"Leaving?" Dad's voice was a mix of confusion and disbelief. "But you just got here." My ass landed precariously on the edge of his visitor's chair, my butt barely touching the seat. "Yeah, well, I had to see a doctor this morning. Turns out, last night's… mishap might have done some damage." I winced, remembering the throbbing pain in my hip and my butthole. "Mishap?" Dad raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "Just a little… accident," I mumbled, trying to avoid eye contact. "You know, I'm not a fan of my daughters lying to me, Elodie," he said, his voice low and serious. "I know, I know," I sighed, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "But Bree called last night. Emergency at the resort, you know how it is." "And here I thought you were going to stay for a week, like you promised," he said, his voice laced with disappointment. "Oh, right," I groaned, slapping my forehead. "I completely forgot I told you th
"Yeah, I swear!" I practically shouted into the phone, exasperated. Bree had just asked if I was telling the truth. "I don't know what Dad's up to, but I have a feeling he's shoving me towards Valerian, and I hate it."Bree's laughter made me pull the phone away from my ear. "Goodness, E. Your life sucks," she snorted."Thanks for the reminder," I groaned, leaning against the balcony railing. The ocean of city lights stretched out before me. I hoped Valerian was at the other end of this glittering sea, far, far away from me.Last night's paradise? Forget it! I didn't want to relive those memories.My stomach still felt like a knot. I still feel like I won't be able to deposit what I eat because my butt still hurts. My hips ached like hell. It felt like I'd fallen out of a tree and landed on my ass."By the way, your lover boy with the killer butt and, I'm pretty sure, a massive… well, you know, sent a whole army of workers to the resort," Bree informed me. "Oh! And we've started accep
"Dad just called me and he was looking for you," Bree announced, her voice cutting through the peaceful Sunday morning air.I was sprawled out on the porch swing, trying to soak up the sun and forget the chaos of the city. I needed to move on, accept that what was done was done. But damn it, every time I closed my eyes, I saw Valerian's face and that damn big dick of his."He said he was disappointed," Bree added, making me turn to her, squinting through my sunglasses."Disappointed? Him?" I snorted, rolling my eyes. "Bree, between Dad and me, I'm the one who should be feeling disappointed. He set me up!""Uh-huh? But your face says otherwise. You were practically thanking Dad for setting you up because you got to see Valerian the hottie's dick. So, what's to be disappointed about?" She stood in front of me, hands on her hips, bossing me around as usual."Excuse me, even if Valerian was butt-naked in front of me, I'd still break his balls. Which I did," I said proudly, puffing out my
Days were dragging on, like one of those movies I was forced to watch with Dad. No action, no excitement, just the same old crap. But inside, I was about to blow. Seriously, I was pissed off, and I had no idea why! The sky was a fiery orange as the sun dipped below the horizon. I was stretched out on a beach chair, wearing my swimsuit and sunglasses. But behind those sunglasses, my eyes were burning with anger. The ocean was beautiful, with lots of people enjoying the start of summer. The waves were gentle, and the air was filled with happy sounds. But all I could see was him, the guy in black swim trunks, talking to a journalist who couldn't stop looking at him with those big, flirty eyes. Valerian Blackwood. Ugh, I wanted to throw him in the ocean and watch him drown! He was standing right where the waves were crashing on the sand. His hair was wet, and seawater was dripping down his body, making him look even more annoyingly handsome. He was holding his towel that hangs by his n
"Whoa," he chuckled, a low rumble in his chest, as I pushed him back onto the couch. "Ellie, don't do anything you'll regret tomorrow," he warned, but his grip on my legs tightened as I straddled him."Who says I'm going to regret this, Mr. Blackwood?" I asked, my hand settling on his chest, his back pressed against the plush cushions."You're drunk, baby." The honeyed sweetness of his voice was almost as intoxicating as the tequila, but it had a deeper effect on me than the alcohol ever could."I'm not drunk." Why was everyone telling me that? "I just had a few shots of tequila, that's all." I leaned close, burying my face in his neck, my teeth nipping at his skin. His moan was a delicious sound."Those tequila shots had you this wild?" He hummed, pushing me back by my shoulders. "Baby, as much as I want to ram you hard right now, I don't want to take advantage of you."I scoffed. "Sweet, but where's the fun in that?" I smiled, catching him off guard, but quickly withdrew it. "Or is
My head throbbed. I groaned as soon as I woke up. It felt like a battleground in there, either free and comfortable or heavy and worse. The blanket kept me warm in the air-conditioned room, but the sunlight streaming through the window did nothing to help my headache. Roaming my eyes around, I gasped in realization— I wasn't in my room. "Shit!" I muttered through my lips, recalling what happened, what I did. "Now you've just proven to him that you're a desperate bitch," I scolded myself. As I closed my eyes, the memories of last night flooded my head, including what I'd heard him say last... What was it he told me? That he... he... The door burst open, revealing Valerian in a white tank top and his favorite Hawaiian-style shorts, holding a tray of food in his hands. He moved carefully, tiptoeing to be exact, until he saw me. His eyes lit up brighter than the sun, a grin spreading across his face. He smelled like a noble king, looking tastier than the best meat in the world, a
"No, Valerian. There's no way I'm going downstairs!" I exclaimed under my breath.Valerian, ever the charmer, had bought me a dress as soon as he woke up. A beige maxi dress and a pair of sandals… without any underwear. He was clad in a simple white shirt and khaki shorts that matched the color of my dress.He was leaning against the wall, both hands in his pockets, acting as if there was nothing to worry about. His mother had literally knocked on his door while we were in the middle of… business.What was even more devastating was that Ute knew I was with Valerian. Shit!"Mom was only asking if we could join her for breakfast," he said, trying to convince me, but his voice was unconvincing. He crossed his arms, his biceps bulging, defining how well-built he is."Yeah? With your whole family. What are they going to think once they see me coming down the stairs with you, and specifically coming from your room?" I was close to hysterical, but I saw no understanding in his eyes, only smu
"Better safe than sorry," I muttered, thinking about the after-pill I'd taken this morning.Years of living with Valerian, I knew he wasn't the type to want a family. He'd probably still be banging hundreds of women even after getting gout or arthritis, and he'd shrug off having a child of his own. Let alone create a family with me.As if I'd let him plant a seed in me!His legacy as a perfect man is still unknown in which cave he'd shoot his almighty sperm.The celebration Ute mentioned was happening just a few sashay away from where I was. I could see Valerian having some careless conversations with his brothers, those family-oriented, more reserved types.Only if his life were as private as I wanted it to be, maybe we'd still be married? But no, a man with a face like his would never live in peace, especially since he had a history with women. My heart was full of doubt, and I found it hard to trust someone who was too good to be true.He's got the face, the body to die for, and a
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