LIANA After washing my face and freshening up, I went back to the break room, only to find Zaylen sitting on the couch with two cups of coffee on the coffee table nearby. “Hope you had a nice nap,” he uttered as I took a seat next to him. “Yeah, it was refreshing indeed.” “Here is your cup.” He forwarded a mug to me. I took it as he said, “I didn’t put sugar in it. I don’t know how much sugar you take so…” “I am glad you didn’t add sugar. I drink sugar free coffee,” I informed him. His eyes widened in astonishment. “No way! I don’t take either.” “Oh, wow,” I mumbled and took a sip. “It’s wonderful. Thank you.” “I am glad you liked it,” said Zaylen as he took a sip as well. “By the way, I will never forget the favor you did.” I chuckled. “Please. My favor is nothing considering the favors you did for me.” “Still, I am grateful,” he urged. “Okay, well, how about we call it even then? You helped me first and then I did. That’s it,” I suggested. He twitched his lips for a wh
LIANA As I navigated through the mountain of tasks on my desk, I couldn't shake the feeling of pressure weighing down on me. With James's sudden disappearance, the workload had surged, leaving me to pick up the pieces and manage the chaos. But amidst the frenzy of deadlines and responsibilities, there was a sense of satisfaction simmering within me. For what James had done to me, his absence now felt like a small victory. James may have fled and become a fugitive, but the consequences of his actions were finally catching up to him. With Zaylen suing him for defamation, James was facing the repercussions of his deceit, and it brought a small measure of justice to my heart. Knowing that James was now struggling without access to his resources brought a sense of vindication. After all the pain he had caused me, seeing him face the consequences of his actions felt like a form of poetic justice. He was reaping what he had sown. Despite the overwhelming workload, I found solace in t
LIANA “Ugh, I hate being single. I don’t even have an excuse to leave early,” I complained and took the cup. “Though, I needed this a lot. Thanks.” “My pleasure.” Zaylen grabbed Sara’s empty chair and pulled it near my one before sitting. He looked at me intently, his expression filled with concern. “Liana, you should take care of yourself.” I shrugged as I mumbled nonchalantly, “I am.” “You aren’t even eating on time as per Sara. Besides, you are working overtime a lot. I never told you to do that.” I turned to him at that instant. Why was he inquiring about me, that too from Sara? Was he actually worried about me? Even Jordan teased me about it. Was it true by any chance? No, no. I brushed off that thought and told Zaylen with a teasing look, “Don’t worry. I didn’t tell anyone that my boss forced me to work. So your image is safe in front of everyone.” He rolled his eyes. “We both know it’s not about that.” Noticing his seriousness, I smiled with assurance and placed my han
LIANA As the interview commenced, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mingled with excitement. I was eager to appoint a new employee. However, my surprise knew no bounds when I saw Zaylen unexpectedly walking in the interview room. "Zaylen?" I exclaimed, unable to hide my astonishment. "What are you doing here?" He shrugged nonchalantly, his expression giving away nothing as he replied, "Just bored, thought I'd tag along." “But don’t you have work to do?” I let out. “Well, I am the boss so I don’t think I am answerable to you. I have a right to be during the interview and see who you are hiring for my company.” There was a hint of annoyance in his tone as he turned away from me, giving me the cold shoulder. I couldn't help but feel a pang of confusion at his abrupt dismissal, wondering what had caused his sudden change in demeanor. Had I done something to upset him? Or was there something else bothering him that I wasn't aware of? All of a sudden, it struck
LIANA We decided that Mihir would interview the candidates first and then he would shortlist some candidates. I would interview those shortlisted candidates. So Zaylen and I just watched Mihir interviewing others. It was kinda funny because most of them barely had any idea of how that job worked. “By the way, where is Jordan?” I initiated a conversation with my now grumpy boss. I didn’t like him being quiet and mad at me like that. “Why?” he inquired. “Usually, he would accompany you anywhere you go so not seeing him here with you is kinda surprising,” I informed him. “He is busy handling a meeting.” I arched an eyebrow in confusion. “A meeting without you?” “I didn’t attend it,” came his short reply. “But why?” I couldn’t help but ask. “I didn’t feel like it.” “Wow, you didn’t feel like attending a meeting but you felt like attending this,” I teased, but he sighed in response. “Come on, at least talk to me,” I urged. “I am,” he deadpanned. “Yes, but you aren’t talking
ZAYLEN Aaron’s formalities were complicated, and he was officially a Market Research Analyst of Fournier company. As much as I hate to admit it, his interview was really great. But I didn’t like the way Liana found him cute or his name likable. “Won’t you go on a round, Boss?” Jordan asked, stepping into my cabin. I glanced at the time on my wristwatch. “Oh, right. Let’s go.” It was the perfect excuse to go and see what Liana was doing and whether that Aaron was bothering her or not. I got up from my chair and directly went to Liana’s floor. “What about the other floors?” I heard Jordan, who was following me. “I am pretty sure they are doing a great job. You can go on a round by yourself to those floors,” I let out and went near Liana’s desk. “Wow, you two already finished roaming the other floors?” Sara inquired as she got up from her seat. “Nope. Those are on me now, apparently,” Jordan replied while I rolled my eyes. “According to Zaylen, going on a round means going t
LIANA I awkwardly sipped my latte, my gaze flickering over the group gathered around the table. Someone might be wondering how so many people ended up here with Aaron. Well, all thanks to Zaylen, who had extended the invitation to everyone as if he was the one treating. And there he was, sitting right beside me, a casual smile on his lips as he engaged in conversation with Jordan. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of confusion at the unexpected company. Aaron sat on the other side of the table beside Kiara, while Sara chatted animatedly with him, completely at ease in the bustling café atmosphere. As I glanced around the table, I couldn't shake the feeling of everyone being manipulated by Zaylen. I cleared my throat, grabbing Zaylen’s attention. “Is something wrong?” he asked as innocently as possible. But I could clearly see through that innocence! I cast a sharp glance in his direction. "This is your plan to stop me from getting close to Aaron, isn't it?" I accused, my voi
LIANA “Zaylen? What are you doing here standing in front of the ladies' washroom?” I teased Zaylen. “Oh, so you have a problem when I stand here, but when Aaron did, you were gossiping with him,” he scowled. I arched an eyebrow and crossed my arms against my chest. “Were you eavesdropping?” “No. I was nearby, and as I have sharp ears, I couldn’t help but hear. Besides, you two were too loud to not hear anyway.” I gasped at his accusation. “I am not loud!” “Then it must be Fugly,” he stated. “It’s Fuglez, and besides, don’t we have a rule in our office to be on the first name basis? So call him Aaron,” I pointed out, but he shrugged. “Unlike you, I don’t like the name ‘Aaron’ that much. So Fugly it is.” Knowing it was pointless arguing with him, I started walking. He matched my pace and said, “Everyone already went back as they were getting late. I was waiting for you.” “You should have gone too. I know the way to the office, you know?” “Still, I didn’t want to leave you
LIANAThe morning sun poured through the curtains, casting a gentle light across our bedroom. I woke up to the soft, familiar hum of the world outside, the sound of birds chirping in the distance. I turned to see Zaylen sleeping beside me, his face relaxed in peaceful slumber. The sight of him always filled me with a profound sense of contentment and love.I stretched, carefully sliding out of bed to avoid waking him. Today wasn’t just any day—it was a day I had looked forward to for a long time. The house was still, the calm before the storm of our bustling family life. I tiptoed down the hallway, my heart swelling with excitement as I made my way to the nursery.Our twins had brought a new kind of joy into our lives, their arrival a culmination of love and anticipation. The nursery was painted in soft pastel colors, with a cozy crib in the corner and shelves lined with toys and books. The gentle hum of the white noise machine filled the room, blending with the soft sunlight filte
LIANA It was mid-morning, and the office was bustling with the usual activity. The gentle hum of conversation and the clacking of keyboards filled the air, but I could barely focus on anything other than the growing discomfort and irritability that had become a constant companion over the past few weeks. I sat at my desk, my fingers drumming impatiently on the surface. The pile of paperwork before me seemed to mock my inability to concentrate. I sighed heavily, feeling a wave of frustration wash over me. Zaylen, ever observant, noticed my agitation from his office. He appeared at my desk, a look of concern etched on his face. “Hey, baby. How’s it going?” I glanced up, trying to muster a polite smile. “Just peachy,” I said, though the words were more of a snarl than anything else. “If you consider battling an insurm
LIANA The next few days, I couldn’t shake a strange feeling. I was more tired than usual, and the scent of coffee, which I normally loved, was suddenly making me nauseous. Sara noticed my discomfort. “Liana, are you feeling okay?” she asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “I’m fine, just a bit tired” I replied, trying to brush it off. “Been feeling nauseous and my head is pounding these last few days.” Sara gave me a knowing look. “Maybe you should take a pregnancy test.” I blinked, surprised by her suggestion. “A pregnancy test?” She nodded. “There might be a possibility.” The idea was both thrilling and terrifying. Could it be possible? I decided to take Sara’s advice to heart. During my lunch break, I headed to the pharmacy just a few blocks away. The fluorescent lights and the hum of the store seemed unusually bright as I picked out a pregnancy test kit. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I made my way back to the office, clutchin
LIANAThe past few months had flown by in a blissful haze. Our honeymoon had taken us from the Maldives to the enchanting streets of Paris, and finally, to the serene countryside of Tuscany. Each day had been filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But now, it was back to reality—our reality, where Zaylen and I were not only husband and wife but also Alpha and Luna, and for the time being, colleagues.I walked into the office, the familiar scent of coffee and paper filling the air. As I made my way to my desk, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves. This was our first day back after the long honeymoon, and though I was eager to dive back into work, I couldn’t ignore the butterflies in my stomach.Zaylen’s office door was slightly ajar, and as I passed by, I saw him sitting behind his desk, engrossed in a document. He looked up, catching my eye, and a slow, mischievous smile spread across his face.“Good morning, my Luna,” he called out, his
LIANAThe following morning, we decided to explore more of the city. After a quick breakfast, we set off to visit the Louvre Museum. As we walked through the grand halls, admiring the masterpieces, Zaylen kept me close, his hand never leaving mine."Look at this one," he said, pointing to a painting. "Doesn't it remind you of one of our dates?"“The one we had just before you proposed to me?” I asked to be sure. As he nodded, I laughed, remembering that endearing evening. "It does. We have come a long way, haven't we?""We have," he agreed, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "And I wouldn't change a thing."We continued our tour, losing ourselves in the beauty of the art and the history that surrounded us. As we exited the museum, we found a street vendor selling crepes. Zaylen insisted on buying one for each of us, and we sat on a nearby bench, enjoying the sweet treat."These are delicious," I said, licking a bit of Nutella from my fingers."Almost as sweet as you," Zaylen tea
LIANAThe Eiffel Tower stood tall and majestic against the twilight sky, its twinkling lights casting a romantic glow over the city of Paris. I marveled at the sight, my heart swelling with awe and excitement. Our long honeymoon had brought us from the tropical paradise of the Maldives to the enchanting streets of Paris, and I couldn't have been happier.Zaylen and I strolled hand in hand along the Seine River, the soft murmur of French conversations and the distant sound of street musicians creating a magical atmosphere. He looked dashing in a tailored suit, and I felt like a princess in my flowing dress."Isn't this beautiful?" I sighed, leaning my head on his shoulder."It is," he agreed, pressing a kiss to my temple. "But not as beautiful as you."I blushed, my heart fluttering at his words. "Always the charmer.""For you, always," he replied with a playful wink.As we walked, we passed a quaint café with outdoor seating. Zaylen tugged me toward it. "How about a little dessert?"
LIANAThe soft rustling of palm trees and the rhythmic lapping of waves greeted me as I stepped onto the sunlit balcony. The warm, salty breeze of the Maldives caressed my face, bringing with it a sense of serene contentment I hadn't felt in years. The crystal-clear waters stretched out endlessly, a shimmering expanse of turquoise that promised days of relaxation and intimate moments with Zaylen.I leaned against the railing, closing my eyes and letting the sounds of paradise envelop me. A gentle smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Zaylen still asleep in our villa, the man who had turned my world upside down in the best way possible."Liana?" Zaylen's voice, husky with sleep, reached me, making my heart flutter.I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his dark hair tousled and his eyes still heavy with sleep. He looked so different from the domineering, fierce leader I had first met. Here, he was just Zaylen, my husband, the man I loved with all my heart."Good morning, sle
LIANAToday was the day—the day Zaylen and I would finally stand before our loved ones, pledging our hearts to each other in marriage. The anticipation and excitement in the air were palpable, mingling with the fragrant scents of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves. Our wedding was set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the venue a picturesque garden that seemed to be alive with joy and celebration.The sun shone brightly, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The ceremony was to be held in a charming outdoor setting, with a floral arch adorned with cascading white roses and delicate greenery. The aisle, lined with white rose petals, led to a beautifully decorated altar where Zaylen and I would exchange our vows.I took a deep breath, feeling the flutter of nervous excitement in my stomach as I prepared to walk down the aisle. Noelle, radiating beauty even with her eight-month baby bump, adjusted her position next to me. She looked stunning in her deep emerald g
LIANAThe morning sun filtered through the canopy of trees, casting dappled light across the campsite. The soft, golden rays glinted off the sparkling surface of the waterfall, creating a mesmerizing display of light and water. The gentle roar of the falls provided a soothing soundtrack as the water cascaded into a clear, shimmering pool below.The campsite, nestled beside this natural wonder, was waking up with the day. The cool, fresh air carried the crisp scent of pine and morning dew. The grass was still damp from the night, and the tents stood slightly crumpled, evidence of a night spent in cozy slumber.Trevor, ever the early riser and mischief-maker, had a gleam in his eye as he set his plan into motion. He crept quietly towards Zaylen, who was enjoying a leisurely breakfast by the fire, unaware of the prank that was about to unfold. Trevor had filled a bucket with water and carefully rigged it to tip over when Zaylen’s chair was moved.I observed from a distance, sipping my