The Rivers were among the influential families in Bloom Valley. Though they didn't belong to the great echelon of Hillsdale Town, they were still considered one of the wealthiest families among the Bloom Valley Citizens.
A maid answered the door in no time, and after a brief greeting, she left the door open, allowing Andrea access to the house. Stepping into the Rivers' lavish living room, Andrea smiled, taking in the magnificent space. This wasn't her first time here, but each visit left her awestruck by the exotic décor. Most of the furnishings were imported from top-tier interior design companies outside the city, showcasing both wealth and taste. Andrea entered Anthony's room, and paused, her eyes fixed on his gorgeous figure. He stood by the window, shirtless, his handsome features illuminated by the soft afternoon light. Andrea's breath hitched, and for a moment, her thoughts strayed into forbidden territory. This was the first time she'd seen him like this, and the sight stirred something deep within her unfamiliar, sinful desire. Anthony turned, startled, only to find himself suddenly enveloped in Andrea's slender arms. She pulled him into a warm embrace. Anthony smiled, wrapping his strong arms around her in return. As their eyes met, Andrea felt an undeniable pull toward him. Today, she had decided to reveal the truth she had kept hidden for so long. "I have some good news for you," she said, her face lighting up with excitement. Anthony raised a curious brow. Andrea wasn't usually this cheerful, and her happiness piqued his interest. "What's this about? What's the good news?" he asked. Andrea's excitement was contagious, but her next words caught Anthony off guard. "Anthony," she began, "we can have a baby now. I'm ready. I'm willing to give myself to you, my love" Anthony froze. He knitted his brow, and his heart palpitations could be heard by Andrea, who still rested her head on his bare chest. He pulled Andrea to arm's length and gave her a questioning look. “You want to have sex with me?” “Isn't that what you always wanted? Come on, love, let's have fun,” Andera said, pulling Anthony closer, but he was resistant at first. The truth was Andrea had always been indifferent to intimacy, a trait Anthony found frustrating and made him consider her boring. Her sudden enthusiasm for sex left him suspicious -especially since he had just been with someone else moments ago. "Listen," Andrea began, sensing his hesitation. "I know how much you love the idea of having a baby. And I understand it's the only way your parents will approve of us. So, I've been tracking my ovulation. I even met with a sonographer. Right now, I'm ready-it's the perfect time to conceive." Anthony felt his body stiffen. Her words echoed in his mind, leaving him numb. "Who wants to have a baby? And with whom? Andrea, of all people?" he thought to himself, panic rising. He remained silent, struggling to process what was just unfolding. He had told Andrea those lies just so she could grant him access to her sanctuary, but little did he know that Andrea took his words to heart and acted upon them.; who wants to have a baby with a boring woman like Andrea? Not to talk of spending the rest of his life with her. “Look, Andrea, you don't have to go through this because of me, I mean we can wait until you are ready” “I am ready, Anthony, right now, I am ready to have you,” Andrea said, slamming her lips on his mouth and pushing him towards the bed.Anthony's excitement from a few years ago about having Andrea had already vanished the moment he started sleeping with another woman. Now, he felt absolutely nothing for her. He was numb, detached, and utterly indifferent.Andrea, unaware of the turmoil brewing within him, leaned in closer. She unbuttoned his shirt and kissed him passionately, her affection genuine and uninhibited.But thirty minutes have passed and Anthony still couldn’t perform. He lay there, motionless, fragile like jelly.“What’s wrong?” Andrea asked, her voice tinged with confusion. “Don’t you feel anything for me? Why can’t..... you, you know, get it up? Is something wrong?”Anthony sighed, feeling cornered and humiliated. “Look, Andrea, your sudden demand for sex is stressing me out. That’s why this is happening. Just give it time—it’ll work,” he muttered, cursing her under his breath. The embarrassment weighed on him, his handsome face marred by humiliation.“How dare you put me in this position?” he snapped i
“Evelyn is such an adorable woman. She knows how to make a man happy, nothing like you, a boring kitten," Anthony said, grabbing his pants and putting them on. Andrea’s heart started pounding. Her hands and legs trembled violently, causing her to stagger backward until her back slammed against the cold wall. She leaned against it, using it to support her legs, which felt like jelly. A terrible stab of pain shot through her chest, sharp and unbearable. It hurts like hell. “You cheated on me with Evelyn? How could you do this to me? I loved you, Anthony, and this is how you repay me?” Andrea’s voice quivered as her body shook uncontrollably. She didn’t even realize her eyes were brimming with tears. For three years, she had loved and cherished Anthony. She had worked tirelessly to meet his standards, to rise to his level, and to prove she was worthy of his love. Just when she thought she was ready to show him the depth of her feelings and full commitment, he shattered her world. “
Andrea woke up with a painful headache; as she looked around the unfamiliar room, she found herself. Her eyes caught the hospital gown she wore. The sharp smell of disinfectant and the faint beeping of medical monitors crept into her awareness. Blinking against the harsh hospital lighting, she struggled to piece together how she’d ended up here. She has a sudden flash of memory—Anthony, Evelyn, their betrayal, and the accident— it all rushed back to her, hitting like a wave down to her skull.She felt her eyes wet up, but she swallowed them down. Crying felt like losing and she was done losing to people who didn’t deserve it.“You’re awake.” A deep and steady voice startled her. She turned her head slowly, and saw a tall handsome man standing by the window, illuminating against the afternoon light. He was striking in his early thirties, with piercing dark eyes that seemed to see right through her. His well-tailored suit and polished demeanor spoke of power, but there was a softness
Steve nodded, returned to the car, and drove them back to the hospital. By the time they arrived, Andrea had already been discharged.Andrea adjusted herself on the hospital bed as the two men entered the room. The doctor had just informed her of her discharge, and she was about to call her best friend when Colton walked in with Steve, his assistant."I can see you are getting better," Colton said, pulling a seat and sitting on it."Yes, I am." Andrea looks up facing him with a smile "Sorry for causing you trouble," She stuttered, her voice trembling slightly.The reckless way she ran into him filled her memory and a wave of shame washed over her. Then came the thought of what prompted such action in the first place. Instantly her eyes sting with unshed tears. It hurts to remember how Anthony and Evelyn betrayed her. "Is everything alright? Why are you crying?" Colton’s voice softened with concern."It's nothing. I just have a little headache. I’m feeling unwell," Andrea said, quic
“Ms. Thompson, I was trying to reach you earlier. Why didn’t you show up at City Hall? And, by the way, what are you doing here?” Colton asked, his gaze shifting uneasily around the house.Evelyn’s expression twisted in disgust.“What do you think I’m doing here? This is my home,” she snapped. She had never wanted Colton to know where she lived. The very thought of him meeting her family filled her with shame. And now here he was, standing in her space. "What if Anthony sees us together?" She thought. Panic bubbled beneath her cold exterior, though she refused to show it.Colton frowned. “I didn’t know this was your place. But now that I’ve found you, let’s head back to City Hall before they close for the day.” Colton said in desperation.Evelyn laughed mockingly, her cold glare cutting through him.“Did you seriously think I would stoop so low as to marry someone like you?” She scoffed and turned her attention to the luxurious car parked outside. A smirk tugged at her lips. “Don
The previous day At Hillsdale Airport, Colton Hudson stepped out of the terminal, a suitcase clenched tightly in his hand. His sharp eyes scanned the bustling hall, only to land on two familiar figures at the far end—his stepsister Melissa and his stepmother Victoria. Colton’s jaw tightened, and he turned to his assistant, Steve. His voice was cold and rigid. “What are they doing here?” Steve squirmed under Colton’s icy gaze. “I have no idea, sir.” “Send them away. I don’t want to see them.” Steve hesitated, swallowing hard. “Sir, this is a public airport. I can’t just send them away. They have the right to be here if they want to.” Colton’s fist clenched, his glare sharpening. “Don’t let them come near me. If they do, you’ll regret it.” Steve paled, his nerves fraying. No one knew Colton better than him, and he was well aware of what his boss was capable of. “Yes, sir,” he mumbled, scurrying off to approach the two women. After a brief conversation, Melissa and Victori
Andrea blinked, sure she had misheard him. “What did you just say?” “Let’s get married,” Colton repeated, his tone calm and matter-of-fact. “You need a fresh start, and I need a wife for... practical reasons. It’s a win-win.” “Are you insane?” Andrea asked, incredulous. Colton crossed his arms. “You’ve seen through something painful, and I’m offering you a way out. Stability. Security. I can make your problems disappear.” he said and rested one of his hands on her shoulder. Andrea shoved his hands away and bolted toward the door, but Colton was faster. He caught her wrist and pulled her back into his firm embrace, pinning her gently within his strong arms. His heart raced as his fingers brushed through her hair with uncharacteristic tenderness. Even though he hates women more than anything, especially now the only woman he loves has betrayed him, he has to do this for the sake of his company. “Please, hear me out,” he said, his voice low but urgent. “I desperate
The next morning, Andrea stood outside City Hall, her heart pounding in her chest. She wore a simple white dress Colton had arranged for her, its elegance stark against the chaos of her emotions. Colton stood beside her, dressed in a tailored black suit that fit him perfectly. He exuded confidence and power. So handsome and charming that Andrea was left drooling. His eyes were cold and darker and for a moment, Andrea wondered if she’d made a deal with the devil. "Are you ready?" Colton asked, his voice calm but with a hint of impatience. Andrea swallowed hard. "Ready as I’ll ever be." They stepped inside, the cold, sterile atmosphere of the government building doing little to ease Andrea’s nerves. The officiant greeted them with a polite smile, guiding them to the signing table. "Please have a seat" She said and waited for them to settle down before asking them the usual simple questions about their willingne
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