Lies dance with my pain, along with the shards of things that have broken inside me.
I’m shattered...But this time, I want to cut those who left me like this.When I stop next to Mrs. Smith, she coughs — no, she pretends to cough. I grip the hold of the bag tightly, meeting her eyes, which turn confused when they meet my expression that, I’m sure, isn’t the best of them.“Darling-”“Bullshit.” I interrupt her, with my voice shaky and loud, attracting the eyes of everyone around me, especially Eric’s, which widen with genuine surprise. “Do you want to know, Mrs. Smith? I wondered who Eric was pulling this poor character on... But now I see there’s someone much worse than him... and that’s quite shocking.”“Angelee, darling-”“Don’t call me darling!” I retort louder, raising my hand to interrupt her. “Actually, don’t call my name..When Julian opens the door to the hotel room he has booked for our date, my heart tightens. The main suite of the most expensive hotel in New York is so majestic that I can see the starry sky the moment we set foot in it.He enters the room, leaving me standing in the doorway with my feet frozen on the floor. His expression has remained serious ever since he put me in his car and drove here. I smelled alcohol mixed in his cologne, but I didn’t dare say a word... In fact, my voice has been gone since I left that damn restaurant.Now, I feel a screaming anxiety that makes me hold my breath.Julian is standing with his back to me, running his hand over his face and up through his hair, in a deep silence that, heavens, is making me so desperate that I can hear my own heart beating.Honestly, I feel terrible... I’ve been on the verge of tears ever since I heard all those hateful words... ever since I saw Mrs. Smith’s mask fall and found out she
“Do you think you can be convinced?” Julian asks mischievously, touching the edge of my panties. “You know I’m good at it.”I bite my lip, my body burning intensely with desire, drying up all traces of tears in my eyes. Now, there’s only lust and anticipation tickling between my legs.The truth is, there’s no convincing — of course, I want to marry Julian. Being with him is everything I’ve ever wanted, something I never imagined would be possible... And hearing him ask me to marry him like that, so casual, so passionate… somehow suits us.Julian knows there’s no doubt in my mind. He knows that I love him... I always have. From the moment I laid eyes on him, I fell in love. I have fallen for my Daddy’s friend, and there’s no going back... there never was.Still, he wants to play with it. Julian wants to revel in the expectation and arouse the most different sensations
The smile that appears on Julian’s lips when he hears me say yes makes my heart beat faster, and a warmth spreads through my chest. His green eyes shine brightly, even glistening with tears that seem to be of relief and happiness. But it’s not long before his gaze is once again dominated by desire.“Hum, I remember the first time you sat on my lap like that...” Julian gives a wicked smile. “You were so horny, wanting my cock.”“Yes...” I moisten my lips, now forcing Julian to look at my mouth. “I just wanted you to fuck me.”“You drove me crazy, you know that?” He lowers the distance between our faces, merging our breaths. “That day, I realized I was messed up.”I giggle, our noses almost touching. “How so?”“So naughty, with lust all over that pretty little face... tight and wet like that just by sliding into my cock… Damn, I wanted to fuck you so ha
The pleasure that explodes in my body the moment Julian thrusts makes me gasp. A loud, pleasurable moan escapes my lips and meets the hollow sound of our bodies colliding. Julian grits his teeth and keeps his cock all the way inside me, throbbing... so warm that I feel a tickle in my lower belly.His hands slide down my legs in a slow, rough caress until they pass my hips and reach my belly. I hold my breath, holding his gaze, goosebumps running down my skin. Suddenly, his hands are back on my hips, and my body is pulled even closer to the edge, allowing the erection to go even further — if that’s even possible.Julian holds my hips up, and I spread my legs a little, allowing us both to see his cock disappearing inside my body, completely swallowed by warmth. That causes Julian to grunt, his breathing getting heavier as his grip on my thighs gets stronger.“You’re so beautiful...” He gives me a mischievous smile and raises his eyes to loo
I can hear my own heart beating in the middle of this silence. The words slip through my lips calmly and softly but are lost in this room, even though I can almost feel them hovering around us.Tears wet my lashes, and I close my eyes, surrendering to the anticipation that burns in my chest, ache, tearing it apart.Honestly, time seems to stretch out; the minutes seem to drag by. I don’t even know how long I’ve been waiting for an answer. In fact, I doubt it’s been that long, but it feels like this silence has been upon us for decades. But of course, Julian’s arm is still on my body. He still holds me possessively, tightly. His breath is still on the back of my neck, chilling my overly sensitive skin. And his heart is pounding hard, too, as I can feel it against my back.I open my lips, but is there anything else to say?I’m pregnant.I’m expecting your child.And your silence is more of an answer than you reali
Julian lowers his eyes as his hand slides along the curve of my waist… And thankfully, he doesn’t wait long to finally ask, “Do you really think so?”“Of course, I do… You said yourself that it couldn’t have been better.” I caress his face and place a light kiss on his lips. “Do you regret your words?”“Um, I don’t know... Maybe I should take it back?”My eyebrows furrow, and he fights the silly grin that reveals how much he enjoys teasing me.“Should I forget about your proposal then?”“Well, you could forget it if you want... I’m sure I could convince you all over again.”“You idiot.” I retort, threatening to turn my body, but Julian holds me tightly.“Where are you going?” “I love you... But I really need a shower right now.”“Why?” Julian asks with a teasy tone. “Don&rsq
I can’t control my legs that abruptly rise out of the tub while my trembling hands grip the edge, making sure I don’t slip on the floor, which is wet from the water dropping off my body. I reach for the bathrobe quickly, wrapping the sticky fabric on my skin.But now that I’m standing a few steps from the door, I’m frozen in place, my heart pounding in my throat. I’m scared, with many doubts and intrusive, horrible thoughts dancing in my head.Why did he leave so suddenly? The look on his face... It’s like there’s something wrong. But there hadn’t been until a few moments ago.Was it something I said?What if Julian has regretted it? What if he’s thought it over and realized that this is a big, fast, thoughtless step?What if Julian no longer wants to marry me?I swallow hard and force my feet through the door, immediately leading me into the bedroom, to his broad back, also tight at his robe.
Be my wife, those were the words that escaped Julian’s lips... words I never thought I would hear.He used to be a playboy who won many hearts but never gave his heart away. Like my Dad used to say, a manwhore, with a lot of flings, one-night-stands... But that man asked me to marry him.I never thought we’d get this far. Lying next to Julian in this bed and looking at his sleeping, serene face after a rollercoaster of emotions seems like a dream to me… one of those that’s so good you don’t want to wake up.It seems so real that I can reach out to touch his face, the same hand that now holds a diamond ring. The most beautiful one I’ve ever seen in my life... the one Julian chose for me.I love you, future wife — these words bring tears to my eyes again, and I pull my lips back. I touch his face slowly, stroking his blond beard, darker than the hair that looks like strands of gold, and I move my touch up his cheek t
“Jackie, Lizzie, stop running like that… you could get hurt!” I shout, putting my hands on my waist. They are laughing, hiding their smiles behind their little hands. But despite this, they go running back down the sandy beach, making my heart rise to my throat.They grow up so fast! Two years and seven months ago, they were so small in my arms, and now they’re running around our house in Nassau, their blond hair ruffling in the pleasant wind.Just as we promised, we created a little tradition in our family; every year, during our wedding anniversary, we bring the children with us. It’s the second time they’ve been here, and this time, we’ve decided to invite the people closest to us to enjoy this paradise.“This place is really wonderful!” Cathy says behind me, stroking her big belly. I look over my glasses and quickly take them off. “Seriously, I really appreciate you inviting me... I’d really go mad
As soon as the meeting is over, I feel my tense shoulders relax. My head is throbbing, a pain that has haunted me since last night when I received a call from my father.Apparently, his retirement has been announced. He will continue as chairman for another six months just to organize everything until his departure.The problem is that he still hasn’t announced a successor. The board is desperate because of the options, as none of them have the necessary qualifications to be the group’s new chairman. Of course, that’s just a sadistic strategy to get them on their toes and accept Dominic O’Neil’s desire.Apparently, my half-brother is taking victory for granted, telling everyone that he will be my father’s successor and that the group belongs to him. With the news of Father’s retirement reaching the knowledge of the media, it won’t be long before he finally names me as the new chairman.When I accepted Dominic’
The doorbell jangles, announcing my arrival. And as always, the moment people look in my direction, without interest, almost by instinct, their eyes widen, and the whispering begins. After all, I am a supermodel. My face is all over Times Square. I don’t have the luxury of privacy, of an anonymous life.Still, why am I here?My blue eyes meet the owner of this place; he’s distracted by another customer, smiling easily.My stomach twists, and I feel suddenly nervous.The whispers reach his ears, and he looks at me. It takes a few seconds for his face to show a reaction, but soon, the smile rises to his eyes, following me while I cross the coffee shop to the table at the back.I sit down and hide my face behind the menu, my cheeks burning for a reason unknown to me.Dammit, I look like a teenager. It’s not like it was the first time I’ve woken up in a man’s bed after a few drinks. And it certainly wasn’t the first time
It took a year before we could really enjoy some time alone on a honeymoon, but I have to say that it was really worth the wait. Julian made sure that our first day in Nassau, at our new beach home, was special and unforgettable.First, he invited me on a yacht ride. Going down to the deck was itself a memorable experience. This place is simply breathtaking, and the private beach is so beautiful that I couldn’t help but imagine my daughters playing in the sand. The thought made my chest warm. I already consider this place a second home.To my surprise, Julian prepared a wonderful breakfast while the 65-foot yacht cruised along the coast with everything you could wish for — fruit, bread, juices, coffee, and ending the tour with a glass of wine in one of the cabins. Fortunately, the sound of the sea drowned out my moans enough for us to enjoy some sex on the high seas.After the tour, it was lunchtime, and Julian took us to Paradise Island. He chose a luxuri
They say the Bahamas are paradise on earth, and I couldn’t find a better word to describe this place. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.As soon as we arrived at Nassau airport, a car was waiting for us. The weather is really nice here, even though it’s winter. Although I like snow, it’s nice to feel the warm weather enveloping my skin... I wish the girls were here… the cold makes them so sensitive.Thinking about them makes me feel a bit down. My heart squeezes, and I try to think that it’s only for two days and that soon they’ll be in my arms again, but still, I miss them. It’s an almost unbearable feeling. I wonder how they’re doing, if they miss us, and if they’re crying right now...But I know that Julian and I need this. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a real honeymoon, which we haven’t had before. Some would think that it’s a shame to celebrate it after so long, with the
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤ“How are you feeling?” Julian asks for the first time since we got on the plane. The trip to the Bahamas doesn’t take long, about three hours, but we’re reaching our destination soon.“I’m fine,” I say, taking Julian’s hand in mine. I stroke the white-gold ring on his finger, but I’m still lost in thought.“You seem to have a lot on your mind.” He says, studying my face.“A little.” I give a nervous smile and shrug. I thought I’d be scared to see Laura, to hear the words she said to me that day, but I didn’t.”“What’s bothering you, then?” Julian’s question makes me raise my eyes again.“More than being afraid of Laura, I was afraid of losing the people I love again,” I confess, noticing that his gaze softens. “Losing you, our daughters... I couldn’t bear it.”&ldquo
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤㅤFor the past seven months, I’ve wondered what happened to Laura.What happened after she left by the stairs? What happened to her twisted mind?I knew that she had been temporarily arrested for trespassing and assault, but Julian and my father tried hard to keep the details away from me. Perhaps that’s why the subject never really seemed a closure to me.Unfortunately, as much as I fought against it and didn’t want to admit it, for the last seven months, that day has tormented me.When I held my daughters in my arms for the first time, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let Laura get to me. And I really tried to deny it, to convince myself that it was enough just to let go and focus on my family — but I couldn’t, and I hate myself for being weak to that extent.Finding out that Laura would spend her time in a mental institution wasn’t really a surprise. I knew there was s
— JULIAN ADAMS (POV)[...] Seven months later.ㅤㅤI sigh deeply, massaging the top of my nose. Ever since I heard the verdict of Laura’s trial, I’ve been feeling uneasy.Many months have passed, and I still remember how I felt when I saw the building security cameras… and how I threw up, feeling stupid, weak, and furious.I’ve never felt so impotent in my entire life.But what really put me out of sleep was what happened the day Angelee woke up in the hospital... when Laura also decided to break into the J’O Tech building. I still get chills remembering that night.It’s been a long time since Laura was fired, but for some reason, her credentials worked. In the end, we really had to restructure the entire I.T. department, which resulted in a mass layoff that only didn’t make it into the media because of damage control.Laura got crazy when she knew that her plan to harm Angelee and my
My eyes take a while to adjust to the brightness, but slowly, the blur goes away. I move my hands, feeling a weight on one of them.I blink a few times heavily, looking down carefully because I still feel a little dizzy, and see that Julian is sitting in an armchair next to the bed, holding my hand.He senses my movements and slowly opens his eyes, looking directly at me, taking a few moments for him to understand that I’m wide awake. When reality hits him hard, Julian’s eyes widen and glisten with tears.He doesn’t say a single word, just leans in, taking my hand in both of his, enveloping it in his warm palms, something I’ve really missed over the last two weeks. He rests his forehead on our hands, his tense shoulders immediately relaxing.“You really scared us, you know?” Julian grumbles, then looks up. I can see the deep, dark circles under his eyes. “You’ve been unconscious for two whole days!”Sudde