ChristianI carried Bernice back to her room, her body seeming so fragile and light in my arms. The events of the night weighed heavily on my mind as I gently laid her on the bed, carefully arranging the pillows to make her more comfortable.I couldn't shake the guilt and anger that coursed through me - guilt that I hadn't been there to protect her sooner, and anger at the monster who had dared to lay a hand on her.As I pulled the covers over her trembling form, Bernice's eyes fluttered open, her normally vibrant gaze hazy and unfocused. "Christian," she mumbled, her hand reaching out clumsily to grasp mine. "Please... don't leave me."The raw vulnerability in her voice tore at my heart. I sat down on the edge of the bed, my free hand instinctively moving to brush a stray lock of hair from her flushed face. "I'm here, Bernice. I'm not going anywhere," I reassured her softly, my thumb tracing soothing circles on her palm. "You're safe now."But Bernice was insistent, pulling herself u
FedIn my office, the air felt thick, almost suffocating, as I tapped my fingers against the smooth surface of the desk. The glow from the digital clock kept reminding me that I might not have much time left.Christian Miller’s focus on the company's finances was more than an inconvenience. He threatened to unravel everything I had carefully built.This man was a thorn in my side, his impeccable reputation and infuriatingly clean record left me no angle to exploit. He was one step too close to the secrets I had buried deep within Miller Corporation’s financial ledgers. If he dug any deeper, I could lose everything.As these dreadful thoughts circled in my mind, the door to my office clicked shut.It is Melissa. I smiled.This little minx was a welcome distraction. Thus, I indulged her antics. She entered without a word, locked the door behind her, and a sly smile played across her lips.She shed her coat, revealing the revealing outfit beneath—tight, lacy, and black, barely there. Mel
BerniceI woke up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest as the sound of fierce knocking echoed through the room. Disoriented and on edge, I scanned my surroundings, realizing that I was alone. The events of the previous night came rushing back, and I shuddered at the memory of the horror I had endured.Cautiously, I made my way to the door, peering through the peephole. My stomach dropped as I saw Fed's face, twisted with anger and impatience.I considered ignoring him, hoping he would give up and leave, but his incessant pounding and shouting of my name made it clear that he wouldn't be deterred so easily. With a heavy sigh, I opened the door, keeping my body firmly planted in the doorway."What brings you here, Fed?" I asked, my voice was cold and flat.Instead of responding, Fed roughly pushed past me, nearly knocking me off balance as he stormed into my room. I stumbled backward, catching myself on the edge of the dresser."What the hell do you think you're doing?" I demande
BerniceThe sunlight filtering through the curtains felt too bright, too harsh for me. Christian stood there, unexpected, like a mirage that I feared would vanish if I blinked."Christian…" My voice sound calm with my feigned composure.He closed the door quietly behind him. His eyes searching mine that made my heart race."Has anyone been here? Fed Miller?" He walked over and sat down beside me on the plush carpet.I nodded slightly.For a few second Christian said nothing. His eyes didn't leave mine."Bernice, I am sorry to leave your alone with him. Are you okay?" His voice was filled with genuine concern. He easily broke the fragile dam I had built around my emotions.I didn't say anything. A sudden lump come to my throat when he looked at that. It's like he is seeing something in me. Something shameful. Something vulnerable.He just pulled me into his embrace, his arms strong around me. "Bernice. It’s okay to be scared," he murmured, his breath warm against my hair. "I want you k
BerniceMy eyelids fluttered open, the harsh fluorescent lights causing me to squint against the jarring brightness. My senses slowly recalibrated. I became aware of the steady beeps and gentle mechanical whirs surrounding my hospital bed. A curved monitor displayed my vitals in soothing pulses of green light.Right. I am in hospital. Charistian sent me here.I shift my head minutely on the scratchy pillow. A plastic tug of an IV line trailed up from the back of my hand to a bag hung bedside. Relief washed over me as I inhaled the air. The feverish heat and lancing pains are gone now.My parched lips parted as I unconsciously swiped my tongue across them. That's when my gaze landed on the side table where a glass of water there. And a note."Drink it. I'll be back soon. -C"I smiled. And I refold it. For some reason I didn't want to throw it away.My disheveled phone sat beside Christian's note. The lock screen alight. I took it and found a barrage of notifications. My chest warmed as
BerniceI collapsed onto Cathy's plush couch with a dramatic sigh.Cathy handed me a glass of wine with a sympathetic smile. "Alright, girl, spill. What's happened?"I took a big sip, savoring the rich merlot. "Well. Before that evening party, everything was fine."Cathy cooed. I continued, "I'm feeling a little tired. So I went to my room early. I thought he was just a warmhearted waiter. But it turns out he's some kinda violent psychopath.""Nahh." Cathy shook her head. "Be careful of all solicitous men.""Guess I should've listened to you." I managed a weak smile, squeezing her fingers. "But in the end I didn't let him really hurt me.""Did he come for you, Bernie?" Cathy snorted.I swirled the wine, pondering. "Actually, yes. Cat. He's crafty. If it hadn't been for Christian, he might have been...""Ooh, Christian! Your hot boss and your brother in law." Cathy waggled her eyebrows,"What role did he play in this?""He helped me. A lot. That's all." I said, talking fast.Cathy rolle
BerniceMy mind racing as I recalled the devastating downfall of Stephen Corporation in my previous life. The memories were still vivid, etched into my mind like a painful scar.Stephen Corporation, my family's company, had been in fierce competition with Miller Corporation for a government-issued urban renovation project. Stephen Corporation's technical expertise had given us the edge, and we secured the contract. I remember the pride on my father's face when we won. Little did we know, it was the beginning of the end.Construction had barely begun when go
BerniceI closed the door firmly behind me. I'm still thinking about Melissa's words. Her wild accusations echoed. We owed her everything. She deserved everything. Melissa's paranoid thoughts make me feel bad. I took a deep breath. I wouldn't let her get to me. Not after everything she had put me through.My thoughts drifted to EcoBuild, the company that seemed to be yet another piece in the puzzle. Fed, Melissa, the mysterious Benjamin I had yet to meet, and now EcoBuild. They were all connected somehow. I could feel it in my bones. The idea of unraveling this tangled web both thrilled and terrified me. But I knew I had the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead.Just as I was about to office, my phone buzzed with an incoming call from Fed. I sighed, steeling myself before answering. "Fed?""Get to my office. Now." His voice was sharp, demanding, as usual.I rolled my eyes but made my way through the Fed's office, mentally preparing myself for another round of Fed's self-cent
BerniceThe gentle sea breeze ruffled my hair as I stood on the balcony of our Hamptons beach house, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Ten years had passed since that first charity gala, a decade filled with more love, laughter, and fulfillment than I could have ever imagined."Penny for your thoughts?" Christian's voice came from behind me, as familiar and comforting as ever.I turned, smiling as he handed me a glass of wine. "Just reflecting. It's hard to believe it's been ten years."Christian nodded, leaning against the railing beside me. "Ten amazing years. And you know what? I have a feeling the best is still to come."As if on cue, the sound of children's laughter floated up from the beach below. I looked down to see Hope, now fourteen, chasing her younger siblings, seven-year-old Ethan and five-year-old Olivia, through the surf. Melissa and Alex's twins, eight-year-old Sophie and Lucas, were building an elaborate sandcastle nearby."Should we call them in for dinner?" I
BerniceThe grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel buzzed with excitement as New York's elite mingled, their designer gowns and tuxedos glittering under the chandeliers. I smoothed down the front of my own gown - a midnight blue creation that Cathy had insisted I wear - and scanned the room, making sure everything was in place for our charity gala."Relax, Bernie," Christian murmured in my ear, his hand warm on the small of my back. "Everything looks perfect."I turned to him, drinking in the sight of him in his tuxedo. Even after all these years, he still took my breath away. "I know, I know. I just want tonight to be perfect. We've worked so hard on this."Christian smiled, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "It will be perfect. The Edward Hamilton Foundation's first major fundraiser - how could it be anything but?"I nodded, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. We had spent months planning this gala, bringing together all our friends and family to support the foundation's mission of
BerniceThe soft spring breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers through Central Park as I watched Melissa and Alex stroll hand in hand ahead of me. Christian walked beside me, pushing Hope's stroller as our daughter babbled happily, pointing at the colorful tulips lining the path."They look happy," I murmured to Christian, nodding towards Melissa and Alex.Christian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "They do. It's nice to see Melissa like this, isn't it? So carefree and content."I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. After everything Melissa had been through, seeing her find happiness with Alex felt like a small miracle.As we approached the Bethesda Fountain, I noticed Alex becoming increasingly fidgety. He kept reaching into his pocket, his face a mix of nervousness and excitement. I nudged Christian, raising an eyebrow in silent question. He nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips."You knew, didn't you?" I whispered accusingly.Christian shrugged,
BerniceThe shrill ring of my phone pierced through the peaceful silence of our bedroom at an ungodly hour. I fumbled for it, nearly knocking over the lamp in my sleep-addled state."Hello?" I mumbled, squinting at the too-bright screen."BERNICE!" Cathy's voice exploded through the speaker, causing me to jerk the phone away from my ear. "I need you! It's an emergency! "I sat up, instantly alert. "Cathy? What's wrong? Is Lily okay?""Lily? Oh, she's fine. Sleeping like an angel, the little traitor," Cathy huffed. "No, it's much worse. I'm filing for divorce!"I blinked, trying to process this information. "Divorce?! Cathy, what are you talking about?""I'm leaving Taylor!" she wailed dramatically. "I can't take it anymore, Bernie. He's driving me insane! Do you know what he did?""What did he do?" I asked cautiously, already suspecting this was going to be something ridiculous."He left his socks on the floor. AGAIN!" Cathy's voice rose to a pitch that I'm sure only dogs could hear.
BerniceThe familiar New York skyline greeted us as our car wound its way through the city streets. After the rugged beauty of Scotland, the urban landscape felt both jarring and comforting. Hope was fast asleep in her car seat, her new stuffed highland cow clutched tightly to her chest."Home sweet home," Christian murmured, his hand finding mine in the space between us.As we pulled up to our building, I saw the doorman, George, step forward to help with our luggage. His familiar face broke into a warm smile as he saw us."Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Miller," he said, opening the car door. "How was your trip?""Wonderful, George, thank you," Christian replied, carefully lifting the still-sleeping Hope from her car seat. "But it's good to be home."I followed them into the building, my mind already racing with all the things we needed to do. Unpack, sort through mail, check in with work... The list seemed endless.As we entered our apartment, the silence enveloped us. After the bustle
BerniceThe early morning sun streamed through the windows of our Paris apartment, casting a golden glow over the scattered suitcases and travel documents strewn across the bed. I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my blouse and taking a deep breath. Today was the day we'd been planning for weeks - our family trip to Scotland, to Christian's ancestral home."Mama! Mama!" Hope's excited voice preceded her as she toddled into the room, her little arms outstretched. I scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her chubby cheek."Are you ready for our big adventure, sweetheart?" I asked, smoothing down her unruly curls.Hope nodded enthusiastically. "See sheep!" she declared, her face lighting up with joy.I laughed, remembering the picture books of Scotland we'd been reading to her. "That's right, we're going to see lots of sheep. And castles, and lochs, and maybe even a highland cow or two."Christian appeared in the doorway, looking handsome in a casual sweater and jeans. The pendant I'd
BerniceThe soft glow of my desk lamp cast shadows across the scattered sketches and gemstones before me. It was well past midnight, but sleep eluded me. I was searching for a way to help Christian through his mourning.I picked up a rough sapphire, turning it over in my palm. Its deep blue reminded me of Edward's eyes, always twinkling with mischief and kindness. An idea began to form in my mind, a way to capture a piece of Edward's spirit in something tangible that Christian could carry with him.With renewed energy, I began to sketch. The design took shape under my pencil - a simple yet elegant pendant. A teardrop-shaped sapphire, surrounded by a delicate filigree of white gold, designed to look like the intertwining branches of a family tree. At the base of the pendant, almost hidden within the metalwork, I planned to engrave Edward's initials and the coordinates of his favorite spot in Paris - a bench in the Jardin des Tuileries where he used to take Christian as a boy.As the fi
BerniceIt was a moment of pure magic, tinged with the bittersweet knowledge that it might be one of Edward's last.The night stretched on, marked by Edward's labored breathing and occasional coughs. His skin had taken on a grayish pallor, and his cheeks seemed more sunken than ever. Every so often, his eyes would flutter open, unfocused and glassy, before closing again.Dr. Fournier entered the room for what felt like the hundredth time that night. He checked Edward's vitals with practiced efficiency, his brow furrowing as he noted the dropping blood pressure and weakening pulse. "We've increased his morphine dosage," he murmured to Christian. "He shouldn't be in any pain now."Edward's fingers twitched sporadically against the bedsheet, and his breathing became more irregular - sometimes rapid and shallow, then pausing for long, terrifying moments before resuming. The oxygen mask fogged rhythmically with each exhale, a visual reminder of his continuing fight.As dawn approached, Edw
BerniceChristian rushed in, followed closely by Dr. Fournier. For the next few minutes, the room was a flurry of activity as the doctor checked Edward's vitals and responses.Slowly, miraculously, Edward's eyes fluttered open. They were unfocused at first, but then they found Christian's face."Chris... Christian," he rasped, his voice barely audible around the breathing tube.Christian's face broke into a smile, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I'm here, Grandfather. I'm right here."Dr. Fournier quickly removed the breathing tube, replacing it with an oxygen mask. "Mr. Hamilton," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Try not to speak too much. You've been through quite an ordeal."Edward nodded weakly, his eyes never leaving Christian's face. He lifted a shaky hand, which Christian immediately grasped."I'm sorry," Edward whispered. "I'm so sorry."Christian frowned, confused. "Sorry? Grandfather, you have nothing to be sorry for. You're going to be okay. You're going to get better