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
ISABELLA’S POVI was still sitting in my office when the auction’s manager dashed in at high speed. Angel had left minutes ago after bombarding me with questions on who Alaric really was. She found him way too attractive to resist and even when I avoided every one of her talk about my ex-husband, I could still feel my blood foaming. I no longer loved Alaric but I also didn't fancy hearing someone gush over him in that manner. Luckily I was able to get her to eventually focus on the auction, and how she needed to create more masterpiece for sale.“Miss!! We have a problem.” He was panting hard with fear written all over his face. I pressed my thumb against my head. “What is the issue, Mr Grave?” “A client…someone outside claims our paintings are fake. She is screaming and the others are scared, Miss. You need to attend to this please.”My pain rose and my heart started to pound. Not because the paintings were really fake but because a little lie like this might ruin our reputation.
VALERIA’S POV“What do you mean you failed?” Elena yelled and threw the vase in my direction but I dodged in time to protect me.My heart was racing so fast. I could feel how angry she was. She was such a brat but the money she was offering would do a lot for me at the moment. What I still didn't understand was why she was so interested in my shitty little sister. Or why anyone would like her? She was barely half as pretty as I was. If I had known she would end up in bed with the mighty Mr Wolfe, I would have been in that bed instead, and maybe by now I wouldn't have to take Elena’s unending tantrums.“Mr Wolfe showed up. I couldn't push forward. It was up to you to get him away from her.” I finally voiced out and watched her lunge forward. I screamed in pain as she dragged my hair.“You poor stricken thing. You should be glad I am letting you do this job and you dare question me??? I am the reason your Mother and you have somewhere to stay. You should be grateful I am paying your deb
ISABELLA’S POVWe walked in, holding hands. They were still sitting around the table. Elena looked up.“Our car is bad. We might have to spend the night, " my husband informed them, and I caught Elena’s face brightening. However, Alaric didn't look happy. He turned to me. “You should have dinner. I have no appetite.” “Me too.”Eating where I wasn't liked wasn't advisable, even if I was hungry. Who knew what end they would go to? A lot of things just seemed too weird. I could sense the competition among them all.“That’s nice. We are all staying over, too.” An older man who looked like he was in his late thirties said, his glass on the brink of his nose. He was dressed in a green shirt and white pants. I didn't know his name.“Alright, uncle. We will head to bed now. We have work tomorrow,” Alaric informed me and then pulled me with him. I could feel his warmth seeping through my skin as we headed upstairs, and soon, he stopped in front of a brown door. “We will stay in this room,”
ISABELLA’S POVI stood there frozen, unable to decide what to do or say. Was I to burst in on them and have her in a cuckold, or was I to wait till they left?I tried holding my breath as though they would hear it. I could hear her moan. Her back against the wall, they looked so engrossed in their act, and they probably weren't stopping anytime soon. Lastly, I wasn't about to watch a full-blown porn movie. A swam of irritation hit me in the stomach, almost throwing me up. This was so disgusting. It felt so wrong. What could ever be the reason to cheat on your husband with his brother? Why?I was thinking of what to do when my phone rang, and I was startled. I pulled it out quickly and turned it off. My body shook, and my lips got dry. I heard them; then he whispered something and footsteps. And somehow, I was glad that it was finally over, so I stepped out, only to see her standing there, her arms wrapped around her waist.“I knew it had to be you. Whatever you plan to do, remember t
ISABELLA’S POVMy heart was racing so fast as we drove into a tall building with a vast compound. This was the second time I was coming to his house, the first time was when I was invited by his father to talk about the marriage. My fingers were trembling. It was like visiting the past and it left a sour taste in my mouth. “We can leave if you don’t want to.” He must have been able to tell.“No, I’m fine. I just can't wait to see them.” I lied and watched him raise his brows but he doesn't ask any questions.Stepping closer, he wrapped his palm around mine, and whispered, “If you ever get a need to leave, then I will get you out of here. I don't like them either so I won’t force you to.” His words felt like pouring a big bowl of ice over my burning nerves because I felt a lot of relief. We walked through the huge white door, laughter echoing through the air. My legs were getting wobbly and I dragged in a deep breathe to calm myself.We were still holding hands. “Mother.” Alaric s
ISABELLA’S POVEven as we sat on the left side of the room, the looming feeling was unshaken. The setting was pretty. From the chandelier hanging low to the large wooden piano sitting in the centre of the room to the pianist clicking away. Including the white fabrics spread on each table and the pretty flowers. The atmosphere smelt so nice and rich. I couldn't tell if it was due to the other guests there or if a particular spray was infused in the air.I watched him signal the waiter, and he walked over. He was dressed in a white shirt and black pants, his black hair neatly trimmed, and a smile on his face.“What would you love to eat, Isabella?” he asked, quickly adding, “Can I call you that?”I hummed in response, too nervous to talk. It widened as my eyes ran over the words on the menu I had picked from the table. Every single meal here was so expensive that even water wasn't spared. It wasn't that I couldn't eat them; I just wondered why he was so nice to me. Noticing their gazes
ISABELLA’S POVI felt my heart swell with pride as I spoke. I was standing in a room with five men looking at me and nodding in agreement. CEO Rex was dressed in a grey suit and black shirt and had a proud expression. He was relaxed in his seat, his fingers stroking his beard. Today was my first day in San Francisco, and I had to catch an early flight to get here, and luckily, it was barely five hours. A car had come to pick me up, too.“I believe doing this will benefit our company because it will strengthen loyalty and help build a relationship with the community. I need you to understand that the world is revolving, and seeing things from young talents’ perspectives might just be what we need to keep us growing. Thank you.” I completed the sentence and watched Rex clap with a smile.Picking the document, I headed back to my seat. My heart started to race. What if they didn't like my idea? Wouldn't that make me look like a fool?“See, I told you she is a very intelligent woman,” Re
THIRD PERSON’S POVAlaric ran his fingers through his hair as he huffed. His anger was brewing, but not at her but himself. Maybe he had overreacted a little. This person was her boss, after all; this was her dream, her line of work, and he might have to accept. But how was he supposed to stand there and watch another man touch his wife?Adjusting his tie, he slammed the car door shut and then stormed after her.“Isa!! Stop!” He ordered, but she didn't budge. She had heard him, but she would be damned to let him have his way. She could feel the volcano in her about to erupt, coupled with the twist deep in her stomach.“Fuck Isa. Do you always have to be so stubborn?” He increased his pace, and so did she. Finally, she sighted the door and stormed in, fiddling with the lock when it was pushed open.“Fuck Isa. Fuck!” He yelled, looking at everything but her. “I am going to have hypertension at this point.” He was breathing heavily and running his fingers through his hair again. “Wha
ISABELLA’S POV“You looked stunning up there tonight.” My husband mumbled against my ears, his hot breath landing on my neck, causing me to bite my lip. “I can't wait to tear every single piece apart.” His voice was low now, and I squeezed my eyes shut as my mind filled with imagination of what he could do to me. My lips parted a little.“Permission to have some fun.” The CEO announced, and the woohs from the people pulled me back into reality. We were now sitting in a corner of the afterparty; the colored light dimmed to create a warm illusion. A song was blaring through the big speakers. Everyone was dancing too.I felt Alaric’s fingers crawl over my thigh, and I stiffened, my eyes meeting his. The warmth from the touch was seeping through my flesh. He smirked as he stretched me a glass of alcohol. “Drink away, wife. It’s your big day, and I am fucking proud of you.” The way he said it was so seductive could be that or the fact that this was my second cup. Something rose in me, an
ISABELLA’S POVIn the blink of an eye, ten days had passed. Days filled with laughter, love, unending compassion, and many dramas. The paintings were retrieved, and my name cleared. I even got an apology from the CEO.I also learnt about Alaric’s love for slow music and his carefree side. Knowing how much sacrifice he would make for me was almost amazing. Alaric was my light on the rough, dark road. He was the only one who truly believed in me and fought for me during those times. Seeing how love could really change someone like Alaric into who he was now was remarkable. But I didn't blame him for how he became; his father was nothing but a monster, and he had grown up believing he had to be that way, too. My heart ached terribly as I stood in line, a ticket in hand and my suitcase in another. Alaric had left to attend to some work emergency. A dark cloud loomed over my heart as I wished I could stretch the day longer than 24 hours to spend more time with him. I had branched Mireille
ALARIC’S POVThe call he had awaited forever finally came through the next morning. His words last night kept playing in his mind as he drove them to the station. Isabella didnt make a mention of it, but he was curious to know what she thought of him right now. “About last night… I’m sorry I burdened you.” He let out. Conversation was the key, right?“I’m not burdened, Alaric. If nothing, I’m glad you deemed me fit to share that part of you.” Her tone was warm, and he could tell she meant it. They said nothing until they pulled up in the building, and he watched her freeze. “What are we doing here?” Her voice cracked.“I have a surprise for you, " he said as he walked over to her and held her hand. Her heart was pounding so loudly against her ribcage as they walked through the passway. She could imagine them coming to take her away. However, they stopped in front of two men.“Do you know these men, Mrs Wolfe?” A uniformed man questioned. Isabella looked at the two men dressed in s