ELOISE Over the next few days, I continued my usual routine in the office. I focused on my work, staying busy, and made a conscious decision not to be the one to start a conversation with Adam. It seemed he was also not the type to send a message first; I suppose. To be honest, I surprised myself by waiting for him. After Chase, I realized I shouldn’t give everything and fall in love so quickly in a relationship. I guess that was why I hadn’t met ‘The One’ until now. I had only exchanged a few casual messages with Nina, nothing about the Cunninghams or beyond that. However, today, I was surprised by the smell of fresh flowers coming from everywhere—exquisite white rose arrangements adorned every corner of my workplace. What was happening? Was Adam responsible for this? He should already be in London. While I appreciate the gestures, doing this in Generations was too much. It would definitely spark gossip. Trina, who had just entered, suddenly appeared behind me. She poked her hea
ELOISE The emerald green Chanel dress, even though I had to force myself into it, fit perfectly to my body like it was made for me. I reluctantly appreciated Chase’s superficial move. Trina and I arrived at the event hall in the building. The entrance hall had been completely transformed into an enchanting wonderland, featuring the evolution of animation in television and film over the years. This was showcased through standee props, arches, people dressed in cosplay, and a massive LED screen that dazzled the guests. “Generations Unveiled” was displayed in bold gold letters above the entrance, and inside, the halls were alive with the presence of media, celebrities, and artists. As an art director myself, it was delightful to see the fruits of my team’s labor turn into a resounding success. However, before we proceeded further, I left a text message for Adam. I wish you were here. After all, your family owns Generations now. After hitting send, I discreetly tucked my pho
ELOISE Following the unsettling conversation and the details about Adam shared by Chase, Trina and I were assigned to escort additional VIP guests, so we had to cut the conversation short. Among our honored guests were Walter Anderson, a prominent film critic, and Alicia Harper, a seasoned producer. We highlighted the top-grossing sci-fi to them while Chase and Ms. Craig were now engrossed in conversations with other managers, particularly the higher-ups of Generations. After the tour, everyone was invited to enjoy a cocktail snack, and the crowd assembled in front of a massive screen to watch a thirty-minute sci-fi film called “Beyond Time,” which was only filmed for this event. “Are you free tonight?” Chase suddenly whispered in my ear. “God, Chase!” I exclaimed, startled. “People usually show their face first.” “I’m sorry. So, are you free?” “For what?” He sipped his wine before answering, “For dinner, of course.” I sighed, my shoulders dropping. Was he forgetting I had a
ELOISE Sure, I wouldn’t bring up the subject with Adam. We weren’t in a serious enough phase to be concerned like an obsessed girlfriend. I couldn’t even label myself as such. Our relationship was solely based on a deal, and that took precedence over caring about Adam’s personal life. I had to establish some boundaries for myself. Eventually, he would be gone, just like the other redheads who came into his life. In the meantime, I could enjoy having that delicious specimen of a man all to myself, even if I knew it wouldn’t last. It wouldn’t be so bad to ask Chase about him and just let things be, right? As we walked together, Chase accompanied me until we reached my block, sobering up from a few shots of drinks. The street was quiet, and the night had a mild temperature, reminiscent of our college dating days. “I don’t think Adam would tell me about this if I ask him, and I won’t bring it up with him, either.” “You have to try at some point, right?” Chase said. “But not right
ELOISE Once Jenna disappeared into her room, it all sank in. I was left feeling torn—disappointed and doubting if I could keep faking it. Right when I was going to ignore those personal things about Adam, something would stop me and make me overthink. This just made me even more confused about what I wanted. I couldn’t shake the image of Adam from my mind… mostly his cock. Yeah, that, along with his killer abs and confident stance on the balcony, was imprinted in my memory and the mind-blowing thing I learned today. It was all just a big mess. Chase’s presence beside me suddenly felt like an anchor in the storm, but even he couldn’t shield me from the battle swirling in my head. I glanced at him, searching for some veneer of certainty or reassurance, but his expression mirrored my anxiety. “Maybe you’re right.” The words escaped my lips in a whisper, barely audible over the pounding of my heart. “About what?” Chase asked. “I was too gullible because that’s exactly what he’s afte
ELOISE Chase picked me up at six in front of my house, as promised. The Sebastian estate was on Long Island, so we had plenty of time to talk as we rode. I briefly told him about my arrangement with Adam. “Are you out of your mind?” Chase glanced at me, then focused on the road. “I would be crazier if I agreed to marry the asshole my father wants me to marry.” “There has to be another way.” “There was no other way back then. You know my dad. You almost lost your college scholarship because you were my boyfriend. He threatened to ruin Zoey’s parents’ lives. I don’t know how, but I believe he could. He has connections, and he’s trying to expand them even further now.” I barely escaped the viscount’s clutches. He only left me alone because he had Malcolm. He kept me in New York because the Cunninghams were ashamed of me, and I only realized that now upon meeting my grandmother. “Yes, I remember. The dean actually sent me an email, and I couldn’t believe it. I had 4.0 GPAs and was
ELOISEAdam sat very close to me while Blaire and Chase were talking.“Why didn’t you say you were still coming here? You didn't wear the dress I sent you,” he hissed.“I thought you’d want me here, and I prefer what I'm wearing, thank you,” I said in a whisper. He stayed silent all week, not even bothering to reply to my text.He let out a heavy sigh and loosened his tie a bit, although he scanned me from head to toe again. “Well, you look ravishing, and of course I want you here. I invited you, but you came with Chase. Why is that?”“Should I have that checked with you first?”His brows furrowed. “Stop firing questions at me.”“I’m answering you.”“Are you angry at me?”I hesitated; a beat passed. “No.”“Of course you are.”“Wait, I need your permission for that, too?”A muscle in his jaw ticked, and he moved closer. His hand then ran over my thigh and slipped inside my dress. He caressed me there, his expert fingers kneading me, and I instantly felt the rush, almost moaning.“So yo
ELOISE The only problem was that I didn’t know how to leave this private remote estate. But just when I thought I hadn’t been noticed, Chase had to spot me. “Eloise?” What should I do now? Should I come up with an excuse? Should I explain why I was leaving? I should just go. I quickened my pace and continued walking, trusting my instincts. “Hey, El!” I pretended not to hear and quickened my pace. The door was already in sight. “I told you to stop.” He grabbed my hand and spun me around. “I shouldn’t have come here. I should’ve trusted my instincts.” “So you’re just going to walk away?” I tried to pull my hand back, but his grip only tightened. “If you won’t help me, let me leave.” “At this hour? It’s nearly midnight. I brought you here, so we’re leaving together.” I took a deep breath and managed to calm down. “Can we go back now?” “Before we do that, tell me what’s wrong. Is it Blaire? I saw her followed you.” “Who is she?” I shook my head in disappointment, then raised