Fiona’s POVThe door slammed behind us, the sound echoing through the empty house. Daniel's hands were on me instantly, rough and demanding. His mouth crashed mine, tasting of whiskey and barely contained rage. I knew this mood - he needed an outlet, and I was more than willing to provide it."Fuck, Fiona," he growled, pushing me against the wall. His hand sliding up my thigh, bunching my dress around my waist. "I need you. Now."I moaned as his fingers found my aching pussy, already wet and wanting. "Then take me," I challenged, nipping at his lower lip.Daniel didn't need to be told twice. In one fluid motion, he lifted me, as I grabbed his strong arms for support, my legs wrapping around his waist. I felt his cock, hard and ready, pressing against me. With a grunt, he thrust inside, filling me completely, and instant."God, yes," I screamed, my head falling back against the wall. Daniel set a punishing pace, each thrust driving me higher. The picture frames rattled fiercely with th
Maya's POVThe days blurred together in my gilded prison. I spread my design sketches across the bed, red pen marking adjustments here and there. The competition deadline loomed, but at least being locked up gave me plenty of time to work.My phone buzzed. Olivia."The divorce papers are almost ready," she said without preamble. "We just need to figure out how to serve them to Daniel since he's keeping you isolated."I smiled, grateful I'd demanded my phone back after the dinner at Grandfather's. "He can't keep me locked up forever. We'll find a way.""Are you eating? Taking care of yourself?""Yes, mom," I teased. Though honestly, I had been feeling off lately. Probably from being cooped up all day.The house felt different with all the new staff. The old chef, Maria, who'd been with us for years - gone. The familiar maids - replaced. Daniel's watchdogs, all of them. But it meant I didn't have to see him and Fiona flaunting their relationship, so I counted it as a win.I returned to
Maya's POVWhite light stabbed my eyes as consciousness slowly returned. The antiseptic smell hit me first, then the steady beep of machines. A hospital. My head felt like it was stuffed with cotton, every thought sluggish and heavy. An IV line snaked from my arm, the clear liquid dripping steadily. My tongue felt like sandpaper."Hey there." Alex's voice, soft and warm. "Take it easy."I blinked, trying to focus. He sat beside my bed, his usually immaculate suit slightly rumpled, tie loosened. Despite my fuzzy brain, I noticed the concern etched in the lines around his eyes. A folded newspaper lay abandoned on his lap, as if he'd been there a while."What happened?" My voice came out raspy, my throat raw. The words tasted like metal in my mouth."The driver found you unconscious." Alex leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "Lucky timing, really. I'd been having wine with your grandfather at the old house, and he insisted his driver take me back to the city. Thomas had to drop some
Maya's POVGrandfather's presence seemed to shrink the hospital room. He stood there, radiating cold fury, his eyes fixed on the marks around Fiona's neck with an almost clinical detachment. The silence stretched, broken only by the steady beep of my heart monitor."Thomas called me," he finally said, his voice deceptively calm. "Told me my grandson locked his wife in a room and left her to faint alone. And now I find you here, Daniel, berating a sick woman in her hospital bed?""Grandfather, you don't understand." Daniel's tone shifted, that familiar oily smoothness creeping in. "Maya attacked Fiona. Look at her neck—""Oh, yes." Fiona touched her throat delicately, batting tear-filled eyes at Daniel. "I was so scared..."Grandfather's laugh was sharp enough to cut. "Scared? Those barely-there marks that look suspiciously like makeup? Did you think I wouldn't notice?"I watched Fiona's face flush, her perfect mask slipping for just a moment."Probably bumped into something and saw an
Maya's POVI sat in Olivia's pristine office, my fingers tracing the edge of her mahogany desk. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, catching on the fresh flowers she always kept. Everything about the space spoke of new beginnings – so different from the suffocating opulence of my prison."He locked you up and you fainted?" Olivia's voice was tight with controlled anger. Her normally perfect composure cracked as she paced behind her desk. "Maya, this is beyond divorce territory. We could press charges.""No charges," I said firmly, watching her heels click against the hardwood. "I just want out."She paused her pacing, pulled open her drawer, and withdrew a thick manila envelope. The weight of it felt significant as she placed it in my hands. "Final version. I've triple-checked everything."My fingers trembled slightly as I opened it. Fiona's smirking confession about the food flashed through my mind, followed by the metallic taste in my mouth, the world going black. Eve
Maya's POVGrandfather's knowing smile over breakfast should have warned me. He'd been particularly interested in my coffee preference this morning, watching me with that gleam in his eye that usually meant he knew something I didn't."Alex mentioned the design department's been busy," he said casually, too casually. "Must be exciting times at Thorne."I focused on stirring my coffee, grateful he couldn't see my hands shake slightly. The interview invitation sat heavy in my phone's inbox, unmentioned. "It's... interesting."His eyebrow rose fractionally. For a moment, I thought he might press further, but he just hummed and returned to his newspaper.The drive to Thorne Designs felt longer than usual. I'd chosen not to tell Alex about the interview - not a lie, exactly, just... an omission. Something I needed to do on my own merit, without complications or assumptions.The usual morning bustle of the lobby paused briefly as I stepped in. A familiar figure stood by the reception desk,
"Mr. Thorne." Sophie's voice went high, desperate. "I... I wasn't..."But he was looking at me, his expression impossible to read. The air felt thick with everything we weren't saying.Alex's hand barely brushed my elbow as he guided me away from Sophie's crumbling composure. The touch was light, professional, but electricity sparked through my sleeve."I believe we're done here," he said, his voice carrying that same quiet authority I remembered from breakfast. The memory of his knowing smile made my cheeks warm.The elevator doors closed on Sophie's stunned face. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, my portfolio clutched against my chest like a shield.“Thank you.” I tried to speak in a steady voice, masking any hint of emotion, but deep down, I couldn’t help wondering why he always seemed to catch me at my most vulnerable moments."There's a place around the corner," Alex said as we descended. "Best mushroom risotto in the city."It wasn't really a question. But then
Daniel's POVThe divorce papers sat on my desk like a personal insult. Late afternoon sun slanted through my office windows, catching on Maya's signature. Each stroke felt like a slap, like she was finally daring to defy me.Ridiculous. Absolutely fucking ridiculous.I took another sip of scotch, letting the liquid burn. Memories of our early days flooded back - how perfectly she'd fit into my world, so talented, so moldable. The way she'd light up when I praised her work, before I taught her to be quiet, to know her place.She'd been an investment, really. Raw talent wrapped in insecurity, just waiting to be shaped. Every design she created under my guidance made me millions. Every time she shrank from my touch, my control grew stronger. Perfect. Profitable.Until now.The celebration party played in my mind - her defiance, that spark in her eyes I thought I'd crushed years ago. Locking her up was supposed to remind her of her place. The fainting? Obviously another attention-seeking
The scotch glass trembled slightly in Daniel's hand as he watched the press conference footage again. His own empty chair in the background spoke volumes - the space where he should have been standing behind Fiona, maintaining the image they'd crafted so carefully.Instead, he'd walked out. Left her there to crumble under the weight of her own lies. Amateur mistake."What were you thinking?" His voice stayed measured, professional. The same tone he used in board meetings when someone had spectacularly failed. "Did you even consider the implications before staging this little performance?"Fiona perched on the edge of his office sofa, her designer dress wrinkled from hours of damage control meetings. "Danny, I was just trying to-""To what?" The ice clinked against glass as he set it down. "If it had been any other designer, we could have handled this. Money talks. NDAs exist for a reason." He studied her tear-streaked face, seeing it clearly for the first time. "But Maya? You chose to
Maya's POVIt's funny how spaces can change overnight. The same office that had buzzed with competition excitement yesterday now felt like a minefield of whispers. Every conversation died as I passed, replaced by the heavy silence of people trying too hard to look busy."...can't believe they're sisters...""...guess that explains the interview...""...heard she and the CEO..."The fragments followed me down the corridor. I kept my steps measured, my spine straight. The morning light caught on my design tablet, and I held it like a shield as I made my way to my desk."Did you see the livestream?" Sarah from marketing didn't even try to lower her voice. "The poor sister, crying like that. Makes you wonder what really happened.""Well, you know how she got this job." Claire's response carried just far enough. "The CEO personally-""Stop." I hadn't meant to speak, but suddenly the words were there, cutting through the whispers. Heads turned - some guilty, some curious, some already deci
Maya's POV"DESIGNER EXPOSES SISTER'S BETRAYAL: The Truth Behind 'Eden'"The words blurred as I stared at James' phone screen. Behind Fiona's perfectly orchestrated tears, I could see my sketches - the raw, unfinished versions of what would become "Eden." Drafts I'd left scattered across my bed that day, right before everything went dark."You okay?" James' voice seemed to come from far away. "You look like you've seen a ghost.""I need to make a call." My voice sounded steadier than I felt. "Would you excuse me for a moment?"I barely registered his concerned nod as I stepped into what could have been my new kitchen. My fingers shook slightly as I dialed Olivia."Please tell me you're seeing this." The words tumbled out before she could speak."I am. Maya, listen - Fiona's name isn't anywhere in the competition records. I've checked three times. She never even submitted an entry."Something cold settled in my stomach. "She doesn't want to win. She wants to make sure I lose.""Maya-"
Maya's POVI couldn't help but laugh at the memory of Daniel stumbling through Grandfather's mansion last night, all scotch-soaked bravado and empty threats. It was the kind of laugh that caught in your throat - not quite bitter, not quite amused. Just real.The morning commute was oddly peaceful. Traffic flowed smoothly for once, giving me too much time to think about everything and nothing. About how his threats didn't land the same way anymore. About the competition piece I'd submitted last week - "Eden" - and how the name had just felt right.At my desk, I lost myself in current projects. The design for Emma's spring collection needed tweaking, and there was something not quite right about the stone setting in the latest prototype. Normal problems. Safe problems."Ms. Russo?"I jumped, nearly knocking over my coffee. Alex's assistant stood there, apologetic."Sorry to startle you. Mr. Thorne would like a word."My stomach did an odd little flip. Probably about the prototype revisi
Alex's POVI watched Maya's reflection in the office window until it disappeared around the corner. The professional mask I'd worn slipped, just slightly, as I pressed my forehead against the cool glass. Below, the city sprawled like a glittering promise - the same view I'd fought so hard to earn.My fingers found the small scar at my temple, usually hidden by my hair. A souvenir from my stepmother's diamond ring, from a time when I'd dared to speak at dinner without permission. Strange, how certain memories stayed fresh no matter how many years passed.The pendant Maya wore today had caught the light during the lobby confrontation. Those beads - so similar to the ones I'd been turning over in my mind since our first meeting. The same intricate patterns, the same way of catching light...The memory rose unbidden, as it often did in quiet moments.I'd been twelve, though I looked younger - all knees and elbows and hunger that went deeper than missed meals. The mountain resort had been
Maya's POVThe usual morning bustle of the lobby froze the moment I stepped out of the elevator. My mother stood in the center like a gathering storm, designer handbag clutched like a weapon. Ten years hadn't changed her much - same perfectly coiffed hair, same expensive clothes that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent."So this is where you've been hiding," she announced, voice pitched to carry. "Playing career woman while your poor husband sits at home alone."My stomach turned at the sight of phones being raised, at the eager faces of my coworkers pretending not to stare. First day on the job, and already my past was here to haunt me."We should talk somewhere else." My voice came out quieter than intended, but steady."Don't you dare walk away from me." Her voice rose sharply. "I'm not done-""Either we talk privately," I cut in, heat rising in my cheeks, "or security escorts you out. Your choice."She laughed, that brittle sound I remembered from childhood. "You th
Maya's POVI'd been staring at my phone since dawn, refreshing the page where the article had been. Now it was gone, like it never existed. If only rumors disappeared that easily.My blouse hung perfectly pressed on the doorframe, exactly as I'd left it last night. Simple, elegant, armor for my first day. In the mirror, I looked different somehow. Maybe it was the way I held myself now, or maybe just the light."Early start?"Martha stood in the doorway with coffee. She'd been the mansion's housekeeper longer than I'd been alive, and nothing got past her."First day," I said, taking the cup. The warmth helped steady my hands.She clicked her tongue, reaching over to fix my collar. "Don't let them see you flinch."I smiled, as her simple words helped reinforce my confidence.The drive to Thorne Designs was too short and too long. I rehearsed my face in the rearview mirror - professional, calm, unbothered. The article might be gone, but people's memories weren't.The lobby looked the sa
Maya's POVThe silk blouse draped over my ironing board like water. Steam rose in delicate curls as I pressed each seam, remembering the way Janet had smiled during the interview. Tomorrow. My first real day of work in years."You'll wear out the fabric if you keep at it."I jumped at Grandfather's voice. He stood in the doorway of my room, watching me with fond exasperation."I want to look perfect," I admitted, smoothing the fabric one last time."Ah yes, your new job." He settled into the armchair by the window. "Though you didn't mention it was Alex's company at breakfast."Heat crept up my neck. "I didn't want you to think...""That he gave you special treatment?" Grandfather's eyes twinkled. "Maya, my dear, I've known you since you were born. You've never taken the easy path.""Daniel..." I hesitated, the iron hovering over silk. "He didn't want me to work.""And now?"The divorce papers flashed through my mind. I couldn't tell him. Not yet. "Now I'm free to try."Grandfather wa
Daniel's POVThe divorce papers sat on my desk like a personal insult. Late afternoon sun slanted through my office windows, catching on Maya's signature. Each stroke felt like a slap, like she was finally daring to defy me.Ridiculous. Absolutely fucking ridiculous.I took another sip of scotch, letting the liquid burn. Memories of our early days flooded back - how perfectly she'd fit into my world, so talented, so moldable. The way she'd light up when I praised her work, before I taught her to be quiet, to know her place.She'd been an investment, really. Raw talent wrapped in insecurity, just waiting to be shaped. Every design she created under my guidance made me millions. Every time she shrank from my touch, my control grew stronger. Perfect. Profitable.Until now.The celebration party played in my mind - her defiance, that spark in her eyes I thought I'd crushed years ago. Locking her up was supposed to remind her of her place. The fainting? Obviously another attention-seeking