Emily sat on the couch, the empty ice cream tub resting in her lap. Adrian’s voice was calm, matter-of-fact—as if his decision had already been made. “I’ve prepared a residence for us in Westwood District. Tomorrow, I’ll have someone help you move.” Emily’s grip tightened slightly around the spoon. Move? She had assumed they would maintain their own spaces, separate lives. Even though their marriage was on paper, it already felt like she owed him too much. Now he wanted her to move into his home? Her first instinct was to refuse. She didn’t want to take more from him, to feel like a guest in someone else’s place. This was temporary. She shouldn’t get too comfortable. Emily opened her mouth to decline, but before she could speak— Lila cut in. “That’s actually a great idea.” Emily turned to her, surprised. “Lila?” “You’re about to leave A Designs,” Lila continued, scooping another bite of ice cream. “Mike isn’t going to let that go easily. And if he finds out yo
Emily stepped into Adrian’s residence, immediately struck by the sheer elegance of the space.It was grand but not ostentatious—a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light, showcasing a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The decor was a mix of sleek modern touches and classic sophistication, each piece of furniture curated with precision.But what caught her attention wasn’t the luxury, It was the fact that all her things had been moved directly into the master bedroom.A small knot of awkwardness settled in her chest.Turning toward Adrian, she hesitated before asking, “…Why is everything in the master bedroom?”Adrian, who had been checking a message on his phone, glanced at her without the slightest trace of concern.“It’s fine.”That’s it?Emily wanted to argue, but before she could, Lila strolled in, taking in the space with an approving
As the last of Elliot’s team left, the quiet elegance of the room settled back in. Emily exhaled softly, still adjusting to the fact that her entire wardrobe had just been replaced in a single afternoon.She turned, expecting Lila to make another comment, but it was Adrian who spoke first.“In a few days, I have a formal event to attend.” His tone was casual, but there was a certain weight to his words.Emily glanced at him, curious. “A business event?”Adrian nodded. “Yes. And I’d like to ask you for a favor.”She lifted a brow. “Me? What could I possibly help you with?”Adrian stepped closer, his piercing blue eyes steady. “I want you to choose a cufflink for me.”Emily blinked. “…A cufflink?”“You’re a jewelry designer,” Adrian reminded her smoothly. “And if I’m going to wear something, I want it to be worthy of my wife’s taste.”A small flush crept up her neck. She wasn’t used to compliments from him—at least, not ones that caught her off guard.“That’s not a problem,” she said, b
Mike’s so-called assistant. A man who once belonged to a prominent business family, but after their company collapsed, had been left with nothing. Mike had graciously offered him a position—a convenient way to keep an old connection indebted to him. Lucas, who had never accomplished anything on his own, now strutted around as if he were entitled to look down on her. “Well, well,”Lucas drawled, swinging the bag lightly in his grip.“You skipped the shareholders’meeting just to come shopping? Don’t tell me you’re here picking out a peace offering for Mike?” Emily’s voice was sharp and firm.“Give it back.” Lucas let out a low chuckle, his gaze sweeping over her silk dress and the delicate white jade begonia embroidered on the chest. “No need to be shy,”he continued smugly.“I was heading to Mike’s office anyway. I’ll deliver it for you.” Emily’s patience snapped.“Give it back. It’s not for him.” Luc
As Emily disappeared down the street, Vivian let out a soft sigh, tilting her head in a delicate display of confusion. “I really don’t know why Emily is so hostile toward me,”she murmured, her voice laced with just the right amount of gentle concern. Lucas, still irritated from the encounter, scoffed.“You don’t need to waste your energy thinking about her.” Vivian hesitated, then bit her lip, as if torn.“It’s just…I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings.” Lucas arched a brow.“Misunderstandings?” Vivian sighed again, brushing her fingers lightly against the fabric of her dress.“For example, this outfit Emily was wearing today—it’s identical to the one I picked out for next week’s A Designs campaign shoot.” She turned to Lucas, her eyes wide with feigned innocence.“I really hope she doesn’t think I copied her again. That would be so unfortunate.” Lucas frowned.“Wait—you’re saying Emily’s dress is the same one you planned to wear for the campaign?” Vivian nodded
A soft rustling of fabric stirred the quiet air. Adrian had returned home. The study was dimly lit, and as he stepped inside, his sharp gaze immediately landed on the figure sprawled over his desk. Emily. She had fallen asleep, her cheek resting lightly against her folded arms, the soft glow of the desk lamp casting a gentle warmth over her features. For a moment, he simply stood there, his expression unreadable. Then, his eyes flickered to the desk. Scattered across the surface were brushes, tubes of paint, and the cufflink box—now adorned with delicate strokes of color. He stepped closer. Emily had painted over the damaged area with intricate detail, transforming the flaw into something uniquely beautiful. Adrian’s gaze softened. She did all this…for him? Just as he reached for the box, Emily stirred. Her lashes fluttered open, her sleepy gaze meeting his. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Adrian’s voice, low and gentle, broke the silence. “
Emily stepped into the company lounge, balancing the neatly wrapped meal in her hands. She unfolded the packaging, revealing an exquisitely arranged lunch. A delicate seafood bisque, still warm and rich with flavor. Tender slices of seared beef, arranged atop a bed of creamy truffle mashed potatoes. A fresh, vibrant salad with edible flowers, lightly dressed in citrus vinaigrette. A small dessert—a handcrafted dark chocolate tart, topped with gold flakes. A small white note was tucked inside. “You didn’t eat much this morning. Don’t go hungry.” Emily paused, running her fingers over the paper. She didn’t need to guess. This was Adrian. And from the very first bite, she knew the food was made by his private chef. She had eaten this chef’s cooking several times now. And each time,it was perfect. By the time she finished the meal, she felt warm, full, and strangely taken care of. Without overthinking it, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick text. Em
As soon as they entered the penthouse, Adrian loosened the top buttons of his shirt, his movements slower than usual. “I’m going to take a shower,”he murmured. Emily nodded.“Okay, I’ll wait on the couch.” She had barely sat down when the bathroom door creaked open slightly. “Emily.” His deep voice carried through the air. She turned her head.“What?” The door opened just enough for his hand to slip through. “I forgot to bring my clothes.” Emily let out a soft laugh.“Really? You always seem so well-prepared.” Adrian didn’t respond, simply waiting. Shaking her head, she got up and walked toward his walk-in closet. His suits and shirts were arranged with sharp precision, each piece reflecting his meticulous nature. She grabbed a set of dark-colored sleepwear and returned to the bathroom, pushing the door open slightly to pass them through.
Emily blinked, then laughed softly.“I was going to wait until everything was ready to reach out. But yes, I am. And if any of you want in, I’d love to have you.” Word spread like a spark on dry kindling. Members from A group, B group—familiar faces with eager eyes—turned toward her, nodding, asking if it was true. Emily nodded.“It’s not fancy yet. We’re still laying the foundation. But if you’re willing to take a leap with me…” “You don’t even have to ask,”Lily said.“We’re in.” Emily smiled. It didn’t matter what she had left behind anymore. Because what she was building—was hers. - After wrapping things up at A Design, Emily headed out and got into her car. Emily had only been driving for about five minutes when it happened. A screech of tires. The sudden slam of metal against metal. A car veered sharply into hers, clipping the side mirror and jolting her vehicle with a force that sent her heart lurching into her throat. She froze. The world spun for a sec
Adrian didn’t speak right away. But when he did,his voice was colder than steel. “I see.” Someone near the table let out a shaky breath.Another man looked like he was considering crawling under the table. He had expected this. The moment someone—somewhere—would try to drag Emily’s name through the mud. Adrian voice still quiet—but with a sharpness that sliced through the air like a scalpel.“Let me make this clear.” Lila stayed silent.The others barely breathed. “It was me who pursued Emily.Me who asked her to marry me.She said yes.” A pause. “If anyone in that room still has questions about my wife,”Adrian continued,each word deliberate,“they’re welcome to bring them to my office at E International.Tomorrow.In person.” There was a click. Call ended. Lila set the phone down on the table—slow,deliberate.Like she was laying down a weapon. The room was dead silent. No one moved.No one spoke. Someone—somewhere—exhaled the breath they hadn’t realized they w
More murmurs. Another woman nearby raised a brow.“Yeah, sounds like she knew exactly what she wanted.” Just then— The door slammed open. Conversation halted mid-sentence. Glasses stilled. Heads turned. Lila stood in the doorway, framed by the dim glow of the hallway behind her. She was all sharp lines and darker edges—long black leather dress hugging her frame, stilettos clicking like a warning shot against the polished wood floor. And her face— That unmistakable bone structure, those piercing eyes, the cool poise in her expression. There was no mistaking it. Adrian Blackwood’s sister. Her gaze swept the room, cutting through the murmurs and glances like a scalpel. It didn’t search. It landed—straight on Vivian. Lila arched a brow, the corners of her mouth lifting in something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Sorry to interrupt,”she said, voice smooth as silk but cold as steel.“But it sounded like someone was name-dropping my family.” The room went still. Chairs
“I saw them today and thought of you,”she said.“They just dropped this morning. Limited edition.” Adrian pulled one out, inspecting it.“You really have a thing for giving me these.” She shrugged, lips tugging into a soft smile.“You look good in them.” He set the box down and pulled her closer by the waist.“Then I guess you’re officially responsible for putting them on me from now on.” Her smile widened. “Deal.” Emily laughed softly.“Then let me practice. I’ve never actually put cufflinks on anyone before.” Adrian arched a brow, amused.“What an honor,”he murmured, and casually popped open the ones he was wearing.“Go on. Use these.” She took the new set from the box, fingers careful as she slid them through the cuffs. Her brows furrowed slightly in concentration—Adrian didn’t take his eyes off her. Then his phone buzzed. he answered with one hand. “Hey,”he said, voice warm but casual. The voice on the other end was easy, familiar—his longtime friend, Nate. “M
Emily let out a soft hum, eyes still closed.“I should be asking you that. Your office might need hazard pay.” Adrian chuckled quietly, the sound low and warm in his chest.“I’ll take the damage. Worth it.” They stayed like that for another long minute. No rush. No obligations. Just a quiet moment suspended in their own world. Then finally, Emily shifted slightly, resting her chin on his shoulder and glancing down at the floor where a few papers had fallen. “You think your team heard anything?” Adrian smirked.“Not unless they’ve got microphones in the carpet.” She rolled her eyes, swatting his chest lightly before going still again. Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen—Lila(Video Call)—then looked at Adrian. He gave a slight nod, lips curving. She answered. “Lila!”Emily smiled, tilting the camera so her friend could see her clearly. “I’m back!”she beamed.“Finally. My professor dragged me across five countries, three labs, and one very haunted guest hou
She shifted slightly, her knees pressing into the cushions on either side of his hips, dress hiked just high enough for her to feel the warmth of him beneath the fabric. Every brush of her thighs, every subtle movement of his hands on her back, created a rhythm that felt deeper than anything physical. Her breath stuttered as her hips moved—tentative at first, testing the pressure, the closeness, the friction that bloomed between them even through layers of clothes. Emily sinking her teeth into his lower lip, just shy of pain, and felt the shudder that rolled through him. His hands abandoned their teasing path to grip her waist instead, hauling her flush against him until the hard line of his arousal pressed unmistakably between her thighs. The noise she made was swallowed by his kiss, deeper now, hungrier. His tongue swept against hers in a rhythm that had her arching into him, her fingers fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. She needed him bare—needed to feel his skin un
Emily blinked again. It wasn’t until she stepped into the elevator that Emily realized just how far ahead Adrian had thought. As the doors began to close, she glanced back toward the design department’s lounge. On the long communal table, rows of pastries and coffee cups were laid out neatly—perfectly arranged, clearly just delivered. The packaging was from one of the trendiest bakeries in the city, the kind with lines out the door and a waitlist for catering. By the time she reached the 16th floor, Emily had already tucked away a dozen thanks she wanted to give him. She knocked once at his office door. “Come in,”came Adrian’s voice—cool, clipped, and all business. It threw her off for a second. It wasn’t the tone he usually used with her. She pushed the door open. He was at his desk, a tablet in hand, sleeves rolled up just enough to show his watch. The skyline glowed faintly behind him. But t
Mike’s head turned just slightly, like the question had cracked something open. Vivian smiled faintly to herself. Let him unravel. Because if Emily was truly gone—if she had thrown Mike away for good—then eventually, he would need someone to lean on. Someone who didn’t leave. And her family’s company? It could be exactly what Mike’s needed next. Strategic. Beneficial. Mutual. She folded her hands sweetly in her lap, playing the part of the patient one. The loyal one. Mike sat in stunned silence, the buzz of alcohol starting to fade as Vivian’s words blurred into background noise. Then, without looking at her, he said quietly—firmly— “Vivian. Let’s not see each other anymore.” She blinked.“What…what do you mean?” “I’m going to explain everything to her. She’ll forgive me.” Vivian froze, her voice sharp.“Explain what?” Mike’s eyes stayed on the table.“If I keep seeing you, E
Mike sat on the cold bench in the police station, jaw tight, wrists red from the cuffs they’d only just removed. He hadn’t spoken since they brought him in. Mike could hardly breathe. He used to be the one she waited for. Used to be the one she laughed with, called late at night, told everything to. And now… Now she looked at another man like that. His chest burned. His throat felt tight. But even then—he told himself, if she came back… If she just showed up and said she made a mistake… He’d take her back. He’d forgive all of it. Adrian. The wedding ring. The silence. The lies. He’d erase everything just to have her again. The heavy door creaked open behind him. Lucas stepped inside, his usual confidence nowhere to be found. He held a file in one hand, keys in the other, his expression caught between frustration and pi