Chapter one
/-Isabelle-/
“Thomas! Alisa!” I screamed and both heads snapped to me.
He rolled his eyes and pulled out of her, while she adjusted her skirt.
I couldn't believe my eyes. My sister was sleeping with my husband!
“Why are you yelling? You didn't react this way when your ex sent you that letter,” he huffed and I stared at him in disbelief and fury.
“Are you kidding me?! It was just a letter! A harmless birthday wish! It has nothing to do with you cheating with my sister!” I yelled.
My chest was hurting. It felt like my lungs were closing up on me. I was angry, heartbroken, and betrayed. I looked at Alisa who was actively avoiding my gaze.
“How could you do this to me?” The tears rolled down my cheeks.
“Well, it's no one's fault you can't keep your man. He just happened to be attracted to me, and as two consenting adults, we went after what we wanted,” she shrugged, and I felt my head spinning.
This wasn't happening. It just can't be happening to me!
“I can't take this…” my voice was breaking. “I won't take this… not after everything I've been through! Because of you, I was forced to abandon the one I love. I couldn't have the life I always wanted for myself.. because of you, I swallowed everything that was thrown my way just to be a good wife to you, and this is how you repay me?”
“Cut the sob story, Isabel. What exactly are you expecting? You want the Alpha to go down on his knees and beg you?” Alisa retorted.
I couldn't believe she was the one saying this. Out of everyone, I always thought she was the one who truly had my best interest at heart.
But I was wrong.
It was all a front so I wouldn't discover her true nature.
I was angry and bitter.
“He doesn't need to beg me. I don't need your apologies but be well aware that the Elders and everyone else in the pack will hear about this!”
With that, I stormed out of the room to my room. Tears poured down my cheeks as I clutched tightly to my pillow.
How could they do this to me on my birthday? Couldn't they respect me for just today?
Even if the day was going a little rough, it was still my birthday!”
EARLIER THAT DAY
Baby clothes.
Baby shoes.
Baby bags.
Baby cot.
Baby closet.
My eyes watered. My birthday gifts were all baby items. Nothing for me. Not even a birthday card.
Everyone was more concerned about the pregnancy than they were about me.
“Just wait until you deliver, Isa. The ceremony will be the talk of the town. People from far and near will come and your child will be flooded with many more gifts,” my father said.
That was all I ever heard.
Baby! Baby! Baby!
If it wasn't the baby then it was about my husband, Alpha Thomas. No one cared about my feelings or ever considered it.
They were more concerned about what they would gain from the union and the baby's arrival. They somehow managed to make my birthday centrentrethese two people, just like the rest of my life.
One of the maids walked in with a gift.
“This was delivered for you, Luna,” she bowed. I took it from her with a nod, ignoring the curious gazes from my family.
The gift was rather flat and I tried to imagine which baby items it was as I opened it.
Surprisingly, it was an envelope.
I opened it curiously and my heart skipped the moment I saw the handwriting.
It was one I would never forget.
The cursive letters were the writing of the one man who had my heart. One, which, unfortunately, I couldn't marry because my father set his eyes on Thomas’ wealth and affluence.
Damian, the rogue king.
“Happy birthday, Fireball. I know we've been apart for a year but I hope you are having the best life. I hope this birthday is a memorable one for you and hope you like my gift. Safe delivery, princess. Love, Damon.”
My eyes watered as I read it over and over again. If only he were here…
If only things worked out between us.
I checked the contents of the envelope and found a customized infinity necklace.
My insides were overwhelmed with emotions. This was the first real gift I've received today. And to think it was from my ex.
“What is that?” Thomas asked out of the blue, and my heart skipped. The man had a rotten temper and this was certainly going to anger him.
“Are you deaf?” He snapped and I gulped.
“It's just a letter,” I tried to keep my voice steady.
“If it's just a little then read it out and stop stalling!” He fired. My hands trembled around it.
There was nothing bad in it but I knew he would flip the minute he heard who it came from.
I read out the letter to avoid angering him but intentionally left out the part where it showed it was from Damian.
“Fireball?” He spat the name with distaste. “Whose fireball are you?”
My throat went dry. I couldn't come up with any explanation because it seemed like he already knew the answer and I wasn't wrong.
“It's from Damian, isn't it? As far as I know, he's the only one who addresses you by such a ridiculous name,” he demanded.
I couldn't deny it.
“You are still communicating with your ex while you are married to me?” He growled snatching the letter from me.
I watched in horror as he tore it to shreds.
“You think he's better than me? I provide you with everything you could possibly ask for and this is how you pay me back?”
“You need to calm down, Thomas. It was just a letter. You are blowing things out of proportion!” I tried to explain, but a slap met me across the face, igniting gasps from all present.
“Are you stupid? How dare you address me in that tone, you lying bitch!” He barked and I flinched.
I didn't say a word as he stormed away.
A tear slipped down my cheeks. How did I end up like this?
“Look what you've done, Isabelle! What were you thinking?” My father, of course, took his side.
“What do you mean by that, father? You just saw him hit me!” My pitch rose in annoyance.
“He only did that because he was angry, which he had every right to be! Why would you be gushing over a gift from your ex?” He scolded.
“Well, this ex would never be violent towards me! Especially when I'm pregnant!” I fired, angry tears pouring down my cheeks.
He was just going to ignore the fact that Thomas hit me all because he didn't want to get on his wrong side.
I had never seen a more shameless asslicker.
“Everyone, calm down please!” Alisa, my sister said suddenly. She placed a hand on my shoulder. “It's okay, Isa. Calm down, alright. I'll go talk to him and see if I can calm him down, okay?”
I nodded tearily and she walked away.
“Just look at you. You were the one who offended him yet you are sending in your sister to apologize on your behalf,” he hissed.
I didn't understand why the man always had a problem with me. Nothing I did was ever right in his eyes.
In fact, this marriage was the only value he saw in me. He told me that multiple times after forcing me to leave Damian.
He didn't care if I was happy or not. As long as I married Thomas.
After thirty minutes of glaring and silence, he snapped, “Why are you still here? Go and apologize to your husband!”
I didn't want to argue with him so I went upstairs. As I got closer to his room, I could hear the faint moans.
My chest tightened as I thought of many possibilities and just as I pushed open the slightly opened door, my worst fear came true.
There was my supposedly angry husband, buried deeply inside my sister.
Chapter 2/-Isabelle-/I ended up crying myself to sleep. I woke up at nine o'clock and decided to go downstairs but just as I opened the door, I saw a maid with a tray of breakfast.I recognized her immediately as Alisa’s maid.“I was asked to serve you, Luna, since you mixed breakfast,” she bowed and I took the tray from her.“Thank you,” I smiled.As I shut the door, my stomach grumbled loudly. I opened the tray and began filling my stomach with as much food as I could.Today was going to be a long day. I could feel it.Shortly after eating, I freshened up and headed downstairs. I didn't know what to expect when I saw the Elders gathered downstairs. The resentment in their eyes was startling.What is going on?Why is everyone gathered here? Is there a meeting I wasn't informed about?“It's good to have you join us today, Luna. A grave accusation has been labelled against you,” one of the pack elders said.Grave accusation?I looked between them in confusion.Alisa stepped forward w
Chapter Three/-Isabelle-/“Isabelle.”My eyes fluttered open and the brightness of the place almost blinded me.I shut my eyes tightly.I was quick to realise that the pain in my legs was gone. Even the one at the back of my head where I supposedly hit a stone.Why couldn't I feel any of that?Is this the afterlife?“Isabelle.”I heard my name again and my eyes opened once again. Something seemed to be approaching me from the bright light.On seeing the figure, I tried to push myself up but it felt impossible. It was as though I was floating in space.A woman approached me and my jaw sagged at her immense beauty. I have never seen anyone so gorgeous.“I have seen your suffering and the betrayal you have received from the one you call mate…” she started, and my mind went spiralling with questions.Who was she and what did she know about Thomas and I?“Do not bother yourself with who I am, child. I am here to grant you a second chance to live the life you were deprived of,” she said, t
Chapter Four/-Isabelle-/I didn't understand what was happening.Why was he being so cold to me all of a sudden?Was it because I looked different?“Well?” He leaned back in his seat, and I racked my brain for something to tell him. I couldn't bring up our relationship in the past where we were estranged lovers.Who would believe that tale to begin with?“I… I am here to model for your company!” I said suddenly, even though I had no idea what I was doing or what was going to be involved in modelling for anyone.“I'm not sure I heard you correctly,” he said, narrowing his eyes at me.“I said I want to model your products. Let's work together,” I repeated confidently.“Have you ever modelled before?” He asked and I shook my head. “And you believe my company is the best place to start?”“Absolutely,” I shrugged.An irritated expression crossed his face.“Listen carefully, Miss Delgado, my company is not hiring new models and even if we were, you wouldn't fit in the job description,” he
Chapter Five/-Isabelle-/"Do you not have better things to do with your time?" Damian asked.A puzzled expression crossed my face, "Better things like what?""Like running your company? Developing new products? Shopping? Anything!" He sighed. I arched a brow."To the best of my knowledge, we should be carrying out the first two tasks together. We are supposed to be partners and your company hasn't even drafted a contract," I stated."Because we are analyzing your company's portfolio. We need to know that this partnership would be of benefit to us!" Damian groaned, the berating look in his eyes, clear as day.I was certain his team were analyzing for weaknesses and cons. He probably asked them to dig up anything they could to cross Lumina Luxe off the list."Is that what they're really doing?" My words came out as a scoff. "You and I know that you have no interest in partnering with me. What I don't understand, however, is why you felt the need to lie to Thomas. At least he saw potent
Chapter 6/-Thomas-/“Honey, you've been staring at that woman for almost twenty minutes now, what's so special about her?” Alisa asked. “What can I say? She is quite interesting,” I shrugged and she stopped filing her nails. Her eyes narrowed at me and I chuckled. “Come on, you know what I mean.” A frown crossed her face. “I don't, tell me.” I knew where this was heading. Alisa was an insanely jealous person, even when there was nothing to be jealous about. “She is the CEO of Lumina Luxe, Annabelle Delagdo,” I started and she rolled her eyes.“Oh, the spoiled heiress of a billionaire empire. Tell me something I don't know,” she huffed. “Maybe, but Lumina Luxe doesn't belong to her father. It is her company and you can't deny she has been doing quite well,” I stated. “With her father's influence, it'd be a shock if the company folded. Her family has already built a name over the years, so it would be a piece of cake for her to own a company. So what makes her interesting?” Alis
Chapter 7/-Annabelle-/“What happened, young miss? You've been sulking since you came back,” Miss Henrietta, my personal maid, asked. I wasn't ready to discuss the heartbreak with anyone. It would only make me hurt more.All my work in the last few months had just been in vain. What was the need of getting close to him when he already belonged to someone else?I wasn't one to steal another woman's man. That would simply make me Alisa. I also couldn't put in any conscious effort to make him mine. That would still be snatching.I buried my face in my pillow, resisting the urge to scream out the pain and frustration. “Should I get your mother, young miss?” She asked. I turned my head away, backing her to hide the tears streaming down my cheeks. I didn't want her dragging the entire family in here, just because I was having a bad day. “Don't bother her, Miss Henrietta. If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone,” I said, keeping my voice as steady as I could manage. “Are you sure? Is t
CHAPTER 8/-Annabelle-/Sally’s Cafe was my next stop. Not only did it have the best coffee but their doughnuts were heavenly. It was the reason I set here as a meeting place with Damian. The grump insisted on his office, of course, but it had too many memories I would rather forget. He was running late, so I ordered a latte. Thirty minutes went by and he was still nowhere in sight. “If I were the one running late, he would give me a lecture on punctuality and call me a brat,” I huffed, taking a sip of the hot liquid. I contemplated giving him a call to remind him of our agreement but decided to give him thirty more minutes.The possibility of him showing up with his little girlfriend made my stomach tightened. I choose this place to escape her. She was his employee, and certainly, she would want to mark her territory when female clients were involved; at least, that is what I would do.I didn’t want her shoving their relationship in my face. I took another impatient glance at my
CHAPTER 9/-Annabelle-/I sat at my work table going through the partnership contract he sent to me. Miss Henrietta walked in to serve some snacks.“I brought apple pie for you, young miss, with some juice,” she informed me. “Thank you, Henrietta. Put them here,” I cleared the files on my table quickly. I was more comfortable working from home, and my room was quite massive, so I created a work section for myself. It didn't take much to set it up, thanks to Mrs Henrietta. Just a desk and chair, a small shelf for all my office files, along with my laptop. I worked from home at least twice every week and on weekends. My family did their best to stay out of my way during that time. I didn't take it lightly when someone interrupted my work, except Mrs Henriette, of course, and that was mostly because she came with entertainment.I noticed that she remained in the room, even after serving me. “Is there a problem, Henrietta?” I asked her. A sceptical look crossed her face. Like she wa
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