By the time I get back to the restaurant, it's almost empty, although there are a few tables occupied with people who aren't interested in my presence, or in my watery and puffy eyes. That’s certainly a relief because that's exactly what I want — to disappear.
But my sadness doesn't escape the attention of Tyler, who immediately withdraws from the counter and walks towards me. I sniffle, drying my eyelashes with my hands, entering with short, stumbling steps. And the next thing I know, he's already in front of me, holding my arms fondly, supporting my body that feels suddenly too heavy.“What happened?” Tyler asks me a bit worried… Even his voice trembles slightly.I open my mouth to answer him, but I'm at a loss for words… the only thing that comes out is a choked sob.Tyler sighs, looking around, noticing that people are starting to lift their gazes to me.“Do you want to go inside there?” I deny with my heI feel like a punch has hit straight into my chest… Did Tyler just say that he saw Laura with another man in his own bed?“Up to that point, there were a few clues about it. I thought there was something strange, but she always said that I was being suspicious and hurting her. We were together for four months… And if you're feeling pathetic for missing a shallow title, as you say, believe me, it's much worse to have something established and, at the same time, have none of it.” Tyler says, taking a deep breath. “From the beginning, Laura made me feel like I was overreacting. You know, at that time, I hadn't opened my own restaurant yet, I was working with my parents.”If I'm not mistaken, Tyler and Laura broke up eight months ago….“I usually worked late&helli
Julian is opening the door, a space big enough for me to enter his room. I lock the air into my lungs and step inside, immediately surprised that his desk is so messy, especially when it comes to Julian, who doesn't leave a single strand of hair out of place… In fact, his appearance is completely out of place too…Click — he locks the door, making me flinch slightly.I glance at the way he approaches the curtains to close it.He is closing the curtains.Realizing it makes the air go out through my nose slowly, and I'm feeling my heart pounding heavily against my chest, wanting to definitely leave my body. Maybe it's tired of being part of me too.I'm standing in the same spot, watching Julian walk across the office with his hand in his hair, stopping next to the desk with his back to me. It makes me slightly anxious because I can tell how nervous he is. “Come here, Angelee.” His voice comes out loud, deep, sending gooseb
I cross my arms, looking at the arrogant expression on Laura's face, at the way her eyes seem to burn in flames of anger. And I can't help but take a deep breath, trying to control my temper that's already about to explode.How do things always end up this way?Not only did I not solve anything with Julian, but maybe we worsened it. I didn't want things to end this way… And now, right afterward, I'm facing Laura, of all people.It's like the universe is having fun with my suffering.“Didn't you hear me?” Laura's voice sounds too loud and shrill — drawing the eyes of the people around us… And this only makes my blood bubble even more.I walk past her and say in my politest, composed tone, “Why don't we find an empty room like last time? People are working right now, Laura. They're busy with projects, and you're disturbing them.” “Why don't we go to the terrace?” She says with a sarcastic smile.
I didn't reply to Tyler's message… I don't know what he meant, but it seems like something I would need to think about thoroughly, with a clear mind. But I haven't been able to do it since everyone seems to have their attention on me again. I heard some whispers, people saying that I stole Laura's boyfriend and made him leave her pregnant. I don't know if the videos and photos have anything to do with her, but these rumors certainly do.That's why when the workday finally finished, I let out a deep, relieved sigh. I'm just dying to dive into a hot tub, eat junk food and lie in bed for hours just staring at the ceiling… But then my phone buzzed, drawing my eyes. It's a message from my dad, [Sweetheart, you can go ahead without me… I'm stuck in a meeting.]Argh, great!I take another deep breath and grab my stuff, while everyone else finally gives me a break from their intense stares. I glance over and see Julian's door opening, with him walki
(…) If you just want sex, stop acting like this… Like it's not just sex… Like you have feelings for me.Feelings for Angelee?No, I don't have feelings for her…I mean… She's my best friend's daughter… And that's just lustful, physical attraction, right? It's not like I'm… in love with her or anything… Right?I'm staring at the ceiling. How long have I been stuck in this room? Honestly, I don't know… But I'm thinking about those words so much that I'm bitter.My eyes are burning. I'm scratching them, but the feeling doesn't ease, it only gets worse. I feel like a walking mess, and I can't understand why.Hah, I need to drink, to get out of this damn apartment that seems to have a piece of Angelee in every corner.Fumbling in my pants pocket for my phone, I take it and type a message to Mike… But just as I'm about to press the SEND button, my finger stops in midair… Maybe I
“Alright, I get your point.” Mike lets out a short breath and takes a sip of his whiskey, staying silent for a long moment before adding, “I'd certainly have trouble dealing with that, especially since Angelee likes to please people and comply.”I close my eyes tightly, with an intense chill taking hold of my chest, my stomach… It's a horrible shiver running up my spine and spreading across every inch of my skin.I knew it.Of course, I knew it.“My daughter is the most important thing to me. After Eric, I think I'm a little more concerned. I worry about Angelee a lot and think she might get involved with someone who isn't good again.” Mike looks at me intently. “And well, you're right, probably the father of the woman who is bothering your thoughts wouldn't want his daughter to get involved with a manwhore like you either — but does it really matter what he thinks?” He says with a smile on his lips and
It turns out that Tyler's idea of a new level of petty revenge is a date. Or almost that. It's not romantic at all, at least not for me. Julian really hurt my feelings and I needed to get away for a while. But when he knocked on my door looking so messed up, my chest tightened. And I stepped into the elevator, letting our gazes meet again, with a sigh escaping my lips. His eyes seemed to be begging me not to go… not to leave him. But I did.And once again, I feel stupid for crying in front of Julian. Of course he has no feelings for me. This is Julian we're talking about, the convicted bachelor. He has never committed to anyone, and wouldn't commit to me — his best friend's daughter.When the doors opened on the second floor, I didn't let Julian get to me anymore, just took a cab quickly. And soon, the car is driving through New York City, with the night sky already ruling the landscape. The drizzle has passed, perhaps it has dried up along with my tears
I blink a few times while Tyler's face gets closer. I'm sure that anyone who looks at this from the right angle thinks that we're kissing. It makes my throat narrow. He doesn't go any further than that, fortunately. Although our faces are close, it's not a really dangerous distance.“Are you afraid?” He asks slowly, rousing me from my thoughts.“I feel a bit uncomfortable, to be honest.” I give a sad smile. “I mean… there's someone following me around, I don't feel safe outside my home. And you never know what they might do.”“You could think of this as a test. If it's Laura who's taking these photos, she'll certainly twist this moment. That's how she acts, after all.”“You're right,” I say, holding my breath. “A trap!”“Besides, maybe you'll get what you want.” Tyler gives me an enigmatic wink that leaves me confused. I open my lips to ask what he means by that, but h
“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