Before I could even process what was happening, Aiden had already wrapped his hand around the back of my neck and pulled me in so I was just inches away from his face.His grip was strong and determined as he kept me tightly held in place, not letting me escape. I could feel my heart rate increase as anxiety filled my body and as we locked eyes, it felt like time stopped still. He stared deep into my eyes with an unmatched intensity that made it hard for me to look away.“A-aiden-”I gasped when he intentionally lifted my right leg and wrapped it around his hips, the slit of my dress making sure to expose my inner thighs in the process. His powerful hands grabbed onto them, spanking them hard. I wanted to yell at him to stop, but couldn't seem to muster up the courage or find the words. I felt completely powerless in that moment; all I could do was succumb to his every whim as a shocked shiver coursed through my veins.“Do you have any inkling of how incredibly attractive and breathta
A long silence descended upon us, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I couldn't help but fidget as I nervously wrung my hands together and glanced up to meet his gaze on occasion. Anxiety still hung thickly in the air between us, but neither of us made a move to break it. I felt compelled to stay rooted to my spot out of a combination of fear and anticipation. Would he break the silence first? Or would I have the courage to be the one who spoke first?After our passionate encounter earlier, he acted like nothing happened, leaving the burden of tidying up to me. We exited the condo building and made our way towards a sumptuous looking car. I couldn't help but feel confused and hurt by his indifference; hadn't we just shared something special moments ago? At this point I was still trying to process my emotions, not sure how to react. We rode in silence most of the way.“A-aiden…”I squeezed my eyes shut tightly when I let loose his name into the silence. The sound seemed to linger in
“A-aiden, there’s a lot of people.”I move closer to him, suddenly feeling quite uncomfortable in the midst of all these people who look like they are from a very high society.Everywhere I turn I see elegantly dressed individuals with expensive-looking jewelry and confident mannerisms. They have an aura of power and influence around them that makes me feel insecure and small. It's clear that we don't belong here among these elite individuals, and my anxiety grows as I wonder if we will somehow be exposed as frauds.He tried to explain it to me, "This is an event, and I could feel your breast. This isn't a complaint, though." I felt my cheeks flush at his words; I couldn't deny the feeling of his hand or the thrill that had come with it.Taking in a deep breath, I tightened my grip on his arm and refused to let go. Security and assurance both washed over me when Aiden was near; it was a sensation I'd grown to rely on each and every day. In many ways, he shielded me from the unknown -
I immediately felt a chill run down my spine as I saw the intense look of anger on Aiden's face. William, who had been about to kiss my hand, paused and then quickly looked away from Aiden in a sign of deference. He could sense that something was wrong and it made me uneasy; the air seemed to thicken ever so slightly. For a moment everything was still, no one dared make any sudden movements or loud noises.And then strange thing happened.William let out a loud laugh, and I could only blink at him in confusion, not knowing what to make of the situation that just unfolded. Before I could say anything or even process it all, another man suddenly pushed his way between us and tried to grab my hand. William reacted quickly and easily batted the man away before taking my own hand firmly in his grasp. He kept me close by his side as if to shield me from any more intruders who may come our way.“Hey! I had her first!”“Well, didn’t you hear what Aiden said? Let go of her. Which means it’s my
A lot of queries and uncertainties clouded my mind as I looked over to Aiden, who stayed quiet throughout the entire duration.His expression was unreadable and it was almost like he wasn't even listening anymore. The lack of engagement with the conversation made me feel a bit uneasy. Though impossible to tell from his demeanor, I couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were going through his head.I yearned to say something yet I was unable to find the right words. Glancing at his companions, it was clear that they had not a clue that their friend has just been released from prison. Their conversation seemed normal and light-hearted in comparison to the heaviness of my own thoughts.Though, I had suspected before that Aiden must have some sort of considerable wealth due to the area we live in, I didn't expect it to be at this level. Everywhere he goes it's clear how affluent he is; his place is surrounded by a grand interiors made up of colors that rival even the most luxurious painti
The host of this evening's event was speaking, but I couldn't focus on his words. All my attention had been stolen away by something else entirely.I keep looking around and notice that the atmosphere is buzzing with anticipation for the event. The crowd has been slowly growing, a mix of men and women of various ages. Waiters and waitresses are going about their tasks, passing around trays of finger food but it's almost as though no one notices them, as none of them reach out to take any. It's a bit disheartening to see it all go to waste like this, but I suppose they're all here for something else.I don't feel like I belong here, that thought playing on a loop in my head. Everyone else here has some kind of power and influence, and yet here I am just an insignificant person in the dirt. If it weren't for Aiden taking me under his wing tonight, I wouldn't even look remotely human. As much as I try to put on a brave face and act like nothing is wrong, deep down inside my heart sinks f
The atmosphere of the room had suddenly shifted following Aiden's proclamation. Every single person in the room was in an uproar, conversations filling the space with a loud cacophony of voices. His words seemed to echo throughout, reverberating off the walls and bringing realization to some and surprise to others. The impact of his statement was felt by all and they were now discussing it with gusto; debating its implications and attempting to decipher what these words meant for them individually as well as collectively.“He’s married? No wonder.”“It was a pity, I had been ready to accompany my daughter to him, yet here we were, instead presented with this.”“Do you think it’s an arranged marriage? Is the woman even in his level?”I looked around at the murmuring people, their faces contorted into expressions of shock and disbelief. My heart sank as I realized that some were clearly against Aiden's decision to get married. I could feel anxieties rising inside me, wondering what cou
Adam couldn't lift himself from his spot, and the silence was almost oppressive. I held my breath, expecting him to say something, but instead he just slowly turned his head and met my gaze with a stare that was so icy, it felt like it could freeze me in place. The tension lingered between us until finally he broke the silence.“I don’t want to be disrespectful to you or your marriage, that’s why I’m establishing boundaries between us. It's not because I don't care about you or the relationship we have. We can still be friends, but I just want to make sure we respect the boundaries of your marriage commitment.”I felt my lip quiver as I tried to come up with the right words to say in response to his. He seemed so angry, but I couldn't understand what might have prompted it. We stood there in silence, neither of us wanting to be the first one to speak when something else was clearly going on below the surface. My heart raced as a million cascading thoughts flooded my mind - none of th
I was running, desperately trying to escape the clutches of whatever danger was chasing me. I refused to turn back and look because of my fear, but could always feel the presence just behind me.My heart raced as I continued on, not knowing what would happen if they caught up. The sound of metal hitting the ground with each footstep only made matters worst as the chaser closed in on me. Desperate for a way out, I frantically searched around for a solution to escape.“You can’t escape from me!”My heart leapt when I heard her voice coming closer and I panicked, running away from the source. Just as I was about to turn around the corner, out of sight, my foot got tangled up on something on the ground causing me to trip and fall harshly onto the ground.A sharp pain shot up my leg that caused me to cry out in agony. The noise of me falling had surely alerted her of my presence.“I have warned you a thousand times already...”I slowly glanced back over my shoulder and felt my jaw drop in
Everyone was running around frantically trying their best to make sure everything would be ready in time for the upcoming event.I nervously bit my bottom lip as all of them were preoccupied with last minute tasks when suddenly, the make-up artist caught me off guard and started talking to me.“Madam, I need you to lift your gaze.”I took a deep breath, steeling myself before finally raising my eyes to meet those of the make up artist. She gestured for me to look higher, so I complied without hesitation. We had been at this for two hours already.Though I wouldn't say I'm complaining, my bottom is already becoming quite numb sitting in the same spot for such a long time. It's understandable that they have to do their jobs, but my need to stand up and move around has become ever more urgent.“It’s almost done, Madame.”I had nodded my head in agreement but the hair stylist gently restrained my head, keeping me still as she attended to every strand of my hair.I was not accustomed to be
The emergency services and police had come in order to locate my mother's remains.I found myself alone at the back of the ambulance, with a blanket draped around my shoulders to keep me warm. The paramedics had already attended to some of my injury, but it was decided that I should be taken to the hospital for a further examination, they wanted to make sure there were no internal injuries that may have gone unnoticed. As I lay there, thoughts raced through my head.I have been feeling a little lost ever since the news of my mother’s passing arrived. I take one look at the cup of coffee in my hands, but can't bring myself to take a sip. At this moment, I feel like a hollowed-out shell on the inside, completely devoid of any emotion. The realization is slowly sinking in, she's gone and nothing can be done to change that fact.The thought on my mind lingers…have I finally attained freedom? Now that she’s gone?“Darling…”I shook my head to clear the fog of my thoughts when I heard Aiden
“Leilani! Where the hell are you going?!”I didn't give Aiden a second thought when his voice cracked with frustration as he called my name. Good thing the door beside me wasn't yet locked and I was able to hurl myself from the car, sprinting in the direction of Adam where I can save him!I can’t believe Aiden! Adam gave up everything for us, placing his life on the line selflessly in order to help us out of a difficult situation.And yet, Aiden isn't willing to do the same and put their differences aside in order to save another person's life. I understand that he hold a grudge against Adam, but surely this isn't an appropriate response?We are talking about someone's life here!I heard Aiden’s shouts echoing off behind me, ordering me to turn around and come back but I refused to do so.“Mother! Stop!”When I finally laid eyes on Adam and mother, it felt like time had stopped. I had to pause for a moment to catch my breath, and when I looked at mother her gaze seemed almost venomous
It was too late.Everything came to a standstill in my mind, as if time had suddenly stopped moving and the clock had stopped ticking when I finally understood what was happening.My mother had pushed me far off of the cliff.My eyes widened, a feeling of helplessness consuming me as I stretched my arm out before me, despite knowing that there was no one who could rescue me from this situation. I felt my heart thumping so hard against my chest, memories of the events leading up to this moment all too vivid in my mind.A single tear escaped from my eye as I prayed under my breath. It was not at all what I had expected, this would end up being the way I would die. In my mind, I pictured myself alive and running away from my mother, starting a new life and living the kind of life that was meant for me - but it all turned out to be nothing more than another dream.Is this where it's all going to end? What did I possibly do to deserve such a cruel fate? Am I okay with my life ending in suc
The cold air blew in like a wild animal, biting at my delicate skin and making me shiver.Despite this, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her face, we stood so close as if no distance could separate us from each other- neither space nor time. The cliff we were standing on overlooked the city below us, its lights glowing in darkness like thousands of distant stars that had found their way home to us.I've always been aware of the fact that my mother has never had a very high opinion of me. From the moment I was born, she seemed to have a contempt for me that grew over time. Not only was I constantly being criticized by her, but she would often blame me for things even when it wasn't my fault. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried or how much effort I put into pleasing her, she would always find something to be disappointed in.I was aware of this all along, but why did I get so hurt when I heard those words come out of her mouth? When I looked into her eyes, there was no sign of regre
It was an icy night, the darkness so oppressive it felt like I could taste it.I had no idea where I was going but I knew one thing, whatever lay ahead of me had to be better than living in fear of the demons that continued to haunt my footsteps. As I ran, my breath foggy plumes visible against the moonlight, a single thought kept me going - freedom. Freedom from this nightmare that followed me wherever I went.“Leilani! You can’t live without me!”Her voice had an eerily chilling effect on me. I felt my entire body tense up, my spine becoming rigid with fear.Goosebumps rose on my skin and I trembled, feeling powerless in her presence. Refusing to turn around and face her, to risk seeing the knife she brandished threateningly in her hand, I valiantly did all that was in my power to keep my cowardice contained.I glance up from the sky, “I-i'm begging you, please help me find a way to escape from her. I need somewhere that is safe, where I can go and forget this nightmare that she has
I felt a deep, primal anger bubbling up from within me as the word cursed spilled out of my mouth. My mind struggled to contend with what I had just heard, and my eyes widened in utter disbelief.I can’t f*cking believe that f*cker. I can hardly restrain my anger, feeling the urge to throw my phone across the room. But I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm myself down and think straight.I quickly dialed my assistant’s number to uncover what Adam was really doing. I had a suspicion he knew where Leilani was and that he was trying to keep her whereabouts hidden. I could feel my anger rising, a burning sensation in the pit of my stomach as it became more evident that something fishy was going on.“Sir Villarreal, how may I be of assistance to you today?”“I want you to locate Adam Hallowes! He needs to be located as soon as possible and explore every place and lead as quickly as you can! Once he has been tracked down, contact me immediately and let me know his whereabouts!”I ended
“A-alicia, how could you?”I slowly shake my head in disbelief, studying her face for any hint of guilt or regret. It's hard to believe that someone as kind and gentle as her could be capable of such a thing…Alicia was speechless as she looked at me, unsure of what to do. Her eyes widened in fear and shock by my sudden presence. I slowly glanced down at the phone that she dropped on the floor, remembering everything that had been said during her conversation with Leilani’s mother.All of her words were clear in my mind…“How could you?”Taking a deep breath in, I slowly made my way towards her and grabbed her shoulders. As I gazed at her, she avoided my gaze and refused to look me in the eye. My heart started to race as my mind was filled with different questions.I don't want to give attention to these ideas, but the words were loud and clear enough for me to directly accuse her. It's difficult for me to accept this. This is an uncomfortable sensation - like tiny needles prodding at