Colton, however, noticed her disappointment. He turned toward the door after making the payment, unwilling to let her see how deeply the sight of her in the dress affected him. He’d be lucky if he made it through dinner without giving himself away.
In the car, Colton tried to keep his focus elsewhere, but every stolen glance at her sent his thoughts spiraling. Her dress fit perfectly, accentuating her figure, while her flawless skin seemed to glow under the dim light. Her ocean-blue eyes glimmered in the darkness, and her thin lips sparkled, tempting him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. His heart tightened. Was it palpitating? Evelyn, with all her energy and cheerfulness, had never made his heart race like this. A sudden screech broke the silence as Colton slammed on the brakes, causing Andrea to jolt forward and fall into him. Instinctively, he caught her, holding her protectively.It had been two weeks since Colton dropped Andrea off after their dinner, and she hadn’t heard from him since. She kept looking at her phone, hoping for a message or a missed call, but there was nothing—no text, no call, no sign of him. Meanwhile, Evelyn had been absent from the house since that night, and Andrea was grateful. She wasn’t ready to deal with her spoiled stepsister’s antics. But as she stepped out of the taxi and walked into the house, she was met with a full gathering. Anthony and Evelyn were there, announcing their engagement to the family. Smiling, Lauren and Edwin held glasses of wine as they toasted to the new couple. “To a long and lasting relationship,” Lauren said. “And to everlasting love,” Anthony added with a smug grin. The moment Evelyn noticed Andrea, her smile widened as she flaunted a diamond ring. “Oh, you’re here! Come join us,
Six men, dressed in expensive black suits, marched in. One of them stepped forward, carrying a tray adorned with jewelry encrusted with precious stones, and placed it on the center table. “This is from Charles Hudson for his granddaughter-in-law,” the man announced with a bow. The second man placed a large box next to the table and opened it. “These dresses were designed by the world’s best designer, Austin Bash. They are all size 12 and made for Miss Thompson.” Andrea’s heart twitched. Her dress size was 12. How did Old Charlie know that? The third man stepped forward and opened another box filled with customized shoes. “This gift is from Charles Hudson to his precious granddaughter-in-law, Andrea Thompson,” he declared. Colton had told her he was rich and the grandson of Charles Hudson, but Andrea had never fully grasped just how wealth
As the car drives through the streets of Colton's neighborhood, Andrea glances at the homes in shock and awe. She’s no stranger to luxury—she’s lived in nice neighborhoods all her life—but these homes are on a completely different level. She knew Hudson made a good living—after all, he’s the CFO of a multibillion-dollar company and drives incredible cars—but holy shit, this is insane. When the car pulls up to what must be his home, the leader of the group waits for the wrought-iron gate to open. Apparently, they have another gate, despite the neighborhood already being guarded. They drive up a long, winding driveway, and when they turn a corner, Andrea is met with the most breathtaking sight. A mansion. Yes, mansion, because calling it anything less would be an insult. To the left is a three-car garage. The leader presses a button, and one of the bay doors begins to rise. He pulls in, and the door shuts behind them.
But then, she remembers—he defended her before. He even broke Edwin’s hand for her sake.Maybe he is different.She hopes he is. Because one year is a long time to endure an arrogant billionaire and his insufferable family."Melissa," a voice interjects—low and firm.Andrea turns to see Victoria entering the room."Oh, relax, Mother," Melissa laughs, though there’s no humor in it. "We’re just getting to know each other. Right, Andrea?"Andrea meets Melissa’s gaze, her expression steady. "Right."The tension in the room is palpable. Veronica and Melissa exchange unimpressed glances, while Victoria steps closer and gently places a hand on Andrea’s shoulder."Come, honey. Let’s take you to your room," Victoria says, leading Andrea upstairs.Colton’s bedroom is just as luxurious as the rest of the house, featuring a massive king-sized bed that Andrea can’t wait to sink into."Thank you so much…" An
Andrea screamed and quickly wrapped herself up with the towel. Her eyes were beet red. “What are you doing here” “This is my home, and I have the right to take a shower in my room,” Colton answered and walked into the bathroom. “Are you going out, or should I strip in your presence” Andrea was speechless. This was the worst day ever and this family, they were all insane except for Victoria and Grandpa Charles. When she made no attempt to move, Colton pulled off his shirt and started to unbuckle his belt. “Wait, are you insane don't do that!" Andrea screamed, closing her eyes and finding her way out of the bathroom, unfortunately she slammed her body hard against his solid chest. Instead of air kissing her cheeks, his lips singed on her skin. Rich and woody with notes of spice, raw masculinity, mystery... and something edgy, his scent fills her nostrils. Proba
As soon as he stepped out, his gaze fell on Andrea who was sitting on the bed, her back facing him. “Holy crap” he let out and closed the door again. “Now I have to deal with a woman living in my room” he thought then cleared his voice. “Please can you help me with my pajamas, it's right there in the last drawer of the wardrobe” “I will get it” Andrea said, and get the pajamas and opened the door a little then shoved her hand inside making sure the door wasn't open wide enough to see his naked body. “Thanks” Colton said, and took the cloth, but unfortunately, his hands brushed on hers, and an ungodly sensation swept through her, “This is insane, incredibly insane" she thought. When Colton finally came out, he was well dressed up in his pajamas and ready to rest on the bed, however, he noticed that the quilt was gone and his pillow gone too, whi
Andrea barged into her father’s study, slamming the door shut behind her. Edwin Thompson looked up from his work, startled, as she thrust a stack of papers onto his desk. “What is the meaning of this, Father?” Andrea demanded, her voice cold and accusing. Edwin’s expression hardened. “Have you lost your manners? Is this how you greet your father now? Is it because you are now married to Colton that you think you can behave however you want?" His tone was sharp, his patience worn thin. Andrea glared at him. With trembling hands, she wiped away the tiny tear that escaped from her left eye. “How can I show you respect when you removed my name from the jewelry design competition?” Andrea's tone was low but rigid. "You registered Evelyn's name in my place and gave her my design." She just left Hudson's home to work earlier only to discover this at the office. Andrea knowing her father
"Grandma!"“Don’t call me that,” Naomi spat. Her voice was icy, her eyes venomous."We took care of you and provided for you. And what did you do? You married without informing us and let your husband break your father’s hand. The least you could do is let your sister compete with your design.""Grandma, it's okay. Don't be too harsh on Andrea; I understand she hates my presence in the company. After all, it was her mother's," Evelyn piped up, looking more pitiful than before."If not for my injury," she clenched her bandaged hand, "I would have created my own design. After all, Andrea also wants to help the company win the trophy.""You are such a sweet soul, Evelyn," Naomi said. "And you have such a big heart. Despite what Andrea did to you, you still want her to compete.""I did not do anything to her. I wasn’t the one who hurt her hand.""Shut up, Andrea! Evelyn sustained that injury because she was trying to pr
Later that evening, after dinner, Colton walked into her room, without a knock, Andrea was puzzled, is that how it would be, entering her space without even a knock.Andrea gaze cautiously lifts to his, and she watches as those dark brown irises become even darker. Something akin to amusement flashes through them like a bolt of lightning. The kind of amusement a cat has while playing with a mouse.He pulls his hand back. "Seeing as we'll have become a family, let's discuss our terms and conditions." Cotton’s thick sexy voice sounded into her ears.Yes there will be terms and conditions, she has almost forgot about it. So she nodded.But before she could take another breath, Colton’ hands grip hold of her bare shoulders, and she was tugged against his solid chest. She thought he would air kiss her cheeks, but instead his lips singed on her skin.Rich and woody with notes of spice, raw masculinity, mystery... and something edgy, his scent fills her nostrils.Probably the scent of citru
Steve stopped at the upscale Glandular Garden, where Colton lived, and parked the car. One of the security men took the boxes and carried them inside the villa. Andrea, still annoyed, looked at Colton.“What are we doing here? This, isn't your family house,” Andrea said, her irritation was evident.“If you want, we can go back to the family house. I'm sure Melissa would be glad to see you.”“Never mind." Andrea said in horror. The last thing she wants is to face Melissa and her terrible grandmother Veronica." But don't try anything stupid, or I'll leave the next minute.”“Then I won’t divorce you.”“You're impossible,” Andrea muttered before stepping out of the car.Steve chuckled. “I have a feeling Ms Thompson loves you,” he said.Love? No, she would never dare—not after what she’s been through with her ex-boyfriend. She only agreed to marry me because she wants stability, and once that's done, she’ll leave.Colton’s heart clenched at the thought. Andrea had been eager to move in wi
“Come on, let me show you your office,” Mr. Wilson said. Quickly, she stood and followed him. To her astonishment, her new office was even larger, more well-equipped, and more comfortable than Mr. Wilson’s. “What’s going on? Is this… my office?” she asked, still in disbelief. “It will be yours once you sign this document,” Wilson said, sliding a folder toward her. Andrea took the document and sat down. It was only a single page, outlining the company’s rules, working hours, benefits—including her salary—and a clause stating that she couldn’t leave the job for at least a year unless the company decided otherwise. She exhaled in relief. The terms were reasonable, and she had no intention of quitting anytime soon. Without hesitation, she signed. “Now it’s officially your office,” Wilson said, taking the document from her. “When do I start?” she asked eagerly. “Whenever you’d like.” “Would tomorrow be okay?” “That’s perfect.” Andrea could hardly contain her excitement. She didn
The next morning, Andrea got ready for school. Her lectures were becoming more intense as finals approached. Just as she was leaving the lecture hall, her phone beeped. It was an email notification. Andrea opened it—and her heart nearly stopped. The jewelry company had accepted her application! Not only that, but they had requested she come in for an interview at 3 PM. She checked the time—1 PM. She barely had two hours. Luckily, she had just finished her last lecture for the day. Hurrying home, she changed into something appropriate and rushed to the interview. At exactly 2: 52 PM, Andrea stepped into the company building. Just as Mr. Miller had described it, was newly purchased and had been transformed into a luxurious workspace. She could hardly believe a new company could look this grand. Two security guards stood at the entrance. She greeted them and walked into the vast reception hall, elegantly furnished with high-end décor and polished marble floors that reflected he
Andrea froze. Deep down, she knew this wasn’t good news. Mr. Miller never called anyone into his office unless something was wrong. Panic gripped her as her mind raced through the events of the night. Was this about the fight and the broken glasses? Or was it about Rosa? Dread filled her—she couldn’t afford to lose this job. It was her only means of survival. “Sure,” she replied, following him to his office. As soon as she closed the door, Mr. Miller handed her an envelope. “What’s this?” she asked hesitantly. “This is your payoff check. It’ll cover your expenses for six months until you find another job.” Tears welled up in Andrea’s eyes. “Why is this happening? What did I do wrong?” she asked, her voice trembling. “This isn’t about the fight,” Mr. Miller reassured her. “Someone who knows about y
Colton carried Rosa to her car and called his driver. “Take her to the hospital and drop her home afterward,” he instructed. But Rosa wouldn’t have it. She stepped out of the car and grabbed Colton by the chest. “Please, don’t leave me. This... is...” she murmured before collapsing against him. “Rosa! Rosa!” Colton shook her repeatedly, but she didn’t respond. Without wasting any time, he quickly carried her back into the car and ordered the driver to take them to the hospital. Meanwhile, the men had stopped fighting and were about to check on Rosa when Steve received a text message from Colton. “What’s that? Why do you look so serious?” Roosevelt asked. “Rosa fainted. She’s been taken to the hospital,” Steve replied. “Why?” Judah asked, suddenly filled with regret. He wished he hadn’t called Rosa over—it was all his
"What are you doing here, Rosa?" Grayson asked, pulling her up."Let her be. I invited her," Judah said, making everyone turn to him."It’s time Colton knew the truth." He pointed at Colton. "Rosa has been crushing on you since childhood. We all know it—except you, of course."Grayson lunged at Judah, but Roosevelt and Rosa held him back."What? Why can’t she date him? Is it because she’s your sister?" Judah challenged.The room fell into suffocating silence. The tension was thick. Only the heartbeat of both men could be heard as they stared at each other.Just then, the door opened.Andrea walked in, carrying a tray filled with drinks. She placed it on the table and stepped aside, waiting for further orders.Colton was shocked to see his wife working in the bar. His fists clenched. He didn’t know much about her, but he had never expected this."You should give your girlfriend a chance," Grayson urged.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were keeping it a secret," Steve mumbled, lowering his head. "Wait, wait. You actually have a girlfriend?" Judah asked, intrigued. "Don’t be shy, man. Talk to us," Grayson added. "Yes, he does. He is even m—" Steve began but stopped when Colton's icy stare silenced him. "I’m sorry," Steve muttered again. "Come on, we're all here. Colton won’t bite you. And if he tries to fire you, we’ll make sure he doesn’t get away with it," Roosevelt said. "And I’ll personally hire you," Judah added. "You?" Steve scoffed. "I’d rather stick with your cousin. Even though he’s hot-tempered, at least he’s not an asshole like you." The men burst into laughter. Judah was Colton's cousin from his mother’s side, so he hadn't been there when Colton introduced Andrea to his grandfather. None
The fifth man was Colton Hudson, the grandson of Charles Hudson, one of the billionaires of Halides Town. "Come on, Colton, don't be so serious. It's not my fault you made that stupid promise to your Grandpa last year. Did you really think he’d die before his 80th birthday?" Judah, Colton’s cousin, teased. Judah was the son of Colton’s aunt, Annabelle from his mother's side. The others burst into laughter, but Colton remained silent. He picked up his glass of wine and took a slow sip. He had no idea what he had been thinking when he made that useless promise to his grandfather, and now he was trapped with a woman he barely knew. Worse still, his grandfather wouldn’t stop asking about Andrea after the introduction. "Look, Colton, getting married isn’t that bad. Or do you want the old man to transfer everything to your stupid stepsister?" Grayson, Colton’s best friend, asked. None of them knew about hi