Breakfast is awkward the next morning with Devon and me both looking everywhere but at each other. It feels surreal - just a few hours ago, we were sleeping together, naked and intimate, and now we have to act like we're completely unbothered by it. The clinking of cutlery against plates seems unusually loud, as if the silence in the room is amplifying every sound.I try to focus on my food, the taste of the waffles and syrup on my tongue, but it's hard to shake off the memory of his lips on mine. The lingering warmth from our shared moments leaves me feeling both flustered and exhilarated. I steal a quick glance at him, and it's evident that he's just as uneasy as I am. The tension in his posture and the way he avoids my gaze tell me that he's struggling to process what happened between us too.Emma, on the other hand, seems to be thoroughly enjoying our discomfort. Her eyes dart back and forth between us, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She takes a casual sip of her orange juic
Weeks later, the excitement of our newfound love still envelops us, its warmth refusing to wane. It surprises me how wrong I was to worry that Devon would get tired of me quickly. Every day seems to fly by as we laugh together and share sweet kisses. My favorite thing now is lying on Devon's chest at night and listening to him tell stories about his life.His voice is like a soothing song, and I'm captivated by every word he says. I feel a deep connection as he shares his thoughts and feelings with me. It's like we have our own little world during these late-night conversations.With my head resting on his chest, I feel the steady beat of his heart, and it makes me feel safe and secure. In these moments, everything feels right, and I can't help but believe that our love is meant to last.And the best part is, I no longer have to pretend to be in love with him because, well... I am in love with him, and I'll be honest, the real thing is way better than the fake one. Since his admission
The next morning, the news of Evelyn Parker's death spreads through every media outlet. I stand there, completely shocked, as the reporter shares the incident, suggesting that she committed suicide. It's puzzling, why would Evelyn want to take her own life?Devon is right there beside me, wearing a similar look of surprise. "Evelyn's dead. That's unexpected," he murmurs, deep in thought.I take a shaky breath and turn to face him. "Do you... Maybe," I start slowly, cutting myself off. "Have anything to do with it?" I ask, my voice betraying my fear.Before I can finish my question, Devon shakes his head, his eyes reflecting his sincerity. "No, not at all. I only threatened her, that's all. But I'll conduct my own investigation, something feels off." He mutters, echoing my concerns."I thought it was just me." I whisper, swallowing. Devon gently grasps my hands for support."Don't worry too much. I'll get to the bottom of this. I promise," he reassures me, and I nod, taking a deep brea
While speaking with a group of businessmen who gathered around me after my speech, my eye catches Jessica standing in the middle of the hall, completely still. Surprised and confused, I immediately excuse myself from the gathering, going to meet her.My heart races as I make my way through the crowded hall of the extravagant party. The pulsating music and laughter fill the air, but my attention is drawn to Jessica standing alone, motionless amidst the chaos. Her usually vibrant presence has disappeared completely, and she looks like a shadow of herself, frozen in a state of fear.Concern etches itself across my face, and I quicken my pace, weaving through the throngs of people until I reach her side. Her stance is rigid, her body tense, and her eyes dart around as if searching for an unseen threat."Jessica," I call out softly, my voice barely audible above the clamor. "Are you alright?" I ask, staring at her intently.She flinches, and her eyes flicker towards me, her gaze distant an
The next day arrives, and I put on my usual act of pretending everything's fine. I watch with a forced smile as Emma and Devon head off to work, completely unaware of what's really going on inside me. They exchange goodbyes and leave happily, but beneath my outward cheerfulness, a deep unease lingers that I can't shake off. As soon as the door closes behind them and they disappear from view, my façade crumbles, revealing a bone-chilling fear that coats my face. I'm left alone with my thoughts, my heart racing and a shiver running down my spine. It's just me now, facing the relentless grip of fear that refuses to let go.With trembling hands, I pick up my phone, staring at the message that has haunted me all morning. Letting out a shaky breath, I read it once more, tears stinging the corners of my eyes which I quickly blink back, pressing my lips together in a tight line."Good morning, Marie. Or should I say, Jessica?" The message reads, and a fierce flash of anger courses through me.
"Didn't I warn you not to tell your husband?" The message reads, and my heart sinks.Oh God, I groan internally, pacing around in the bathroom, my heart pounding and cold sweat breaking all over my body. Taking in a deep breath, I make to reply."I didn't tell him anything. He figured it out on his own." I type back to him, holding my breath as I click on send."He did? So he must've known about us beforehand. You've really progressed in your relationship. But I do not care about that." He replies back and I bite my lower lip, awaiting the next text."When I give you an order, I expect you to follow it to the end. For this, you will be punished so you know I am not joking about this."The message causes me to reel to a stop. What the hell does he mean? Don't you dare! I type back, but I'm almost hyperventilating, my hands shaking. The message doesn't deliver and I know he's out of reach once more. Resisting the urge to pull out my hair in frustration, I turn on the tap and let out a s
With Devon gone, I can't keep pretending to be strong. My legs give way, and I fall to the ground, heart shattered and devastated. For the first time in my entire life, I feel a different kind of fear - the fear of losing Devon to this. It must be what Zachary wanted from the very beginning, hence the order for me to keep it all a secret, knowing fully well it won't work out."Please, don't hate me," I whisper to myself as I cry, tears still streaming down my eyes. "I don't know what I would do without you," I murmur, burying my face in my hands. I don't know for how long I sit there, just crying, but soon the door opens and Devon walks back in. I snap my head up, looking at him through the blurry gaze.His focus is on me, but he is holding something else in his hands. I soon recognize them to be tiny cameras, and my heart skips a beat. Without another word, he destroys them and disposes of them. Then he walks back to me, a furious look on his face. For a while, I'm frozen, just stari
Working hard in my office, my brow furrowed in concentration, as I try to locate Zachary's whereabouts. Just as I'm about to immerse myself in the sea of information, a gentle chime pierces the silence, signaling the arrival of a new message. I glance at my phone, watching it vibrate on the table. Picking it up, I open the message and discover it's a text from Jessica, my wife. My heart skips a beat, a mixture of anticipation and worry flooding through my veins.Upon opening the message, I read it quickly and a frown creeps onto my lips. The message reads, "Heading out to get meds for Emma." However, it sounds strange. Why would she suddenly decide to get medicine for Emma? She has never mentioned this before. With pursed lips, I try to call her, but her phone is unreachable. A nagging suspicion begins to take root in the back of my mind. Something is definitely not right.I stand from my seat, but my phone rings again. This time, it's Emma calling. I quickly answer, pressing the pho
Hello there!We've reached the end of this journey together, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. Your support, your feedback, and your presence have meant the world to me.As a writer, there's nothing more fulfilling than knowing that my words have resonated with you. If you've enjoyed this book, I kindly ask you to consider leaving a review and sharing your thoughts. Your reviews not only make my day but also help other readers discover this story.Voting for this book is another fantastic way to show your support. It boosts its visibility and encourages more readers to dive into the world we've explored together.If you've enjoyed this book, you might be interested in my other titles. I have a collection of stories waiting for you, each with its unique adventure and characters. You can find them here!* The Tyrant king's Queen. (An historical romance that is completed.* Enslaved By The Ruthless Alpha King. (A Werewolf Royalty Dark Romance.)Update
I step onto the yacht, the salty breeze caressing my face and tousling my hair. The sun is beginning its descent over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the waters. It's a breathtaking sight, but what's even more astonishing is the scene before me. The deck is adorned with twinkling lights, casting a warm glow over the surroundings. Soft music fills the air, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. But what truly captures my attention is the group of people gathered there, waiting for me.As I walk further into the yacht, my eyes meet Devon's, and a smile spreads across his face. He approaches me, his eyes filled with love and pride. In that moment, I feel a surge of overwhelming emotion. This man, my husband, has orchestrated this beautiful surprise to celebrate my acceptance into the University of San Francisco. I can't help but feel an immense sense of gratitude and love for him.I blink in surprise, my heart fluttering with a mixture of confusion and joy. Devon approaches
The hum of the engines fills the air as the private jet soars through the sky, carrying us back to San Francisco. I sit comfortably in the plush leather seat, gazing out of the window at the breathtaking view below. The sun casts a golden glow over the landscape, painting the world in hues of warmth and tranquility. After a splendid week of excitement and laughter, I'm glad to be finally back home.As I watch the clouds pass by, my mind drifts back to the short but delightful trip we just had in Italy. The memories flood my thoughts, each one a precious gem that I hold close to my heart. The ancient ruins, the charming streets, the mouthwatering cuisine - it was a whirlwind of experiences that left an indelible mark on my soul.I close my eyes, allowing the memories to wash over me like a gentle wave. I can still feel the warmth of the Italian sun on my skin, the taste of gelato lingering on my tongue. The laughter and joy we shared, the moments of quiet reflection - it was a journey
After a few moments of blissful silence, Devon lays me down, gently pulling out of me. A soft sigh escapes my lips as I cling to him, breathing in his scent, his body heat filling me with warmth. The room is bathed in a soft, warm glow, the only remnants of a passionate moment we've just shared. Our breathing has slowed, our entwined bodies a testament to the intimacy we've just experienced. In the hush of the post-ecstasy silence, we lie together, limbs tangled, hearts still racing with the echoes of our connection."Should we clean up?" He offers after a while. I shake my head, closing my eyes."Too tired." I mumble in a sleepy voice. "Okay," he whispers, his voice soft and gentle as he snuggle with me, shaking an arm around my waist as he pulls me closer to him. "How are you feeling though?" He adds, his voice gentle and full of concern. My fingers trace lazy patterns on Devon's chest, my touch gentle and affectionate. My head rests against his shoulder, and I can feel the steady
"Kiss me, Devon." I order, my voice low. A crooked smile hits his lips before he lowers himself, pulling me closer as my lips meets his for a searing kiss. I close my eyes, my body growing warm as I wrap my hands around his neck, tugging his head lower. As our lips mold together, a rush of warmth spreads through my body, igniting a fire within me. Devon's hands slide down my back, pulling me even closer, intensifying the connection between us. The world around us fades away, leaving only the electric energy that crackles between our bodies.His lips move with a tantalizing rhythm, matching the beat of my racing heart. I feel a surge of desire coursing through my veins, urging me to explore further. With a gentle tug, I guide Devon's head lower, deepening the kiss as our bodies press against each other.Lost in the moment, I become acutely aware of every sensation. The soft brush of his breath against my skin, the taste of his lips, and the way his fingers trace delicate patterns on m
We continue with our tour afterward, visiting various tourist hotspots before deciding to have lunch in the city. As we explore the coastal villages, Jessica and I indulge in the culinary delights of the region. We savor freshly caught seafood, perfectly cooked pasta dishes, and share bites of cannoli filled with sweet ricotta cream. I can't help but admire the way Jessica's eyes light up with each new flavor, her appreciation for the local cuisine adding to the joy of our journey."This is so good," Jessica mumbles as she takes a bite of a freshly made Italian pizza, rolling her eyes. Passing it to me, she smiles, her eyes glinting. "Here, you should try it," she urges. Gazing at the outstretched pizza slice in her hands, I shake my head, a corner of my lips quirking up.Smiling, I take a bite from her outstretched piece, licking up the sauce that has run down her hands. Chewing it and gobbling it down, I finish the whole piece and lick her fingers clean. She grimaces at the sight."
The morning sun peeks through the sheer curtains of our Italian hotel room, casting a soft, golden glow over the ivory sheets that cradle my wife's slumbering form. The room is bathed in a tranquil silence, a stark contrast to the passionate symphony that played out here just hours ago. Rubbing my eyes open, I reach for my glasses and put them on, watching as my gaze clears up before turning back to the sleeping woman beside me.I can't help but smile as I lay there, propped up on my elbow, and watch her sleep. Jessica's chestnut hair spills across the pillow, framing her delicate face like a cascade of silk. Her lips, now gently parted in the peaceful surrender of sleep, still carry the rosy flush of our shared passion. My gaze trails down to her half-exposed breasts and waist, all bearing marks of my possession, adorn her skin like love notes written in the language of desire.A sense of possessiveness washes over me as I trace the path my fingers took last night, over the curve of
Nodding once, he pushes me closer, capturing my lips with his, his lips firm yet petal soft against mine and I surrender, a soft sigh escaping my lips as I wind my hands around his neck, pulling him closer. Nipping at my bottom lip, he sucks on her before pulling away to stare at me with dark eyes, my heart pounding. Then, leans in to kiss me even more ferociously.The taste of his lips is intoxicating, I practically melt against him. I have waited so long to feel it again. Devon kisses me like a starving man, while his fingers trace a gentle path down my back, sending shivers in their wake. His embrace tightens on me, drawing me even closer. he pulls away to stare at me, his breathing heavy."This is better now?" He asks, caressing my cheeks with his knuckles, brushing my hair away from my face. I shake my head, a playful smile adorning my lips."Not really." I mutter and a corner of his lips turn up but doesn't form a smile as his hands reach for the towel, pulling it free. He watche
The group of women gently guide me to a plush chair, and I take a seat, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and nervousness. They huddle together, speaking in hushed tones as they assess me, making me feel like the subject of their scrutiny."She'll definitely need a full-body massage," one of them suggests, her finger pointing towards me as if marking areas of concern. "We have to revitalize that skin. Then, a fresh haircut, and of course, finding the perfect dress."The room buzzes with a sense of urgency, and one of them remarks about the time. "This is going to take hours, and the party is tonight."Olivia, the woman in charge, claps her hands with determination. "That's why we start now, ladies. We have work to do! Let's get to it."And so, my transformation begins. I spend the entire day at the beauty place, surrendering myself to the capable hands of these experts. First, they treat me to a luxurious full-body massage, kneading away any lingering tension and leaving me fee