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
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
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
(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
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
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
“Follow me to my room,” Lennox says as soon as we arrive on the second floor, making me freeze in my stance.I was about to turn toward my own room, assuming he’d continue up the stairs to his, but—“Did you not hear me—”A door creaks open down the hall, cutting him off. I snap my head toward the sound and find Ryan stepping out of his room.“Ryan,” I breathe out in relief, barely above a whisper.He strolls down the hallway, hands casually tucked into his pockets, but his gaze isn’t on me—it’s locked onto his father.“So,” Ryan drawls, his voice cool but edged. “How was the party, Dad?”Lennox scoffs, unimpressed and uninterested. “Kacie,” he calls, sharp and commanding, drawing my attention back to him. “My room. Now.”A weight settles in my chest, but I give a solemn nod. He doesn’t wait, just turns on his heel and heads toward the staircase leading to the top floor. I follow in small, hesitant steps.“Kacie…” I hear Ryan’s distant hesitant voice. Risking a glance back, I see Ryan
Trigger warning: Dub—con/Non—con. Blackmail. (If you easily get triggered yet still want to know what happens in the chapter, scroll down to the flowery chapter break and start reading from there ♥)“Come to my office,” Rafa says, his voice deep, unsettling, and psychotic.She whips around at the speed of lightning to face him. “But Master Rafa… I’m on kitchen duty tonight—”His piercing blue eyes darken. “I’m not going to ask you twice, so I’ll just drag you there.”His hand slips down her waist, and he grabs her by the wrist of the hand she’s using to hold the knife.Ruth’s body trembles. Rafa never takes no for an answer. So why would he now?“I’m sorry,” she yelps. “I’ll be there right now.”“Better,” he says, then releases her and walks off.Ruth drops the knife on the board and hastily runs after him.Inside his office, she finds him reclined casually on the sofa, legs spread. He barely glances at her before pointing at the space between his knees.She knows what he wants, and s
Now that Madam Adora is gone, a longtime maid gets assigned to be the new housekeeper.Sunday early morning, she steps into their room of four maids, and they all scramble to their feet, including Ruth.“For this week,” the housekeeper announces, “all of you will be sent to the villa. And four out of six girls over there will come in your place.”“Start packing your things,” she orders, then walks out of the room.Ruth’s chest tightens. Her temporary heaven has ended.When Madam Adora was still around, she’d stay for three weeks in the mansion and only one in the villa, while other girls spent only two or one week in the mansion. It was not fully Madam Adora’s doing. It was also Hazel’s, she had taken a liking to her, often requesting she stay close.But now, Madam Adora is dead. And Madam Hazel doesn’t trust anyone because of what happened.The privilege she once had—it’s all gone.She didn’t think she’d see the men in the villa spaces so soon.Ruth swallows hard as she folds clothes
~Present~Now he gets it.The one question Ryan’s always overlooked, seen as simple biology and blamed on the fact she was still a kid.Why does Melody look nothing like her father? She came out full blonde, bright blue eyes. Not even a trace of Lennox in her.His mother was blonde too, with light hazel eyes—but because of Lennox’s dominant genes, Ryan turned out brunette. Dark hazel eyes that often look brown.So, he’d just concluded that Selene must really have more dominant genes.But no. That’s not it.It all makes sense now.Melody doesn’t look like her father, because Lennox isn’t her father.She’s a full blonde because her real father, Rafaelle, also is. She has his eyes, his hair, now that he thinks of it, even his smile.Selene doesn’t have dominant genes—she and Rafa just have similar features.The hard reality is slowly starting to kick inAll this time… the little girl he thought was his sister? She’s not even related to him.And Rafa? Why he’s even helping Selene in the f
Selene confidently walked in.Inside were four men seated comfortably, and two men that looked like bodyguards standing by the wallTwo of the men by the right already had a girl draped over them. And by the left, there he was. Lennox.Dark hair, darker eyes. He didn’t even spare her a glance. Instead, his attention rested on the drink in his hand. Beside him was a man that looked much younger than all the men in the room. He was blonde, just like her.He even looked her age. It was scary, because of his piercing blue eyes and blonde hair—they almost looked like they were related.“I’m the one who called you,” the man by the far end said. She turned to the voice, very old, very wrinkly. They were the most horny. He already had a girl showering kisses all over him and massaging his crotch, yet he was looking for more.Typical. She’d come across so many of them in the underground brothel. Greedy. Never satisfied.“Oh,” Selene said sweetly, her eyes sliding to Lennox. Her voice, both cute
Another reason she reluctantly gave in to the men… was her father.She hoped—wherever they were taking her—he’d be there. Maybe she’d finally see him. For the last time.He was the only family she had left. She wanted to hug him one last time. Then scream at him. Maybe slap him—three, ten times, or more for shattering their perfect life into dust.But instead, they took her to the underground lounge of a strip club.The vibe and air there were very different from the one above. The air was thicker, quieter, heavier, sicker, way more intense. It was because down there the girls here were forced into it, drugged, broken, controlled, stripped of their rights, and given nothing in return.But above, the girls danced because they chose to. They wore bright makeup, owned their routines, laughed, earned, flirted. They had freedom—enough to walk in and out as they pleased, and most of all, they made their own money.Selene knew she somehow had to leave the underground and go to the higher gr
TRIGGER WARNING: Contains Offscreen Non-con, Murder.(Originally meant to be written in first pov)*~7 years ago~*The car screeched to a halt in front of 19-year-old Selene’s house.“Bye, babe,” she leaned in and kissed her boyfriend behind the steering wheel.It was 3 a.m., she had sneaked out of her house to go clubbing with her friends and boyfriend, and after that, went to her boyfriend's place to get even more freaky.“I wished you could’ve stayed over for the night. I’m already missing that kitty.”She giggled. “Some other time, baby. You know how my parents are. If they wake up and don’t see me, they’ll come with the police to your house.”In about four months she’d turn twenty, yet her parents still cherished her.Their lips met again in a slippery kiss before she pulled away, slipping out of the car and jogging toward the house.She was about to head towards the back door when she realized the front was slightly ajar.Fear and curiosity peaked in her as she walked to the fro
“You know I had BPD as a kid, right? I guess it’s resurfacing.”Selene’s skin crawls as she remembers the amount of times he tried to hurt Melody. The unease in her chest increases, and she’s about to reach out to take Melody from his arms, but he beats her to it, already letting her down.“It won’t happen again,” Ryan says, casting one last smile at Melody. She nods, and as he turns and leaves, a relieved sigh instantly escapes her.“Fucking weirdo,” she hisses under breath.But then she suddenly freezes. His words echoing in her mind. “One push down these stairs—just one push and you’d be dead.” She can still feel his intense grip tightening on her arm, his deadly stare still haunting her.“Uhhh.” She shivers.if Hazel hadn’t shown up? if she hadn’t called his name? What would have really happened after that.‘Would he have pushed me?’‘Would I be dead right now?’She inches forward, peeking around the corner, checking the hallway to see if he’s gone. Not even seeing his shadow, s
Content warning: Contains subtle narratives of sensitive topics; Non—con, Human trafficking.My chest tightens listening to Ruth, trying to process, and piece things up.“I don’t think you’ve ever seen Claudia…They surely made it that way. Made her a ghost” She continues.She’s always in the kitchen or in the room. Never in the corridor, never outside.Last week, I noticed that she suddenly finally vanished—not in the mansion, not in the Villa Personnel. Not anywhere.That means she succeeded. And as promised by Madam Selene and Mrs. Huxely, she was surely sent back home.I frown, shaking my head in disapproval. “That’s impossible.” “Neither Selene nor Mrs. Huxely have the right to hire maids and send them off however they like.” I argue, “They don’t even have the right to assign them here or to the Villa unless—”Realization strikes, as I lock eyes with Ruth. “Did she ever mention any of my father’s men? The best men?”Ruth shakes her head. “She hardly spoke to anyone. Always stay
“Kill her.”Hazel’s voice rings in my mind after I put her to rest. “Kill her.”It’s been non-stop, making me question my next move.“Kill her.”My eyes are glued to my phone screen. The live camera feed shows Selene in the backyard, playing with Melody.She’s laughing. Smiling. Tossing a ball back and forth with her daughter like she hasn’t shattered lives.As much as I want to fulfill Hazel’s request, one thing is holding me back—Melody. If Selene dies, in my hands or my father’s, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to handle the guilt of Melody growing up motherless, especially when I’ve experienced how horrible it is in this house.Despite the fact she is the daughter of a wench like Selene, she’s still my half-sister. I don’t want her to grow through the same thing I did.Selene steps away from Melody when someone offscreen calls her over. That’s my cue.I rise from the high stool at the bar—fast—and slide my phone into my pocket. I head toward the corridor that leads into the backy