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
Lily stood at the rail, her hair blowing in the wind as she gazed out at the ocean. The yacht glided smoothly through the water, leaving a trail of foam behind.She felt the salty spray on her skin and the sun's warmth on her face. The motion of the yacht was soothing, making her feel calm and peaceful.She closed her eyes, breathing in the ocean air and letting her worries fade away. The sound of the waves and seagulls filled her ears, a calming melody. It gave her time to think about her life generally. Especially about the sudden change in her personal life.She was lost in her mind, thoughts of how her life will be once they’re back to LA filling her head. She knew it was only going to take a while before she bumped into her best friend and ex-boyfriend, and she wondered how she was going to keep herself together if a situation like that ever occurred.And then there’s this man whom she’s about to be married to. What was she going to be doing as a married woman? What was her life
“The day before your birthday, why did you have tears in your eyes while running out of that hotel?”Lily’s heart immediately stopped. Her eyes tightened at the corners, her soft gaze turning into a glare directed at Axel. Meanwhile, Axel’s smile didn’t falter even for a second.He knew he had asked her an uncomfortable question, but he believed that if she opened up about whatever happened, she’d feel better within herself.To simply put, Axel saw the pain she was hiding, and he knew it had something to do with whoever she met at that hotel days ago.“Don’t you think you’re asking a rather uncomfortable question, Axel? And how do you know I was at the hotel?” She asked, her voice thickening with anger.Axel shrugged, “I just happened to see you at the lobby while I was rounding up a business meeting.”She smiled accusingly. “So it was merely a coincidence?”“Hm,” he hummed.It was silent for a moment. Lily’s eyes were on Axel’s as if telling him to forget about getting any answers fr
As Lily tries to make her way to the elevator leading to her suite, Axel’s hand grasps her wrist, stopping her in her tracks.Axel's eyes locked onto Lily's, his voice low and husky. "Spend the night with me, Lily. Please."Lily's gaze faltered, her cheeks flushing as she looked away. "I don't know, Axel. Do you think that’s the right thing to do? I mean, we’re still trying to get to know ourselves better, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything."“We almost fucked earlier today, baby girl.” Axel says.Lily’s cheeks flushed brighter, her hand giving Axel’s a playful smack. “Stop it. Be serious for once.”Axel's expression softened, his voice gentle. "I know. Me too. But I feel like we’ve connected on a deeper level, we’re good. And honestly, I’d be the happiest man alive if I wake up with you by my side tomorrow morning.”Lily's eyes darted back to his, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared, Axel. . .what if. . .”Axel's face twisted in understanding. "No what i
It’s the soft tickling on her skin that forces Lily’s eyes open. She’s still disheveled from her sleep, still trying to make sense of her immediate environment when she suddenly felt a sensation. A sensation that pulled a groan out of her throat. A beautiful kind. And she felt this sensation where she desired it the most, between her legs.“Oh,” a surprised gasp elicited in her throat when something warm and thick lapped her entire folds. She immediately reached down with her hands, and as expected, her fingers dove into the mass of black hair covering her inner thighs.Axel’s eyes connected hers, the orbs darkened and feral with need. He smirked at her, his tongue flicking her clit. “Gosh, daddy!” Lily moaned on a loud voice, her thighs quivering, tightening on the sides of his head, holding him hostage.She liked this a little too much.“Yes! Oh, yes. . .” Lily half-yelled when Axel suddenly pushed a finger into her. And then he added the second finger, and the third, sending Lily i
Lily poured herself a second cup of coffee, the morning sunlight streaming through the window and casting a warm glow on the table. Axel, seated across from her, smiling as he finished his omelette."Axel?" Lily asked, her brow furrowed in confusion."Yes, little bird?" Axel replied, his deep voice warm and endearing."I thought you brought us out here for work?" Lily said, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism.Axel's expression turned serious, his jawline sharp in the morning light. "I did."Lily's gaze narrowed, her voice tinged with playful accusation. "Then why haven't we been to any business meetings or done anything related to work?"Axel's smile returned, his eyes glinting with amusement. "This is work, baby."Lily's eyes widened, her voice barely above a whisper. "This?"Axel's nod was almost imperceptible, his eyes locked on hers. "Hm."Lily's cheeks flushed, her voice hesitant. "You and I?"Axel's response was a low, husky, "Mmhmm..."Lily's brow furrowed again, her voi
Lily settled into the plush leather seat, her mind still reeling from the sudden interruption to their day. When they boarded the private jet, Axel had apologized profusely, but the urgency in his voice had been unmistakable.Now, he left her all alone, disappearing into one of the rooms without a word. And that too with a dampened mood.Of course she had Kate by her side, but all she could think about was Axel. All she wanted was to care for him as much as he had cared for her now that he needed her the most.As the private jet soared into the sky, Lily's anxiety grew. What could be so important that they had to leave Miami immediately?What could be so important that Axel wouldn’t speak to her?Earlier when Axel sensed her unease, he had tried to reassure her, but now he was nowhere to be found. There was no more reassurance.She glanced around the luxurious cabin, her eyes scanning the empty seats."Axel?" she called out, her voice barely above a whisper.No response.Lily's heart
A few hours later, Axel stormed back into the estate, his expression still dark and foreboding. The tension in his body was palpable, and Lily could sense the weight of his anger and frustration bearing down on him.She tried to approach him, to offer some comfort, but he brushed her off, his eyes flashing with a warning."Just need some time, Lily," he growled, his voice low and husky.Lily’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach, her mind reeling with confusion as she tried to understand how this man can go from being the perfect gentleman to a stranger. She felt like all they shared in the few days they spent together in Miami had gone down the drain; however, she nodded in understanding. She knew better than to push him when he was like this.Axel disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of the shower drowning out his frustration. Lily waited patiently, her heart aching for him.When he emerged, his hair was damp, and his eyes were still stormy. He didn't look at her, he simply ju
“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