Lily woke to the steady vibration of her phone on the nightstand, its soft hum cutting through the silence of the room. Her eyes opened reluctantly, swollen and heavy from the tears of the night before. She stared at the ceiling for a moment, dreading whatever waited for her.The phone buzzed again, and she turned her head slowly, the light from the screen piercing through the dimness. Notifications filled the screen—dozens of them. She reached for the phone with trembling fingers, unlocking it hesitantly. Headlines leapt out at her: "Heiress Lily at the Center of Scandal," "Greedy Gold-Digger or Misunderstood Lover?"She scrolled past quickly, her heart sinking further with each passing headline. Her name was everywhere, tangled in rumors and venomous accusations. She tossed the phone onto the bed, pressing her palms against her temples as a fresh wave of nausea rolled over her. The room felt smaller somehow, closing in on her as the weight of the world’s judgment pressed down.
The bass of the music vibrated in Lily’s chest as she stepped into the club, her face hidden beneath the brim of her cap. She stuck close to Kate, whose confidence seemed to shine even brighter in the dim, flashing lights. “Are you sure about this?” Kate asked, giving Lily a side glance. Lily nodded, gripping her jacket tightly around her. “I just need a break, Kate. One night.” Kate smiled, squeezing her arm. “Alright, but remember, I’ve got your back.” The club was alive with color and movement. The flashing lights lit up the crowd, and the music made conversation almost impossible. Kate guided Lily to a small corner table. “Wait here. I’ll get us some drinks,” Kate said, disappearing into the crowd. Lily sat still, her hands gripping the edge of the table. Every laugh and glance around her felt like a spotlight pointed her way. She tugged her cap lower, trying to blend into the shadows. Kate returned with two glasses, setting one in front of Lily. “Here, drink this. A
The cool night air stung Lily’s flushed cheeks as she glared up at Axel, her chest heaving with anger. His grip on her shoulders was firm, unyielding, and his piercing gaze bore into her, but it only fueled her rage. “Let go of me!” she hissed, wrenching herself free from his hands. “Lily, what were you—” Before he could finish, she raised her hand and slapped him across the face. The sound cracked through the quiet street like a thunderstorm. Axel’s head jerked to the side, his jaw tightening as he absorbed the blow. Slowly, he turned back to face her, his expression unreadable. “You don’t get to do this!” Lily screamed, her voice trembling with fury. “You don’t get to interfere in my life like you’re some kind of authority! Who the hell do you think you are?” “Lily—” “No! Shut up!” She jabbed a finger at his chest, her whole body trembling now. “Are you my father? Huh? Are you? Because you sure as hell act like it!” Axel stared at her, his face a mask of restraint, b
The clang of the cell door opening made Lily sit up, her back stiff from the cold, hard bench. An officer stood at the doorway, his expression blank. “Daniels. Barnes. You’re coming with me,” he said, motioning them to follow. Kate groaned as she got to her feet, rubbing her eyes. “What now?” she muttered. Lily shrugged, brushing her hair back and standing. “Let’s get this over with,” she said, her tone tired. The officer led them down a narrow hallway. The air smelled stale, and their footsteps echoed in the silence. At the end of the hall, he opened a door and gestured for them to enter. Inside, the room felt tense and suffocating. The police chief sat behind the desk, his face unreadable. Next to him was Lily’s father, his jaw tight, and beside him, Axel sat with his arms crossed, looking like a storm ready to break. Lily froze for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh. “Of fucking course you had to be here,” she said, glaring at her father and Axel. Her father stood
“Since when did you start thinking and talking like my father, Kate?” Kate blinked, caught off guard. “Lily, what are you—” Lily’s voice cut through the space like a blade, low and venomous. “Was it before you fucked him or after you fucked him?”The fear in Kate’s eyes was enough to tell Lily all she needed to know. Smiling, she shook her head, her tongue darting out to wet her bottom lip. “You know what,” she whispered as she walked towards the door, “you don’t have to answer that.”Lily stormed out, her feet padding softly against the floor as she ran to her father’s office. She was ready to rain hell on him for ever putting his hands on her friend, but the moment she saw the raging fury in her father’s eyes, she gulped down her words.Mr. Daniels threw a tab on the desk and Lily’s eyes widened at the image displayed on the screen.“Seventy two hours, Lily,” he breathed, his words laced with disappointment, “within seventy two hours, you’ve done so much damage to yourself and y
The car came to a gentle stop at the parking space of the grand glass structure. The fashion house was everything Lily had ever dreamed of—a modern architectural marvel perched on the edge of a mountain, with sprawling views of rolling green peaks that stretched into the horizon. Her breath caught as she stepped out of the car, the enormity of it all pressing against her chest. This is mine now.Except it wasn’t entirely hers. Not really. Axel had bought this place for her when they were still together, pitching it as the perfect headquarters for her budding brand. He gifted this place to her not just as a house, but as a sign of his faith in her. It was a grand gesture, one that had once filled her with excitement and hope. One that made her realize that she loved him.But now, she wasn’t so sure about that love.She blinked rapidly, willing away the tears at the brim of her eyes. This house felt like a shadow hovering over her, a reminder of everything she had to prove. “Mis
The café was warm and busy, with the soft hum of chatter and the smell of fresh coffee in the air. Lily spotted her father immediately, sitting in his usual corner, sipping his coffee and scrolling through his phone like he didn’t have a care in the world.He looked relaxed, even smug. The sight of him so unbothered stirred something bitter in her chest.Of course she loved her father, but they just couldn’t see eye to eye on things sometimes. They had the same stubbornness.She strode over, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. He looked up when she reached the table, a small smirk forming on his lips.“How nice it must be, Dad. You move through life like a king, breaking things and people, and never looking back.” Lily said, her voice sassy as she settled into the seat opposite him.Ignoring her sarcastic remark, Lily’s father threw his head back, laughter, low in his throat eliciting. “It’s been a few days, and you miss me already, kiddo?” he said, his tone light and teasin
Two months post-separation from Lily had been Axel’s nightmare. He couldn’t sleep, he couldn’t eat, he couldn’t operate like a normal human being. He simply craved the one person who made him feel whole.His Lily. His little bird.She had been his breath of life. And then she left. And then darkness fell upon him again.A thick darkness he couldn’t find his way out of.He buried himself in work during the day and submerged himself in alcohol at night.Do you know what’s laughable? The fact that he couldn’t even manage his work anymore. He couldn’t run his empire. He was crashing from the inside out.And now, it was another night, and he had lost count of how many bottles he’d downed. His vision was already blurred, his words slurred, and the ache in his chest didn’t ease, no matter how much he drank.“Axel,” one of his closest friends grumbled, grabbing his arm, “we need to get you home, man. You’ve had enough for one night.”Axel chuckled darkly, pulling his arm free. “Enough?” he sl
Lily Daniels had gone to many fancy dinners, walked on red carpets in designer clothes, and enjoyed the love of wealthy people. But when the shiny black car stopped at a simple brick building in the center of the city, she became curious."This isn't a restaurant," she said, looking at Axel, who was sitting up beside her, completely calm.A little backtracking: The driver had gone to Axel’s company to pick him up.Axel smirked, his confidence maddening. "It's better than any restaurant."The driver opened her door, and Axel got out first, reaching back his hand to her. Lily waited just a moment, contemplating before putting her hand in his. The warmth of his hand made her feel a tingle up her arm."Where are we?" she asked, stepping onto the sidewalk. The building had no sign and no clue as to what was inside."You will see," Axel said, his voice quiet and playful.He escorted her through the doors, where a well-dressed concierge nodded at them. Lily's breath caught as they stepped in
Tomorrow arrived quicker than expected and Lily couldn’t contain her nerves.She stood in front of her mirror, smoothing the soft fabric of her emerald-green dress. It fit her perfectly, the neckline modest but with a hint of allure. She reached for a gold necklace and fastened it around her neck. Her hands shook slightly, and she told herself it was just the excitement of the evening.Axel afterall promised to blow her mind away and she couldn’t wait to see what he had instored for her, considering that he was the king of surprises. From the doorway, Kate leaned casually against the frame, her arms crossed and a teasing grin on her face. “So, you’re really going through with this?” Lily turned to face her, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean by ‘this’?” Kate stepped into the room, her heels clicking softly on the floor. Lily couldn’t help but notice the elegance Kate exuded especially since becoming a law student at a prestigious school.And honestly, she felt truly happy fo
One week later. . .The lights dimmed, and a soft golden glow bathed the runway as the final model made her way down the platform. Lily followed close behind, her gown flowing in perfect sync with her graceful strides. The crowd erupted into applause, the flash of cameras bright against the dusky backdrop. But Lily’s focus faltered for a heartbeat. In the front row, Axel sat among the elite, his sharp suit and relaxed posture making him stand out. His eyes weren’t on the models, the designs, or even the spectacle of the evening. They were on her. His gaze was steady, unwavering, and intense, like he could see right through the mask of confidence she wore. Like he was studying her.Lily’s breath caught, and she almost stumbled on her feet.Why did she feel so excited to be watched like a prey? She wondered, a gulp forcing down her throat. The pride in Axel’s expression was undeniable, but it was the hunger in his eyes that sent a ripple of warmth down Lily’s spine. She quickly loo
Axel woke to the dull throb of pain in his head and the uncomfortable tug of something taped to his hand. He blinked against the harsh light filtering into the room, his throat dry and scratchy. Slowly, his eyes adjusted, and he noticed the IV drip attached to his hand. The stark sterility of the room around him confirmed he wasn’t in his penthouse.Confused, he shifted and a groan escaped him. His muscles were stiff and his body sore.His head lolled to the side, and that was when he noticed her. Lily.She was sitting beside the bed, her hands clasped tightly on her lap. Her posture was tense, but her face was soft, almost hesitant. She looked exhausted, dark circles under her eyes, but her presence alone brought a sliver of warmth to his chest that he hadn’t felt in months.Of course she had to come. It had been two months since they saw one another, and when she got a call that he had collapsed in his penthouse, she just couldn’t stop herself from seeing him.“Lily?” Axel’s voice
Two months post-separation from Lily had been Axel’s nightmare. He couldn’t sleep, he couldn’t eat, he couldn’t operate like a normal human being. He simply craved the one person who made him feel whole.His Lily. His little bird.She had been his breath of life. And then she left. And then darkness fell upon him again.A thick darkness he couldn’t find his way out of.He buried himself in work during the day and submerged himself in alcohol at night.Do you know what’s laughable? The fact that he couldn’t even manage his work anymore. He couldn’t run his empire. He was crashing from the inside out.And now, it was another night, and he had lost count of how many bottles he’d downed. His vision was already blurred, his words slurred, and the ache in his chest didn’t ease, no matter how much he drank.“Axel,” one of his closest friends grumbled, grabbing his arm, “we need to get you home, man. You’ve had enough for one night.”Axel chuckled darkly, pulling his arm free. “Enough?” he sl
The café was warm and busy, with the soft hum of chatter and the smell of fresh coffee in the air. Lily spotted her father immediately, sitting in his usual corner, sipping his coffee and scrolling through his phone like he didn’t have a care in the world.He looked relaxed, even smug. The sight of him so unbothered stirred something bitter in her chest.Of course she loved her father, but they just couldn’t see eye to eye on things sometimes. They had the same stubbornness.She strode over, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. He looked up when she reached the table, a small smirk forming on his lips.“How nice it must be, Dad. You move through life like a king, breaking things and people, and never looking back.” Lily said, her voice sassy as she settled into the seat opposite him.Ignoring her sarcastic remark, Lily’s father threw his head back, laughter, low in his throat eliciting. “It’s been a few days, and you miss me already, kiddo?” he said, his tone light and teasin
The car came to a gentle stop at the parking space of the grand glass structure. The fashion house was everything Lily had ever dreamed of—a modern architectural marvel perched on the edge of a mountain, with sprawling views of rolling green peaks that stretched into the horizon. Her breath caught as she stepped out of the car, the enormity of it all pressing against her chest. This is mine now.Except it wasn’t entirely hers. Not really. Axel had bought this place for her when they were still together, pitching it as the perfect headquarters for her budding brand. He gifted this place to her not just as a house, but as a sign of his faith in her. It was a grand gesture, one that had once filled her with excitement and hope. One that made her realize that she loved him.But now, she wasn’t so sure about that love.She blinked rapidly, willing away the tears at the brim of her eyes. This house felt like a shadow hovering over her, a reminder of everything she had to prove. “Mis
“Since when did you start thinking and talking like my father, Kate?” Kate blinked, caught off guard. “Lily, what are you—” Lily’s voice cut through the space like a blade, low and venomous. “Was it before you fucked him or after you fucked him?”The fear in Kate’s eyes was enough to tell Lily all she needed to know. Smiling, she shook her head, her tongue darting out to wet her bottom lip. “You know what,” she whispered as she walked towards the door, “you don’t have to answer that.”Lily stormed out, her feet padding softly against the floor as she ran to her father’s office. She was ready to rain hell on him for ever putting his hands on her friend, but the moment she saw the raging fury in her father’s eyes, she gulped down her words.Mr. Daniels threw a tab on the desk and Lily’s eyes widened at the image displayed on the screen.“Seventy two hours, Lily,” he breathed, his words laced with disappointment, “within seventy two hours, you’ve done so much damage to yourself and y
The clang of the cell door opening made Lily sit up, her back stiff from the cold, hard bench. An officer stood at the doorway, his expression blank. “Daniels. Barnes. You’re coming with me,” he said, motioning them to follow. Kate groaned as she got to her feet, rubbing her eyes. “What now?” she muttered. Lily shrugged, brushing her hair back and standing. “Let’s get this over with,” she said, her tone tired. The officer led them down a narrow hallway. The air smelled stale, and their footsteps echoed in the silence. At the end of the hall, he opened a door and gestured for them to enter. Inside, the room felt tense and suffocating. The police chief sat behind the desk, his face unreadable. Next to him was Lily’s father, his jaw tight, and beside him, Axel sat with his arms crossed, looking like a storm ready to break. Lily froze for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh. “Of fucking course you had to be here,” she said, glaring at her father and Axel. Her father stood