Yuki's pov The group erupted into joyful screams."No fucking way!" Jason bellowed, his voice on the verge of cracking."This is insane!" another person screamed.Others began to pull out their phones and take photos and videos like they had just been informed they were getting on a flight to heaven. I just stood there. Stunned. Completely shocked.Creed has his own personal plane.I shouldn't be surprised. The man practically oozed wealth, but this was different. This wasn't just money. This was stupid rich people money.As the plane doors opened, about four flight attendants stepped out, dressed like they were auditioning for Best Etiquette: The Reality Show. Their uniforms were perfect—so neatly pressed, I was convinced not even a speck of lint dared to touch them. They walked in perfect unison, their smiles polished, their posture so straight it could rival a steel rod.“Welcome aboard the Creed 1011,” one of them said with a graceful bow. “We will be assisting you throughout the
Creed's POVSince everybody was in the lobby, I cleared my throat and addressed the team."For the meantime, everyone needs to rest," I told the room, scanning the faces. "We're heading to the resort later this afternoon. Our flight was overnight, so all of you need to recuperate first before anything else."There were agreements, as well as some tired yawns."Rooms are already booked," I continued, looking at my watch. "You all should have your key cards in your emails. Call the front desk if you need anything."And I dismissed them.I was not even that fatigued, but I went to my suite anyway, Zara trailing behind me.She was already talking by the time the door closed behind us."I still don't see why you chose this place," she sulked, letting her designer handbag fall onto the couch. "We could have gone to Switzerland. Or Japan. I could be shopping right now instead of being stuck here in this pit."I tuned her out, heading over to the minibar to fix myself a drink. The hotel wasn'
Yuki's pov "Mind if I join you for a swim too?" he asked, already pulling his shirt off.I gave him a bland look and sipped my drink. "I'm actually having some time to myself, but thanks for offering."It was the nice way I could say get lost.For a second, I figured he'd catch on, but he just smiled wider, no doubt believing my spurning was flirting."Oh, c'mon," he coaxed, moving in closer, "you can't just be here alone, looking all—""I see you're having a good time.”That low, unmistakable voice sent a brutal shiver down my spine.I jerked my head up.Creed.Oh, God.My heart slammed into my ribs. I didn't even have to look around to know I was trapped.I stiffened right away, panic scrabbling up my throat.It wasn't that I didn't like Creed—not at all.The problem was… Creed wasn't in my circle, he was a billionaire, a billionaire with a very angry girlfriend.Something about all of it was wrong, plus above everything else, I wanted to keep this job and every single time he was
Yuki's POVI have no clue who among my marketing co-workers doesn't like me, but apparently, someone does.That's the only explanation for why I am now standing in the midst of a winter wonderland hell, strapped to a death machine they call a snowboard, instead of lounging in my toasty, safe hot spring."This is a terrible idea," I declared, crossing arms and trying to will my co-workers away with stubbornness.Come on, Bunny, don't buzzkill me," Surf Bro—also Steve Blake, also my own personal nightmare—grinned as he tightened the straps on my boots. "You've got to send it! Full send! Ever shred anything before?"I gave him a nasty look. "I have never, ever shredded a single thing in my whole life except cheese, and I intend to keep it that way."The marketing team erupted into laughter."Yuyu, you have to at least try!" one of them teased."Come on, don't you want to experience what skiing on snow is like?" another hinted."Yes," I nodded for effect. "I do. And that is why I watch ot
Yuki’s POVI sprinted to my room like my life depended on it.My helmet was barely clinging to my head, my wig had shifted, and my entire body was screaming at me in confusion, frustration, and absolute panic.I slammed the door behind me, tearing my helmet off with such ferocity that it bounced off the ground. My hands tore at the idiot snowboarding gear that had let me down."Idiot board, idiot straps, idiot Creed and his idiot…idiot everything!" I snarled, biting at the boots first and nearly falling over as I kicked them off. The jacket was next, then the pants, and—That's when I saw him.Jacob.Standing in the corner of my room.Holding a bouquet of flowers.Staring at me with wide, frozen eyes.Oh.OH FUCK.My wig was already halfway off, my bonnet hanging around my neck like some miserable scarf.And worse—My, uh, somewhat unfortunate situation was still revealed.For a good five seconds, we just stared at each other.Then, I did the only logical thing.I screamed.A full, ma
Yuki's pov Jacob did not take my hand.Didn't even draw breath."…That's a man's name," he said finally, his voice quieter than it had been."Yep."He swallowed convulsively. "S-So you… You're actually a…?"I nodded.Silence.Jacob's eyes flitted downward briefly—And then he went pink.Oh, great.".So," he croaked, voice miserably high. "When we… um… I mean, that time we—uh—"I crossed my arms. "Spit it out, Jacob."He looked anywhere but at me. "S-So all those times I—I—um—"I arched an eyebrow. "All those times you what?"He flinched. "I—I told the guys you were the prettiest girl on the team."There was silence.I smiled. "Well, you're not wrong."He covered his face with his hands and groaned. "Oh my God.""Relax, dude. I take it as a compliment."".So when you hugged me—?"I deadpanned. "Bro. It was a hug. I wasn't going to take you on a date."He groaned even louder. "I TOLD MY MOM ABOUT YOU!"I choked. "You WHAT?!""She wanted me to settle down! I—I thought you were nice! She
Creed's POVI was enraged.Not irritable. Not annoyed.I was the kind of angry where blood ran hot in my veins full of fury, fists clenched and bricked, jaw so tight it could shatter skulls,to the extent that I couldn't even convince myself otherwise.And yet, instead of turning around like a sane human being, I was following them.Yuyu and Jacob.They walked in together, conversing like old friends—too familiar with one another for my comfort. I followed behind close enough to notice them enter Jacob's resort room, only a few turns down the hallway.I didn't hear what they were saying, but I could see them.And Yuyu… she smiled.Not her friendly, teasing smile she gave me when she was trying to playfully tease me.No.Something else.Her lips curled, speaking words that I could read effortlessly:"I love you, but if you faint on me one more time, I'll drop you like a bad habit."Jacob grinned, tracing the back of his own neck as he spoke—something sweet, something true. Something tha
Yuki's povI looked around the room. Just in case.Because the last thing I needed was another episode—like Jacob showing up in the corner again with those big, innocent eyes, ready to ask more stupid questions while I was actually going crazy.I checked under the bed. The closet. Even the freaking bathroom.No one.Just me.I took a shaky breath, locked the bathroom door for safety, and stepped into the shower, cranking the handle to full blast.The cold water hit my skin, but it was not enough to put out the flames burning through my body.Creed's voice was still resonating in my mind.What are you doing sleeping around with a co-worker?His lips, oh God, his lips had been so rough, so demanding, like he was angry that I was kissing someone else and not him.The way he pushed me against the wall.The way his tongue—I groaned, pushing my forehead against the cold tile, but it did nothing to ease the ache between my legs. I was already hard. Painfully, ridiculously hard. I circled
Lily's POVI let out a sigh, gazing at my phone well after Yuyu had hung up.This is a mess.I felt guilty—guilty because Yuki was entangled in something risky, guilty because despite him having a thing for Creed, this entire situation was shady as all get-out.Playing pretend to be a girl.Faking that everything was rosy when it was really blue.This was not sustainable.No matter how tough Yuki was, this would destroy him sooner or later.And then, of course, there was Grandpa Roman.I released a sharp breath, resting back against my pillows. Each day that went by made it more and more necessary that I find him a good home.But Yuki would not listen.Not yet.And I could see. I really could.It was painful to lose someone when they're still standing right there in front of you, one of the worst things that could possibly happen to a human being.So I tried not to say anything about it too often.I breathed another slow breath, looking around my bedroom.It was small but cozy—a stand
Creed's POVMy head hurt.My body hurt.I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt so weird.I was floating, but not in a good way. My legs and arms were too heavy, my chest too warm, and my brain? It was cloudy as hell. Every thought was sluggish, like my brain was wading through thick molasses.But there was one thing that cut through it all.Warmth.Something soft, gentle, was pressed against me, holding me in place.I curled into it, pressing closer instinctively.It felt nice. So warm. So familiar.I buried my face into it, my breath escaping in a slow, shaky sigh.I didn't know what it was, but I knew I didn't want to let go.It smelled… good. Clean, fresh. Something like fabric softener and a hint of citrus.A scent that felt safe.I was too tired to question it. Too hot to care. So I let myself fall into it, my fingers scrabbling at the soft material, pulling it close. It shifted slightly, and I felt a hand—cool against my burning skin—press to my forehead. Then a voice.
Yuki's pov I sighed, leaning back. "Fine. But if you get worse, I'm not giving you a choice."He didn't say anything, just breathed shallowly.By the time we reached his oversized penthouse, the driver helped me get him out of the car."Good luck," he muttered as I struggled to support Creed.Thanks, old guy. Fantastic assistance.I pulled Creed in, the door man nowhere in sight closing the door behind me. The apartment was familiar—contemporary, tidy, too pristine, luxurious.I guided him to his bedroom, barely managing to get him onto the bed before he slumped.He let out a low grunt."You're—" He blinked slowly. "—really strong."I rolled my eyes, removing his shoes. "Yeah, and you're really heavy."He hummed, eyes half-closed. "You're… staying?"I paused.Only until you're settled, I thought.But there was something in the way he looked—**weak, tired, utterly unguarded—**that stopped me.".Yeah," I whispered. God save me from the clutches of this man and keep my identity a fuckin
Yuki’s POVMy chest felt tight when I saw Zara clinging to Creed.Engaged or not, they were destined to be.At least, that's what it appeared.They moved like two people who had already spent a lifetime together. Whether it was toxic, whether it was a mess, there was a sense of destiny in the way she clung to him.And I hated that I was there, seeing it.I wanted to leave.I wanted to disappear before I saw something that would ruin whatever was left of my night.So I turned, heading towards the door, holding my head up high—like nobody else in that ballroom mattered.It was stupid, but it made me sick.Entitled bitch.I fought with my clutch, gripping it harder as I moved forward, angry that Creed was still standing there, looking at me."Let me take you home," his voice cut through the cold in the air, harsh and unyielding.I hesitated."I think we've had enough of a jumpscare tonight," he went on, his voice almost playful, as if he was trying to make it sound less like a command.I
Zara's POVThe wind slapped me in the face, but it wasn't as icy as the rage burning inside of me.I didn't know how long I'd been unconscious. Five minutes? Ten? Long enough for my toes to go numb in these ridiculous heels.Snow was falling, silent and soft, blanketing the sidewalk in a thin layer of white.I barely registered it.Because all I could see in my mind was him.Creed. And that pestering, silly, fake, peacock-hair girl.Yuyu.Of course it would have to be her. The one person who somehow succeeded in getting me like this.She wasn't even supposed to be here. Why was she here?And why was he looking at her like that?It was stupid. They were stupid.This was not jealousy. I was not jealous. I just—I wanted revenge.I hadn't even known what that was yet, but I was going to learn.Maybe I'd dance with the next fellow who emerged out here. Maybe I'd kiss someone just to defy him. Maybe—Gunfire.I froze.The sound ripped through the air like thunder, echoing from inside the g
Zara's POVI had trouble keeping my gaze on the glass of champagne in front of me, much less the mindless chatter of the people around me. My gaze kept drifting—no, burning—toward them.Creed and Yuki.Sitting together, talking, their bodies inclined toward one another in that close, comfortable way. Creed had that lost look in his eyes, the same one that made people want to reach out and touch him, to repair whatever was broken inside. And Yuki—grr, she looked fabulous, as always, in that ridiculous peacock dress.I should have guessed she'd show up looking like a painting.I clenched my jaw.I wasn't jealous. Not of Yuki, at least.I was only. infuriated.I had been avoiding Creed all evening, and that he hadn't bothered to get up and seek me out? Livid."Zara, sweetheart, are you even hearing me?"I snapped back to reality, my rage sharpening into something deadly as I focused on Todd. Ew. Todd.One of the dozens of CreedX Technologies board members, someone I hadn't even known ab
Creed's POVThe CreedX Technologies Gala was, not surprisingly, a lavish event.It was held in the city's most luxurious ballroom, and the entire production was dripping with excess. Crystal chandeliers swooped from the ceiling like water icicles, spilling shattered light across the crowd of stylishly attired upper crust. The marble floors glimmered, polished to such a high shine that they reflected the tall flower arrangements and extravagant golden centerpieces on each table. Black- and white-clad waiters navigated the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres—small caviar canapés, smoked salmon tartlets, and small filet mignon.The air was heavy with costly perfume and the muted buzz of polite talk, punctuated every now and then by the clinking of glasses and eruptions of laughter.I was bored to tears.I had already danced with three women, each one as replaceable as the champagne flutes being replenished. The first, a brunette in an emerald gown, prattled on about her fami
Yuki's POVThe rain had ceased, and all that remained was the cold wetness of the air and the sound of our silence.I had stepped over a line.This shouldn't have occurred.We shouldn't have been so absorbed with one another like this—anything that dissolved the lines between us was dangerous. Worse, it could cost me my job."So… you and that restless employee?" Creed's voice came out of nowhere, shattering the silence.I blinked. "Who? Jacob?" A smile tugged at my lips."Yeah. Something's up."I feigned a gasp, placing my hand on my chest dramatically. "What are you suggesting, Mr. Malcolm? That I'm playing both of you?"He chuckled, but there was a sharp glint in his eyes."Jacob is cute," I admitted, crossing my legs. "But unfortunately, he isn't my type."A vibration rocked the truck.And then Creed was closer.Too close.My breath stuck in my throat, my heart pounding in my ear."So, Miss Roman." His voice was low, the heat of his breath on me. ".tell me, what's your type?"My th
Creeds pov The words spilled out so fast, so quietly, that I nearly missed them.I frowned. "Why?"She was quiet for a very long time, and I thought maybe she wouldn't answer. But then her voice was there, even and soft."Because it feels like he's all I have."Her words fell into my chest, heavy and sharp.I sort of leaned in, my elbows on my knees. "Don't you have someone else?"She gave a hard, bittersweet laugh. "People around me? Sure. But it's different, isn't it?"Yes. I certainly understood that. The ability to be a crowd of people but still being the only person alone in the room. "Yuyu" I spoke softly.Her head jerked up a bit, and I could barely catch a glint of her eyes in the blackness."People tell you family is the people who are supposed to love you no matter what," I continued, softer. "But sometimes, they're just the ones who hurt you the most."She didn't say anything, but I could feel her looking at me.I swung around, running a hand through my dripping hair."M