“You look stunning, my lady,” Celine beams from beside me, seemingly more excited about my outfit than I am. The young girl has a peculiar way of speaking, like she has spent most of her time among royalty, but I could tell from her calloused hands as she applies the finishing touches on my makeup that she was raised in a harsh world.I look down at my own hands, hands that had once slaved in hard labor. Now, they look smooth and spotless, but I know very well what these hands have gone through.“Thank you, Celine,” I smile at her, meeting her bright eyes through the dressing mirror.“You're welcome, my lady. I'll go inform the chauffeur that you're ready to leave,” the young girl says, offering a small curtsey bow before heading for the exit.Once she's gone, I let my gaze sweep my reflection. I am dressed in a tailored, navy blue pantsuit that speaks volumes of understated elegance and professionalism.The blazer is cut to perfection, fitting snugly around my shoulders and cinched sl
After Anderson's declaration, he wordlessly turned to me, ignoring the pointed stares everyone threw our way as he grabs my wrist and ushers me away from the set.“Anderson,” I called after him, almost tripping on my own feet as I struggled to keep up with his pace. But still, he doesn't stop, not even bothering to look my way.I looked around us, the whispers getting louder as we passed a few employees on our way out.This was bad; the news of our marriage was supposed to remain private. It would have served me better if everyone in the office didn't know I was the boss's wife, especially when I wasn't really his wife.Now I'm sure the news will soon spread like wildfire. I had caught sight of a few employees taking pictures and videos of the dramatic scene on sight. I predicted it would surface on the internet, gaining thousands of views and putting me in the hot spotlight.I internally cringed at the thought of my face appearing on blog posts. It was already hard coming to terms wit
“So you're the wife huh?” my brows furrowed in confusion as our impromptu guest casually approached me, eyeing me from head to toe with childlike curiosity shining in his eyes. But then, Anderson steps forward, protectively standing in front of me. Both males faced off, silently staring at each other as if to pass a secret message. “Hmm?” The stranger named Daniel arched a brow as he observed Anderson's reaction, rocking back and forth on the heels of his shoes as his lips split into a mischievous grin. “Ah, forgive my manners.” He shakes his head, his expression shifting to one of remorse as he glances between me and Anderson. “My name is Daniel Ross.” He starts, looking over Anderson's shoulder to meet my wary gaze. “I'm Anderson's beloved Best Frie–” “Business associate.” Anderson cuts in, giving Daniel a stern glare which he returns with a nonchalant eye roll. “You really gonna do me like that?” Daniel says to Anderson, taking a step back as his hands clawed at his chest. His
“Never thought I would see the day this damn rascal would settle down.” The old man I now know as Mr. Dardan says as he looks between me and Anderson.He'd taken the pleasure of giving me a detailed narration of how Anderson always dropped by at his shop during his teenage years, emphasizing the part where he always came with a new girl at his side.Now we sat in a secluded section of the shop, although it was small, the ambiance of the building was homey and lively. The walls were adorned with colorful murals of ice cream cones, whimsical unicorns, and playful fairies, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a wonderland. The shop was perfectly suited for children, so why would a man like Anderson come here of all places?Mr Dardan was a short man with a hunchback. His gray hair was cut short, and neatly combed, and his squinted eyes made it hard for me to see the color of his eyes. When he smiled, the corners of his eyes would crinkle like folded paper, but that was by far the only wr
Mornings in the Shield mansion were very quiet, just like every other day. The sun would peak over the horizon, its subtle rays scattering across the pool. The cleaners would do the morning chores at the break of dawn, under the guidance of Celine who made sure everything was in perfect order. The next agenda was breakfast, which consisted of the finest cuisines made by a five-star chef.The chef was a middle-aged man named Anthony, and his skill and dedication were evident in the mouth-watering taste of his food. But today, Celine informed me that he'd fallen ill with a minor cold, and wouldn't be able to cook. She also said that he would be granted a one-week leave to recoveNow I stood in the kitchen, pulling my hair into a simple ponytail as I examined the ingredients laid out before me. Celine had expressed her worries, suggesting that we order food from a restaurant for the time being, but I decided to take up the role of the chef myself.“Are you sure my lady?” Celine skeptical
I knew Laura Shield to be a woman of few words. Her commanding presence spoke volumes, and the way she carried herself effortlessly hinted at her expertise in the field of business. She was the type of woman men feared, intimidated by her power, beauty, and intelligence. But alas, one man remained immune to all of this, and that was her younger brother.“Not that I'm not glad to see you..” Anderson entered the living room, Celine trailing behind him. He took a seat beside me on the sofa, giving way for Celine who silently served us freshly brewed chamomile tea. “But would you give a little heads up when next you come over?”I was the only one who bothered to thank Celine, and she appreciated me with a small nod.I glanced at Anderson, noting that he was now wearing a plain t-shirt. I shift my attention to the tray of tea on the center table, tracing the intricate design of vines and petals that decorated the tea cups. I didn't even ask her to prepare refreshments, trust Celine to alwa
THIRD PERSON POV“Just one kiss.”“Anderson unlock the door.”“On the cheek? Pretty please?”Briana heaved out an exasperated sigh, while Anderson looked up at her expectantly, his eyes shining with plea. Anderson thought of himself as a genius. They’d just arrived at the office after a long morning, and just when Briana was about to bolt out of the car, he’d locked the door just in time.He was determined not to let her go without receiving a kiss.“Come on baby.” he urged her, but she was stubborn as a bull. Briana narrowed her eyes at him, silently regretting why she’d allowed him to drop her off at work.In the end, she couldn’t make breakfast. After Laura’s impromptu visit, she’d received an urgent call from Elise. The shoot for today was rescheduled earlier than before, and now she was running late. But all reason seemed to pass over her husband's ears, as he only cared about receiving a kiss.“We’re in public.” came her flimsy excuse, even when she knew that he had parked in a p
Briana didn’t know how to feel about Daniel’s appearance, especially when everyone else was fawning over him. After his brief introduction, he announced that he’d arranged a breakfast buffet for the staff and the workers on set, instantly winning their favor.“He’s so thoughtful.” Elise let out a dreamy sigh, her hands resting on her chest as she looked over to where Daniel stood, engaged in a hearty conversation with the director. “And handsome too. Very handsome.” This was the third time Elise had complimented his looks in the last five minutes.“He could pass for an actor or a supermodel,” she continued. Briana acknowledged her with a small nod, busy sorting out the clothes for the opening scene. She paused, taking a cursory glance at Daniel. Without a doubt, he was a sight for sore eyes, possessing a magnetic charm that added to his good looks. But as Briana eyed him silently, she couldn’t help but think that he was nowhere as handsome as Anderson.Startled by her thoughts, she wo
It was dark. Briana couldn't register anything else as she found herself in an unfamiliar place, the room was dead silent, and this only fueled her anxiety. The pungent smell of rotting wood stung her nostrils, probably from the old floorboards that creaked under her weight. She winced slightly as she tried to move, the rope that bound her wrists bit into her skin, leaving behind a burning sensation that would graduate into a bruise soon. Briana was strapped to her chair. Tight ropes ran across her body, looping around her ankles, torso, and arms to keep her in place. Thus, making any effort to escape useless. How long has it been since she was brought here? They had blindfolded her, and she couldn’t tell if night had fallen. Pathetic. Her whole situation was pathetic. Briana never thought herself to be lucky, neither had she ever relied on luck. But now she had no choice but to hope, begging for the god of luck to spare her this moment.Briana bit her bottom lip, her eyes squeezin
Anderson paused, and Briana unconsciously held her breath. She mentally scolded herself for speaking without thinking again.“Daniel told you?” It was more of a realization than a question. Anderson knew that he was the only one who could have told her, and that meant she was also aware of the NGO. Daniel, that idiot.Briana answers him with a small nod, afraid of blurting out something stupid again.Anderson heaved out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping as he looked over to the window. Meanwhile, Briana anxiously pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. She was beginning to regret what she said, and Anderson's silence only meant that she had overstepped.“You don't have to tell me if you don't want to.” She spoke up. Anderson faced her, but she couldn't meet his eyes.It took a moment before he replied. “I'll tell you.” Briana looked up at him expectantly, her lips parted in awe at his words. She couldn't explain why her heart skipped a beat. “But you'll have to shower first.” He ad
“Verona!---Arrgh! ” Anderson stilled as his chest burned. He collapsed onto his knees, mouth agape as his hand clutched his chest. His vision blurred, the sudden wave of pain weakening him.Fuck! He thought. Not now!Anderson gritted his teeth, taking rapid breaths. He screamed at his body to obey him, for his feet to work so he could save her! But he remained frozen.“Someone!” He yelled because that was all he could do at the moment. His heart throbbed, and a piercing pain shot through him as he did so, but he ignored it. “Anyone!”Answering his call, the crew members of the yacht rushed out and huddled around him. Anderson groaned, wanting to tell them that he wasn't the one in danger. His fingers shook violently as he forced his hand to move, pointing towards the sea.He tried to speak, but his eyes squeezed shut as the throbbing ache came once again, robbing him of his words.“Calm down sir.” One of the crew members tried to stabilize him, but Anderson paid no mind to them. He tr
Briana woke up with a splitting headache, cracking her eyes open and wincing as the morning sunlight kissed her face. She stirred, not fully awake, but her body felt heavier than a boulder, almost as if something was weighing her down. Exhausted, she decided to stay in bed, her arms tightening around her pillow. Briana sank her face into the soft material, her eyes fluttering closed. She inhaled, the faint yet alluring scent of lavender tingling her nostrils. Did Celine change the detergent used for the pillowcase? It usually smelled of lemon.And did her pillow always have a heartbeat?Briana’s brows furrowed as her hands groped the pillow.“That tickles.”She stilled as a familiar voice reached her ears. Her eyes shot open, her heart skipping a beat. Slowly, she glanced up, meeting the gaze of her husband.“Sleeping beauty awakes.” His voice was light and playful, sporting his signature amused smirk as he looked down at her. “Kinda disappointed that I didn’t get to kiss you first th
Earlier that day... Anderson arrived home, feeling the slight throbbing in his chest as he ventured into the estate. The mansion came into view up ahead, and his face brightened, his dreary expression replaced by one of excitement. He couldn't wait to see Verona. The doctor's appointment had taken longer than expected, and he was worn out from listening to the man nag about his health. He hated when people told him how to live his life. The doctor, his sister, and the media—he didn't care for their opinions, all except one person. Verona. Anderson didn’t mind when she scolded him; in fact, it made his aching heart flutter with joy. She would glare at him in the cutest way, her lips pulled into a tight pout. He laughed to himself as he remembered the rule she'd given him. It was a new side to her he'd never experienced, and he looked forward to seeing more of it. “She’s not home?” Anderson’s excitement was dampened the moment he arrived at the mansion. Celine shook her head in resp
Briana didn’t know how to feel about Daniel’s appearance, especially when everyone else was fawning over him. After his brief introduction, he announced that he’d arranged a breakfast buffet for the staff and the workers on set, instantly winning their favor.“He’s so thoughtful.” Elise let out a dreamy sigh, her hands resting on her chest as she looked over to where Daniel stood, engaged in a hearty conversation with the director. “And handsome too. Very handsome.” This was the third time Elise had complimented his looks in the last five minutes.“He could pass for an actor or a supermodel,” she continued. Briana acknowledged her with a small nod, busy sorting out the clothes for the opening scene. She paused, taking a cursory glance at Daniel. Without a doubt, he was a sight for sore eyes, possessing a magnetic charm that added to his good looks. But as Briana eyed him silently, she couldn’t help but think that he was nowhere as handsome as Anderson.Startled by her thoughts, she wo
THIRD PERSON POV“Just one kiss.”“Anderson unlock the door.”“On the cheek? Pretty please?”Briana heaved out an exasperated sigh, while Anderson looked up at her expectantly, his eyes shining with plea. Anderson thought of himself as a genius. They’d just arrived at the office after a long morning, and just when Briana was about to bolt out of the car, he’d locked the door just in time.He was determined not to let her go without receiving a kiss.“Come on baby.” he urged her, but she was stubborn as a bull. Briana narrowed her eyes at him, silently regretting why she’d allowed him to drop her off at work.In the end, she couldn’t make breakfast. After Laura’s impromptu visit, she’d received an urgent call from Elise. The shoot for today was rescheduled earlier than before, and now she was running late. But all reason seemed to pass over her husband's ears, as he only cared about receiving a kiss.“We’re in public.” came her flimsy excuse, even when she knew that he had parked in a p
I knew Laura Shield to be a woman of few words. Her commanding presence spoke volumes, and the way she carried herself effortlessly hinted at her expertise in the field of business. She was the type of woman men feared, intimidated by her power, beauty, and intelligence. But alas, one man remained immune to all of this, and that was her younger brother.“Not that I'm not glad to see you..” Anderson entered the living room, Celine trailing behind him. He took a seat beside me on the sofa, giving way for Celine who silently served us freshly brewed chamomile tea. “But would you give a little heads up when next you come over?”I was the only one who bothered to thank Celine, and she appreciated me with a small nod.I glanced at Anderson, noting that he was now wearing a plain t-shirt. I shift my attention to the tray of tea on the center table, tracing the intricate design of vines and petals that decorated the tea cups. I didn't even ask her to prepare refreshments, trust Celine to alwa
Mornings in the Shield mansion were very quiet, just like every other day. The sun would peak over the horizon, its subtle rays scattering across the pool. The cleaners would do the morning chores at the break of dawn, under the guidance of Celine who made sure everything was in perfect order. The next agenda was breakfast, which consisted of the finest cuisines made by a five-star chef.The chef was a middle-aged man named Anthony, and his skill and dedication were evident in the mouth-watering taste of his food. But today, Celine informed me that he'd fallen ill with a minor cold, and wouldn't be able to cook. She also said that he would be granted a one-week leave to recoveNow I stood in the kitchen, pulling my hair into a simple ponytail as I examined the ingredients laid out before me. Celine had expressed her worries, suggesting that we order food from a restaurant for the time being, but I decided to take up the role of the chef myself.“Are you sure my lady?” Celine skeptical