ELOISE I didn’t stand. Why should I? I had no idea what would happen next. Logan Cunningham needed me to become Malcolm. He died without pursuing his own dreams. In this family, we were just puppets. The aristocracy and traditions would imprison me. If I let this happen, I would lose myself. “Eloise, my dear. Stand up, please,” my dad said, motioning toward me. Suddenly, all the guests turned their attention to me. I looked at Adam, hoping he had a plan to help me. “I had something up in my sleeve, but we didn’t expect your father to introduce you right in the middle of dinner.” “What should we do then? What should I say?” I hissed. The rush was burning in my blood, and everyone was waiting for something to happen. “Eloise?” my dad called again, and I felt my feet moving on their own as I rose from my seat. “There she is, my darling girl,” he said, opening his arms proudly. I glanced at Davina and my grandmother, who both had a poker face. I wasn’t sure if they wanted me here
ELOISE The dinner remained tense as guests exchanged glances and murmured about the unexpected turn of events. After the meal, as instructed, I joined Dad and Adam in my father’s study. The room was decorated with dark wood furniture, a massive mahogany desk, and shelves stocked with leather-bound books. Dad settled back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Adam as he studied him intently. “A partnership with the Waldorf family could benefit both parties greatly. But tell me, young man, is your motivation for this related to my daughter?” he questioned bluntly. It’s no surprise he’d have doubts about this whole thing. Adam sat properly, crossing his legs. Maybe he wanted to show my dad that he wasn’t intimidated. “Jonathan, my cousin, already told me about this. Our grandfather wants to expand our investments and sees potential in the Royal Diamonds casino in Edinburgh.” Well, well. Adam did come here all prepared. I had limited knowledge about the Cunninghams’ businesses. One of thei
ELOISE “Why did you do that? We can’t get married. It wasn’t part of the deal,” I said, closing my eyes and leaning back in the car’s backseat as we headed to the airport. “I had no choice,” he replied, his voice filled with resignation. “Has he done something to you? Something so bad that you’re...” He paused, not finishing his sentence. “This isn’t like you.” “You must have a father, too, right? I heard he’s still strong and active.” “Yes, I do. We have our differences, but it’s not like this. Your dad sounds like he’s threatening you, and you’re...” he trailed off. “I’m afraid of him,” I finished for him. “If that’s what you noticed, then yes.” Frustrated, I exhaled and opened my eyes. “I don’t want to talk about it here.” Adam glanced at the cab driver and nodded. “We’ll talk about this when we get back.” “I just want to go home, rest, and then we can talk,” I added. Adam nodded in agreement, not saying anything more. Three hours ago, before we left my dad’s estate, Adam h
ELOISE Mercy’s was a casual bar and restaurant near the office. It was funny how I didn’t feel awkward around him. He was still as attractive as everyone thought, but my feelings of hatred were no longer there. “How was your trip? I heard you went home,” he asked while we were having dinner and some beer. “I don’t really want to talk about it.” “Same old dad?” Chase mentioned, reminding me he knew about the secret of my birth. I nodded. “But worse. A lot has happened, and I came here with you to clear my head, not to reminisce about it.” “I’m glad you could find a way back here. I thought your dad wouldn’t let you go. I heard about Malcolm. I’m sorry,” he sympathized. “Okay, but I don’t believe you asked me here just to hear about my last week. What is it?” I asked nonchalantly as I continued eating. “I could use a friend,” he said while chewing, avoiding eye contact. “Is this about work? If it’s not, you can forget about it,” I responded, not wanting to hear any more excuses
ADAM Damn it. Eloise’s phone was dead silent, and every text she ignored drove me crazy. I felt my possessive side creeping in, bringing up dark thoughts, and my usual response was to fuck—aggressively and mercilessly. Now that she had been showing signs of wanting to go further, my urge to bring her to her knees intensified. One of her colleagues told me she went out with Chase. I knew I couldn’t demand explanations, but something just didn’t feel right. I tried calling her again, but it went to voicemail. Why was she with Chase? Why wasn’t she answering? I was thinking about driving to her place when someone rang my doorbell. It was my brother. Carter barged in, and he gave me a knowing look. To my surprise, he wasn’t alone—he had brought someone unexpected with him: Adrianna Meyer, or should I say, Adrianna Jackson, my ex and, unfortunately, my arch nemesis’s current wife. “She insisted on coming,” Carter explained. I forced a tight-lipped smile and asked, my brows furrowe
ELOISE I couldn’t answer Adam’s calls earlier, but he wasn’t answering now when I tried to call back. I wondered if this had something to do with our deal. I waited all night for his response, but nothing came, making me a bit concerned. Anyway, I decided to take a shower. Just as I was getting ready for bed, he finally called. His voice was raspy and delicious, reminding me of those nights when he used to call me in Edinburgh. “Good evening, Eloise. Are you already home?” I secretly giggled. It felt like those days when I used to date Chase. Wait, what? I shook my head at my own thought. “Yes, what do you think the time is?” “I know you had dinner with Chase. Are you realizing you still want him?” Every hair on my body stood on end. “Are you stalking me? How did you know?” “Oh, darling. I should know everything about the person I’m currently seeing.” “So you’re seeing me?” I teased. “I’m serious, Eloise,” he said flatly. I let out a sigh. “You know I’m not a fan of possessi
ELOISE I had another sip of my coffee, and it warmed me up. “You probably know me better than anyone else. You probably know what my dad is doing that I just can’t figure out. How about we start with that?” I suggested, my gaze unwavering. “Your father,” he began, “is a man with layers, just like you.” “Like me?” “You possess qualities I typically avoid, yet I’m undeniably drawn to you.” I blushed. “This isn’t about me.” He released a sigh. “Your father hides his intentions well, but I have some ideas—something I’ve observed when we talked to him. For example, it doesn’t matter who you marry, whether it’s the baron or someone else.” I frowned. He was right. Dad would’ve insisted, but he didn’t. Rather, he let me go. “Why do you think so?” “Your dad needs him because they’re partners in crime. That freaking baron handles the Cunningham businesses, so if you marry him, the viscount won’t have to try hiding his agenda. Especially to you.” I shook my head. “I still don’t get what
ELOISE Adam guided me to the center of the living room, and suddenly, he stood behind me. The warmth of his body was palpable as he leaned forward, his breath gently grazing my neck. A soft, involuntary moan escaped my lips as I felt the sensual sensation. “Have I told you that you are a work of art, Eloise?” His voice, low and sultry, reached my ears. His sound was like a caress, rousing a faint hunger in me. He circled around, assessing me just like when we fucked. Every curve of my body, every inch of my skin, seemed to be under his scrutiny. Shit. This was it. This was what kept me here with him. This magnetic pull between us. A provocative smile played on his lips as he stopped before me as if he knew what I was thinking. He started playing with the buttons of my blouse, not looking away, making every move deliberate and teasing. The room seemed to pulse with electric energy as he continued, the dim light casting shadows that danced along the contours of his face. My breat
ADAMTwo Months LaterI stared at the array of takeout containers at the dining table.Chinese. Pizza. Sushi. And what looked like... pancakes?I glanced at my wife, rummaging through another bag of food with a look of utter dissatisfaction on her face.She sighed heavily, dropping back into her seat with a huff.“This isn’t what I wanted,” she muttered, poking at a container of stir-fried noodles with her chopsticks. “Why do they always mess up the order? I specifically said no onions.”I bit back a smile, sipping water to hide my amusement. She’d been in a mood all evening—no, all week. She snapped at the delivery guy, rearranged the table three times, and now complained about the food. It wasn’t like her to be so... irritable.“Do you want me to order something else?” I offered, keeping my tone calm.She groaned. “No, it’s fine. It’s not your fault. I’m just... hungry.”“Alright,” I said, taking a bite of sushi as I watched her pick up a slice of pizza. She inspected it and then pu
ELOISEThe news was everywhere.“BREAKING: Adam Sebastian Takes Charge as CBS Undergoes Major Changes.”The TV screen in the corner of Adam’s—I meant our—living room displayed his gorgeous face as the anchor discussed his triumphant return to CBS. I sat curled up on the plush leather couch, my bare feet tucked beneath me.The move to Adam’s penthouse had consumed our week, but things felt more real for the first time since our whirlwind honeymoon—more tangible than they had a couple of weeks ago.“Following the high-profile arrest of former CEO Christopher Jackson on charges of fraud and embezzlement, CBS has been acquired by Sebastian Pictures,” the reporter announced.I glanced toward Adam, who sat in the adjacent armchair. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, and he held a glass of scotch.His hair was slightly tousled, as though he’d run his fingers through it one too many times. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes—those piercing ocean blues—held a flicker of satisfaction that only
ADAM The music shifted again, this time to something bolder—a sign that the night’s main event was about to begin. The guests settled at their tables, and so did Eloise and I. Servers glided through the crowd, topping off glasses with champagne, some served canapés. Christopher then stepped onto the stage like a man who believed the world bowed at his feet—because, for now, it did. I smirked. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his tone booming through the room. “Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate our annual holiday gala and another year of extraordinary success at CBS.” Polite applause followed. His smile widened. “This year has been one of tremendous growth, and we owe that to our investors, our partners, and of course, all of you.” He gestured broadly to the crowd. “But tonight, we celebrate more than profits. We celebrate vision—the vision that built this company into what it is today.” The applause grew louder, but Christopher held up a hand, silencing them. “An
ELOISEThe Astoria Royale buzzed with the presence of celebrities, influential politicians, renowned news anchors, and prominent CBS journalists, all gathered for tonight's grand event.Towering glass chandeliers bathed the grand ballroom in a soft, golden glow, and the scent of vanilla and champagne lingered in the air with some faint traces of expensive perfumes and cigars.It was intoxicating. Dizzying. I still wasn’t used to this, not even after all the lavish parties back in Scotland.I stepped onto the red velvet carpet leading into the ballroom, the click of my emerald stilettos barely audible beneath the hum of conversation, the smooth notes of classical jazz, and bursts of laughter.The crowd stirred when Adam and I entered. Cameras flashed from behind us, and photographers called out for us to turn and pose.The flashes were blinding, but Adam’s warm, steady hand at the small of my back grounded me. I glanced up at him.God, my husband was breathtaking tonight.Adam wore a s
ELOISEThe night was unusually calm for New York—no sirens, no distant honking horns. It was just the quiet hum of the city beneath us and the distant shimmer of lights stretching to the horizon.I leaned on the balcony railing of my house, my fingers wrapped around the warm ceramic of my coffee mug, while Adam stood beside me, resting his weight against the edge.His face was hard to read tonight—calm but calculating. The kind of expression he wore when his mind was turning over something too heavy to leave unspoken. I’d grown used to the layers in his looks, but tonight, there was something sharper.“Are you going to tell me what’s on your mind, or do I have to pry it out of you?” I teased, though my voice came out softer than I intended.Adam’s lips quirked into the faintest smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re getting good at that—reading me.”“It’s not hard. You practically radiate tension.” I leaned closer, resting my head against his shoulder for a moment. “Talk to me.”
ELOISEWhen Adam and I first entered my place to meet Jenna and grab a few things, my best friend was already standing by the door, hands on her chest.She looked at us with disappointment written all over her face, but I knew it had more to do with the fact that I hadn’t told her I was getting married.“You traitor,” she mumbled.I sighed, not wanting to disappoint her further. I immediately hugged her.“I’m sorry. I have no excuse. But can we please sit inside so I can explain?”“You told me I’d be your maid of honor!”She glanced at Adam and scowled.“Another traitor.”“Hi! Jenna, right?” Adam flashed his sweetest smile.Jenna’s mouth dropped open, but she quickly looked away.“Just come in.” She stepped aside.We entered the living room while Adam looked around, taking in the space.“You do have a nice place here. Maybe we should stay?” he teased.Jenna gasped and rushed in front of us.“Are you guys—kicking me out?”I laughed. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just kidding!”We sat down
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