Rachel’s POVI woke up to an unfamiliar environment. I looked around, trying to remember where I was. But everything looked new and strange. This place definitely wasn’t my place. I sat up, rubbing my eyes.Darius had driven me home from his family's gathering, but I had fallen asleep in the car. I must have slept through the whole ride because I had no memory of arriving at this place.I roamed my eyes around the long-sleeve T-shirt I wore, and my eyes widened.Shit!How is that possible? Who changed my dress?Darius?No, he wouldn’t do that.I got down the shirt barely reaching my knees, and it was oversized.I sniffed it, Darius's scent hitting my nostrils. A smile tugged on my lips as I rubbed on the fabric almost like he was next to….No!No!No!No, Rachel, you can’t possibly be thinking about him. The fresh smell of bacon hit my nostrils, and my stomach growled with hunger, my thoughts coming short, and I walked out of the room, tugging a strand of hair behind my ear.As I wa
Rachel’s POV. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as I watched Darius walk out of the kitchen, his words still echoing in my mind. "You belong to me." I gulped, a lump clutching in my throat that suddenly went dry. There was something in his tone that made me feel scared and giddy at the same time.I couldn't explain it, but it was like my body was responding to him in a way that I couldn't control. In a way, it shouldn’t, be a dangerous way.Damn it! I wet my bottom lip as I stood there, the effect of the moment still dawning on me, my cheeks heating up as I relive the moment in my head. I didn’t like how Darius was making me feel and how dominating he was in every situation; it didn’t sit well with me, yet I didn’t have a choice or say, not after I agreed to this, which I am now regretting.This was supposed to be a pretense, which it still is, but right now I feel there is more to this, and there was no doubt that Darius was attracted to me. Or could I be overthin
Rachel’s POV I sat at our favorite restaurant, fidgeting with my napkin. Today was special—our third anniversary. I couldn't wait to see Andrew walk through that door. Although I was dying with anxiety deep down, I still managed to put on a smile, ignoring the piety looks I was getting from the waiters. He was going to show up, hopefully. I loved him more with each passing day, but lately, things have changed. His promotion at work had taken over his life. He was always busy, always tired. We barely had time for each other. He gets upset at the slightest things, so I choose most times not to get into an argument with him letting things go even though it was his fault. My heart ached, remembering the way it used to be. We'd laugh together, go on spontaneous dates, and cuddle on the couch. The way he’d tell me how much he loves and adores me. How much I meant to him. Now, I was lucky if I got a quick kiss goodbye. Which I haven't gotten for a month or now. He doesn’
Rachel's POV I grasped Andrew's car keys, my fingers trembling as tears streamed down my face. I had to escape. I couldn't bear the sight of them together. The air felt thick, suffocating. I could barely breathe. I stumbled out of the house, keys clutched in my hand. Andrew's car was packed ahead of me; I rushed to it. I settled in, starting the engine with shaking hands. The wheels screeched as I sped away from the nightmare. How could he? How could they? After everything? I thought Victoria had been my best friend and the only one I could call family since I lost mine. Images of Andrew and Victoria haunted me, flashing like a cruel slideshow in my mind. Their passionate moment, the way Amanda held her so delicately, their kiss. Tears blurred my vision, but I didn't care. I drove faster, desperate to outrun the agony. The pain is the betrayal. What is going to happen to us now? Who was I kidding? There wasn’t going to be an us. Not when Andrew had disrespected me this
Rachel's POV I walked out of the hospital after being discharged, barely being able to keep my balance. A familiar stood in the parking lot clad in her work uniform, my heart dropping at her presence. My father was already aware of my situation. "It's good to see you again, Boss." She greets me, and I nod, fighting the urge to let out a hiss. "I'm fine, Diana. Just leave me be." Diana worriedly states, "Boss, please, I can't leave you in this condition. Let me take you home.” Diana is my assistant; she handles all of my affairs, both business and personal. Her father worked for my family since I was six; he’d come with her on most occasions, clicking our friendship, so we were best friends. Or sister’s from another mother. Best friend? It tasted bitter on my tongue. Victoria's face haunted me. Why did she do this? Why did she betray me? My anger grew. "No-" Diana caught me off: “With all due respect, Rach! My job is to protect your wellbeing at all co
Rachel’s POV I walked out of the kitchen, still dressed in my silk knee-length nightie, carrying a tray laden with pancakes and juice that Mrs. Johnson had prepared for breakfast. The morning sunlight was light and friendly for a fleeting moment, forgetting the tragedy that had happened and the one that is yet to. I barely got some sleep last night; I had cried myself in regret. If only I could go back in time and right my wrongs. My steps came to a halt as I set eyes on him. My father's words from last night echoed in my mind: "Darius Reid will come by with some files." I had completely forgotten. And now, standing in my foyer was the man himself. My footsteps faltered, and the tray wobbled in my hands. I froze, taking in the imposing figure before me. Tall, broad-shouldered, and chiseled, Darius Reid exuded an aura of confidence and power. His piercing steel-grey eyes seemed to bore into my very soul, making me feel small and vulnerable under his gaze. I felt a flu
Rachel’s POV I stood in front of my closet, scanning the row of clothes. I knew I had to dress decently and not overdress to avoid alertness; maybe a poor-class blend, but all my outfits were very custom-made; it was hard to settle for one. After standing for a minute or two contemplating, I chose a modest skirt and blouse combo, adding a lightweight jacket to complete the look. As I finished styling my hair into a ponytail, I heard footsteps approaching. Diana walked in with a cup of coffee. "Girl, you look... polished," Diana said, eyeing me up and down. "Too polished?" I asked, smoothing my skirt. "A little bit," Diana replied, handing me the coffee. "You're supposed to be poor-class, Rach, not upper crust." I laughed, adjusting my jacket. "I'll tone it down." "Just leave it; you’re running late already, and Darius is downstairs waiting,” she announced. Damn it! The mere mention of his name sent shivers crawling up my skin. Diana's expression turned serious, snapping m
Rachel’s POVI stumbled into Darius's office, my heels clicking on the marble floor. He had dragged me here, his grip on my arm firm. He slammed the door shut behind us, and I heard the soft click of the lock. Darius ignored me, settling into his leather chair like a king on his throne.I wiped my tear-stained face, pushing and sucking in the remnant, and snapped at him, my patience wearing thin. "You didn't tell me Andrew was your nephew."Darius raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "You didn't tell me he was your ex-husband."Arsehole!I took a step forward, my heart racing. "You knew."Darius's gaze locked onto mine. "And now you know too." His response came curt and calculated.I felt a shiver run down my spine. There was something cold in those steel grey eyes that burnt through me that just didn’t seem right. He looked like he knew everything, a lot more than I lacked, never ceasing to be condescending. Darius leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together.
Rachel’s POV. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding as I watched Darius walk out of the kitchen, his words still echoing in my mind. "You belong to me." I gulped, a lump clutching in my throat that suddenly went dry. There was something in his tone that made me feel scared and giddy at the same time.I couldn't explain it, but it was like my body was responding to him in a way that I couldn't control. In a way, it shouldn’t, be a dangerous way.Damn it! I wet my bottom lip as I stood there, the effect of the moment still dawning on me, my cheeks heating up as I relive the moment in my head. I didn’t like how Darius was making me feel and how dominating he was in every situation; it didn’t sit well with me, yet I didn’t have a choice or say, not after I agreed to this, which I am now regretting.This was supposed to be a pretense, which it still is, but right now I feel there is more to this, and there was no doubt that Darius was attracted to me. Or could I be overthin
Rachel’s POVI woke up to an unfamiliar environment. I looked around, trying to remember where I was. But everything looked new and strange. This place definitely wasn’t my place. I sat up, rubbing my eyes.Darius had driven me home from his family's gathering, but I had fallen asleep in the car. I must have slept through the whole ride because I had no memory of arriving at this place.I roamed my eyes around the long-sleeve T-shirt I wore, and my eyes widened.Shit!How is that possible? Who changed my dress?Darius?No, he wouldn’t do that.I got down the shirt barely reaching my knees, and it was oversized.I sniffed it, Darius's scent hitting my nostrils. A smile tugged on my lips as I rubbed on the fabric almost like he was next to….No!No!No!No, Rachel, you can’t possibly be thinking about him. The fresh smell of bacon hit my nostrils, and my stomach growled with hunger, my thoughts coming short, and I walked out of the room, tugging a strand of hair behind my ear.As I wa
Rachel’s POVWe walked back into the house, Darius was still not convinced of the fact my conversation with his grandmother went smoothly but I had already burdened him enough.He didn’t need to know how it went.Grandma’s hurtful words still rang in my head like a broken record. I needed a drink of water to calm myself down. “Excuse me” I muttered.Darius held my wrist halting my steps, “Where are you going?” “I need to grab some water, I am but thirsty,” I say.He narrowed his stare at me before nodding and letting me go.I headed to the kitchen, hoping to find some peace and quiet and away from the chaotic drama that had happened since my arrival here.As I was getting a cup of water from the fridge, I heard the door open behind me. I turned around, and my heart sank. It was Andrew.I tried to pretend I didn't see him, hoping he would just leave me alone. But he didn't. He walked right up to me, a sneer on his face."Rachel, you're a real piece of work," he said, his voice drippi
Rachel’s POV I walked with Darius's grandma to the garden, the cold air sending chills on my skin. We had just finished dinner, and Grandma wanted to have a word with me. Darius was skeptical of letting me go alone with his grandma, but I had assured him it was okay. Even though deep down I knew it wasn’t, I could handle myself. As we walked, Darius's grandma turned to me with a serious expression. "Rachel, I want to talk to you alone about something," she said, starting. I nodded, gulping down a lump. I was anxious. Of course," I said. Darius's grandma looked at me with a critical eye. "I know you're not from our world, Rachel," she said. "I know you're not used to our way of life." I felt a bit defensive, but I tried to stay calm. "What are you trying to say?" I asked. Darius's grandma sighed. "I'm saying that I'm only letting you marry Darius because I haven't seen him show interest in any woman since his deceased wife," she said. "But you should know, Rachel, that your s
Rachel’s POV I stared at the mirror admiring my dress. After turning my closet upside down, I decided on a beautiful evening dress that hugged all my curves. The dress was a deep red color that made my skin look radiant. I had also done my hair and makeup, making sure I looked perfect for tonight's dinner with Darius's family. I had made up my mind to act along even if it meant marrying Darius. After pondering on Darius's words early today at the office. And then Diana’s words alongside Jasmine's. I was going to make it look so real and believable, but the rules were clean... not to ever get involved; we were only together in the eyes of the public. I had loved Andrew so much more than he did, and that is why he took that for granted. If only he was aware of the sacrifices I’ve made. But tonight, I was going to show him that I was better off without him. I was going to show him that I was strong and confident and that I didn't need him to make me happy. “You look beautiful. I
Rachel’s POV I walked into my office, hoping to have a peaceful morning after the chaos of the previous night. But as soon as I saw Jasmine sitting at her desk, I knew I wasn't going to get out of this that easily. Her eyes narrowed at me. I let out a sigh, rolling my eyes. I barely had enough sleep; my mind kept running wild. "Hey, girl," Jasmine said, looking up at me with a concerned expression. "What happened last night? Care to explain? Plus, you took off so quickly after the gala." I sighed, knowing I wasn't getting out of this. "It's a long story," I said, flopping down in my chair. Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "Try me," she said. I took a deep breath knowing I had no choice but to let her on. Jasmine has always pointed out the tension between me and Andrew… or should I add Darius as well? "So, you know how Andrew was married, right?" Jasmine nodded. "Yeah, I remember. He got divorced a month ago. I’ve never seen or heard news about her. He has her hidden for some r
Rachel’s POV I furiously walked out of the car, slamming the door behind me. I was still fuming from the gala event earlier that night. I couldn't believe what Darius had done. I was mortified. I never saw his defense coming, talk less of his lies. Tears filled my eyes as I remembered the way everyone had his claws at me, Andrew precisely. I couldn’t believe Victoria was pregnant. How is that even possible for god's sake? For how long has Andrew been having an affair with her? It pained me, knowing I lost my child because of them, and now they are expecting, happily? How cruel was fate? What wrong have I done to deserve much? I had never been so humiliated in my life. As I stormed into the house, I heard Darius walking in behind me. "Rachel, wait," he called out. But I didn't want to hear it. I was too angry. I turned around to face him, my eyes blazing with fury. "How could you do that?" I demanded. "How could you introduce me as your fiancée without even asking me?"
Rachel’s POV “Who invited you here?” I didn’t want to cause a scene, and I knew Victoria wanted otherwise, so I chose to ignore her. “We don’t want any trouble here. She came here with Mr. Reid,” Jasmine answers, stepping in the way. Victoria cuts her off with a slap, catching both of us off guard. “How dare you speak back at me? You lowlife,” she spat. Jasmine froze, clutching her cheek. “You are nothing but a slut wanting to get her way with Andrew’s uncle. I bet you are throwing yourself at him to get back at Andrew, but trust me, bitch, Andrew won’t be bothered because he loves me and not you; none of your silly games will work. I mean, how disgusting and ill-mannered could you be? Going after Andrew’s uncle? Are you that desperate?” She spat offensively. Her words hit me like an arrow, feeling my heart quench in pain and anger began to surge within me. “I think the slut here is you, Victoria; after all, I am not the homewrecker,” I respond, trying to keep my cool down.
Darius’s POVAs I pulled up at the entrance of the house, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. I was here to pick up Rachel for the gala event tonight.These past few days that we have been working together have been nothing short of torture. Her beauty with a mix of innocence haunted my thoughts.She was elegantly beautiful, her eyes, god! I could stare at them all day and never get tired.She seemed so pure, so untouched by the world. It was refreshing, and it made me want her for myself...to protect her.Seeing her eyes soaked with tears stirred my emotions knowing that my goddamn nephew was responsible for them.I hissed at the thought. No woman has had much effect on me since my deceased wife.Rachel is a forbidden fruit I wanted so badly.Damn it!I hit on the steering wheel, letting out a grunt.She was too innocent and naive for a dangerous world like this; I wanted to protect her from Andrew. He didn't deserve her, not by a long shot.That fucker and his father have be