Both of my legs hurt. My knees wobbled with every step, and the heels I wore weren’t helping. I should’ve just gone with my trusty flip-flops. "You walk like you shit your pants," Bree said, catching up to me as I awkwardly shuffled past rows of fermented wine shelves. Frowning, I tried to straighten up. "No, I don’t," I denied, attempting to salvage my dignity. But Bree just giggled like someone was tickling her feet. "Oh, yeah, you do. And I heard from Dad you were with Valerian the hottie last night. No wonder you didn’t come back after your so-called 'moment of unwinding.'" She even air-quoted, nudging me lightly. That light nudge? Yeah, it was enough to topple me. My legs gave out, and I started panicking as I tipped forward, bracing for impact. But then—like some knight out of a rom-com—Valerian swooped in and caught me before I could plant my face on the ground. "I got you," he said, arms wrapping around my waist as he steadied me. His voice was calm, but he held the smug
“Elodie?” Dad raised an eyebrow as he opened the door. Clad in a silky robe and comfy slippers, he looked like he’d just strolled out of the spa instead of the bathroom.“Hey, Dad,” I greeted awkwardly, shifting on my feet. “Uh… I need to talk to you about something. It’s kind of important.”“I don’t even have to guess. Valerian, right?” He confidently "guessed. I just stared, and he nodded like he’d solved a world crisis. “Alright, come inside. Take a seat.” He stepped aside, gesturing me into his hotel room.My watch told me it was just a few minutes left to five in the afternoon. Time ticks like a countdown. Valerian had said he’d wait, but I wasn’t sure how long his patience would hold out.“I’d offer you a drink, but I don’t think you’re here for small talk,” Dad said, settling into the single-seater couch. He crossed his legs like he was hosting a late-night show. “So, what’s the problem?”I bit my lip, careful not to smudge my lipstick. “You already know why I divorced Valerian
Can you review it by Character introduction, are they interesting? What about the stakes and conflict, mystery and suspense, my writing style, and the clarity of the chapter? Also review my pace, the plot of the chapter, and the cliffhanger. Is it funny and sensual? Standing on the balcony, I waited for my call to go through. One ring. Two rings. “Hello?” His voice came through, slightly groggy, followed by the sound of him clearing his throat. “Elodie?” I smiled to myself, leaning on the railing as my eyes roamed the glowing city below. “Hey, Silas. How are you doing?” “Uh…” He cleared his throat again, and I heard a faint shuffle on his end. “I’m fine. Still at the coast, enjoying the sea and some much-needed ‘me time.’ You?” Biting my lip, I thought about how to phrase things without sounding like an ass. “I’m… good,” I said, glancing over my shoulder at the reason I wasn’t on the coast. Valerian sprawled across the bed,
"Yes?" Valerian asked, catching me gawking at him while he worked at his desk.He’d been frowning at his laptop screen since I walked in. I’d been bored at home and decided to visit him, avoiding my sister’s calls because I knew she’d pester me for updates about Valerian and me, like some paparazzo desperate for a scoop.Honestly, I don’t know what spell this man has on me, but he’s been in my head all day. I swear, I’d probably drop dead if I didn’t get to stare at his gorgeous face for a few hours.Every morning, I wake up in his arms, warm and safe. There’s nothing more I could ask for.Valerian doesn’t just love me; he respects me, trusts me, and treats me like a delicate child more than the queen I think I am. And somehow, I love it.Biting my lip, I tried to contain my excitement as I watched him.The earthy green of his eyes was mesmerizing enough to suck me into his world. And those lips? Always hungry for me—but does he know I’m just as greedy?Mornings are quite... eventful
First Rachel Took, and now this? How does someone just waltz in after eight freaking years to drop a bomb like, “Oh, by the way, you have a kid”?Athena Winters knew exactly what she was doing. She couldn’t not know about Valerian and me. What was she trying to pull?Whatever beauty she owned on her skin brought nothing but headache in me."Massaging the sides of my head, I let out a soft sigh as I listened to the faint sound coming from the radio, breaking the silence that had settled in the air.""Ellie," Valerian said softly, his hands gripping the steering wheel, eyes darting toward me. He was trying to gauge my mood, but his voice betrayed him—he was nervous.I get it, his past was a mess. But can I really blame those women when it’s Valerian Blackwood who was willing to bring them heaven?If I were one of those women who had him, I'm pretty sure I'd do whatever it takes to keep him in my pocket. But the point is, I was the
My eyes locked onto the face of a man I never thought I’d see again—not in this lifetime, not in the next. Yet, here he is. After twelve long years. Liam. Back from my history, as if he’d never left.His straight, dark hair still framed those maddeningly familiar brown eyes. Eyes that once felt like home and now felt like a question I wasn’t ready to answer. He carried the same calm he oozes, the kind that felt almost too fragile for the chaos he used to create. But then there was that jacket—black leather, well-worn—still screaming "trouble follows me everywhere."“Liam?” I said his name, my voice unsteady, as if speaking it would bring back all the ghosts I’d worked so hard to bury.His name tasted bitter, like chewing on regret.He stood there, easily towering over me, though I hated giving him that much credit.Standing there, he just shrugged. That same damn shrug, like nothing in the world could faze him—not heartbreak, not time, not even the look on my face right now.His expre
It's past noon, and Liam told me to meet him tonight. I 'could' just tell Valerian about it, but what’s really bugging me is—what the hell does Liam have to spill?Shaking my head, I tried to clear my thoughts. I could practically feel my brain splitting in two. This is all Athena’s fault. If she hadn’t shown up with that huge ass missile, I wouldn’t be stuck overthinking everything."I’ve been seeing you around a lot lately," someone said behind me, making me inhale sharply mid-pour as coffee overflowed from my mug.I spun around to find Valerian’s decent yet laid-back older brother, Theodore, leaning casually against the counter.He was dressed in a dark gray suit and black tie, his whole vibe screaming calmness and effortless charm—unlike Valerian's color scheme on a daily basis. Theo looked like the type who could host a TED Talk on "Chill Vibes Only" while rocking the same monotone wardrobe every day.The meeting must’ve been dismissed. Now he’s probably looking for someone to bl
"So, what's the deal between you and that guy?" Valerian asked as we sat in the waiting area, a chair apart.Frankly, we hadn’t talked for minutes now, even after he insisted on driving us to the hospital just to wait for Silas to finish his report to the police. And Liam... poor Liam. I didn’t know what to think.I figured Silas would be the one to handle the case—if there even was one. He hadn’t shared the story yet. All we knew was that Liam got into an accident just an hour ago.And Valerian? He was sour."He just came by the door after twelve years of not seeing him. Just like you saw," I answered, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms. "He asked if we could talk.""About what?" he asked, sticking his nose in further. I couldn’t blame him. Jealousy clung to his voice like a second skin."Well, I’d know by now if he hadn’t been hit by a car," I shot back, sarcasm held my words captive as I huffed and closed my eyes. "Look, Val, don’t you think this is just not the time to
Rubbing the bottom of my nose, I can smell the approaching change of the season—just like the shift in my mood. "Dad organized the event, and a lot of people are coming tonight. I believe he told me it’s a celebration of the 37th year since the company opened," Bree explained while I pouted, my eyes scanning the names of the invited guests. Ever since Dad landed here on the coast, I haven’t seen him, but Bree said he brought his work with him. I’m neither happy nor upset about it. Technically, it’s not exactly work—just related—but it still makes my bones jitter, whether from annoyance or something else I can’t quite name. "He’s bringing a date with him," she added. "Does going there require bringing a date?" I raised an eyebrow, squinting at a particular name on the list. Valerian Blackwood. It was written in beautiful golden calligraphy, perfectly matching how elegant and powerful he is. But in my eyes, he’s still a bastard. "It’s a must. A ridiculous rule Dad made for tonig
I hadn't considered any day special—until yesterday. I feel like the heavy thing that had been making my heart feel like it was about to explode is suddenly gone, and now there's just peace.But no matter how magical the scene was, I like to take things slow.And when I say slow..."What are you doing here?" I spat as soon as I opened my door and found Valerian holding a bouquet of sunflowers and a jar of... pickles?"Just came here to visit my pregnant Elodie," he said comfortably, lifting what he had in his hands.Arching my eyebrows, I gave him a deadpan glare.Just because we settled one thing doesn’t mean we’re already fine. I still want to play hard to get, and nothing goes fast—aside from his... No, no, no. I’m not going back to that kind of mindset anymore.I've refreshed my mind, and I am no longer a sinner. Or so I assume."This is private property, Mr. Blackwood. I suggest you back off before I call the police," I warned him, but as expected, it didn’t faze him—not even the
Still enduring the hard pounding of my heart, I entered the restaurant with my chin up like nothing had happened."Keep it together," I grumbled to myself.I had a business to deal with. My personal life should be set aside. I would cry about it later.My heels hit the carpeted floor. The smell of expensive edibles lingered in the air, along with the chatter polluting the area bathed in golden lighting."Ms. Beaumont?"A man clad in a stylized black suit stood up from a chair, offering me his hand and a formal smile."Atticus Lark, Larkvish Corporation. My good old friend, Mr. Kaufman, asked me to personally bring you his apology and also to inform you that he won't be able to join us for this meeting." He handed me a bouquet of flowers.His neatly brushed back salt-and-pepper hair seemed like it was smothered in butter leaving just a group of strand dangling before his forehead like Superman.He had a scarf around his neck that matched the color of his hair, a swaying cross earring o
"Dad..." I picked up his call while driving myself to the building.I know my father is a great man. He has his flaws, and he let those flaws ruin us. But just like Bree, he's straining his best to fix our relationship as a family.Was it my fault that I found it hard to trust anyone? I forgave, but it's hard to forget. It was marked in my head."Missed you here at the resort," he said, his voice carrying a hint of his age. "Lois mentioned that you're heading to a meeting. I just wanted you to know I'd like to spend time with you while I'm here."Parking the car, I let out a soft exhale. "Sure," I replied."I know you still feel a sense of resentment towards me, daughter. I only wanted what I thought would make you happy.""I don't—" I plopped the back of my head against the headrest, closing my eyes as I turned the engine off. "I don't hate you, Dad. Remember, I already forgave you.""Doesn't feel like I'm forgiven, Elodie.""Look, Dad, we'll just talk later, okay?" I cut him off, no
Clinging closer to my cardigan, I felt the gushing wind brush against my skin, blowing my long hair.I watched as the waves lapped by the shore.The resort was doing well; it was bustling behind me—the staff rushing, the guests laughing, and glasses clinking. But I felt like I was on the other side of the world, just watching this scenery from behind a glass.It had been almost two months. Fifty-three days without him, to be exact.No calls, no messages.What kept me updated about him were the papers—the things written in the news. His business, his relationship with his shareholders, his status in life.He was open to the media, aside from what was really personal.Valerian was true to his word when he said he would keep his promise—from the moment he let me go until now.Letting out a soft sigh, I placed my hand on my small but noticeable bump. My baby was growing. Our baby.My life was moving forward every second, but I think my heart was unwell. It was paralyzed in time, right at
My breath hitched as he placed the last piece of the puzzle. He had aided the jumbled pieces, but still… I'm incomplete.Bree, my own flesh and blood—she betrayed me. Now I understand why she kept pushing me to him. And Dad? Valerian said it all. He was part of this too.Valerian planned this. All of it.My second chance. My engagement. My life with him. I thought this was a fresh start. I didn’t know it would come with a new, more painful trouble.It’s like my whole system shut down, and the only thing I could feel was my heart pounding against my ribs, fueled by my sharpened fury and… heartbreak.“They knew all along, and they let you?” I said. My voice was barely above a whisper, but it cracked like thunder, exposing the storm building up inside me. My eyes clouded.“Don’t blame them, Ellie. If you’re going to be mad at someone, it should only be me,” he said bravely, accepting where he was wrong, denying nothing. “I asked them myself. I made them promises. They only wanted you to
"Earth to E, hello?" Bree waved her hand in front of my face. "Where is your head?"Blinking twice, I adjusted my dark glasses—the ones protecting me from being recognized or, worse, attracting someone who’d want to ruin my day.There were eyes everywhere. The city was the most chaotic place to be at the moment, especially now that what happened at the event had started circulating on the internet.Athena was playing the victim, but unfortunately, a lot of people weren’t falling for her kind of drama even after the press conference she held.But I pushed her aside in my mind. I had a bigger problem to deal with. Yes, bigger than her."I'm doing my best to suggest a lot of things, and you're not listening?" Bree groaned, pointing at the notes on her phone. "I thought you called me for some girl talk, to brainstorm and this and that, but I think I'm the only one talking. And thinking."I clutched my head. "Sorry, it's just that... my mind is blown.""You gave Valerian a 'blow'... job?"
When we got to the hospital, Liam was doing better than when we first saw him. He could move more easily, was vomiting less, and was regaining pieces of his memory faster than expected.Even Valerian bragged that he helped him recover quickly.His bruises had faded, but he still needed supervision and a lot of rest since his bones hadn’t completely healed.I remembered the doctor saying it would take at least a month before he could be discharged."That was... fast?" Liam said uncertainly. "How long have you guys been together?" He tilted his head to the side, frowning. His eyes were locked on my hand, where the engagement ring sat. If I had to guess, he looked a bit bewildered.I met Valerian’s gaze. His eyes were droopy, still high from what I did in the car. He leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, his head tilted back while his stare stayed fixed right on me.Moving my tongue in my mouth after taking a mint, I could still taste the sweetness and saltiness of his juices—wh
Her hair was in a messy ponytail, her face painted in deep colors, matching her black get-up, making her seem like she came from the dark world.She’d been gone for a while and came back with a dark motive. But that friendly smile she’s giving doesn’t exactly help me accept her lightly.I gave Valerian a glance. He’s composed, as always. Am I the only one getting antsy in this situation?Now I hope Bree didn’t leave."Don't look at me like that," Rachel snorted, snatching Valerian's drink and taking a gulp.The sommelier Bree was flirting with earlier approached us, but Valerian showed his palm."I'm not here to ruin anything, if that's what you think this is." She rolled her eyes and pulled out her recorder. "I'm just here to make a story. I promise to be a nice girl."She meant no harm? Then why do I feel like she does?The way she flicked her hand, the way she beamed at me—it gives me trauma. And should I even mention her recklessness that almost cost Liam his life?I can't help bu