/-Damian-/“Hey, you’re up early,” Sarah said, walking in with a tray. “Thought I’d serve you breakfast in bed.”I was buttoning my sleeve, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. “I’ve got a meeting with Annabelle. Last time I was late, and I’m not letting that happen again.”Her smile dimmed slightly. “Annabelle again? Do you have to meet her every single day?”I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “We’re going to be partners soon. We’ll probably be seeing even more of each other. Besides, something serious came up with LuminaLuxe, and I need to help her sort it out.”Sarah crossed her arms, frowning. “Why can’t she handle it herself? Why does she always need you involved?”I turned to face her, noticing the tension in her voice. “Because we’re partners. And there’s a chance I may have to buy out her company.”Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Why do you seem so eager to do that?”“Why do you seem to have a problem with it?”“Maybe I just don’t like her.”I raised an eyebrow, teasi
Damian-/After a long day of checking out photography sites, we stopped by for dinner. I could tell there was something bothering her, but I wasn't going to bring it up unless she did.The low murmur of conversations in the restaurant seemed distant as Sarah absentmindedly swirled her iced tea.This was supposed to be a nice dinner for just the two of us, but the tension from earlier still hung in the air.I could sense it in the way she had been casting glances my way ever since we left the office. I knew what was coming."Damian, we need to have a conversation," she said, her voice deceptively calm.I exhaled slowly, already bracing for what was next. "About what?""Annabelle," she stated plainly, placing her glass down. "Her company is in deep trouble, and you're getting too caught up in it.""Sarah, we’ve discussed this before," I started, but she immediately cut me off."No, we haven’t," she countered. "Every day it’s something about Annabelle. I can’t keep pretending it’s not af
Chapter Fourteen/-Annabelle-/Back at the office, I was a mess. My head hurt, and my feet were killing me as I walked back and forth in frustration.The office phones ringing only intensified the chaos in my head.“Come on, think. Think, Annabelle,” I said as I moved my hands through my already disheveled hair.Then, a light bulb went off in my head.Proof. I just needed proof that I was being sabotaged, right?With calming breaths, I picked up my phone, dialing the number of the person I dreaded speaking to with all my heart.After the second ring, he picked up. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” Thomas Anderson's voice sent my skin crawling, and I gritted my teeth.Taking a calming breath to manage my emotions, I responded with a fake smile, “Can you come to my office? I'm considering your offer, and I want to know your terms.”There was a pause at the other end before he drawled, “I knew you were eventually going to come around. I'll be there. Nine a.m. tomorrow.” The line went dea
Annabelle-/“You, Miss Delgado, I want you.”I almost scoffed. So predictable. But like I said, two could play this game.My fist tightened under my desk while I gave him a sultry smile. “Don't you have a wife, Mr. Anderson?” I asked as I leaned forward. “I don't want any trouble.” My voice turned soft as my gaze fell.“Of course she won't give you any trouble.” He hurriedly spoke as his eyes slightly widened, seemingly taken aback that I easily fell into his games. “You'll be my little secret, and together we will move this company forward, taking the world by storm.”I looked away, feigning sadness and defeat. “But I don't want to be your little secret.”“Then you won't be, I promise. Just give yourself to me, and I'll do anything for you.”I almost visibly smiled to myself before I caught myself. This was going easier than I had planned.“Anything?” I asked coyly, letting my hands circle the mouth of the coffee cup as I feigned contemplation.He nodded vigorously, his eyes wide, no
Chapter Sixteen/-Annabelle-/“Never mind. Congratulations, by the way, on fixing the bug. I'll talk to you later.” I raised a brow at the tiredness in his tone. “Okay, but—”He hung up.That was rude. I glared at the phone as if he could see me from his end. What was his deal anyway? “I guess I underestimated you too, huh?” Those words resonated in my mind.Curiosity gnawed at my insides. Who else did he underestimate? I opened the door to my office, and for the first time in days, I welcomed the silence.No shrill rings from office phones, just utter quiet. As I headed to my desk, I inhaled deeply while I settled into my chair.I opened my laptop and went straight to the video of the woman who had spread fake rumors about my products, apologizing profusely.“I am deeply sorry for having spread false information regarding the products. I admit that I was bored and needed attention. I apologize for the harm this has caused to Annabelle, her company, and everyone else involved. Again
Chapter Seventeen/-Annabelle-/Warmth filled my body as I downed another drink. The bitterness of the scotch stung my throat, making my face scrunch up.“Your brother is being an ass,” I drawled as I gestured at Frankie with my empty glass. Yep, I was definitely tipsy.Amusement flickered in his eyes. “I second that, and I'm so sorry about the way he's acting.”I frowned. “Don't be sorry; your brother's an ass. It's not your fault.” I drawled on, gesturing to the bartender for a refill.“Am I missing something?” Damian, who had been silently watching our exchange, finally asked.At first, I had been worried about how quiet he was, but now that he spoke, I was thrilled that he was finally coming around.“I was supposed to take Gerald to meet my parents, but the dickhead keeps canceling on me for no apparent reason,” I whined to Damian, who tilted his head in thought.“And where is this Gerald?”“He's away on a trip,” Frankie answered before I could open my mouth.“Yeah.” A giggle esca
Chapter Eighteen/-Annabelle-/It was official. I hated Sarah with every cell of my being. First, for making Damian hurt, and next, for daring to blackmail him.We were sitting side by side at the counter, the soft piano music still playing in the background. Damian's eyes were glazed over, proof that the alcohol was beginning to get to him.“Why would she hurt you like that? After everything you both shared together?” My hands were fisted on the counter as I glared at my drink.“People change when they realize they can't get what they want.” He took another sip of his drink. “I don't blame her. Anyone in her position would probably try to do the same thing.”I gave him a look of disbelief. “Not everyone, Damian. There are good people out there,” I said softly.He snorted. “Everyone wants power and riches. Some people's level of zeal is just higher than others.” He scowled at his drink, his eyes intense.Silence settled between us. “What does she want you to do?” It was the one questi
Chapter Nineteen/-Annabelle-/My head pounded like my brain cells were having a party or something. I let out a curse. I shouldn't have drunk so much.My heels clacked against the tiles as I headed to my office. It was ten in the morning, and despite my put-together appearance, I was a mess inside.As I tried to settle into work, a message from Gerald popped up. Confusion graced my face when I scrolled up and saw the many messages he had sent me last night after Frankie left. Then, I remembered that I had turned off my phone after that threatening message was sent to me.Gerald: Frankie told me you were at a bar with your business partner.I raised a brow as I scrolled down.Gerald: Why aren't you responding to me?Gerald: I hope you aren't doing what I'm thinking.My hand fisted on the table as I read on.Gerald: Why aren't you responding to your texts, Anna?Gerald: If you're cheating on me, Annabelle, I swear to the goddess…My blood boiled as I took in the last message. First off
Chapter Twenty Three/-Annabelle-/We had focused on finishing our food after we realized that we wouldn't find any answers anytime soon.I just had to be patient and let Damian find out more information about her.A sigh of satisfaction left my mouth as I sprawled in my seat, my hand rubbing my belly. “Wow, when was the last time I ate this many hamburgers?”Damian, who had long finished his two burgers, was watching me in amusement. “Do you always eat like this?”My heart fluttered at the small smile on his face. “No. Just when I'm stressed.”“Hmmm.” That same look passed across his face.I sat up. “You called me out here for something. What's up?”He threw me a grin, his teeth sparkling under the lights in the restaurant. I ignored the flip of my heart. “I've gotten information about Sarah that could not only hurt her but also throw her entire family in jail.”I blew out a whistle as I straightened my spine, awe filling me. “That right there is the Damian I know. Remind me not to e
Chapter Twenty Two/-Annabelle-/Taylor Swift's voice wafted into my ears from the background as Damian sat at the table with me.My gaze lingered on his muscled chest, which was covered by a black T-shirt. I ignored the butterflies in my stomach that came alive at the sight of him, only realizing just now that he too was staring at me. Watching, even.Heat rushed to my face, and I blinked vigorously. “Stop looking at me like that,” I let irritation mask the fluster in my voice.He peered closer. “You don't look so good. Did something happen?”“You would not believe what happened.” I waved to the waiter, catching his attention.Damian raised a brow, his piercing eyes studying my face as if I were a math textbook or something.“God, I'm so stressed, I could eat twenty whole burgers.” I sighed in frustration, wincing at the pounding in my head.Something flashed in Damian's eyes.I threw him a concerned look. “Again, why are you staring at me like that?” It wasn't that I had a problem w
Chapter Twenty-One/-Annabelle-/My appetite was nowhere to be found, and I glared at the food before me.“I'm pretty sure the sushi was not the one peering into your car,” Frankie said in a teasing tone.I transferred the glare to him while he stole a piece from my plate.“What? You're clearly not eating that,” he said, wide-eyed, with his chopsticks in mid-air.“Who the hell was that woman?” I said, more to myself than to him. “What was she searching for in my car?” “I'm sure it's something you don't have to worry about, Anna,” he chewed on. “You said you could eat a whole elephant earlier, and now you're here with a whole lot of food in front of you, and you won't eat. Come on. Don't let one bad thing stop you from enjoying the good things in life.” His eyes softened as he spoke.I released a sigh. “You're right. I shouldn't let it bother me.”Three beats passed.“But what if she's somehow linked to those threats I keep receiving?” Frankie released a groan. “I'm serious, Frankie.
Chapter Twenty/-Annabelle-/The feeling of unease in my bones didn't go away even as I studied the ongoing projects for the next line of products my company was releasing. Normally, immersing myself in work made me forget my problems.I let out a sigh of frustration when I caught myself reading the same line ten times in the past minute. I just couldn't concentrate.I was grateful when a knock came on my door. The distraction was very much needed.“Come in,” I called out, frowning when Frankie's head bobbed into the office. That was definitely not the distraction I needed.He gave a small smile before letting himself in and taking the seat in front of me. “Did you have a fun night?”I narrowed my eyes. “Do you enjoy having a big mouth?”His eyes slightly widened as confusion filled his face.“You told Gerald about the drinks we were getting and about Damian, who happens to be nothing more than a friend and a business partner,” I said through gritted teeth.Frankie shifted where he sa
Chapter Nineteen/-Annabelle-/My head pounded like my brain cells were having a party or something. I let out a curse. I shouldn't have drunk so much.My heels clacked against the tiles as I headed to my office. It was ten in the morning, and despite my put-together appearance, I was a mess inside.As I tried to settle into work, a message from Gerald popped up. Confusion graced my face when I scrolled up and saw the many messages he had sent me last night after Frankie left. Then, I remembered that I had turned off my phone after that threatening message was sent to me.Gerald: Frankie told me you were at a bar with your business partner.I raised a brow as I scrolled down.Gerald: Why aren't you responding to me?Gerald: I hope you aren't doing what I'm thinking.My hand fisted on the table as I read on.Gerald: Why aren't you responding to your texts, Anna?Gerald: If you're cheating on me, Annabelle, I swear to the goddess…My blood boiled as I took in the last message. First off
Chapter Eighteen/-Annabelle-/It was official. I hated Sarah with every cell of my being. First, for making Damian hurt, and next, for daring to blackmail him.We were sitting side by side at the counter, the soft piano music still playing in the background. Damian's eyes were glazed over, proof that the alcohol was beginning to get to him.“Why would she hurt you like that? After everything you both shared together?” My hands were fisted on the counter as I glared at my drink.“People change when they realize they can't get what they want.” He took another sip of his drink. “I don't blame her. Anyone in her position would probably try to do the same thing.”I gave him a look of disbelief. “Not everyone, Damian. There are good people out there,” I said softly.He snorted. “Everyone wants power and riches. Some people's level of zeal is just higher than others.” He scowled at his drink, his eyes intense.Silence settled between us. “What does she want you to do?” It was the one questi
Chapter Seventeen/-Annabelle-/Warmth filled my body as I downed another drink. The bitterness of the scotch stung my throat, making my face scrunch up.“Your brother is being an ass,” I drawled as I gestured at Frankie with my empty glass. Yep, I was definitely tipsy.Amusement flickered in his eyes. “I second that, and I'm so sorry about the way he's acting.”I frowned. “Don't be sorry; your brother's an ass. It's not your fault.” I drawled on, gesturing to the bartender for a refill.“Am I missing something?” Damian, who had been silently watching our exchange, finally asked.At first, I had been worried about how quiet he was, but now that he spoke, I was thrilled that he was finally coming around.“I was supposed to take Gerald to meet my parents, but the dickhead keeps canceling on me for no apparent reason,” I whined to Damian, who tilted his head in thought.“And where is this Gerald?”“He's away on a trip,” Frankie answered before I could open my mouth.“Yeah.” A giggle esca
Chapter Sixteen/-Annabelle-/“Never mind. Congratulations, by the way, on fixing the bug. I'll talk to you later.” I raised a brow at the tiredness in his tone. “Okay, but—”He hung up.That was rude. I glared at the phone as if he could see me from his end. What was his deal anyway? “I guess I underestimated you too, huh?” Those words resonated in my mind.Curiosity gnawed at my insides. Who else did he underestimate? I opened the door to my office, and for the first time in days, I welcomed the silence.No shrill rings from office phones, just utter quiet. As I headed to my desk, I inhaled deeply while I settled into my chair.I opened my laptop and went straight to the video of the woman who had spread fake rumors about my products, apologizing profusely.“I am deeply sorry for having spread false information regarding the products. I admit that I was bored and needed attention. I apologize for the harm this has caused to Annabelle, her company, and everyone else involved. Again
Annabelle-/“You, Miss Delgado, I want you.”I almost scoffed. So predictable. But like I said, two could play this game.My fist tightened under my desk while I gave him a sultry smile. “Don't you have a wife, Mr. Anderson?” I asked as I leaned forward. “I don't want any trouble.” My voice turned soft as my gaze fell.“Of course she won't give you any trouble.” He hurriedly spoke as his eyes slightly widened, seemingly taken aback that I easily fell into his games. “You'll be my little secret, and together we will move this company forward, taking the world by storm.”I looked away, feigning sadness and defeat. “But I don't want to be your little secret.”“Then you won't be, I promise. Just give yourself to me, and I'll do anything for you.”I almost visibly smiled to myself before I caught myself. This was going easier than I had planned.“Anything?” I asked coyly, letting my hands circle the mouth of the coffee cup as I feigned contemplation.He nodded vigorously, his eyes wide, no