***Raven***My body ached, but thankfully, nothing was broken. The memory of the black pickup truck slamming into my car replayed in my mind. I had just unfastened my seatbelt and was reaching for the cake in the backseat when the impact hit. The force wasn’t as devastating as it could have been—I’d managed to avoid the worst of it—but the shock still lingered, leaving me sore and on edge.When we arrived home, the female trainer was already waiting. Hyacinth glanced at her, her expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension, as Seth made the introductions. “This is Crissa Peskov. She’ll be your trainer and fitness coach,” Seth said, his tone formal yet reassuring. Hyacinth smiled warmly and extended her hand. “Hello, I’m Hyacinth, and this is my best friend, Patricia.” “Pleasure to meet you both,” Crissa replied, her Russian accent lending a melodic quality to her words. Hyacinth turned to me, her eyes pleading. “Can we cancel today’s training?” I shook my head firmly. “No.
**Hyacinth**After four grueling hours of self-defense training, I had envisioned a quiet evening of rest and relaxation. I knew my body would be sore tomorrow, and the thought of Raven’s amorous intentions for the night made me wince. But, as fate would have it, our plans changed. Raven received an invitation to dinner from a friend who lived on the same penthouse floor.As I soaked in a long, luxurious bath, Raven filled me in on our hosts, Mrs. Rachel Vanderbilt and her husband. They owned the entire building and had taken a liking to Raven. He explained how they had invested in his company early on, helping him build his empire alongside his father’s legacy. The Vanderbilts were old-money billionaires, a stark contrast to Raven’s self-made success.With Irene’s assistance, I blow-dried my hair and applied a touch of makeup—something I rarely did on my own. Raven presented me with a sleek black dress that complemented his casual yet elegant outfit. I sighed, longing to lounge in com
***Patricia***Finnish class in the morning, events in the afternoon, and self-defense class later in the day—that’s been our routine lately. Rachel Vanderbilt, the demure yet insistent socialite, has been relentless in dragging us into her world of elite activities. I never imagined I’d be part of this high-society circus, but here I am, playing the role of the dutiful best friend. Hyacinth, my best friend, is married to a young billionaire, and her life is a whirlwind of glamour and obligations. As her assistant, I’m along for the ride, earning a paycheck while trying to keep up. The most exciting part of this new life? Self-defense classes. I’ve taken a liking to kickboxing with Seth, while Hyacinth trains in more lethal techniques involving knives and sharp objects. Our Russian coach is exceptional—so skilled that she’s almost intimidatingly attractive. And no, I’m not bisexual or a lesbian, but I can appreciate beauty when I see it. She’s stunning in a way that feels dangerous.“
**Hyacinth** The party in the building was a whirlwind of excitement and exhaustion. The constant social interactions left me drained, and I couldn’t help but feel like I was playing the role of a housewife for Raven. Yet, amidst the chaos, I couldn’t shake the thought of diving deeper into the business world. Was there still room in my packed schedule to learn and grow? “You look stunning,” Raven said, his voice warm as I turned to show him my gown for the Gala. The crimson red dress hugged my curves perfectly, its mermaid cut flowing elegantly to the floor with a subtle slit for ease of movement. The off-shoulder design featured cape sleeves adorned with intricate embroidered spirals and shimmering gems that caught the light with every step. It was breathtaking—and undoubtedly expensive. “Are these real?” I asked, gesturing to the gems that sparkled like stars against the fabric. “Of course, darling,” Raven replied, his grin widening. “Your husband *is* from a mining and jew
**Hyacinth**The gala was a dazzling spectacle of opulence and elegance, a symphony of shimmering gowns, polished tuxedos, and the soft clinking of champagne glasses. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the room, their light reflecting off the intricate jewelry adorning the guests. The air was thick with the mingling scents of expensive perfumes and the faint aroma of hors d'oeuvres being carried by impeccably dressed waiters. It was a world I was still getting used to, but one that felt strangely familiar, as if my mother’s presence lingered in every corner.Meeting so many people who knew my mother filled me with a warmth I hadn’t expected. Their stories painted a picture of a woman who was not only brilliant but deeply loved. The Af Forselles name carried weight here, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. Perhaps I should shed the Dawson name entirely and embrace my mother’s legacy. My father and Rosie had painted her as someone she wasn’t, but here, among th
***Raven***Hyacinth was the flower of the night—the only bloom that thrived in the moonlight. She was radiant, captivating, and effortlessly enchanting, much like the woman who had raised her, Margarette Sinclair. Though I hadn’t yet formally met the Sinclairs, it was clear that Hyacinth had brought a sense of joy and peace to Margarette’s family. Watching her interact with Margarette’s eldest son, I could see how her honesty and authenticity had won them over. It was impossible not to fall under her spell. She was introverted, yet she had a way of connecting with people, especially those with old souls. She was extraordinary, and I was endlessly proud to call her mine.After the event, I finally collapsed onto the bed beside her, my body aching from the long evening. Gently, I began massaging her feet, which were undoubtedly sore from hours of standing and walking in those impossibly high heels. I regretted letting the stylist choose such impractical shoes. Next time, I’d make sure
*** The Stalker ***I made sure my face was concealed, either with a prosthetic or by obscuring my features enough to mislead anyone who might try to identify me. I wore cheap, nondescript clothing that covered me from head to toe, and beneath my winter hat, I tucked away a set of fake dreadlocks. Disguise is an art, and I am its meticulous artist. The headlines had confirmed what I already knew: Hyacinth is perfection incarnate. A flawless wife, a goddess among mortals. Today, she sat in that café near Central Park, the one she frequents. She was draped in a white trench coat, leather boots hugging her slender legs, and a mini dress that teased just enough to drive me mad. Beneath it all, thick socks climbed up her thighs, and the mere thought of peeling them away, of touching her skin, sent shivers of desire through me. But then, my mind wandered to her sister Rosie, who had the audacity to tarnish Hyacinth’s purity. Rosie, who claimed Hyacinth lost her virginity at fifteen—or was
**Raven**Understanding the immense influence Hyacinth’s mother held in the business world only fueled my determination to provide for Hyacinth in every way possible. Her mother’s wealth was hers, not mine, and I respected that boundary. But every penny I earned, every success I achieved, was for Hyacinth. She was my purpose, my driving force. I built my empire not for glory or power, but to ensure she lived a life free from worry, surrounded by the luxury she deserved. Yet, no amount of wealth could erase the pain etched on her face when she spoke of her mother. The emotional scars from her family ran deep, and it pained me to see her cry. Her mother, a brilliant mind who had saved countless companies, had left behind a legacy—and a final message to secure her daughter’s future. It wasn’t just the Charles Law Firm searching for Hyacinth; Sinclair was also in the mix. The weight of it all was overwhelming, but I would shoulder it for her.We left the mansion late that night, after Hy
Hyacinth I’ve always dreamed of touring Europe, and now, with our budget secured, we finally could. The private jet made the trip hassle-free, and as we stepped onto foreign soil, I intertwined my fingers with my husband’s. But he brushed my hand away, handing me my purse instead. I pouted, only for him to secure his own bag across his chest before resting a firm hand on my waist. My irritation melted into a grin when he winked at me. “So, this is the surprise birthday trip you planned for me?” he asked. “Yes,” I confirmed. “I would’ve preferred it if we were alone, you know.” His grin turned wicked as he wiggled his brows. “Locked in our room for days—lazy, indulgent, just us. I’d never get tired of that.” “But I would,” I shot back, squinting up at him. “It’s bad for me.” He laughed as I did, then pushed open the door to the first café we spotted. The place wasn’t crowded, but the rich aroma of coffee and pastries was intoxicating. My eyes locked onto the cinnamon Dani
–Patricia–I had invited Anthony with Hyacinth’s approval, and they unexpectedly showed up together. I was surprised that Hyacinth had brought our favorite yogurt set, while Raven handed me the apple container.“You can eat all of that since you’re single,” Raven remarked with a pitying look. It was irritating, but I had to endure his constant jibes—after all, my best friend was paying me to tolerate his face.I put the yogurt in the fridge, only to be interrupted by a hand that appeared behind me, placing something next to it. I turned, nearly colliding noses with the newcomer. He quickly raised his hand and apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”“No, it’s fine,” I replied with a grin. “You’re not trying to flirt with me, are you?” I teased.“What if I am?” he shot back, laughing and nodding.“You’ll have to ask my best friend’s permission first,” I quipped.He chuckled and patted my arm. “Sure thing. By the way, I have some questions,” he said, extending his arm. I gracefu
***Raven*** Rosie had put on quite the show. After days of comforting my wife and convincing her not to blame herself, it seemed to be working—somewhat. But I needed to double down. I had to find that last copy and destroy it, especially now that my wife was gaining fame. Maybe we should stop attending galas altogether. “Why are you packing so much?” I asked as she counted a few items. “We’re off to Europe,” she replied casually. “Babe, we’re not going to Finland again,” I teased. “I didn’t say Finland,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I have work.” “You can work from there. Besides, I made sure the jet is packed.” She winked and held up a piece of lingerie—tempting, to say the least. “Wow, second honeymoon?” I approached her, but she raised a finger to stop me, carefully placing the lingerie into the luggage. “Now I remember—our anniversary is coming up,” I said, walking around her and pulling her waist toward me. “Are you planning to make love to me?” “No way! After
–Raven–As soon as I answered his call, the first thing I heard was his heavy breathing.“I will kill her. I will kill Hyacinth,” Samuel said, as though Hyacinth wasn’t his daughter. His words sent chills down my spine. Even his own flesh and blood—he wanted her dead.“Killing Hyacinth won’t do you any good, Samuel,” I replied, keeping my tone casual.“She said something to Rosie. She must have. Now, tell me—what else did she say to Rosie?”I frowned.“I have no idea what you’re talking about. And whatever Hyacinth said must be true.”“I will end you both!”I sighed and hung up, immediately calling Samuel’s nurse. She answered after a few moments.“What’s going on in there?” I asked.“Unfortunately, Miss Rosie sent a message. She tried to overdose on pills. She’s currently in the emergency room.”I was silent for a moment, processing the news. Rosie—always desperate for attention. No, she wasn’t just seeking attention; she was demanding it. Just earlier, she had threatened Hyacinth, v
—Stalker’s Point of View—Smelling her, touching her—it almost drove me insane. But it wasn’t just her that consumed me. It was something our family was meant to possess. Her mother was perfect. The epitome of intelligence. A woman who had it all, despite being a commoner, not royalty. Yet everyone wanted her as their daughter-in-law. A genius in everything… except love. “I was thinking that maybe Hyacinth was also a victim of love.” I stood, pacing around my desk, glancing at the piles of recently filed cases. Boring paperwork, but necessary. Even the bomb incident was just another file to clean up. I hadn’t meant to kill anyone—just to isolate her. If everyone around her was gone, taking her would be effortless. But no matter how many times I tried, they clung to her. Maybe I should ruin her relationship with Darcy. “How do I do that?” My fingers tapped against the windowsill as I watched Hyacinth step out of her apartment across the street, her bodyguards trailing like
–Hyacinth— I was certain she intended to become my husband’s mistress. Proposing in front of me? Bold. But I had seen Raven flinch multiple times. That woman—Minerva—sat across from him, her foot subtly grazing his ankle, then sliding higher, testing his restraint. Raven’s discomfort was palpable. His glare could have scorched her where she sat. When our orders arrived, I draped my hand possessively over his lap. He shifted under my touch, but I only leaned closer, crossing my legs to shield him from Minerva’s advances. Let her try. “If you want, you can visit the site with us,” Colton offered. “Are we hiking, or…?” I trailed off, waiting. “Fly. We’ll fly,” Dane cut in, grinning. “I’ll be your pilot.” Raven’s hand settled on my thigh, a silent claim. “Let me taste that,” he murmured, nodding toward my tuna. Without hesitation, I fed him a bite, rice and all. Colton groaned. “Oh, come on! I don’t want to be a third wheel here.” I smirked. “Minerva’s here. You don’t
–Hyacinth– My feet ached as I finally let them rest flat against the cool hardwood floor. Never again, I vowed, glaring at the discarded high heels lying near the closet. But duty called—tonight, Raven’s business partners expected us for dinner. We’d met them briefly at the gala, but between the endless introductions and the suffocating crowd, we’d barely exchanged more than pleasantries. Three days had passed since then, and though my social battery was still drained, I couldn’t postpone this any longer. My mind, however, refused to relax. Even now, I found myself checking my phone—again—for updates on Penny and David. They were safe, I knew that, but the memory of their close call still coiled around my chest like a vise. A soft laugh drew my attention to the living room, where Kelly and Calisto were curled together on the sofa. Calisto, still recovering from his head injury, had his arm draped lazily over Kelly’s shoulders. The two of them had adjusted well to their new realit
—Patricia— The Silver Gala was a spectacle of wealth and power—crystal chandeliers dripping light over marble floors, the air thick with the mingling scents of expensive perfumes and champagne. The elite moved in a slow, calculated dance, their laughter sharp as cut glass, their smiles never quite reaching their eyes. And among them, Hyacinth stood out like a rare gem in a sea of polished stones. No—not just a gem. Something far more precious. She was the kind of brilliance that made people want, that made them covet. And why wouldn’t they? With a net worth in the billions, an inheritance that could topple empires, she was more than just a woman—she was a prize. I stayed close, as always. My role was to observe, to protect in my own way. My gaze flickered to the right, where a man in a black suit stood motionless against the wall. Seth. His presence was a quiet reassurance—Hyacinth’s shadow, her shield. Then Eino approached, swift and purposeful, another man from his famil
Hyacinth For the first time in what felt like forever, we’d finally had days of good sleep. Kelly and Cal seemed to be healing each other—attending therapy together, flanked by three bodyguards and a standby nurse in case Cal had another seizure. But lately, his recovery had been startlingly fast. The shadows under his eyes had lightened, his smiles came easier, and whenever Kelly was near, he looked… happy. I was glad. Relieved, even. Yet, I couldn’t shake the unease gnawing at me. Cal’s parents still despised Kelly—or rather, they wanted nothing to do with her family. Raven had mentioned some past conflict between them, something buried deep enough that neither side spoke of it openly. All I knew was that they’d once been close. Now? They were strangers with grudges. “Rachel said this gala will expand your business knowledge,” Raven murmured, handing me a thick, embossed invitation. His fingers lingered against mine. “So, you’ll pick out our outfits?” “Yeah, of course.” I