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
LIANA For a moment, Zaylen and I stood there in comfortable silence, the rain enveloping us in its soothing embrace. It was as if time had stopped, leaving only the two of us in our own little world. “You know, I have always loved rain. I feel like it just washes away all the worries and pain,” I started speaking. “My father hated the rain and he would never let me drench. He always put shackles on my freedom. But even I am Liana. I know how to have things done in my way.” “What did you do?” Zaylen asked curiously. I smirked. “I tricked the caretakers and drenched in the rain every night on the terrace when Dad was asleep. He has no idea about it till now.” “Well, now you have all the freedom in the world. I won’t stop you. Rather, I am here, standing next to you.” “You are sweet, Zaylen.” His gaze never left mine as I asked, “What about you? It seems like you don’t like the rain.” He twitched his lips and let out, “I am not a fan of it.” “Why not? I researched and found that w
LIANA “Aaron, please mail me the file once you are done,” I told Aaron as I stood in front of him. Surprisingly, I didn’t even feel like this used to be James’s desk. Aaron changed everything and made it so vibrant that it completely removed James’s existence, for which I was grateful. “Okay, Lia. But did you check the file I sent you last night? Was it okay?” he asked, his gaze stuck on the laptop screen. “Yes. That was perfect. You are doing a great job so far. I have taught you well it seems,” I said proudly. He chuckled. “Yes, you are my idol.” “That’s too much credit,” I joked and turned to return to my desk. However, I stopped on my tracks when my eyes fell on Noelle. She stormed off to the break room without sparing a glance at anyone. Was she okay? Should I ask? Sara wanted me to befriend her. Maybe I should try to strike up a conversation with her, and if Noelle didn’t seem interested, I could back off. As I made my way to the break room, Lara appeared in front of
LIANA The four of us stood up from our seats. “Come on. Tell the gos—” Aaron froze in his spot when he felt a hand over his shoulder. “I don’t remember paying my employees for gossiping during the work hours,” Zaylen said coldly. Aaron gulped, and the moment Zaylen removed his hand, Aaron rushed out, leaving the poor innocent girls with the grumpy boss. Zaylen stepped inside with his hands in his pocket, looking damn hot. He wore a light-blue suit, his black hair disheveled. As if sensing my gaze on him, Zaylen directly looked at me. “Why are y’all huddled here when it’s not lunch break yet?” he asked calmly this time. “I…” I couldn’t form any words in my mouth. He was looking so nice. How could I speak when someone this hot is standing right in front of me? “Answer me, Liana,” he motioned for me to answer until my eyes locked with his. There was a hint of amusement and playfulness in it. Oh, so he is playing with me! He knew I was ogling at him! That jerk! “Why are you as
LIANA Finally, today was the day for one of the most glamorous and biggest fashion shows. It was the first event after the scandal a few days ago, so the paparazzi was buzzing with hype. Every employee on the set was busy with work. But I was not in charge of any of it. My job was to market it, but I think I did a pretty good job with it. Now, I was a guest here, who earned the invitation from the lead designer of the event. I watched the decorations and a gasp escaped my lips. It was so beautiful. The venue was transformed into a stylish and immersive space that reflected the theme of the collection — Neo-Victorian Romance. I watched as the other attendees entered. They were greeted by a carefully curated ambiance that set the tone for the show. The runway itself was the focal point, often elevated and centrally located, with dramatic lighting to highlight each look as it made its way down the catwalk. Large screens adorned the walls, displaying mood-setting visuals and clo
LIANA I wore the gown and decked up properly. When I saw myself in the mirror, I couldn't even believe it was me. I looked so different… good different… “Lia, I— Woah!” Noelle’s voice was heard from behind. She looked at me, and a gasp escaped her lips as I just stared at her, waiting for her to say something. “You look so beautiful! I expected you would look good, but wow!” “Really?” I asked, still a bit nervous. She smiled warmly. “Trust me on this, okay? I am a fashion designer.” I nodded as she continued, “Speaking of that, I am so scared, Lia! This is my first time being a lead designer alone, so I don’t know. What if people don’t like my designs?” As Noelle voiced her fears, I could feel the weight of her uncertainty. She was embarking on a journey that every designer experiences at some point — the fear of not being good enough, of not living up to expectations. But I knew she had nothing to worry about. Noelle had a talent that shone brighter than any doubt. "Hey,
LIANA I was sitting in my designated seat, watching the models walk on the runway. The fashion show was going great so far. I was really happy for Noelle. She worked really hard for this. “This is fantastic, isn’t it?” said a random stranger, who was sitting next to me. I glanced over at the stranger sitting next to me, offering a polite smile in response to his comment. His presence was unexpected, but I figured he was just another attendee enjoying the show. "Yeah, it's quite impressive," I replied, hoping to keep the conversation brief. My focus was on the runway, where Noelle's designs were captivating the audience. He turned to face me, a charming smile playing on his lips. "You know, I couldn't help but notice how stunning you look tonight," he said, his tone dripping with flirtation. I felt a flush of discomfort creep up my neck, but I managed to maintain my composure. "Thank you," I replied tersely, hoping to discourage any further advances. He leaned in closer, his g
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