Suzanne’s pov:The air in the house felt heavier than usual, thick with unspoken words and unanswered questions.Ever since Fiona’s name flashed on Dominic’s phone screen, the walls of our home had begun to feel like a cage.I needed to get out.The silence between Dominic and me had become unbearable. The more I tried to make sense of things, the more my mind spiralled into chaos.I refused to sit around waiting for an explanation that might never come. I needed air, space, and someone who wasn’t Dominic to talk to.I grabbed my coat and sent a quick message to Stella, asking if she was free. Her response was instant.“Meet me at our usual spot.”I exhaled in relief. At least one thing in my life still felt stable.As I stepped out onto the street, the chill of the evening air bit at my skin.I pulled my coat tighter around me, trying to shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in my stomach. Something felt... off.It started as a prickling at the back of my neck, an awareness I cou
Dominic’s pov:The silence between us had become unbearable, thick with tension neither of us wanted to break.Suzanne had been distant, colder than she had ever been. I had to do something. Anything.That’s why I was taking her away…I found her in the sitting room, absently flipping through a magazine she wasn’t actually reading.She looked up when I entered, her expression blank, as if she had already decided she wouldn’t care about whatever I was about to say.“We’re leaving tomorrow,” I announced, getting straight to the point.She raised an eyebrow. “Leaving?”“Yes. You and I. A vacation.”She scoffed, tossing the magazine onto the table. “You think a vacation is going to fix everything?”“I think we need time away from all this,” I countered. “Somewhere private. Just us.”She let out a humourless laugh, standing up. “Where?”“A private island.”She stared at me for a long moment, her arms crossed. “And you decided this without asking me?”“I wasn’t going to give you the chance
Dominic’s pov:A stewardess greeted us with a warm smile, but Suzanne barely acknowledged her before sinking into a seat by the window.I took the seat opposite her, stretching out, watching her. She was angry. No, beyond angry, this was a quiet storm brewing beneath the surface. I needed to fix this. But how do you fix something when the other person won’t even tell you what’s broken?The jet took off, the soft vibrations running through the cabin. I poured myself a drink, letting the amber liquid swirl in the glass.“You’re really not going to talk to me?” I asked, finally breaking the silence.Suzanne’s fingers tightened around the armrest, her lips pressing into a thin line. Still, she said nothing.I sighed, setting my glass down. “Suzanne, we can’t keep doing this.”She turned her head slightly, just enough for me to see the flicker of something in her eyes, hurt, confusion, anger, but she looked away just as quickly.“Tell me what you want,” I pressed. “You want answers? You w
Suzanne’s pov:Paris at night was like a dream. A dangerous, beautiful dream I wasn’t sure I wanted to wake up from.After dinner, Dominic led me through more winding streets, past street performers, artists, and charming little shops.The cool night air carried the scent of fresh bread and coffee, mingling with the distant hum of music. It was enchanting and intoxicating, and against my better judgment, I let myself enjoy it.We stopped at a riverside bookstall, where I ran my fingers over the spines of old French novels, their pages yellowed with time. Dominic picked one up, flipping through it before handing it to me.“You read French?” he asked, his tone teasing.“A little,” I admitted, taking the book from him. “I studied it in college, but I’m rusty.”“Then you’ll have to practice.”Before I could protest, he bought the book and placed it in my hands. I sighed, shaking my head at him, but I couldn’t fight the warmth spreading through me.Next, we found ourselves at a small carou
Suzanne’s pov:As we taxied to a stop, a convoy of sleek black SUVs lined the runway, their polished exteriors gleaming under the golden hues of the setting sun.The moment the cabin door opened, warm, salty air rushed in, carrying the unmistakable scent of the ocean.It wrapped around me like a whisper of things to come, undeniably beautiful. Dominic unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to me with that same unreadable expression. “Ready?”I wasn’t sure what I was ready for, but I nodded anyway. Because whether I liked it or not, I was already on this journey with him.As we descended the stairs, my heels clicked softly against the steps, but my mind was louder than ever.My heart pounded in sync with the rhythmic crash of the waves in the distance.The convoy of SUVs stood waiting, doors already open, as if every step of this journey had been perfectly choreographed.A man in a crisp black suit gave a slight nod to Dominic before gesturing for us to enter the vehicle.Dominic barely ac
Suzanne’s pov:The villa was unlike anything I had ever seen. It wasn’t just luxurious, it was intimate. A place designed for escape, not just opulence.Soft golden lights illuminated the grand space, highlighting the breathtaking architecture of smooth white walls, vaulted ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that opened up to an endless view of the ocean.The sound of the waves was a steady, rhythmic whisper, making it all feel like some kind of enchanted dream.A staff member guided me to my suite, her polite smile barely concealing how well-trained she was to remain professional in a place like this. As she opened the doors, my breath caught in my throat.It was magnificent.The room was massive, yet it felt warm. A large four-poster bed with sheer white drapes stood in the centre, positioned so that the first thing I would see in the morning was the ocean.Soft ambient lighting bathed everything in a golden glow. A private balcony stretched out beyond the glass doors, the salty
Suzanne’s pov:The morning sunlight streamed through the massive glass windows of my suite, casting golden streaks across the lavish room.The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore was almost hypnotic, luring me outside. After tossing and turning all night, haunted by the way Dominic had looked at me during dinner, the fresh ocean air seemed like the only thing that could clear my mind.I stepped toward the grand wardrobe, running my fingers over the smooth handles before pulling it open.I trailed my fingers over the exquisite pieces, my mind flickering back to the boutique in Paris.He had made sure I’d have everything I could possibly need, down to the perfect fit of every outfit. A shiver ran down my spine, a strange mix of awe and something deeper, something I wasn’t ready to name.Pushing the thought aside, I reached for a red bikini with a sheer cover-up. It was bold, striking, and undeniably tempting. The way the fabric hugged my curves made my pulse quicken. This wasn’
Suzanne’s pov:The sun hung high in the sky as Dominic and I boarded a sleek private boat, its white exterior gleaming under the golden rays.The sea was a dazzling blue, stretching infinitely, the waves gentle yet commanding as they lapped against the hull. The breeze played with my hair, whipping loose strands around my face, but I didn’t care.Every direction I turned, there was something breathtaking to see, the lush greenery of the island’s untouched forests, the secluded waterfalls tumbling into hidden pools, the pristine coves carved by nature’s patient hands.It felt like a dream.I lifted my camera and started taking pictures.I wanted to capture every moment, every stunning view. But every time I lowered the lens, I caught Dominic watching me. Not the scenery. Me.His gaze was unreadable, and intense, like he was memorizing me instead of the paradise around us.It made my pulse race, but I refused to acknowledge it.The staff had arranged for stops at various locations, an
Dominic’s pov:I didn’t realize how long I’d been sitting in that chair.The office was dark now, painted in shadows, the only light spilling in from the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.The once-busy hum of staff had long since faded.Phones stopped ringing. Emails went unanswered. Even the steady ticking of the antique clock on the wall felt like it was echoing louder than it should.I hadn’t moved since the ruling.My fingers were still clenched around the edge of the armrest, knuckles bleached white. I felt detached from my body, like I was a ghost hovering above myself, watching the slow unravelling of a man who’d never been allowed to lose before.My heartbeat thudded in my ears like war drums, but everything else was quiet.Too quiet.The courtroom played like a reel in my mind, frame by brutal frame.Linda’s entrance is like a queen returning to a throne that never belonged to her.The judge was already in her pocket.The smug politicians, their loyalty boug
Dominic’s pov:The courtroom wasn’t unfamiliar to meI’d been in and out of them for years, lawsuits, zoning battles, acquisition disputes.But this one was different. This wasn’t about money, or concrete, or blueprints.This was personal!!!I walked in, flanked by Peter Black and Ford.The weight of tailored silence followed me.My presence was enough to make heads turn and mouths shut. Cameras lined the marble corridor outside. Linda wanted the media circus. She wanted the public eye. She was probably somewhere smiling already.My eyes scanned the room.She was already seated, radiant in a navy pantsuit that hugged her curves like sin, her golden hair pinned in a deliberately messy chignon that made her look effortlessly powerful.Her lips curled when our gazes locked like this was a game and she had the upper hand.I didn’t blink. I didn’t give her the satisfaction of a smirk or a glare.The judge entered, an aging man named Harold R. Linley.I’d met him years ago. Back then, he w
Dominic’s pov: The envelope wasn’t hand-delivered. That would’ve been too loud. Too messy. Too traceable.Instead, it came folded in thick ivory paper, nestled inside a black leather folder and passed to me by Desmond, who looked as if he’d seen a ghost.“It’s from her,” he said grimly. “Linda.”I took it. No expression. No words. The weight of it was heavier than the folder itself.I cracked it open, my hands steady even as my heart slammed against my ribs.A formal letterhead. A lawyer’s name I recognized was Greaves & Hanley. One of the most vicious corporate litigation firms on the East Coast.I scanned the first page. Then the second. My jaw tightened with every line.She was filing for administrative control over Khan Architectural.Citing “neglect of fiduciary duties,” “executive mismanagement,” and “shareholder endangerment.”Bullshit. Crafted, polished, and loaded with legal jargon, but still bullshit.Desmond was already pacing behind me. “She’s aiming for a hostile takeo
Linda’s pov:The rooftop bar was empty, private, exclusive, and overlooking the glowing skyline.The kind of place reserved for power plays and whispered betrayals.A steady wind tugged at my silk coat as I crossed the deck toward Tavon, who sat alone in the corner booth with a glass of whiskey in hand like a man planning a revolution.I didn’t sit immediately.I stood at the railing, overlooking the city as if it were mine to command.In a way, it still was. These buildings, these men, these stories? I’d been part of their foundations long before they started pretending I didn’t matter.“Took you long enough,” Tavon muttered, not even glancing up.I finally turned, sliding into the seat across from him like I owned the night. “I had to make sure I wasn’t followed. Dominic’s hounds are everywhere these days.”He smirked. “That’s because he knows someone’s playing chess with his life. I crossed my legs, fingers toying with the gold chain at my throat. “He will soon.”“What’s this meet
Dominic’s pov:The conference room was silent, eerily so.The only sound was the soft hum of the AC and the occasional click of Desmond’s fingers flying across his laptop as he mirrored the contents of the flash drive onto the secure screen.Everyone watched the black window flicker to life, revealing what looked like simple folders. Just names. Some were labelled “Suzanne.” Others, “Dominic K” One was marked Contract in bold.My jaw clenched.Desmond’s eyes narrowed. “Something’s wrong.”Ford stood from the corner, arms folded. “It’s too clean. Too organized. This wasn’t put together by Linda.”Desmond nodded slowly, fingers halting over the keys. “It’s a decoy.”I stepped forward. “Open it.”“I’m not sure that’s a good—”“Do it,” I ordered. My voice echoed in the room, hard as steel.He clicked.At first, the folder opened like a normal file.A few documents popped up, screenshots, edited contracts, and old bank records that meant nothing. But then Desmond’s entire screen flickered
Dominic’s pov:The boardroom was filled with chatter, screens glowing as Ford gave his report. I sat at the head of the table, my gaze unreadable, jaw tight, arms crossed.The room buzzed with low voices, papers rustling as updates rolled out, but my mind wasn’t fully in it.Not after the message Desmond forwarded earlier this morning, an anonymous tip about a possible breach in our private server.I’d already ordered the team to trace the source. My gut told me it wasn’t random, not with how quiet Tavon had been lately.And Suzanne… the way she looked last night, wrapped in my sheets, clinging to sleep like it was her only safe place… I couldn’t get it out of my head.She hadn’t said much this morning, but her eyes said everything. She needed peace. And I would burn the whole world to give it to her.“Dominic?” Ford asked, catching my attention.I blinked once. “Continue.”The glass windows overlooking the city reflected a pristine skyline, one I had built, piece by piece. Brick by
Suzanne’s pov:I was curled up in the armchair beside the balcony doors, one of Dominic’s throw blankets wrapped around my shoulders… The soft rumble of distant waves rolled through the partially opened doors, the morning sun casting faint golden streaks across the marble floors.I wasn’t reading. I wasn’t scrolling. I was just… sitting. Letting the quiet be enough.Everything about last night still lingered, his hands, his breath, the way he looked at me like I was the only thing in the world that made sense.After everything that had shattered between us, something felt stitched back together, like some part of me that had gone numb was warm again.Still fragile, still trembling at the edges, but healing.My fingers traced slow circles over the fabric on my lap.I hadn’t spoken to Dominic yet this morning.He’d gone to handle some business, or so he’d said when he left our bed at dawn.But he didn’t leave like a man escaping. He kissed my forehead, tucked the blanket around me, a
Tavon’s pov:The text had come at dawn. No name. Just a number I hadn't seen in months. But I knew that tone. Sharp. Calculated. Dangerous.“We both know how much your pride matters. But if you don’t pick up my call, I’ll send your precious videos to your mother first. Then your church group.”Fiona.I stared at the message for a full minute, my mind still foggy from the restless night before.The audacity. She really had the nerve to crawl back from whatever cave she’d vanished into, after ruining everything and leaving me like a fool.I let the phone ring twice when she finally called. Just to let her wait.Then I answered. “You got some balls, showing up now.”Her voice came in cool, unbothered. “You always did like my balls better than your own.”I chuckled bitterly. “Still a bitch, I see.”“And you’re still a fool. So nothing’s changed.” She didn’t laugh. “But let’s not waste time with banter. You know why I’m calling.”I slumped deeper into the leather seat of my rented apartme
Dominic’s pov:The morning light seeped through the curtains like a silent witness to the night before. Golden slivers danced across the sheets, casting faint shadows over the woman lying beside me.Suzanne.Her breathing was soft, steady—peaceful in a way I hadn’t seen in a long time. Her lashes fluttered slightly, lost in whatever world sleep had drawn her into.I sat up slowly, careful not to wake her. My hand braced against the mattress, muscles tensing as I watched her for a long moment. There was something sacred about this quiet. A rare pause in the chaos.But peace had never been mine to keep.I brushed a thumb across her cheek, lingering just long enough to memorize the softness there. And then I rose from the bed. The cold air met my skin like a jolt back to reality, to everything I’d tried to bury in the heat of last night.Tavon.That bastard’s voice still echoed in my head. “Let’s see how loyal he stays when he sees the real you…”I clenched my jaw, grabbing a clean s