Chapter 55: Fuck these emotionsETHANI stood in front of Mia's door, hands stuffed in my pockets, waiting for her to open the door after I rang the doorbell. John was out of town. Thankfully, I confirmed it from him before making this unannounced visit.It wasn’t a habit of mine to barge into someone’s house uninvited, but I didn't want to call Mia and tell her about my plans of taking her out because I was sure that she would say no and be dismissive of me also, if I was being honest with myself—I wanted to see her. When the door opened, Mia appeared in front of me, her hair tied up in a messy bun, wearing a loose sweater and shorts. “Ethan? What are you doing here?” She asked surprised, her hazel eyes narrowing slightly as looked at me. “You owe me remember,” I said simply, stepping forward.Her eyebrows shot up. “I owe you?” she echoed, folding her arms. “For helping your boyfriend, so, I’m here to get what you owe. Go get dressed. We’re going out.” I said smoothly, my voice
Chapter 56: Freedom at last!LIAMI stared at the untouched glass of whiskey on the coffee table, the thought of my mistakes pressing down on me. Ethan hadn’t called with any updates, and the longer I waited, the more I felt like a trapped animal. Mia already told me to stop looking for the money so it won't get to my dad's ears since I didn't want him to know.The faint sound of a knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I hesitated before answering, hoping it was Mia with good news. Instead, it was Sophie. Her presence was so unsettling, what was she doing here again? She walked in without waiting for an invitation, her eyes scanning my scattered living room. “We need to talk,” she said, her voice dripping with confidence. “Sophie, this isn’t a good time,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose. She ignored me, settling onto the arm of the couch. “I think it’s the perfect time.” I knew where this was going, and I wanted no part of it. “What happened last time…” “W
Chapter 57: Tiger gangETHAN “Hello Sam, any updates on Smith's case?” I asked my PI as soon as Cassandra left.“Nothing yet sir.” Sam responded, his voice low.“Okay, keep me posted, I have another job for you.” I chipped in, sitting in my study looking at Liam’s phone in my hand.“I need you to dig into this mess,” I added, handing him Liam’s phone and a folder containing the blackmail details Liam had provided. I had already gone through his phone and my patience had already worn thin since I didn't find anything tangible, then I decided it was time to involve someone competent.“I’ll get on it right away.” Sam nodded, his expression neutral as always.“Good,” I said curtly. “Call me if you find anything.” After Sam left, I decided to visit my aunt Margaret. She’d been adjusting well since coming out of her coma, but I still liked to check on her. I drove to her house and found her in the garden, tending to her flowers. “You look like you’ve gone through hell and back.” she
Chapter 58: TherapySOPHIEThe walls of my therapist’s office were painted a calm shade of blue, but the peace that they were supposed to give only made me feel more on edge. Dr. Collins sat across from me, her pen placed over a notepad, her eyes patient. “So, Sophie,” she began, “How have you been faring emotionally since… everything?” she asked, her tone soft, almost too soft. “You mean since Jacob nearly killed me?” I snapped, crossing my arms, feeling the heat rise to my face“Yes, Sophie. Since that incident.” She responded, blinking but remaining calm.“I’m fine,” I said, my voice sharp and clipped. “Perfectly fine. Why does everyone keep asking me that? What do you want me to say? That I wake up in a cold sweat? That I hear his voice in my head? That I feel like I’m losing my mind?” I added, my jaw clenching.I hadn’t meant to spill so much, but the words just came out, I couldn't help it. “Sophie, it’s okay to feel this way. What happened to you was traumatic, and…” She
Chapter 59: At warJOHN EVANSI arrived home from my business trip feeling relieved, ready to unwind after a stressful trip filled with negotiations. The house was quiet, maybe a little too quiet, but I didn’t think much of it. Mia had probably gone out, and the staff knew better than to disturb me when I first got back.I poured myself a glass of scotch, savoring the warmth as it slid down my throat. Finally, a moment of peace. The moment I set the glass down, a thick envelope sitting on the edge of the dining table caught my eye. My stomach rumbled as I tore it open and I made a mental note to ask the maids to get me something to eat after I was done resting. The letter was short, formal, and straight to the point—Notice of Intent to Contest the Will. I read it twice, my pulse quickening and my grip on the paper tightened as the realization sunk in. Ethan was correct, so Greg was actually going through with it. After all the arguments, the blatant disrespect, the entitlement, he
Chapter 60: in her headMIAI stared at my phone for what felt like forever before finally dialing Sophie’s number. Our disagreement has escalated for long enough, I needed to sort out our issues. The ringtone echoed in my ears, and when she finally picked up, her tone was sharp and guarded. “What do you want again, Mia?” she snapped. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. “Sophie, can we please talk? I hate how things have been between us.” “Oh, now you hate it? Funny, considering you didn’t think about that before betraying me.” she said, her words dripping with sarcasm. Her words stung, but I pushed through. “I didn’t betray you, Sophie. I’ve tried to explain so many times now…” I tried explaining.“Don’t, Just don’t, Mia. I don’t want to hear your excuses.” She said cutting me off.“Sophie, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I swear. I thought we could move past this.” I stated, gripping the edge of the counter, tapping my fingers while at it. “Move past this?” she
Chapter 1 - Dangerous BeginningsThe door to Ethan’s penthouse clicked shut behind Mia as she stepped into the darkness. Her heart raced, not from fear, but from the thrill that came with sneaking around, lying to everyone who mattered. She should have been ashamed—maybe she was, somewhere deep inside—but the rush of being here with him outweighed the guilt. Every time.Her fingers brushed against the smooth silk of her dress, the fabric cool against her heated skin. She moved silently across the marble floor, the muted city lights casting shadows through the vast windows. The space was lavish, the kind of place that screamed power and success. Everything about Ethan’s world was perfect, and it made her feel like an imposter. A good girl shouldn’t be here. But she wasn’t a good girl anymore.Not when it came to him.Her breath hitched as she heard the soft sound of his footsteps, slow and deliberate, moving towards her. He was watching her—she could feel it, the weight of his gaze lin
Chapter 2 - The Secret CracksMia slipped out of Ethan’s penthouse just after midnight. The cool night air hit her flushed skin as she stepped onto the street, the city alive around her but feeling like a distant hum. She adjusted her jacket, pulling it tighter around her body as if it could shield her from the guilt that crept in every time she left Ethan. She told herself it would get easier—the lying, the hiding—but it never did.Her phone buzzed again in her hand. Liam. Guilt twisted her stomach as she glanced down at the message: Miss you. Let’s talk tomorrow?She should be excited to see Liam. He was the perfect boyfriend, the kind of guy any girl would be lucky to have. But all she felt was the dull ache of obligation. She could still feel Ethan’s hands on her skin, his lips against hers. Every time she was with him, it was like the rest of the world faded away, and she hated how much she craved that feeling.Pushing thoughts of Liam aside, she walked quickly toward her apartme
Chapter 60: in her headMIAI stared at my phone for what felt like forever before finally dialing Sophie’s number. Our disagreement has escalated for long enough, I needed to sort out our issues. The ringtone echoed in my ears, and when she finally picked up, her tone was sharp and guarded. “What do you want again, Mia?” she snapped. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. “Sophie, can we please talk? I hate how things have been between us.” “Oh, now you hate it? Funny, considering you didn’t think about that before betraying me.” she said, her words dripping with sarcasm. Her words stung, but I pushed through. “I didn’t betray you, Sophie. I’ve tried to explain so many times now…” I tried explaining.“Don’t, Just don’t, Mia. I don’t want to hear your excuses.” She said cutting me off.“Sophie, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I swear. I thought we could move past this.” I stated, gripping the edge of the counter, tapping my fingers while at it. “Move past this?” she
Chapter 59: At warJOHN EVANSI arrived home from my business trip feeling relieved, ready to unwind after a stressful trip filled with negotiations. The house was quiet, maybe a little too quiet, but I didn’t think much of it. Mia had probably gone out, and the staff knew better than to disturb me when I first got back.I poured myself a glass of scotch, savoring the warmth as it slid down my throat. Finally, a moment of peace. The moment I set the glass down, a thick envelope sitting on the edge of the dining table caught my eye. My stomach rumbled as I tore it open and I made a mental note to ask the maids to get me something to eat after I was done resting. The letter was short, formal, and straight to the point—Notice of Intent to Contest the Will. I read it twice, my pulse quickening and my grip on the paper tightened as the realization sunk in. Ethan was correct, so Greg was actually going through with it. After all the arguments, the blatant disrespect, the entitlement, he
Chapter 58: TherapySOPHIEThe walls of my therapist’s office were painted a calm shade of blue, but the peace that they were supposed to give only made me feel more on edge. Dr. Collins sat across from me, her pen placed over a notepad, her eyes patient. “So, Sophie,” she began, “How have you been faring emotionally since… everything?” she asked, her tone soft, almost too soft. “You mean since Jacob nearly killed me?” I snapped, crossing my arms, feeling the heat rise to my face“Yes, Sophie. Since that incident.” She responded, blinking but remaining calm.“I’m fine,” I said, my voice sharp and clipped. “Perfectly fine. Why does everyone keep asking me that? What do you want me to say? That I wake up in a cold sweat? That I hear his voice in my head? That I feel like I’m losing my mind?” I added, my jaw clenching.I hadn’t meant to spill so much, but the words just came out, I couldn't help it. “Sophie, it’s okay to feel this way. What happened to you was traumatic, and…” She
Chapter 57: Tiger gangETHAN “Hello Sam, any updates on Smith's case?” I asked my PI as soon as Cassandra left.“Nothing yet sir.” Sam responded, his voice low.“Okay, keep me posted, I have another job for you.” I chipped in, sitting in my study looking at Liam’s phone in my hand.“I need you to dig into this mess,” I added, handing him Liam’s phone and a folder containing the blackmail details Liam had provided. I had already gone through his phone and my patience had already worn thin since I didn't find anything tangible, then I decided it was time to involve someone competent.“I’ll get on it right away.” Sam nodded, his expression neutral as always.“Good,” I said curtly. “Call me if you find anything.” After Sam left, I decided to visit my aunt Margaret. She’d been adjusting well since coming out of her coma, but I still liked to check on her. I drove to her house and found her in the garden, tending to her flowers. “You look like you’ve gone through hell and back.” she
Chapter 56: Freedom at last!LIAMI stared at the untouched glass of whiskey on the coffee table, the thought of my mistakes pressing down on me. Ethan hadn’t called with any updates, and the longer I waited, the more I felt like a trapped animal. Mia already told me to stop looking for the money so it won't get to my dad's ears since I didn't want him to know.The faint sound of a knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I hesitated before answering, hoping it was Mia with good news. Instead, it was Sophie. Her presence was so unsettling, what was she doing here again? She walked in without waiting for an invitation, her eyes scanning my scattered living room. “We need to talk,” she said, her voice dripping with confidence. “Sophie, this isn’t a good time,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose. She ignored me, settling onto the arm of the couch. “I think it’s the perfect time.” I knew where this was going, and I wanted no part of it. “What happened last time…” “W
Chapter 55: Fuck these emotionsETHANI stood in front of Mia's door, hands stuffed in my pockets, waiting for her to open the door after I rang the doorbell. John was out of town. Thankfully, I confirmed it from him before making this unannounced visit.It wasn’t a habit of mine to barge into someone’s house uninvited, but I didn't want to call Mia and tell her about my plans of taking her out because I was sure that she would say no and be dismissive of me also, if I was being honest with myself—I wanted to see her. When the door opened, Mia appeared in front of me, her hair tied up in a messy bun, wearing a loose sweater and shorts. “Ethan? What are you doing here?” She asked surprised, her hazel eyes narrowing slightly as looked at me. “You owe me remember,” I said simply, stepping forward.Her eyebrows shot up. “I owe you?” she echoed, folding her arms. “For helping your boyfriend, so, I’m here to get what you owe. Go get dressed. We’re going out.” I said smoothly, my voice
Chapter 54: Coup d'étatGREG EVANSThe thought of John getting everything I ever wanted made my blood boil. It always had. Ever since we were kids, he was the golden son—our father’s favorite, the one who could do no wrong. He was willed the whole estate and I was left with nothing but I'll reclaim everything that belonged to me. John thought I was gone—back abroad, back in hiding but I just stayed away from him and his daughter. I'm still in the city and I'll get what was mine.I adjusted my tie, smirking at my reflection in the elevator mirror. I was heading to Ryan Williams’s office, John’s sworn enemy. A man like me had no business colluding with someone like him, but desperate times called for strategic alliances.Ryan hated John as much as I did—maybe more. The elevator dinged, and I stepped into the floor leading to Ryan's office. Thankfully it wasn't on the same floor as John’s office. As soon as I got to his office his secretary led me in. Ryan was sitting behind a massiv
Chapter 53: Not for longETHAN I sat at my desk in the study as the morning sun streamed in from the window flipping through files absentmindedly, but my thoughts were miles away. Mia. She was becoming a distraction that I hadn't found a way to get rid of. The more I thought about her, the more determined I became to have her. Not just for a night, but completely. I wanted her trust, her time, her attention, her everything. And that made me agitated. I was thinking of my next move when my phone rang on the desk. Mia’s name lit up the screen. Speaking of the devil.“Hello, Mia,” I answered smoothly, leaning back in my chair. “Ethan, I need a favor.” she said, her voice hesitant but urgent. That immediately had my interest. “A favor? That's pretty interesting. What kind of favor?” “It’s about Liam,” she began. My jaw tightened at the mention of her boyfriend, but I kept my voice calm. “Go on.” “He’s… in trouble. He’s being blackmailed, and he needs help.” She explained, h
Chapter 52: Investment?MIAImmediately I ended the call, I got dressed and left for Liam’s place. He has been acting strangely and I have been suspicious but I couldn't act because of all I've been through these past few days.Liam asking me for five million dollars had only added to my growing anxiety. What kind of investment could possibly require such a ridiculous amount of money? Plus Liam has always relied on his Dad what will make him want to invest all of a sudden.I knocked on his door, shifting from foot to foot. When it finally opened, Liam stood there, his face pale and drawn. His hair was in a mess, and he reeked of alcohol.“Mia, you really came, I didn't think you were serious.” He said, sounding surprised but not entirely happy to see me. “Hey, I’m worried about you, Liam. You’ve been acting strange lately.” I replied softly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. He sighed heavily, closing the door behind me. “I’m fine.” I turned to face him, crossin