creep! I hope they find him soon.I went back into my room to put on my robe and brush my teeth before walking down the stairs. Lucas was there with Lara. He was relaxing against the kitchen counter while she was chopping vegetables."Good morning Lara" I said when she spotted me. Lucas turned to me before smiling."Look who had a goodnight rest" he grinned."Only because you were there" I smiled and then frowned when I thought about what I just said.
"Ellie would like to go on a little excercise sometimes. At least an hour per day. You seem to have a good amount of land and lawn, so Mrs Grayson can give her some walks. Then she won't be any trouble" Will said.I looked over at Ellie who was trying to get a mouthful of my dress into her mouth. I didn't try to stop her, just enjoyed watching her.Ryan chose the perfect moment to drive into the yard and we could see him through the glass doors as he carried a crate from the back of the Jeep."As long as she has all her supplies, she'll be good" Will handed Lucas a paper. I'm not sure what's on it but Lucas looked thoughtful before signing it.I watched as Harry and Larry helped carry Ellie's supply into the house. The supplies constituted of 3, 40 pounds of dog food, mesh bag of toys and of course, her bedding.Ryan came in next with a Durapet stainless steel dog bowl and placed it in fro
I held Ellie's leash so she doesn't go all wild on him. After all, we don't know why he's here. Maybe he's visiting a friend or family. He looks nicely dressed and not in a black leather with mask covering his face."Oh hi Jacob"He smiled showing off his teeth. More like grin."Didn't think I'd see you so soon but it's just my luck" He smiled."I'm flattered." Ellie was still growling but she doesn't have a look on her face or stance that promises death. "What are you doing here anyway?""I own a house here" he said with raised brow and a smile. Then that's a good thing then."That's nice. This region is known for having the best houses" I smiled."Yeah, sadly, it's not as nice as yours" he grinned and I flinched. How does he know where I live? I fiddled around with my feet.No need to make assumptions Elaine. He's probably just
ELAINE POVThe soft glow of the chandelier bathed the grand staircase in golden light as I descended, my heels clicking softly against the polished wood. The black dress Jacqueline had tailored for me clung perfectly to my frame, its high slit brushing against my thigh with each step. My hair was swept into an elegant updo, a few loose strands framing my face, and the necklace Lucas had bought me sparkled faintly against my collarbone.Lucas stood at the base of the stairs, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his tailored navy suit. His sharp jawline was cleanly shaven, and the crisp white shirt beneath his jacket made his tan skin stand out even more. For someone who often downplayed his appearance, he looked effortlessly striking.His gaze found me as I reached the midpoint, his blue eyes darkening as they swept over me. He shifted slightly, pulling one hand out of his pocket to adjust the cuffs of his jacket—a nervous tell I’d picked up on over the months.When I reached
ELAINE’S POVLara set down two plates of scrambled eggs on the dining table, her movements precise, almost mechanical, before she walked off, casting me a warm but fleeting glare. I watched her retreating figure disappear into the hallway as the soft tap of footsteps echoed against the marble floors behind me.Lucas came into view, his presence commanding yet oddly casual. Without a word, he leaned down, his lips brushing against my cheek—close enough to the corner of my lips to send a quiet shiver down my spine. The warmth of his gesture lingered even as he pulled away and slid into the seat opposite mine.My eyes trailed over his relaxed outfit, the earthy tones of his loose brown sweatshirt with a zippered front blending effortlessly with his matching sweatpants. He was barefoot, his posture unguarded, an easy contrast to the quiet storm brewing within me. His eyes caught mine, and he smiled—a soft, crinkled smile that deepened the faint lines at the corners of his eyes.“You look
ELAINE POVAsh lay sprawled out lazily on the lounge chair by the pool the next morning, the sunlight casting a warm glow over her. Her yellow-shaded sunglasses framed her face, hiding her eyes but not the relaxed smile that played on her lips. The black dots on her white bikini stood out, accentuating her slim figure as she languidly stretched out, one arm resting over her head, the other delicately holding a glass of what looked like fruit juice. It better be juice, I thought. She's pregnant, and it's the only drink her body will tolerate these days.I took a moment to admire her from a distance, soaking in the peaceful scene. The pool's surface shimmered, mirroring the clear blue sky, the perfect backdrop for a morning of relaxation. Deciding to join her, I slipped into my own swimsuit—a sleek black two-piece. The fabric clung to my body as I adjusted the straps and made my way over. The cool stone beneath my feet felt refreshing, and I couldn't help but notice how the air smelled
ELAINE POVI sit in the dark living room of the mansion, my legs curled up in front of me on the couch, and my arms folded around my knees. The silence presses down, heavier with every tick of the ornate grandfather clock in the corner. The faint flicker of a single candle illuminates the room, casting restless shadows on the walls. I can’t stop glancing at the door, hoping to hear the creak of it opening, the sound of their footsteps. Anything.Lucas had said he was taking Ash out for some fresh air and to visit the bar. It’s something he’s done before when the weight of everything became too much for her with her current pregnant state. I didn’t question it. Not at first. But now, hours later, my worry is a living, breathing thing, curling in my chest and making it hard to focus. Where are they?My phone sits untouched on the coffee table, screen dark. I’ve checked it a dozen times, scrolling through missed calls that don’t exist and messages that haven’t come. Lucas always texts me
Lucas POVI grip Ash’s hand tightly as we step into the warehouse. The air inside is stale, laced with dust and the faint smell of mildew, and every creak of the wooden floorboards feels like a warning. I’m not about to let anything happen to her. A single scratch on her, and Elaine would never speak to me again—not in this life, at least. She’s already been suspicious of me ever since she uncovered that little mystery about my presence at the Riveras’ house on the night of the murder. I’ve been walking a razor’s edge ever since.“Stay close to me at all times,” I tell Ash, my voice firm. She rolls her eyes but nods nonetheless. Typical Ash—defiant even in the face of danger.The warehouse is eerily quiet, just as Larry and Riley described. Shelves groan under the weight of old books, their spines cracked and faded with time. Cobwebs drape every corner like grim banners, and a fine layer of dust coats the tables, disturbed only by the scurrying of rats. It’s as though this place hasn’t
With how persistent I was, Lara finally decided to make me hot chili sauce. The thing is terrible, and I don't plan on eating it, but I just felt bossing Lara around would've made me feel better, but I wasn't ok. The shredded pieces of papers that were littered all over the counter, is a constant reminder, that I'm slowly losing it.Since Diana came over yesterday, I haven't been able to think straight. If Nicole seriously files for adoption and all that, I may just lose my parenting rights as a mother. Already, the media would tag it as a woman who killed her husband, the child is better off without her.Shit!Nothing is helping me right now. Maybe, I just need a stroll or something. But I can't, because Lucas took Ellie for a long walk, and they aren't back. Ash decided to head to the bar today, but Lucas made sure she was being watched by Larry.Now, it's just me, Lara, and of course, Harry. Th
"Should I be worried?" Lucas asks when he steps on the porch and his eyes meet mine. My hands are clenched and my eyes fuming with anger. I don't know what fuels me but I swing my palm until it connects with his left cheek. His eyes narrow as he glares at me. "What was that for?""You dare ask me that?..." I scoff. "You... liar!" I yell, hitting at his chest. I look crazy right now but I need to let go of this doubt in me. I need him to tell me that he didn't do this. I really need him to."What the fuck are you talking about Elaine!" He suddenly grabs my shoulder, forcing me to look him in the eyes. I try to wiggle away but his grip is strong. "Please, talk to me""You...you were in the house the night of the murder" I sob and his eyes fall. He didn't deny it or try to argue, he was really there. My chest constrict. Is Lucas who he really says he is?have I been sleeping with Ethan'
My arms go round Lucas neck as he delves his head in the crook of my neck. He trailers kisses along my neck, his hands gripping my hips tight. I shake under him as he lowers his head to grab a breast into his mouth. My eyes roll, my head hitting the head board.I pull away from him, sitting up. My fingers loosed the knot of my sleeping gown to reveal a very sexy lace nightgown. It's short and exposes my nipple through the net. I went through a lot to get this before the travel and I just had to use it, despite his mom almost spoiling our evening. His eyes roam round my body like a lustful man."Say something" I whine, feeling as if I did too much."I'm hard" he stated and I bite my lips, chuckling. Of all things to say? That was pretty obvious. I lean on top of him, kissing him again."Ah God!" I breathe out as Lucas hand travel down my back, finding dampness coating my skin. With one hand wrapped around his neck, the other gulping his finely detailed oak head boared to remain steady
My wife, my wife! It kept ringing in my head that were fooling the old woman. Well, she's not that old. Aside from her fancy looking grey hair, she's got an angels face, so young and pretty like a sweet sixteen."Nice to meet you, Mrs Grayson". I finally spoke, stretching my arms out to her, not sure if that was the best thing to do, but I did it anyway and now, she's looking at me as if I'm the world's biggest clown.She turned to Lucas. "Cassy is here. Did you know?"Cassy?! My heart beat faster, three times more than it should, normally. Lucas eyes cross over, a little frown on his face as he glared at his mother."I just introduced you to my wife and you bring up Cassy?" He huffs at her. The older woman like perplexed as she stared at her son, her yes wide opened."I don't know this girl, son. Now, you can't just take any girl you see in a bar and wife her. That's not how I raised you". She scolds and shit! My breath catches in my throat. The woman just called me a golddigger, and