A wide smile plastered itself on Elliot's lips, a blend of amusement and something more primal flickering in his eyes. His amusement was mirrored by a stirring excitement that settled in the third member between his legs. His gaze lingered, tracing every delicate movement of the maid as she approached, her graceful steps almost mesmerizing. As she poured a glass of rich, dark wine into his goblet, Elliot's eyes followed her every gesture—every tilt of the wrist, every shift of her hips. The deep red liquid swirled in the glass, but his attention was far from the drink. When she moved to fill Ivan’s glass, Elliot’s gaze remained locked on her, captivated by the gentle sway of her form, the soft rustle of her uniform. He shook his head slightly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. If only the women in his manor possessed the same allure as those who served Ivan. A thought struck him—he was genuinely surprised Ivan hadn’t boasted about bedding a maid or two by now. All Ivan ever seemed to
Cool, warm breath morphed into a faint mist each time she gasped, the frigid air biting at her skin. Iris felt the numbness creeping into her limbs, the cold seeping deep into her bones. Her head snapped around, eyes wide with fear as she scanned the area, desperate to make sure no one had witnessed what she had just done. Panic clawed at her chest, her breath coming in short, ragged bursts, her neck stinging as though unseen hands were choking her.Her gaze darted back to the pool, where tiny bubbles surfaced—Autumn’s final breaths. A hiss of disdain escaped Iris's lips as she glared at the water. Maybe Autumn had been right; maybe she was drunk. She hadn't meant to assault Autumn, not at first. Her plan had been simple: shatter the bottle on the floor, grab a jagged piece, and stab herself. Then, in front of everyone, she’d blame Autumn for the attack. But anger had taken control, and instead, she smashed the bottle against Autumn's head."No matter," Iris muttered, gripping the sha
Feeling groggy, Iris blinked her eyes open. A sharp pain in her abdomen jolted her senses awake. She winced as the tight bandage constricted her swollen stomach, each breath pulling at the wound beneath. The throbbing pain was a cruel reminder of what she had sacrificed—and for what? In the end, she had nothing to show for it. Ivan hadn't even spared her a glance, leaving her feeling like a ghost in a crowded room. It was as if she were invisible, an afterthought in everyone’s mind. No one cared for her, and it was all Autumn's fault.As her vision cleared, the cool sterility of the hospital ward came into focus. The antiseptic smell invaded her nostrils, and she wondered briefly if they had brought her to Derek’s hospital. The effort to keep her eyes open left her feeling drained, as if the mere act of seeing sapped what little strength she had left. Her gaze flitted around the room until it landed on Ivan, sitting slumped in the chair beside her bed. Tears welled up and spilled down
The room is cold and Autumn's head felt as her head was continuously banged against the wall. It wasn't too long when her eyes opened wide and she found herself back in the cold solace of the hospital.Her skin crawls with goosebumps, she felt a small bandage at the side of her head. Her hands tries to massage the throbbing part of her head only to feel the mental shock of pain sparking against her head.The door slightly opens as Dexter and Charlie walks in together. On seeing that Autumn was finally awake, Charlie rushes to meet Autumn, pulling her in a warm embrace."Autumn, how long have you been awake?" Charlie asked, she let out a loud sigh recalling Autumn could not speak. She rummages through her purse, bringing out her phone and handing it over to Autumn.Autumn's shaky hand grabs the phone as she forced a slight smile and nods slowly typing. She shows Charlie the phone."I'm sorry about your birthday Charlie, I didn't mean for this to happen." Charlie shook her head."It's
Fear ran through Autumn's eyes, a definitive fear that Ivan noticed. He paused realizing the position he's in and slowly gets up. His hand palms his face. His annoyed face that's developed into a slightly pitiful look."Do you hate me so much that you had to do this?" Ivan's voice cracked in disbelief. Autumn turned away, disgusted at the sight of Ivan. She could not even react on the sudden news. She was pregnant and she had no recollection sleeping with anybody.Her throat felt dry as if Ivan was still holding on her neck, the stings were there the feeling of Ivan almost ending her life.Ivan extends his hand to Autumn, hesitant, she takes it holding his pitiful gaze as he pulls her up.He noticed she was bleeding due to removing the syringe earlier and furrowed his brows at her."I'm sorry Autumn." He apologized wearing a look of guilt. He leads her to her bed as she sits on the edge stop avoiding his sorrowful gaze.Ivan sat down in excruciating silence before looking back at Autu
Autumn Dawson stood stiffly at the edge of the dance floor, her hands clenched tightly around her champagne glass. she watched with teary eyes, her husband twirl his new bride, Iris Dawson—her much younger half-sister—across the polished wood. The twinkling lights above cast a soft glow on their joyous faces, a sharp contrast to the storm brewing in Autumn's chest. For twelve years, she had played the role of his substitute wife, enduring the empty nights and the whispered rumors, only to be cast aside the moment his father passed away. On the very day that marked their twelve-year anniversary, he had married Iris, leaving Autumn to bear witness to a happiness that had never been hers. Autumn Dawson watched the couple with a heavy heart, her bloodshot eyes tracking every movement as Ivan smiled ear to ear at Iris. That radiant smile was something she had never been granted; Ivan had only ever shown her one expression on that handsome face of his—a cold but an unyielding glare. It w
Autumn opens her eyes at the hospital. She heard the familiar sobs that could only belong to Iris. She had a look around just to spot Iris bawling her eyes out. She slowly sits upright as Iris notices Autumn had just awaken. "Autumn, how could you. Why couldn't you wait till after the wedding to reveal that you're pregnant?" Iris sobbed even harder. Autumn couldn't understand how her sister could not have a single compassion. She couldn't even care that her sister was stripped to a stretcher? She couldn't even imagine that she might had lost her life. "Abort it Autumn." Iris begs. Autumn furrows her brows and without thinking she slaps Iris. She didn't know when her hand had a mind of it's own, or maybe she's aware that's why she didn't feel any ounce of guilt. Realizing what she had done she immediately apologizes. "I'm sorry Iris, my hand slipped." Autumn turns her gaze to the other side of the hospital, Iris in shock held her cheek. She was filled with rage. She wondered when
Ivan could not pinpoint why he was disappointed. He was sure the child wasn't his but he could not understand why he wished it was. He turns to Autumn who laid in shock and immediately his stomach turned. Autumn had finally brainwashed him that he could not help but extend pity towards her. He hated himself for falling for her traps and hated her more for making him feel such a way. His eyes widened as he glared at the scornful woman in front of him. "Our marriage ends today, I'll have my lawyers send you the divorce papers." He furiously storms out, followed by the doctor and then Iris. Autumn was left stunned with her parents, she could not understand how the results were wrong. She turned to them with teary eyes, her throat was burning and her head was aching as she spoke. "Mom, Dad, believe me, the baby is Ivan's." She cried hoping her parents would take her side but they looked at her in disgust. "Are you that attention starved that you pulled a stunt like this? After all