Julian stares at me intently, and I feel my heart beating in my throat. His silence despairs me, and my voice comes out high, “I know I should have said this before, but... I mean, I never needed it, and I just...”
“Angel.” He interrupts me, and I swallow the lump that forms in my throat. “I know you’re not on the pill; I figured it.”His words, so calm and casual, leave me completely baffled... “You know?”“Of course.” He smiles at me, using his thumb to caress my cheek. “I’m well aware; you don’t have to worry about it.”“But...” I try to control my voice, but it still comes out strangled, “What if I get... pregnant?”“Then we just need to get married.” He approaches me and places a kiss on my forehead.I’m simply speechless.“Is that it?” I blink a few times, putting my eyes on his once again. “Tha“I didn’t buy it,” I say firmly and notice that her eyes tear up.“Then it was my father because they’re saying that O’J Tech bought it. You two found it together, so if it wasn’t you, it was him.” Angelee runs a hand through her hair, brushing it back. “Why would he do that?”“Michael has had his eye on that company for some time. Your father saw the opportunity and took it.”She lets her hands fall around her body and looks at me with frowning eyebrows. “I’m not a fool, Julian; I know the timing was too perfect to be a coincidence.” I sigh, feeling my heart speed up even more... If things weren’t chaotic enough already, now I have a bomb in my hands about to explode.“Don’t tell me that my father had a hand in that... scandal.” She crosses her arms, now looking upset. “Oh, crap... He did something, didn’t he?”“You
When Julian told me that I should stay at home and rest, I breathed a deep sigh of relief, but as the hours passed, my anxiety grew. Julian’s words tormented me, especially his puffy, bloodshot eyes when he returned to bed with a hot tea that calmed my stomach, my nerves, and my mind. However, this peace didn’t last long... I kept thinking about how I could ask for honesty when I’m hiding something so important, postponing the inevitable. All night long, I kept thinking about that...That’s why I went to the nearest convenience store early this morning and bought some pregnancy tests. And now, my trembling hands hold this small object that carries so much importance, the weight of my life... of our lives.That’s the fourth test I’ve taken, and the result is the same — two lines that define our destiny.I’m really pregnant, and now that the truth is before my eyes, I simply collapse.My vision goes dark,
Cathy’s words make me gasp. My eyes widen in surprise, and I ask, unable to control my tongue, “Do you have a child?”However, I immediately regret it because a sad expression takes over her face. I can see hurt and sorrow shining in her eyes. Still, she gives me a sad smile and says, “I used to.”A deep pain spreads through my chest, and I arch up, leaning on the sink again, almost feeling her pain.“He wasn’t born, though... I had a miscarriage when I was nineteen.”Nineteen... When I was born, my mother was the same age — and that somehow makes me even more emotional.“Eight years have passed, but I still remember how I felt when I was pregnant. I was really scared because the daddy turned out to be a cheating asshole. He was angry with me and even asked me to have an abortion. Of course, I was scared too. I didn’t know if I’d be able to do it on my own at such a young age when I had
I can hardly believe my eyes… I blink a few times, looking at the woman who stares at me expectantly. Her blue eyes, similar to those of her son, reflect me, taking my breath away. It’s been a few months since we last saw each other, but she looks the same: the black hair with a few gray strands, the marked wrinkles that, despite being on her face, don’t give away her age... everything looks the same as ever — except for the fact that she shouldn’t be smiling at me.“Let’s have a coffee, what do you think? It’s been a while since we last saw each other, and Eric is so busy these days that he doesn’t have time for his own mother anymore.” She makes a dismissive gesture, still with her radiant smile, looking around. “Where is he? Let’s call him-”“No!” I find my voice again, but it comes out sharper and shakier than I intended. I take a step back, adding a little distance that&rs
I still remember when my mother said those exact same words to me. Mom said I have cancer with a serene smile on her lips and a calm expression that didn’t match at all the seriousness of her illness. Her bright eyes carried no sadness in them, unlike mine, which were blurry by the tears I cried for both of us.I was scared, but I believed that the chemotherapy and treatments could save Mom, but she became weaker and weaker. Her hair fell out at the slightest caress I made, and visits to the hospital became more frequent, as did her stay. Long nights and days in that white room, months facing absurd pain, but always with a smile on her face — this was Elisa, my mother, my light.So I started smoking cigarettes, looking for nicotine to calm me down. My nerves were always on the edge, and I got into arguments easily, fighting and pushing everyone away because of my destructive behavior... because I wasn’t able to deal with the pain inside me, with my
“Good morning, Miss O’Neil.” An employee greets me with a smile as soon as she notices me approaching. Her bright, expectant eyes are unlike any other welcome I’ve imagined receiving throughout my work at the company. I’m used to people keeping a distance, restricting their words only to the politeness required for the job, nothing more. However, this is the fourth time someone has greeted me in this way today.That makes me really feel the impact of Laura’s resignation, of the exposure of her true self. Somehow, it seems that people can see through all her lies now, just like a spell being undone, making everyone try so hard to make up for their faults, probably to correct their cold behavior and misconceptions with smiles and sweet words. Everyone’s attitude has changed towards me, but I don’t feel really good about it because I’m still the same person, acting the same way... I’m still acting like nothing happe
“Excuse me, Mr. Adams...” The Manager raises his hand, attracting everyone’s attention. “How exactly are we supposed to prove this? Aren’t our years of work enough? I’ll tell you for myself, for example, I’ve had years of management in this company, and I’ve been involved in countless projects since J’O Tech opened its doors. Mrs. Wells also participated as a team leader in the big project, and Ms. O’Neil... well, she’s also proven her skills through hard work.”“Yes, that’s right, you certainly have.” Julian puts one hand in his pants pocket and straightens his shoulders, looking even bigger and stronger. “But I’m sure that even you, Roy, have never handled a project like this.”Julian presses another button, and my heart, which had barely calmed down, starts pounding again. My breath also becomes sweaty from the anxiety that makes me shiver and dry my sweaty palms
I hold the back of Julian’s neck with my small hands, which, even together, don’t completely encircle his neck. I search for air while he thrusts his fingers faster with a frantic rhythm that makes me seal our mouths, already looking for a gap between his lips to slide my tongue inside.What I find, however, is his tongue coming for mine — and the light rubbing and intertwining of our tongues makes me moan deep in my throat.Julian increases the pace even more, now going so deep that his hand is crashing into my groin, making the hollow sound dangerously loud. He’s hammering his hand against my pussy, slamming his fingertips into my most sensitive spot.I pull our mouths apart, searching for air, but he pulls my lip with his teeth, his other hand firmly on the back of my neck, forcing me to kiss him again, with even more intensity, now in a quick intertwining that makes the sensation of his tongue even softer and pleasing.Heat is threaten
“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