The message played over and over in my head, filling me with a growing sense of unease. I glanced at my phone again, the words blurring as my heart raced. The thought of Adrian doing something behind my back seemed impossible, but the warning kept tugging at me.Sophia’s voice cut through my thoughts. “Hey, what’s going on? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”I forced a weak smile, trying to play it off, but I could feel the worry creeping into my expression. “I, um… I need to take care of something. Could you cover for me?”She looked at me, puzzled, but nodded. “Of course. Just… let me know if you need anything, okay?”“Thanks, Sophia,” I mumbled, grabbing my things and making my way out of the office. My steps felt heavy, and the whole walk to the curb felt like a dream. I flagged down a taxi, barely registering the driver’s question before giving him our address. The whole ride, my mind churned, bouncing between fear, confusion, and denial. Adrian couldn’t possibly be hiding somet
I stare at my reflection in the mirror, gripping the edge of the vanity until my knuckles turn white. Today is supposed to be the happiest day of my life. But all I feel is a dull ache settling in my chest. I’m marrying a man I’ve never met, a complete stranger who may never even wake up. What kind of future is that?Vivian’s voice crashes through my thoughts, sharp as glass.“Lana!” she yells from the other side of the door. “What are you still doing? You should be dressed by now!”Vivian—my stepmother—has always treated me like a burden. She married my father when I was sixteen and made it clear from day one that I was in her way. Her daughter, Naomi, could do no wrong, while I was always the problem. And now, she’s the one forcing me into this marriage.I clench my jaw, anger bubbling just beneath the surface. Of course, she’d be impatient. She’s been waiting for this moment—to see me helpless, backed into a corner with no way out.“I don’t want this,” I mutter under my breath. “I’
The Knights sent a sleek black limo to pick me up, and it waited silently outside like a predator. I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, the interior plush and luxurious. The driver shot me a quick glance in the rearview mirror before pulling away, navigating the streets with alarming speed. My head hammered with nerves, but I kept repeating to myself: You can do this, Lana. You can get through today.When the limo arrived at the Knights’ villa, I was struck by its sheer size. The mansion loomed before me, opulent and intimidating. A party was already in full swing inside, laughter and music spilling into the air like a vibrant tide.As I stepped through the grand entrance, I scanned the room. My heart sank when I only recognized three faces: my stepmother, Vivian; my stepsister, Naomi; and my boyfriend, Jordan. The sight of them made my stomach churn. They were supposed to be my support, yet they felt more like the eyes of judgment.A doorman approached to escort me inside
I wasn’t sure what I heard. My heart pounded in my chest as doubt and dread swirled in my mind. I knew I shouldn’t, but I had to know. I traced the sounds to the room next door, my hands trembling as I pushed the door open slightly.And there they were—Jordan and Naomi. My boyfriend, tangled in bed with my stepsister.My heart shattered into a million jagged pieces. I clutched the doorframe to steady myself, silent tears burning my eyes as I tried to breathe through the crushing weight in my chest. How could they do this to me? How could he do this to me?They lay there, tired and content, their naked bodies tangled together. I bit down on my lip, hard enough to draw blood, fighting the urge to scream. I wanted to burst in and demand answers, but my feet stayed frozen to the ground.“This is so fun,” Naomi said with a giggle, her voice dripping with satisfaction.Jordan chuckled, brushing her hair off her shoulder. My fists clenched at the way he touched her so intimately, like she wa
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Jordan stood there, clearly startled, mouth opening to argue, but I stopped him cold.“I already know everything, Jordan,” I said, my voice sharp.He clenched his jaw, hesitating, but before he could speak, the soft, repetitive beeping from the machine suddenly sped up. My attention snapped back to Adrian, lying pale and still on the hospital bed. And then—his eyelids flickered.“Oh my god,” I gasped, taking a step closer. “Adrian! You’re awake!”Jordan took a single glance, his expression shifting from anger to unease. “I... I need to go,” he muttered before practically sprinting out of the room.Ignoring him, I moved to Adrian’s side, watching his eyes blink open with the faintest hint of awareness.“Adrian is awake!” I repeated, louder this time, heart pounding.In moments, Adrian’s mother, Evelyn, swept into the room with her usual poise, followed by a maid. She observed the scene, a quiet sigh escaping her lips as she regarded me.“There’s
After changing into soft, matching pajamas, I took a steadying breath. The quiet of the room felt heavy, as though the mansion itself was holding its breath. I glanced at Adrian, lying still, his face relaxed and calm. For a moment, I let myself think about how strange this situation was—married to a man I’d only just met, a man I barely knew.Shaking off the thought, I picked up a small bottle of oil from the table and poured a few drops onto my hands, rubbing them together to warm it. I began the massage gently, starting with his hands, moving up his arms, and talking softly as I did. “So… I guess this is a little one-sided, but here goes,” I said, smiling at the absurdity. “I love cats. Not sure if you do, but you should. I also love chilling with a good show… Netflix and all that.” I chuckled, glancing at him. No reaction, of course.I shifted down to his feet, pressing gently. “You’re really handsome, you know that? I guess you've heard that a thousand times” I murmured. “Have yo
Evelyn’s gaze met mine, her eyes sharp. “A few, yes. But he wasn't really serious about any of them.” I took Evelyn’s words in stride, though I couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement at the news that Adrian had never been serious with anyone. But before I could overthink it, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen—it was Sophia, my best friend. “Hi guurrl!” she greeted enthusiastically when I answered. “Hey! What’s up?” Sophia chuckled. “You’re not going to believe this, but your boss, Ms. Harper, is furious about your absence these past few days. I mean, didn’t you tell her you’d be away?” I sighed. “Of course I did, but you know Ms. Harper. She’s intense.” “Understatement of the year!” Sophia laughed. “Oh, by the way, she left a file on your desk and asked me to bring it over to you. I figured I could come by and check out the Knights’ estate while I’m at it.” “Sure, come on over. I could use some company.” After ending the call, I had about twenty minutes to kill, so
The villa bustled with activity, maids hurrying to adjust linens and arrange the room. By the time I returned to Adrian’s bedside, Evelyn and the doctor were already there, speaking in hushed tones.Evelyn's face lit up the moment she saw me. Without warning, she swept me into a hug. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, almost breathless with excitement. “I just know you’re Adrian’s luck. You brought him back to us!”I blinked, stunned. “It’s… just a coincidence,” I stammered, unsure what to say. “I didn’t really do anything.”She shook her head, smiling. “No, dear, it’s because of you.”Suddenly, Adrian’s voice, still faint but sharp, cut through the room. “Mom…” His gaze shifted, confused but filled with a quiet intensity. “Who is she?”Evelyn immediately moved closer to him, reaching for his hand. “Sweetie, I’m here. This is your wife.”Adrian’s eyes widened in shock. His gaze hardened, shifting from his mother to me. “Wife? When? How?”Evelyn's face twisted with frustration. “I made the de