It was two in the morning. The stars were brighter that night with the full moon shining high up in the sky, adorning the night with its light. Its silvery rays slanted through the small glass window into the room that was once drowned in darkness. Casting shadows on the white walls and filling the room with unwanted light. Emma was lying in the bed, her eyes fixed on the moon that's been peeking through her window witnessing her troubled state. It's quiet in the room, only the snores of the little boy sleeping next to her could be heard. But, sleep was miles away from her eyes. Different thoughts kept running in her head, shattering her peace. She couldn't sleep, today's incident didn't let her sleep. It kept replaying in her mind again and again. Shivers ran down her body every time she would remember that foreign touch. Every detail comes rushing into her mind, the way she was touched, his proximity. She could still feel his hot breaths, she could still smell his exotic cologne and
"I can't believe this nonsense," Mina yelled and looked at Emma who was sitting quietly. "You okay?" Mina asked the younger one as she saw her dull face. Her hand rested on Emma's shoulder trying to calm her down. They had spent the last twenty minutes in the control room trying to find a trace of that mysterious man but returned disappointed. There's no footage. All the cameras inserted on the first floor were out of order. None of them were working. "I'm fine," Emma replied, a gentle smile adorning her face, an attempt to hide her distress."Don't worry!" She assured Mina, and got up from the bench, striding towards the lockers. Grabbing her ballet slippers from the lowest one, Emma began wearing them, eyes downcast, teeth mindlessly biting her lips. Mina stared at her for a while and realized something was definitely off. Emma looked quiet and troubled."But I'm not! I feel like burning that damn control room." Mina began, annoyance visible in her tone."Good for nothing piece of—"
December arrived with its absolute glory. Frosty gusts of wind, dark skies, frozen lakes while thick layers of snow covered the ground and the top of the houses and trees. Everything already seemed to be under a blanket of snow yet more snow continued to fall.Emma was walking down the road to the cafe, her hands stuffed deep into her coat pockets as she walked on the sidewalk, eyes looking at the window displays that were beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and presents. Some even had huge puppets of Santa. Emma smiled knowing she could afford to buy some decent presents this year. She wanted to give something very special to her brother. And for Mina, a dress probably. The additional money that she got with her paycheck was no less than a treasure for her and she's very relieved knowing she'd be able to tackle the expenses. However, deep down she's a bit unhappy and disturbed by the fact that her friends couldn't get the reward they deserved, especially Mina. She truly deserv
"You!" Kevin snapped and glanced up at her, a charming smile dancing on his lips seeing her standing there dumbfounded. Panic constricted her throat. Her? What does that mean? "I-I don't understand," she let out, voice not more than a whisper. She's still stunned by his words.No matter how handsome he was or how well he spoke, there was something unusually dark about him. Something about the way he looks at her. Something about the way he speaks and intimidates everyone around him. His aura exudes dominance. His eyes held hers. Distress stirred in her sparkling hazel.It was obvious she got what he meant but she looked tense rather than enthralled. Strange! Girls usually find this particular statement enticing. But then again, she was different. So very different. He had to take things slow."I want a bouquet for someone special," Kevin spoke again. His stare was intense, his voice confident. "Can you make it?"Emma let out a low breath and gulped down the panic that had consumed her
Small feet ran into the kitchen, gaining her attention. She looked back and saw her brother running around the table carrying the little ball of fur in his arms. "James slow down!" Emma cried out, a look of concern on her face but he didn't listen, apparently too excited to have a new friend. Putting her spatula on the kitchen island, she hurried toward him and stopped his marathon. James looked up at her, his breaths coming out short but a smile playing on his lips."It's fluffy!" Said James excitedly and nuzzled the puppy against his cheek.Emma glared at him and bent down."Give it to me," pulling the puppy out of his embrace, she gently put it on the kitchen island before bending down once again and picking her brother up."Stay here!" Said Emma a bit sternly as she sat him on the stool and hurried towards the fridge to fetch something nutritious for him."You are so so fluffy!" She heard James talking to the puppy but her concentration was solely on the shortness of his breaths.The
The morning sky has always been a source of comfort for her. She was standing near the window looking at the sky, distressed. Ever since her parents died and she was left with no one else to talk to, she would look at the sky when she felt scared, missed them or felt upset. It was comforting. Today, she was feeling a blend of all those emotions. She looked at James who was sitting on the chair, looking bored and a bit scared too. "You can go inside," a soft voice rang in the quietness of the hallway. Emma looked at the nurse and nodded. Grabbing James' tiny hand in hers, she gave him a gentle smile and walked inside the room while praying silently. "Hello, little champ!" Doctor Lindsey put on her glasses and greeted James who was looking at her with his big green eyes. "How are you?" the doctor asked warmly while getting up from where she sat and moving towards the tiny bed. James looked at Emma and then back to the woman in white who was now getting her things ready. "I'm okay." sa
Kevin seemed a little pleased at how Emma quietened and obeyed him. With a charming smile resting on his lips, he got in the car, eyes roaming on her shy figure. She looked so submissive, so desirable.Kevin looked back at the road and started the car while Emma sat quietly, her head leaning against the car's window, mind jarred with tons of thoughts. Mainly James'. Ever since the doctor had told her about his surgery, she couldn't stop thinking about him. She still remembered the time when he got an injection for the first time, how frightened he looked and how much he cried that day. Surgery, the name itself is so scary. He's too young to go through that painful procedure. Emma's eyes glistened up. How much she wished she could do something for him. A magic spell perhaps and everything would be alright. He'd be alright. But she knew it was impossible. James has had a weak heart since birth. Emma has a vivid memory of her mother crying and praying for her son while her father reache
Kevin hummed. "If that's the case,” he began and looked at her, amused. "Why did you reject my offer?" His tone was firm as he asked her. For a man like him, it was surely hard to accept that she didn't want him. He was so accustomed to everyone doing whatever he desired that her rejection seemed unbelievable. Kevin waited and waited for something valid to leave her mouth but she looked down again, words refusing to come out of her rosy lips which looked a bit swollen given all the torture they went through tonight because of his mere presence.What could she possibly tell him? That-that he makes her nervous? Or how she's surrounded by work and tons of worries and has no time for anything else.Kevin's fingers held the steering wheel tighter. He turned his head and continued to look at her with his dark gaze waiting for an answer. Though outwardly, he looked calm yet his darkened eyes were telling a different story. "I demand an answer, Emma," Kevin rasped and had a look on his face, t
Hello! The second part of this book is now available on my Goonovel profile. Thank you for your patience. I hope you enjoy reading it!I would also like to take a moment to express my gratitude to all the readers who have been following along with this story. Your love for my work has been truly inspiring. Your feedback, comments, and likes have been invaluable in shaping this story and driving me forward. Once again, thank you for being amazing readers and I'll try to be a better author. Also, I can't wait to hear what you think of the second part of this book. Happy reading!
A week passed in a blur and the day she dreaded finally arrived. She's had sleepless nights worrying about it, thinking about the things he would do to her. Marriage is such an important day for every girl but for her, it wasn't a wedding, but a sacrifice.She once had a dream of marrying a man who would love and respect her. But those days were long gone. Ever since her parents left her, all she could think about was how to overcome the difficulties and carry out her responsibilities well. Survival was difficult for someone as naive and young as she. She never had the time to think about boys or relationships because she had to worry about getting food and shelter for herself and her brother. However, Emma never thought that she would be this unfortunate to marry someone like him."It will look beautiful on you," said Mina, holding a heavy custom-made white gown in front of Emma who was looking at the rack of wedding dresses without any emotions.She seemed befuddled and lost. Even t
"Marry me!" he said calmly. His voice was subtle but his aura was commanding. "Be mine."Emma's gaze reflected uncertainty. What did he say and what does that mean? Fear and confusion battled within her, unable to believe the lengths he was going to drag her down and hurt her. Emma stared at his face, hoping and praying that he was joking, but the stern expressions on his flawless face indicated that he wasn't. He meant exactly what he said.Marriage? The mere thought of marrying him was terrifying. It didn't even make sense. They were insanely different. He's fire, burning with passion while she's water, calm and serene. They were worlds apart. "No," Emma hitched out a sob. "Don't-don't do it to me please," Her voice was soft, tone almost pleading. He's taking it way too far."Anything but this.""A person in need can't be demanding I believe," Kevin walked closer to her, his lips curving upwards slightly, a few strands of his dark hair falling fractionally on his forehead.Emma look
It's a cold night. Heavy snowfall covered everything in a blanket of white. It was the type of night when most people would choose to stay indoors, in bed, or by the fire.Emma was walking down the road that led to his mansion. There wasn't a person in sight. There was nothing but emptiness, dark, and rows of bare winter trees that stood firmly against the icy gusts. Their fortitude and bravery were quite admirable. However, it was nothing in comparison to hers. Think about going to someone who wants to destroy you. Someone who wants to tramp on your innocence and cause you harm. Taking such a step demands great courage. Despite her immense fear of him and being well aware of the wicked things he intended to do to her, she stood in front of his magnificent mansion. She was indeed strong. Well, she had to be. That's what happens when you are responsible for lives other than your own. Emma inhaled sharply. Her subconscious was urging her to stop and think over it again. There has to b
Sitting near the fireplace, she watched the flames curl and sway, flicking in every way, crackling as they burned the dry wood. It was a cold December evening, she was sitting on the old but soft wool rug. Its soft surface was protecting her bare feet from the coldness of the floor. It's been fifteen minutes since her gaze was fixed on the flames—they had no appreciation of what had been given to them and no concern for what would be left after. The flames danced and leaped in the air, while the crackles of the dry wood made every other noise barely audible.It was the night after Christmas. What a tragic Christmas for the siblings. Though Emma did give James presents which she had bought at the beginning of the month when she got the promotion yet he didn't look happy. James wanted to be home. But it's next to impossible given the unfavorable circumstances.Emma held her tears back as she wasn't alone in the living room. Her brother and Mina were also in the same room, talking and p
The night was falling when Emma came out of the cafe. The icy wind stroked her soft skin forcing her to wrap her arms around herself completely unaware of the storm that was coming her way. She was just a few steps away from the cafe when a limousine stopped near her, eliciting a sudden wave of panic in her. Danger, Emma could feel it. But before she could take a step back, the car's door opened and she was dragged inside harshly.For a moment, Emma couldn't process what exactly happened but then her eyes met his, and she froze. Goosebumps crept up her arms and her heart started beating violently seeing the swirls of emotions she witnessed in his deep eyes. Lust. wrath. vengeance.Why was he here again when she'd settled everything with him? He had already made her suffer, snatched her jobs, her peace. What else does he want now? "We meet again," Kevin rasped as he stretched his left hand—his eyes never leaving hers—and grabbed the glass filled with wine from the fully stocked bar ne
As soon as Emma walked out of his office, she sat on a nearby bench and let out heavy breaths that she didn't know she was holding all this while. It's frightening how he affects her to such an extent that even talking becomes quite a task. Her fake bravery might have helped her to escape this time but she was scared. The madness that his grey eyes were reflecting terrorized her. Her throat dried thinking about him.What has she gotten herself into?Emma opened her bag and took a few sips from her water bottle. It took her some time to calm down from the traumatic experience before she got up and began walking down the lane, thinking. Her life has been turned upside down since the day she met him. Appearances can be deceptive. True! How innocent she was to trust him. It's ludicrous that she thought he'd be nice and different. Emma's heart began filling with regrets as she walked down the lane, slowly. She wished she never met him. And even if destiny brought them together, she should
His deep eyes spoke a lot while roaming on her body ditching their shame. Emma shivered from the weird feeling of his nasty stare piercing her pride but she stood firm. However, within seconds, her body and mind became numb when she heard him say…“Strip!”She stilled, utterly confused. Rather shocked! Was there some misunderstanding or did he actually ask her to strip? Her mind spun.Emma blinked in a haze as Kevin walked closer, his tall frame hovering over her once again."Take off your clothes," he whispered, slowly this time putting pressure on each word showing he meant what he said. Emma gulped. Kevin's deep voice came off much huskier given the proximity. This closeness was alarming. Emma could even feel his hot breaths skimming the sensitive skin below her ear.Emma's big and shocked eyes looked into his grey ones. No traces of mischief in them. No flickers of the warmth and gentleness that they once used to reflect for her. They looked cold and intense. Soul piercing. Mocking
The sun rays filtered through the linen curtains smoothly bestowing the small room with a subtle orange glow. The night was long gone but her concerns never left her. The fear, the feeling of betrayal, his touch was still there. The marks were still on her body. Regret and sorrow were still buried deep within her heart. With puffy eyes and a bloated face from hours of crying, she woke up.Was it a dream, Emma wondered but then, there, on the couch laid the shredded red silk dress along with the ruby studs placed on it as what? A kind of reminiscence, perhaps. Flashes from last night rushed into her mind again. It wasn't a nightmare but a reality that was much worse. The door opened with a creak and Mina appeared, a small smile crept up on her face seeing the younger one up. Mina stayed the night as she thought Emma might need her."Are you better now?" It was the first thing Mina asked as soon as she entered the room. She had witnessed Emma's terrible state last night. It's heart-wren