Ivan looked at me for a long moment, as if he knew exactly what was on my mind. He climbed onto the bed, gently parting my thighs with his hand.I shifted, torn between wanting to leave his room immediately and the part of me that didn’t. No matter how much I tried to hide how he made me feel, it was as if I were an open book.“Let's just say every part of you want me more than I want you,” he whispered in my ear, kissing my neck softly. I scoffed, trying to pull away from him. “In your dreams, Mr. Carlos.“ But he drew me back, his body hovering over mine, his eyes piercing into me.I took a deep breath, avoiding his gaze as I struggled to control my feelings.He kissed me softly on the chest, his hand sliding from my side to under my dress, and I realized I was wearing a flower printed knee length dress that made it easy for him to touch me.I wasn’t intoxicated this time—I could feel everything. It brought back memories of our first night, the kind of feeling that made me feel like
The knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned toward it, already knowing who it would be. I tried the knob again, only to remember it was still locked. I sighed, ready to ask Ivan for the keys, but when I turned, he was standing right beside me, so close I almost lost my breath.“Uh...” I mumbled, my eyes trailing down to his torso, instantly reminded that he was still shirtless. The fact that I always felt awkward and tongue-tied whenever he was near was painfully obvious. Ivan wore a smirk, clearly enjoying how flustered I was. He knew exactly how he made me feel, and my face heated up in embarrassment. How much longer would I let my words get stuck in my throat whenever he was around? Without a word, he reached over and unlocked the door, pulling me even closer, his arm wrapping around me as the door creaked open.I found myself pressed against his bare chest, the side of my face brushing against his skin. Standing on the other side of the door was Isabel, her eye
“I didn’t ask for this,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. “You think I want to be part of this ridiculous game? If it were up to me, I’d be gone in a second. But I have a role to play, just like you do.” Isabel’s eyes flared with anger, but I caught a flicker of uncertainty beneath the surface. She wasn’t used to being challenged, especially by me. “Don’t act like you don’t enjoy the attention,” she snapped. “I see the way you look at him. You like the idea of being his wife, even if it’s all fake.” Her words stung, but I stood my ground. Maybe there was some truth to what she was saying. Maybe part of me did get caught up in the idea of being with Ivan, even though I knew deep down it wasn’t real. But I wasn’t about to let her twist that into something ugly. “You’re wrong,” I said firmly. “I’m not here for Ivan. I’m not here for any of this. I agreed to the marriage because it was part of the deal, but that’s it. So if you have a problem with the situation, take it up w
“Then we shall proceed with the preparations as planned,” the woman sitting next to Mrs. Carlos said, her voice calm and composed, as if nothing had just happened. I watched Ivan walk away, leaving me to drown in the weight of it all. Everything was starting to suffocate me, and the worst part was that I couldn’t do anything about it.“What if I don’t want any of this?” I asked, dropping my hands to my sides in frustration.Mrs. Carlos clicked her tongue, rising from her seat with an air of ownership. “Veronica, it doesn’t seem like you can back out now,” she said, her tone almost mocking. “It’s no longer a favor. I’ve paid the six million dollars your mother and I agreed upon, not to mention the money Ivan gave your friends. You owe us more than what we’re asking of you.”The floor seemed to fall out from beneath me, the weight of her words sinking deeper into my chest. Six million dollars? My mother had sold me into this? And my friends… they had taken money too? Betrayal flooded my
"Cage," he scoffed, tasting the word like it left a bitter aftertaste. We both stood in the hallway, his expression unreadable. "If my mother makes you feel trapped, that's on her, not me."I rolled my eyes at his relentless arrogance and started walking away. All I wanted at that moment was to get some fresh air, to escape from everything, especially him."Why are you playing hard to get?" he shouted after me, his voice echoing down the hall. I froze mid-step and slowly turned back to him. "It's not like you don't love me," he continued, a smug grin curling on his lips. "We both know you're dying to tell me how you feel."A cold chill crept up my spine. Part of what Ivan said was true, but admitting it felt like surrendering. I had crushed on Ivan Carlos since I was young, fantasizing about moments just like this—moments where I could finally confess my feelings to him. But I never thought it would be under these circumstances, and I certainly didn’t expect it to feel this... wrong.
Like a fire igniting into a serious flame, the club erupted into chaos. Phones flashed as everyone captured the moment, pictures, videos, turning the place into a stage, and me, the unwilling star. Emma’s guilty look pierced through the madness, a silent acknowledgment that I had gone too far. How had I ever thought I could have a normal life?The bodyguards quickly pulled me toward the exit as Mara and Tonia exchanged glances with Emma, their mocking smiles still in place. I wasn’t fully aware of the gravity of the situation until the car door closed behind me, sealing me inside. That’s when it hit me.People outside the club were still taking pictures and videos, their phones raised even as I sat in the car. The shouting grew louder, and before I knew it, paparazzi, who must have appeared out of nowhere, were pounding on the windows, trying to get me to respond. Their voices were muffled behind the glass, but I could still hear their demands for a statement, for a reaction. I presse
The moment I opened the door, Ivan walked in and headed straight for the bed, tapping it softly with his hand.“So, this is where you come when you want to get away from me,” he said, looking up to meet my gaze. His boyish charm made me look away, my cheeks betraying me.“What are you doing here?” I asked sternly, still refusing to face him.“Veronica,” he stood up and stepped closer, closing the distance between us. “Why do you make me feel like this is all torture? Do you have any idea what I’m willing to do just to be with you?”I rolled my eyes at his behaviors, but he grabbed my arm, pulling me nearer. “What if we have some alone time and recreate the first night all of this started?”I scoffed. “Quit the act, Mr. Carlos. I’m not falling for it.”He held me tighter, his face only an inch from mine. “Very funny, Veronica Lena Carlisle.”My eyes widened at the sound of my full name. No one had called me that since my dad. “How’d you know that?” I mumbled, still in shock.He arched
“It’s obvious, Veronica has no shame. How could she do that and tarnish Ivan Carlos’ reputation?” one of Ivan’s fans said with a deep frown. “I wish Ivan hadn’t chosen to marry someone like her.” I gently placed my phone on the couch and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. But before I could relax, it started buzzing again. I glanced down to see who was calling. Emma. I rolled my eyes, and the anger from the club rushed back. I wanted to toss my phone into the dirty laundry hamper, but on second thought, I picked it up and answered. “Vera, I’m sorry,” Emma said the moment I put the phone to my ear. “I’m sorry about everything.” “Yeah, right. Like that’s going to change anything,” I said, rolling my eyes in disgust. “It’s not going to change a damn thing.” “I swear, I still feel horrible about what happened. I didn’t know Mara and Tonia took the money from Ivan. I was drunk when—” “You don’t need to explain anything, Emma. This whole situation is decided. This is my fucki
He pulled out and put it in again, going faster as I held onto him, his mouth finding mine in a searing kiss. As his thrusts increased and I felt that wave of pleasure again washing over me, I could only grip him tighter and close my eyes, willing myself to come faster. My climax ripped through me and I clutched onto him, my whole body shaking uncontrollably as my release hit me hard, sending me into oblivion. I felt his warm cum spilling over my stomach, soaking into me as he held me tightly. His breathing slowed and his hands smoothed over my body, soothing and comforting, making sure that I was okay.He kissed me softly as he let me down, pulling out of me and laying me gently on the bed. When he got under the covers beside me. I smiled, snuggling into his warmth.He kissed me on my neck softly slowly the urge to have another moment came once again, and I leaned in kissing him my tongue diving into his mouth surveying his tongue. I climbed over him my body onto his erect as I bega
We spent a long time on the lawn that night, our bodies entwined as we lay side by side on the soft grass, staring up at the sky. The moon was full, its silvery light casting a glow over the world around us. A gentle breeze rustled the trees in the distance, carrying with it the scent of pine and fresh earth. I felt a deep sense of contentment, a peacefulness I hadn’t known in years.“I never thought a time like this would come,” I said softly, breaking the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. “After all that your mom did to me.” I turned my head to look at Ivan, who still had his gaze fixed on the sky, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the moon.He didn’t respond right away, but I saw the faint smile tug at the corners of his lips. After a moment, he turned toward me, his blue eyes meeting mine with an intensity that took my breath away. “I knew it would come,” he said, his voice steady, reassuring. “But I didn’t think it would be this soon.”He pulled me closer to hi
Brenda had her bags packed as we stood together at the doorway, holding each other in a long, tight hug. She had been my rock throughout all the madness, and now she was going on a vacation for her work trip.“I’m going to miss you,” I said, my voice heavy with emotion. “I don’t know how I would have gotten through any of this without you.”Brenda smiled, pulling back to look at me, her eyes filled with warmth. “You’ve been strong, Veronica. Stronger than you give yourself credit for. I’m always just a call away, and don’t you dare forget that. You're always welcome in Paris whenever you feel like seeing your Fav cousin.”“I won’t forget all you did for me.” I said, wiping a tear that had started to roll down my cheek. “Thank you for everything.”We shared one last hug before she picked up her suitcase. Mark, her new romantic interest, was waiting by the car, ready to drive her to the airport. She gave me a wink and a playful nudge toward the house.“Take care of that man in there and
“Yes, Alfonso, I'll come over today to give you the mansion documents,” Ivan said as I walked into the living room. He was sitting on the couch, phone in hand, his tone serious. “Make sure it's confidential. I don't want anyone knowing about it.”I placed the cup of coffee I was holding on the table and took a seat opposite him. His call ended, and he looked at me with a warm smile. “Thanks, my love, for the coffee,” he said, reaching for his cup.I smiled back, taking a sip from mine, but I couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in my mind. I lowered my gaze, and Ivan noticed the unease written across my face. He stood up, still holding his cup, and moved to sit beside me, his expression softening with concern.“What’s wrong, my love?” he asked gently, placing his hand on my shoulder. The warmth of his touch was comforting, but it wasn’t enough to ease the knot tightening in my chest.I sighed, my voice shaky as I spoke. “I’m just thinking... since you're selling the mansion here in Pa
Ivan’s hand found mine, squeezing it gently. “I was blind, Veronica. I thought I was protecting my family, but in reality, I was only protecting their lies. I hate that it took me so long to realize.”I was silent for a moment, letting his words sink in. The hurt, the betrayal, it was still there, but hearing Ivan acknowledge his role in it, hearing him apologize with such sincerity, softened some of the walls I had built.“I just wanted to be enough for you, Ivan,” I whispered. “But your mother made me feel like I was nothing, and you… you never defended me.”He turned toward me, lifting my chin so our eyes met. “You were always enough, Veronica. I’m so sorry I didn’t make you feel that way. I was too wrapped up in my own fears, in trying to live up to what my mother expected. But that’s over now.”I nodded, my heart aching with a mixture of relief and sadness. “I don’t want to go through that again, Ivan. I can’t. Kelly can’t.”“I know,” he whispered, his voice full of regret. “I do
“Daddy, why's mommy over there is she trying you?“ Kelly asked looking up at Ivan. Her question seemed innocent enough, but it hung in the air like a fragile thread, threatening to unravel the delicate balance I was trying to keep.Ivan glanced at me, his eyes searching for some kind of permission or understanding. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, not sure how to handle the moment. How could we explain this tangled mess to Kelly without breaking her heart?Ivan smiled down at Kelly and gently stroked her hair. “No, sweetheart. Mommy’s just giving us some time to enjoy our ice cream. She’s not avoiding me.” He tried to keep his tone light, but even Kelly could sense that things weren’t right.She wrinkled her nose, unconvinced. “But you should sit together. Like in the movies.”Ivan chuckled softly, though it was strained. “Maybe someday we will, princess. For now, let’s just enjoy our ice cream, okay?”Kelly, satisfied for the moment, returned her focus to her ice cream, but I coul
“Mommy, are they gone?” Kelly whispered, pushing open the door and making her way towards us.I turned towards her and scooped her up into my arms. “Yes, honey. They’re gone,” I said softly as I carried her over to the couch in the living room, placing her gently down.She looked up at me, her innocent eyes filled with expectation. “Is it Daddy?” she asked, her voice small but hopeful.I hesitated, glancing at Brenda, who was sitting on the couch, her attention fixed on her phone. The weight of Kelly’s question hung in the air. How could I explain everything to her, a child who only wanted to feel safe and loved by the people she thought should protect her?I opened my mouth to say something when the door creaked open. I looked up and saw Ivan standing in the doorway, watching us with a mixture of hope and regret. He was part of Kelly’s life, whether I liked it or not, but the complexities of our situation made everything more difficult.I sat down next to Kelly, brushing a hand throu
Mrs. Carlos’ face paled, her eyes widening in shock as the weight of Ivan’s words hit her. For the first time, her composed mask slipped, revealing the fear and desperation underneath. “Nathaniel told you…?” she whispered, her voice trembling. “That ungrateful, how dare he?”Ivan released her wrist and stepped back, shaking his head in disbelief. “Yes, he told me everything. And I still can't believe you of all people would do that to me, I thought father was the bad one. Because he left when we were young, but now I see you for your true colors. I thought the problem was Nathaniel, all this time, I thought it was just him acting out of spite, but it was you pulling the strings. You did everything you could to make sure we would never be happy. And for what? Your pride? Your obsession with control, money? Did you stop for once your think about me?“Mrs. Carlos’ eyes flickered between Ivan and me, her face contorted with a mixture of fury and panic. “I did it to protect you!” she spat.
The loud banging on the door drew our attention, and I immediately stood up. "Wait here, baby. Don’t come out until I say so." I told Kelly “Okay, mommy.“ She nodded, her wide eyes filled with fear, as I closed the door behind me. My heart pounded as I made my way to the living room. The constant hammering on the door sent chills down my spine. Who could it be? The first thought that flashed through my mind was Ivan's fans. Maybe they hadn’t accepted my statement on the news and had come to confront me in person.Brenda appeared from the laundry room, her expression mirroring my own, fear. We were both terrified of who might be on the other side of that door. I stepped forward to check, but Brenda held up a hand, stopping me."You should go back," she whispered urgently. "I’ll open the door and see who it is.""It’s too dangerous. I can’t let you do that," I whispered back, glancing toward the kitchen as a possible hiding place in case it really was Ivan's fans."I’m scared, V," she