Diana heard the stretched, haunting sound of the word “No…” echo in her head as she walked toward the hotel building. Meanwhile, Becky sat trapped in the car, her fingers tapping aimlessly against the glass as if searching for an escape. Panic settled in her chest. She couldn't leave—not now. Not with Alexander and Helen nearby. But an unsettling question lingered: Did she still love Alexander?If she didn’t, why was she so desperate to prevent Diana from carrying out her plan? Her mind wavered. Could she live with her friend's idea of revenge? Why was she opposing the easiest way to make the two people she believed had destroyed her life pay for their crimes?Becky fumbled for her phone and dialed Diana’s number with shaking fingers. The phone rang twice before Diana abruptly ended the call. Becky stared at the blank screen in disbelief, only for her worst fears to be confirmed as Diana switched off her phone entirely. The line was dead, and so was their connection—for now.“Aaaaahhhh
"Go inside and change your dress! What if my dad sees you during the video call?" Becky whispered urgently to Diana, who quickly rushed inside. But before Becky could set up the call, her father’s face filled the screen.“Where am I?” Becky spun the phone camera around the room, her voice was so relaxed.“That looks like a sitting room...” her dad’s voice came out slowing as his eyes kept turning, trying to see the room properly.“If you’re still doubting me, I’ll step outside and show you the house,” Becky countered smoothly, her camera now capturing Diana’s compound. “Honestly, Dad, how do you expect me to split myself in two? The ceremony is still going on.”In the background, her mother’s voice was heard. “Who said they saw Becky working as a waitress at the annual business summit?”Becky winced as her father spoke again, his tone softer. “I’m sorry, Becky. It must’ve been someone who looked like you. But you know I’ve never supported you leaving home. Have you found work yet? Nev
“Helen, what is wrong with you? You’ve been so distant, acting as if something went wrong since you returned from the annual summit.” Zara said and there was silence. She stood by the bed, staring intently at Helen, who sat with her head bowed to the floor.It was the morning after the business summit, and Zara had been waiting for an explanation. Helen sighed deeply, avoiding her friend’s gaze.“I’m waiting, Helen,” Zara pressed, her tone more demanding this time.“For what?” Helen’s lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. “For me to tell you I changed my mind and followed Mr. Alexander instead of Adams? That’s not news, Zara. I know exactly what I’m doing.” She finally raised her head, meeting Zara’s eyes. “Both of them serve a purpose. My leg is in Alexander’s camp, and the other is with Adams. Both paths lead to what I want—to be either the vice CEO of AZ Corporation or the wife of whoever becomes the next CEO.”“Helen…” Zara clapped her hands in a way that showed she needs to
Becky’s mind filled with questions as the security man called out to her. “The big boss upstairs wants to see you,” he announced to the hearing of everyone.Her heart raced. “What could this be about? Am I in trouble? Did I break a company policy by arguing with their staff in the building? Why does he want to see me?”She was lost in thought until Diana’s voice jolted her back to reality.“I’ll be waiting for you outside. Please, don’t speak arrogantly to the overall boss,” Diana cautioned.Diana knew Becky well. Normally, she was calm and avoided confrontation, but today had been different. Becky’s words had been uncharacteristic—a response to the injustice her friend had faced.All eyes followed Becky as she approached the waiting security guard. Though Michelle felt embarrassed by Becky's action, her real triumph was the firing of Diana. With her fiancé’s help, she succeeded in having her permanently removed from the company.As Becky passed, Michelle turned to the other staff, “
Becky wished the floor would open and swallow her as she opened the door. Her heart pounded until she realized the man standing before her was a stranger. She let out a relieved sigh. She still suspected that Mr. Amos Wright must have sent someone, remembering his words when she was in her office: "I don’t take ‘no’ for an answer." She was sure that men like him were relentless, the type who wouldn’t stop until they got what they wanted. As these thoughts filled her mind, the man before her said something that unexpectedly put her at ease.“Where is Diana?” the man asked. He was short, wearing a striped shirt, with a noticeable scar on the side of his head, and pleasant fragrance emanating from him. Becky, gripping the door, turned slightly toward the sitting room, her entire body blocking the entrance.“Someone’s looking for you,” Becky called.Diana rose from her chair, the TV remote in hand, and walked toward the door.“Good evening, sir,” Diana greeted with a tone of familiarity.
“If I had known, I would have told Diana to follow me here. To see for herself, what was happening.”This was Becky’s greatest regret as she stepped into her father’s house after a long day trip. Leaving Diana’s house, she had rushed to grab a cab straight to the airport, carrying only a small black bag. The manner of her departure had been hurried and undetectable. Becky’s mother had never pulled a stunt like this before. Even her envious sister, Manni, was now by her father’s side. Becky wondered if Manni loved the theatrics of the situation or simply relished the opportunity to be in the center of attention. Had they been on better terms, Manni might have tipped her off about the truth.“Why was I so confident that nothing like this would ever happen to me?” Becky thought, a bitter taste forming in her mouth. Her flight had been paid for, and a special cab was waiting for her at the airport in her parents’ city.“Which hospital?” Becky asked the moment she slid into the car as she
Becky emptied her bag onto the bed, the contents spilling out in a scattered mess. Her hands sifted through the pile with increasing urgency.“Where is it?” she muttered, her voice full of frustration. No matter how thoroughly she searched, the object she sought wasn’t there. With a deep sigh, she reached for her phone, intending to call Diana. Her finger hovered over the dial button, but she hesitated and ended the call before it could connect.“How will I even explain this to Diana if she asks?” she whispered to herself, anxiety rising up in her chest.She glanced at the clock—it was already 7 p.m. Before she could think further, a knock on her door startled her.“Becky, open up. Dinner is ready,” her mother called gently from the other side.“I’m not hungry,” Becky replied at once, with a feeling of anger.“Please, open the door,” her mother said again, knocking lightly.“Please, just leave me alone,” Becky said again.After a pause, she heard her mother’s footsteps retreating. “If
It was early morning, and Mr. Alexander sat in the back seat of his car alongside his personal assistant, Mr. Tom. The car was halfway to the office when Tom broke the silence.“Sir, Mrs. Darlington has sent the address you requested.”Alexander said nothing in return. A few minutes ago, they had been speaking freely, but at the mention of the address, Alexander had withdrawn into himself. Tom, knowing his boss well, immediately refrained from saying more.The silence lingered until Alexander unexpectedly broke it.“I need a bunch of white roses,” he said coldly.Tom signaled the driver, prompting a change in direction. Moments later, the car pulled up to a small grocery store. Tom, dressed in his black suit, stepped out and hurried inside. It didn’t take long before he emerged with a carefully selected bunch of white roses.“Here they are, sir,” Tom said as he climbed back into the car.“Take me to the cemetery where my wife is buried.”Tom’s eyes briefly widened in surprise. It was
Henry’s povI didn’t want things to feel weird between Kathrine and me the next morning. Not while we were still at the hotel.I woke up early, wrapped up in Kathrine's legs, her hair spilling over the pillow. It was still dark outside, but I knew she’d wake up as soon as the sun peeked over the horizon. For a moment, I just lay there, watching her, amazed at how someone like her had ended up here, with me.Carefully, I slid out of bed, not wanting to disturb her warmth, but I had plans before she woke. She wasn’t usually one for big breakfasts, but last night had been... eventful. If she wasn’t hungry, I definitely was, so nothing would go to waste.I rang the concierge, who sounded half-asleep, and arranged a little surprise. Then, I tidied up the suite, making sure everything looked just right. Once I was satisfied, I settled onto the small couch and waited.Just as I expected, I soon heard soft movements from the bedroom. It couldn’t be Noah, too early, too quiet. I heard the bath
Noah's POV:“Hey, Noah, a little help?” Henry’s voice broke through the quiet, strained and impatient. “The water’s turning into ice here.”I moved quickly, snatching a towel from the vanity before scooping Kathrine into my arms. She felt light, almost weightless, her body limp but still warm. For a second, I worried she’d completely blacked out, but then she let out a faint murmur and nestled her face into the crook of my neck. I left Henry to deal with the tub, trusting him to drain it and clean up the mess, while I carried Kathrine to the bed. She was my priority now, my responsibility.Laying her down gently, I began to dry her off, the towel moving in slow, careful strokes. She stirred slightly, her lips parting as she mumbled something incoherent. Her hands fumbled weakly for the comforter, trying to pull it over herself. I couldn’t help but smile as I continued to towel her hair, which clung to her skin in damp strands. Her body was a canvas of faint marks, love bites on her ne
Kathrine's povI was incredibly sore, to the point where walking seemed impossible. My body had never experienced anything like that before. Slipping into the hot water was pure bliss, and the jets massaging my muscles? Incredible. But when I opened my eyes and looked at Henry, a different kind of ache filled me. His physique was unlike Noah's, taller, slimmer, and with more hair on his chest.I never thought I’d find body hair attractive, but... I liked the way it felt under my fingertips. It was so tempting that I moved closer, sliding over his legs to get near him. Reflecting on our time together so far, it felt like Noah and I had been the focus, while Henry had been overlooked.No one had touched him yet. That didn’t seem fair.My Henry, always so giving, so reserved, so disciplined. Now, all I wanted was to break through that control. For some reason, the thought of pushing his limits thrilled me.My soreness faded as the warm, swirling water worked its magic. "Henry?" I placed
Henry’s PovSeeing Kathrine like that was the most stunning thing I’d ever experienced. It wasn’t just about the physical part, it felt bigger, more meaningful, like it reached a part of me I didn’t even know was there. I won’t lie, I felt a little jealous that Noah was the one to be with her first, even though we’d planned it that way. Noah is calmer and softer than I am, and we wanted her first time to be so good that she’d want to keep going. I didn’t mind sitting back and watching, though. Well, not too much. I barely noticed Noah, my eyes were locked on Kathrine, watching every move, every reaction, every little sound she made. When she started asking for more intensity, I almost couldn’t hold myself together. If she liked it a little wild, then I knew she could handle me. But I could tell she wasn’t ready for me tonight, not after what Noah had just done. I’d have to wait my turn. I was also really proud of her for using her safe word when Noah did something she didn’t lik
Kathrine’s PovHenry and Noah awakened a part of me I didn’t even know was there. Who was this bold, teasing version of myself? Yet, slipping into that role felt as natural as breathing whenever things turned intimate between us. Pushing their buttons, especially Henry’s, gave me a thrill I couldn’t resist.“So, who’s going to take this off me?” I asked, my voice low and teasing, my hands gliding down my body as I held Henry’s gaze. He was the one in charge, the alpha. I thought stripping him of his clothes might have dimmed some of his power, but he still sat there like a king, composed, unshakable. My skin prickled as his eyes roamed over me.“Noah,” Henry said, a slow, confident smile spreading across his face. “You’ll undress her, but not with your hands. Use your teeth.”Noah’s eyes sparkled with excitement. He moved onto the bed, hovering above me on all fours, his body enclosing mine. He leaned down, catching the thin strap of my top between his teeth and tugging it off one
Kathrine's POVMy heart pounded as my gaze darted between Henry, Noah, and the delicate pendant in his hand. A lump formed in my throat.I had never thought about anyone else outside the two of them. Why would I? Henry and Noah were already more than enough. Polyamory meant multiple lovers, sure, I understood that in theory. But in my world, it was just them. Just us. I already had my hands full. So why would I ever look elsewhere?But then, was I ready for a real, committed relationship? I had told myself this was supposed to be light, fun, just an experiment. No strings, no deep emotions, no heartbreak. That way, when these two playboys inevitably moved on, I wouldn’t be left shattered.I should have said no to the necklace. I should have laughed it off, made a joke, or even called for a timeout. But I didn’t. Instead, I stood up, my hands trembling as I brushed aside the paper wrappings. I didn’t say a word. My body moved on instinct as I turned my back to Noah, knelt before him, an
Kathrine’s POVThe Grand was a fancy hotel on top of the mountain, mostly for rich skiers and socialites from out of town. It looked like a giant Swiss chalet, but with a ballroom, a conference center, and five floors. Everyone knew about it, but locals hardly ever went there because it was too expensive. I didn’t even want to ask how much Henry had paid for a room for the night.As we walked into the lobby, it felt like stepping into another world. A huge stone fireplace sat in the middle, though it wasn’t lit. Cozy chairs were arranged around it, and I could almost imagine coming back from skiing and warming up by the fire. To one side, there was a bar and a restaurant, and a grand staircase leading up. Henry went to the front desk, signed some papers, and got the key.“All set,” he said with a smile before leading me, not to the stairs, but to an elevator. That meant our room was on a higher floor. When we got in, Henry pressed the top button. It wasn’t numbered, just marked with a
Noah’s povI was sitting in my truck outside the Tokyo House restaurant, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel, feeling restless. The sky had an unusual orange glow as dark storm clouds began to cover the setting sun. The air felt thick, like rain was about to fall any moment, and I could sense the shift in the weather. I hoped Henry and Kathrine would arrive before the downpour started. Thankfully, I had thought to bring an umbrella, just in case.I glanced at my phone again, but there were still no messages from either of them.Just as the first heavy raindrops began to hit my windshield, I noticed the Impala pulling into the gravel parking lot. I quickly grabbed my umbrella and hurried over to hold it above the passenger door for Kathrine as she got out.She stepped out carefully, offering a small smile, though it seemed a bit forced. "Oh, Noah! Hi," she said.I wanted to kiss her, but something about the way she carried herself made me hesitate. I glanced at Henry over the car
Kathrine's pov My backside was soaked and freezing, but sitting on top of Henry, I felt oddly warm and cozy. His smoldering gaze told me he wasn’t exactly cold either. Still, I couldn’t help but think the ice beneath him was melting, soaking into his clothes. Carefully, I climbed off him and followed his earlier advice to stand up. Squatting like a frog on the ice, I slowly straightened my legs, wobbling until I found my balance. Once upright, I shuffled my way back to the safety of the wall, gripping it like a lifeline.Too focused on staying upright, I didn’t see Henry peel himself off the ice. But a moment later, he was gliding beside me again, his hand gripping mine through my thick glove. He coaxed me away from the wall, encouraging me to venture further out onto the ice. Time seemed to melt away as I got the hang of skating. It was challenging at first, but under Henry’s patient guidance, I learned to push myself forward, make slow turns, and even stop without toppling over. I