ELOISEWe entered the living room where Adam’s family had gathered. His siblings, whom I had only seen in magazines and on the internet, were there, looking like GQ magazine cover models. Sitting at the forefront was a man in his late fifties who was still well-built and handsome despite his age; he must be Benjamin Sebastian, their father.On his right was Rafael, a younger version of his father, and his refined but approachable wife, Savannah. On the other side were Julian and his wife, Anya, who looked young with a baby face and seemed sweet and shy. According to my research, they each had one child who was probably in their respective bedrooms.Carter, the only Sebastian I had met at the party, stood behind their father.“Please, Adam Eloise, sit beside me,” Rachel invited, seated in front of a long semi-circular couch.“Thank you, and good evening everyone,” I greeted as I sat down. A maid automatically placed a glass of orange juice, water, and various muffins, biscuits, and chi
ADAM“So, this is going to be our room,” I said, leading Eloise into my old room. The housekeepers had always taken great care of it whenever they knew I would visit, so everything was exactly as I had left - the dark sheets, wooden accents, gray carpets, and my shelves untouched. They knew better than to move anything, as I would notice right away.Eloise looked around and remarked, “This seems different. Whose room was it when we...?”“It’s a guest room,” I said simply, trying to gauge any discomfort in her eyes. We were taking a big leap by deciding to get married, so it felt natural to open up to her more. After all, she was going to be my wife. It was incredible how she always seemed to have the right opinions and be on point with everything. Being with Eloise was a constant source of wonder - you never knew what would happen next, but you always craved more. She had completely captivated me.“And what about this room?”“It’s mine.”Her mouth formed an “O.” “Right. It’s very you
ADAMThere was a moment of silence in Zoey’s line.“Hello?”“You never apologize,” she sobbed, her voice husky.I never did, did I?“I don’t...” I trailed off, at a loss for words.“So don’t, sir. I’m sorry. It was my fault you chose her. What should I do to make this right? I can’t... I can’t lose you like this.”How long has it been since we played the game? She didn’t mind if I had an occasional fling with someone else during those years because she was also involved with Chase. But I simply didn’t have the energy to be that kind of person for Eloise. When I met her, I never wanted anyone else.“I won’t apologize. It’s my fault,” I said, looking up at the sky. The atmosphere remained surprisingly serene. I almost thought I saw a shooting star. Was it because I acknowledged my mistake and released Zoey from the pain I caused her? She shouldn’t forgive me.Why was she blaming herself? Ah, I see. It’s because I taught her to think that way. I was really an asshole.“We should inform C
ADAM“I know, I believe you,” I replied, holding her hand and bringing it to my lips. “We may be different, but we make it work, right?”“We’re trying, and here we are. I’m not bothered about Zoey anymore. I know she was your submissive, so it’s not as shocking as I initially thought. What did she tell you? Did she ask about me?”“She did, but does it really matter?”“But are you worried about her now?”“Would you be mad if I said I felt responsible?” I questioned.“Of course not, because that shows you have a sense of… decency, at least to some extent, right?”I laughed again. I never thought I could actually be decent. “So, I’m not totally a lost cause, aren’t I?” I mused aloud.“No, you’re just...” Her gaze locked onto mine, her eyes full of intensity. “...having an identity crisis. At least, that’s how it seems to me,” she said, her expression shifting to one of sympathy. It was as if she could see right through me.But was I really that obvious? “How can you say that?”“Because I
ELOISEMy lips trembled. This painful information was coming to me at once, and I suddenly felt overwhelmed and tight in my stomach.“Is that why this man… I mean, this Christopher, so antagonistic towards you?”Adam looked away for a moment before continuing. “His wife cheated on him with a Sebastian. Why or how it happened, I wouldn’t know. The Jacksons, Waldorfs, and Sebastians were longtime friends, so connections are inevitable.”“So, Christopher blamed you for everything?”He shrugged. “Well, their affair created a lot of bad blood. Of course, I didn’t know any of that growing up. I was left in the dark until I was old enough to understand, but even now, I barely understand. It all seems so chaotic to me.”“Your parents didn’t tell you?” I asked. If so, he probably learned it from Christopher.“I’m sure they intended to keep it a secret forever, but every secret is meant to be discovered.”“That’s... a lot,” I said. My throat suddenly felt dry. I immediately wanted to comfort hi
ELOISEWe cut the revelation short, and Adam let me rest for the night. We lay soundly in each other’s arms. My head rested on his arm while his other arm was wrapped around my waist. I cocooned against his warm chest while he breathed softly on my neck. This all seemed surreal and peaceful, and I felt protected. This was going to be my night for the next days, months, or years if we made it work. I then closed my eyes and fell asleep.I woke up in the morning with Adam’s face close to mine. His eyes were closed, and only then did I notice his long lashes, prominent nose lines, and the faint lines on his skin from whenever he smiled. I couldn’t help but run my fingers over his cheek and across his forehead.Suddenly, his eyes fluttered open, and he smiled. “Enjoying the view?” he teased, his voice husky from sleep.I chuckled softly. “Very much.”Adam’s smile widened, and he tightened his hold on me, pulling me even closer. “Good morning, beautiful.”“Good morning,” I replied, feelin
ELOISEAdam and I came down the staircase, but as we were expecting to find his family gathered for breakfast, we were surprised to see the room empty.“Where is everyone?” Adam wondered aloud, then glanced at a male attendant who passed by.The attendant smiled. “Mrs. Sebastian, your mother, requested breakfast be served outdoors on the back porch by the beach.”“Thank you,” Adam said, taking my hand. “Let’s head out there.”We stepped onto the back porch, and the salty ocean air and the calming rhythm of the waves in the background instantly welcomed me.The scene before us was picturesque, and I'm definitely in awe. The Long Island beach stretched out in a mesmerizing expanse of blue, and a large table had been set up under a canopy laden with an assortment of breakfast foods. The family was scattered around, some playing volleyball, others relaxing.The first person to greet us was Rachel, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Good morning, my love birds!” She hooked her arm th
ELOISEWe stayed for a couple more days with the Sebastians, and it felt more like a vacation to me, more of a treat to myself. I checked only minimal messages from my notifications, choosing to have fun with Adam’s family instead. We watched movies together, played on the beach, chatted with everyone, and enjoyed relaxing baths every night with Adam. Not a night passed without us making love.Time flew by, and soon, it was time for us to leave. We boarded our evening flight to Edinburgh, and I couldn’t help but feel melancholy. Adam held my hand during our business class flight, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand.“I had fun with your family,” I said, leaning my head against my seat as the flight attendants refilled our refreshments. “I never felt like I was a part of a family for a very long time.”Adam smiled, grabbing his glass of champagne and taking a sip. “I’m glad you enjoyed being with them. They liked having you around.” ”Your mom is wonderful.”“She just doesn’t
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