Lucien.The car pulled up, and I walked upstairs, choosing to follow the steps rather than use the elevator.Lillard opened the door wide enough for me, and I walked in, Athena sitting pretty on the couch, obviously waiting for me.She stood up, her hands wide as she pushed herself into my arms. “Where have you been, huh?”“I'm getting married to Athena,” I blurted, patting her backside, but she shoved herself away from me, her eyes boring into me with disbelief.“What?”Now that's what I hate most. I can't possibly repeat that when I knew she heard me vividly. I sighed, feeling extremely tired and repulsive. A feeling I had with me the very minute my eyes met that of Moore.Without replying to her, I dismissed Lillard and Damian and carried my steps through the stairs. Whenever I'm tired, I tend to do that to regain more energy and think with a clear head. But I regretted immediately not going through the elevator as Athena followed suit, anger emitting from her.“What did you just s
Moore.“Good Heavens!” I blurted, hurrying back to my room. Did I just see a naked man?I'm not new to such sights. I used to be a married woman before the unfortunate events that led me to this pathetic situation. And now, to make matters worse, I had been too impatient to wait for him to open his door before barging in.I had wanted to talk to him, to negotiate. I couldn't accept this fate because of a mistake I made years ago. I wanted him to do me a favour, but now it seemed I couldn't ask for anything after barging in on a naked man who I believed hated to see me around.The pretty girl had shown me to my room, which was the least luxurious I was expecting. I couldn't settle in. The pretty girl, whose name I didn't know, had mentioned that his office was adjacent to mine. Being extremely restless, my survival instinct pushed me without thinking towards the forbidden room. And now, of course, I have seen what I shouldn't have.Before I could think of a way to remedy my carelessnes
Moore.A slight knock on my door woke me from my sleep. I rubbed my eyes, trying to make sense of my surroundings.The knock persisted, causing a slight murmur and an intense headache. I groaned as I sat up, my memory slow to grasp my new surroundings.The knock came again with a slight push, and Emily and Madam Isabel entered my room."Goodness, Moore, you didn't even change out of your dress. Did you cry yourself to sleep?" Emily asked.I squinted. God, where the hell am I?"It's late already, and Mr. Giordano will be upset if you keep him waiting. It's not good to delay a groom," Emily continued."I know you don't want this, neither of us do, but there's absolutely nothing we can do about it," Madam Isabel added."Wedding?" I asked, surprised at how lovely Emily looked in a white floral dress."Don't tell me you're still this slow-witted after all these years, child," Madam Isabel chimed in.I'm always like this—slow to remember things whenever I just wake up, especially if I had a
LucienI walked past her door. As much as I hated her, I still wanted to watch her cry and beg in anguish. Those were my reasons for having her room next to mine.Any random person would be upset at my deadly hatred for her. Why did I harbor such resentment? She's the one person I swear to inflict as much pain on as possible. She isn't meant to be happy, and I'm committed to showing her what real pain is.I walked down the stairs to pass specific instructions to my workers. As I entered the room, they, twenty in all, bowed to me.I don't like many people in my space, but over time, I’ve needed to keep the house clean. I dismissed the staff whenever I saw fit, but knowing I have visitors from time to time, especially family who visit without notice, I can't have them leave the house a mess. But today, none of them will be available; Moore will do all the cleaning after everyone is gone."Good morning, Mr. Giordano," they all chorused, bowing respectfully. It’s my wedding day, and I bet
Moore.The car surprisingly didn't take the route leading to the church. I glanced at the driver, but he had the same mean look as the other guy from last night.After what seemed like forever, the car pulled over at a resort. I was shocked. Why was Lucien giving us a fairytale wedding? This had always been my dream—to take my vows with the love of my life in an open space. Grey had called it shallow back then.I stepped out just in time to see my father approaching, forcing a smile.I smiled, not at my father, but at the fact that I was doing this again, both times with the wrong partners."Ready, Moore?" Father asked, extending his hand. I nodded, taking his hand as we walked through the crowded people.I marvelled at the crowd. For heaven's sake, this marriage was supposed to be discreet."Did you know about this large turnout, Dad?" I asked, feeling sceptical as we walked down the aisle. The venue was beautiful, surrounded by tall pine trees and a waterfall just before where we we
“Enough now!” commanded the young man, who surprisedly is Mr. McWood, as he strode past the woman sitting beside him. He stopped in front of Grey, who was glaring timidly at me. “You have no right to talk to her like that!”Grey tore his glare from me, the crowd stiffening in shock. He looked at Mr. McWood, who I vividly remembered as the fashion icon who had dressed me for the wedding. “And who are you?”“Who I am is none of your business, man. I'll tell you one thing: you have no right whatsoever to speak to her in such a dismissive manner!”Grey laughed cockily and waved his hand. “I do what I please, alright? Now step aside and let me teach this murderer a lesson.”A big blow from Mr. McWood landed on Grey’s cheek, his fingers curled together, his glare deadly. Grey, angrily trying to return the blow, was stopped.I shrank back, trying to get away from them, but Lucien’s man held my wrist while another man moved toward them. Why was Mr. McWood doing this? Why was he fighting for a
She stepped out of the car, her face a mask of horror and fright. I smiled at how terrified she looked.More people filled my vicinity as instructed. I wanted the environment as chaotic as possible. I didn't want her to find any rest.She caused me this pain. She turned me from a loving man into a monster seeking vengeance at any cost. She made my life a living hell, and I would make hers no less painful.She took her away from me. She completely took the only one I had ever opened my heart to.Shima died because of her.Earlier today, when I heard about her ex-husband’s attack, I hadn't paid much attention. I only wanted to humiliate her. But hearing about Jordan McWood standing up for her ignited more hatred within me.“Are you satisfied with the turnout?” Greg walked up to me, eyeing Moore as she reluctantly pushed her dress out of the car. One of Jordan’s girls walked over to help her with the dress.“I need more people, and none of them should dispose of anything. Make sure her f
Moore“What?” I found myself asking, breaking his rules again.How in the world is he expecting me to get the whole vicinity cleaned? I'm so tired.I was made to dance, play games, and pretend to be happy during the party. To make things worse, Dad kept avoiding me too.The party would have been wonderful if I were really marrying for love. It would have been one of the happiest days of my life, but no, it was a disaster. Any chance I had with Madam Isabel? She kept pleading that I behave well so he doesn't ruin our family's reputation.“You don't learn, do you?” Annoying as it should be, I found myself admiring her voice. “I see why you ended up in jail.”Whatever his rules were, I will not sit and watch another woman speak trash about me.“And I see why he chose to marry a woman convicted of murder over you, a prestigious, flawless daughter of the president!”My words got to her. It was evident as she swelled with anger and landed a fierce slap on my cheek.“How dare you!” she groa
AthenaThe knock on the door before the push still couldn't take my mind away from last night's scenario. I couldn’t focus. Not at work, not anywhere. My mind kept replaying the moment—Lucien, cold and indifferent, touching me in front of another woman. I hate to admit that she is his wife now. Damn the fucking title! I should’ve felt triumphant, powerful even. Instead, a knot of frustration tightened in my chest. What did it mean? Was he training her? punishing or, or worse—trying to humiliate her?I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as Ethan stood in front of me. His charming, fearless demeanour only added to my irritation. He was supposed to be my ally, not Moore’s. Yet here he was, explaining why he was being "kind" to her.“Why are you so concerned about Moore?” I asked coldly, my voice laced with suspicion. I wasn’t in the mood for his games. His loyalty was starting to irritate me.And besides, why on earth is she not at work?He shrugged casually, his smirk
MooreI was still wrapped in the sheets, feeling a little better from the medicine I took, when the door opened. Vivian's figure stood in the doorway, her usual composed expression giving way to something slightly more concerned.“Your sister’s here ma'am.” she announced.My heart sank. Emily? Now? She wasn’t supposed to be here—wasn't she off in Europe for her studies? The last thing I needed was to face her. Not like this, not now.I only wanted her to pay for the clothes via invoice sent to her, but rather, she's here, In Lucien's home.I sat up, clutching the sheets closer to my chest, feeling utterly exposed, not just physically but emotionally. “Vivian, can you get the package from her? Tell her I’m... busy.”Vivian hesitated, her hand resting lightly on the doorframe. “She’s refusing to hand it over. Says she needs to see you, and she sounds urgent.”My throat tightened. Urgent? Emily didn’t do “urgent.” She was always the calm, collected one, never rattled by anything. If she
ArthurI walked into my home, the familiar cold air embracing me like an old friend. The tension in my chest simmered beneath the surface as I thought about what lay ahead. Moore’s sister, Grey, Lucien... all of them were pieces in a game I’d been forced to pause five years ago. But now, I had all the cards in my hand again.Five years.Five years since Moore left me to die.The memory of that day still stung like a fresh wound, but I wasn’t the same man who had fallen for her harmless looks back then. When I woke up after barely surviving, the news was everywhere—plastered across every screen and paper. Moore had gone to jail after her attempted murder or murder on me.She had aligned herself with a man I had intended to use. It had been the perfect plan until she ruined everything. Until she almost cleared me in a web that eventually caused her ruin.I had no issues with her, I only saw her as the perfect place to hide until I had all the power to overthrow him. But now, she's just
Grey“Mr. Addison, we’ve got another problem.”My PA’s voice trembled slightly, his fingers gripping the tablet in his hands like it held the weight of the world. I glanced up at him, noticing the worried look etched on his face. He looked more anxious than usual, which told me this wasn’t just a minor issue. Something serious was happening, again.“What now, Jerry?” I asked, rubbing my temples.He hesitated, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "Shareholders are pulling out their shares. Ever since the incident at your ex wife's wedding... things have gotten worse."I felt my stomach twist. The wedding. That damned disaster had not only humiliated me but was now threatening to ruin everything I had worked for."How bad is it?" I asked through clenched teeth.Jerry's eyes flickered nervously, and he cleared his throat. "It’s... drastic. We've lost almost 15% of our shares in the past two days, and the trend isn’t slowing down. If it continues—""I get the picture," I cut hi
Emily“What the heck?” I blurted out, not almost feeling myself while I stared at my phone with the intensity I had no idea I had.The message stared back at me like an open wound, festering with dread. My heart hammered in my chest, the words burned into my brain."I see your slutty sister got married to a filthy rich man, huh? Tell her to watch her back. I know her movements."Whoever sent this was serious. It wasn’t some random prank. Whoever it was had been watching Moore closely, and now they were coming for her. The threat wasn’t even aimed at me, but I felt it deep in my bones. I’d never been this terrified in my life.A knock on my door jolted me out of my spiralling thoughts. My phone nearly slipped out of my hand as I rushed to answer it.I opened the door, and Madam Isabel, the housekeeper, stood there, her kind but tired eyes looking at me through thick lenses. She held a large bag, the kind you’d expect from a high-end boutique."Good afternoon, Emily. This arrived for yo
Jordan.I hadn't been able to concentrate since Mrs. Giodarno, as I should start calling her—walked out of my office the previous day. The encounter replayed in my mind over and over, like a song stuck on repeat. It wasn’t anything particularly significant, just her grabbing a few things. But still, it left a mark.I can't seem to breathe in close proximity with her.I couldn’t explain it, but something about her pulled me in. It was a strange feeling, a magnetic force that I couldn’t shake off, no matter how much I reminded myself that she was married. Married to Lucien Giordano, of all people. That fact should have been enough for me to keep my distance. And yet, here I was—standing in her home, my heart pounding against my chest as if I were some nervous teenager.I took a deep breath, clutching the small purse she had left behind at my office. I’d used it as an excuse to come here. I could have sent someone, though I wasn’t entirely sure why. Maybe I wanted to see her again, mayb
MooreI buried my face deeper into the duvet, feeling the stinging aches all over my body. Tears rolled down my cheeks uncontrollably, my chest rose and fell in quiet sobs. The pain in my body was nothing compared to the whirlwind of emotions inside me.I couldn’t stop thinking about Ethan, the way he had rushed to help me at the hospital. My heart clenched in fear, imagining what Lucien might do to him now. He wasn’t the type to let things slide, and I knew the thought of Ethan stepping in didn't sit well with him. I had been terribly punished for that.My organs hurt, and I could still feel the heat of the whip on them. He had made his mark clear. If I wished to survive here, then I had to be obedient.Obey! Obey! Obey!“Son of a bitch!” I cursed inwardly.I closed my eyes, hoping—no, praying—that somehow, I could protect Ethan from Lucien’s wrath.But that was wishful thinking. I could barely protect myself.I wiped my eyes, feeling the burning embarrassment crawl through me.I had
LUCIEN. “Put your hands on your laps.” I roared anger emitting from me while she quickly did as was instructed.I walked past her into the inner room where everything dreadful to a woman would be.Athena had a choice when I brought her here, but Moore, she comes at my order. “Is… what's this place?” Her trembling voice asked as I walked through the trail to pick up the right cuffs that would keep her in check.I picked the leather cuffs with sharp designed edges and walked swiftly to her side. “You will see.” I replied to her questions before stretching my hands towards her. “Your hand.” “This is a criminal offence, you know? I could sue you for abuse.” “I'll watch you try.” I replied, my patience wearing thin.If only she had someone to tell her that things wouldn't be too hard for her if only she behaves. “I don't give my consent to this. I didn't sign my involvement, you're doing this to me out of my free will.” Whatever thing she thinks she's doing by buying off tim
Lucien.I don't know why I had that package delivered to her. Isolation were my plans for her but somehow, I couldn't help the nut in my stomach over my decision to close the world on her. She is stubborn, those were fact about Moore and those are what I liked most, reasons to have her punished and humiliated. “You never learn, I see?” I let out the words in my throat. She disgust me, every single part of her does. She raised her head up, ready yet again to protest. I stared over her, her body clean and flawless, no indication of sufferness despite the things she had been through. “Come.” I let out, forcing the thoughts of ruining those skin off my head. I'll take it gradually at a time.I had against my rule brought her a phone. I even added a credit card so she could at least spend while I still carry out my bitterness on her. But seeing the paper box on the floor only indicated that she had tossed them aside without knowing what's in there. Yet, she took some help from a r