(Karis's pov) Camilla squinted her eyes at me, suspicious of why Skyler sent me a package considering the fact we danced in the middle of the hall yesterday. "Bring the package in," I instructed John. Camilla cleared her throat, indicating I was meant to turn back the package due to whatever feud Skyler had with the De Marco, but I couldn't turn back the package without knowing what was inside. I was genuinely curious to know what Skyler sent to me. "Alright, ma'am." John nodded then left. I gave Camila a tight-lipped smile and waited for John to bring the package. It was a cute box with a bouquet of flowers, Red roses, to be specific. The package came with a card. "I can't stop thinking about your sparkling hazel eyes. It keeps me up all night. Please accept this little token of our friendship. SC" My brows furrowed at the card which caught Camilla's eye. Skyler planned on ruining my name. I bit my lips and opened the small box, and my jaw dropped. It was
(Karis's pov) It felt like forever for the receptionist to be over with the call. My eyes kept darting around the room to keep myself busy. My hands were clutching my bag cause the wait was nerve-wracking. "Ma'am, sorry for the wait. Someone will be here shortly to take you to the president's office." The receptionist said very politely. I subconsciously nodded at her and went back to where I was seated earlier. "Excuse me, you must be Miss Karis Reynolds." A guy in his twenties approached me with a polite smile. My brows furrowed hearing him address me by my maiden surname, but then again, it must be Skyler's wish. "Yeah, that's me," I replied, returning the smile. "I am Bryan, Mr Crest's assistant. I am here to escort you to the president's office. He has been expecting." Bryan introduced himself, giving me his hand for a handshake, which I accepted. "It's nice meeting you." I rose from my seat. Bryan mentioned Skyler has been waiting for me, ' did he deli
(Karis's pov) I slowly averted my eyes from him, not wanting to fall for his words. I wanted to make Xander pay and regret but conniving with his rival seemed to be too low for me. "I am not hurt, you have no idea what you are talking about." I refused to agree with Skyler. There was a reason why Xander and Camilla had an adverse reaction to him. There was a possibility he wanted to use me against Xander. I was not going to be someone's pawn in a death game. "I know exactly what I am talking about. Your eyes say it all. They lack the lustrous glow they should have, no matter how you deny it, there is something deep inside you that knows I am right." The way Skyler spoke was as if he knew me better than anyone; he knew of my darkest desires. "I simply came here to return the pendant. The actual worth is just a little bit over 600 thousand, but the person who sold it to the auction has no idea of its worth." I mentioned trying to get back to the topic we were primarily
(Karis's pov) Skyler called to cancel the order, he had to pay for damages fees because the flower company was already working on his ridiculous order. "Don't be so nervous. You are just going to a public event; it's not like you are cheating on your husband, although that will not be a bad idea." Skyler's voice got into my ears. I was playing with my fingers trying to control my nervousness. We were seated in Skyler's car's backseat. He had insisted we leave in the same car. When he said I would be attending an event, he didn't mention it was this afternoon, so it came as a surprise when he added we had to leave immediately. I ignored Skyler and continued glancing at the busy street outside. The car drove into what looked like a gallery. My eyes sparkled, remembering it was a famous art gallery, and immediately, my brain recalled there was an important event that was to be held here today according to my past life memories. It was a fashion event. "Why are you brin
(Karis's pov) My hands clenched, seeing Emma smiling like a fool at Xander, and I quickly looked away. Skyler was still holding my hand but it didn't matter to me anymore. Why was I nervous about attending a simple fashion event with Skyler when Xander was going to attend with Emma? I felt like laughing at myself. Xander's cold gaze didn't leave me until he made his way to a reserved seat for him and Emma. His eyes were cold but there was a wicked smile on his lips that sent chills down my spine. The Reynolds family were one of the De Marco's partners although their wealth was nothing close to the De Marco. Xander was sitting on the runway opposite me. Despite me being in the back his eyes still found me. He was just mad because I was with Skyler; he never cared about who I hung out with, although it was not my personality to socialize much. "Karis focus," I muttered to myself, trying to focus on the runway models. "Are you sure you will be able to focus?" Skyle
(Karis's pov) I was supporting Bertha's weight which restricted my movements. It was certain Emma wanted to slap me but I could not avoid the hit. Her right palm struck across my left cheek, leaving her palm imprinted on it. The stinking feelings on my cheeks were a wake-up call. Since my actions had changed it also affected others. In my past life, Emma was a white lotus who hid her intentions well and never directly attacked me. More like she saw no reason to since I was not even considered an obstacle to her. "You slapped me," I said, my eyes watery due to the slap that struck it. Bertha was too dizzy to realize what was happening, and it made me panic, knowing I could not waste my time with Emma. Emma humphed and clicked her tongue. "And I will do it again. " I tried to ignore her but Emma blocked every path out of the restroom. "Emma, please can you move aside? I don't have time for this." I said through my gritted teeth. Emma ignored my words and s
(Karis's pov) For a short moment, my resolve crumbled. It was not a love confession, but I wavered. This was the nicest thing Xander had said to me and it made my eyes stink. "Ehem, sorry to interrupt but I thought you were heading to the hospital with your friend." Skyler's words broke the reverie. I glanced away from Xander's grey eyes that held emotions too complicated for me to fathom to Skyler's teasing smile. ' I can't back down now; Karis, don't forget who he is. Don't be deceived by his sweet words.' a sharp reminder echoed in my mind disappointed I got swayed by Xander's words. They both came to help me; how did they sense I was in danger? "I have to send Bertha to the hospital," I mentioned trying to break out of Xander's hold. My legs got off the ground and my eyes went wide to realize Xander was carrying me. "Where do you think you are going? Do you think you can help Bertha in your condition?" Xander commented carrying me in his hands. A pout formed
(Karis's pov) My leg was on Xander's thigh which he was applying ice on to prevent it from swelling. I don't know why he was still bothering to put on this fake appearance of caring about me. It was even more embarrassing, I almost fell for his act, forgetting it was his fault I was in this situation. "You fell in love with a random guy on your wedding day," Xander emphasized every word he said. He was mad, but for whatever reason he had, Xander was restraining himself from unleashing his anger. "Yes, what did you expect Xander? For years, I chased after you. Even though we are married now, you never reciprocated my feelings or even mentioned you love me once." I barked at Xander, thinking back at my sad love story. Xander was taken aback by my outburst, "What else do you want, Karis? You wanted us to get married and I did that. Now you want to go on and on about a divorce." Xander was getting more furious; the chills he was giving me were even more than what I fel
(Karis's pov)The call hung up, I tried calling multiple times but no answer. Emma was with my children, what was going on here? Why was this happening to me now?My legs gave up all strength, falling down. Xander held me preventing me from falling but I could not handle this. If anything happens to the children I really don't think I would be able to live with myself. I just could not live with myself. "I am tired Xander." I muttered, "she is going to hurt them." Emma was a psychopath, her eyes told me that she would carry out her threats. "We will find them." He assured me but I was losing faith. All this while we have been searching for Emma still no sign. It's been 5 long days but she disappeared the same way Miranda did. This was driving me nuts. "When Xander? Why is it that whenever I am close to giving in this always happens?." I asked him, he didn't say anything but just held on to me tightly. I was trembling, my body didn't stop shaking. I finally got the rev
(Karis's pov) My heart was restricted and I couldn't breathe. My babies were missing, they were gone. Why was this happening now? Things just kept on piling up. I rushed out of the office not giving a fuck about the numerous other meetings I had. Lavender could take care of it, all that mattered now was to get to the bottom of everything. Val and Vance, I loved them even though I was shocked at how fast I fell in love with Vance. He was such a sweet boy and now he and Val were missing. From the glass doors I saw Xander waiting anxiously for me and a surge of anger fuelled me. He said he would protect the children and I but they got kidnapped under his watch. I didn't care about the looks from the onlookers then ran towards Xander. He knew I was about to hit him but he didn't evade it and let me. I palm struck hard on his face but Xander didn't say anything. "Say something bastard, how were they kidnapped?" I screamed at him. His jaw clenched. "I am sorry I cou
(Vance's pov) Since it was the holidays, Val and I majorly spent our days indoors. From what I heard Dad prohibited us from leaving the estate. It was fun spending time with Val but staying in the estate all day was a bit boring. "I wish we can go get some ice cream," Val whined, lying flat on the rug, exhausted from a long game of hide and seek. I took my seat by her side, also in the mood for ice cream. "Let's go ask Deborah, I am sure there is ice cream in the fridge." Val immediately sat up excited for ice cream.." that's true. I almost forgot that we can get it from the kitchen, although it will be nice to visit the park daddy used to take us to. I loved the ice cream from the truck there." Val's mood was brightened and dulled again. We didn't know the reason why we had to stay indoors but I had a feeling it was related to my former mummy. I overheard Dad one time on the phone saying something about Emma wanting to hurt Val and me. "Let's get the ice crea
(Karis's pov) There was a little note on the drawer with the pills,~~~~ I had to leave for an emergency sorry I didn't wake you up. You were sleeping too peacefully I could not bring myself to wake you up. I dropped some pills that would be useful to you although I prefer you take only the painkillers. I can already imagine your glare while reading this. Make sure to eat something before leaving for work. Your favourite devil Xander.~~~~ It was a simple message but it kind of made me feel fuzzy on the inside. "What are you thinking Karis?" I said, slapping my cheeks as I cupped my hands. It was a regular one-night stand that happened because I was emotionally vulnerable. There was nothing much to think about it. I quickly drank the pills gulping down some water after. I instantly regretted not brushing my teeth before taking them; my mouth stunk of morning breath. My eyes darted around the room; I was super exhausted; I didn't want to move a muscle, but I
(Karis's pov) I struggled to free my hands from his grasp. The need in my cunt was driving me nuts. He got to be kidding me but it didn't look like he was joking. "You will really be the death of me." I cried out; he ruthlessly dragged me from the heavens, crashing back here. "Not as much as the jealousy kills me," Xander stated with all seriousness. I swallowed hard confused why this man was so jealous. My thoughts strayed, wondering if there was a slight possibility he didn't touch Emma that night because it was crazy why he cared what I did with Skyler those past years after what he did. "Why do you care? You act like you love me." I sneered at him, something flickered through his eyes I couldn't understand. Xander rubbed his bulge that was still within the restraints of his boxers on my pussy that was crying badly I swallowed hard after a long hiss left my lips. "What if I do? Is there anything wrong with that?" He asked me back his lips brushing against m
(Karis's pov) Xander was a bit stunned when I kissed him but he quickly recovered from the shock and returned the kiss. Things got more heated as we continued to get entangled on the bed. His hands were not idle, they quickly snuck under me to undo the zip, and soon later, my dress was already discarded on the floor, leaving me in my undies. I was too high in the moment to care. He left my lips trailing his kisses to my ear, which he nibbled while grinding and dry humping me. I didn't even care about holding back my little moans. "I want you to undress me." He whispered a command and then sat up in between my legs, which were wide open for him. My gaze travelled to his handsome face that was covered by some of his dishevelled hair then those grey eyes that were drawing in me. Spellbound to his words, I sat up, kneeling on the bed in front of him. His gaze was intense. I couldn't hold it. I bowed my head and then reached out for his shirt. My actions were slopp
(Karis's pov)' Will it be a sin if I let go for this once? ' I asked myself that question as soon as I felt his lips on mine. I understood what Xander meant by don't kiss and tell. It's hilarious but I think I actually needed this now more than ever just to let go. Every resistance I had was immediately thrown out of the window; those lips were drawing me and I accepted the sweet temptation I had no hesitation to. He wasn't rough like I expected but was gentle and tender. It was like he was telling me something I had been ignoring and I didn't want to acknowledge, but tonight, I honestly didn't care. I felt hollow inside and exposed, and I needed something to complete me, even if it might be temporary. He pulled me closer as my hand searched for his hair, pulling me closer to the temptation. He left my lips, trailing his tongue up to my ears. He nibbled on causing a whimper to escape my lips. His voice was hoarse and a seductive tone as he whispered in my ears.
(Xander's pov) Little Red Face lost her red glow. I could stand her anger when she glared, her embarrassing moments, her smiles, even her cusses, but this was something that broke me. She was pale and broken, and her voice trembled. My jaw clenched. This was the worst way for her to find out her stepmother killed her mother. I wanted to pull her into a hug, telling her it was okay to cry and that she could cry on me. I wanted to tell her sweet words to reassure her she wasn't alone. I was here and would be able to be by her side, but her voice ripped my heart. I have never seen her this broken. I could not stand it. She wanted me gone, I didn't want to. I could never leave her like this. "Karis." I softly called, but she jumped off the bed and then burst out. "Xander no, I said no. Just leave me the hell alone." She screamed at me, the tears continued pouring out. Her tears were precious, and I'd rather not see them, but she wanted me gone. I understand the fee
(Karis's pov) My face was pale and I was completely flabbergasted. It was difficult to imagine. Miranda was a witch, but murder was not a joke. She loved Christian. I could remember how she acted in the hospital, she was completely devastated by everything. "I am sorry, but that's what we suspect," Xander said, embracing me with his familiar warmth as his rich scent that I was addicted to overshadowed me. I didn't want to shed tears to be completely thrown off. "You are trembling, little Red. This is why I didn't want to talk to you right away." He sighed, rubbing my back as I leaned on his chest. "But why would she want him dead? He was going to give them everything." I asked Xander, although I knew clearly he didn't hold the answers I was searching for. "I have no idea but something caught my attention. I was looking into the Reynolds family before you froze the accounts and found out most of Christians's account funds were being diverted in small amounts so as