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
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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