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
Kade reached out, running his fingers along Lily’s arm, sending a jolt of sensation coursing through her veins, while kissing her softly.She felt an intoxicating blend of excitement and apprehension, the magnetic pull resonating between them undeniable. The tension in the air grew thicker, palpable, wrapping around them like a silken cocoon.The scent of lust filled the air, and their bodies swayed like trees in a tempestuous windstorm. A potent cocktail of anticipation and arousal bubbled within them, threatening to burst forth like lava from a dormant volcano.He gazed at her, his heart hammering in his chest. "I want you, Lily," he growled, his voice rough with desire. "I want you now."She sighed, her body arching toward him, her breasts pressing against his chest. "Then take me, Kade," she gasped, her fingers tangling in his hair. "Fuck me hard."His breath hitched, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. "God, yes," he groaned, his voice rumbling with raw hunger. "I want to fuc
The clock in Kade's opulent mansion seemed to tick louder in the deafening silence of his thoughts. He walked through the dimly lit corridors, his steps echoing off the marbled floors. The house, usually a haven of solitude, felt unsettling tonight.He had just returned to his home from Miami and, as he entered the expansive living room, he poured himself a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling in the crystal tumbler. He took a sip, the fiery liquid doing little to quench the burning turmoil within him. Kade's mind was a battleground of conflicting emotions.He walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city lights below. Leaning against the cold glass, he stared into the night, replaying the events of the evening in his mind like an incessant loop.Kade couldn't shake off the feeling of longing that gripped him when he saw Lily. The playful banter, the shared laughter—it was like a resurgence of something he'd thought he'd buried deep within. An
Instead of deciding, Kade remained in the shadows, wrestling with the complexities of his feelings. He watched as the lights in Lily's apartment flickered to life, a mere glimpse of warmth in the sea of darkness surrounding him.The city hummed with the residual energy of the New Year's celebration, but at that moment, Kade felt an unsettling stillness. The conflict within him mirrored the quietude of the night.As the tension reached its peak, Kade made an impulsive choice—he entered his car and told his driver to drive back, blending into the rhythm of the city's nocturnal symphony. The car glided away from Lily's apartment building, leaving the unresolved tension lingering in the air.The night held its secrets, and Kade found himself navigating the maze of emotions, unsure of where the path would lead. The unresolved chapter with Lily lingered like a specter, an enigma he couldn't escape.With the echo of fireworks still fading in the distance, Kade’s care drove into the city's la