Share

Five

Author: Tequila
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-09 03:49:09

"Girl, wake up!" Andra yelled, shaking me half-haphazardly.

I groaned, burying my face deeper into the pillow. "Nooo, Andra. What time is it?"

"It's 7 a.m.! You're going to be late for your own wedding!" she shrieked. "Wake up, Janice Felicia O'Brian!"

"Shit!" I cursed, jolting upright as panic surged through me. I was going to be late for my own wedding.

Without sparing a second glance, I dashed into the bathroom, taking the fastest shower of my life. By the time I stepped out, Andra was already waiting, towel in hand. She helped dry my hair before sitting me in front of the mirror, her fingers already working their magic.

I exhaled deeply, still catching my breath. "Thank you, Andra," I murmured sincerely.

Finally taking a good look at her, I realized she was already showered, her makeup flawless, her hair done to perfection—though, true to Sandra fashion, she was still draped in her robe, no doubt savoring every moment before slipping into her dress.

"My mom and sister should be here any minute," Andra said, her hands moving swiftly to adjust the pins in my hair. "I told them to grab some fresh strawberries and pineapples on the way—perfect for calming nerves."

I gave her a grateful smile. Just then, the sound of a car honking outside caught her attention, and she rushed to peek out the window.

"Looks like they’re already here," she said, returning to my side. Grabbing a makeup brush, she started working on my face, her movements calm and confident.

Andra’s family was like my own—loving, supportive, and always there when I needed them. Her sister, a sharp, sassy 18-year-old with dreams of becoming a scientist, was a force to be reckoned with. And her mom—beautiful, graceful, and in her 50s—was the heart of their family.

"I’ll be back in a minute," Andra cooed, setting down the brush and stepping out to open the door. When she returned a few minutes later, she had a bowl of fresh fruit in hand. Without hesitation, I grabbed it from her, nibbling on a strawberry and sighing with relief at the sweetness.

"Are they downstairs?" I asked eagerly, feeling the excitement bubble up inside me. With everything else falling apart, at least today was going according to plan.

"Yep, they’re downstairs, and they’re asking for you," Andra replied with a grin.

"Well, they should come up!" I said, practically bouncing with energy.

"Nope," she said, giving me a playful but firm look. "No one gets to see you until you’re all ready. We’ve still got an hour and a half. And with the drive to the church, we’ve got even less time than that."

"Fine," I sighed, not loving the time crunch but understanding. "But hurry up! I’m tired of sitting here forever."

The minutes flew by as Andra worked her magic with my makeup, making me feel more like a bride with every stroke of the brush. My nerves were still there, but I couldn’t help but feel a little calmer now. Maybe it was the excitement of finally getting to walk down the aisle, or maybe it was Andra’s presence—she always knew how to distract me from my worries.

"Almost there," she said, stepping back to admire her work. "You look perfect. Layden’s going to lose it when he sees you."

I couldn’t help but smile, but it was more out of habit than any real confidence. My heart pounded in my chest as I thought of him. Layden. The man I was about to marry.

Andra seemed to sense my hesitation. "I know you're nervous, but today’s your day, Janice. This is the start of your forever."

I nodded, trying to calm the fluttering in my stomach. There were still a million thoughts rushing through my mind, but I didn’t want to dwell on them now. Not when everything was finally falling into place.

A few minutes later, Andra stepped back, her eyes lighting up. "Okay, let’s get you dressed."

I stood up, feeling the weight of my wedding gown.

The gown was scandalous. I couldn’t deny it even if I tried. It clung to my body in all the right places, hugging my curves with a relentless tightness that I couldn’t escape. The lace—delicate but bold—covered the fabric, barely concealing the skin beneath in places. My chest, exposed by the plunging neckline, felt almost too bare, yet it was perfect. The lace traced the curve of my collarbone, dipping dangerously low as if daring someone to look.

The slit... Jesus, the slit. It ran all the way up my thigh, revealing way more than I was used to. I could already feel the weight of every eye in the room as I moved, the daring cut flashing just enough to leave things to the imagination. It was a wild move—one I’d never thought I’d make, but here I was, about to walk down the aisle in this audacious thing.

The mermaid cut—tight all the way down—accentuated my hips and ass. There was no hiding in this gown; every curve, every inch of me was on display. I wasn’t just walking into a wedding—I was strutting into the room like a woman who knew exactly what she was doing.

And the train? It dragged behind me like a long stream of lace, heavy and dramatic, trailing as if to make sure no one forgot I was making a statement. I could feel it every time I took a step, like a weight that both burdened and empowered me.

This wasn’t the dress I’d always dreamed of, but it was exactly the one I needed. It was bold, daring, and most of all, it was me.

"You’re are a vision," she whispered as she worked.

The sound of voices echoed from downstairs—Andra's mom and sister were still waiting. I could hear them laughing and talking, the energy of the day buzzing through the house.

"Are you ready for this?" Andra asked as she fixed the final touch on my veil.

I took a deep breath, glancing at myself in the mirror. For the first time all morning, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. This was it. My wedding. The day I’d been dreaming of for years.

"I think so," I said quietly, a small smile playing at my lips.

"Then let’s do this," Andra grinned, pulling me towards the door.

As I descended the stairs, the weight of the day settled in my chest. Today was real. Layden was waiting for me at the altar. The wedding was happening.

Gasped whispers followed me as I made my way down. I glanced over at Sally and Yvonne, both of whom seemed as nervous as I felt. My heart raced, but I couldn’t stop the rush of excitement that followed.

"You look... absolutely stunning!" Yvonne breathed, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Good morning, Yvonne. Hello, Sally," I said, my voice shaking just a little with anticipation. I returned Yvonne’s hug before pulling Sally in for one as well.

"Thank you, Yvonne," I said, smiling through my nerves.

"You're welcome, darling," she said with a wink. "Is everyone ready? My husband’s already at the venue and you know how he gets when he’s kept waiting." She laughed, her easy-going nature making me feel a bit more at ease.

"I told you, Jan, you were going to be a vision," Andra teased as she bounded up the stairs to fetch her dress and my heels. When she came back, she helped me slip them on, making sure I stood steady while Sally adjusted my bouquet and Yvonne held me upright.

"I forgot my bracelet!" I suddenly realized, panic rising in my chest. It was the emerald bracelet Adonis had given me, the one that matched the jewelry Layden had gifted me for our wedding. It was too important not to wear. It wasn’t just any accessory—it was an emerald colored diamond bracelet and it cost a fortune, it would be a shame not to wear it given the occasion.

Sally quickly returned with it, and I slipped it on, feeling a comforting weight on my wrist. I glanced at Andra, who gave me a quick nod of approval.

Andra, as usual, looked like a dream in her breathtaking asymmetric strapless mermaid gown, paired with pearl jewelry that matched her dress. She looked absolutely stunning, and I envied her effortless poise.

"Let’s go get them, Jan!" Sally said with excitement, making us all laugh in unison.

We made our way outside, and I slid carefully into the SUV with Yuvone and Sally, while Andra took her own car. The ride was a blur of anticipation, nerves, and the overwhelming sense that I was on the cusp of something life-changing.

When we arrived at the hall, John—Andra’s dad—was already there to greet me. He helped me out of the car and adjusted my bouquet, steadying me as we made our way toward the entrance. The soft strains of "Here Comes the Bride" echoed in the air.

John smiled at me warmly, sensing my nerves. "It’s going to be alright, sweetie," he reassured me, his calm presence offering some comfort.

We walked into the hall, the sound of the piano accompanying each step. The weight of the moment pressed in, and I took a deep breath, preparing myself. I was getting married. Another man—John—was leading me to the altar.

"Thank you, John," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. He nodded without a word, offering me his quiet support.

As I stepped into the hall, the crowd shifted, their eyes on me. Some watched in awe, others exchanged hushed whispers. A few gossiped, some even looked at me with disdain, but I forced myself to ignore it all.

I kept my gaze fixed ahead, toward the altar, where Layden stood waiting for me. He looked every bit the man I had dreamed of—tall, brown-haired, fit, and strikingly handsome. His familiar smile lit up the room, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

Despite the frustration I felt over his silence the night before, I couldn’t help but soften at the sight of him. Layden was here, and he was mine.

We reached the altar, and John gently placed my hand in Layden’s. A shy blush crept up my neck as Layden’s touch sent a warmth flooding through me. His eyes, brown and warm, locked onto mine, and in that instant, I was lost.

This was it. My forever.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Six

    Layden's grip tightened on my hand, the warmth of his touch grounding me amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling in my chest. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only him and me, standing at the altar, surrounded by the whispers and stares of onlookers. But none of that mattered. Not now. I looked up at him, my heart racing. His eyes, those deep brown pools, were filled with so many things—love, hope, and something deeper. Maybe it was the promise of forever. Maybe it was a quiet reassurance, an unspoken vow that no matter what had happened, we were here. Together. "Do you, Janice Felicia O'Brian, take Layden Macarus James to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the officiant’s voice broke through the quiet, his words echoing in the church. I took a steadying breath, my heart pounding in my chest. This was the moment. The decision I had made. It was all leading to this. "I do," I whispered, my voice barely audible, but firm. The officiant nodded, then turned to Layden. "And do y

    Last Updated : 2025-02-25
  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Seven

    His hands were everywhere—rough, demanding, sliding over my skin as if they owned it. They gripped my breasts, fingers digging into the soft flesh, squeezing hard enough to make me gasp. My nipples were already stiff, aching under his touch, and when he pinched them between his fingers, rolling and tugging, a sharp jolt of pleasure shot through me. Heat pooled low in my stomach, my body responding to him as if it were wired to his every move. I didn’t waste time. My hands fumbled with his suit, yanking at the jacket until it slid off his shoulders and hit the floor with a muffled thud. His tie came next, loosened and tossed aside, followed by his shirt, buttons popping open as I dragged it down his arms. His chest was bare now, muscles taut and inviting, and I couldn’t resist running my hands over him, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my palms. I pushed him back onto the bed, and he went willingly, his eyes dark and hungry as they raked over me. The way he looked at me—like he

    Last Updated : 2025-02-26
  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Eight

    I woke to the cold, empty expanse of the bed beside me, the sheets tangled and lifeless. The space where Layden should have been was hollow, the pillow untouched. My heart sank, a familiar ache settling in my chest. For a fleeting, desperate moment, I let myself wonder if last night had been a nightmare—if Layden had simply fallen asleep beside me, exhausted from the whirlwind of our wedding. But the silence in the house was deafening, that told me otherwise.I sat up slowly, the weight of the morning pressing down on me. My temples throbbed, and I rubbed them with trembling fingers, trying to push away the dull ache that had taken root in my chest. The air felt thick, suffocating, as if the walls of the room were closing in. I swallowed hard, the metallic taste of regret lingering on my tongue. I wasn’t going to let this ruin us. We just needed to talk. To understand each other. And if words weren’t enough, I’d show him.I climbed out of bed, my feet sinking into the plush carpet as

    Last Updated : 2025-02-27
  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Nine

    After breakfast, I hurried upstairs to shower quickly before rejoining Andra. I slipped into a yellow sundress that ended mid-thigh and grabbed a pair of sunglasses—hardly the attire of a married woman, but then again, I was still a virgin, so it didn’t count. When I came back downstairs, Andra and I stepped outside and into her car. The drive to Chelsea felt like a slow descent into memory. The streets, wide and alive, pulsed with the energy of a neighborhood caught between its artistic roots and creeping affluence. Rows of red-brick townhouses stood tall and proud, their facades softened by ivy crawling up the sides, whispering of a past that refused to be erased. Gallery windows shimmered with abstract paintings, and boutique cafés spilled warm laughter onto the sidewalks, their tiny round tables crowded with people who had nowhere to be but everywhere to talk. But for me, Chelsea wasn’t the art or the boutiques—it was home. Andra drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, steal

    Last Updated : 2025-02-28
  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Ten

    The door opened, and I heard the smooth lilt of a woman’s voice before I saw her."Layden," she purred, her tone carrying the easy confidence of someone who knew she was welcome.Layden chuckled, his voice lighter than it had been with me all day. "Cassidy, come in."Then she stepped inside and everything about her set me on edge.She was tall—statuesque, even—with cascading blonde waves that framed a face too perfect to be real. Her scarlet dress clung to her curves like it had been painted on, dipping scandalously low in the front and ending dangerously high on her toned thighs. She smelled of something expensive, a floral perfume that carried through the air, seeping into my space as she glided toward me.Her eyes—striking blue, like shards of ice—swept over me, assessing, measuring. Then, she smiled, slow and knowing and extended a perfectly manicured hand."You must be Janice."I wiped my palms against my dress before taking it. Her grip was firm, lingering a beat too long."And

    Last Updated : 2025-02-28
  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Eleven

    He noticed my silence and smiled, the kind of smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, it’s just work, babe. You know how it is." I wasn’t sure how to respond. My stomach churned as I forced myself to stay calm. The fact that Cassidy was staying the night, and he’d failed to mention it until now, stung. It’s just work, he said. But it didn’t feel like just work. Cassidy, oblivious to the growing tension, smiled brightly at me. "Don’t worry, Janice. It’ll be fun. We’ll keep it quiet, won’t we, Layden?" I clenched my fists at my sides, struggling to keep my composure. I didn’t want to make a scene—didn’t want to show just how hurt and betrayed I felt. But the thought of her here all night, so close to Layden, made my skin crawl. Layden caught my eye again, but this time his expression softened. "Jan, it’s really nothing to worry about," he said, his voice almost coaxing. Nothing to worry about? I could feel my frustration bubbling up, but I pushed it down, swallowing the bitte

    Last Updated : 2025-03-02
  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   twelve

    The door opened immediately after they left, and I paused. Could that be Lay? Was he coming back for me? My heart leapt at the thought. He was way too in love with me to leave me like this, wasn’t he? I jumped to my feet, hastily wiping my tears, only to be met with Andra’s voice. “Girl, your husband is fineeeeee!” she called out, her tone teasing as she stepped inside. She tossed her purse onto the couch and made her way to the kitchen, her heels clicking against the floor. “And is it just me, or did Lay look different this morning? I bet marriage sex hits different,” she added with a chuckle, her laughter filling the room. But her laughter faded as she took in the sight of me—the broken glasses on the floor, the spilled juice staining the carpet, and me, standing there with red, puffy eyes and tear-streaked cheeks. “OMG, are you okay?” she asked, her expression softening as she carefully stepped around the broken glass to get to me. I shook my head, unable to respond, fresh tea

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03
  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirteen

    The afternoon melted away in a haze of snacks, laughter, and the soft glow of the TV. The heaviness in my chest, which had been my constant companion for weeks, began to loosen its grip, thread by thread. I lay sprawled across Andra’s lap, my head resting on her thighs as her fingers idly twisted through my hair, her nails grazing my scalp in a rhythm that felt like a lullaby.She took a sip of her wine, her lips curling into a smile as she hummed along with the movie’s soundtrack. “You know,” she said, her voice light but deliberate, “I think you should let me style your hair tonight. Something bold. Something that says, ‘I’m not just Jan anymore. I’m Jan, the goddess of bad decisions and good wine.’”I snorted, tilting my head to look up at her. “As long as ‘bad decisions’ don’t involve scissors, I’m in.”Andra gasped, clutching her wine glass like a scandalized Victorian lady. “Scissors? Darling, I would never. But a little volume, a little drama—oh, Jan, you’re going to make Lay r

    Last Updated : 2025-03-03

Latest chapter

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Forty-Four(Explict scene!!!!)

    The car coasted to a stop, and I blinked, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. We weren't in the heart of New York anymore. The city's chaos had been replaced with the scent of saltwater and the distant sound of crashing waves. I turned to Alessio, but he only nodded toward the door."We're here," he said quietly.I didn't question it. What was the point anymore? The world felt like it was spinning too fast for me to grasp onto anything. I just followed him, my feet dragging across the ground, my mind too clouded by everything to care.He led me up a stone pathway, the ocean breeze tugging at my hair. The path curved gently toward a secluded beach house, its whitewashed walls glowing in the late afternoon sun, shrouded by sea grass and weathered wood. When we stepped inside, my breath hitched.Warm light spilled through gauzy curtains, casting golden patterns on the honey-toned floorboards. The air smelled faintly of salt, like sandalwood and citrus. Worn linen couches framed a

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Forty-Three

    “From both,” he said finally, the words gravel-rough, torn from somewhere deep. Like admitting it scraped bone.“I don’t care,” I snapped, my voice a lash in the air. “Andrés? Olthur? They weren’t in the family profile I was given. And yet—your uncle, your cousin? How does that even work?”His reaction was instant, visceral—a sharp inhale, a flicker of something almost primal in his gaze. For the briefest moment, I thought he might lash out. Instead, he steadied himself, like a storm barely chained."Some things," he said, voice cold as marble, "are better left unknown."He stepped back, adjusting the lapels of his suit like armor reforged. His gaze was an iron gate slamming shut.“And whatever you’re doing—stop.” His words were final, absolute. An executioner’s decree, not a suggestion. “Alessio will come for you in an hour. And don’t forget to dispose of your device.”He paused. Not out of hesitation, but detachment. His gaze slid right past me, like I was already out of the room, o

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Forty-Two

    His hand closed around my wrist, warm and steady, and I froze."Jay-jay," he murmured, his voice low, like I was the last thing tethering him to this earth.But I was tired of this. Tired of the games, tired of my life crumbling over and over again because of the men in my life. I wasn't going to break again. No, not again."Don't," I whispered, my voice hoarse. I pulled away weakly, but his grasp wasn't rough - it was pleading, desperate. My chest tightened, a knot of fury and longing twisting deeper than I could bear.I forced myself to meet his eyes, and it nearly unraveled me. His grey orbs blazed, molten and wild, like he had been chasing me through storms and finally caught me."You think I haven't burned enough?" His voice splintered something fragile inside me. "You think I can survive the fire you leave behind?"What is he talking about?"Icarus-" I whimpered, his name cracking in my throat like a fracture that wouldn't heal.Then his mouth found mine.My breath seized, sharp

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Forty-One

    This was no longer about my reputation.This was about annihilation.Piece by piece, they were tearing my life apart-dissecting every decision, every moment, until there was nothing left but fragments of a person they thought they knew.I stared at the screen, my eyes burning. The headline cut deeper with every second.‘Corporate Climber or Common Slut?’The words pulsed like a wound.My temples throbbed. I forced my eyes shut, drew a breath that caught halfway down my throat, and held it there, like holding my own panic at bay. It didn't work.The bile still rose.I hadn't signed up for this.I never wanted this spotlight, this spectacle. I was supposed to build a career, not become tabloid fodder.And yet, there he was too-Icarus Adonis Sebastian-entangled in the scandal like a character in a story he himself had written. His name splashed across headlines, his face beside mine in every brutal frame.But he wasn't here.He wasn't here.Layla's voice broke through, measured but firm.

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Forty

    Andra slipped back into the room so silently I didn't hear her until she spoke."What are you doing?" she asked, her voice low, almost curious.I yelped, startled, slamming my laptop shut as if I'd been caught doing something far worse than research. My pulse thudded in my ears. "Nothing," I said quickly, too quickly. "You scared me.""Hmmm," she hummed, nonchalant, as she peeled off her dress in one effortless motion. The silk pooled around her ankles like liquid shadow. She reached for a robe, tying it loosely around her waist.I tried to sound casual, playful even, grinning like a child caught snooping through Christmas presents. "So... what have you and Alessio been up to? You've been gone for hours, and"—I tilted my head, teasing—"I heard you laugh."She chuckled, but the sound was thin, a little too nervous. "Oh, please," she waved her hand dismissively, though her cheeks were tinged pink. "Nothing scandalous. We just... had more wine. Talked. About family, mostly."Her eyes sof

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty-Nine

    I rolled my eyes so hard I saw my own brain. There I was, trapped in the damn car while Alessio and Andra had some kind of silent, sexually-charged staring contest that would put a telenovela to shame. The tension was so thick you could choke on it. Alessio's knuckles were white on the steering wheel, his stupidly perfect jaw clenched tight enough to crack teeth. And the way his eyes kept darting to Andra in the rearview? Please. He might as well have had "I WANT TO KISS YOU STUPID" tattooed across his forehead. Andra wasn't any better. Miss Ice Queen herself was actually fidgeting. Fidgeting. Her fingers kept playing with the hem of her dress like she was contemplating hiking it up right there in the backseat. The silence was killing me. "Should I just jump out now," I said, "or are you two waiting for a more dramatic moment?" Alessio's grip tightened. "What?" Andra shot me a death glare, but her cheeks were pink. "Shut up, Jan." "Oh, so now you acknowledge I exist?" I

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty-Eight

    The ladies' room door slammed open before I could catch my breath.There you are!" Andra's voice cracked through the room like a champagne cork. She prowled toward me, her white dress liquid fire under the chandeliers. "I've been hunting you all night, and what do I find?" She braced one manicured hand against the marble counter beside me. "My best friend doing the devil's tango with Icarus Adonis Sebastian." Her smirk could have powered the city grid. "Do you need me to call a priest, or an exorcist?"I grabbed the chilled flute of champagne she was holding and pressed it hard against my burning cheeks. "I will murder you.""Oh no, darling." She plucked the glass from my grip and drained it in one swallow. "Let's review your crimes." She ticked them off on fingers adorned with razor-sharp gold nails. "One: You ghosted me the moment you arrived. Two: You're wearing that dress—which violates at least three international treaties. Three:" Her voice dropped to a purr as she leaned in, "Y

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty-Seven

    Icarus had been insufferable today—condescending, controlling, and, worst of all, completely unreadable. If he thought he could push me around without consequence, he had another thing coming. By the time we arrived, the high-end boutiques on Avenue Montaigne gleamed in the afternoon sun. I stepped out of the car with confidence, smoothing my dress and sliding on a pair of sunglasses I found in my purse. Alessio fell into step beside me, ever the gentleman. "Stay close," I told him lightly. "I might need an extra pair of hands.""Naturally, ma’am," he replied, amusement dancing in his voice. And so, the spree began. I moved through the stores with precision—silk dresses, designer heels, exquisite jewelry—each item swiped onto the black credit card with satisfaction. The attendants were eager to please, their tones hushed with reverence as they recognized the name on the payment method. Alesso trailed behind me, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his sharp eyes scanning th

  • PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE   Thirty-Six

    I pushed into one of the stalls, closing the door behind me as I heard the soft shuffle of footsteps in the restroom. My breath hitched, my body stiffening instinctively.I couldn't let anyone see me like this.Not Layla. Not some stranger.Not even Icarus.Especially not Icarus.I pressed a hand over my mouth, swallowing down the emotions threatening to spill over. The tightness in my chest was unbearable, but I forced myself to stay silent, to breathe through it.Just a few minutes.Just long enough to pull myself together. Then I'd walk out of here like nothing had happened.The restroom door banged open, laughter spilling in like a cruel, creeping poison. I barely had time to stifle my breath before the voices followed."God, I still can't believe it," one of them sneered, her voice sharp, slicing through the quiet like a blade. "I mean, we knew she was shameless, but this? She's an actual slut."“Not even a high-class one,” another voice chimed in, dripping with mockery. “I mean,

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status