Chapter 13Simeon's POVThe door slammed behind me.Lily froze.She stood in the dimly lit room, her back stiff, her breathing unsteady. The way she hugged herself, the way her body stiffened-it told me she already knew why I was here.I took a slow step forward, watching the way her shoulders tensed. She was always like this. Resisting. Even when she had no way out, she still fought.I enjoyed that about her.She turned to me, her face pale, but her eyes were sharp, burning with unspoken rage."What do you want?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.I exhaled, dragging my gaze down her trembling form. "You."Her breath caught.I stepped closer, closing the distance, forcing her to tilt her head up to look at me. "You should have read the contract carefully, Lily," I murmured, my voice low. "You belong to me now."Her lips trembled. "No," she whispered, shaking her head. "I—I'm just a maid."I laughed. "That's what I told Vivian. Not what's in our contract."She took a step ba
Chapter FourteenSimeon's POVThe room was silent but for the soft tinkling sound of Vivian's laughter. She lay beside me, propped up on one elbow, her fingers tracing lazy circles on my chest. The silk sheets pooled at her hips, the soft light from the lamp casting a golden glow over her delicate features. She was beautiful, seductive even, but I barely noticed.Vivian had been talking about something-I wasn't really listening. My mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts I couldn't quite shake off.Lily.The way she had moved. The way she had fought back.I had underestimated her. That much was clear. She wasn't some helpless woman tossed into my world. No, she was something else altogether. The precision of her attacks, the instincts in her movements-it was trained, refined. She wasn't some weakling caught in the storm of my life.She had a past. A hidden one.And for some damn reason, I wanted to know more."Simeon," Vivian's voice drew me out of my thoughts.She was staring at me,
Chapter Fifteen : Shattered DignityLily's POVThe air inside Vivian's house was choking. The walls, though done in elegant shades of white and gold, felt like a cage—beautiful but beyond my escape. The moment I stepped inside, I knew my life here would be a living hell.“Since you're here, you'll be useful," Vivian said, curling her red lips into a smirk. She was lounging lazily across the velvet couch, one manicured hand leaning on her chin as she surveyed me like some kind of chattel.I stood stiffly, my hands clenched at my sides in fists. I said nothing. What was there to say?"Clean the floors," she ordered, nodding toward the expensive marble beneath her feet. "And do it right—I want to see my reflection when you're done."I hesitated a fraction of a second. A mistake."Did you not hear me?" Her voice whipped. "Or do you think you're still Simeon's wife? Do you think I am not aware about the contract? Do you think Simeon or you could hide anything from me? The passer is still i
Chapter Sixteen: A Claim UnspokenSimeon's POVThe night felt heavier than usual.I sat in my dimly lit study, a glass of whiskey untouched on the desk in front of me. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting restless shadows across the walls, but even the warmth of the flames couldn't shake the cold emptiness inside me.I ran a hand down my face, blowing out sharply. What the hell was wrong with me?It had barely been a day since Lily was gone. Since I let Vivian take her. Since I made that damn decision.I kept telling myself that it was the right thing to do, that this was a strategic decision in order not to cause more fuss than necessary. Had I rejected Vivian's request, she would have made my life a living hell. She was tireless, possessive, and entitled to me in a very dangerous manner. Keeping Lily under her roof was easier at the time.But it was now, at this instant, with the gnawing, inexplicable ache in my stomach, that I knew I'd made a mistake.I missed her.Not in the s
Chapter Seventeen: The Ultimate BetrayalSimeon's POVI clamped my teeth down as I glared at Vivian, my patience now precariously thin.Lily stood behind me, her hands clutching the edges of her tattered dress, her body quivering from exhaustion. Her once defiant eyes were now hollow, her spirit drained from the torment Vivian had put her through.And yet, Vivian smirked.Like she had already won.I'd expected her resistance—knew she wouldn't go down without a fight, at least where Lily was concerned—but there was something in her gaze now, something calculating. Dangerous."You think you can just take her away?" Vivian chuckled, folding her arms across her chest. "Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into, Simeon?I said nothing. I merely turned to Lily, reaching for her wrist, ready to drag her the hell out of here.But Vivian's voice sliced through the tension like a blade."If you take her, you will regret it."I froze.Her tone was too casual, too confident. The way
Chapter Seventeen: A Silent StormLily's POVThe heavy thud of the car door closed us into the silent interior. The roaring of the engine didn't distract from the sudden deep chill down my spine.Simeon sat next to me, his hands clasped around the steering wheel to the extent where his knuckles had turned white. His jaw was clenched, and his gaze stared out straight ahead of him as though he wasn't really seeing the road before them. His breathing was slow, yet stiff in his lungs-like a man holding something in, something dangerous that was threatening at any second to blow.I had never seen him this way.Not when Vivian humiliated me. Not when she made me scrub floors until my fingers bled. Not when she made me carry heavy laundry loads while mocking me, laughing at my misery.But now, something was different.He looked… scared.Simeon Moretti, the man who walked into every room with an air of dominance and command, was scared. And I knew it had nothing to do with me.It was Vivian.
Chapter Nineteen: A Deal Vivian's P.O.V.I stood at the entrance of my mansion, arms crossed, eyes locked to the sleek black car pulling up to my driveway. The tires screeched slightly against the pavement as it came to a halt, heavy silence of the night stretching between us like invisible tension.Then the door opened.Nelson stepped out, his tall frame bathed in the dim glow of the porch lights. He adjusted the cuffs of his expensive suit and then looked around sharply before his eyes finally came to rest on me. His face was expressionless—cold, calculating.Just like always.He didn't run toward me, didn't ask any superfluous questions. He merely took his time up the stone steps, his polished shoes clicking against the surface. And when he finally reached me, he stopped just inches away, his presence suffocating."This better be worth my time," he muttered, his deep voice laced with skepticism.I smirked. "I wouldn't have called if it wasn't.Nelson arched a brow but stepped insi
Chapter Twenty: A Brewing StormSimeon's POVThe night weighed heavily on my shoulders as I sat in my study, fingers clenched against the edge of my desk. Dimly lit by the single lamp, long shadows stretched across the room. Yet, even in the darkness of night, my mind seemed to race ceaselessly.Vivian.The name alone could send a cold shiver down my spine.She was not just some woman I had been with. She wasn't any ex-lover hanging on to the past. No-Vivian was dangerous. She knew me better than anyone else in this world, and that was what made her the biggest threat.I'd seen the glint in her eye before I'd left her mansion with Lily. The humor. The triumph. She wasn't angry that I had taken Lily-she was serene. That was what bothered me most.Vivian never remained serene unless she'd already won.And tonight, she'd called Nelson.Nelson.The man who had been flying around me, circling me like a vulture, simply waiting for just the right moment to strike, and Vivian had handed it to
Chapter One hundred and Forty FourMeeting with Camila:Lily's POV – The Meeting with Camila (Continued)The waiter brought us our beverages first. I thanked him quietly and looked over at Camila. She sipped a glass of orange juice, peaceful face, hands placed on the table. She did not seem nervous one bit. That made me a little angry. If I were introducing people near my boyfriend, I would have been somewhat shy or apprehensive.Not her.She laughed easily at Nelson’s jokes. She looked him straight in the eyes when she spoke. She even asked me questions politely, like she really wanted to know me.“So, Lily,” she said, smiling gently, “Nelson told me you’re very good at cooking. What’s your favorite thing to make?”I smiled back, keeping my voice soft. “I like cooking simple meals. Rice and stew. Pasta. Fried plantains. Nothing too fancy.”"Sounds good," she told me. "Someday I might even get to sample it."I simply nodded, my smile failing to reach my eyes. I observed how she didn't
Chapter One hundred and Fourty threeChapter: Lily's Caution and Meeting CamilaLily's POVI had been inside the kitchen, at last doing the dishes which I had cooked for dinner. Stew fragrance filled the atmosphere, and ringing of plates that I set in place on the dining table. Things were just fine, yet my head wasn't well-oriented towards the food. It was onto Nelson's girl, Camila.Nelson had been boasting to me about how great she was. He was ecstatic, but something in me just wasn't working. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but after all that had gone down with Adrian and with our company, I just felt like we needed to be careful. I didn't want to hurt Nelson's feelings, but I couldn't help but say something.Nelson," I burst out, trying to be calm. "Are you sure about her? I mean, I just don't know."Nelson looked at me, confused. "What are you talking about? Camila's a good girl. She's friendly to me.".I took a deep breath and put a spoon on the table. "I don't know. I ju
Chapter 142 – Quiet MovesLily's POVI did not say a word until we got home.Simeon simply acted as if nothing had happened. He came in, took off his jacket, and even smiled at me as he had a glass of water.But I was not able to contain my feelings.My heart kept racing. My hands were cold. The way Adrian showed up before us last time—his smile, his words, the way he glared at Simeon like he was about to destroy everything we had built—it kept ringing in my head."Simeon…" I whispered as I sat on the couch, holding a pillow close to my body. "Are you not worried?"He looked at me with uncomplicated eyes, like the whole affair didn't happen to him. "No."I blinked. "You're saying no what? That was Adrian. He broke into our firm—like that—and delivered a threat.""He did not deliver a threat," said Simeon, sitting down beside me. "He simply displayed his teeth.".I scowled. "That's worse. You see what he means. And the way he glared at me. as if he was threatening you as well. What if
Chapter One hundred and Fourty one – The Unexpected VisitLily's POVThe morning started off like any other.The sun was shining through the window, and the office was quiet. I had just finished talking with Simeon about the new files we needed to prepare for Vincent's team. Nelson was on the phone. Liora was scanning documents on her computer.Everything was normal.Until the elevator rang.I didn't think much of it at first. People were always coming and going. But then I heard Nelson cut off in the middle of a sentence. And I saw the color drain from his face.I turned towards the door.And there he was.Adrian.He walked in slowly, as if he owned the whole building. Dressed in a sharp black suit, dark glasses, and that smile—the sort that doesn't mean he's happy—it was proud, cold, dangerous.My heart skipped a beat.I couldn't breathe for a second. I rose from my seat, hands trembling.Simeon stood up too, but he didn't react. Not even slightly. He just gazed at Adrian as if he h
Chapter: Unspoken TrustLily's POVThe moment the door shut behind Nelson, I recognized something was off. His light footsteps were replaced with a pause I had not previously seen. He came in, his gaze on me with a mixture of determination and uncertainty. Simeon leaned against the kitchen counter, his usually calm expression not quite as sharp tonight, behind him.Nelson's eyes locked on mine as he walked towards the couch, the tension between us heavy. My chest was aching just to glance at him, wondering what news he'd brought."Lily," he began, his voice uncertain, "I have to talk with you and Simeon about something."Simeon didn't move, simply sitting there with a quiet attention. I stayed in the doorway to the kitchen, glancing over at the two of them, waiting. My hands were still wrapped around a glass of water that I hadn't even known I'd picked up. I put it down hastily."What is it?" I snapped more harshly than I intended.Nelson took a breath and brushed a hand over his hair
Chapter 140 – Her True FaceNelson's POVIt was a mellow afternoon. The sky was pale blue, and the sun was not too intense. I sat at an outside café, waiting patiently. The street was not busy, just a few cars driving by and pedestrians. I lazily drummed my fingers on the table, my mind trying to stay calm.I hadn't seen Camila in a couple of days. Lily had cautioned me to be cautious, and Simeon had cautioned me too. They didn't believe that something was amiss with her. But I wasn't sure. Camila had never provided me with a reason not to trust her.But I was being cautious.Then I saw her.She came up the sidewalk, her bright red hair flowing in the gentle breeze, a soft smile playing on her lips. She wore a simple blouse and jeans, nothing fancy, and still, she looked. serene. Ordinary. Innocent."Hey," she said, breathless, as she reached the table."Hey," I stood to greet her, pulling out a chair for her to sit.She smiled a little and sat down, sweeping her hair back from her fa
Chapter 138 – Be Careful, NelsonLily's POVIt was a quiet afternoon, and for once, the house did not feel like a battleground. The air was peaceful, and the tension that had been present for weeks appeared to have taken a wee break. The deal with Vincent was going smoothly. He had called only two nights prior and told me that he would be in touch soon with the final papers.I had just cooked lunch—rice and hot chicken with fried plantains. The smell wafted through the house, inviting and warm. Simeon and Nelson were in the living room, both staring at their phones. Liora was out on an errand, and I took advantage of the moment to sit between the two men now that I considered them the best pillars around me.Simeon appeared relaxed, one arm draped over the back of the couch, his other hand scrolling through his phone . Nelson sat on the edge of the cushion, tapping something on his phone with a small smile on his face.I rested my head and smiled. "You've been smiling at your phone fo
Chapter 136 – The Morning After VictoryLily's POVI awakened to the warm heat of Simeon's body next to me. His arm was draped across my hips, his breathing slow and steady. I didn't move for a while. I simply lay there, listening to the quiet of the morning, the warmth of his body against me. It was peaceful—like the calm after the storm.Last night was one of the most incredible nights of my life. Vincent had called with his decision, and he was going to go with us instead of Adrian. The resulting excitement was nearly too much. We had laughed, danced, celebrated, and for the first time in ages, I felt free.I leaned slightly to look at Simeon. Even while asleep, he looked so powerful, so in control. His black hair was a bit mussed, and his features had a vulnerability that he never showed when awake. I smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair off his forehead.As if sensing my touch, his eyes fluttered open. His lips spread into a slow smile as he pulled me closer. "Good morn
Chapter 135: Vincent's DecisionLily's POVThe warmth of the night surrounded us as we gathered in the living room. The smell of freshly cooked food filled the air—my efforts at cooking something that everyone could enjoy. Something that I barely ever got to do anymore, what with the chaos and tension that went into closing business deals, but I was eager to make this night a little more normal. Looking around at the friendly faces of those I loved—Simeon, Nelson, Liora—it was comforting to have them all in one place, as if nothing else in the world mattered for a little while.Liora and Nelson were chatting something softly in the room corner, laughing at a joke they'd just told each other. Their laughter, so free and light, was a rare blessing. It made me smile as I set the table, setting the last dish of salad before them."Is that all?" I asked, trying to push down the little bit of nervousness I felt, even though I knew they'd be happy with the work.Liora grinned. "Lily, this is