Iris POV:Wiping the sweat from my brow, I blinked rapidly as my vision began to blur, each breath feeling like a struggle for air. The imposing doors of the mansion swung open before me, revealing a flurry of activity and a long line of cars parked in front of the house.My legs trembled uncontrollably as I staggered into the house, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. I was certain I must have looked like a starving man, desperate and depleted.Suddenly, Ares appeared before me, his lips moving soundlessly as my ears rang with a deafening roar. I couldn't make out his words, my senses overwhelmed by the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins and the burning sensation in my chest.With a forceful push, I swung open the entrance door and stumbled into the hall, desperation bubbling up inside me. My breath came in short, uneven gasps as I scanned the room, desperately searching for the familiar face I had longed to see for nearly a month.“What the fuck!” The exclamation tore t
Iris POV:I rubbed my face in frustration, feeling the weight of guilt bearing down on me like a heavy burden.Yesterday! Since yesterday, I've been weaving a web of lies around Ace, and it's starting to suffocate me.The stupid owner made me work until 8 in the evening yesterday, and when I finally got home, Ace bombarded me with a barrage of questions.Only I know how I managed him.But today, oh God! I've found myself tangled in yet another web of lies.I squeezed my eyes shut, pressing the phone against my ear as I stood by the entrance door, seeking solace in Su's comforting words."Su, I feel guilty for lying to him like this again," I confided, my voice heavy with remorse."Well, it's okay. Talk to him as soon as possible, then everything will be fine. Just say my friends were also there, so it took time to come," she murmured, her voice a soothing balm to my troubled mind."Okay," I murmured back, then ended the call, clutching a shopping bag that Su insisted would serve as ev
Iris POV:I scratched my hair, my frustration mounting silently as I lingered outside our bedroom door, wrestling with my thoughts.It was 4:15 in the afternoon, and for the past two minutes, I'd been at a loss for words.What on earth was I going to say to him?!Sorry, Ace, I left you with a painful hardness because Su saw my boobs hanging outside my top!! No!He's my boyfriend, for goodness' sake. A man who, by now, knows all the hidden moles on my body and moreMy ears perked up as the door knob moved, signaling his imminent arrival.Without a moment to spare, I darted towards a nearby pillar, seeking refuge in its shadow.Heart pounding, I covered my face with my hands and sent silent prayers to every god I could think of.The sound of the door closing reverberated through the hallway, and I released a relieved sigh.Phew. Saved by luck.Slowly, I lowered my hands and cautiously peeked towards the door, my curiosity getting the better of me.God! I am behaving like his ex- girlfri
Ace POV: As I struggled to loop my tie around my neck, a muttered curse slipped from my lips, echoing frustration.The morning has been nothing short of a chaotic mess.First, I woke up with a boner and I can't even fuck or make love to my Mini. Then, to add insult to injury, my secretary calls me with the news that some clients are backing out of deals.Just what I needed to start the day off.On top of that, it's the last day to ask Iris to a party, and I still haven't brought it up.If she saw her surprise then maybe she would come with me, happily and willingly. And as if that wasn't enough, there was an attempted attack on our weapons and drug containers. Thankfully, our security team handled it, but it's still a major headache to deal with and I have some fucking loss now! The door swung open, and there she was, standing in the doorway with a smile that quickly faded when she saw my irritated expression."It's already past 7. What are you doing here?" I asked, tossing my t
Ace POV:When I woke up in the morning, I felt like a complete idiot.I really thought I fucked anyone while drunk.But a relief flooded through me as I saw my Mini standing in front of the dressing table, scowling at the dogs in her usual manner.She then mentioned that I had come to her room last night, wanting to sleep with her.My heart skipped a beat at that information and I was grateful that I hadn't done anything to hurt her.After taking a long, cold shower to clear my head, I glanced at the time. It was already 7:50 in the morning.I hurriedly made my way to the hall, only to come to a sudden stop as I saw Mini sitting on the couch, calmly eating scrambled eggs with pasta.The sight of Mini there, safe and unharmed, initially filled me with a sense of overwhelming relief, but that feeling quickly dissipated when I noticed the rottweiler sitting calmly beside her, seemingly engrossed in the TV show they were watching together.Tom and Jerry. She loves that.But what bothered
Ace POV: "Didn't I tell you to throw it in the dustbin?" I queried, with a hint of annoyance."Ace, I know he abandoned you when you needed him most, but he might not have had a cho—" I raised my hand to silence him."Just leave it there and go," I instructed, redirecting my attention to the computer screen.Leo chuckled softly as he placed the box beside the computer."He mentioned it contains things mostly related to your parents. Your parents, Ace," he emphasized, before departing.My gaze shifted to the box, a furrow forming on my brow.I picked it up and tore off the wrapping paper, revealing a medium-sized box.As I lifted the lid, a chill ran down my spine.At the top lay a framed photo of my parents, surrounded by a sleek black border.Swallowing hard, I carefully set the photo aside. Sorting through the contents, a sense of warmth washed over me.Among the photographs, jewelry, and letters, memories flooded back.A smile tugged at my lips as I came across a picture of my par
Iris POV:After bidding farewell to everyone, I left the cozy cafe at 4:10 in the late afternoon, feeling content and grateful.Today was a great day, indeed.Because everyone talked to me so nicely and even said "they like to work with me".Just a short ten minutes later, I found myself standing outside Hudson's house.As I entered, Alex's familiar voice broke the silence of the hall."Hey...You're early today for your classes," he noted cheerfully, his tone tinged with curiosity."Yeah...Is Liam home?" I inquired, scanning the room in search of any clue to his whereabouts."Yes, in his room. Why?" he questioned, his curiosity piqued by my quest.Expressing a nonchalant shrug, I muttered, "I haven't seen him in a while," before making my way towards Liam's bedroom."I hope you revised what we studied two days ago," he yelled, breaking the silence of the room with his stern remark.Responding confidently, I shouted back, "Yeah".Standing in front of Liam's door with a feeling of a mix
Author POV:Ace's eyes fluttered open slowly, feeling the weight of exhaustion drag at his lids.Every inch of his body throbbed with a dull, persistent ache, akin to the feeling of being ripped apart and hastily stitched back together.The dryness in his throat was unbearable, each swallow a painful reminder of his thirst.Finally forcing his eyes open, he was greeted by a stark white ceiling.Slowly, his gaze wandered, taking in the rhythmic beeping of monitors and the countless tubes snaking across his body.The realization hit him: he was in a hospital.He squeezed his eyes shut, exhaling a weary sigh as he sank back into the thin mattress.Suddenly, memories crashed over him like a tidal wave, causing his eyes to snap open and his heart racing.His friends. Allegra. Freya. Mikhail.A groan escaped his lips as he struggled to sit up, his injured shoulder protesting every movement.Determined, he swung his legs over the side of the bed.The moment his feet touched the cold floor, h