(…) “I'm sorry to end our night this way.”(…) “I just took Angelee home.”(…) “She's not my girl, Cathy.”ㅤI heard everything… Julian on the phone with the woman he left at the club.When he got out of bed and left the room to talk to her, my chest tightened, and I became suddenly breathless. Now, I'm really trying hard to fight this agonizing feeling that's overwhelming me and bringing tears to my eyes, but I know it's in vain as my eyelashes wet the pillow.I crinkle my lips, bringing my hand to my chest, to my throat….I feel absurdly awful.Just a friend…? It doesn't feel that way.Suddenly, Julian is back, leaning over the bed. I know the talk didn't last more than five minutes, but somehow, I feel like a small eternity has passed. And once again, I feel his hand on my arm, slowly sliding under the sheet. His legs wrap around mine, and his abdomen rests against my back, fitting me to his body so perfectly that they seem to be made for it.Draping his arm over my body, he snuggl
“Grace!” I enter the elevator and notice how she forces a smile on her surprised face.“You're here so early, Angel! Your hard-work on this project is really admirable-”“About yesterday-” I cut her off, I don't have time for small talk. The elevator is going up, and this needs to be over before the doors opens. “Where were you?”“What do you mean?” She raises her eyebrows, and her innocent tone brings a shiver to my chest.“Your message. You invited me to a club.” I insist, swallowing dry.“Oh, yeah… Those friends of mine are really little devils…. I can't believe they meant to tease me like that! You could have also said something to me when you saw the address… I mean, when I got there and saw it…. I realized they were playing with me.” She says with a giggle that makes me shudder slightly, “Then they took me to a real club. A normal one.”“Why didn't you tell me?” I shrug, feeling embarrassed.“I didn't know you were going.” Grace answers me innocently, blinking with eyes so cryst
A week can go by really fast when you wish time would just stop.When I blinked, the day of the presentation arrived.And when I blinked again, the presentation was a success.The clients really liked the sample showed and approved to proceed. We closed the deal — which means no more reasons for my father to stay abroad. The message he sent me as soon as everything worked out made it even clearer, [Sweetheart, I'll be home soon].And I just didn't know how to react…. I knew this moment would come, but now that it's happening, a bitter taste has risen to my mouth.I stared at the message for a few moments. But with an impulse, I walk to Julian's room and knock on his door, holding my breath and only letting it out when he opens the door. He leaves it open for me, with the phone pressed against his ear….“Yes, Mike… Got it.”I feel my stomach twist, watching as Julian walks back to his desk, giving me a glimpse of his broad back, whose muscles seem more retracted than usual. “Right.”
Dad and Julian have really been generous in their choice of pub to celebrate the successful closing of the deal. This is one of the fanciest pubs in New York City and, of course, one of the most expensive. The staff probably wouldn't come here if the drinks weren't paid for. This is also my first time here, since when I reached the age of 21, I was already in a relationship with Eric.As soon as we arrive, a VIP room has been reserved for us, with a bar attached to the side and a small dance floor for those who wish to have fun moving their bodies — something that's definitely not for me. So, I just keep myself close to the long table with various snacks, as do most of the other employees.“What are you drinking?” Ethan asks, taking a seat next to me.I raise my eyes to see him move his body towards me, slipping his arm over the back of the chair, holding mine close to my shoulder. The flirty smile is still on his lips, something so natural I can't imagine him without it.In these las
Julian leans his body over mine, resting his hand on the wall next to my head. I raise my eyes, watching his face intently.“What are you doing?” I insist, asking slowly.But he doesn't say anything, just presses his knee between my thighs, forcing them to make room for it to fit between them. My heartbeat increases — getting so fast it's about to rip through my chest.He's been distant all day. I know my father's call has upset him deeply, and I've given him the space he needs. But the way he's looking at me now, sliding one of his hands down my hip, while still leaning on the wall, really knots my mind.Julian moves his hand up from my hip, my arms, until he reaches my shoulder and, finally, my neck. His palm fits so easily around it that his fingers go to my nape, tangling in my hair.And the silence of his words could be suffocating, if his eyes didn't shine with all the intensity that I need.His lips search for mine in a kiss that already starts intense. His tongue slides into m
As Julian guides me through the pub crowd, my fingers entwined with his, I try to put my thoughts in place. We're leaving sneakily and quickly, before someone from the team sees and tries to stop us. But suddenly, Julian stops in place, keeping his hand in mine.I bring my eyes up to him, and when I see what made him stop so abruptly, my heart skips a beat. There's a woman leaning towards Julian, spreading her hand over his chest, with a smile so radiant that it seems about to blind me. In a way, it would be better if it had taken my vision — because my stomach is twisting right now.Long blond hair that falls over her shoulders, light eyes with makeup that highlights her beauty… and red lips that part when call his name, “Julian, what a coincidence!”“Hey.” He says with a discreet smile, showing no intention of moving her hand that's sliding down his shirt to his abs. “How are you?”“I'm great… Seriously, what a nice coincidence! I was thinking about you lately, it's been a while sin
— “Different why? Because you know my name?”I smash a firm blow into the punching bag. — “Because I'm your neighbor, your employee?”I throw another hard punch and my muscles twitches, begging me to stop torturing them.The comforting hollow sound reaches my ears, one after another. Strong. Powerful. And I connect an even faster sequence, feeling my hands throbbing inside the gloves. But I won't stop… I can't stop. It's the only way to clear my thoughts, to calm my nerves, to deal with this anxiety consuming my body…— “Or because I'm your best friend's daughter?”Hah. I let my arms fall at my sides, then I notice that I'm drenched in sweat, my chest is rising and falling sharply, and my heart is pounding like when I'm next to Angelee.My body is exhausted.But my chest still hurts like hell.“Julian.” I hear my coach's voice and his hand on my shoulder. I look at him surprised because I didn't notice him approaching, “You need to take a break, you've been punching for a whole hour.
I knew leaving like that was not nice of me. I replayed that scene over and over again in my head until my throat turned bitter. Then I gave in. I'm not a proud person, but when I knock on Julian's door and Cathy opens it, I feel something break inside me; maybe it’s the little pride is left in me, or maybe it's my heart… It's too soon to tell.“Hi… Angelee, right?” She asks, looking at me intently. My heart is beating so fast it's painful. “I'm Cathy.” She extends her hand to greet me… and I simply mimic her, with my mind practically blank. I greeted her briefly and let my hand fall to the side of my body again, like the soul had left this empty shell.“Julian is in the shower now.” Cathy says, looking further into the apartment, and her words sound like a punch straight to my stomach. “If you want-”“It's okay… I can talk to him later.” I force a smile, taking a few steps back. “Thanks.”Maybe my expression gave me away because Cathy looked like she's about to say something, but I
“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