Caspian's POVMike called earlier, asking if we could talk.A million reasons ran through my mind, but none of them prepared me for what he’s saying now.“I want us to make a deal,” he says, standing stiffly near the fireplace.“A deal?” I repeat.He nods, his gaze distant. “You remember when I asked you to give Mabel a seat on the board? You flat-out refused.”“And I’m not about to change my mind,” I reply, my tone leaving no room for negotiation.Mike picks up one of the figurines from the mantel, absentmindedly turning it in his hands. He hasn’t sat down since he arrived, pacing like he’s gearing up for a fight.“I figured as much,” he says, almost to himself. “But Mabel and I have decided to take it to the shareholders.”I frown, sitting up straighter. “What does that mean?”“It means she’s putting that business degree of hers to use,” he says, finally looking at me. “She knows you’re not the only one with power in the company. So she’s taking it to the other shareholders. Letting
Mike finally sets the figurine down, and by some miracle, it doesn’t fall. “I can handle her.”I narrow my eyes at him. “You’re an idiot if you think you can handle Mabel. She’s already pulling your strings, and you don’t even realize it.”He flinches, but keeps his gaze steady. “You don’t have to make this personal, Dad.”“Oh, it’s personal now, Mike. You come here, accusing me of using Desiree, but let’s be honest—you’re the one who threw her away. You made your bed with Mabel. Now lie in it.”Mike clenches his jaw. “I’m just trying to keep things from getting worse.”“And you think sacrificing my marriage is going to fix that?” I shake my head, disgusted. “This is bigger than you and Mabel, Mike. And if you really think you can manipulate me into giving up my wife for your power-hungry spouse, then you’ve lost your mind.”His face tightens, but he doesn’t back down. “Just think about it. It’s a simple trade. Desiree for peace.”I stand up, towering over him. “I won’t be making any
A honeymoon party? I don't know what they hope to achieve with such a stunt. But they're definitely cooking up something. Because as I go through the special guests of honor list, I see the entire members of the board as well as shareholders.What the hell?My mind races as I try to piece it together. This looks like a threat. They’re not just celebrating their love—they’re making a power move. It’s more than just a party. It’s a calculated display of unity, one meant to sway the board in Mabel’s favor.I’m still staring at the screen, processing it all, when I hear Desiree’s footsteps on the stairs.“Are you done with the meeting?” she asks.“Yeah,” I reply, not looking up. “What was it about? I tried eavesdropping, but you were too far away,” she teases.I chuckle too, but it feels hollow. Instinctively, I turn around to tell her everything, to share the whole ridiculous situation. But something stops me. The words catch in my throat. How can I tell her? How do I admit that I mad
“I—” I start, but the words die in my throat. What can I say? She’s right. I didn’t consult her, didn’t consider her feelings when I made that deal with Mike. And now I’m scrambling, trying to fix something that feels like it’s already slipping out of my control.Her eyes narrow, and I can see the hurt beneath the anger. “You know, Caspian, for once I thought you were different. I thought what we had was real. But you’re just using me like everyone else. I’m just a pawn in your little game, aren’t I?”I flinch. Her words hit harder than I expected. “It’s not like that. You know it’s not.”“Do I?” she shoots back. “Because right now, it feels like I’m just another piece in your chessboard. You made a deal to divorce me without even thinking about how I’d feel, how it would affect me.”“I didn’t—” I stop, struggling to find the right words. “I didn’t mean for it to go this far. It was just… part of the plan.”“Part of the plan,” she repeats bitterly. “Everything is always part of some p
Desiree's POVCaspian's hands are on either side of my head, and his lips hover just a breath away from mine. Every inch of me wants to stay angry, to hold on to the frustration and the fight, but how can I when he’s standing so close, looking at me like I’m the only thing in the world that matters?He just told me he loves me.And, well, I don’t know what to say.“You don’t have to say anything, Desiree,” he says softly, as if reading my mind. “I know I’ve made mistakes. Hell, I’ve probably made more than my fair share. But one thing I’m not going to mess up is us. I won’t let anyone or anything take you away from me.”I bite my lip, the weight of his words sinking in. I’m quiet for a moment, just thinking. My heart is pounding, and for a second, I wonder if he can hear it. I let out a small breath. “You always know how to sweet-talk your way out of trouble, don’t you?”He smirks. “And you’re always looking for fresh trouble to throw at me.”“Are you calling me a troublemaker?” I ask
He doesn't need to be told twice. In one swift motion, he descends onto the bed, his lips claiming mine in a passionate kiss. The intensity of our embrace leaves me breathless, and I surrender to the moment, forgetting about everything else.Suddenly, he rips my dress in half. "Jesus, Caspian," I say, surprised. "That's Chanel.""I'll buy you a thousand more.”"You better," I say, as he begins to remove the damaged dress from my body. His touch is gentle, yet firm, and I feel a sense of anticipation building within me."When have I ever not been capable?" he asks, his voice low and husky. Oh, for a moment there, I forgot I was talking to a man on Forbes' richest list.My thoughts are cut short as Caspian removes my bra and panties, his eyes never leaving mine. "You have such lovely skin," he says. "So spotless.""All thanks to you," I reply. "I can afford expensive skincare."Caspian laughs, the sound deep and rumbling. "If you think you got this from skincare, you have another thin
"Please," I whisper. "Please, Caspian."He buries his head back between my legs and continues exploring, this time so wildly like a starved animal.I feel it building, the pleasure mounting, the tension growing. And then, in an instant, it's released. A wave of pleasure crashes over me.I scream his name, my voice echoing through the room. I'm lost in the sensations, my mind clouded by pleasure.As I come down from my orgasm, I feel Caspian's lips on my skin, his tongue tracing patterns against my flesh."You were amazing," he says.He kisses me, his lips tender and passionate. As we kiss, I feel a sense of completeness, a sense of being whole.In that moment, I know that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. With Caspian, in his arms.He pulls away and positions himself at my entrance. "Are you ready for this?" he asks."Yes," I moan, my body aching for him. "I need you to fuck me, Caspian. Now."He thrusts into me, his body slamming into mine with a force that leaves me breathless. I c
Caspian's POVDesiree has packed three large bags for the Santorini trip. As I watch her zip the last one, I can't help but raise an eyebrow.“It’s a one-week event,” I say, glancing at the mountain of luggage. “What could you possibly need to fill three bags?”She doesn't look up. She sits on the bag, trying to zip it closed. “Change of clothes,” she grunts, tugging at the zipper. “You’re always busy, Caspian. We hardly ever go anywhere together. And now, by some miracle, Mike and Mabel planned an event in fucking Santorini. Do you even know how long I’ve wanted to go there?”She's still struggling with the bag, huffing and puffing. A part of me wants to help, but there's something oddly entertaining about watching her fight with the luggage, her red hair flying everywhere, determination written all over her face. The way she bounces up and down…“You never said you wanted to go to Santorini,” I say, leaning against the doorframe, smirking a little. “We could’ve arranged that.”She f
“Every last one of them.” He shuts the door with a soft click. “You missed the dramatic exits. Jessica and Uncle Bruno had a showdown over the last cupcake. Bruno won, of course. By sheer brute force.”I chuckle, imagining Jessica’s indignation. “She’ll never let him live it down.”“Probably not.” He loosens his tie, and I can’t help but watch. There’s something almost hypnotic about the way he unwinds, each movement shedding the polished image he wears in front of the world.“You didn’t have to throw that party,” I say, my fingers tracing invisible patterns on the blanket. “It was too much.”“Too much?” He smirks, stepping closer. “You’re carrying my child. There’s no such thing as too much.”My cheeks heat, and I roll my eyes, though a smile tugs at my lips. “Still. It was sweet. Thank you.”He shrugs off his jacket, draping it over a chair before sitting on the edge of the bed. “Don’t thank me yet. I might’ve used the opportunity to have a little strategic meeting with the board. J
The entryway is packed with people—family, friends, even a few faces I don’t immediately recognize. Balloons and banners hang from the ceiling, and a massive sign reading “Congratulations, Mom and Dad!” stretches across the living room.“What the actual—”I turn to Caspian, who’s standing beside me looking calm, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, a slight smirk playing on his lips.“Surprised?” he asks.“You planned this?”He shrugs. “Guilty.”“You—” I gape at him, words failing me. “When? How?”“While you were busy arguing with your mom about leaving,” he says. “I made a few calls. Mike helped.”I don’t even have time to process my rage before Uncle Bruno barrels toward me, arms wide and voice booming.“Oh, Dee Dee, this is huge!” He scoops me up in a hug so tight I swear my ribs creak. “A baby! Just when I thought you couldn’t surprise us anymore.”“Uncle B, put me down before I suffocate.” My voice is muffled against his chest, but he complies, grinning from ear to ear.Je
I try to dodge her attempts to smother me, but it’s impossible. She pulls me into a bone-crushing hug, and I swear I hear Caspian chuckling behind me.“Mom, you’re—” I can barely breathe. “You’re squeezing me.”“Oh, hush. You’re pregnant. You’re invincible now!” She pulls back, her hands gripping my arms as she stares at me like she’s just been handed the Holy Grail. “We have to celebrate.”“No,” I say. “No celebrations.”She ignores me, her mind already racing ahead. “We’ll call your siblings, of course. And your aunt. And the cousins. Everyone has to know. Oh, we’ll have a big family dinner—”“We’re leaving for New York today,” I interrupt, my voice firm. “There’s no time for any of that.”She frowns, her face falling in a way that tugs at my heart. “But this is huge, Desiree. You’re having a baby! My grandchild!”“Which is precisely why I’m not ready for the entire family to descend on me like vultures,” I say, trying to keep my tone light but firm. “Mom, I love you, but no. We’re
Caspian tilts his head, pretending to think about it. “Technically, yes.”“Technically?!” I say, grabbing the sheet to cover myself even though he’s seen everything. “Oh my God. She’s going to know. She’s going to know! I’m going to have to move to another continent. Maybe Antarctica.”He chuckles, too relaxed for someone who’s just committed a cardinal sin. “I’m pretty sure you’re overreacting.”“No, I’m not!” I slap his chest, but he just grins, his hand reaching up to catch mine. “You don’t know her! She’ll bring this up every Thanksgiving for the rest of my life. My life, Caspian!”“She’s not going to bring it up,” he says, sitting up now. “And if she does, I’ll handle it. Relax.”“Relax?” I throw the sheet off dramatically and scramble off the bed. “I cannot relax! This is a disaster.”He watches me, amused, as I grab the first piece of clothing I can find—his shirt—and pull it over my head. It falls halfway to my knees, but it’ll have to do.“You’re adorable when you’re panickin
“Caspian!” I hiss, my hands flying to his shoulders. Before I can protest further, he captures my lips in a kiss, his tongue thrusting into my mouth as if he's trying to brand me as his own. "I can't get enough of you. You're mine," he says, the possessiveness in his tone making my heart race with excitement and fear. I shiver at the dark promise in his words, my body already slick with need for him. He pulls back to trail open-mouthed kisses down my neck and collarbone, nipping and sucking at my sensitive skin as he frantically works the buttons of my shirt—his shirt, actually—ripping it open to expose my lace-covered breasts to his hungry gaze. I moan and arch into his touch as his calloused hands palm my bare breasts, thumbs teasing my aching nipples. I can feel the wetness dripping from me, already anticipating the feel of him filling me. I watch him through heavy-lidded eyes, my body trembling with barely contained need. Once he's done undressing me, he takes a lustful look
“No, it’s not,” I say, though my voice is a little too high-pitched to be convincing. “She knows what we did to get you pregnant, Desiree. She’s not going to be shocked by some creaky bed springs.” I smack his arm, my mortification complete. “Caspian!” He bursts out laughing, and despite my best efforts, I can’t help but smile. His laugh is infectious, the kind that makes it impossible to stay mad. Still, I cross my arms, glaring up at him. “You’re the worst.” “And yet, you married me.” “Poor decision-making on my part.” He reaches down, pulling me up from the floor with an ease that’s both annoying and impressive. Before I can protest, he’s dragged me onto the bed, his arms wrapping around me as he shifts us into some semblance of comfort. It’s a tight fit, but somehow it works—his body warm and solid against mine, the faint smell of his cologne grounding me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. “This isn’t comfortable,” I grumble, even as I relax into him. “Sure it is,” he mu
“I’m trying to fix this!” I say, my voice rising. “You think I wanted to come back here? You think I wanted to face all this again? I’m doing this because it’s important—because it’s the right thing to do.”She laughs again, bitter and sharp. “The right thing. That’s rich.”“Mom, please,” I say, my voice breaking despite my best efforts. “I need you.”She softens, just a fraction, and for a moment, I think I’ve gotten through to her. But then she shakes her head, turning back to the stove.“I don’t know anything,” she says quietly. “Even if I did, I’m not getting involved.”“Why not?”“Because Elaine’s dangerous,” she says, her voice low. “You don’t know her like I do. She’ll ruin you if she thinks you’re a threat.”“She’s already ruining people,” I say. “And if we don’t stop her, she’ll just keep doing it.”Mom hesitates, her hand resting on the counter, her gaze distant. Finally, she sighs, the fight seeming to drain out of her. “What exactly do you need from me?”Relief floods thro
“Well,” Caspian says, leaning back in his chair. “That could’ve gone worse.”“Worse?” I glare at him. “She practically called us parasites.”“Technically, she only called you a parasite.”I grab a pillow from the couch and throw it at him. He catches it, laughing as he tosses it back.“This isn’t funny,” I say. “Now what?”“Now,” he says, standing and stretching, “we apologize to your mother. She doesn't seem too angry. I feel like a little touch here and there will crumble her resolve.”“How would you know? Did you see her face when she left?”“I’ve been doing business for years. It's called the ‘guilt-trip’ move. Just go over there and say sorry like the good daughter that you are.”I groan, burying my face in my hands. “Why did I let you talk me into this?”“Because deep down, you know I’m right.”I peek at him through my fingers. “I hate you.”He grins. “No, you don’t.”I leave the living room and head for the kitchen, where I’m certain Mom is.The kitchen is dimly lit, the only l
Caspian flashes her his most charming smile. “I think her headstrong nature is one of her best qualities.”Mom blinks, caught off guard for half a second before recovering. “Oh, how sweet. You really are a catch, aren’t you?”I down my glass of wine in one go.As the evening drags on, Caspian expertly steers the conversation toward Mabel’s family. It starts subtly—questions about old neighbors, mutual acquaintances—but my mother’s too sharp not to notice.“Why the sudden interest in Mabel’s mother?” she asks, her tone casual but her eyes sharp.Caspian doesn’t miss a beat. “Just curious. Desiree mentioned her in passing, and I thought she sounded fascinating.”Mom leans back, swirling her wine like a villain in a soap opera. “Fascinating isn’t the word I’d use. Elaine’s always been… ambitious. But I wouldn’t put much stock in what she says. She’s not exactly the most reliable source.”“Why’s that?” I ask, trying to sound nonchalant.She gives me a pointed look. “Because she’s exactly