As the phone rang, Bella's expression shifted from calm to sheer panic at the sight of her father's name flashing on the screen. She looked at Reid, her eyes wide with worry. Reid gently grasped her hands, trying to calm her nerves, and assured her that everything would be alright. With a comforting glance, he picked up the call and activated the speaker, letting Bella listen in."Hello, Richard," Reid greeted in a measured tone, acknowledging the call."Reid, good to hear from you," Richard replied, his tone trying to sound congenial."How can I help you?" Reid asked, a hint of formality in his voice.Richard hesitated briefly, clearly contemplating his words. "I wanted to apologize for our last conversation. Things got a bit heated," he admitted.Reid didn't mince words. "Heated would be an understatement, considering you resorted to calling your daughter names," he retorted, his voice holding a tinge of reproach.There was an awkward pause on the other end before Richard awkwardly
The night before meeting Kade was restless for Lily. She tossed and turned, her mind swirling with anxious thoughts. What could he possibly want to talk about?As dawn broke, Lily found herself bleary-eyed, her thoughts consumed by the impending meeting. She went through her morning routine like a mechanical doll, her motions automatic. Her reflection in the mirror revealed dark circles under her eyes, a testament to her sleepless night. Stress lines etched her forehead, and the remnants of tears from the previous days lingered.Despite her trepidation, she couldn't help but recall Kade's alluring charm. His deep blue eyes, his captivating smile with those endearing dimples – it was a combination that had melted many hearts, and Lily had been no exception when she was very young. She couldn't deny his physical allure, but it was his personality that had shattered her illusions.Yet, despite her internal conflict, Lily understood the gravity of this meeting. It felt like the key to unl
Lily's voice quivered as she posed the question, her tone laced with uncertainty. "Kade, did we... were we intimate? Did we share a bed in Vegas?"Kade's eyes reflected the weight of the moment, a mixture of regret and anguish. "No, Lily. We didn't. I made sure you were comfortable on the bed, but I slept on the couch. I wouldn't cross that line, especially in such a vulnerable situation."A wave of relief washed over Lily, mixed with disbelief at the chaos that had ensued. She took a moment to process his words, the tension in the room palpable."So, nothing... happened between us?" Lily's voice was tentative, searching for confirmation.Kade shook his head, his expression earnest. "No, Lily. Nothing like that. I would never take advantage of you or any other woman, especially in that state. You were out of it, and I was just trying to keep you safe."Lily, her voice filled with confusion and a hint of disbelief, looked at Kade and exclaimed, "How can you deny that anything happened
Lily found herself frozen in place, ensnared by Kade's magnetic presence. His question hung in the air, a provocative invitation that left her both intrigued and hesitant. It was as if an invisible force held her captive, preventing her from tearing her gaze away from the man who stood before her, exuding an irresistible allure.Kade's eyes, intense and penetrating, seemed to pierce through her defenses. His wicked charm worked like a spell, weaving around her, making it impossible to escape the growing intensity of the moment. Lily's internal struggle intensified as her body responded to the heat radiating from him.She felt an undeniable pull, a magnetic force drawing her closer to Kade. Her breathing became shallow, the air thick with anticipation. The room seemed to shrink, closing in around them, leaving little space for anything but the charged energy passing between them.Lily's thoughts raced, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She couldn't deny the desire that simmered bene
Lily slowly opened her eyes, feeling the weight of fatigue settle into her bones. Attempting to shift in bed, she was met with a wave of discomfort that shot through her body, as though she had just completed an intense workout. Grogginess clouded her mind for a moment, making her briefly disoriented.As her senses sharpened, memories from the night before flooded back, tinting her cheeks with a faint blush. The intensity of her time with Kade played like a vivid reel in her mind, evoking a mix of emotions from thrill to a hint of embarrassment. She could not believe the language that she used and how she acted.Although she couldn't shake off the fatigue and the soreness that accompanied it, a slight smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she recalled the passionate moments she and Kade had shared. She lay there, enveloped in a whirlwind of sensations and memories, feeling a blend of exhaustion and exhilaration.Lily's body was a tapestry of sensations as she lay in bed, grapplin
As Kade finished the breakfast, he thanked Lily, expressing his gratitude with a warm smile. He made his way to the door, ready to depart, but before he could leave, they both turned towards each other, a shared moment of hesitation etched on their faces. Simultaneously, they seemed to have something to say, their smiles tinged with a hint of embarrassment.Breaking the silence, Lily spoke up, her voice a mix of sincerity and a desire to maintain their social decorum. "I'd appreciate it if things weren't awkward between us in social settings. I'm counting on your discretion."Kade looked at her, an easygoing expression on his face as he winked. "I've got you," he replied, a subtle hint of assurance in his tone.Before stepping out, she simply said, "Thanks for everything."He responded with a casual "No problem," and with that, Kade exited, leaving Lily alone in the apartment.As she reclined on the couch, a surge of emotions washed over her. She replayed the whirlwind of the past 24
As Reid and Bella settled into their seats on the plane at the end of their honeymoon, the reality of their imminent return to the USA sank in. Reid, immersed in his urgent work, apologized, and delved into his laptop, leaving Bella to her thoughts. She fiddled with her phone, stealing glances at him from time to time. The name 'Mrs. Reid Carter' echoed in her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of disbelief, happiness and trepidation. The weight of being part of high society, navigating the scrutiny and expectations, loomed over her.Her mother's life flashed before her eyes—a constant support to her husband in societal affairs, partaking in various social activities. Bella had always been social but despised being in the spotlight. The idea of playing such a role overwhelmed her.Suddenly, startled as Reid touched her hand, Bella was jolted from her reverie. He sensed her discomfort and asked about her thoughts, noticing her subdued expression. Bella tried to brush it off, bu
Bella awoke to the light filtering through the penthouse windows, casting a warm glow across the spacious room. The absence of Reid beside her felt strange. After a quick shower, she ventured out, following the aroma of breakfast, to the kitchen, where instead of Reid she encountered a middle-aged woman preparing the morning meal."Good morning, Mrs. Carter! I hope I didn’t disturb your rest," the woman greeted her with a welcoming smile."Good morning," Bella replied, a bit confused by the new person, and still adjusting to being addressed as "Mrs. Carter." She felt a mix of appreciation for the smile and a subtle hint of being out of place.The woman continued, "My name is Maria, and I'm here to take care of the penthouse, groceries, and occasionally cook. Let me know what you'd like for breakfast.""Thank you, but I’m fine for now. I'll let you know," Bella replied, feeling a touch overwhelmed by the sudden presence of the household staff.As she glanced around the penthouse, the s