~ HAZEL ~My heart thuds loudly in my chest as I watch Ruth walk away to continue her duties.My head aches, my nerves are on edge, as worry course through me like a relentless tide. ‘Where could Ryan be? And why did he rush out, all alone, so early in the morning?’I know he’s an adult, strong, and probably far better equipped to handle danger than me— He can take care of himself. But the worry still clings stubbornly to my heart, refusing to let go. Needing to distract myself, I decide to get busy.I walk back into my room, heading straight to the bathroom to wash up. Maybe by the time I’m done, Ryan will be back from wherever he went. More than half an hour passes. I’m refreshed, dressed in a modest daytime outfit. Because Madam Adora is around, I’m more careful with what I wear. Leaving my room, I check Ryan’s door again, hoping he returned while I was in the bathroom. Still no response.Frustrated, I head downstairs to wait for him, pacing restlessly around the ground fl
“Ma’am, expect a call from Master Zephyr.”“What?!” I choke on my lunch, my fork slipping from my fingers and clattering onto the plate. My eyes widen in shock as my head snap toward Madam Adora.“Yes,” she affirms with a small nod, her expression calm like she didn’t just drop a bombshell. “Right after you finish eating. Hold on to your phone in the meantime.”I blink at her in silence, unable to form a response, my mind racing with thoughts. Why does he want to call me? Can it be—no!Did Selene already tell him we lied?Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!! Oh my gosh!!!“Mrs. Zephyr?” Madam Adora’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts, her brow lifting in subtle concern. “You’re not responding.”I fumble for my glass of water, nearly knocking it over in my haste, and chug it down in one go. Slamming the empty glass onto the table, I force a weak smile in her direction.“Yes… yes, Zephyr—call. Understood,” I say, in an awkwardly clipped and high-pitched tone.Madam Adora nods once, her shar
I don’t know what came over me this morning. I fucking malfunctioned—for the first time in my entire life.It was obvious what she was thinking after she saw the lipstick on my hoodie. I could see it in her eyes, hear it in the faint tremble of her voice.‘Ryan went to meet another girl right after having sex with me.’ No, Hazel, that’s not the case!Yet, I couldn’t give her an answer that instant. Instead, I panicked and ran away—like a fucking wuss. It all happened so fast. I wasn’t prepared. I thought she’d still be asleep since she always wakes up late. But there she was, sitting in the living room, catching me completely off guard. I didn’t even know about Jenna’s fucking lipstick stain on my hoodie until her fingers brushed against it. And that thing she said—“you smell different”‘Did Jenna’s perfume also rub off on me?’I was so confused, yet very aware how bad it all looked. I couldn’t risk attempting to lie right then, because what if the wrong word slipped out and ruin
“That was the first fucking fantasy I had about you,” Ryan says, his voice thick with amusement as he rises from my body. He shifts beside me, turning over to lie back on the bed with an effortless confidence, while I sit up, my pulse racing. “You’ve clearly never done it before?” he asks, his tone teasing yet curious. I nod slowly, heat rising to my cheeks. “Yes… but… I can learn.” He smirks, the glint in his eyes turning mischievous. “It’s okay,” he murmurs. “At least I’m experienced in that part.” His hands find my waist, steadying me as he shifts closer to the edge of the bed. “Get on your knees,” he says softly, his voice low but commanding. “I’ll teach you.” Swallowing hard, I climb off the bed and lower myself, my knees dropping onto the cold tiles. I move forward settling between his parted legs. My gaze drops to the growing bulge at the crotch of his uniform trousers. It’s only getting harder and harder, the fabric straining against him, making my breath hitch. ‘C
Two days later, it’s Ryan’s graduation day. At first, I hesitated to go, worried his friends might recognize me. But when I hear Selene is coming along with Melody, I decide to go, Allowing Selene to play the stepmother role while I continue as the college girlfriend. Fortunately, it all goes smoothly. I’m just glad I was able to be there for Ryan on his special day. That night, he heads out to another party and the following day, we hardly get a chance to be alone. The house seems to be bustling with more staff preparing for Zephyr’s arrival, leaving us with only stolen moments and fleeting kisses. On Friday afternoon, I sit alone in my room on my bed watching a series I’m not too interested in when an idea suddenly strikes me like lightning, making me feel foolish for not thinking of it sooner. I leap off the bed and rush out, heading straight for Ryan’s room. When I reach his door, thankfully, he’s there. He opens it almost immediately. Our eyes lock, but mine later fli
RYAN’S POVAnger surges through me like wildfire as Rafa grabs Hazel’s hand roughly. My eyes darken with anger.“Get your hands off her!” I shout sharply, shoving his hand away from her. I instinctively pull Hazel back, closer behind me and step forward to face Rafa. But he laughs—a low, mocking chuckle that sets my nerves on edge. “What’s going on between you two, Ryan?” he asks, raising a brow. I freeze in response, momentarily shocked. Panic seizes my breathing for a fleeting second as his question catches me off guard, but I quickly compose myself, hardening my expression.“Nothing,” I snap curtly, my tone leaving no room for doubt. I can’t afford to slip— not even a second of guilt or uneasiness— if not, we’re done for. Rafa’s too perceptive and catches on to things very quickly. The smallest crack in my façade will give him the confirmation he needs. Turning to Hazel, I drop my hand from her arm. “Hazel, leave,” I order firmly, my tone soft but filled with urgency. K
It’s Saturday late in the night, far too late to still be awake. Yet Hazel lies wide-eyed, body rigid and shivering cold, even under the thick duvet. The coldness—it’s in her bones, seeping into every muscle, making her feel limp and extremely uncomfortable despite the softness of the mattress. It’s not like the weather is cold or anything…. the thought that’s lingering in her mind is.‘Tomorrow. Lennox will be here. Tomorrow.’She can’t believe it. She refuses to believe the thought pounding relentlessly in her mind. And what worries her even more is the fact that she doesn’t know the exact time he’ll be here: Morning? Afternoon? Evening? It’s all too much. Suddenly, she bolts upright, her gaze shifting to the alarm clock on the bedside drawer; 11:50 PM.10 minutes to midnight and she still can’t sleep. Hazel’s legs instinctively swing off the bed, and she finds herself pacing around her room for a few minutes, trying to stop herself from seeking that one presence that comfor
“Then let’s not fight it,” Ryan says, his voice dropping to a raspy whisper, as he gazes at me, his eyes burning with uncontrollable desire.“Okay,” I breathe, nodding as I try to steady the rapid rise and fall of my chestHis firm grip that’s on my waist presses me forward, guiding me close to his face as if he can’t bear the distance between us. He wastes no time, grinding his soft lips against mine, kissing me hungrily, swallowing every soft moan and shallow pant I give, his soft lips moving with an urgency that sends shivers racing down my spine, I barely notice the covers on top of him and beneath me slipping further and further down as he presses it down with his legs until it’s completely gone. “Mmh,” I moan into his mouth as I feel his bulge more—hard between my thighs, making my naked pussy throb with the need for pleasure.The thin layers of fabric are the only thing preventing our bodies from touching skin to skin—My silk nightgown that clings to me, whispering against
I slip away from the crowd to a quieter corner of the venue, not hesitating to snag a glass of champagne from a passing tray.Taking a sip, I exhale, the tension in my chest easing slightly. My gaze drifts over the lavish hall, the glittering chandeliers, and the hum of conversation, until I notice a secluded lounge area tucked along the edge of the room.I walk over and take a seat in the comfortable velvet chair when I see a young woman, dressed in a fitted red gown, striding confidently in my direction. Her chin is held high, and her sharp eyes are locked on me.I glance away quickly. ‘Oh no, I sense trouble.’“Hey,” she greets smoothly, her voice commanding enough to pull my eyes back to her.I rise instinctively, nerves prickling under her scrutiny. “Hi…” I begin cautiously, then recognition clicks into place. Her face matches one I’d seen on the list earlier. “Mrs. Ellsworth, nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”She laughs lightly, a sound that seems polite y
I walk down the grand stairs of Lennox’s mansion in a classy deep purple dress. The fabric clings to my body perfectly, smooth and luxurious. The halter neckline that wraps snugly around my neck, with a draped piece of fabric flowing over my shoulder down to my knee, adding a majestic touch. My hair is styled up in a casual bun, stray tendrils framing my face, while the soft makeup accentuates my features with perfection. Aldo, my bodyguard, helps me down the stairs while Lennox stands at the very end. I have been avoiding him all day. I’m glad he wasn’t not in the mood to have lunch together. But as the clock struck 6 p.m, my door burst open, and Madam Adora stormed in, tablet in hand, flanked by two familiar faces—a fashion designer and a makeup artist I instantly recognized as the ones that styled me for Ryan’s prom.Without explanation, she thrust the tablet at me, her sharp voice cutting through my confusion. “Memorize these names. Important people will be attending the
(3rd POV ˃̵ᴗ˂̵)Ryan’s eyes are fixed on Hazel the whole time, his concern deepening with each passing moment. They’re all seated at the long, rectangular dining table—the supposed Zephyr family. Lennox is seated at the head of the table and by his right is Hazel, detached from what’s going on around her. By his left is Melody, little and cute, smiling brightly as if she understands what the adults are talking about. Beside Melody is her older half-brother, Ryan, his full attention focused on Hazel. And sitting next to Hazel is Selene, forcefully laughing for validation from Lennox. Finally, there's Rafa, occupying the seat beside Selene.They’re all at the table for mere breakfast, just for the warm welcome of Lennox. If not, you’d never see them seated together like this in the morning.Despite Lennox dominating the conversation, casually recounting cruel tales and jokes of violence—how his men killed, kidnapped, tortured, and manipulated their way to victory over the rival ma
Lennox… He’s here. The monster has finally returned!I tremble uncontrollably where I stand as I hear his heavy footsteps stomping around the room. “I’m… I’m here,” I call out, finally answering his growl after taking seconds to muster up the courage. His footsteps quicken, each one louder, more deliberate, as they approach my walk-in closet door.The door isn’t fully shut, and through the narrow gap, I see his form coming closer, his imposing frame against the translucent glass of the door. He slides the door open with a force that has me jerking upright. The sound of the door slamming against its track as jarring as a gunshot, ricochets through the room and straight into my chest. And there he is, Lennox Zephyr, My husband.His dark eyes fix on me—deadly and angry. His towering frame fills the doorway, broad shoulders encased in a flawlessly tailored black suit that clings to his insanely built muscles.“What are you doing here?” he asks with a quiet menace that sends chil
My body feels weightless and comfortable, as I drift out of a deep sleep. The first thing I notice is the warmth—one I’m not so familiar with—surrounding my body, like a protective shield.My head rests against something hard, yet oddly comfortable, a faint, steady rhythm beating beneath my ear.Reality finally snaps me awake and my eyes fly open, the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains casts a golden glow over the bare chest next to me.Ryan!Flashes of last night instantly floods my mind.Oh my gosh! I never went back to my room after we had sex! Fuck! We both fell asleep!!My eyes dart back to him, and my heart melts. He’s still deep in a peaceful slumber, his dark long lashes resting subtly against his skin framing his closed eyes. His tousled brunette hair, falling across his forehead, each strand curling at its end towards directions.Despite the panic swirling inside me, I can’t deny the comfort of this moment— the way one of his arm is resting lightly on my waist, the
“Then let’s not fight it,” Ryan says, his voice dropping to a raspy whisper, as he gazes at me, his eyes burning with uncontrollable desire.“Okay,” I breathe, nodding as I try to steady the rapid rise and fall of my chestHis firm grip that’s on my waist presses me forward, guiding me close to his face as if he can’t bear the distance between us. He wastes no time, grinding his soft lips against mine, kissing me hungrily, swallowing every soft moan and shallow pant I give, his soft lips moving with an urgency that sends shivers racing down my spine, I barely notice the covers on top of him and beneath me slipping further and further down as he presses it down with his legs until it’s completely gone. “Mmh,” I moan into his mouth as I feel his bulge more—hard between my thighs, making my naked pussy throb with the need for pleasure.The thin layers of fabric are the only thing preventing our bodies from touching skin to skin—My silk nightgown that clings to me, whispering against
It’s Saturday late in the night, far too late to still be awake. Yet Hazel lies wide-eyed, body rigid and shivering cold, even under the thick duvet. The coldness—it’s in her bones, seeping into every muscle, making her feel limp and extremely uncomfortable despite the softness of the mattress. It’s not like the weather is cold or anything…. the thought that’s lingering in her mind is.‘Tomorrow. Lennox will be here. Tomorrow.’She can’t believe it. She refuses to believe the thought pounding relentlessly in her mind. And what worries her even more is the fact that she doesn’t know the exact time he’ll be here: Morning? Afternoon? Evening? It’s all too much. Suddenly, she bolts upright, her gaze shifting to the alarm clock on the bedside drawer; 11:50 PM.10 minutes to midnight and she still can’t sleep. Hazel’s legs instinctively swing off the bed, and she finds herself pacing around her room for a few minutes, trying to stop herself from seeking that one presence that comfor
RYAN’S POVAnger surges through me like wildfire as Rafa grabs Hazel’s hand roughly. My eyes darken with anger.“Get your hands off her!” I shout sharply, shoving his hand away from her. I instinctively pull Hazel back, closer behind me and step forward to face Rafa. But he laughs—a low, mocking chuckle that sets my nerves on edge. “What’s going on between you two, Ryan?” he asks, raising a brow. I freeze in response, momentarily shocked. Panic seizes my breathing for a fleeting second as his question catches me off guard, but I quickly compose myself, hardening my expression.“Nothing,” I snap curtly, my tone leaving no room for doubt. I can’t afford to slip— not even a second of guilt or uneasiness— if not, we’re done for. Rafa’s too perceptive and catches on to things very quickly. The smallest crack in my façade will give him the confirmation he needs. Turning to Hazel, I drop my hand from her arm. “Hazel, leave,” I order firmly, my tone soft but filled with urgency. K
Two days later, it’s Ryan’s graduation day. At first, I hesitated to go, worried his friends might recognize me. But when I hear Selene is coming along with Melody, I decide to go, Allowing Selene to play the stepmother role while I continue as the college girlfriend. Fortunately, it all goes smoothly. I’m just glad I was able to be there for Ryan on his special day. That night, he heads out to another party and the following day, we hardly get a chance to be alone. The house seems to be bustling with more staff preparing for Zephyr’s arrival, leaving us with only stolen moments and fleeting kisses. On Friday afternoon, I sit alone in my room on my bed watching a series I’m not too interested in when an idea suddenly strikes me like lightning, making me feel foolish for not thinking of it sooner. I leap off the bed and rush out, heading straight for Ryan’s room. When I reach his door, thankfully, he’s there. He opens it almost immediately. Our eyes lock, but mine later fli