“Miss Daniels!”Lily spun around, her curious eyes searching through the space, wondering who called out to her. And when her eyes landed on Mrs. Alora Mount, a smile coated her lips.Both women swerved through the crowd of organizers running around to put everything in order before the guests started arriving, and when they were close enough, they both kissed each other on the cheeks in greeting.“It’s so nice to see you again, Mrs. Mount, you look as radiant as ever,” Lily almost squealed excitedly.Alora chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Please, call me Alora.”Lily grinned. “Not until you start calling me Lily.”Both of them chuckled excitedly.Alora Mount was the wife of Keylor Mount, one of the biggest business men in the city of New York. And she herself as his wife had built herself a big brand in the fashion and beauty industry. One known fact: she built her brand using her husband’s influence and she was unapologetic about it. It was something Lily admired her for.Lily a
“I’m ashamed.”“What?”“It’s shame,” Lily repeated, chuckling bitterly, “and it’s funny how I’m just realizing this now.”“Why are you ashamed? Can you think of any reason?” Alora asked further, her tone gentler, softer, like a mother caring for her child.She and Lily wasn’t so far apart in age, but motherhood had really made Alora into a more grounded woman, a woman who knew how to nurture those around her. And for the first time since loosing her mother, Lily felt so at peace, so comfortable.Clearing her throat, she began speaking. “I think I’m mostly ashamed of my desperation. Of how I moved from a bad breakup to becoming someone’s fiance. And then I suddenly realized that I didn’t even care to know the man I was marrying, I simply wanted to marry him because he was good to me, because he helped me forget about the pain of betrayal.”“Were you happy? While you were engaged to him, did he make you happy?” Alora quizzed.Lily nodded, a silent sob erupting in her throat, the tears a
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
“I’m ashamed.”“What?”“It’s shame,” Lily repeated, chuckling bitterly, “and it’s funny how I’m just realizing this now.”“Why are you ashamed? Can you think of any reason?” Alora asked further, her tone gentler, softer, like a mother caring for her child.She and Lily wasn’t so far apart in age, but motherhood had really made Alora into a more grounded woman, a woman who knew how to nurture those around her. And for the first time since loosing her mother, Lily felt so at peace, so comfortable.Clearing her throat, she began speaking. “I think I’m mostly ashamed of my desperation. Of how I moved from a bad breakup to becoming someone’s fiance. And then I suddenly realized that I didn’t even care to know the man I was marrying, I simply wanted to marry him because he was good to me, because he helped me forget about the pain of betrayal.”“Were you happy? While you were engaged to him, did he make you happy?” Alora quizzed.Lily nodded, a silent sob erupting in her throat, the tears a
“Miss Daniels!”Lily spun around, her curious eyes searching through the space, wondering who called out to her. And when her eyes landed on Mrs. Alora Mount, a smile coated her lips.Both women swerved through the crowd of organizers running around to put everything in order before the guests started arriving, and when they were close enough, they both kissed each other on the cheeks in greeting.“It’s so nice to see you again, Mrs. Mount, you look as radiant as ever,” Lily almost squealed excitedly.Alora chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Please, call me Alora.”Lily grinned. “Not until you start calling me Lily.”Both of them chuckled excitedly.Alora Mount was the wife of Keylor Mount, one of the biggest business men in the city of New York. And she herself as his wife had built herself a big brand in the fashion and beauty industry. One known fact: she built her brand using her husband’s influence and she was unapologetic about it. It was something Lily admired her for.Lily a
Lily slid the key into the lock with trembling fingers, her chest tight from the weight of the evening. Her heels clicked softly against the tile as she stepped inside, the faint click of the door closing behind her sounding final. She leaned back against the door, her knees buckling. Slowly, she slid down to the floor, letting her purse fall to her side. The tears at the brim of her eyes cascaded down her face. She cried silently at first, then it built into quiet sobs. Then into louder sobs. She buried her face in her hands, shoulders shaking as the emotions of the evening spilled out. Everything felt overwhelming. Axel’s sudden return to her life, the unresolved tension between them, and the notification that had shattered the fragile peace of their dinner. That wife of his. . .why is she hellbent on destroying my peace and happiness? Lily wondered, a hand dragging through her hair.“Oh gosh,” she breathed, her breaths shallow, “fuck him, and her, and those fucking bloggers. .
"Have you. . .legally divorced her yet?" Lily’s voice resounded with demand, her voice shaking.Fuck—Axel screamed internally.Why was this happening? Why now?He wanted to speak to her about it, but he needed to secure the perfect time before doing so, and now. . .why, why, why?His jaw locked in an instant, the hesitation in his expression cutting Lily more than she expected. He let out a heavy breath, his hands dropping to his sides. "It's in the works," he admitted, the words measured, his tone strained. Lily’s throat tightened, a lump forming. "In the works?" she repeated, her voice rising, the pain in her chest too much to handle. "What does that mean, Axel?"“I’ve served Alice the papers,” he said, his voice strong, and yet so quiet, as if trying to calm the anger growing in her. “She won’t sign them. She’s making this hard, Lily.”Lily laughed in a bitter way, the sound empty, hollow. It sent fear down Axel’s core, because he knew what that laughter meant. It was a sound s
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