Emma Watson"Mother!" My heart beamed with joy as I saw my mother awake. "Mummy, you are awake!" I rushed toward her, hugging her. "I never thought you would call me that again," she spoke. "I'm sorry, Mum. I was very upset. I didn't mean for the accident to happen," I let the free liquid flow down my face. "No, dear, don't be." She retorted, patting my head. "I should be the one apologizing, dear," her voice was sober. "I shouldn't have compared you to your sister and made you feel less of yourself. "Henceforth, I promise to treat you better and do right by you, my lovely daughter," she pulled me into a hug again. That was it—the feeling I craved, the feeling of belonging, the feeling of being loved. I couldn't believe I was foolish enough to have wanted to throw our beautiful relationship out the window. "Ahmm," a voice interrupted our little reunion. "Hello, Mrs..." A young-looking nurse stretched forth her hand toward me. I had been so engrossed in seeing my
Emma Watson"What do you mean by start afresh?" I gazed at Samantha, who held onto the documents I had almost lost my fingers on. "Yes, ma'am. You haven't been doing it right," she stated. "Oh wow, really?" I shook my head. "I'm exhausted, hungry, and there's no way I'm starting afresh..." "But ma'am..." she was still saying when I packed my bags to leave. "Just wow. I spent eight hours here all in vain," I clasped tightly to my bag as I walked toward my bodyguard, Alex."Are you done, ma'am?" he asked, taking my bag from me. "Yes, I am. Can we please start going? I'm starving." He nodded as he started the car. I could see Samantha walking out of the building, glaring at me as the car began moving. "She was insane if she thought I was going to retype all those pages." "Ma'am, you don't look so good. Didn't you like your first day at work?" "Nothing close to that," I retorted. "Please, is there an eatery close by? I'm starving." "Yes, ma'am," he responded as he
Ray MaverickIt was now 7 p.m., and Emma wasn't back home. My eyes were still swollen from the allergic reaction. "Is Emma back yet?""No, Mr. Ray,""Can you please call Samantha to find out what might be the cause of her lateness?""Alright, Mr. Ray," Abel spoke as he took out his phone and began dialing. "Sir, there's still no answer." And Emma doesn't even have a phone to get across to her. "What about the bodyguard?" "Still unreachable." "Get the car ready. We are going to The Maverick Organization." "Are you sure, sir? I can just go there on my own. Remember, your eyes are still—""My wife is nowhere to be found, Abel.""Yes, sir, but I could just go check what might be the problem.""Get the car started," I retorted, and he walked out immediately. "Lucy," I called out. "Yes, sir?""Do call me when Emma returns.""Alright, sir," she responded. Abel had gotten the car ready, and we were already heading towards the organization. ..."Hi, Samantha," I greeted as
Emma WatsonRayian threw his questions at me like an FBI interrogator. "I forgot about the questions, Rayian," I lied. He sighed before turning to the front. "How are your eyes?" "Fine, they're getting better." "That's nice to hear." The drive to the mansion was silent. I was glad he didn’t ask me any more questions. "Thank you," I muttered to Alex. "Good night, ma’am," he said as he went to park the car. Abel was already here. "Get some sleep. You have work tomorrow." "Yes, boss," I sighed as I walked toward my room. "Won't you be having dinner, Mrs. Ray?" "No, I'm fine, Mira. I just need a bath and some rest." "Oh, alright, ma’am," Mira said and left. I collapsed on the bed. I had never been so worn out in my life. The thoughts of Mum filled my head. She must be wondering why I didn’t return. And also Lena—I could finally visit her in the hospital now that I was allowed to go out. "I miss Lena so much," I whispered. I just hoped she was getting bett
Ray MaverickEmma’s eyes locked onto mine as I stepped into her small, cramped office space. Her entire body tensed, her fingers gripping the edge of the desk like it was the only thing keeping her upright. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” My voice was dangerously calm, but the weight of my anger filled the room. Her heartbeat was so frantic I could almost hear it, matching the tension that thickened the air. “I’m sorry, Boss. I didn’t notice the flash drive was two,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. I let out a slow, frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose as I paced the room. My mind replayed the disastrous meeting over and over, the humiliation of it burning through me like wildfire. “We just lost millions because of you.” The words tasted bitter on my tongue. “Do you have any idea how long it took to bring those clients to the table?” Emma’s gaze dropped to the desk, shame clouding her expression. “You haven’t even been in this company
Lucas Maverick Rayian was dumb, I knew that. But was he dumb enough to think I would let him have the clients buy into his deal? I had seen him hand the flash drive to Emma after she insisted on making the presentation more appealing. I needed a distraction but couldn't find the perfect one—until Samantha emerged from the meeting room, rushing toward Emma. I knew that was my perfect moment. I had her bump into a staff member and switched the flash drive from her. And now, I needed to cause chaos. "Take this to Emma, give her this drink, say it's from her husband, then slip this flash drive into her pocket," I ordered. The staff member nodded and walked off. Money was indeed power. "Done, sir," he returned shortly. I smiled as I watched the drama unfold. "One, two, three, four, five, six," I counted down to Rayian's downfall. "Twenty-four." And then it happened. One by one, the clients rushed out of the organization, raining insults on Rayian—a sight of pure joy.
Emma WatsonLucas' snide comments and laughter seared my skin more than anything else in the room. How did the flash drive get messed up? As far as I was concerned, I had given it to Samantha. And also, how was Lucas able to secure the deal Rayian had worked so hard for? It seemed like we were called here just to get mocked, and Rayian had defended me countless times—even from his sister. Did that mean he had forgiven me? I was already having high hopes until Betty mentioned my wedding ring. Rayian’s hand flung to my fingers, inspecting them. “Where’s your wedding ring?” Rayian asked, his voice hoarse. His gaze dropped to my bare finger. His hand shot out, gripping mine. His fingers tightened as if searching for something that wasn’t there. My throat went dry. What would he do when he found out I had sold his ring for a bus ride? “Didn’t mean to strike a nerve, brother. I thought you knew too,” Betty remarked, her voice laced with mockery. “Betty, don’t test my
Ray Maverick "You sold what?" I nearly lost control of the wheel, so I had to stop the car. We were in auto-drive all the while—I just wanted to scare Emma. "You sold a 78-karat gold ring for how much?" I asked, trying to calm myself. "I'm sorry, Rayian. I never knew its worth," she spoke, her voice almost a whisper. Emma was making things difficult for me every day. "How much did you sell it for, and what?" "I... I..." She stammered. "I traded it for a bus ride to my mom's place." Just wow. This was just what I needed. "Get out." "What?" "Are you deaf?" I turned to face her. "Don't let me repeat myself again." She got off, and I sped off. "What the hell did she mean by trading my grandma's ring for a few bucks? Can't she identify gold if she saw one?" I drove over to the club. I didn't want to be identified as a blind man, so I acted casual. "This is Harley's club," my car's device notified. "Call Abel if I'm not out in an hour." "Yes, Mr. Rayian," my
Emma WatsonMy heart pounded as I pushed through the crowded streets, searching desperately for Ray.Something wasn’t right.The way his phone kept ringing with no answer. The way my stomach twisted with a growing sense of dread.Celeste’s warning echoed in my mind.Benita isn’t working alone. She never was.She wants to take Ray down. Completely.And she knows the best way to do that… is through you.I felt sick.If Benita was planning something, Ray was already in danger. And if he didn’t pick up his phone, it could only mean one thing—He was already caught in the middle of whatever she had planned.I pulled out my phone and called Lucas.He picked up on the first ring.“Where is he?” I asked, breathless.Lucas cursed under his breath. “I tried stopping him. I swear, I did.”A cold wave of fear washed over me. “Stopping him from what?”“Going after Vincent.”My blood ran cold.“Where?” I demanded.Lucas hesitated. “Emma—”“Where, Lucas?” I snapped.A pause. Then—“The old warehouse
Chapter 49A New Player on Board Emma WatsonI gripped the edge of the door, my knuckles turning white.Celeste DeLuca.The name alone sent a jolt of fear through me. I didn’t know much about the DeLuca family, but what I did know was enough to make my stomach twist.And now one of them was standing at my doorstep.Her sharp green eyes flickered with amusement, as if she could see every thought running through my mind. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”Every instinct screamed at me to slam the door in her face.But something about her made me pause.She didn’t look threatening—at least, not in the obvious way. There was no gun, no knife. No sign that she meant me immediate harm.And yet…I didn’t trust her.I forced myself to speak. “Why are you here?”Celeste’s smile didn’t falter. “Like I said—I came to talk.”I swallowed hard. “About Ray?”Her eyes gleamed. “Yes. And Benita.”That name was enough to send another shiver down my spine.I hesitated, my heart pounding. I shouldn’t l
Emma WatsonI woke up to the steady rhythm of Ray’s heartbeat beneath my ear. His arms were wrapped tightly around me, as if he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go. I didn’t move. I didn’t want to. For the first time in days, I felt safe. Secure. Like the storm raging around us couldn’t touch me—not while I was here, in his arms. But reality was waiting. And we couldn’t ignore it forever. I shifted slightly, tilting my head to look at him. His face was relaxed in sleep, but even now, I could see the tension in his features. The weight of everything he had been through still lingered. I reached up, running my fingers lightly over his jaw. His eyes fluttered open. For a second, he just looked at me. Then his lips curved into a slow, lazy smile. “Morning, trouble.” I rolled my eyes, but my heart did a little flip. “Morning.” His arms tightened around me, pulling me closer. “Can we stay like this forever?” I sighed. “I wish.” Ray’s expression darkened slight
Emma WatsonThe weight of Ray’s confession still sat heavy on my chest as I walked back to our Mansion. The night air did little to clear my head; if anything, the wind only intensified the storm of emotions swirling inside me.I had asked for the truth. And I had gotten it.But now… I didn’t know what to do with it.I wrapped my arms around myself as I climbed the stairs to my room. My fingers trembled as I unlocked the door. The second I stepped inside, I let out a shaky breath, pressing my back against the door for support.Ray had been betrayed. Nearly killed. And the woman who had done it wasn’t just some forgotten ghost from his past.Benita was still here.Still haunting him.And she wasn’t done.I thought back to the way Ray had looked at me when I said we’d fight this together. The doubt in his eyes. The fear.He didn’t believe we could win.That terrified me more than anything.I forced myself to move, shedding my coat as I stepped into the dimly lit living room. My head had
Emma WatsonI barely remembered the walk back to my apartment. My mind was a storm of emotions—anger, confusion, heartbreak. Ray had admitted it. He’d loved Benita once. He’d been with her.And he’d kept it from me. The city was alive around me, yet I felt disconnected, my body moving on autopilot. Cars rushed past, their headlights painting streaks of light against wet pavement. Somewhere in the distance, a siren wailed. My hands trembled as I unlocked the door. Mira passed me a glance, but her ignored her walking to my room.Rayian had said I could stay there if I didn't want to share a room with him.The room was dark and still, the silence pressing down on me. It felt colder than usual, as if the walls themselves sensed my turmoil. I dropped my coat onto the couch, rubbing my arms. I needed air.Grabbing my keys, I stepped onto the balcony. The city stretched before me, buildings towering under the moonlight. The cold breeze bit at my skin, but I welcomed it. I gripped the r
Emma Watson I stared at the photograph in my hands, my fingers trembling. Ray’s face stared back at me, younger but unmistakably him. His jaw was sharp, his eyes held the same intensity—but there was something different. A darkness. A cold, calculated expression that sent chills down my spine. And next to him? Benita.Their hands were clasped, their gazes locked like the world around them didn’t exist. My stomach twisted. “You’re lying,” I whispered, shoving the picture back at her. “This doesn’t mean anything.” Benita chuckled, a slow, deliberate sound that sent a shiver down my spine. “Oh, Emma. You’re in denial. That’s adorable.” I clenched my fists. “I don’t believe you.” Her smile widened. “You don’t have to. But the truth doesn’t change just because you refuse to see it.” My heart pounded. “Why are you doing this?” Benita’s eyes gleamed. “Because you deserve to know who you’re really in love with.” I wanted to throw her out. To scream at her. But the wors
Emma Watson The moment Benita walked away, silence stretched between Ray and me like a fragile thread waiting to snap. My pulse pounded in my ears, drowning out everything but the echo of her parting words. _"Does she even know who you really are?"_ I swallowed hard, staring at Ray, searching his face for something—anything—that would prove her wrong. But all I saw was hesitation. And that hesitation shattered me. “Ray,” I whispered, my voice barely holding steady. “What did she mean by that?” He ran a hand over his face, exhaling sharply. “Emma, don’t—” “Don’t what?” My voice rose, shaking with frustration. “Don’t ask questions? Don’t demand the truth?” His jaw tightened, but he didn’t answer. And that silence? It spoke louder than anything he could’ve said.A bitter laugh escaped me. “You can’t even deny it, can you?” Ray closed his eyes for a brief second before stepping toward me. “It’s not what you think.” “Then tell me what it is,” I shot back, stepping aw
Emma WatsonThe night air was thick with silence. Even with the curtains drawn, I could sense the vast emptiness outside, the weight of the estate pressing in around me. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the untouched dinner tray that Mira had brought in hours ago. My appetite had vanished the moment I saw her downstairs. Benita. Ray’s ex. The woman he once shared something with. I didn’t know what made me angrier—the fact that she was here, under this roof, or the fact that Ray had kept it from me. I exhaled slowly, willing my thoughts to settle. He said it wasn’t about meBut how could I believe that when the woman who had once held his heart was now walking through our home like she belonged here? A sharp knock at the door made me tense. I knew it was him. I debated ignoring it, but I wasn’t a coward. I wouldn’t hide from this. I walked over and pulled the door open. Ray stood there, one hand in his pocket, the other braced against the doorframe. His
Death Itself Emma Watson I slammed the door shut behind me, my breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. My chest ached, but it wasn’t from exhaustion—it was from the overwhelming surge of emotions clawing at my insides. Benita.The name alone sent a wave of anger through me. I should have known something was off the second Ray drove me home in silence. He never stayed that quiet unless something was weighing on him. But this? Her? My hands curled into fists as I pushed off the door, pacing the length of the room. Why was she here? I had barely processed the fact that she and Ray shared a history, let alone the kind that involved a past relationship. But it wasn’t just that. He knew she was here before we walked in. He didn’t tell me. He let me walk in blind—again.A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat. Of course, he did. Why would Ray Maverick think I deserved to know anything? A soft knock at the door made me freeze. I knew who it was before he even spoke. “