ISABELLA’S POVSuddenly, he paused. “Are you sure about this, little bear?” He asked, his voice having a rough edge of need, of desire. He wanted me too, I could tell. The, I knew that proceeding with this would only complicate things for me and confuse me more. As it was, I didn't know what the future held for us. I had no idea if I still wanted the divorce. What if this leads him on?“Yes, Alaric. Stop talking already.” It came as a whisper rather than a command. The heat was gathered around my thighs. “You've had a lot to drink, and I don't want you to wake up tomorrow thinking this was a mistake.” There was something in his voice. Guilt. Pain. Or was it sadness?I pulled back slightly to stare into his eyes. His blue eyes drew me in. “I am not drunk, Alaric. Tipsy, maybe, but I know just what I'm doing. This is what I want.” His eyes searched mine like he was looking for a clue or a reason to stop. Not seeing, he claimed my lips with such possessiveness that left me breathles
ISABELLA’S POVHe stared at me softly. “The safe word is stop. Remember to say it when need be.” He said tenderly as though I was an egg that could crack.I nodded in response, then produced a moan as I squeezed my breast. I could feel his jealousy boiling. “I want just my hands on you, little bun.” “Really? I don't see them anywhere.” I teased, and he grunted as he got in bed.Kneeling between my thighs, he slapped his cock against my cock before sliding in, his left palm around my neck. My vision blurred as he banged me hard. I was running out of breath, yet I refused to say the safe word.My moans echoed through the room as my body shot with pleasure. It felt like paradise, yet with some pain. Just the right balance I needed. He seemed to sense my vision going off because he let go of my neck and looked at me warmly.“Fuck! Did I hurt you?” The fear in his voice.“I’m not a child, Alaric. I am a woman, so pound me like one.” I snapped, annoyed that he ruined everything. The vibra
ISABELLA’S POVTwo days had passed, and there was still no sign of Mireille. Her phone number was not going through, and I made another shocking discovery. It was almost as if she vanished into thin air. Dread spread through my trembling body as I paced up and down my office. I didn't have a choice but to be here. The urge to ditch everything and take a flight to Florida engulfed me. I had spent the previous night rolling and tossing on the bed. Different thoughts ran through my mind. What could have happened to Mireille? Why was she not calling or messaging me?The fourth auction was tomorrow, and I could not leave. I had so much to attend to. There were a lot of paintings I had to bring in. I had to take care of the guest list, coupled with the fact that my boss was looking up to me to make this a success. The door creaked, and Alaric stepped in, dressed in an all-white suit. The way he carried him with so much grace and confidence was attractive. The dangerous aura that emanated
ISABELLA’S POVThe day of the auction slowly rolled in, and even though my life was a wrecking ball, I managed to hold it together. But I had to admit I was zoning in and out multiple times. I had a dream concerning Mireille overnight. In the dream, she was begging for help, blood all over her.I sighed again and dragged my mind back to the bidding. The theme of it was beauty. Luckily, I managed to source the best of all the paintings. I had painted an image of Mireille; she was the only one who knew the meaning of beauty. Her eyes glowed up genuinely every time I succeeded with work. Her smile seemed to light up every dark room in the house. Her words uplifted my soul, and she loved me unconditionally. As the time ticked, I tapped my feet against the floor, waiting for it to end, but it seemed to stretch more. I hadn't seen Alaric all morning, and more weird thoughts ran through my mind. “The boss is here, ma’am.” A female staff whispered against my ear, and I startled a little bef
ISABELLA’S POVI froze. His words replayed in my mind, but this time, slower. It felt like the world was crumbling beneath my feet as time had stopped. My body trembled vigorously. Mireille. Mireille was dead.Tears rolled down my cheek as I gripped tightly onto my wine-suit trousers. It felt unreal, and the words sounded foreign for a second.Alaric closed the gap between us, his palms grabbing my shoulder. The pain broke my heart. “We can't say it's her until we see the body, " he said, and I could tell that he was only trying to calm me down. I booked us a last-minute ticket, and our flight leaves in an hour. Your bag is packed as well.” He formed as he pulled me up gently, and I leaned into him. I could barely make out anything in my surroundings as we walked out of the building and into his car. The second the door to the car closed, I let out a scream, hitting the seat head. Alaric stepped in from the other side.“To the airport, Enzo.” Enzo glanced at me through the review
THIRD PERSON’S POVHer heart thumped loudly against her ribcage, her fingers were trembling, and she felt a cold spine run through her veins. “Stay right there,” Alaric ordered before shoving the door open and running to the street. He had parked the car in a safe place, but she could barely make anything out as blood rushed to her ears.He knew the homeless man had to be involved. He was conversant with how things like this worked. A surge of adrenaline ran through him as he stormed into the streets. His eyes moved over the countless people. He could still remember what the homeless man was dressed in and what he looked like. Sweat broke across his face as he stepped into people’s faces to check if the homeless man had changed into another outfit. He had read too many crime books to know how this works while growing up. Finally, he caught sight of the tattered black hoodie. He grabbed him by the shoulder with renewed hope and flipped him around.“Ouch, you're hurting me, " a femal
ISABELLA’S POV“I don't think we should do that after what happened last night.” He responded, dishing the chicken, fried potatoes, and egg on a plate and handing it to her.“We?” she repeated, then added, “Thank you for the food.”He hummed as he poured her an orange juice. “You don't think I will let you go alone, right?” She was speechless for a second. She wasn't entirely expecting him not to follow her, and she didn't want to bother him. “Enjoy your meal while I go take a bath, okay.” His hand was resting on the table as he spoke before he raised a palm and touched her forehead. “You seem better now. Let me know if it changes.” With this, he walked out of sight.Her mouth tasted bitter, but she managed to chew the food because she couldn't let his effort go to waste. Soon, he was dressed in a light blue shirt and cream-colored shorts. His face was neatly shaved, too. She was done, too, and within minutes, they were in his car, driving towards Mireille’s apartment.Her heart be
ISABELLA’S POVI had taken forever to snap out of the phase while Alaric spoke with the two police officers. Different scenarios had played out in my head. Mireille had always seemed so happy and carefree that I never thought she could hide something. She shared everything with me about how her first sex went. How sex with her new man was. How engagement was planned out. Everything except the important details.Who was the savior? I could barely determine what they were saying, but I knew he handed them what we had gotten from her house and the car. One of the police officers had said something about us taking a big risk and suggested that we stay put until we got the news. I had yet to tell Alaric I had gotten a package back in Alabama. I doubted that it mattered anymore. “We will get back to you, Mr Wolfe.” He said before flashing him a smile. Alaric hummed thanks while I laid my head between my palms, trying to solve the mystery.What clue were we missing? I thought as I tried
ALARIC’S POVAfter we settled down and placed orders, I noticed Mother’s eyes lighting up as she looked around the room.“Ever being here?” She shook her head. “Always wanted to come with Ethan.” Her smile slowly disappeared.That was my father’s name. And as much as I wanted to ask her why she stayed, I didn’t want to ruin the moment. Our orders were served, and a few spoons were put into it. A voice spoke from behind, and my mother’s eyes shot up like fireworks were set off.“Uncle,” I said, slicing through the tension in the air. He cleared his throat and then looked at me.“May I?” He pointed to the spare chair.Something seemed off. Very off. But I nodded.“I didn’t think you would be here.” He pointed out. I noticed Mother’s eyes were barely leaving him, and now and then, her cheeks would turn red. My father’s brother? Could there be something between them?“I had to take Mom out,” I informed him. He nodded and slowly turned towards her as though he were conscious.“The color
ALARIC’S POVI didn’t notice my missing mother until the maid knocked on my door to inform me. I frowned as I paced the room, dialing her number repeatedly, but it wasn’t connecting. “Switched off.” I frowned, tossing my phone on the couch. What was she up to now?I dialed the number I had vowed never to dial, and after the third attempt, he finally picked up.“What?” He sounded uninterested.“Is Mother there?” There was a brief silence, and I could hear Chris chatting in the background. These were having family moments that he didn't ever have with me. My heart ached a little, and someday, I would love to ask him why he despised me so much. Why did he marry her when he knew he would forever hate the sight of me?“Do I look like her nanny to you?” he bellowed, and I think it was on the loudspeaker because Chris chuckled underneath.“If you want to apologize to Father, just say so. You don't have to use this means. If you are sincere, I can beg Father to let you come work for us aga
THIRD PERSON POVBianca’s revelation had shattered what was left of their relationship. Alaric had avoided her no matter what she did, and she spent most days crying herself to sleep. She could feel her soul slowly dispersing. Every now and then, she could have sworn that someone was watching her. Maybe the grim reaper, and it was time she righted her wrongs and induced death early if it didn’t come as fast as it should. She was in pain every single day, her bones aching like they were melting under a fire. Living was demanding. She had gone through every person she could think of who knew Isabella closely but got nothing. Until now, she was standing in the middle of a bar five hours away from home. She had flown down to Navellyland, a small town that he had to be in. This information cost her a lot of money, but she was glad his company could help.Her eyes darted round the room to see him, but he was nowhere near there. Sighing, she headed to the bartender and requested water. “T
ALARIC’S POVFather was holding a meeting with the board, introducing his son with so much pride. Something he had never done when it came to me. The people had sent me questioning glances or maybe mockery. I could hear them saying the mighty Wolfe had fallen. The man who thought he knew it all.“I promise to do better than my brother here.” Chris shaded, and they smiled, nodding. I can see we have been having some financial crisis. Brother must have had a hard time handling it, but I have spent my life preparing for this.” He smiled at me.Why weren't they seeing this? This bratty side of him? They thought I was worse. He seemed like a terrible version of me. I guess he was the father’s true son, after all.“Please cooperate with him to grow this business some more,” Father announced, and Chris cleared his throat. He adjusted his blue suit alongside his shoulder pad before pushing several documents toward them.The logo looked familiar—very familiar—and then it dawned on me. It was o
THIRD PERSON’S POVElena’s heart had gotten as cold as ice. Even as she bled and pain shot through her bones, she managed to keep an expressionless self. She couldn't forget how she had laid there in tears as they erased the only evidence of Devan that she had. Was it weird that she had prayed never to wake up? When Father told her that he had found another potential man for her to marry and requested she go on a date with him, she nodded in agreement and retired to her room. She was still nursing her wound, but he didnt care. He seemed happier than ever. Chris and his family had cut off the engagement and withdrew from every project, advising their partners to do the same. They had announced it on TV and even paid the newspapers to carry the news because, according to them, it would dent their image. Elena didn't care anymore. All her obsession about marrying Alaric had evaporated. The only man she loved was gone after all. The only one who made living worth it. Her father had stor
THIRD PERSON’S POVDevan wasn’t expecting anyone, yet when the door had been kicked open, and he was pulled out in his singlet and pants, he knew his time was up. He had known loving someone dangerous would burn him beyond recognition, yet he hoped they would last forever. He wished he could give her the life she was used to, and that was why he was working on himself, applying for jobs, building websites every time he could, and praying for an investment that would change everything. Although Elena had volunteered to help him get a job or start a business, he did not want anything more to do with her father’s money. He tried to build it all on his own. Become the man for her. Until he met Elena, he had lived a dull life after losing his family and home in a fire. He has lost everything, and Elena's showing up has become the light in his cramped tunnel. The stars in his dark, moonless sky. The fireworks that spark up his world.The police officers cuffed him and drove him down to the
THIRD PERSON’S POVElena could feel every breath in her heart. She was pregnant. Her head spun so fast, and the world was rotating in her face. The sound of the beeping from the metal in the room sounded clearer, and she could even hear the sound of her blood rushing to her eyes. Her mother smiled hard at her, happy they were finally saved from the debt. With the baby, the Wolfe would have no choice but to accept her, and finally, she would watch her husband become himself again. Happy and stable. Bianca’s eyes widened in shock as Elena’s past admission to no sex between them echoed in her head.“Who is the father?” Bianca questioned, causing her mother to throw her a questioning look.“What do you mean? Elena, what is she talking about?” Her mother’s eyes darted from them both. Her breath hitched.Elena’s heart was beating so fast and ramming against her chest. She had tried to be careful and used after-sex pills, so how?“Your daughter and I never had sex,” Alaric announced, scoffe
ALARIC’S POVI was storming into my house with my heart hammering so loudly. Getting my memories wasn’t just a blessing but a curse, too. Not only am I left with just the memories of my wife, but we were divorced, too. I had no memory of signing one, so how?“Mother!” I roared as I came close to the sitting room. I knew it had to be them; that was why they were adamant about me getting married to Elena. “What did you do?” My neck veins popped.But she froze the second she saw me. I could tell they were discussing something because Elena sat there, her palms folded on her lap, her head lowered, and her wounds covered.“What did you do to my wife?” “I know you worry about Elena, but she is…”“Isabella, Mother. My real wife.” Her face fell when I dropped the bombshell, and Elena’s eyes widened. Mother rolled her eyes. “That bitch ran off with another man. I didn’t want to hurt you with such sun, son. She abandoned you….” Her arms folded over her chest.“Lies. Those are nothing but lie
THIRD PERSON’S POVAlaric pushed the phone’s button and watched it come on. Nearly a thousand missed walls from the same caller were saved as MM. By the way, those are weird acronyms.This was supposed to jot his memory, but nothing happened. There was a password on it, and worse, he had no fucking clue what it would be. Cussing his pitiful self, he turned the phone off and kept it in his pocket. He could bypass it with his laptop, just not the office one. But before that, he had Elena to take care of. It was more like getting rid of forever. He was going to tell her to steer clear of him.Soon, he was walking into a place that was supposed to be his home, filled with chaos and stress.“Where is she, Mother?” He sounded slightly uninterested because he was.His mother stepped aside to show Elena, now sitting up, her body bruised so badly. He gnashed his teeth.“Who did this to you?” Elena couldn’t speak. She couldn’t turn in her Dad. He had only done this because he was stressed. He