We all stand there, eyes fixed on Mabel. The strangest part? She’s smiling—a warm, almost genuine smile. And after the way she acted earlier, it’s unexpected. Everyone’s curious about what she’s going to say.“First of all,” Mabel begins, “I’d like to apologize for acting… well, crazy.”Crazy? More like being a bitch, but fine, let’s call it whatever helps her sleep at night.“I shouldn’t have said what I did,” she continues, looking around the room. “I know now that I let my emotions take over, and for that, I’m sorry. This was meant to be a celebration, and I ruined it with my outburst. That was wrong.”She pauses for a moment, and it almost looks like she’s being genuine. But then her tone sharpens a little. “I was just trying to protect what’s mine. And that includes Mike. It’s hard watching someone you care about get hurt, especially by family. But I see now that holding onto grudges only makes things worse. I need to let go, and I’m ready to do that.”Oh, please. Whoever's liste
Caspian's POVI don't know why I do it. But whenever I'm alone with Desiree, I tend to lose control.This is me now, kissing her under the rain. Her lips are soft and warm against mine even as the cold water pelts us from above.“We should go inside,” she whispers into my ear as we break from the kiss.I nod. “We should.”But instead of stepping back, I bend down and scoop her up into my arms, lifting her off the ground.She raises an eyebrow. “I don’t think you have any good intention, Caspian. The last time you carried me like this, I ended up in your bed.”“Where you belong,” I say with a grin, nudging the door open with my foot and carrying her over the threshold.I’m aware that we're leaving a wet trail on the floor. It doesn't matter anyway. There are more than enough staff available to clean that. They’ve probably had it easy while I was gone most of the time before Desiree and I got married. Now I’m home more often, and I’m sure they don’t mind a little extra work.Desiree wra
I’ve never felt more helpless, more completely under someone’s spell than I do right now. Every touch of Desiree’s fingers sends a shiver through me, making it impossible to think about anything but her. She’s so close that I can feel the warmth of her breath mixing with the heat in the room.“Caspian,” she says, “have you always been alone?”The question barely registers at first. How could it, when her hands are all over my chest, lightly brushing my skin and making me lose focus? She’s not just taking off my shirt; she’s setting me on fire with every touch. Her fingers move slowly, pushing my shirt off my shoulders in the most distracting way.It takes a moment for her words to sink in. “Alone?” I ask.She lets my shirt fall to the floor, not wasting time as she starts working on my belt. There’s something strange about this—the closeness, the rawness. “When I was stalking you,” she says, “I couldn’t find much about your love life. No girlfriends, no flings, no ex-wives. You were
Desiree's POVCaspian. One minute, he’s all over me, like I’m the only thing that matters. The next minute, he’s pulling back, shutting me out when I ask about his past. What is so difficult about talking about a woman who’s long gone from his life? Unless… unless she’s not yet gone. Maybe, twenty-five years later, he still loves her.It makes my stomach turn.I know our marriage isn’t built on love—at least, not the kind people dream about. But I have every right to be angry. I’m his wife. I deserve the truth.“Caspian, put me down,” I say.I just want to leave. Go to bed and forget this ever happened. Tomorrow, I’ll be fine. I always am. But Caspian doesn’t listen. He keeps walking toward the tub, holding me like I didn’t say a word.“Put me down,” I say again.“Never.”I let out a sigh. “Why are you so difficult?”He laughs, like it’s all a joke. “I’m difficult? You’re the one getting mad over something I don’t even understand.”Before I can argue, he lowers me into the hot water.
Caspian smiles. “Ah, a demon after my own heart.”He reaches down and cups my left breast.I run my fingers through his wet hair, urging him on. “Yes. That's exactly where she wants you.”I’m trying to concentrate on our flirting, but Caspian’s making it difficult. His palm is hovering above my nipple, rubbing it in circles. The feeling is out of this world. It keeps sending a spark straight downwards. “Have I told you how responsive your nipples are?” he asks.I shake my head, not trusting myself to speak.“They’re so soft when at rest, but as soon as I touch them, they get as erect as a pole. Makes me want to bite them.”He pulls me out of the water, adjusting our positions until he's seated in the tub and I'm straddling him. He bites my left nipple, sending a jolt of pleasure-pain through me. I gasp, my hands gripping his head as he licks the spot, intensifying the sensation. “Caspian, don’t,” I moan. “You’re going to end up eating soap.” I meant to say it like I mean it, but it
What the fuck? He can go to hell for all I care. I'm going to cum anyway. I begin to throw my hips forward, seeking release. Caspian realizes what I’m doing and pulls out."Where are you going?" I ask."Punishing you,” he says, looking at me with a mischievous grin.“For what?”“You were disobeying my orders," he replies.I raise an eyebrow. "I wasn't."“Yes, you were. I could feel you squeezing, that thing you do when you're about to cum.”God, I miss the feeling of him inside me. I miss the way he moves, the way his hips thrust into mine, slow and skilled. I miss the way his body feels against mine, the way our skin touches and slides against each other, creating a friction that's both smooth and rough at the same time. I miss the way he makes me feel, like I'm the only person in the world who matters, like I'm the center of his universe, and like nothing is more important than the connection we share. I miss the way he looks at me, the way his eyes seem to see right through me, an
Caspian's POVI don't know why I said it. The words just slipped out. But the truth is, I want a baby with Desiree. A cute little redhead.She freezes for a moment, clearly taken aback. "What do you mean by ‘would it be so bad if we had a baby?’" she asks, her tone sharp. It’s clear she isn’t imagining the same adorable redhead I am."Would it?" I ask.Her reaction is immediate, far from what I was hoping for. "Of course it would," she snaps, standing up from the tub. Her wet body glistens as she steps toward the shower. I watch her rinse the soap off, her movements tense, not like the usual graceful sway she has. There's a clear wall between us now, something heavy hanging between my stupid question and her frustration.I can’t help but admire her for a second, even in this moment. God, she’s beautiful when she’s mad. But this is bigger than just a little fight, and I know it.I drain the tub and follow her into the shower, standing before her as the hot water beats down on both of
Desiree has been silent for a long time, still processing the bomb I just dropped. She looks up at the fresco again, her eyes tracing the details with more interest.Then she turns back to me. “I had no idea... I mean, this painting alone... Caspian, this is... it’s stunning.”I shrug, trying to play it off, even though I can see she’s genuinely impressed. “He’s always been the artistic one in the family.”“And you’ve just... had this here, in your bedroom, hidden away from the world?”"It’s not hidden," I say. "Only special people get to see it."Her eyes grow soft, making me want to pull her closer. "Well, I’m honored," she says. "I can’t believe I’m sleeping under an Indigo Phoenix original."I chuckle softly. "Now you know."She stares at the painting again. "How long did it take him to create this?""Several weeks. He stayed here to finish it." I watch her face as she continues to admire it. "Tell me, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at it?"She pauses for
I nod, my throat tight. “You better be.” The doors to the delivery room swing open, and suddenly, I’m surrounded by bright lights, the sterile smell of antiseptic, and the calm, authoritative voices of nurses. My mind is racing. My body, however, is focused on one thing: the relentless, excruciating contractions that feel like my insides are being wrung out like a soaked towel. “Breathe, Desiree. You’ve got this,” a nurse says, guiding me onto the bed. Caspian bursts through the door moments later, his hair disheveled, his suit jacket gone, and his sleeves rolled up. He looks like a man ready for battle. And, honestly, that’s what this feels like. “I’m here,” he says, taking my hand again. His grip is warm, solid, a lifeline in this sea of chaos. I glare at him through the pain. “You did this to me.” He leans down, brushing a kiss against my sweaty forehead. “I know, baby. And you’re doing amazing.” “Amazing? I feel like I’m being ripped in half!” I shout, my voice cracking wit
~~Months later~~ My best friend, Jessica, decided to organise a baby shower for me. She rented a penthouse. I know Caspian's involved in this. Who else is paying for the penthouse? The penthouse is everything Jessica promised and more—sleek marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the city, and enough floral arrangements to make a florist weep. There’s an extravagant dessert table with a towering cake. And, of course, the unmistakable Caspian touch—a champagne fountain. I take it all in, my eyes narrowing suspiciously as I glance at Jessica, who’s currently trying to pass off the event as “modest.” Modest my ass. “You’re sure this wasn’t Caspian’s idea?” Jessica flashes her most innocent smile, which is about as believable as a politician’s promise. “I mean, he may have helped. But you deserve this! Come on, Dee, when was the last time we celebrated you?” I snort, adjusting the sash draped across my belly that reads Mom-to-Be. “You mean besides the
Desiree's POVWe're at a press conference.Cameras flash like lights at a club, and the buzz of reporters fills the air like a swarm of relentless bees. I hate it. Every second of it. But I stand tall, my hand resting in Caspian’s, my knuckles white from the grip. He doesn’t seem fazed—his jaw set, his eyes gleaming. He’s in his element.Me? I’m a bundle of nerves hiding behind a tailored dress and a painted-on smile.The tension in the room is obvious. Every gaze is pinned on us, every microphone is pointed in our direction. There’s no escaping it.Caspian steps forward, adjusting the microphone. His presence is magnetic. Commanding. He could announce the end of the world, and people would believe it was for their own good.He clears his throat, and the room falls silent.“For weeks now, CypherEdge Dynamics has been under siege,” he begins. “An individual named Mabel Blackwood infiltrated our company. She blackmailed board members, manipulated shareholders, and attempted to undermine
“Mr. Hart,” Aaron’s voice oozes through the line, smug and infuriating. “I trust you’ve been thinking about my offer.”“More like thinking about how to kill you,” I mutter under my breath, then louder: “I’ve considered it. But I need proof Desiree is alive. Now.”A pause. Then, Desiree’s voice, faint but there. “Caspian, please…”It takes everything in me not to lose it. “I’m here, Desiree. Hold on.”Aaron returns. “Satisfied?”“Barely,” I say. “You’ll get what you want. But not a second before I see her safe.”“Fine,” Aaron agrees. “Bring the drives to the location we’ll send you. Alone. And no tricks, Hart. Or she dies.”The line goes dead.Antonio is already moving, giving quick commands into his headset. “They’ll never see us coming,” he promises.I grip the phone. “They’d better not.”Because if they do, I’ll burn the entire city down before I let them take her away from me.---I park a block away from the designated warehouse, my pulse thudding in my ears. I sit there for a mom
The tone sends a chill down my spine. Calm, too calm, like this is a business deal and not—“Where is she?” I say. “If you’ve touched her—”“Tsk, tsk,” the man interrupts, almost amused. “Let’s not start with threats. You’re not in a position to make them.”I grip the phone tighter, my knuckles white. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”“Don’t I? Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Hart. Ruthless. Powerful. But none of that matters here.”My free hand balls into a fist at my side. “What do you want?”Finally, he gets to the point. “You’re going to deliver something to me. Two things, actually. First, the drives you took from Mabel’s mother’s house.”My mind races. How does he know about those?“And second,” he continues, “your shares in the company. Sign them over. All of them.”I laugh, sharp and humorless. “You think I’ll just hand those over? Do you know what they’re worth?”“Oh, I know exactly what they’re worth.” His voice drops. “I also know what she’s worth to you.”The a
Caspian's POVIt’s been over two hours since Desiree disappeared, and the hospital has called the police against my wishes.I’m pacing the waiting room like a caged animal, the fluorescent lights buzzing overhead doing nothing to quell the pounding in my skull. Every passing second feels like an eternity, a loud and unrelenting reminder that she’s not here, that I don’t know where she is, that I failed to protect her.“Mr. Hart,” one of the officers starts, her voice too calm, too measured, like she’s asking about a lost cat. “Let’s go over this again. You’re sure your wife didn’t… leave voluntarily?”My fist clenches so hard my knuckles crack. I whip around, staring at her like she’s grown a second head.“Voluntarily?” The word leaves my mouth dripping with venom. “You think she just decided to disappear in the middle of a goddamn ultrasound?”The other officer, a man with a face so nondescript I could forget it in seconds, clears his throat. “We’re just trying to establish all possi
Desiree’s POVI wake up feeling like my head has been split in two.Pain radiates from the back of my skull, throbbing with every heartbeat. My mouth feels like I’ve swallowed sand, and the metallic tang of blood lingers on my tongue. I try to move, but my arms won’t budge. Cold metal digs into my wrists, and the sharp edge of panic slices through the fog clouding my mind.“Welcome back.”The voice is smooth, almost polite, but it sends a chill racing down my spine. I force my eyes open, blinking against the dim light until the blurry figure in front of me sharpens into focus.Aaron.He leans casually against a table, his arms crossed, a smug grin stretched across his face. He looks like a villain from one of those old spy movies—too polished, too composed, too damn pleased with himself.“What the hell,” I croak, my voice raspy. “What is this, amateur hour? I thought kidnappers were supposed to wear masks.”He chuckles, slow and deliberate, like he’s savoring my sarcasm. “You’re in go
Caspian's POVDesiree has been gone for too long.I glance at the clock on the wall, tapping my fingers on the armrest of the chair in rhythm with my heartbeat, which is getting louder and faster with every passing second. Maybe I’m being paranoid. Maybe this is one of those “pregnancy bladder” situations everyone warned me about. But how long does it take a pregnant woman to pee? Five minutes? Ten? I’ve lost track of time, but it feels like hours.I shift in my chair, trying to shake off the gnawing sense of unease creeping up my spine. The ultrasound pictures are still in my hand, slightly crumpled from where my grip has tightened.“She’s fine,” I mutter to myself. “She’s fine.”But the words don’t stick.Standing abruptly, I glance toward the hallway leading to the bathroom. The corridor feels longer than I remember, its sterile walls closing in like they’re mocking me. Every instinct in me screams that something isn’t right.Dr. William steps out of an adjacent room, looking surpr
Dr. William turns to us, his smile widening. “It’s a girl.”For a moment, the world stops. A girl. We’re having a daughter.“A girl,” I repeat, the words tasting foreign and magical on my tongue. Tears spill over before I can stop them, and I press a hand to my mouth, overcome with emotion.Caspian is silent beside me, his gaze fixed on the monitor. When he finally speaks, his voice is rough, as if he’s struggling to keep his own emotions in check. “A girl,” he echoes. Then, with a soft laugh, he adds, “God help her if she inherits your stubbornness.”“Excuse me?” I glare at him, though the tears streaming down my face probably ruin the effect. “She’s going to be the perfect combination of both of us, thank you very much.”“Let’s hope she leans more toward your good looks than my temper.”“Let’s hope she doesn’t inherit your ego,” I shoot back, though my voice is choked with laughter.Dr. William chuckles, stepping back to give us a moment. “I’ll print out some pictures for you two. T