I woke up from the sound of steps coming closer. I opened my eyes to see a figure of a man in a black suit standing over me, his hands behind his back and his posture rigid and formal. My eyes widened in recognition as I stared at him with my hand still on my head. I rubbed my eyes with my fingers to make sure it was real. It’s Julian—one of Courtney’s men. “Good morning, Ms. Adeleine. I’m sorry for waking you early.” He bowed his head slightly to show his apologetic nature. “Sir Courtney asked me to bring you to him once you’re awake.” I rubbed my eyes again before sitting up slowly in bed. It took some time for them to readjust after sleeping in such an awkward position. “Oh. Alright. Tell him I’ll be there in a few minutes.” “Noted, Ms. Adeleine. I’ll be waiting outside your room.” He gave another bow and left quickly, closing the bedroom door quietly behind him. I sighed deeply and sat up fully, running a hand through my hair. I wondered why Courtney had me dragged out of bed
I’m sitting inside Redemice Cafe, a bustling, popular restaurant and his current favorite, according to him. As I sit in contemplative silence, my gaze fixated on him in the distance, I observe him engaged in a conversation over the phone. Meanwhile, I remain rooted in my place, patiently awaiting the arrival of our meal. It has been fourteen hours since he unveiled all the weapons and closet to me. Despite the gravity of yesterday’s events, I have whiled away the day in quiet repose as if the specter of danger had never loomed over us only now, as he brought me to this wealthy cafe. I’m wearing this dress he gave me— a black slit maxi dress adorned with shimmering sequins that seem to sparkle like precious jewels. The fabric is not flimsy; it exudes a softness and warmth that caresses my skin as my fingers glide over the delicate ruffles. While not overly revealing, the neckline features a sheer top, a choice that Courtney insisted upon. And the black suede heels that go along with i
It’s raining outside. The water drummed relentlessly against the car’s roof as Courtney navigated the slick streets. I’m chilling in the car’s passenger seat. Our plan to walk had been derailed because the rain had just started pouring down. Instead, we decided to head straight to our destination. I was just looking out the window as we drove, admiring how pretty everything looked in the rain. It was so calming I could feel my body relax. Not to mention that I’m tipsy from the bottle of wine we just finished earlier. I turned my head to look at Courtney; he was still concentrating on the road while speaking with Julian over the phone. The urgency in his tone and how his eyebrows were knitted together gave me a clue. And it’s probably not anything good. He seemed very upset, but he kept his cool for this long. I strained to catch snippets of conversation—code names, locations, things that are classified information—but I couldn’t make much sense of it. Eventually, he hung up and sigh
Courtney held my hand tight as we ran outside, chasing the entire gang. Continuous gunshots echoed through the air. Bullets pinged off brick and metal structures around us, creating a cacophony that was becoming too much to bear. I looked over my shoulder briefly but didn't see anyone who had not been shot already, so I focused on escaping. It was easy enough with Courtney by my side, but it was still terrifying to think I was now facing this scenario. Those dangerous gang members were the ones who made trouble and are now on their way to sell the diamond. We were behind the enemies, and they kept firing at that ridiculous speed and precision. But we're trying to follow them while staying out of reach. However, despite the fact I'm used to hearing gunshots, the apprehension overwhelmed me with each thump that echoed around the surroundings. But Courtney's hands had this comforting grip on my arm as he continued to pull me along. The more we kept following them, the more I witness
A heavy tension permeated the atmosphere, the silence profound and suffocating. Our adversaries loomed before us, their predatory gazes fixed upon us, ready to unleash violence at any moment. Yet, amidst this palpable threat, my eyes were drawn to Courtney. The look on his face was so fucking serene like nothing could bring him down, and he was capable of facing down our foes without a flicker of hesitation. But then, there's still a part of me that can't help but feel anxious about what will happen after tonight. My thoughts were brought to a halt when Courtney pulled out a lighter and held it towards the cigarette dangling between his fingers. Wait! A cigarette bomb! Without hesitation, he threw the smoke grenade in our direction with such precision and accuracy that it hit exactly where it needed to be. A blast rippled through the ground, and it was then followed by screams that only seemed amplified because of the explosion. The smell of gunpowder hung in the air, and smo
It's been four hours since Julian sent me back to the Reestone Building. He's outside the door, guarding me for four hours straight. And now I have to stay inside, let the boredom get the better of me until Courtney shows up. I stood before a full-length mirror, taking in the sight of myself. My hair cascaded down in soft waves, and I was in dark pajamas and an oversized shirt. But as I stared, the carefree reflection began to blur, overshadowed by memories that played out like a reel— the scenario earlier. Every threat and sound of gunfire was fresh in my memory as it echoed around in my head like a scream. But what really gets to me are all the memories that don't involve guns or bullets; it wasn't just the violence that haunted me. It was Courtney's strange hold over people at the party as if he were some kind of man who made many contributions. It almost made him seem harmless, almost like a beloved community figure. Charismatic, but only those who dared to cross him knew the dar
The room was dark, save for the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the partially closed curtains. I shifted under the covers, my mind buzzing with remnants of last night's conversation with Courtney. Every word he said was still fresh. The way he had pushed me away, his words harsh and final, had been eating away at me all night.I blinked, adjusting my eyes to the dim light, only to freeze. There, sitting in a chair beside my bed, was Courtney. My eyes widened in surprise. His figure was shadowed, but I could see the outline of his broad shoulders and the unmistakable weight he seemed to carry. My heart skipped a beat as my brain scrambled to understand what was happening.How long had he been sitting there?I sat up slowly, my movements cautious, my gaze fixed on him. "Courtney?" My voice came out softer than I intended, still thick with sleep. I hadn't expected him to be here, especially not like this.He turned his head slightly toward me, and in the faint light, I saw his
Agonizing pain ripped through my body, penetrating every cell as tears streamed down my cheeks, pleading for him to stop. But Blaine's face twisted into something monstrous, his eyes gleaming with fury. I hugged my body tightly, trying desperately to stifle my sobs. "Please... Blaine, stop." My voice trembled, broken. "I-I just want to eat. What am I supposed to do? I'm hungry. My stomach hurts..." I dared to glance at him, hoping he would soften and his rage would subside. But all I could see in his eyes was burning hatred until, without warning, he ripped off his black belt and began lashing me as if I had committed some heinous, unforgivable sin."You stupid, worthless bitch! How many times do I have to tell you? Don't eat anything!" His voice thundered through the room, his anger savage. "The grand party is tomorrow night! You have to be the most alluring woman there! Do you think stuffing your face is going to help with that? Eating will make you fat and ugly!"His words cut deep
The room was dark, save for the faint glow of moonlight streaming through the partially closed curtains. I shifted under the covers, my mind buzzing with remnants of last night's conversation with Courtney. Every word he said was still fresh. The way he had pushed me away, his words harsh and final, had been eating away at me all night.I blinked, adjusting my eyes to the dim light, only to freeze. There, sitting in a chair beside my bed, was Courtney. My eyes widened in surprise. His figure was shadowed, but I could see the outline of his broad shoulders and the unmistakable weight he seemed to carry. My heart skipped a beat as my brain scrambled to understand what was happening.How long had he been sitting there?I sat up slowly, my movements cautious, my gaze fixed on him. "Courtney?" My voice came out softer than I intended, still thick with sleep. I hadn't expected him to be here, especially not like this.He turned his head slightly toward me, and in the faint light, I saw his
It's been four hours since Julian sent me back to the Reestone Building. He's outside the door, guarding me for four hours straight. And now I have to stay inside, let the boredom get the better of me until Courtney shows up. I stood before a full-length mirror, taking in the sight of myself. My hair cascaded down in soft waves, and I was in dark pajamas and an oversized shirt. But as I stared, the carefree reflection began to blur, overshadowed by memories that played out like a reel— the scenario earlier. Every threat and sound of gunfire was fresh in my memory as it echoed around in my head like a scream. But what really gets to me are all the memories that don't involve guns or bullets; it wasn't just the violence that haunted me. It was Courtney's strange hold over people at the party as if he were some kind of man who made many contributions. It almost made him seem harmless, almost like a beloved community figure. Charismatic, but only those who dared to cross him knew the dar
A heavy tension permeated the atmosphere, the silence profound and suffocating. Our adversaries loomed before us, their predatory gazes fixed upon us, ready to unleash violence at any moment. Yet, amidst this palpable threat, my eyes were drawn to Courtney. The look on his face was so fucking serene like nothing could bring him down, and he was capable of facing down our foes without a flicker of hesitation. But then, there's still a part of me that can't help but feel anxious about what will happen after tonight. My thoughts were brought to a halt when Courtney pulled out a lighter and held it towards the cigarette dangling between his fingers. Wait! A cigarette bomb! Without hesitation, he threw the smoke grenade in our direction with such precision and accuracy that it hit exactly where it needed to be. A blast rippled through the ground, and it was then followed by screams that only seemed amplified because of the explosion. The smell of gunpowder hung in the air, and smo
Courtney held my hand tight as we ran outside, chasing the entire gang. Continuous gunshots echoed through the air. Bullets pinged off brick and metal structures around us, creating a cacophony that was becoming too much to bear. I looked over my shoulder briefly but didn't see anyone who had not been shot already, so I focused on escaping. It was easy enough with Courtney by my side, but it was still terrifying to think I was now facing this scenario. Those dangerous gang members were the ones who made trouble and are now on their way to sell the diamond. We were behind the enemies, and they kept firing at that ridiculous speed and precision. But we're trying to follow them while staying out of reach. However, despite the fact I'm used to hearing gunshots, the apprehension overwhelmed me with each thump that echoed around the surroundings. But Courtney's hands had this comforting grip on my arm as he continued to pull me along. The more we kept following them, the more I witness
It’s raining outside. The water drummed relentlessly against the car’s roof as Courtney navigated the slick streets. I’m chilling in the car’s passenger seat. Our plan to walk had been derailed because the rain had just started pouring down. Instead, we decided to head straight to our destination. I was just looking out the window as we drove, admiring how pretty everything looked in the rain. It was so calming I could feel my body relax. Not to mention that I’m tipsy from the bottle of wine we just finished earlier. I turned my head to look at Courtney; he was still concentrating on the road while speaking with Julian over the phone. The urgency in his tone and how his eyebrows were knitted together gave me a clue. And it’s probably not anything good. He seemed very upset, but he kept his cool for this long. I strained to catch snippets of conversation—code names, locations, things that are classified information—but I couldn’t make much sense of it. Eventually, he hung up and sigh
I’m sitting inside Redemice Cafe, a bustling, popular restaurant and his current favorite, according to him. As I sit in contemplative silence, my gaze fixated on him in the distance, I observe him engaged in a conversation over the phone. Meanwhile, I remain rooted in my place, patiently awaiting the arrival of our meal. It has been fourteen hours since he unveiled all the weapons and closet to me. Despite the gravity of yesterday’s events, I have whiled away the day in quiet repose as if the specter of danger had never loomed over us only now, as he brought me to this wealthy cafe. I’m wearing this dress he gave me— a black slit maxi dress adorned with shimmering sequins that seem to sparkle like precious jewels. The fabric is not flimsy; it exudes a softness and warmth that caresses my skin as my fingers glide over the delicate ruffles. While not overly revealing, the neckline features a sheer top, a choice that Courtney insisted upon. And the black suede heels that go along with i
I woke up from the sound of steps coming closer. I opened my eyes to see a figure of a man in a black suit standing over me, his hands behind his back and his posture rigid and formal. My eyes widened in recognition as I stared at him with my hand still on my head. I rubbed my eyes with my fingers to make sure it was real. It’s Julian—one of Courtney’s men. “Good morning, Ms. Adeleine. I’m sorry for waking you early.” He bowed his head slightly to show his apologetic nature. “Sir Courtney asked me to bring you to him once you’re awake.” I rubbed my eyes again before sitting up slowly in bed. It took some time for them to readjust after sleeping in such an awkward position. “Oh. Alright. Tell him I’ll be there in a few minutes.” “Noted, Ms. Adeleine. I’ll be waiting outside your room.” He gave another bow and left quickly, closing the bedroom door quietly behind him. I sighed deeply and sat up fully, running a hand through my hair. I wondered why Courtney had me dragged out of bed
When his gaze redirected to Blaine, his features hardened instantly. The fury was evident. And now I’m feeling nervous ’cause I could feel the tension that’s there.Blaine suddenly let out a loud growl, which snapped my attention. “Bullshit!” He swerved, taking another turn so sharply that the car almost tipped over. “If he thinks he can save you, he’s wrong!”I didn’t respond, but deep in my heart, I knew he was wrong. He’s a fool even to think Courtney was incapable of saving me.Blaine suddenly veered into an abandoned warehouse district, the crumbling buildings providing cover. I looked outside, and Courtney was following us, tires screeching as it fishtailed around the corner. He leaned out of the window, gun in hand, while his left hand held the wheel firmly. The following thing was when he fired shots through the windows beside Blaine, causing them to shatter loudly, and the bullets raked across the front windshield. That caused me to jerk back into the seat, covering my ears as
Back to Adeleine's POVI sat in the dimly lit room, my reflection staring back at me from the ornate mirror. The dress they made me wear was seductive, no doubt about it. A sleek red gown with a daring slit up my thigh, a line of lace tracing my curves just above the knee. It was a bit revealing for my taste, and I couldn't help but feel a tad uneasy in it. Peering at my reflection, I hardly recognized myself. My eyes, once lively and bright, now held only weariness and sorrow. And even with all the makeup, my true self peeked through, those scars and bruises telling a story of their own on my skin.Chris Salvatore, the man who had bought me for a million dollars, stood by the door. His eyes bore into mine, devoid of any compassion. Blaine was the mastermind behind this crazy idea of selling me to this jerk, and here I was, completely helpless to stop it."You're mine now." Chris sneered, his voice dripping with disgust as he swaggered toward me. I met his gaze through the mirror with