Hundred million? She thought, trying to calm her heart. Slowly, darkness engulfed her, and she lay there until everything was hushed. The next morning as she woke up. The sound of her ringtone had tapped her back to reality. She looked around the living room. The rotten smell of fish was coming in. Her phone rang again, and she picked it up. "Miss Halton, I was wondering if you are free by noon. I have everything you asked for." Tears rolled down Tiffany’s eyes. Finally, her way out. She took a shower and stormed out of her apartment. A few minutes later, she sat opposite Carlo in a small café down her street. Carlo handed the file to her. "Thank you for everything. I really appreciate it." Tiffany said, her eyes beaming with joy. She watched as Carlo walked out. Tiffany took out her phone, staring at the nursing home number. She had only called them once since that incident. "Hello, Miss Halton," Clara's voice echoed from the phone. Tiffany lowered her gaze. As she
Tiffany struggled, thrashing against the arms that held her. Her muffled screams were swallowed by the cloth pressed tightly over her mouth. The scent was strong, like a chemical. It was nauseating. Her heart pounded violently as she fought, but the hands were stronger, rougher. A deep voice muttered something she couldn’t quite process before darkness claimed her again. When she woke, her head throbbed, the taste of bitterness coating her tongue. Everything around her was a blur, her limbs heavy as if she had been drugged. She blinked, trying to adjust to the dim lighting. A single bulb flickered above her. The scent was stronger with something metallic and something rotting. Where the fuck was she? A basement? A warehouse? Her body shuddered involuntarily. Tiffany attempted to move, but her wrists were bound behind her, the coarse rope digging into her skin. Her ankles were tied
"She needs a rest and a lot of it. I would advise her to stay a little longer, also her nutrition..." Tiffany stirred, opening her eyes. Tiffany’s eyelids felt heavy as she slowly drifted back into consciousness. The bright hospital lights overhead made her wince, forcing her to blink a few times before her vision cleared. A dull, aching pain radiated through her body. Her fingers twitched against the cool sheets, and as she turned her head slightly, she saw a familiar figure standing beside her. Noami. "Tiffany," Noami’s voice was soft but thick with worry. She stared as Tiffany tried to sit, and her heart ached. Noami lowered her head, sighing heavily, her shoulders sagging with relief as tears rolled down her cheek. Tiffany tried to smile, but it felt weak. "Noam–" she murmured but her throat felt dry. Noami exhaled sharply, squeezing her hand. "What the hell happened? Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you
The next day, evening crept in slowly. Kai was still nowhere to be. Utterly bored, Tiffany decided to take a warm shower.Tiffany stepped out of the hospital bathroom, the steam trailing behind her as she adjusted the loose sleeves of the fresh hospital gown. She froze mid-step when she saw Kai sitting on the small couch.His posture felt tense, and his elbows rested on his knees as he stared at the floor. His hands were clasped together. Tiffany looked around, and Noami was gone.Tiffany swallowed. He hadn't left.The sight of him sitting there, made her heart flutter. Slowly, she walked toward him, her bare feet barely making a sound against the cold floor.Kai didn’t notice her yet. He was still faced down. Tiffany could see the rigid way his jaw clenched, the way his chest rose and fell with controlled breaths.Without a word, she slid onto his lap, straddling him. His body stiffened beneath her at the same time letting her i
Four days later, Tiffany was finally free from the hospital.Kai didn’t let her lift a finger as he helped her into his car, making sure she was comfortable during the whole ride. She thought he would take her home, but instead, he parked in front of a tall building that looked over the city."This isn’t—" She looked at him, her eyebrows raised in surprise."My new penthouse," he said simply, opening her door. "You’re staying here.""Kai, why? Is this rent?" She stepped out, feeling a mix of excitement and confusion. "Am I moving in with you? Isn’t that a bit fast?"Kai sighed, meeting her gaze with seriousness. "You’re still recovering. I want you close." His voice softened, showing his concern.Tiffany took a deep breath, glancing up at the building before looking back at him. The worry in his eyes made her heart flutter. "Okay," she said, nodding.Happy with her response, Kai led her upstairs, showing her th
Three days later, Tiffany walked beside him with Tiffany settled into a window seat, watching as Seattle’s city lights faded beneath them, replaced by the endless darkness of the ocean. Kai sat beside her, silent. One hand resting on the armrest between them, fingers grazing hers while the other worked on his tablet. Tiffany remained silent, not wanting to bother him ever since she learnt about the outbreak and his father's company. Hours passed with only stolen glances and heavy silences. At one point, Kai stood, shrugging off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves before pouring a glass of whiskey. However, he wasn't drinking with her, but with Peter, as they were both focused on work.Moments later, exhaustion crept in, and she leaned back against the seat, eyes fluttering shut. Kai pulled a blanket over her, his fingers brushing against her cheek before he settled back in his seat.By the time she woke, they had already arrived in L
Tiffany stood in front of the mirror, slipping into yet another gown as Kasey, Kai’s personal stylist, circled her with a critical eye. The suite’s soft lighting reflected on the rich fabrics draped across the couch, luxurious silks, delicate lace, and shimmering dresses, all selected for tonight’s party at the mansion."I still think the first one was the best," Kasey murmured, tapping a finger against her chin. "Your curves, they are perfect." Tiffany sighed, adjusting the strap of the gown she was currently wearing. "I don’t know. It felt too… much."Kasey rolled her eyes playfully. "Honey, this party is filled with people who breathe wealth and power. Too much doesn’t exist in their world."Tiffany glanced at the selection again before her eyes landed on the satin masterpiece. Her mind wandered to Kai talking about how he wanted everyone to know she was. Was it really much? She exhaled. "This one," she said, reaching for it.Just as
Allison led her through the lavishly decorated ballroom. The opulent gold and cream decor, the towering floral arrangements, and the jazz band playing a soft, elegant melody in the background."You must be overwhelmed," Allison said, guiding her toward a quieter corner near the bar.Tiffany let out a small laugh. "That obvious?""Just a little." Allison grinned almost rolling her eyes. "But you’re handling it well. Trust me, I know how suffocating these events can be."Tiffany tilted her head. "You? You seem like you belong here."Allison scoffed, waving a hand. "Oh, please. My family has money, but old money? That’s a different breed. These people have been rich for generations. They breathe influence. You don’t just walk in. You have to be born into it, well... like Kai."Tiffany nodded slowly, glancing around at the carefully curated guests. The way they spoke, moved, and even laughed. It all seemed so effortless. Her eyes cau
Tiffany stepped out of the car. The wind caught the hem of her top as they approached the sleek helicopter on the private helipad. She paused, her eyes narrowing behind her sunglasses, taking in the black gloss finish of the chopper, the sunlight gleaming off the rotor blades.Kai stepped up behind her, adjusting his cuffs like he had all the time in the world. "Mr Winson, ah... it's nice to see you in Italy." Tiffany’s mind trailed, taking the whole surrounding as they spoke. She was excited, anticipating the ride. "Come on," Kai took her hands, drawing her attention back to him. He directed her to the already open, corpter. He helped her in. Tiffany smirked, climbing in, watching as she buckled in. After he was done, he walked to his side, sliding into the pilot’s seat. "Are you going to ride it?" Kai looked at her. "Well, you better hold on."He slipped the headset on, ran a hand over the controls, and the blades started to spin.She glanced at him. A small vein was visible
The next morning, sunlight spilt through the windows, casting soft golden lines across the sheets. Tiffany’s eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was her ring, glinting in the morning light. She groaned, burying her face deeper into the pillow. Her cheeks flushed instantly as every detail from the night before rushed back.The way his hand had come up. So gentle and firm curving around her neck, while the other played around her body. The way his mouth brushed her ear, whispering that peaceful yet devastating confession. "You’re so perfect… I’m so fucking in love with you…"And then, how he took her hand, his fingers grazing over the ring before he leaned down and kissed it. "You’re mine."Tiffany brought the ring to her lips, pressing a soft kiss against the diamond, staring at it as if it held some secret only she could understand. It was beautiful. The love it represented was even more breathtaking. It felt so unreal, like something out of reach, yet it was hers. Someho
Tiffany’s fingers tightened just slightly as her mouth worked him with quick and aching precision. Kai couldn't help but think. This woman, this goddess, was his forever. His love forever. "Yes," she whispered, her lips brushing his. "Yes, Kai. A thousand times, yes."Kai couldn’t take it anymore. The way she held him in her mouth like he was something sacred. It was too much.He reached for her, his hand cradling her jaw, gently easing her mouth off him. A wet sound lingered in the air as she released him, and her lips, swollen and glistening, parted in surprise and heavily breathing. "You know what... Tiffany Halton... I fucking love you so much. Gosh, you're so mine, darling." He said before he silenced her with a kiss.Not soft. It was desperate. His tongue slipped past her lips, tasting himself on her and groaning into her mouth like he’d never get enough. His hands fumbled behind her, searching for the zipper of her dress.The tension gave, then snagged. "Shit," he muttered ag
As the bedroom door clicked shut, it was as if the rest of the world ceased to exist.Their mouths met in a collision of hunger and heat, Kai pressing Tiffany back until her spine kissed the wall. His body moulded to hers. Her hands tangled in his hair. Kai’s hands fumbled as he reached for the zipper of her dress, desperately. And then a sharp rip coursed through the room. They froze, eyes widened. "Gosh, I'm sorry, Love," Kai said against her lips, with a smile lingering against his. His eyes holding hers. Tiffany’s laugh broke into the kiss like light. Kai’s grin only deepened the wildness in his eyes.Kai lifted her easily into his arms like her weight meant nothing. Her legs wrapped around his hips, and their mouths stayed locked until he reached the bed, placing her gently against the bed. Tiffany landed with a soft bounce, and hair spilt across the pillows. Her eyes burning with need and something deeper. Maybe love? But it was so loud in the silence they stared at each other
Tiffany stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her earrings, when she caught sight of Kai leaning casually against the doorframe. His eyes traveled over her, slowly staring at her heels and moving up her legs, thighs, and curves, lingering like he was savoring every inch. It was impossible not to notice.“Are you just going to stand there gawking?” she teased, her tone laced with playful irritation as she met his gaze in the mirror. “You look like you’ve just seen a fucking Grim Reaper.”Kai smirked, his voice smooth and teasing. “Well, if you’re here to steal my soul, I’d volunteer.” He stepped into the room, pulling his hands from behind his back as he closed the space between them. “I bought you something.”Tiffany turned slightly, her lips curling into a smile. “What’s that?” she asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. “These days, it’s freaking me out when you say that. What’s next? An island?”Kai chuckled, stepping behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. He met
A loud ringtone broke through the morning stillness, vibrating on the nightstand. Tiffany stirred, lids fluttering open, her hand fumbling toward the nightstand, finally, she grabbed it. "Hello?" she croaked, her voice still heavy with sleep."Bebe," Noami’s voice crackled through the phone, loudly. There was a pause, then she continued. "Please don’t tell me you slept through that view. You’re in Florence, remember? Don’t waste the sunrise."Tiffany groaned softly, rubbing her eyes. A small sigh escaped her lips as she sat up, the sheets slipping off her shoulder. Her mind lingered on Noami’s words. She wondered for a moment if Noami was her best friend or Kai's. "I'm starting to wonder if you're really my friend.""Is that important? A surprise wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. You—are you u–" Noami’s voice faded as her gaze swept the room. It was empty. She blinked, a frown forming as she turned her head. The balcony door was ajar, the sheer curtains swaying gently with the
The jet touched down just as the golden light of Florence’s early evening spilt over the tarmac. As soon as Tiffany stepped onto the stairs, the warm Italian breeze kissed her cheeks. But what truly stole her breath was the car that awaited at the base of the steps.A Rolls-Royce Boat Tail. A custom pearl and rose-gold finish that shimmered like sunlit silk. The wooden rear deck gleamed under the fading sunlight, handcrafted like a yacht. It looked like something out of a dream. It's a fantasy-made metal.Tiffany descended the last step slowly, her heels clicking with intent, her lips parted in awe. "Kai!" she whispered."In love?" he asked, his arms wrapping around her waist, taking her towards the car with that lazy confidence that made her stomach flip. "Can I drive it? I wanna drive it!" She pouted, looming at him. Kai chuckled. She had been drowsy throughout the flight. Driving? "Not today, baby. Come on." He opened the door for her. Tiffany looked around. "What about your gua
"Thank you so much, girls. I loved it. Noami... are you coming home tonight?" Noami turned, surprised etched her face. "What? No, I'm going to see Daniel." Tiffany nodded. "Ah? Daniel? Alright." She said with a smile. Although, she wanted to celebrate more for her birthday. She couldn't bother their plans. She had Kai after all. As she stepped out of the boutique, there he was. The perfect one. She spotted him just across the street Kai, tall and poised, his frame leaning against the car parked. His coat flared gently in the breeze, hands tucked into the pockets, but his eyes were locked onto her like a man possessed.Tiffany didn’t think. Her feet moved, and she ran towards him. The world blurred around her. Her heels struck pavement like thunder, her heart roaring in her ears. Her curls bounced wildly, her blazer flaring behind her like wings. Her hands wrapped around him, hugging him tight. Kai smiled, leaning backwards to take a look at her. Before he could say a single word
A sleek black car rolled to a gentle stop in front of the boutique, its engine quieting to a soft purr, like a contented whisper. The door opened with an elegant ease, and Tiffany stepped out, her presence commanding yet ethereal. She looked like she had just walked out of a dream, her skin glowing against the soft morning light. Her outfit was something out of a fashion editorial—a three-piece tailored suit in pearlescent white that seemed to shimmer with every subtle movement. The corset-style vest hugged her figure flawlessly, its sculpted design cinching her waist before flaring slightly at the hips. Each satin-covered button gleamed with understated elegance, catching the sunlight like tiny stars.Around her neck rested the necklace. The one Kai had given her. Two delicate chains of silver and diamonds lay against her collarbone—one a choker, snug and bold, while the other draped longer, cascading down her chest like a graceful line of starlight.Her high-waisted trousers were a