ELOISENina: Congratulations on your engagement! I saw it on the news.Me: Thanks. Does he know?Nina: I’m pretty sure the viscount already knows. By the way, I have something to tell you later. Can you call me when you have some time? It’s important.Finally, some good results. He would stop thinking that I was available for Callum.The next evening, Adam’s driver was on time in front of the office building. I got into the sleep black Rolce Royce, and we drove off. I’d been to Adam’s place before, but the feeling was different. It was like something huge would happen, and I was a little nervous.“Miss Eloise,” the driver announced as we arrived, pulling me from my thoughts. I stepped out into the cool evening, the doorman greeting me with a nod that had become familiar, and then I went up to the elevators where Adam’s penthouse led.Adam welcomed me at the door, looking impeccable in his cream sweats and gray joggers. His stance was a perfect blend of warmth and formality.“Good eve
ELOISE“When I was seven, my mother began to change,” I began, the recollection heavy on my tongue. The words just fell out of my mouth like a broken vase. “She started coming home really late.”Adam didn’t say a word, just letting me spill it.“My dad... He was always on the phone, swearing to himself. I knew he was important, but I had no idea he was an aristocrat.”Those nights without parental warmth were just a shattered dream for the kid. Zoey’s family made me wish I had a ‘normal’ family.“My mother’s absence turned from nights to weeks,” I continued. “She came and went as she pleased, and I never knew when she would go again. You remember, right? I told you. We used to be a happy family. We used to go out on weekend dates, the three of us. They would take me to dinners and amusement parks, and we would eat ice cream. The best toy I received from them was a huge teddy bear. It meant a lot to me because they worked together to win it.”Like old photographs, our happy family rela
ELOISEAdam’s kiss became more urgent, our breaths blending and my heart racing. His hands traced the line of my neck, and each touch of his fingers sparked paths of fire on my skin.Softly, his fingers traced the edge of my shirt as he slowly lifted it. He stared at my already swollen breasts with the curves covered by my lace bra. His face displayed intense desire, but his eyes held a flicker of admiration. With a quick motion, he fumbled with the clasp behind me, undoing my bra and leaving me completely bare.Then his fingers found the zipper of my pants. The sound of it gradually lowered, and then he carefully pulled the fabric along my panties, causing a shiver to run through me, not from the cold but from the building anticipation.“Beautiful,” he whispered as he climbed onto the bed—on top of me. We were both bare now, my skin against his, and there was nothing else on my mind except the two of us. At this moment, only Adam and I mattered. It felt like a hypnotic spell had been
ELOISEIt was dawn when we left his penthouse, and we were now listening to the the FM radio, playing an acoustic song as we drove to my place. But, I just couldn’t shake off the feeling of slight discomfort.I recalled what Blaire told me in the restroom that night. I couldn’t help but wonder what her intentions were, what she was trying to achieve, and why she pretended to be interested in me.As I was lost in my thoughts, Adam held my hand, gently stroking the back of it with his thumb before bringing it to his lips for a kiss. “What’s the matter? You're quiet,” he asked, but I was too preoccupied to respond immediately.“I’m just thinking,” I said.“Tell me about it." His eyes sparkled with amusement as if the events of last night had revealed a more vulnerable side to him, which he usually kept hidden behind his alpha exterior.I wasn’t sure if I wanted to ruin his mood, but I knew I had to mention it.“Blaire talked to me at the party,” I confessed.He gritted his teeth. “What
ADAMA week ago…“Where are you?” Arianna whispered into her phone.“I just arrived.” A valet appeared before me, and I stepped out of the car, swiftly fastening my suit buttons. “I’ll meet you there,” she hissed. “We have to decide what we’ll say to Christopher.”“We don’t say anything.”“I don’t know why you had to be here when he’s already suspicious. Is this how you said you would handle it?”I gritted my teeth. “You don’t get to question me. Are you afraid of Christopher?” I asked firmly, as I often did when I wanted her to yield.“No, sir.”“Good. Stay wherever you are.”“Who are you talking to—”The call dropped. I was certain that was Christopher’s damn voice. Just hearing it brought back all those nasty memories he inflicted on me, making me cringe.Luckily, just in time, Blaire appeared next to me in a long, glittery red dress that was almost painful to look at, hooking her hand on my arm.“The act hasn’t started yet, so watch your actions. Your husband will be here,” I war
ELOISEAfter arriving home from work, I opened FaceTime to connect with Nina, who had been waiting my call. I shut the door to get some peace from the TV in the living room and called her up. She answered promptly.“Hey, Nina. How’s everything going?”Nina glanced behind her and moved her phone closer to her face. “I’m fine. This will be quick, okay? Callum’s here. It’s actually really chaotic here.”I chuckled. “When is it not?” I teased.“Please, Eloise.”I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry. What’s going on?”“The baron really hates that he’s losing. He’s here every day as if he owns the house, trying to scare everyone, acting like he’s our boss. And Davina, she’s been awfully quiet about it. Your dad, he recently fell sick again. It’s been two days now, and he has a really high fever.”I bit my bottom lip. “Must be the news. It must’ve devastated him.” Strangely, I didn’t feel a bit concerned at all, as if my heart was numb to caring about his well-being.“No, I don’t think so. Didn’t
ELOISEI didn’t give much thought to what Adam would gain from this marriage anymore. I was on the edge of a cliff, but I really didn’t want to die, so I chose to survive rather than be killed. Callum would be the end of me, while Adam would be my saving grace, like creatures in the jungle where the weak seek shelter from the strong.But I didn’t anticipate that preparing for this wedding would still be challenging. After I announced to Nina that Adam and I were getting married, Mr. Ross, her uncle, arrived two days in Manhattan after our conversation.We were meeting with Mr. Ross in Adam’s office now, where we could formally discuss everything, even though Adam hadn’t fully taken action yet.“It is a tradition for Sebastians to marry on our estate, Mr. Ross. A Sebastian wedding is a big celebration. We are at the center of attention, given our family’s connections. Billionaires and big names from New York City and the media will attend. Our family is in the entertainment business.”
ELOISE“Shouldn’t we give her a chance to think this through since they’re already getting what they want, Mr. Ross? Besides, it’s just a venue. I’m taking care of the rest," Adam added.“As you wish, Mr. Sebastian,” Mr. Ross acknowledged.Adam’s jaw clenched. “But what if we refuse to agree to what you’ve mentioned?”“We will all be forced to have the baron and viscount decide for Ms. Walker’s fate. We won’t be leaving America without her as this is a crucial time in the family; an urgent matter needs to be solved for the peace and order of those governed and the people relying on the Cunninghams.”I looked at Mr. Ross. “What about you, Mr. Ross? You’ve known me since I was little. What do you think of Callum as my husband? You can tell me honestly. I won’t tell Dad.”He heaved a sigh. “I know you won’t miss, but God help us all if Callum becomes the viscount.”I sighed in relief. At least I knew Mr. Ross was on my side.“We’ll be doomed.” Nina shook her head. “He’s already handling