ELOISE I gasped. He swept me off my feet a bit, but I shouldn’t be fooled by sweet talk. I already learned from experience. I glared at him and forcefully pulled my arm away. “You want me? Well, aren’t you a player? I don’t believe you. I don’t like how you look at me, how you talk, or how you do things in such a strange and mysterious way. You’re supposed to like Zoey. We’re not friends either. Please, let me go now, Mr. Sebastian.” I pushed away from him with all my might, leaving him with a confused and startled expression. He stood there like a statue, and I was relieved that I could finally put some distance between us. I had already said plenty, and I couldn’t bear to be near him any longer. He was strange in ways I couldn’t explain; all I knew was that I had to stay away from him. I returned to dinner with Harvey, and our food was already served. He watched me closely, noticing my change in demeanor. “Is there something wrong?” he asked softly, concern clear in his gray e
ADAM Harvey fucking Jackson was all over her like they were some happy couple, and Eloise didn’t seem to mind. I couldn’t tear my eyes away, even though it was torture to watch them flirt right before me. There was when she touched his arm while laughing, and I’d never seen her laugh like that with me. But before that, she dared to call me strange. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in.” Ms. Jackson entered and closed the door, and she came alone. Where’s Eloise? Perhaps it was the perfect time to ask Ms. Jackson what her brother was doing here and his agenda. “Sit down, Ms. Jackson,” I ordered. “Of course, sir.” She took a seat in front of me. “Where’s the report?” “Here.” She placed the binders carefully on my desk. “Eloise is still working on hers. She’ll give it to you today.” “I see, but before we proceed…” I looked up at her and stopped swinging my chair. “Let’s cut the bullshit and be real. It’s been a long time. And since when did you become Trina, T
ADAM I woke up in an unfamiliar hotel bedroom, my skull throbbing as I tried to collect my thoughts from an awful night. I must’ve gotten drunk and ended up here. My head was just too occupied with Eloise and the Jacksons, and I needed to get away from those distractions. Lying next to me was a redhead, her skin as pale as paper and her wavy hair on my bed. However, it wasn’t the same redhead I preferred to wake up next to. My mind instantly drifted to Eloise, the woman who had been messing with my thoughts lately. The woman beside me was Michelle, a woman I’d already fucked from the past. “Hey…” I nudged her shoulder. She groaned and blinked her brown eyes. “Adam.” “We need to go. Get up.” She lazily pulled herself up, and the blanket slipped, revealing her breasts. I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a strange discomfort. Though Michelle was undeniably attractive, my interest just wasn’t in it. My head kept circling back to Eloise, and I even imagined her last night beneath me
ELOISE We landed in Edinburgh in the morning, and then Mr. Ross drove off to my father’s mansion. I’d been to his home a few times before, but never for an extended stay. I wasn’t welcomed into his house, and I’d never really dreamt of being around Davina. I couldn’t blame my dad’s wife if she didn’t like me—sure, but I also couldn’t force myself to like her. When I was still attending Heriot-Watt University, I would only go there if my father called for me. My father’s neoclassical mansion had been passed down through generations of viscounts. As a viscount himself, he was the current lord of the estate. Despite the weight of the situation, I couldn’t help but notice that the mansion's grandeur was breathtaking. It stood proudly as if untouched by years, a testament to the unwavering dedication of the people who had preserved this place. The elaborate windows were framed with ornate moldings, catching the sunlight and glinting like jewels. The gardens surrounding the estate wer
ELOISE Nina led me to the right wing into a ridiculously spacious bedroom decorated with peonies. Sunlight streamed through two tall windows with swaying white curtains. Two baby pink sofas and a center table were placed nearby with sweet snacks on top. I could easily imagine waking up here with coffee or a book. In the center of the room stood a four-poster queen-sized bed with intricately carved wooden posts that stretched up to the ceiling. The mattress was covered with fresh white sheets that looked so comfy, almost making me forget how unwelcome I felt in this house. Across from the bed, a vanity furnished with delicate feminine decorations matched the room’s aesthetic. A private bathroom was conveniently located nearby, giving off the same cozy vibe as the bedroom. As I took in the room’s details, Nina spoke with warmth. She stood beside me. “I hope you like it. I asked the maids to make it comfortable and minimalist. I was thinking you might feel overwhelmed.” “That’s very
ELOISE I walked around the main gardens, and just like Nina said, this place was huge, way bigger than my eyes could see. Tall trees clustered together, and grassy lawns seemed to stretch forever, like a massive green carpet. The cool air smelled like a farm and sweet nectar. This could be a good place to relax, especially since dealing with my dad and his wife would be stressful. I didn’t sleep much on the flight, but exploring rather than staying in my room was better. I stopped at the gardens of peonies and roses and took some selfies. I made sure the background didn’t give away that I was at my dad’s place, and then I uploaded a picture on my social media before I kept walking. I saw houses far away. I took more pictures but immediately decided to keep them on my phone. I didn’t want my followers to know where I was, also guessing those houses might be where the workers in the mansion lived. From a distance, I heard horses neighing and saw people riding them, which was new an
ELOISE My meals were delivered to my bedroom for the rest of the day. Honestly, this way was much better because I had no interest in dining with my father or Davina. It felt kind of lonely whenever I contemplated if this was their everyday life in the mansion. Probably because Malcolm had just passed away, the silence was painfully pronounced. I suppose my actual hellish day starts tomorrow. I checked my phone again before bed. I had messages from my work emails that needed responses, but I figured I could ask Trina to handle those. Fortunately, she was there as my counterpart. Jenna had messaged me this morning to ask how it was going, and there was also an unanswered message from Adam. He hadn’t messaged since. Rolling onto my side in bed, I wondered what I could reply to him, constantly composing and deleting messages. “I’m busy…” I deleted the text. “Just say it here.” I deleted the text again. “You can just call me…” Damn it. I deleted my message again but accidentall
ELOISE The mansion’s veranda appeared somber, especially under the shade of gray clouds that hung to the sky like a heavy shroud. The early morning air was moist with the scent of rain-soaked soil, and steady showers played a gentle rhythm on the grounds. I was dressed in a casual coral sundress that Nina chose for me. She said it was fitting for the morning meal, but I felt the color didn’t match my mood and the dull ambiance of the place. Nina then ushered me to the table where a traditional Scottish breakfast was served. I hesitated, but my father’s stern gaze urged me to sit. I settled across from him. The atmosphere was tense, as if sitting together was an unfamiliar ritual. Which, of course, it was. I grew up outside his care, with him only fulfilling the responsibilities of a parent from afar. On the table, breakfast consisted of haggis, black pudding, fried eggs, sausages, and baked beans. It was generous, but the weight of my father’s presence made it difficult for me to
ELOISEThat evening, while I was showering, Adam joined me. He wrapped his arms around me from behind while his lips placed soft kisses on my shoulder. I moved my hair to the side and looked back at him. Even after everything, it still felt surreal. Adam was my husband now.Just a few weeks ago, I met this man because of a simple mistake on a blind date, and he became someone who supported me. But there was still so much I had to learn about him, many things we needed to resolve and discuss.Under the shower, we stayed silent, savoring each other’s presence. Words became unnecessary with each kiss on my shoulder, neck, and back. I surrendered to the surge of emotions, my body burning with every touch of his fingers on my skin.Adam’s lips traveled down my back to the space between my buttocks. I moaned, arching my back as his tongue slid through. I gripped the wall; the only sounds were the splashing water, my rapid heartbeat, and my heavy breathing. His fingers traced my slit, and my
ELOISEWhen the doctor left, Adam and I watched Davina sit beside Malcolm’s bed, her hand never leaving his face.The doctor told us he didn’t know when my brother was going to wake up, but he should still be able to from his temporary coma.Davina was the first to speak. “How… how could Callum do this to me? After everything…”Dad was standing by the window with his hands folded across his chest when he finally broke his silence. “Callum did it because I let him. Because my ambition and greed blinded me.” There was a long pause before he turned to face us. “I did this. I did this to our family... to Malcolm. I was too focused on making sure the Cunningham name stayed strong. I was one-sided.”Davina’s eyes flicked, and her lips pressed tightly together. “You can’t blame yourself for this. I asked you to—”“I can blame myself,” Dad cut her off. “I’ve seen the signs. To think that I almost gave away my only daughter.” He waved his hand towards me.My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t sure
ADAM Eloise and I continued to move through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well wishes from the guests. I kept glancing around the room, scanning the crowd for any sign of Jonathan, but he had taken the initiative and was now talking to Callum. He had probably slipped away during the ceremony to begin his part of the operation. Now, all I could do was wait for him to make contact. Eloise chatted with her relatives near the buffet table when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped away from the crowd, keeping my movements casual. I checked the message. It was from Jonathan: We spotted the ambulance, but one of my men outside hit a small complication. I glanced around again, making sure Callum wasn’t watching, and I remained calm. I moved toward a secluded reception corner, pressing the phone to my ear as I dialed Jonathan’s number. Jonathan gestured to Callum to wait a moment as he answered my call. “Jonathan, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice low but urgent. “I’m sor
ELOISE The band began to play another slow song, and Callum pulled me close, his hand resting on my lower back as we swayed to the music. His touch felt heavy and awkward, and it stung so painfully that it felt like he’d burn me alive. “You look beautiful tonight, Eloise,” Callum said, his voice low and smooth. “I’m sure Adam feels like the luckiest man in the world. It should've been me.” “I didn’t agree to this dance so that you could flatter me,” I replied, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at me. His eyes squinted. “Are you flattered?” I rolled my eyes. “Hello, no. Where’s Malcolm?” He studied me momentarily, his eyes searching mine as if looking for something. “You know, I’ve always admired your strength. It’s not easy being in your position. But you’ve handled it remarkably well.” “Answer the question, Callum,” I said firmly. He sighed. “He’s safe. He’s right outside the premises, in a private ambulance with a doctor tending to him.” “How are we going to get him b
ELOISEIn fairness, I was in awe of the garden reception decorated with pastel colors, our color motifs, floral arrangements, and a lengthy buffet for fancy guests under the twinkling fairy lights. The soft mainstream music from the live band filled the air with laughter and conversations.From the outside, despite all the reasons and family drama, it was the perfect evening, just as I had always imagined for my wedding. I couldn’t shake off the thoughts of the challenges that awaited us.I walked through the crowd, exchanging smiles and greetings, but I was especially eager to see the Sebastians. As I approached their table, their presence at the reception meant a lot to me, and I hadn’t had the chance to greet them properly yet. I spotted them gathered under a large oak tree, the soft light making their happy faces glow. Rachel and Benjamin were sitting together, looking engaged in a conversation. Sitting next to them were Rafael and Julian, Adam’s older brothers, each holding one
ELOISEThe day had finally arrived, and I couldn’t believe it was real—my wedding day. I had always imagined what this day would feel like, but reality had a way of twisting those dreams into something more and less than I had imagined.I couldn’t fully explain what I was feeling. Nerves buzzed under my skin, mixed with a tingling excitement that I could feel on my fingertips and even a bit of fear. This was it. I was really going to get married—to the best, most understanding man I had ever known, not to mention the sexiest man alive.A smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Adam—his touch, his voice, the way he had been my rock through everything. But my heart kept pounding in my chest. It wasn’t just the typical wedding day jitters. My mind was also drifting to the idea that Malcolm was alive and that this was the day Callum and I had agreed I would get my brother back, as well as the secrets Adam and I were keeping from Logan and Davina.The soft hum of conversation drifted throu
ELOISEI returned to my father’s mansion feeling drained and exhausted, as if the spa’s effects had worn off. Everything happened in a flash, and it felt like my brain wanted to stop functioning. Back at the hospital, all that mattered was Malcolm. I kissed his forehead and said my temporary goodbyes with a heavy heart.By the time I entered the grand hall, Nina came running to me for an embrace. She was crying her lungs out, and all I could do was tap her back.“Where have you been? It’s almost midnight. I waited for you until they closed, but you weren’t there. We were so worried about you. What happened?” She stepped back to look into my face.“I was…”Adam suddenly came to me and wrapped me in his arms, tight, as if he had been longing for me. He was breathing hard. He hugged me so tightly I couldn’t breathe. He didn’t say anything for a moment. He was just there, holding me, feeling me with every touch and fingertip.“Adam…” I whispered. Then Mr. Ross approached us.“Miss, I had
ELOISE My brother lay there unconscious, with oxygen attached to his mouth and other things connected to his body. Tons of questions swirled in my head: How did he get here? What did Callum do to him? How did Callum fake his death? Didn't they bury him? Didn't Dad see his body? We even went to his grave. But those questions didn’t matter now. Malcolm was here, alive, even though he was in a coma. I ran to him and held his warm hand, staring at his skinny face. He looked tired but still handsome. He had been here all this time, kept alive only by these machines. We had mourned him. “What did you do? I knew it. I knew you did this.” I glared at Callum. He rolled his eyes and slipped his hand into his pocket, looking relaxed as if Malcolm wasn't his nephew. “Alright, I did this, did that. I just had to do what I had to because, in the end, I knew your father would ditch me.” He walked closer and casually sat on the bed next to my brother. “Now, are you going to negotiate?” A sur
ADAM I played pool and had brandy with Logan until evening, and he asked about my relationship with Eloise, just the basics. I was waiting for him to show any sign of the man Eloise used to tell me about, but he remained private and diverted the conversation to something else whenever I tried. I don't despise the man for what he did for his daughter, but I haven’t grown any liking for him; I was only trying to be civilized. He also wanted this business expansion to Las Vegas, implying that he only accepted our engagement because he expected me to invest. I didn’t find any anomaly in their plans for their expansion. Blackwood was actually managing that quite well, not that I praised him (because he was a low-life asshole and a criminal who leeched off the family), but there were still illegal transactions happening inside among their elite members. If I was to invest in such a business, I needed to make sure that fucker wouldn’t touch anything I’d work hard for. “I wanted to hear w