Aiden’s grip on my wrist was suffocating, his rage pulsating through his fingers as he dragged me along. I could feel the raw anger simmering just beneath his skin, ready to erupt at any moment. My wrist throbbed under his tight hold, and I knew that if he pressed any harder, he could break it. But I didn’t resist. There was no point in fighting him, not now.As we left the room, I glanced back over my shoulder, my heart aching at the sight of Ryan and my friends. Ryan’s face was a mess of blood and bruises, and the guilt weighed heavy on my chest. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be. My friends stood there, stunned, helpless, unable to do anything but watch as Aiden dragged me away. Their eyes pleaded with me to fight, to do something, but I couldn’t. I was too broken, too defeated.When we exited the hospital, I was met with a sight that only added to my confusion and fear. Men in suits stood like statues around the entrance, their eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses, their po
Aiden povWhen I received the message from my parents, I was in Italy, deep in the heart of my company. The world of mechanics and gadgets had always fascinated me—the cold precision of gears, the mathematical elegance of circuits, the way technology could be manipulated and bent to my will. Everything made sense in that world; everything was controllable, predictable, unlike the mess of emotions and human interactions. The company had grown quickly, thanks to my intellect and ruthless business acumen, but I never bothered with the accolades or the people that came with success. They meant nothing to me.Women, in particular, were a distraction I could never abide. Their incessant neediness, the way they clung and fawned, it all made me sick. At university, while other guys were busy chasing skirts, I kept to myself, focused on my studies. The only person I bothered to talk to was Michael, a quiet, unassuming guy who understood my disdain for the superficial. He respected my space, an
Aiden povAmira walked into the room with a quiet confidence that immediately drew my attention. Her posture was upright, her steps deliberate, and when our eyes met, she didn’t look away like most women did. Instead, she held my gaze with an intensity that intrigued me.I studied her as she approached, noting the way her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes sharp and intelligent. She was beautiful, but it was more than that. There was a strength in her, a fire that flickered just beneath the surface. I could sense it, and for the first time, I felt a twinge of curiosity, a desire to understand what drove this woman who seemed so different from the rest.**Amira:** (glancing at her watch as she arrives) "I don’t usually do this kind of thing. But my father insisted, so here I am."**Aiden:** (leaning back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips) "And here I thought I was the one being forced into this. Seems we’re both prisoners of parental expectations."**Amira:** (rais
Amira’s povThe day had been long and exhausting, as it always was in the pediatric ward. The endless cycle of treating small bodies, hearing their cries, and offering comfort to worried parents had taken its toll on me. Yet, there was something grounding about my work—something that made me feel like I was doing exactly what I was meant to do.After hours of consultations, check-ups, and delicate procedures, I finally left the hospital, my body aching for rest. I arrived home, the familiar warmth of my space wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. The sun had just set, casting a soft, golden glow through the windows as I kicked off my shoes and made my way to the kitchen for a glass of water. I leaned against the counter, taking a moment to let the silence settle over me.My phone buzzed on the table, interrupting the rare moment of tranquility. I grabbed it, smiling as I saw the familiar names of my friends lighting up the screen.“Hey, Ryan,” I answered, a small smile on my l
The next day at work was a blur. I went through the motions, but my mind was elsewhere, consumed with the growing sense of unease that had taken root in my chest. The only respite I had was with Emera, the little girl who had somehow become my bright spot in the otherwise overwhelming environment of the hospital.Emera was just nine years old, a delicate wisp of a child with big brown eyes that always seemed to sparkle despite her illness. She had been battling leukemia for the past year, and though her treatments were grueling, she never lost that infectious optimism that made everyone around her smile.“Amira!” Emera exclaimed when she saw me, her face lighting up like a beacon. She was sitting up in her hospital bed, surrounded by stuffed animals and drawings she had done during her stay.“Hey, sweetie,” I greeted her, a genuine smile spreading across my face as I walked over to her bed. “How are you feeling today?”“Better,” she said, her voice soft but enthusiastic. “I made this
The next morning, I was at the hospital, going through the motions of my job, but my mind was elsewhere. As I examined patients and made my rounds, I couldn’t stop thinking about the upcoming meeting with Aiden. The anticipation gnawed at me, a mix of anxiety and determination fueling my every move.Finally, during a short break, I pulled out my phone and texted Aiden.Amira: We need to talk. Can you meet me tonight at the park by the river?I stared at the screen, my thumb hovering over the send button. Taking a deep breath, I pressed it. The message sent, and I felt a rush of nerves as I waited for his reply.It didn’t take long.Aiden: I’ll be there.That was all he said, but it was enough. The simplicity of his response only heightened my unease. There was no hesitation, no questioning—just an agreement. It was as if he knew I would come to him eventually.The rest of the day passed in a blur, my mind racing with thoughts of what I would say to him, how I would approach the conver
“Have you given any thought to this… marriage?” I asked Her smile was a wicked thing—mischievous, almost taunting—as she uttered those words, “I’ll think about it.” It was as if she knew exactly what she was doing to me, toying with my patience, dangling herself just out of reach. I watched Amira walk away, her words still ringing in my ears, “I’ll think about it.” That simple phrase, paired with her subtle smirk, stirred something primal inside me. As she moved toward her car, I couldn’t shake the image of her from my mind. It wasn’t just her beauty that captivated me—it was the way she carried herself, the challenge in her eyes, the way she made me want her more with every step she took. Before I knew it, my imagination was running wild, envisioning a scenario that had been lurking in the back of my mind since we met. For a brief, reckless moment, my mind spun a different story—a darker one. In my mind, I saw myself closing the distance between us in a few quick strides, reac
Aiden ,I sat in the car, staring intently at the hospital where Amira worked, my thoughts a tangled web of desire, curiosity, and something darker. The memory of our last encounter still lingered, her words echoing in my mind. She was different, and that difference intrigued me, provoked me, in ways I hadn’t expected. But intrigue alone wasn’t enough. I needed to know more—needed to see what lay beneath her composed exterior. How far could I push her before she broke? Would she break?Michael, sitting in the passenger seat, broke my reverie. "So, what’s the plan?"I turned to him, a smirk playing on my lips as a twisted idea formed in my mind. “I want to test her.”Michael raised an eyebrow, uncertain but willing. He had been with me long enough to know that when I got an idea, it was best to just go along with it. “How?”I reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a small, sharp knife. Without a word, I grabbed Michael’s hand, his eyes widening in surprise as I made a swift,
Author pov,At Mia’s Hospital in the US, the air was heavy with a mix of tension and concern. Ryan was lying on a hospital bed, bandages wrapped around his wrists from multiple self-inflicted cuts. His face was pale, but his eyes held a stubborn defiance .In the corridor just outside his room, Mia, Eva, and Daniel stood huddled together, their expressions a blend of anger and worry. Mia had been harsh with Amira recently, and though her anger towards Ryan had initially fueled her outburst, she now realized that Amira was bearing the brunt of everyone’s frustration.“I can’t believe Ryan could be so reckless,” Eva whispered, glancing towards Ryan’s room. “I tried talking some sense into him, but he just kept going on about how much he loves Amira. It’s like he’s lost all sense of reality.”Mia crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. “I know he’s been struggling, but to put Amira through this… It’s not fair. I shouldn’t have taken our frustration out on her.”Daniel rubbed the back of his
The next day, I was at the hospital, busy with my rounds when my phone buzzed. It was Mia, calling me in a tone that dripped with anger.“Amira, what the hell did you do?” she snapped before I could even say hello. Her voice was filled with accusation, and I could almost feel the heat of her frustration through the phone.“What are you talking about, Mia?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “What did I do?”“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Ryan is devastated, Amira. You’ve really hurt him this time,” she said, her words like sharp daggers. “By the way, congratulations on all the likes your post is getting. You and Aiden look so cozy, practically made for each other.”The line went dead before I could say another word. I stood there, frozen for a moment, confusion and panic washing over me. What post? What was Mia talking about? My pulse quickened as I pulled out my phone and opened Instagram.There it was—a post of me and Aiden, arms wrapped tightly around each other, o
The air between us was thick with tension as Aiden closed the door behind him. His eyes burned with a possessive intensity, and before I could even register what was happening, he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me against him, his grip firm and unyielding. His mouth crashed down onto mine, urgent and demanding, and my immediate instinct was to push him away. I pressed my hands against his chest, clamping my mouth shut, but it only seemed to fuel him more.“Stop it, Aiden,” I managed to say, turning my head to the side to escape his lips. But he was relentless. His hand snaked up to my neck, and he gripped a fistful of my hair, yanking it just enough to bring my face back to him, forcing me to look into his darkened gaze. His voice was low and dangerously soft as he murmured, “I’m showing you that I own you, Amira.”I clenched my lips together, determined not to give him the satisfaction of my compliance. He kissed me again, harder this time, his mouth moving against mine with a hu
As I sat at the dining table, I couldn’t help but notice the tension thickening in the air. Aiden stormed into the mansion wearing his perfectly tailored suit, but his face carried a look of cold fury. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes burned with an unspoken anger. He glanced at me with a scowl before heading upstairs without a word. I watched him disappear down the hall, utterly confused about what had triggered his sudden temper.I turned back to my dinner, but the curiosity gnawed at me. What could have possibly happened to make him so furious? Aiden returned after a few minutes, freshly showered, and looking more composed. He strode down the stairs, his steps purposeful, his hair slightly damp, and his white shirt unbuttoned at the top, revealing a hint of his toned chest. His mother, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, instructed the servants to serve him dinner.As he settled at the table across from me, the tension was palpable. He began eating in a calm, almost too measured
L following day at the hospital, I was already feeling the strain of having my personal bodyguard shadowing me everywhere. Every step I took, there he was, a few paces behind, his stern gaze making my every move feel scrutinized. It was as if Aiden’s reach extended beyond the confines of our home, clutching me tightly even here. I desperately needed some space, and my irritation was starting to show.As I was tending to one of the pediatric patients, my phone vibrated in my pocket. It was Eva. I quickly excused myself and stepped out into the hallway, pressing the phone to my ear. “Eva? Is everything okay?”“Amira, I just wanted to check on you. How are you doing?” she asked, her voice carrying a hint of concern. “You’re really working in that hospital in Italy now?”“Yes,” I replied, glancing back at the bodyguard who stood near the corner, pretending not to eavesdrop but clearly listening. “I’m fine, just adjusting to everything here.”“Adjusting?” Eva’s tone became more skeptical.
At dinner, the atmosphere was a blend of tension and a strange sense of belonging I hadn’t quite felt in a while. Aiden’s mother, a warm and elegant woman with a gentle demeanor, was seated across from me. She looked at me with an encouraging smile as she asked, “How was your first day, dear? You must have had quite the challenge working in a new country.”I took a deep breath, setting my fork down. “It was… different,” I admitted, a small smile creeping onto my lips. “But I managed. The language barrier was difficult, but I’m learning.”She nodded, clearly pleased. “I’m proud of you,” she said, her voice soft but sincere. “It takes courage to adapt so quickly.”A rush of pride filled my chest, and I couldn’t help but cast a quick glance at Aiden, who sat at the head of the table, casually eating as if the whole conversation was of little interest to him. He didn’t look up, his focus solely on his meal, and it only made my resolve harden. At least his mother was proud of me, and that
The morning of my first day working at the hospital in Italy, I woke up with a strange mix of eagerness and anxiety. The air in the mansion felt heavy, almost suffocating, as if reminding me that I wasn’t here by choice. I sat at the edge of the bed, pulling on my slippers with a sense of determination. Working at the hospital was my one opportunity to feel some sense of normalcy, even if it came with strings attached.I headed downstairs holding Leo in my hand and handed over to his mom to take care of him. where Aiden was casually seated at the dining table, sipping his coffee as though he didn’t have a care in the world. His presence filled the room in a way that made me feel small and insignificant, even though I wasn’t about to let him see that. Marco, my assigned bodyguard, was already waiting by the door, dressed in a black tuxedo that seemed completely out of place for a hospital.As I picked up my bag, Aiden glanced up at me with that familiar controlling look in his eyes. “Y
I sat on the couch with Leo nestled in my lap, his small body curled up as I ran my fingers through his soft fur. The house felt unusually quiet, save for the occasional ticking of the wall clock. Aiden had just finished getting ready to leave for the hospital, his keys jingling in his hand as he strode toward the door. There was a finality in his movements, like he was already in his own world, where I didn’t matter. And for some reason, that bothered me.I glanced at the clock again and then at Leo, who seemed perfectly content to lie there and bask in the moment. Something inside me stirred—a resolve I wasn’t sure I had before. I couldn’t just sit here every day while my career and life slipped away. I needed to do something, to reclaim a sense of normalcy, of independence.Before I could overthink it, I called out to Aiden, my voice breaking the stillness of the room. “Aiden.”He stopped, halfway out the door, and turned back with a look of mild surprise. I almost never called him
The next morning, I woke to the soft tickle of a small, warm tongue licking my cheek. I opened my eyes to see Leo’s tiny face staring at me, his big brown eyes full of curiosity and affection. He let out a little whine and limped slightly as he moved closer, nudging my hand with his nose. It was as if he was trying to wake me up properly, to start the day together. I reached out and stroked his fur gently, feeling a pang of worry as I noticed the slight limp from the previous day’s accident.“Good morning, little one,” I whispered, lifting him up and kissing the top of his head. His tail wagged weakly, but there was a spark of life in his eyes that made me smile.As I got up, I noticed Aiden stirring on the couch. He sat up slowly, rubbing the back of his neck and wincing in pain. Sleeping on that couch hadn’t done him any favors, and it was evident by the irritated grimace on his face. He caught sight of Leo and me cuddling together, his expression darkening. For a moment, I saw a fl