Being alone is scary sometimes, but feeling lonely is the worst of all. Ever since I met Lorenzo I never felt lonely, he filled a hole I didn’t know I had, but when he left my whole world came crashing down and now we are here, at the beginning. His ready to mend my heart but am I ready to give it to him once again? Lorenzo pulls his phone from his pocket and grins. “Come.” He holds out his hand for me to take as he slides the phone back into his pants pocket. A confused frown pulls on my face as I take his hand. “Where to now?” “Dinner.” He flashes me a bright smile as he leads the way. I know I’m not good with directions but the car is in the other direction. “Uh, are you lost?” “Have a little faith, baby girl.” He grins over his shoulder at me as he gently squeezes my hand. We venture deeper into the ancient woods when the path emerged. Adorned with delicate fairy lights that flicker like fireflies in the moonlit night. Their gentle glow guides our way through the woods. My he
Maya Angelou once said. ‘Live is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.’ It was something that didn’t make sense to me until last night. Our little magical moment which lead to another magical moment, that left me completely breathless and tired.Golden rays of sunlight stream into Lorenzo’s bedroom, casting a warm glow in his room. The air felt crisp and refreshing as it carries a delicate scent of blooming flowers and the bittersweet smell of coffee.I stretch out my limbs as my eyes flutter open and a pleasant sensation of contentment and energy course through my body. The memories from our night linger in my mind, filling me with a sense of satisfaction. I start to giggle like a schoolgirl as I pull the covers over my head, too embarrassed with the dirty thoughts that are occupying my mind. Those hands, man he knows how to put them to good use, and that sweet lips and tongue. I feel the arousal burning in my core as I squeeze my
Saying goodbye is the hardest part, especially if you know you will never see them again, but life goes on and you’re still here, so we learn to live with the pain and the memories they left behind. I’m driving to the airport to pick up Shane, it will be the first time I see him again after everything that happened and to be honest, I’m nervous. For the first time in my life, I’m nervous to see my best friend again. We haven’t talked in a while, the distance didn’t do us any good, and now this sad, depressing day, where he will say his final goodbye to the man he loved. As I approach the entrance I hear his kind voice calling my name. “Lilly-Ann!” A faint smile pulls on the corner of Shane’s face and I can't help but sprint into his arms. “Shane,” I whisper, nuzzling my face into his chest. “Welcome back,” I mumble as tears burn deep in my eyes. “Glad to be back.” Wrapped in his embrace, my heart grows warmer and it feels like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders. “I missed y
As the night falls over the beautiful city, bathing it with the moon’s light. It is not quiet or calm, people are exiting the movies, and cues forming in front of nightclubs. The evening rush has just started as the streets fill with laughter and joy. I was them once, but my view changed and now I understand the importance of friendship and family.Tomorrow will be a big day, a heartbreaking day and I just need tonight to recharge. I pull in at Lorenzo’s mansion, I know he’ll make everything better.“Ma’am” Geon grabs my bag as I get out of the car, “I’ll take it.” He grins and strolls to the front door, holding it open for me.“Do you know if Lorenzo is back yet? I didn’t hear from him the whole day.” I’m kind of worried, he normally texts me and today nothing not even a heart emoji.“Sorry, no I haven’t heard from Steven either,” Geon says and gestures to me to enter. I let out a sigh and walk straight to the kitchen where Miss William is busy cleaning.“Hey, is Lorenzo home yet?” I
As the sun timidly peeks over the horizon, casting its golden rays over the slumbering world and filling the air with its crispy warmth. The birth of a brand new day, filled with new hopes and dreams.My eyes flutter open, “Morning, sunshine.” Lorenzo says smiling sweetly at me.“Hi.” I stretch out my limbs. “You don’t have work to do?” I ask, not that I mind waking up to him, but I’m so used to an empty bed.“I have, but I decided you need me more, besides doing you is much more fun.” He smirks and pulls me onto his lap.“Is that so?” I start to giggle as I wrap my arms around him. Lorenzo starts kissing every inch of my neck tracing his way to my mouth. The kiss starts off soft and gentle, like the flutter of a butterfly’s wings, but quickly deepens as the passion rises within me like a crescendo. His grip around my waist tightens as he forces my body closer to him, he wants it all, every part of me. The heat starts to rise in my core like a volcano ready to explode, as his tongue d
Happiness blooms in our souls like a rose in the middle of a meadow. It’s the warmth of a genuine smile, the embrace of laughter’s gentle caress. It dances in our hearts and paints our lives with so much gratitude and joy. Today, I’m overcome with happiness.In our little corner café, Clara and I shared some quality time together even with Geon following me everywhere. Lorenzo thinks my life is still in danger although Gustav is in the wind and he can’t seem to find him or his mother.“So.” Clara places her cup on the table and she gives me that, hungry for a sweet romantic story look, her eyes start to twinkle, and the corner of her mouth curves into a crooked smile. “Are the two of you officially a couple? Like, will you be going with him to the met gala and so forth?” Clara pops her eyebrows at me.I sip my coffee and shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know, I like the way we are.”“Seriously?” She pouts and rolls her eyes at me. “So you will be fine with it if he went with some other wo
The first ray of sunlight peeks through the window, casting a warm glow upon the room. The awakening of a new day. My soul stirs under the warm and comfy sheets, waking me. My eyes flutter open, a surge of anticipation, tinged with a hint of trepidation, my body is being invaded by a phenomenon called morning sickness. With a weary sigh, I rise from the bed, my steps tentative as I navigate my way to the bathroom. I slam the door shut and lock it behind me as I rush to greet my new friend, I fall on my knees before the toilet. It is as if a tempestuous sea churns within my very being. A whisper in my ear, a siren’s call of discomfort that leaves me longing for a relief.“Lilly-Ann,” Lorenzo calls from the other side of the door. He yanks on the handle, “Open up, Lilly-Ann.” He demands.My ears are ringing and my head is pounding, I can barely move, and now his barking orders like some captain. “Go away,” I mumble between gags, my body starts to tremble as I start to think what can be
A hushed stillness settles upon the city as the day drew closer to its end. The fading light gently caressed the horizon, casting a melancholic glow upon the world below. I’m tired, stressed, and afraid of what comes next. With Shane leaving tomorrow and my sister in her own new world with Ricardo, I feel alone. I gaze at the sunset through Shane’s empty apartment window, as all the unanswered questions run through my mind.“A penny for your thoughts,” Shane says as he breaks my daydream and hands me a cup of coffee.I let out a soft chuckle, “Waste of your money.” I roll my eyes and take the cup. “Thanks.”“If you’re worried about Lorenzo, don’t be, he adores you and won’t mind starting a family with you.” Shane smiles at me as he adds. “Just send me pics when you start to get fat, for my album." He winks.I let out a sarcastic huff, ”Yeah, sure” Shane throws his arm around my shoulders and pull me to him.“I going to miss you.” He whispers. “But just in case Lorenzo sends you packin
Three years have passed since the death of Gustav it went public but they say it was suicide, he couldn’t take the loss of his dear wife, Lorenzo’s mother, and shot himself. I realized then how much power Lorenzo has and I have to admit it scared me a little.Anyway, Clara and Nick got married soon after returning from Finland, where they hid from Gustav. They have a beautiful baby girl named Anika. Ricardo is very protective of his baby sister. Nick was a doctor without borders, which I did not know. But he settled when they got married, and they still live in New York, he bought a house not far from us and we almost see each other on a daily bases. Clara loves the peaceful life they created together and she’s a full-time mom now.Rayon is still in the picture though, he comes to visit Ricardo a lot. He surprised me with how a good father he is, I never expected him to be so caring. He is still staying in New York as well, he met someone and seems to be happy. I didn’t see her yet th
The sun is shining brightly as the guests arrived at the grand estate for Tomson's sixth birthday party. The driveway is lined with fancy sports cars and limousines, and the valet attendants were busy parking them. As we walked up to the front door, we are greeted by a team of butlers who handed us champagne flutes filled with sparkling cider.I'm dressed in my gorgeous black gown Shane got me and Shane is dressed in his stylish pink and white tuxedo. "Wow." Shane's stunned at how many people showed up for this, but I'm used to it. Yeah, my dear friend, this is Vicky for you, she loves big events and glamor.Inside, the house is decorated with balloons and streamers in Tommy's favorite colors, and a huge banner that read "Happy 6th Birthday Tomson!" hung from the ceiling. The place is stacked with people I don't know, I scan the room for Vicky or Chad but they are nowhere to be seen. I spot Jena standing in the far corner of the living room dressed in a beautiful navy blue dress. watc
Motherhood changed me, it made me stronger.Clara, Nick, and Ricardo come strolling out of the arrivals gate of the airport. Yeah, I dialed Clara and told her to come pick up Ever-Lee and keep her safe, I will come find her when this is resolved. So they made a pit stop picked her up and flow to who knows where. She gave me a be careful speech after realizing my mind is made up, I will not run anymore. I smothered Ever-Lee with kisses and shed a few tears as I watch them disappear.“We should talk,” I say over the phone as Lorenzo answers on the first ring. “Meet me at the office.” I end the call, I didn’t give him a chance to replay or to even say a word, I’m out for blood and Gustav is at the top of my list, but I will need help, and who better to ask than a mafia boss?I have a solute plan in mind the when, where and everything. Now all that’s left is the manpower. The only way this nightmare will end is to destroy him, destroy everything he holds dear, his company, his reputation,
The smell of coffee and freshly baked croissants fills the air as we enter. Vicky is carrying Ever-Lee to an open table in the corner and I place an order for us. That is when my eyes caught the newspaper.I grab it from the counter and my whole world comes crashing down. Gustav Lenkov, realest from prison, he is a free man. “No this can’t be happening.” My hands are shaking, he will be out for blood and Rayon will be the first one he wants revenge on. “Ricardo,” I mumble and scramble to fish my phone out of my pocket. My fingers are numb and I can’t seem to dial.I inhale a long sharp breath, calm yourself Lilly-Ann, you're jumping to conclusions again, he might be a changed man and won’t even hurt a fly. But just in case, I hit the call button.“Hey, sis.”“Clara, are you okay? And Ricardo?”“We are fine, what’s wrong Ann, did something happen, you sound terrified.”“Did you see the newspaper?”“Oh, n hadn’t had a chance.”“Gustav is out of prison, I think he might try something, pl
The next morning I’m like a lovesick puppy, racing through the apartment to get everything done, so I can go to work and see Lorenzo again. I had no shut-eye I couldn’t stop thinking about him and his promise, which I want to talk to him about. How close of an eye did he keep on me, is my apartment bugged and do I have people following me? And then the question that has been bugging me the whole night, what happened with his engagement? I haven't seen him in the tabloids at all, it’s like he disappears from the face of the earth, poof gone.“So is that a yes or a no?” Shane asks, drumming the kitchen table with his fingers.“Uh, maybe,” I replied a bit confused.“You didn’t hear a word I said?”I sip shyly on my coffee hiding my face behind the cup. “Sorry.”“What has gotten into you? You are acting weird. Is it a man?” Shane grins and moves closer to me.I almost choke on my coffee.“I knew it.” Shane slams on the counter making m and Ever-Lee jump, “Is it someone I know?”Ever-Lee s
Every piece of my being is consumed by his darkness, it is arousing every piece of light I had and changing it into his.His dark eyes are pulling me in, like a moth to a flame. I’m lost in his presence, my heart is pounding out of my chest as he slowly stalks closer to me. “Stop,” I warn breathlessly. My heart, mind, and soul want to leap into his arms and wrap myself up in his warmth but…. “You have no right showing up here.” I’m a mother now and he is a threat to my only piece of happiness.“I have all the right in the world, baby girl,” A smirk pulls on his face as he looks at me.“I’m not baby girl, I’m Lilly-Ann, Lilly-Ann Anderson, Editor-in-Chief of The money maker magazine,” I say proudly narrowing my eyes at him as he slowly walks towards me with a proud smile on his face.“I know.” He whispers in a mischievous tone. “And you will always be my baby girl.” A grin that can light up the whole of London paints his face, he stops right in front of me, his eyes burning into my sou
It has been a year, Ever-lee Anderson, had made her way into the world. Yeah, not Eva or Eve-Lee. Shane said Ever-Lee because she took forever to emerge. I didn’t have the energy to fight him on the name so Ever-Lee stuck. My sister and Ricardo visited for a few days after Ever-Lee’s birth but with all the drama with her work she couldn’t stay long, but I think she missed Nick too much to stay longer, she just use work as an excuse. Chad gave me a month's leave from work, he has been so giving and kind since I started there.My big green eye baby girl has some much of her father’s looks it’s scary. Today is her four-month celebration and my return to work, I’ve been in and out, but today I’m ready to stick around, which I’m a bit nervous about. I know Jena, my geeky PA, had everything in control while I was absent, but for some reason, my nerves are chewing at me like a puppy dog with a new toy. Chad also insisted that I bring Ever-Lee to work, he set up a cot and everything I need in
Dusk brushes over the city and for the first time in a long time, I feel lonely. I had just made an agonizing decision, one that I might regret in the near future. I walked away from the man I loved, I had known for a while that our paths can not intertwine any longer. My heart feels heavy with the overwhelming love I still feel for him. I sink my head into the pillow and feel the anchor pulling me deeper into the realms of loneliness.A familiar creak of the door closing reverberates through the stillness. I jerk up to see who my intruder is.“Ann? You still awake?” Clara whispers as she tiptoes to my bed.“Yeah…” I flick the bed lamp on and push my body up. “I don’t think sleep is an option for me.”Clara sit next to me and looks at me worried. “You need rest, it's not good for you or the baby.”Easier said the done, I can’t get his face out of my head, that shattered look in his eyes. ”I know.” I pull my pillow to my chest and hug it tight, “But you didn’t see him.”“Ann, he is eng
Have you ever experienced one of those earth-freezing moments when time and everything around you seem to come to a standstill? Well, I just did. My hands press hard against his strong chest as I try to breathe. He grips my wrist in his hand and bends down to my ear.“Not in public, baby girl.” His breath fans over my skin leaving goosebumps in its wake. I blink my eyes rapidly as I gulp down the last of my sanity. “Now if you would please excuse me.” Lorenzo strolls away leaving me spellbound, with my fingers prickling from our touch.Clara comes strolling by. “Hey, what’s the matter?” She furrows a brow, “Are you feeling sick?” “Huh?” I jerk my head in her direction as I lose sight of him. “Did you say something?”“Ann, what’s going on?” She looks at me with a concerned look in her eyes.“Nothing, nothing at all.” I know Clara only met him once but fuck he is not the forgettable type, how could she invite him. I check the guest list to see if his name is on it, but it’s not.“