ISABELLA’S POVI dragged in a deep breath as my fingers trembled coldly. I was sitting in one of the offices that the red haired secretary had directed me to, just two days after i got to Florida. My heart couldn't stop beating so fast as I awaited them to get here. I meant the CEO of DeluxeArts, said to be in a meeting. I was dressed in a wine-colored cooperate gown that stopped a little above my knees, paired with a white heel and bag. Mireille picked them out. I took in the sight of the office as the large glass windows flooded the room with light, while overlooking the buzzing street. The office was separated by glass walls that made her feel almost seen and each calling painted in matte black. In front of land laid a sophisticated piece of wooden furniture with a monitor and keyboard on it. There were books, and paintings hanging and neatly arranged on the shelves. Everywhere smelt so intoxicating.The glass door pushed open and I watched a middle aged man walk into the room, dr
ISABELLA’S POVBeing back in Alabama sent my nerves on a spiral mode. Not much has changed, except a little bit of color upgrading from most buildings. Mireille had tried talking me out of coming but I couldn’t bring myself to turn down the company, later she had begged to come along and protect me, but I wasn’t selfish enough to let her when I knew how much it would affect her work. However, the company had prepared a hotel room for me and a car. But I still had heavy eyes that ached terribly from the lack of sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about how Alaric was just an hour drive from the hotel. Standing in the hall as I watched the hired staffs carry out their duties made me feel a little at ease. This was the biggest art auction I was holding with prominent people coming to watch and my heart swelled with immense pride. I did it. I had a name for myself. Built a life for myself. A smile caressed my lips and I dragged in the flowery scent that flooded the air. As much as I
ALARIC’S POVIt was a shock when I returned from my work trip from Columbus and found the house empty. There was no sign of her or her things. Even after pacing the house and calling her number, I still couldn’t reach her. At first, some of me believed she was playing hard to get. She wanted me to chase her and give her the attention she sought, but I couldn’t. I had told her from the very start that I would never learn to love her if she took my father’s offer to wed me to protect the family’s reputation. Growing up, I despised being seen as a tool, just a means to keep something together or in place, just like my parents did. Father was only with Mother cause she had me. After all, his family cared too much about reputations, and they would risk anything to keep the Wolfe’s name untainted. I never saw Isabella as desperate until she agreed to their offer without caring about how I felt or what I thought was right.It was funny how the nerdy girl who made my heart flutter with her b
ISABELLA’S POVI let the door shut behind me before I gave in and cradled my legs, sobbing softly. I was safe in the office, away from him and their glaring eyes and from his hold, memories, and irresistible smell. As pain exploded through my chest, my eyes caught the small frame sitting on my table, the scan of my baby, and a scream pierced my throat while I clutched onto my stomach. Even though it had been months, I still couldn’t forget about Bloom, a name I had always wanted to give her. Or him. I was a bad mother. I was unworthy to be called one. I was at fault for not choosing my child first and not leaving when I could. I apologize for not heading elsewhere after I got the pregnancy news. Then maybe, just maybe, my baby would still be here.My eyes were aching terribly, and my head too, yet more tears streamed down. After what seemed like an eternity, I dragged myself from the floor, wiping off my messy makeup with shaky hands while I tried to steady my breath. ‘I didn’t figh
ALARIC’S POVI froze the second the words slipped past her lips. I could hear the pain in her voice. I could see traces of the tears she tried to hold back, making my heart ache. I realised how selfish I had been. How self-centred I was. “Isa…” My voice trailed off. She was slightly trembling now. Images of her walking into the house days after the miscarriage flooded my mind, and all I had done was accuse her. I had ignored her on the day of the accident. I had let her go through the pain of losing our child alone. I had….“Please, just let me go, Alaric. There is nothing to make up for because I will never forgive you.” Her voice quivered slightly, and my arms weakened as it fell beside me.“I will die trying if I have to.” I let out, my voice sounding weak. I was in pain. Yet it was nothing compared to what she had faced. She sighed and breathed, still trying to hold back her tears. That was what years of loving me had done to her. It had changed her from the soft Isa who would po
ISABELLA’S POV“What do you mean he refuses to let you go?” Mireille let out on the other side of the phone. I could hear her feet as she paced up and down, and I could tell that she was pissed. “Why is he suddenly refusing a divorce? I’m coming over tomorrow. I need to put that asshole in his place.” She was breathing so hard.“No, no, Mireille. Hummm, you have work, and besides I don’t need that drama. My lawyer said he would handle it, so let’s give him time.” My heart was beating fast. There was a weird feeling accompanying it, too. For so many years, I had prayed that Alaric would show me this side of him, the side of him that wanted me so badly and would fight for me. But he never did. So why now?“I think it is because you are famous now. You are rich and…”“The last thing Alaric is will be a gold digger. That I know.” I ran my fingers through my newly washed hair. I was still dressed in my blue bathrobe and sitting on the edge of the bathtub. Because even after sitting in the
ISABELLA’S POVEven though the incident happened the night before, I still couldn't get my mind off it as I sat in the office. It was the second auction, and I tried to think straight. After this, I had three more to go, and then I would return to France. The term for this auction was love. Drawings that reflected love. Trust me, I had stayed on a painting for about a week, yet I still felt it wasn't conveying enough. Maybe because I had no idea what love felt like anymore. However, I was glad many paintings were present, drawn by artists wide and near. Everyone was busy with the setup, and my boss wouldn't stop calling to ask how it was going. Soon, the message was in the back of my mind.Not until I saw him sitting in the auction room, too. Alaric. His eyes caught mine for a second, and I uncomfortably looked away. To think I had believed he wouldn't come back. I had thought the first time we met had to be an accident. I tried to pay full attention as each painting was called and
ALARIC’S POV“This doesn't seem like a smart money move, Sir,” Henry informed as he ridiculously stared at the painting. “We are going broke and…”“Henry!”“But sir, we need this money.”“And we are talking about my wife here. Drive.” I ordered, clenching my teeth. He looked at me from the rearview mirror but knew better than to push the matter. Even if we go bankrupt, I will spend my last cash supporting her. This was the only one to atone for letting her do this all alone when she had spent years supporting my dreams. Most of the ideas she gave me in high school, worked and earned me a lot of cash. Isabella might not be all that, but she was smart and intelligent. She was quick to analyse loss and profit and always knew how I could avoid the loss or lessen it. She helped me a lot after Father informed me that I was taking over the business when I was twenty-eight. I tapped my feet against the floorboard as nervousness coursed through me. Elena had said my Mother fell off the stair
THIRD PERSON’S POVA part of her wanted to turn his proposal down because there was barely enough time to get the perfect dress and prepare. But deep down, she knew the time was ticking, and she might never be prepared to if she didn't do it now. She had searched through all the rows of dresses in the third shop today but found nothing that fit. Given that Alaric was having his suit checked out wherever he was, she had no one to ask. They had both agreed not to see one another’s outfits before the right time. She had no friends. No one to make this day more special than it was. She would have asked Enzo, but he was a man. She was disgruntled as she threw the last piece on the sofa before sinking into it, her face in her palms. Tears stung her eyelids. Mireille would have been thrilled if she was here.Enzo could see her from outside the boutique and near the car, and the inside was visible. He was contemplating going in to ask her what was wrong when his phone rang, and he picked u
ISABELLA’S POVThe drive back home was strangely relaxing, possibly because of my stress. Did I find this fun? Yes. Would I repeat it? No.Alaric’s face also showed fatigue, and all I wanted was to go home to a hot meal and a warm bath.Suddenly, I heard our car screech as a car swerved right in front of us, causing Alaric and me to bounce forward. A black Benz car was now sitting in front of us, unmoving. The owner didn't seem bothered enough to get down. I could feel my heart pounding so fast as the memory of the night I had lost my baby flashed through my mind.“Are you hurt?” Alaric asked, searching my face and body, and I shook my head in response.I watched him grit his teeth before storming out of the car to knock on the window. I don’t know what transfixed, but he stood like that for about a minute or two, and by the time he got back into the car, his expression had changed, and he wasn't saying anything. He drove around the car, whose tinted glasses were wound up, so I could
ISABELLA’S POVI strode around the house, taking in every beautiful art lined up the hallway. Every stroke was detailed; I hummed as a smile graced my lips. We had a few unpacking tasks, and Alaric had left for work, so I had just a few sightseeing tasks before making a dish for us. It would feel so good to cook in this exquisite kitchen. I followed the path that led to the room, visiting each. There were ten rooms, but one was the biggest, which I presumed to be the Main bedroom. Living in a huge house gave me a sense of freedom. My phone vibrated against my jeans pocket, and I pulled it out to stare at the Doctor’s number. The same man who had saved my life the day I got into that accident and lost my baby.Weird how he didn't judge me when I informed him I was now back with Alaric after he noticed the ring on my finger.“If it makes you happy, child.” He had said.I knew he had to be the right one to tell me what drug it was. Luckily, Alaric had an important business to attend to,
ISABELLA’S POVTwo days had passed since he broke the news to me, and finally, we were moving. Two logistics trunks were outside with ten workers waiting, but I knew I had to pick out my stuff myself. I wouldn't want to lose anything or take with me something I didn't find valuable. I knew I had just a few things here due to the constant sleepovers.I was rummaging through the bathroom, packing my hair products when one of them fell and rolled to a corner. I let out a sigh, bent to take it, and instantly saw the slightly open drawer. Something blue was sitting in it. Out of curiosity, I pulled it open to see a nylon of blue pills. My heart skipped a beat. Was Alaric doing drugs? My hand shook out of fear at realising how that could change everything. I knew I had to find out.“Babe, are you done?” I heard him say. I didn't hear him walk in and quickly put it behind my back. My eyes widened as I made eye contact with him. “You good?” I let out a dry laugh. “Definitely. I’m almost do
ISABELLA’S POVHave you ever felt lighter when you are with a particular person? When they effortlessly make you smile, your once-dimmed sparks start to shine again when they seem to know the right thing to say and do at the right time, as though your souls are one. The sun's reflection danced across the room, and I pulled my heavy eyes with a yawn. My body felt so sore, yet a part of me felt fulfilled. My grey eyes met with his warm blue eyes that lit up when he sent me a smile. His hair was rough from last night, and he had nothing on but a pair of white condom boxers. My eyes trailed over the size of his cock and how huge it was.“It’s a size 7. Good morning, wife.” His voice sliced through the silent air, and I bit my lower lip in embarrassment at being caught. He leaned in to gently kiss my lips, then whispered. “Last night was incredible.”I nodded, more shyness seeping in. I was naked, too, under this sheet, and somehow, seeing him looking this hot triggered the horny bitch i
ISABELLA’S POVHave you ever felt lighter when you are with a particular person? When they effortlessly make you smile, your once-dimmed sparks start to shine again when they seem to know the right thing to say and do at the right time, as though your souls are one. The sun's reflection danced across the room, and I pulled my heavy eyes with a yawn. My body felt so sore, yet a part of me felt fulfilled. My grey eyes met with his warm blue eyes that lit up when he sent me a smile. His hair was rough from last night, and he had nothing on but a pair of white condom boxers. My eyes trailed over the size of his cock and how huge it was.“It’s a size 7. Good morning, wife.” His voice sliced through the silent air, and I bit my lower lip in embarrassment at being caught. He leaned in to gently kiss my lips, then whispered. “Last night was incredible.”I nodded, more shyness seeping in. I was naked, too, under this sheet, and somehow, seeing him looking this hot triggered the horny bitch i
ISABELLA’S POVI should be embarrassed. Grossed out and running out of this enclosed space. So tell me why I was turned on instead. Tell me why I had this crazy urge to have him bend me over and fuck me till my lungs give out.“The cctvs.” I heard myself say.Those were not the words I had expected.He smiled and then placed it on my own. It looked oversized on me, and he wore a Black turtleneck long-sleeved shirt and Black pants.“If you think I will fuck my wife in a place other people can access, then you don’t know me, Isa.” I heard him say, and my heart flipped, not because of his words but because his eyes darkened with mischief.What was he up to?I felt his hand work its way through my jean trouser to grab my left butt cheek and squeeze it, and I let out a gasp. His other hand was grabbing my hair.“You look pretty when you are wet. Especially with no clothes on.” The way he said the words so slowly drove me insane, and I parted my lips because I was now finding it hard to bre
ALARIC’S POVWhen I had informed her of us going skating, her eyes lit up in delight. But now that we were standing here with skates strapped beneath our feet, I was starting to rethink that decision. Even with the knee pads, ankle pads and helmets, my heart was still pounding so fast. I have never skated, and the multiple online videos I watched all night did nothing to help.“Are you ready?” I asked, a part of me hoping she would chicken out and insist on leaving so I wouldn't be the sacred one. But instead, she nodded.I watched her get onto the ice, pulling me with her, and my heart started to race. Never had it occurred to me that I could be scared of ice. It's just ice. I have gone through so much more, so something like this shouldn't break me.A bead of sweat broke behind my neck. As much as I wanted to tell her how I felt, she was smiling brightly and without worries. I didn't want to ruin that. I watched her move one foot, then another gently, and I followed suit, but my
ALARIC’S POVGetting into the building was easy, and luckily, I saw Isabella sitting in the corner of my left hand. She was dressed in a red gown that clung to her white smooth skin like a second flesh. Her waist was snatched, and the dress stopped right above her kneecap. I drooled over her cleavage, deep, weak in the knee. She had a white pearl necklace on alongside white heels. Her legs were put together and slightly bent to the side before a chair leg. She looked so sophisticated. Her brown hair was beautifully rolled up, with none falling below her neck. She had slight makeup on, with her lips painted red.I was confused between going to meet her there and causing a diversion from the auction or signalling her to come over. But the Isa I knew was too stubborn to come over, so I went instead.“We need to talk,” I whispered, watching her give me a death stare. “Leave, Alaric. I’m busy.” She muttered between clenched teeth, then looked away.“If you could just give me a moment. Yo