In my blur vision, I saw a shadow roaming around my room, too quietly, too carefully.BLINK … BLINKClearing my sight, I tried to sit up and followed the shadow thinking it was Derek but as I reached the closet, I heard a loud THUDI paused, my stuff was being thrown, as though someone was looking for something.Instantly, my nerves hit and I rushed to get my phone. Clearly, it was not Derek but a thief.“AMY??”I was just halfway to my bed when I heard a scream, and then something hit my back brutally.THUDI fell on the bed with a strangled cry, as the next moment a shadow pressed me down on the bed while his gaze was fixed on the portrait gifted to me by Derek.His huge palm pressed on my face while the other pressed on my shoulder. I struggled, helpless under him when the cry came again.“Amy??”My struggle started to get worse when I felt the man’s hand loosening at my shoulder and reaching my neck, his fingers wrapped around my neck and then he gave me a squeeze.My eyes dilated
DEREK POV :“Could I??” I lowered my voice and stepped further away from the room where Amy was sleeping peacefully.“Why not? I can come over and we could start legal action.” Dave advised but I remained quiet, thinking.Is this really done by my family?But if they intended to hurt Amy, they would do it quickly, why did the man linger in Amy’s room?What was he looking for?I wanted to go over to check the room properly but knowing that Amy was frightened and needed me the most tonight, I dismissed that thought.In the morning, we both could look into the room together.Thankfully, the two other ladies in the house were unharmed but Amy…Why would someone hurt her??“Once I've made a decision, I’ll let you know,” I informed Dave.“Okay, Shepherd,Make a wise decision.” With a little advice, he hung up.BEEPDistressed, I returned to Amy, holding her in my arms after such a long time was bliss.Such a stupid man I was, who kept running away from her again and again when clearly I kne
“Who’s going to fix all of this?” Amy gestured around her and I looked at her baffled.Fixing?Her clothes? Hair or her arousal?My mind was on her only when Amy stepped aside showing me the broken window, and her messy room.OH !!Finally, I opened my mouth in acknowledgment.She’s referring to last night’s incident, not our steamy session just now.VERY WELL !!“First of all, we need to check if something is missing…” I told her as I started to inspect the things one by one.“Derek… I think my necklace is missing…” Amy let out a cry and immediately I headed to the closest to check on her.“Which necklace?”At my question, Amy rolled her eyes and then answered, “The one you gave me, the one I was wearing in the portrait outside.”“Why would someone take that??” I murmured to myself.I don’t think it was anything that would harm Amy, why would someone take that away?“Anything else was taken?” I asked Amy and she shook her head immediately.“Nothing except for this…”“Hmm…” I was lost
AMY POV :The preparation for the dinner was done, I looked at the table carefully, I hope I am not missing anything.I waited for a few moments for Derek to come down but he didn’t.Realizing that he might be looking for the robe, I headed to my room, picked up one, and went to the guest room to hand it to him.CLICKAs the door opened, I watched Derek walking out all drenched, and open to my eyes, my first instinct was to turn away but then what was there I haven’t seen, touched, or felt.We were never strangers to each other, especially to our bodies.Swallowing him all, my eyes stopped at his most sacred part, and then his voice broke the trance.“You better not hand me over the one you gave to Tom…”He growled, making me frown in shock.How did he know about Tom?Again, I should not forget his eyes were always watching me.Does it mean he knows about my two-year marriage contract too??I was unsure.BAMThrowing the robe at his face, I gave him a choice, “Wear this, or leave nake
Swiftly, Derek put me down and strode towards the door with a gesture of not following him at all.But being a stubborn woman, I denied his silent command and followed him closely.Derek’s eyes glowered at me silently, knowing that I won’t be obedient this time, he sighed in surrender and continued his walk towards the outside.On tiptoes we reached outside and noticed a shadow in the security room, is someone again trying to block the cameras?My first instinct was fright, the marks on my neck were still afresh.Daily a new intruder?Is someone that desperate to get me?I was shaken by the dread when silently Derek moved inside the room and then I heard a loud THUD.Panicked, I rushed inside to find Derek standing over the man who doesn’t look familiar to me at all.“Who sent you?” Derek asked loud and clear.“Officer Dave,” The man cried out as Derek pressed his foot more forcefully into his shoulder.“Liar…” Derek spat while continuing to torture him when the man cried out again, “
DEREK POV :Never ever I imagined our reunion night like this, I had gotten closer to Amy many times, but that would all be fierce and wild.But tonight, Tonight was different, not too gentle, not too wild, it was everything I needed.Everything Amy needed.Even when she dozed off I couldn’t let her go, she stayed in my arms, I was too afraid to let go at this moment when we both are vulnerable and together.Our bodies didn’t connect only but our souls too.I never believed in finding a soulmate but I guess Amy’s the one made for me.The fact that she denied all the past made me relieved and glad.I don't want to remember the awful time I hurt her, especially our child, and then an accidental mistake with Elsa.I don't want anything from my past either.In the future, I will try my best to give her proper love and care, the one she deserves always.Our baby...Subconsciously, my fingers moved to her belly, how would it feel to have her all round up with my baby?A thought crossed my m
AMY POV :“It’s still visible,” I gave a stern look to the makeup artist, and she paled.Sensing the tension between us, Kim wisely walked in and took away the palette from the woman.“Darling, I got this.” With a smile, he let the woman leave in peace while I stood, troubled.After a few moments of his talented skills, finally he stepped away pleasing me with his work.“All cover now.”I let out a sigh of relief, “Finally…”I turned to get dressed for the shoot when Kim’s words stopped me, “I hope you’re not breaking any clause from the contract…”An alarm shivered my spine, I tossed my head in Kim’s direction, silently demanding an explanation of his words.“You signed it yourself, for two years, no relationship at all…If by any chance, these hickeys will get exposed, your career could be finished, Amy…”His last words struck me hard.Again, am I standing on the thin thread of losing my career?Why is it always me ??“It won’t…It’s just a one-time thing…” I told him feebly.“Don’t
HONK … HONKI pressed the horn twice, but nobody responded at all.Sighing displeased, I left the car and pressed the four-digit code to unlock the main gate.BEEPBEEPBEEPBEEPCLICKFinally, the door opened and I drove my car inside, distressed about Derek’s lack of knowledge regarding me.Is this the way you treat your guests?Angrily, I walked to the door, hoping this won’t be locked to piss me off more.CLICKLuckily, the door opened as soon as I twisted the doorknob.I sighed in contentment and walked inside in search of my man but only silence welcomed me, not him.“Derek??” I called out but there was no response at all.I looked around the place everything remained the same, does it possibly mean Derek forgot about his invite??A thought crossed my mind sulking my mood further.I intended to take the steps to look for him in the bedroom when out of nowhere a strong gust of wind hit my body and I turned in the direction.“Amy…” Derek looked surprised and then carefully closed
DEREK POV :Eric’s deception was easy to get caught, the moment he asked me to make a choice I knew he wouldn’t let us go.I could see the blood in his eyes, he wouldn't be at ease until he painted us all in red.With his men escorting the staff, I took the golden chance to attack him.My unexpected move made him bewildered, the first thing I did was to kick away his gun.“Close the door, Amy,” I commanded, in case his men returned to help him.Amy did as I told her.“You shouldn’t have done that, Derek…” Eric scowled as he attacked back at me, his punches flew in the air and when they hit my body, it was bloody painful.“Surrender, Eric, nothing will change between us, I promise.You will remain my brother, Eric Shepherd.”During our struggle, I tried to calm him down.“I am no Shepherd,I hate this name, I am Carson Dexter.”He acted crazily, throwing me away from him and then picking up the gun.CLICK“He made me like this,It was his fault.” He pointed the gun straight at the Gran
Before he would pull the trigger his father shouted in defeat.“I’ll bring everything, everything that you need, Eric.”Eric was smiling at his victory when all of a sudden Derek’s father hinted at the man and he stepped out of the crowd with a gun.“Now.” His father yelled and the shot was fired.BAM“Ahh…” The screeches of fear filled the atmosphere. As I looked up, I realized that the man who had stepped out had been shot by one of Eric’s men, while another person got shot in the wheelchair.“Viola…” Derek’s father leaped towards his wife when he was held by Eric’s men.“I told you father, ladies first.” Clenching his jaw, Eric seethed without a single remorse of killing his shooting his own mother.“If I could shoot my own mother you all have no idea what I could do to you all?” He threatened the whole staff and they cornered, with dread in their eyes while I remained on the ground, overwhelmed by all the disaster happening around me.Derek, where are you?****CLICK“Little broth
DEREK POV :“I killed his lover.”BOOMThat gunshot broke the barrier of my patience and I spoke out impassively.“Eric…”There was silence at the other end and then a mocking laugh came.“Hah, my sweet little brother,You still act impulsively, Deriee…”Eric spoke in wit.“Let everyone go, Eric, since when did you become a murderer?” I questioned, overwhelmed by the information of the massacre he created at the Shepherd Villa.“Murderer??What about Grandpa and Dad, who murdered my childhood together, my happiness, Derek?”His question made me avert my eyes at my father.I know their expectations were too high for Eric, and they tried their best to change Eric into a perfect candidate for Shepherd Corporation heir, but sadly he failed.Or they failed I guess.“What do you want, Eric, I’ll give you everything…” I made an offer.“Everything, Derek?” He asked to confirm.“Yes, everything…” I agreed instantly.“Good, send father with the approval letter of converting all the shares under
AMY POV :“Wake up, sweetie, we’re home…”I was in a dark place when a voice and a pat muddled with my mind.“Hmm…” With a groan, I opened my sleepy eyes and instantly sat up in fright.“You…” With my back hit hard, I realized I was trapped in a car with Carson.How? Wasn’t I sleeping in Derek’s bed?Where is he?My panic started to rise when he smiled.“I left a note for your fiance, Don’t worry, he’ll come soon.”With shallow breaths I watched him, he sat calmly and groomed.I looked around to get an idea of my location but I found nothing.SCREECHAt last, the car stopped and Carson stepped out of it, and then pulled me out with him.“Ah.” The daylight hit my face making me squeal for a moment, When I opened my eyes fully I saw the villa in front of me.“Shepherd Villa?” I gasped.“Clear the way.” Unbothered by my struggles, Carson held my arm tightly and then pulled me roughly inside.As soon as the guards saw him entering with force, they charged at him, but very soon they were a
ONE YEAR LATER“Loss??” I looked at the Manager in shock. Were my decisions proved to be wrong?“Those people faked their qualifications, they were never qualified for this job Sir.”THUDI sat in my chair, lots of words, and thoughts.“What about the loan we took?” I inquired.“We have a deadline in a week,” He informed me.A week…So, we have a week to go bankrupt.“Hah…”I laughed at my misery, Since childhood, I was getting prepared to handle all the business issues, yet I failed in just a year.I did such a terrible job,It’s a shame for me.****“What’s the progress, son?” Grandpa asked at the dining table and I gave him the fake conclusion.“We’re having some issues, but we’ll be fine Grandpa.”“Great, my Eric could never make any mistake.” He spoke proudly while I sat silent, drowned in my own failure.****“Be strong, brother, I am going to visit you in a few days.” Derek tried to encourage me but I was too occupied in my disaster.After disconnecting his call, I called Elsa.
ERIC SHEPHERD :Seven Years Old“Leave me alone, Deriee,” I growled unhappily.While I was here studying madly, and doing multiple activities, my twin brother, Derek got the chance to walk around free and eat ice cream.His continuous offer to me made me want to take a bite of ice cream too.“Eriee,” He teased me.“Fine, one bite I’ll take and just one race.” Closing my book softly, I told him.“On your mark, get, set, go.”Derek started to run away and I chased after him. Whenever we raced there was no winner or loser, we always got into a tie.Even today it would happen the same way if Grandpa hadn't returned home early.“Eric.” At his one call, I stood straight, panic rising in my heart.“I win… I win…” Derek jumped happily while my heart dropped with each step Grandpa was taking toward me.“Is this the way an heir should be, hmm?Look at yourself Eric,” He scolded me and I lowered my head further in shame.“I’m sorry, Grandpa,” I apologized quickly.“Get back to studying.” He orde
“A child needs a father,I won't let that kid experience the life I had, Derek.I could never be that cruel."Amy spoke irrelevantly making me frown deeper."We'll talk about this in the morning, Amy,I already had enough for today."I groan in response all ready to leave the room and end this stupid topic when her words halted my steps."Drop me back to my home, Derek,Knowing this place belongs to someone else in your life, I can't stay here, Derek..."That was it, her words literally boiled my blood.Can't she see that everything I have belongs to only one person, that's her.Can't she see??"You’re my f**king fiance that doesn’t allow you to give me away to others…I am not a f**king toy, I am a human with a heart and it will always belong to you, I belong to you, Amy.I Love you, Damn it,and I will never allow you to walk away from me or push me to someone else.I know I made a few mistakes in the past and hurt you badly, but God, can't you see I'm trying my best to change every
DEREK POV :Amy’s behavior outside was totally unexpected, and what’s more unexpected is her ignorance regarding her actions.What had happened to her?I thought this trauma won’t harm anyone but looking at Amy now, I felt frightened by her appearance.What if she harms someone else too?The man called her “MadWoman” and she didn’t show any response to it.Has her mind gone numb?I felt fully helpless in this situation, I don’t have any idea what to do.Knowing that my own brother has done this to my lover hurts me f**king bad.Why?Why did Eric harm Amy?She has no relation with him at all.Why, Eric? Why?“Amy…Derek…Dear, what’s this noise outside?” Amy’s mother came rushing, worry written all over her face.Amy remained pale and unresponsive to her when I wisely held her arm breaking her trance.“Oh, we just revealed our relationship status to the paparazzi, they were congratulating us…” I made up a lie.“Oh, that’s such a good news,My dear, Amy…”Unknown to Amy's lack of emotio
AMY POV :The peace in my heart matched the peace on the man’s face beside me.Derek slept peacefully and I watched him in fascination. This man could never look dull, although I know he’s exhausted but this peace on his face, his charisma could never let his charm fall off.GOD !!I sighed in admiration while caressing his face.The scruff on his face rubbed roughly at the palm of my hand but I didn't mind, it gave me the console I needed the most.I had no idea for how long I watched him until the room started to get dark giving me the indication of the night.Pulling Derek away from me gently, I stood up to look for the switch but as I was bound with the IV in my hand I couldn’t move around much.Thinking wisely I pressed the button to call for a nurse.The moonlight fell in the room and I felt attracted towards it.Without knowing, I headed for the vast window and looked outside, as I had expected it was full moon and the moonlight created a melancholic mood that swept over all th