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
Bella and Lily settled comfortably on the plush couch, each cradling a cup of steaming tea in their hands. The cozy ambiance of Lily's apartment provided the perfect backdrop for their long-awaited reunion. Lily, her eyes shining with curiosity, couldn't wait to catch up on Bella's life."So spill the tea, Bella. How's life treating you? How was the honeymoon?" Lily asked with an eager smile, her eyes gleaming.Bella chuckled, taking a sip of her tea. "Life is... different. The honeymoon was a whirlwind. As you already know, Reid whisked me away to Morocco, and it was like a dream. But, you know, reality kicks in eventually."Lily nodded knowingly. "And where are you two lovebirds nesting in California?"Bella's eyes sparkled as she shared, "We're crashing in one of Reid's penthouses for now. It's extravagant, to say the least."Lily leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Extravagant? You mean over-the-top billionaire style?"Bella laughed. "Exactly that. I never thought I'd live like
The stalker's return had shattered the fragile peace they had found, and the ominous promise of "soon" hung in the air like a dark cloud.The room remained in suspense, the fear palpable, and the unknown lurking in the shadows. The reunion that started with laughter and shared tales had taken an unexpected turn, plunging Bella and Lily into a sinister mystery that threatened to unravel the newfound happiness in Bella's life.The unexpected arrival of ominous flowers had thrust Bella into a state of distress, her breath catching in her throat, and her body trembling uncontrollably. Lily, quick to react, guided her to the couch and rushed to fetch a glass of water, her own hands shaking with concern. Bella's hyperventilation escalated, and Lily, realizing she needed immediate help, tried calling Reid, only to be met with the disheartening sound of unanswered rings.Desperation gripped Lily as she remembered Aaron, the newly appointed bodyguard. She darted to the door, her fingers trembl
Reid dashed through the corridors of South California Hospital, guided by a security personnel who quickly led him to the section where Bella was being treated. Lily, visibly stressed, stood by Aaron, the appointed bodyguard, as they waited outside the room.Reid rushed to them, his heart pounding with worry. "How is she?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.Lily turned to him, her eyes filled with apprehension. "She's still with the doctor. No updates yet."Just as Reid was about to approach someone for information, a doctor emerged from Bella's room. He approached them and inquired about Bella's family. Reid spoke up immediately, stating that he was her husband.The doctor proceeded to deliver the news. "At the moment, Mrs. Carter is resting. The stress from the panic attack caused some bleeding, but the baby is safe. However, she should avoid any further stress," the doctor explained.Reid nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Can I see her?" he asked, his voice
The party preparations were in full and Bella was supported by the party planner and her friend Lily.Bella flipped through the list, scanning the names with a raised brow. "Look, Lily, your 'charming prince' is on the list." She pointed at Kade's name with a smirk.Lily chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Please, Bella, stop teasing me."They continued sorting through the names until Lily's expression turned serious. "Hey, what about your parents? Are you inviting them?"Bella hesitated, her features reflecting a mix of conflicted emotions. "I wasn't planning to, but... their absence might stir up gossip in our circle."Lily understood the dilemma. "Yeah, it could become a topic for the press. Besides, your dad and Reid were close."Bella sighed, typing her parents' names onto the list reluctantly. "It's complicated. I don't want to see them, but it's still a social convention. They're my parents in the eyes of society."Lily nodded in understanding. "I get it. It's tricky."They shared a l