Lucien.
Six years ago, at the vibrant age of twenty-six, I was rejected and publicly humiliated by nineteen-year-old Lady Moore Quinn, the extremely beautiful daughter of Lewiston Quinn.
News, billboards, and even gossip had taken over the humiliating rejection for years until this present moment. Not even the news of her imprisonment could wash away the vibrating anger surging through me every damn day her name was called. I wasn't satisfied she was punished, obviously for a crime caused by her husband, the peasant beggar she rejected me for.
And each day, I dreamed of nothing but giving her a taste of her own medicine. I had to take her out of jail to quench that hunger.
She was obviously not how she used to be six years ago. Her family owed me, even after her father asked me to take her little sister, I refused. It was her I wanted! I wanted the world to know she's at the lowest after the chronic humiliation. No one was allowed to make her suffer. I was so angry I decided to punish her husband for doing to her what I should have!
"Hello, Moore," my voice echoed, a slight smirk playing across my lips in victory. "Nice to meet you again."
She stared, her hair and hoodie hiding the rest of her face, but her piercing blue eyes visible to my thirsty amber eyes. She showed shock, surprise, and curiosity all in her eyes.
"Lucien?" she voiced silently, but loud enough for me to catch.
"Father, you're not angry with me?" she asked, forcing her eyes away from me. That obviously wasn't the question she intended to ask; I smiled at her slyness.
"I'm More. Angry, and I would have asked you to leave my house this instance," Mr. Quinn roared, anger vibrating from his being. "But no, I won't do that."
She stared, her eyes filled with yet more tears, which I believed had been her only friend since she got out of jail. She took her steps timidly toward her father, who scurried back, a way of telling her to stop.
"You would have probably spent the rest of your life in jail if Mr. Giordano here had not been kind enough to grant you bail on the cover of amnesty."
As expected, she stared at me in shock, then at her father. I wasn't expecting her to go on her knees to appreciate me; no, I would have been disappointed. But her eyes held fright. She knew my intervention came with a price.
The reason I had to be so humble was to bring myself here to do the last thing meant to proclaim her as mine. That I could finally unleash the demon she had bred.
"What?" Those lips intoxicated me, no doubt. I had great plans to make good use of them after this drama.
She turned to her sister and the elderly woman I presumed was quite acquainted with her. But they averted their gaze, not wanting to be the bearer of the juiciest gossip awaiting her.
"You are not showing the appreciation required, Moore..."
"At what expense, Father?" she interrupted. Very smart girl. "At what price did he get me out of the prison?" Her voice quivered, her index finger pointing towards him.
"Moore..."
"Father!" she screamed again, her anger rising with each provocation.
"You have no right to be angry, woman! Goodness! I hate family dramas. You don't even have the slightest right to be. You chose that boy over your family. You asked for your inheritance and ran away with him, you, Moore, have no right to be angry."
"Father, I'm sorry," she wept, pushing herself forcefully towards him. "I'm so sorry; I'm ready to accept anything to atone for my sins."
Oh dear, you just got yourself implicated.
"And I don't bear any grudge against you, Moore, not when you no longer bear my last name. When, get this done with already, old man. Time is of the essence to me."
"I divorced him already, Father. I'm no longer married to Grey," she countered, causing a slight chuckle from me.
Well, news flash, dear, you got divorced the same day you got married to another. Ironic life of a billionaire's daughter.
"You're married to Mr. Giordano, Moore. You're now Mrs. Giordano, and your wedding is tomorrow."
Ta-da!
She scrambled up immediately from the floor where she had knelt earlier; her face turned to me in some irresistible anger I totally understood.
"He came today to pay your bride price."
When I got her released, Mr. Quinn had thought I wanted anything to do with the business arrangements between us. I wanted her to fully give her what she deserved.
Pain would be her only solace for the rest of her days with me. I would make her love me, and I would break her for doing so.
"What?" she stumbled backward, her hoodie falling in the process, reflecting her sullen face. She looked unwell, unkempt, unfed, and extremely tired. Five years in a dungeon is really not child's play. But I would make her crave for the dungeon after I was done with her.
"He was kind enough after what you did six years ago."
"Father, please," she begged. "Don't do this, please."
"You don't have an abode here anymore, Moore. You're leaving with him tonight. Your sister will join you for the wedding tomorrow," her father announced, turning towards me. "Mr. Giordano, please, you may. You have my blessings."
I smiled, swiftly taking his hands in mine as he watched me walk towards her. She stumbled backward, mixed emotions surging through her.
"You!" she spat, to my delight.
"Me? Is that how you address your husband, Moore?" I asked, Damian, Lillard, and John following closely behind me, ready for my orders.
"I would rather die than marry you!"
I smiled, closing in on her, my hands holding her wrists firmly.
"Death is too much of a pleasant offer, dearest, compared to what you will receive. Follow now, or these men beside me will do you the honour of a lift," I said, releasing her hands and walking away to the exit.
And of course, she was too stubborn to follow orders as her "bring me down!" screams echoed behind me.
Tomorrow was the day I would show her what marrying a demon looked like!
Moore.“I can walk!” I yelled angrily at the man carrying me on his shoulder as I was roughly shoved into the car parked in the parking lot.“You behave or the Boss will have you whipped,” the big guy with a tattoo ordered, causing more fear in my already shaken self.I let out a dry laugh. “You don't think this is the '70s where I get beaten for trying to protest? I'm not frightened by your mere sleazy words.”The big guy glared, his eyes shooting warnings at me to keep my mouth shut. He didn't immediately close the car door, leaving it wide open. I knew trying to dart out of the car would be pointless, but I still did it. I couldn't let them think I was some stupid submissive.“I see you only act on impulse, young woman,” the tattoo guy said, catching me and throwing me back into the car. I yelped in pain as my head hit the other door of the car.The windows were tinted, so I couldn't see where Lucien went. They had two cars with them anyway.“Moore,” my sister called, and I raised
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
MooreLucien’s door was locked.I stood at the entrance, shifting my weight from one foot to the other, feeling the slight dampness of sweat on my skin. The scent of the food I had been cooking still clung to me, and I frowned, suddenly self-conscious. Should I have taken a shower before coming here? Maybe changed into something more… decent?I glanced down at my outfit—tiny shorts and a tank top that did absolutely nothing to hide my skin. The idea of facing Lucien like this made my stomach turn. Not because I cared what he thought, I told myself, but because I didn’t want him to think I had dressed this way for him. I would never do that.Would I?No. Absolutely not.Still, the urge to rush back to my room and grab a robe or something less revealing was strong. But I stayed put, pressing my hands together as I tried to steady myself. Whatever reason he had for calling me here, I doubted my outfit would be the focus.Lucien never needed a reason to be cruel.I wondered what my offens
Lucien"But I'm cooking," Moore protested, her voice clipped, eyes fixed on the floor as if she were speaking to herself rather than me.The sheer audacity of her response made something snap inside me. Cooking? That was her excuse?My jaw clenched as I took a step closer, towering over her. "Did I ask?" My tone was sharp, edged with something dangerous.Her lips pressed into a thin line, and I saw it—the hesitation, the defiance she wanted to suppress but couldn’t completely hide.She was angry. I could see it in her. And it wasn't because I interrupted her cooking session or whatever hobby she picked up in my absence, but because Athena was there. She thought I invited Athena, to possibly humiliate her.But Alas does she know I wanted her, her pussy and not that of Athena's.No offense but I find it hard to fuck Athena anymore. I have this insatiable hunger to end our contacts, but that would only mean I wanted Moore. More than I had intended. I can't risk finding that out. “No.”
Lucien"I know you better than anyone… So tell me, why did you linger in London when we could have actually taken care of everything perfectly well from Italy? You made me stay more than two weeks apart from my—"Gregory abruptly cut himself off, his frustration evident as he paced the length of the private jet."From your?" I arched a brow, narrowing my gaze at him.Greg hesitated, his jaw locking. He would rather bite his tongue than complete that sentence."I guess you already knew," he muttered, walking briskly towards the exit ramp, leaving me alone with my thoughts while I let out a slight chuckle.I didn't reply. Instead,I walked into the car, and leaned back against my seat, staring out of the small oval window. The city lights of Milan stretched beneath us, golden threads weaving through the night.I hadn't been able to get Moore out of my head for even a second, not even in the extra two days I spent in London. No matter how hard I tried, she kept invading my mind—her face,
Arthur“The Venice deal is back on our radar after ghosting us. Lucien must have rejected them.”Eric's voice cut through the silence of my office as he strode toward me, placing a thick file on my desk.I leaned back in my chair, my fingers tapping lightly on the glossy surface of the proposal. Lucien must have felt insulted. That man had power—wealth beyond measure—and yet, it didn't take much to weaken an empire. A single crack in the foundation, the right pressure applied to the right wound, and even the strongest could crumble.And that was why I didn’t just want to beat Lucien in business. I needed to go deeper. I needed to strike where it would hurt the most.I have his whore wrapped in my hands for a starter and I'm pushing way beyond that.Eric pushed another file toward me, filled with details about Lucien’s holdings, movements, investments. But I was barely looking at them. For the past five years, I had been nothing more than a shadow, working behind the scenes, maneuverin
MooreI froze at the sight of him.Jordan McWood.The last time I saw him, I’d been undressed, humiliated beyond words, and in no state to properly face him. And yet, here he was, standing right in front of me as if nothing had happened.Vivian had also been implicated in that rash decision of mine and I had hoped Lucien hadn't done anything to him too.He seemed like such a cool guy who stood for me even when he had no idea who I was.Without thinking, I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around him in a brief hug. It was instinctive, something I hadn’t planned, but it felt… right. He had been kind to me, and after everything, kindness was something I couldn’t take for granted.When I pulled away, I cleared my throat awkwardly, realizing what I’d just done. "Sorry," I muttered. "I just… I never got the chance to properly thank you for what you did for me that day."Jordan smiled. "You don’t have to thank me, Moo… Mrs Giodarno.""No, I do." I shook my head. "You went out of your way
MooreI furrowed my brows, walking directly out of the hospital.Someone was waiting for me outside.A strange occurrence, considering who I am now. If it were Lucien, he wouldn’t have bothered with something as simple as waiting outside. He would have walked in like he owned the damn place, his presence enough to silence a room.Lillard? Possibly. But what reason did he have to meet me so urgently?I sighed, slipping my phone back into my uniform pocket as I made my way toward the exit. I had left Mirabel with Ethan for now, and I didn’t want to waste time on whatever nonsense this was.The moment I pushed the heavy hospital doors open and stepped into the crisp evening air, I stopped dead in my tracks.Grey Addison.For a split second, I didn’t recognize him.He looked like a man who had just crawled out of hell. His usual arrogance had been buried beneath exhaustion, his once-polished appearance now tainted with disorder and pain. His right arm was wrapped carefully, and even from
Moore"You’re just determined to make Georgia hate you, aren’t you?" I said, glancing at Ethan as we walked side by side through the hospital hallway. His hands were full, carrying all the cleaning supplies like it was nothing."Well, I don’t give two fucks about her," he replied without hesitation, his tone cool and indifferent.I sighed, shaking my head. "You really don’t seem to understand that she likes you."Ethan shot me a sideways glance, his expression unreadable. "Are you interceding for her? That’s a shame." His voice was serious, but I caught the slight amusement beneath it.I frowned. "What? No. I just think you’re usually good at reading a room. This whole act of yours is only making her hate me more, though." I shrugged, resting my hands behind my back as we continued walking.Ethan ducked his head slightly, his piercing gaze settling on me. "Do you want her to like you?"I blinked, momentarily thrown off by his directness. It was unexpected. Ethan wasn’t exactly the typ
Moore"It pays to be a billionaire’s wife. Only someone with such status will resume work three weeks after her first day," Brittany sneered, her sharp eyes narrowing in disgust.I remembered my first day at this hospital vividly—Brittany had hurled insult after insult at me.Now, nothing had changed.I glanced at her, my expression blank, radiating an indifference I knew would only piss her off more.I don’t give a damn what you think about me.I wasn’t here for Brittany or anyone else. I was looking for one person.Ethan.It felt like months since I last came here. The memories of that day were still raw, still bleeding.I had stopped coming after Ethan had given me those jackets, a moment of kindness that had cost me dearly.Lucien had punished me for it.By dragging Athena to his bedroom.By making me watch. He had also had me whipped the next morning, rendering my body useless while he also made sure my clothes, the very one I and Lillard got were burned.A violent shudder ran do
AthenaMoore was carried by Lucien!I stared at my phone, frozen.The image burned into my mind like a cruel joke, one I couldn't wake up from. My grip tightened around the device as my anger swelled, boiling over with every second I continued to look.The headline at the top of the article taunted me, even though my name wasn’t mentioned.“Billionaire elite Lucien Giordano spotted outside his launch event carrying his once-disgraced wife in his arms. Has he finally forgiven her for the humiliation she caused him six years ago?”Wife… why do they call him his wife? Moore is no wife to Lucien!I scrolled, unable to take my eyes away, another one followed.“Enemies to lovers? Has the great Lucien Giordano rekindled his past love with Moore?”My breath hitched. I felt like the air had been knocked out of my lungs.No.This wasn’t the Lucien I knew. There was no way in hell he would do that for Moore. For her.Lucien never looked at her the way he looked at me.He had never carried me bef