Bella’s pov. I stirred, finding myself enveloped in a pair of strong, muscular arms. Slowly, I opened my eyes and surveyed my surroundings. Beside me lay the most strikingly handsome man, his arms coiled protectively around my waist. He held me so tightly against his body as though he never wanted to let me go. His possessive grip made me feel a surge of unfamiliar sensations and tingles throughout my body. While we had shared a bed before, today felt different. We were different. We had crossed all boundaries, and there was no turning back for us now. Reality crashed into my senses, and my mind replayed the memories of last night. I had pleaded with him to take me, and now I regretted it immensely. I silently cursed myself, feeling deeply embarrassed. How would I ever be able to meet his gaze? How could I face the man who had passionately made love to me last night, who happened to be my best friend? I recalled how he had come to my rescue at a college party, saving me from bullie
Ryder’s pov. We were both feeling different inside, but we kept our true emotions hidden to preserve our friendship. After a refreshing shower and a scrumptious breakfast, we relaxed on my couch, watching a movie on my 75-inch TV. Bella lay on my chest, her back against my chest. "Do you remember? We have a wedding to attend next weekend," I said, gently stroking her hair. Bella turned her head towards me and replied, "Yeah, I remember." "Have you decided what to wear? I mean, have you thought about your outfit for the wedding?" I asked, knowing her well. Bella was innocent and uncomplicated, which was something I admired about her. She was unlike other girls. "Hmm, not yet," Bella said, diverting her attention back to the movie. "Alright then, get ready. We'll go shopping, and afterward, I'll take you out for lunch," I said, getting up from the couch and prompting Bella to do the same. She hurriedly went to get ready, still wearing the same clothes from the night before. Afte
Sarah’s pov. I sat in my room, putting on my white wedding gown. The excitement filled my heart as today I was going to marry the most eligible billionaire bachelor in the country, Alex Hamilton. He was the epitome of every girl's dream, and when I found out that I was going to be his wife, I couldn't believe my luck. Unfortunately, I hadn't had much opportunity to get to know him personally as he was busy managing multiple companies and ventures at the young age of twenty-five. Nevertheless, I felt like the luckiest girl alive to marry my long-time crush. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but blush uncontrollably. My cheeks turned a shade of red that matched my overflowing joy. How could I not blush when my heart danced with delight? I eagerly waited in my room, yearning to walk down the aisle and say the magical words, "I do," knowing that he would be mine forever. Suddenly, there was a knock on my door, and my friend and bridesmaid, Tia, entered. "So, are you
Alex's pov The wedding ceremony felt like an endless ordeal, and I silently begged for it to be over so that I could escape from this crowded hall. The officiant droned on, explaining our vows, but I couldn't care less. None of these vows held any significance to me. I was only marrying this girl to secure my family's empire. This wedding was nothing more than a means to an end. I rolled my eyes, casting a glance at the first row where my family and friends were seated. Logan winked at me mischievously, while Ryder seemed captivated by Bella. What the hell was going on? Did I miss something? I made a mental note to confront Ryder at the first opportunity I got, although it wouldn't be possible today. I shrugged it off, deciding to ask him about it during our next meeting. Reluctantly, I exchanged the vows with the girl standing beside me. As I slid the ring onto her finger, I couldn't help but notice her trembling hand. Her hand, so small and soft, quivered in my large grasp. The
Bella's pov.I heard a knock on the door. Opening it, I found Ryder's mother, Savannah, standing there with a makeup artist. "Hey, Bella! You look so pretty," she exclaimed."Thank you, Mrs. Knight," I replied, feeling my cheeks turn pink."Dear, this is Michael, our makeup artist. He's here to help you with your makeup and hair," Savannah explained, nodding towards the makeup artist."Oh, thank you, Mrs. Knight. That's really kind of you," I said, smiling gratefully. Savannah patted my shoulder with a smile and left me alone with Michael. He worked at lightning speed, magically transforming my appearance.When he finished, I couldn't recognize myself. A whole new version of me stared back from the mirror.I thanked Michael for the amazing job he did on my makeup and hair, and then I headed to the wedding hall.---------------------------------------The hall was filled with guests, the men donning expensive suits and the ladies adorned in designer gowns. I silently thanked Ryder and h
My eyes widened at Ryder's confession. Thoughts raced through my mind, trying to decipher his intentions. Did he like me as a friend, or something more? "I feel a difference when we're together, and I believe you feel it too," Ryder stated, pausing expectantly for my response. I remained silent, unsure of how to react. He continued, his voice softening, "Bella, we have undeniable chemistry... and it's led me to a point where I never thought I'd ask you to move in with me." My heart skipped a beat as I gasped, struggling to swallow the lump in my throat. "What are you saying, Ryder?" I managed to utter, my voice filled with a mix of surprise and apprehension. "Bella, look, we are incredibly compatible," Ryder explained, his gaze locked with mine. He gently trailed his finger along my cheek, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "We understand each other on a level that few people do. We never judge one another. Why don't we give ourselves a chance?" I couldn't ignore the doubt l
Mia's pov.My class had just ended, and as I walked out of the classroom, Sheena and Joanna were with me. "What's the plan, girls?" Joanna asked. "Let's go watch a movie," Sheena suggested cheerfully. "Girls, you go ahead. I'm heading back to the dorm to finish today's assignment," I informed them. "Come on, Mia. You can do your assignment later, after we come back from the movie. Don't ruin the fun, babe," Joanna said, sounding annoyed. "Guys, seriously, I'm not interested in..." My words trailed off as I caught sight of him standing in front of me, leaning against his car. I blinked a few times to clear my vision. Maybe I was daydreaming. But no, he was there, real and alive. He smiled as he looked in my direction. I glanced around, but there was no one else. He was looking directly at me. I decided to ignore him and kept walking. Then he called out my name and jogged toward me. I continued to ignore him and kept walking without stopping. "Hey, wait. I was calling your n
Alex's pov. As I rushed through the corridors of the dimly lit hideout, I could feel the tension building up within me. The arms deal was a critical operation for my mafia gang, and my presence was crucial. Every step I took was laden with urgency, my mind focused solely on the task at hand. My heart, however, was a different matter entirely. In the midst of all the chaos, my thoughts kept drifting to the private jet that my father had arranged for Sarah and me, whisking us away to Rome for our honeymoon. It was a plan I had begrudgingly accepted, initially uninterested in any romantic pursuits. But surprisingly, Sarah had managed to kindle a spark within me, and now, I found myself genuinely looking forward to this journey with her. She was a breath of fresh air, a presence that left me yearning for more. Finally returning home after concluding the deal, I was greeted by the sight of Sarah, already prepared and packed for our trip. My heart warmed at the thoughtfulness she displaye
Logan's pov.As I slowly opened my eyes, the harsh, sterile lights of the hospital room greeted me. Disoriented and weak, I blinked several times until the blurry figures around me came into focus. There was Mia, her eyes filled with worry and relief, and my family standing by her side, their faces etched with concern."Mia..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.Her eyes lit up with tears of joy as she took my hand in hers. "Thank goodness you're awake," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.My family wore expressions of both happiness and concern. My mother's eyes were red from crying, while my father's stern facade tried to hide his fear. It was then that I knew I had to be honest with them about how I felt."I can't go through with the marriage," I admitted, my voice stronger now. "I love Mia, and I can't marry someone else."My father's face turned stern, and he scolded me, "You're being impractical! You have responsibilities, and this is no time for childish whims!"Befor
Logan’s pov. Amidst the busy preparations for my upcoming wedding, I couldn't shake off the lingering unease in my heart. Mia's sudden resignation from my company had left me bewildered and bruised my ego. I had made it clear to her that our relationship would remain strictly professional, yet she chose to leave. "Why does it bother me so much?" I wondered aloud as I paced in my luxurious penthouse. Alex, who had been helping me with the wedding arrangements, noticed my distress. "Hey, man, what's bothering you? You should be on cloud nine with your marriage just around the corner," Alex said, concern evident in his voice. "I don't know, Alex. It's just that Mia's resignation hit me harder than I expected," I admitted with a sigh. "Even though I told myself I didn't care about her rejecting me, there's this nagging feeling inside me." "Why do you bother? It is not like you feel something for her, do you?" Alex inquired. "Remember, you have a stunning fiancée, a glamorous weddi
Alex's Pov. We all gathered at Ryder's wedding, witnessing the heartfelt exchange of vows between Ryder and Bella. Their hurried marriage brought back memories of my own wedding day, where I had first laid eyes on Sarah. But after she left, things took a painful turn. I tried countless times to meet her, to explain myself, but she refused to hear me out. Her parents, adamant in their disapproval, forbade me from entering their home. It was absurd – I was her husband, not some boyfriend they could simply cast aside. I pleaded with them, insisting that I had changed, that I wanted to be with her, but they turned a deaf ear. Unbeknownst to me, Ryder had invited Sarah to the wedding as well. My heart filled with both hope and trepidation, praying that she would show up so I could finally talk to her. And then, there she was, entering the venue in a stunning peach-colored gown. Something about her appearance was different, and it left me bewildered. Her face was radiant, and I couldn't he
Bella's pov. The sound of my phone jolted me awake from my slumber, disturbing the peaceful moment I had been sharing with Ryder. Gently, I disentangled myself from his embrace, aware that I was still unclothed, and hurriedly pulled the sheet to cover myself before answering the call. "Mum!" I greeted cheerfully, my heart still elated from Ryder's heartfelt confession of love. "Bella, what is going on?" Her voice carried a tone of anger. Confused by her question, I asked, "What do you mean, mum?" "You and Ryder are all over the news, and your father is furious," she complained. My mind raced, trying to comprehend the situation. "What? I don't understand, mum. What's happening?" "Where are you right now, Bella?" Her concern was evident. "I am... I am..." I hesitated, unable to come up with a lie. "Are you with Ryder?" She guessed, and I fell silent, confirming her suspicion. "Why did you do this, Bella?" Her disappointment in me was palpable. Suddenly, the phone was snatched
Ryder's pov. My futile attempts to incite jealousy in Bella by meeting other girls left me feeling disheartened. No matter who I interacted with, she remained composed and collected, as if her emotions were impervious to my antics. Undeterred, I had to switch to plan B. I smirked as I thought about it because it was foolproof, and Ryder never failed to get what he wanted. "Bella, I have planned a vacation for us," I called her while she was in school. I smiled as I could imagine her eyes widened in surprise. "What? No, Ryder, I can't go on vacation, and, most of all, I have some assignments to complete," she replied, her voice tinged with reluctance. "Come on, Bella. Mum is persistent about my marriage, so it will be our last vacation together. I am sending my secretary. Give her your passport. We are going to Switzerland for a week. Just me and you. I want to spend some time with you alone," I insisted, hoping she would agree. "Abroad trip? You will get clicked by the media, a
Ryder's pov. At 9:00 a.m. on a lazy Sunday morning, my peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted by the incessant ringing of my phone. I groggily reached for it, wondering who could possibly be disturbing me at this ungodly hour. To my delight, Bella stirred in my arms, her tiny meows adding a touch of charm to the waking chaos. I carefully placed Bella on the pillow, ensuring her continued comfort, before reluctantly sitting up to answer the call. The screen displayed my mother's face, which meant it was likely to be something important. I swiped the answer button and, slipping my feet into slippers, made my way to the balcony, hoping to maintain some tranquility around Bella's sleeping form. "Hey mum! What's up? Why did you have to call so early on a Sunday morning?" I questioned, attempting to sound both concerned and slightly annoyed. "Ryder, I've sent some pictures of the daughters from reputable families to your number. Take a look and choose one of them. I'll set up a date f
Sarah’s pov. As I stood in front of the towering building housing Alex's office, my heart was heavy with sadness and determination. The guard, who knew me as Mrs. Hamilton, offered a polite salute, but my mind was too preoccupied to return his friendly gesture. The gravity of the situation had consumed me entirely, leaving no room for pleasantries. Pressing the button for the 60th floor where Alex's office resided, I walked with a sense of urgency, my steps guided by a singular purpose – to confront him and seek answers to the questions that haunted me. As I approached his office, his secretary tried to intervene, her professional duty compelling her to uphold the ongoing meeting's privacy. However, her attempts to halt me were futile; nothing would deter me from facing Alex. "Ma'am, you cannot go inside. A meeting is going on, and I have orders that no one can enter the boardroom," she warned, trying to assert her authority. I paid her no mind, my determination unwavering. Nothin
Sarah's pov. In a cozy corner of the restaurant, I sat opposite my dear friend Julia, the soft glow of Amber light illuminating our faces. It had been nearly a month since we last saw each other, and we were catching up over coffee, sharing the details of our lives.Julia, with her mischievous charm, leaned forward and asked with a playful wink, "How's your married life going on, babe?"A blush crept onto my cheeks as I thought about my marriage. It was like living in a fairytale – everything was simply perfect. It was clear that Alex was starting to like me just as I liked him. And what I discovered this very morning would undoubtedly strengthen our bond even more."Oh, Julia, you won't believe it," I gushed. "Life with Alex is like a dream come true. He was my dream man, and now he's my husband. I feel like I'm on cloud nine."Julia chuckled and commented with amusement, "Sarah, you're absolutely glowing. You're so lucky to have Alex. You've turned all the other girls green with env
Logan's pov. After returning from the business trip, Mia's demeanor had changed; she appeared distant, her usual warmth and charm replaced with a guarded facade. The scent of rich Italian food lingered in the air, mixing with the tension that crackled between them. “Mia, wait. I need to talk to you,” I implored, my dark eyes searching for answers in her troubled blue ones. She hesitated but finally remained in the room after everyone else had left. "What's wrong, baby girl? Talk to me. Why are you avoiding me?" I questioned, my voice trying to hold on to its usual commanding tone, but a hint of vulnerability seeped through. "Nothing is wrong, Mr. Mancini. I just... I just came back to my senses," Mia replied animatedly, trying to keep up a brave front. I shook my head, confusion evident on my face. "What do you mean?" "I mean... listen... I need this job, but I can't be your play toy. I have feelings, and I don't want to get hurt in the end. Please, Mr. Mancini, I want whatever i