Lily’s world shattered like fragile glass, piercing her heart with every jagged shard. Her body stood frozen, rooted to the spot as her mind spiraled, trying to make sense of the scene in front of her.She’s by the door, staring at her best friend and the love of her life as they shamefully attempt to shield their nakedness, their betrayal from her.Her eyes stung with tears but she couldn’t let them fall, there was no way she could’ve let herself break apart so easily. But even without the tears, one could easily spot her pain. Her pain shows in the way her eyes are moving around in rapid motion, in the way her heart hammers her throat like a wild animal, in the way her fists are tight by her sides.Her mind reels back to the loggerheads she’s been in with her father since she refused his proposal, how she was willing to throw away her family for this boy who promised her a future. She had a feeling that he wasn’t worth that much sacrifice, but she allowed her stupid, stupid heart
The grand ballroom is transformed into a wonderland, bathed in colors and lights, as the birthday ball unfolds with elegance and sophistication. Crystal chandeliers refract rainbow hues, casting a glow on the sea of guests, resplendent in their finest attire.The air is alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft strains of a live orchestra, playing a mesmerizing waltz that beckons couples to the dance floor. The sound of laughter and gentle chatter fills the room, punctuated by the clinking of champagne glasses and the rustle of silk gowns.A magnificent cake stands tall at the center of the room, adorned with intricate designs and sparkling candles.As the night wears on, the ballroom becomes a whirlwind of movement, with dancers twirling across the floor, their steps choreographed to perfection.In Lily’s room, she stands nervously in front of a mirror, her hand smoothening her dress over and over again.This night is about to drastically change her life.What was I
“Apply sunscreen all over your body, Miss. Lily, don’t leave a part dry. We’ll be at the beach all afternoon and I do not want. . .”Lily’s eyes rolled to the back of her head at the nagging voice of her maid.A little backstory. Axel, Lily’s fiancé and soon to be husband, demanded that she travel with him for a business trip, and she decided not to go on a journey with a man she barely knows without having any company. And since her relationship with her best friend was ruined by her best friend’s betrayal, Lily decided to go along with Kate.Now, they’re in Miami, about to have all the fun in the world.Lily definitely finds an absurdity in the situation. Who goes to Miami for business? Who books out a two room suite for two girls and leaves them to be by themselves?Who brings his fiancée out to Miami on business and doesn’t even give her details of said business before leaving her and going radio silent on her for hours?“Miss. Lily?” Kate calls out to Lily, drawing her mind bac
It didn’t take long before Lily found herself in Axel’s suite. At first, her breath was caught up in her throat, her palm sweaty from all the nervousness she felt. But as soon as she starts forcing her mind into calmness, all of that discomfort disappears, replaced with new found boldness.“You’re not saying anything, little bird,” Axel’s voice broke through the steamy silence.Oh gosh the way he speaks. So. . .Lily could barely control herself. Her eyes closed shut, her mind reeling with imaginations. She imagined herself on all fours, with this buff man behind her, thrusting in and out of her while he whispers dirty words into her ear.She imagined his fingers inside her, pushing and curling around her walls, leaving her teetering on the edge. He was older and the thought of it made it all the more exciting. And to think that for the first time since her attraction towards her scumbag ex-boyfriend, she’s once again feeling an attraction towards another man.But this time is differ
Axel stared at the beautiful girl sprawled out gracefully on his bed, her skin at the edge of quivering from her nervousness.In his heart, his subconscious laughs with pride. He had seen her a little over a year ago when she was just nineteen, and ever since, he has wanted her.It is something he never thought was possible after his ex-wife broke his heart into tiny, irredeemable pieces. But when he saw the young lady who carried herself with grace and poise as she moved around her father’s company, desperate to help out with the work, he knew he had found the one.And then he pushed for her to become his, officially, convincing her father into seeing the advantage that’d come with the union.Now, he has her. And he plans to make the most of their time together.Axel plans to spoil Lily. With love, with affection, with attention, with the kind of luxury she has never experienced before—he plans to show her how beautiful a union can be even if that union isn’t built upon love.While A
Lily’s chest quaked with heaves, her skin quivering as Axel moved his finger in and out of her. It was just a single finger, but the precision of his stroking was taking her places.“Oh gosh, Axel,” she breathes a moan, her eyes rolling into the back of her head.Axel’s response is a groan. He loves to see her like this, he loves that she’s letting him in. His desperation for her grows stronger, but he reminds himself to be patient and wait for the right time. “You like it, don’t you?” He asks on a rasp, his tongue moving slowly over her tight nipple.“Yes. . .” Lily responds, pleasure seeping through her tone of voice.“Do you want more?” He asks again, “tell me you want more, little bird.” Just as the words fill Lily’s ears, Axel pushes another finger into her, pushing both fingers so deep into her until his knuckles disappear into her. And then he curls the fingers.“Oh fuck! Oh my gosh!” Lily screams out in both pain and pleasure, her back arching off the bed.Axel’s firm hand hol
Lily opened the door to her suite, exhausted from an excruciating extracurricular activities she and Axel had indulged in earlier. As she stepped inside, her eyes widened in surprise. On the plush couch in the living room, a stunning red gown was draped elegantly, catching her attention. A small note attached to the dress read: "For tonight, little bird. Can't wait to see you shine. -A"Lily's heart skipped a beat as she approached the dress, her fingers tracing the intricate lace details. While she walked out of Axel’s suite, she had thought the date was a joke on his end, something he said to deceive her, but now, seeing the dress, she felt a rush of excitement.“Oh gosh, why am I feeling this way towards a man I barely know.” She groaned frustratedly, feeling like a fool for easily opening up to another man when her heart was just broken.But she couldn’t control what her heart and her body wanted to feel. Although she wasn’t exactly sure about her heart, she knew exactly what her
Lily and Axel walked down the stretched marina, the sound of seagulls filling the air as they made their way to the yacht. The warm sun cast a golden glow over the water, and Lily couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness.Lily glanced at Axel, noticing the way his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled to himself. She felt a flutter in her chest, intrigued by this man she was bound to by a marriage arrangement.Axel must've noticed her eyes on him, because he turned to her, his gaze meeting hers for a brief moment before he looked away, his expression softening.The exchange between them was silent and quick, but held a deeper meaning. Axel couldn’t believe how quickly his attraction towards the girl was growing into something deeper and more meaningful than just mere attraction.And Lily couldn’t believe that she was suddenly so drawn to another man barely days after the boy she trusted betrayed her.Her heart was caught up in a turmoil, but she was ready to e
Once Lily and Axel were both out of the door, the journalists came rushing toward them.“Is it true you dated the son of your Fiance?” “How do you feel about being the center of attention in a scandal?” “Is it true you got engaged to Axel George because of his Wealth?” Lily felt the urge to scream her lungs out. What was it with people and insinuating she got together with Axel because of his wealth? She came from money and everyone knew it. But it was a normal thing in society—belittling women and making it seem as though they were nothing without the men in their lives.She wanted to stop and lash out on the journalists, but Axel held her firm, pulling her through the crowd, shielding her from the desperate, hungry journalists. He guided her till they got into their car. Once they were safely inside, Lily immediately withdrew her hand from Axel’s and moved the edge of the seat. Axel sighed, his head bobbing once in understanding.“Take us home, James,” he said to their chauffeu
The silence in the room was so loud it almost drove Lily out of her mind. A small whimper elicited in her throat, the sound so low that no one could hear it. But Axel heard it, and he knew what it meant.He sighed, tired, resolved.If unhappiness was his fate, then he was willing to accept it. But he couldn’t stand by any longer and watch his ex-wife and son ruin the life of an innocent girl whose only crime was allowing herself to be swayed by him.“I warned you not to call her a whore again,” Axel said, his eyes intent on his ex-wife. Lily was still dumbstruck, her mind running in circles, trying so hard to understand what had just happened.Axel just hit a woman—her mind kept singing. And then for Alice and Austin, it was a surprise. Especially for Alice. Axel was never a violent man. He had never put his hands on her throughout their years of marriage, he never touched her in any harmful way no matter how many times she crossed the line.And it was in that moment that she realiz
Austin was Axel's son. She tipped her head to the side and her eyes connected Axel’s. She was silent, but her eyes asked the one question hanging heavy on her tongue. “Is Austin your son?”Axel didn’t speak, but when a shuddered breath wracked through him, that was all the answer Lily needed to hear.Hysteric laughter erupted in her throat.Lily's head exploded and she bit down on her tongue, an attempt to keep herself from falling completely apart. “You mean you’re acquainted with this girl that broke our family?” Alice’s voice echoed louder than necessary. Of course she’d raise her voice—it was obvious her aim was to embarrass Lily. “Yes. She is the lady I was telling you about,” Austin answered, the corner of his mouth curved up.Lily smiled, nodding. This was their plan after all, to come here and make a mess of her where the world could see. But her anger wasn’t directed at them. She was angry at the man who put her in this situation.Axel. . .If only he was open about everyt
Lily looked at Axel with tears spewing from her eyes. She was expecting him to say something, to counter whatever his ex-wife was saying. He remained silent. Pain clawed in her heart as Axel’s shaky hand fell on hers, holding onto her. She couldn't believe he would hide something as big as this from her. Axel, seeing that pain and hurt reflection in Lily's eyes felt his chest constrict even more, to a point where he was almost gasping for breath. He was falling apart on the inside, he was at a crossroads. . .“Tell me what she's lying, Axel,” Lily’s whispered voice fell through his thoughts.Silence.“Tell me everything she said is a lie, a ploy to cause a rift between us,” She demanded, this time, her voice firmer. Still, Axel remained silent. He couldn't think of a way to defend himself in the situation. Alice’s face curled into a sinister smile, which she masked immediately. She walked up to Lily, laughing hysterically.“You didn't think he would be married to a stable, beautifu
Lily walked into the party, hand in hand with Axel. They looked like a perfect couple. A match made in heaven. Just like Axel had promised, he ordered Lily an entire store of designer dresses and a delivery was made while Lily was still washing herself up in the bathroom.And when she came out, they had both collectively picked out the perfect dress for the occasion. Lily felt somewhat out of place, looking at other people and their dates. She was younger than most, almost like a sugar baby. And in that moment, she couldn’t be more grateful that Axel made their engagement public.Axel, as if noticing her discomfort, held her closer to himself. “Relax,” he saidLily smiled dryly. “I am relaxed,” she replied.Axel chuckled. “Not with that tensed shoulder of yours,” he argued.Lily breathed in and they continued moving forward. Lily held on tight to Axel’s biceps, her nerves almost overwhelming her. Of course she belonged to high society, but balls and formal parties of this kind were
The one thing he was avoiding was currently gaining in on him. And he knew he had to tell her before it was too late. Axel sighed, pocketed his phone and walked back into the closet. Just then, Lily stepped out of the shower room all dressed up. Their eyes met and she heaved out a nervous breath, her teeth biting into her bottom lip under the intense gaze of Axel. "How do I look?" She asked, turning around in a circle. Axel remained silent, gawking at her, his jaw dropped. Gorgeous was an understatement for how his lady looked right now. The silver dress hugged her body like a second skin, and the moment she did a 360 he could swear he heard his heart rate beat faster than normal. She looked gorgeous, exquisite, and beautiful. "Uhm. . .Baby?" Lily called, snapping her finger. Axel had zoned out while ogling at her body. He blinked twice, coming back from his reverie. "You didn't say how beautiful my dress looked," Lily muttered, walking to stand in front of the mirror. Axel's
“Of course you are,” she scoffed. “Let’s just prepare for the party tonight, Mr. George, then we can talk about your nasty attitude.”With that, she left Axel standing in the middle of the room, his sanity hanging on its last string.Lily walked back to her own personal room, tears streaming down her face. "What in the world came over me." She muttered, running her hands through her hair, shame weighing down on her. Axel's reaction earlier shook her to the core. One minute he's nice and can't stop professing his love for her and the next moment he's hard and treating her like a fucking kid. It's hard though, knowing he's twice her age, but he was the one who wanted to marry her; she didn't choose this. So why treat her like she means nothing to him. Her thoughts wandered.Lily stared at her wardrobe, the feeling of wanting to stay back home gnawed at her. If he treated her this way in private, what would he do in public? Lilly got into her bed, making up her mind to not go. Just as
Axel reached a hand into his pocket and slid his phone out, immediately swiping the green icon. “Axel George,” his thick, frustrated voice echoed.He listened carefully as the person on the other side of the phone spoke. His eyes shifted to Lily for a fleeting moment before shifting towards another object. “Hm,” he hummed as though in thought. “It’s purely business, yes? And she won’t be there?” He asked the person on the phone.“Okay, I’ll be there.” He finally answered and hung up.“Who was that?” Lily asked.“Just a business partner,” Axel replied, “there’s a get together of the members of the Billionaires Club tomorrow and we’re invited. Would you like to come?”Lily smiled warmly, her head bobbing in a nod.Axel chuckled, “words, little bird.”“Yes, I'd love to come.” She answered, her tone excited. “But first, what was the thing you were about to tell me before. . .”Her curiosity was getting the best of her, but Axel cut her off by placing a palm over her thigh and squeezing ge
Lily’s father’s voice stopped Axel in his tracks. "When do you plan on telling my daughter that you have a son, George?" He asked, his voice a growl.Axel turned sharply, his eyes narrowed.Mr. Daniels’s face reddened with rage as he began striding purposefully towards Axel. Axel's eyes narrowed into tiny slits, his jaw clenched. "What?"Daniels's voice rose. "When do you plan on..."Axel's hands shot up, palms facing Daniels as though surrendering. "I heard you the first time, Daniels!"Daniels's fists trembled with an enraged twitch. "When are you going to tell her?"Axel's expression turned cold, his jaw ticking. "She'll know when she needs to know."A scoff breezed through Lily’s father’s parted lips, his face twisting in disgust. "Don't fucking tell me that!"Axel's eyes flashed, his feet moving him forward. “Tell you what, dearest friend?” He asked, "You want me to burden her with this information when she's still struggling to process the truth of who her mother was? Do you re