The Black Wind scandal was plastered across most of the headlines. Everywhere I looked, the story seemed to be the same. Some of the headlines were vicious, accusing me of being a gold digger, sinking low and a social climber. Scattered among these were pictures of Emerson proposing to me yesterday, and people were astonished. They couldn’t believe that Emerson, the father, had suddenly gotten engaged to his son's ex-wife. The speculation about the Blackwinds was everywhere.The rumours were going hard with the news about, ThE FATHER-IN-LAW AND HJS DAUGHTER-IN-LAW.Some articles focused on the scandal creating a rumour between Emerson and Eric, suggesting that the two of them had shared women in the past and they probably continued with this behaviour after Eric's marriage to me. One particularly outrageous headline read, "This doesn’t surprise us. We’ve always known they share women. Eric would bring them home, and he and his dad would have threesomes with these women." I was livi
Emerson chuckled as he pulled me back towards him on the bed. "We are not at war. There is no war going on," he said, his voice teasing.I frowned. "It feels like there is."" There is no war, okay? This is all in your head," he said gently, tapping his finger slowly on my forehead. "You see? No one is at war with you...""They are! Have you seen the news?""I’ve seen it," he replied with a shrug. "But you're the only one on this path for revenge. Whoever wrote this nonsense probably knows nothing about what's actually going on. I don't think they did this to start a war with you, it just happens to be a juicy headline."I shook my head. "But the rumours, the speculations… Saying that you're sharing women with Eric? It’s ridiculous!""Nonsense," he agreed, a smile on his lips."I know, right? I mean, there’s no way they could think that, right? And then all the stuff about us going behind Eric's back, it's… it's absurd!""It is absurd," Emerson said, still smiling. "People will say wh
Emerson sighed, looking at me, and there was some flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. I hated doing this, turning his idea down, he probably planned a whole day, but I was being practical. I didn’t even know where this sudden idea of a date came from.“Fine,” he said after a moment, his tone defeated. “You know what? Focus. On your revenge, focus on what you have to do. I... I just thought maybe you needed to relax, and have some fun. I thought maybe we could spend some time together. But it seems like you're not in the mood for that right now, so... whenever you change your mind, I'm here."I smiled, feeling a bit sad inside, I did want to spend time with him…. but I had to put on a brave face. “I understand, a lot. I just know that when I go back to work, with everything that’s been said... and knowing Eric, I have to be ready for it. We'll do it another time, maybe next weekend? After we get through this first week back at work.”He nodded, though there was still a hint of disap
Emerson's tongue moves with mine, our breaths mingling, and the kiss deepening. I open up to him, letting him lead, giving back just as much as I get. He pulls me closer with his hands on my waist as they wander towards my neck, pulling my hair to the side gently so he's able to take my mouth harder in his. Fingers threading through my hair like he’s gripping onto something fragile, pulling me closer to him so our bodies are touching. The pressure of his lips and the heat of him is magical. His hand is on my waist, massaging me, touching me, exploring me, sending a heat wave towards my core centre and I feel hot all over. My body reacts instinctively, one hand moving to his neck, holding him closer, the other sliding along his arm. I can feel my body shift, my desire cheering me on to climb onto him when suddenly….Crash!The sound is sharp, cutting all the sexual tension between us. We both freeze, our heads snapping towards the source. Madeline stands there, eyes wide and filled w
I got to the office early, as I usually did, though not as early as I had planned. A few people were already there. I smiled and waved, bringing back the old Mina, the one they all remembered. They greeted me back, but behind their tight, sarcastic smiles, I could see the judgment. They thought they knew everything, just because they had read a few articles about me in some magazines online. I took it in stride and walked into my office, shutting the door behind me.I started working on a document I had been working on before my leave. At exactly 8 o'clock, Eric walked in. His presence was unmistakable, and I could feel the air get charged immediately. I smiled brightly, expecting him to throw his first punch. He walked in with an air of confidence, his smile too big, too wide, too smug. There was a look in his eyes, one of triumph, that immediately put me on alert. He had something up his sleeve."Good morning, Eric. How may I help you?" I asked, keeping my voice professional, supp
The smugness on Eric's face faltered, and before he could find or gather something to say, I continued, "If you want to keep your job, I suggest you get out of my office and start working on the project I placed on your desk…..the one I’m sure you haven’t even touched yet. I am not doing your work for you anymore."I gave him a mocking smile, my voice filled with fake happiness and pleasantries. "I know you just got back from your honeymoon. Congrats on your wedding, by the way. But now it’s time to get back to work."I snapped my fingers twice. "Cha-cha, Eric. Please. Go. To. Work."His eyes widened in fury, his voice dripping with contempt as he spat, "Are you crazy or just stupid?"Unbothered, I calmly reached for the letter, handing it to him. "You might want to read this," I said, my tone as casual, calm and collected as ever. As Eric scanned the document, I could see the colour drain from his face. Whatever confidence he had walked in with was now evaporating, leaving him
I watched him Eric leave, a smirk playing on my lips as I leaned back in my chair, already knowing how this was going to end.I took my time, instructing my secretary and Wendy, the nosiest woman in the office, to start clearing out Eric’s belongings. Wendy, who had a talent for poking her head into everything, was all too eager to get involved. The two worked silently, putting Eric's things into boxes while moving my belongings into the corner office that had once been his. I sat in his chair, turning it around, letting my eyes watch over the view and admiring the space. As much as I knew this position came partly due to my relationship with Emerson, I also knew I had worked damn hard for it. I deserved this and I didn't care how I got it. I would have done the morally right thing by waiting for Eric to clear out his own office, but considering how he had treated me this morning, he didn't deserve it. Plus I knew he was going to make a fuss. As they continued setting up, I couldn't
Eric’s eyes shifted towards me, his eyes sharp, accusing and hostile. "You," he hissed, "humiliating me, using him against me!""Eric, you need to calm down," I said, trying to maintain composure as he began walking toward me. His movements were tense, deliberate. There was something dangerous in the way he carried himself, something that told me he wasn't thinking clearly and he might do something he would later regret."Eric, stop going after her," Emerson's voice interrupted, still controlled, but I could see a slight irritation or maybe fear in his eyesBut Eric wasn't listening. He was in too deep. "You're telling me you can't see through her? You can't see through what she's doing to you?" His voice rose with desperation. "She doesn't love you. She married you to hurt me!"Eric's voice cracked. Betrayal and disbelief in his words. "You are my father. I can't believe you're standing with this woman to get revenge on your own son, to hurt your own son." He pointed to himself, h
When we got to the company, I didn't know what I was expecting. Maybe a bunch of people waiting there for me, maybe people staring at me. But when we arrived, it was surprisingly calm.No paparazzi or media insight.caAs we stepped out of the car and went inside, I greeted the security guard. "Good morning," I said casually, waving at him. He gave a polite nod, almost like a bow, but I didn’t think much of it.We passed the two secretaries at the front desk. I was used to Diane—I used to talk to her a lot when I worked here. Just because I was now Emerson’s fiancée didn’t mean I’d suddenly start ignoring her. But when I stopped to say hello, their eyes widened in surprise. Diane and her colleague both looked startled, as though I’d done something completely unexpected.“Hi, Diane. How have you been?” I asked, ignoring their shocked expressions.“It’s… it’s going fine, Mrs Blackwind,” she stammered, her voice filled with both nervousness and formality.I frowned slightly. She’d never
“It will also be very good for us,” Emerson said, persuasive.“Good for us?” I repeated skeptically. “The only thing it will do is land us on the front page.”“Yes,” he admitted, nodding “but it could also land us on the front page for something good. I mean, think about it. People think you’re going after me for my money. Everyone knows you and Eric don’t get along. But imagine this: the four of us sitting at one table, having an amazing dinner, and everything going smoothly. It would send a message. People would see the Blackwind family getting along and wonder why they’ve been making so much noise and attacking you. It’s like we’d turn the narrative on its head.”I listened to his words, thinking them over. As much as I hated to admit it, it kind of made sense.“Huh,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him. “You came prepared, didn’t you? Ready to convince me to agree with this?”“Yes,” he said with a grin. “I was actually afraid you’d say no to the dinner because of the cameras and the
“I don’t know, Emerson,” I said, uncertain. “I mean, I don’t want you to lose the Flagler Corporation, I know how important they are for the Blackwind company, but I really don’t want to work with Eric.”Emerson leaned forward, calm and determined. “Don’t worry, Mina. You’re not just working with Eric. You’ll also be working with Tina's son, Trayson. It’ll be the three of you, so I’m sure everything is going to be fine and civil. Plus, Eric will behave if he knows someone else is in the group, someone new and someone he will want to impress. You know how he is—macho and full of pride. He knows Trayson will be handling his mother's company in the future, and since he stands to take charge of mine, he will want to establish a great image. He wouldn’t want Tina’s son thinking he’s taking advantage of you and seeming lazy”I folded my arms, my doubt still heavy.Emerson reached across the table, taking both my hands in his. His eyes met mine, trying to be reassuring. “Besides, you’re my f
I turned my attention back toward Emerson. “What do you mean you want me to go back to work at the company? I don’t understand. Are you saying you want me to go back to work at Blackwind?”“Yes,” he said firmly. “We need you back at the office. Do you think you could consider coming back?”I stared at him, completely bewildered. Why would they want me back? This had Eric written all over it. Everything about this situation screamed his name.I leaned forward, my brows furrowing. “Is this about Eric?”Emerson sighed heavily, rubbing his face with both hands before letting them fall onto the table. “I’m afraid so.”I froze, my heart sinking. “Please don’t tell me you fired him. Don’t tell me you fired Eric and now you’re asking me to take his position. Emerson, that’s going to cause so much havoc, so much trouble.” My voice quickened as I laid out my concerns. “I mean, all the drama we went through with the media and tabloids when people found out about us and our engagement? That won
We went downstairs to have breakfast. Emerson poured us both coffee and as we started eating, he said, “Mina, you remember when I told you I had to tell you something?”“Yeah, I remember. What is it?”“I actually need you to help me with something.”“Okay, what is it? Just tell me,” I said, leaning forward, curious.“It’s actually a very big ask,” he added, his tone serious.“It’s okay. What is it? There’s nothing big you can’t ask of me.” I gave him an encouraging smile as I poured some juice into my glass. “So, what is it?”“I need you to go back to the company,” he said, his words deliberate.I froze, staring at him. “What do you mean, go back to the company?”“I mean, I need you to come back to work at the company,” he said, holding my gaze.Clang.Before I could respond, the sudden sound of something crashing startled us. We turned toward the door leading to the kitchen and found Madeline standing there, her face pale as the breakfast tray she’d been carrying lay scattered on the
I was still coming down from my high, the adrenaline and warmth coursing through me, and I wanted to say something—anything. Before I could, his phone rang again."Sorry," he said, letting me go as he moved toward the phone and picked it up. His brow furrowed as he answered. "What's so urgent?" he asked, his tone clipped but controlled.As he listened to whoever was on the other end of the phone, I decided to get up. I headed into the bathroom for a long, cold shower, the rush of water grounding me. By the time I emerged, wrapped in a towel, he was still on the phone, pacing the room and giving instructions.I moved into the wardrobe, deciding to focus on myself. I applied oil to my skin, carefully following my skincare routine, and then picked out something light and comfortable for the day. As I worked, I couldn’t help but notice Emerson’s voice filtering through the wardrobe door, his tone steady but laced with authority. He was busy—too busy, it seemed, for us to spend any real
Thank you for making my day," Emmerson said, his voice soft and genuine as his eyes locked with mine, holding my gaze in a way that made my heart skip. He wasn’t just saying words; he was letting me feel them. He wanted me to understand, to truly grasp what he meant. And I did.I saw it in his expression, the sincerity in his tone. I understood him completely, and more than that, I believed him. Every single word.“This has turned out to be a very good day," he continued, his lips curving into a smile that felt like the sun breaking through clouds. "And I’m sure it’s going to be even better, all because of you." He paused as if searching for the perfect words to express himself. "Thank you.”I felt a warm flush in my chest at his appreciation. But then his expression shifted slightly, just enough to catch my attention. A shadow of something darker flickered in his eyes. "Because yesterday…" he trailed off,“Yesterday was a total disaster.” His shoulders tensed as he exhaled, shaking h
Mina"So, what do you think?" I asked Emerson, my voice steady, but my heart was pounding so hard it felt like the beats might echo through the room. Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. It was alive, alive and nervous because I had no idea what Emerson was thinking.What if I had made a massive mistake? What if this was too soon? What if all those beautiful days in Paris didn’t mean we were ready for this step? What if I had completely misread the signals?"Hmm," he finally said, his tone neutral as he walked past me, and then turned around.I couldn’t read his expression, only the broad line of his shoulders and the way he moved, deliberate but calm. He glanced around the room, his silence stretching until I couldn’t bear it any longer.He was standing there, the same unreadable look on his face.“Come on,” I said, my voice shaky but light, trying to mask my nerves. “What do you think? Just tell me. Give it to me straight.”“Um… it’s not bad,” he said, shrugging.“Not bad?” I repeated, my
"What do you want me to do? How do you want me to make this right?" I asked Tina, my voice steady but weary as I watched her and waited to hear what she had to say.“For starters, I want to see Mina,” she said, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.“That’s fine. She’ll be coming to work tomorrow, and the two of you can sit down and talk, whatever you want.” I offered.“No,” she interjected firmly. “I will be leaving tomorrow night. I want to have dinner with her before I leave.”“Tomorrow then,” I replied, nodding. “Not a problem. Do you want it to be just the two of you or would you want me there?”“No,” she said with a faint smile. “I’m in town, and I haven’t seen my friend in such a long time. Plus, I’m here with my son, and I want him to meet Mina before the two of them start working together.”“Okay. What do you propose?” I asked, trying to gauge her intent.“I want us to have a family dinner together, my family and yours” she declared. “I’ll come with my son. You come with M