ELOISE His words settled in the air like the world had slowed down. I blinked, my mind struggling to catch up with his unexpected confession. He seemed to want to control everything around him and do whatever pleased him, yet he told me he wanted me. Not Zoey, nor anyone else. It was suddenly a lot to take in, and my heart pounded as I processed his words in my brain. I caught my chest with my palm to calm it down. “You want me?” the words escaped my lips like a breath, almost in disbelief. I searched his eyes for any sign that he might be playing with me, but I found his deep ocean-blue eyes staring back at me with a hint of vulnerability instead. He adjusted himself in his seat and cocked his head in discomfort. “I don’t know what this means or where this is going. I just know that being around you is different. You’re the source of my headache recently, so I’m rectifying that.” I swallowed the lump building in my throat. “What about Zoey?” He grimaced. “What about her? She’s
ELOISE He began slowly, our mouths producing sounds of wet and soft moans. He smiled between our lips. “I like that sound,” he murmured, then continued. His hands returned to my waist, pulling me closer to him. I sighed when his tongue slipped inside, tasting me with leisurely, long licks. His movements were confident, with the right touch of aggressiveness. My hands found their way into his hair, gripping those silky strands to deepen our kiss. He growled as our tongues danced passionately, our chests pressed together, the meeting of two souls drawn together by an irresistible force. His hands held me with urgency and tenderness as if he wanted to possess and protect me simultaneously. I moved downward, intensifying our connection, heading towards his crotch. I gasped against his mouth as my pussy found his erection. I clung to his shoulders and began to grind against him. Boy, he felt even bigger than I had imagined, and he grew more aroused with every twist of our tongues and
ELOISEThe Cunninghams, including myself, gathered in the living room as part of my schedule. I thought it’d be a small group with just my dad, Davina, her obscene brother, Mr. Ross, and Nina. But to my surprise, m grandmother showed up with her two unmarried daughters, Ailisa and Rona. Rowena Cunningham embodied refinement and strict adherence to rules, the kind my father would look up to. I could see it in how she casually shooed her son away with a hand wave. Her indifference toward Davina was clear, ignoring her daughter-in-law into an uncomfortable shadow. This was the first time I actually felt bad for her. Even I felt a surge of nerves just seeing Rowena enter through that door. I’d only seen her in the pictures Nina showed me. Thanks to her thorough lessons, I could distinguish who’s who.A conversation started between Dad and Rowena. She seemed to carry a bit of arrogance in her demeanor. Her mannerisms and the way she dressed in an emerald velvet dress, a matching designer
“Bravo!” Lord Blackwood shouted, his applause joined by others in the room. “That was brilliant, just as I expected from my muse.”Muse? I almost wanted to puke.“Callum, you’re late!” Davina chastised her brother.“Sorry, sister.” He walked over to her, giving her a peck on the cheek, then turned to Rowena, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. “My ever lovely Lady Cunningham. You’re as beautiful as the sunflowers in the morning. This is for you.”Callum presented Rowena with a sunflower on a long stem before approaching my father.Conversations buzzed among them, and it seemed Callum’s presence had a way of brightening up the room. Even Rowena’s daughters appeared charmed, engaging in flirtatious banter and laughter.I grimaced. How could they be drawn to someone so… cringey? He wasn’t even charming.But there I was, invisible again, which was honestly much better.I heaved out a sigh of relief.“You did great, my lady,” Nina whispered with a grin.“Thank you. Do I still need to
ELOISE I was forced to sit with the baron in the backseat of his limo while Nina and Mr. Ross's car drove ahead of us. I gazed out of the tinted window, silently hoping that this moment would pass quickly so I wouldn't have to endure close proximity to this man. The city lights blurred into streaks as we navigated the busy streets, and I pretended to remain unaffected. I just hope Adam was on time so I wouldn't have to force myself to be the baron's arm candy. After what seemed like an eternity, Callum finally broke the silence. "You must be thrilled." "Thrilled about what?" I replied. "Thrilled about this arrangement. Malcolm and I usually attended these social gatherings. You'll find it quite enjoyable, I assure you, especially since you might be expected to attend some of these parties." I turned to him, my brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" "Oh, Logan still hasn't told you," he said, shrugging. "That's rather surprising." "What is my father not telling me?" He smirked and
ELOISE He looked immaculate as always in a tux, accompanied by someone I hadn't met before. The man he was talking to bore a striking resemblance to him in terms of appearance and facial features, except for the brown hair and the age. They were engaged in casual conversation, seemingly oblivious to the buzzing crowd around them, each moment captured by eager photographers. It was as though time had frozen. He had really come, and it seemed he didn't need an invitation. He walked freely into the venue and seemed acquainted with those around him. It was possible that he and Braden had worked together on a film before; after all, Adam was also a Hollywood film producer, and maybe their paths had crossed outside. "They are the people we're meeting tonight," Callum's voice caught my attention. "Who?" "The Waldorfs, but we'll catch up with them later. Let's head inside," he said. I ignored the baron, and my gaze fixed on Adam's every step as he drew closer until our eyes finally locke
ELOISEThe lights dimmed in the event hall as we took our seats at one of the tables, and silence enveloped the crowd. A spotlight illuminated the first item to be auctioned—a centuries-old painting named "Whispers of the Wildwood" by the artist Edmund Harlowe, donated by a businessman. It's a landscape painting that transports viewers into a serene forest scene, lit only by fireflies. The painting portrays a deep, lush woodland with untouched beauty. The auction's proceeds this evening will be distributed to orphanages, children with illnesses, and homes for the aged.The auctioneer, Jack, a charismatic man in a tailored tuxedo, stood beside the artwork. He began narrating the painting's history, its importance in the art world, and the artist's masterful technique.Wealthy collectors, art enthusiasts, and investors in the room raised their paddles, each bid raising the price higher and higher. I moved closer to Adam. "Aren't you going to tell me what's going on? What business do y
ELOISE The event had transformed into an open party, with lively music filling the air, encouraging people to dance and enjoy themselves for the rest of the night. I found myself on the dance floor with Adam as the night wore on. "Can't you give me something? Anything, just so I'm not kept in the dark?" I asked him, our bodies swaying in time with the music. "Okay," he began, glancing around cautiously before fixing his gaze on me. "Let's just say this is my way of trying to figure you out." "To this extent? You'd even do business with a man you barely know when you could just ask me? Why would you even do this and waste your time?" His eyes gleamed mischievously. "Darling, you asked for my help, right? This is how I do it. To this extent, as you said." "I asked for your help yesterday, but it seems you've already made your moves even before that." He pulled my waist closer so that my chest was pressed against him. A soft gasp escaped my lips. "I like being one step ahead. It
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