Raisel – POVHazel will soon be here. It's just a day until my ex-husband marries his former lover. Soren has been planning, I am sure. I heard him call that paparazzi, and the article against me claimed I had an affair with Soren, with some college photos of me and Soren. Things got worse when my ex-husband, Alaric, said I was unfaithful and secretly dating Soren behind his back. He claimed he gave me many chances to turn things around and restore the relationship, but seeing no hope and being heartbroken, he found love again with Davina. The people who once supported me turned against me. I want to reply back with the truth, to expose all the lies he's told, but Soren asked me not to start a Twitter war or engage in an internet battle—it’s not the right time. I argued with him, but he begged me, so I had to stand down. Soren sat next to me, but I haven’t been speaking to him, annoyed and angry.“You know, the day after tomorrow, you have an appointment with the counselor,” he remind
Raisel’s POV What the hell? I opened my phone to find a naked photo of Alaric with a ribbon tied around his dick. The message read, “Be ready to go on a ride after the honeymoon.” What the actual hell? Is he seriously this inconsiderate? “If you take me on a ride, you’ll end up dead,” I texted back coldly. “Shit, my bad for sending that to you,” he replied. “It was meant for Davina.” “Bad for her. Because that average-sized dick of yours would bore the hell out of her just like the three years of our marriage did to me,” I shot back. “Whatever, Raisel. Go shack up with Loser Soren and stop being such a sourpuss.” “I’m just stating facts,” I responded. “Soren may not have the biggest dick, but his maturity and kindness are more than you could ever have.” “Raisel, what’s going on?” I looked up to see Soren standing there in athletic shorts, shirtless. Every day he just looks hotter, like the summer heat that only intensifies as the days go by. “You’re red. What’s going on? Your s
Warning: This chapter contains themes of past abuse and manipulation that may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.Soren’s POVI dressed in my tuxedo and made sure the doors to my office and bedroom were locked before stepping out. I waited for Raisel, hoping she didn’t see the call I received yesterday. If she had, she would’ve asked questions last night, but she seemed normal. I glanced at my Rolex 40 platinum with its ice-blue Roman bezel. Time was ticking, and I knew I had to knock on her door.“Five more minutes,” Raisel said from behind the door. I sighed and texted Hazel, who gave me a heads-up that everything was set for disaster. I couldn’t wait to see the angry look on Davina’s face—she thought her threats of ruining my reputation would scare me. Davina, my stepsister, believes she can manipulate people like my stepmother Nancy, who is a real piece of work. Nancy abused me during the dark times of my past, and even my father joined her, treating me like the
Raisel – POVAlaric was cutting the cake. From the corner of my eye, I noticed Soren’s blank look, but there was a hint of amusement because the cake tasted like pure fire. Davina was coughing, and Alaric’s face was red—I knew this happened whenever he ate spicy food; he couldn’t tolerate it. I enjoyed their misery, their faces giving away their discomfort. The crowd looked worried, some even confused, as if thinking it was just another prank after all the other disasters that had happened at their wedding. Davina managed to keep smiling, and Alaric played along, calling it a prank, but no one believed them at all. All eyes were on Hazel’s mother, who looked ashamed and frustrated with how things were going, and I could see Hazel feeling a bit guilty for putting her mother in such a situation.The champagne opening and the toast went well, but I was sure something else was coming. My eyes scanned the party, seeing people half amused by the drama and half offering sympathetic looks. So
Raisel – POVI sat across from Soren as he handed me a vodka, pouring whiskey for himself. His broad shoulders were tense beneath the tailored tuxedo, a perfect fit that made him look like something out of a magazine. No wonder every single woman at the wedding scowled when they saw me—the woman who had somehow managed to capture the attention of the most eligible billionaire bachelor. But the tension between us tonight had little to do with envy or attraction. It was something far darker.I watched him as he settled on the couch, unsure of where to begin. He was never one for conversations like this—too much of an introvert to spill his thoughts easily.“You should know I’m on your side,” Soren finally broke the silence as I took a sip of my vodka.“Genius, I figured that much, though I had my doubts,” I replied, and he frowned slightly. “But after tonight, I trust you more. It’s clear you’re serious about taking revenge on Alaric and Davina.” I sipped again, letting the burn distrac
Raisel – POVLenny and Lora were both off today because we were heading to Soren’s grandfather’s for lunch and dinner. I sat at the table, unable to take my eyes off the view before me—Soren, shirtless, his broad back flexing as he moved in nothing but sweatpants. He was making pancakes and brewing coffee, insisting I sit and wait. I’d protested, saying I’d cook, but he never listened. Now, I was glad I hadn’t pushed harder. His muscles rippled under his skin as he worked, and I couldn’t tear my gaze away.I wished, for a fleeting moment, that he was still the nerd with braces and glasses—the one with a lean body that had somehow transformed into this athletic figure standing in front of me. Shaking off the thought, I forced my attention back to my phone, feeling like a voyeur. I was sure he felt my stare. And when I felt his gaze return, it was like a jolt to my system. Heat rose to my cheeks, and I pretended to focus on an article about Davina and Alaric’s disastrous wedding. Pictur
Raisel – POVSoren’s grip tightened around my hand, silencing me with nothing more than pressure. His voice cut through the room, low and edged. “Grandpa, I told you to play nice—for once.” His eyes, narrowed to dangerous slits, flicked over to me. I dared a glance at Mr. Beau, but his face remained emotionless, utterly indifferent to the warning hanging thick in the air.“Calm down, Soren,” I whispered, though he didn’t turn to me. His gaze remained fixed on his grandfather, who watched us both like we were subjects under a microscope. “I’m not with Soren for his money,” I blurted, desperate to end the silent war already brewing between them.Mr. Beau’s voice was steady, cold. “Do you work?” The question slithered out as I gripped Soren’s arm, holding him back. To my surprise, he remained silent, his eyes lingering on where my fingers clung to him.“No,” I replied, my voice barely audible.“Hard to believe you’re not after his money, then.” His tone dripped with accusation, making So
Soren – POVThe new office is finally ready—a business I’ve built without a single cent of Dalton family money. Now, the task is to make it succeed. I glance over the files in front of me, filled with the specs for a new automobile—one that will give my competitors no room to breathe. My gaze briefly shifts to Gwen, my secretary, as she arranges the paperwork.Raisel is seated next to me, holding her composure though I can sense the tension she hides. Across the table, the other designers and engineers are present, waiting for direction. As I discuss the vision for the car, I make it clear: the model needs to be revolutionary, something that not only stands out but crushes the competition. The files contain every detail, the contracts have been signed, and I’ve ensured no one will leak or steal my ideas.I check my watch—two hours of discussion. It’s time to end this.“Meeting adjourned. I need the prototype ready in a month.”“A month is a tight deadline, Mr. Dalton,” one of the desi
Raisel’s POVIt’s the last week of July, and summer is hitting all the right spots. Sun on my skin, the salty ocean breeze, cocktails, bikinis, and beach vibes—I’ve missed this.Hazel leans back in her rickety wooden chair at the shack on Oak Street Beach, her sunglasses perched low on her nose. “Oh, damn, girl. It’s been forever since we’ve taken a vacation together.”“I just tagged along,” I reply, swirling my cocktail. “It was your idea, and… you were right. We both needed this.”Hazel gives me that look. The one that says she’s onto me. “Yeah, but what really made you come? Rai, you don’t just drop work out of the blue. You texted me about tagging along to Paris, and next thing I knew, I was booking a flight to Chicago because you needed this trip.”I let out a heavy sigh, my gaze locked on the endless blue horizon. “Can we not talk about it?”Hazel groans but doesn’t push. “Fine. All I care about is that you’re here.""Though I do wonder why you canceled Paris business trip so fa
Soren - POVThe VIP lounge reeked of expensive whiskey and bad decisions. I sat alone, nursing my glass, the burn of the alcohol doing little to dull my thoughts. Raisel had gone to Chicago, not Paris. Chicago—where Hazel used to work. It was like Raisel was chasing ghosts, running from me.I wanted to stop her. I wanted to hold her back, to make her stay. But deep down, I knew she needed space. Maybe it was for the best—for her to breathe, to get away from me. Yet, I couldn’t shake the gnawing thought: once she knows the truth, she might never come back. And I can’t let that happen. She will stay with me—no matter what it takes.The sound of footsteps interrupted my spiraling thoughts. Then, the voice I least wanted to hear.“Well, well… dear brother,” Joshua’s voice drawled, his tone sharp, his eyes mocking. He had that look in them—the one that always meant trouble.“Not in the mood,” I muttered, not bothering to glance at him.“Rough day, huh?” he taunted. “I heard your little lov
Raisel’s POVThe hidden door slid open, revealing the secret room next to Soren’s home. The faint sound of the shelf grinding against the floor made me shiver. “So, you moved all your things into a hidden office,” I murmured, my voice low as he flicked on the lights.The room illuminated, and my breath caught. My images—dozens of them—plastered the walls. Notes, details about my life, my habits, my wants, and my needs were laid bare like a living diary. My pulse quickened. How long had this been here? A year? Maybe more—ever since he’d left college.“I’ll confess,” Soren said, stepping closer, his presence suffocating in the small room. “I’ve been obsessed with you. Only you.”His words lingered, thick in the air, as if they dared me to respond.“Soren, this… all of this makes me uncomfortable,” I whispered, my voice trembling.“I know you don't,” he replied, his tone quiet but teasing, like he enjoyed my unease. “Your eyes—oh, Raisel—your eyes always sparkle when you realize how obse
Raisel’s POVThe first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the absence of Soren. He wasn’t home.Hazel walked into the room, already dressed for the day, but something about her posture was tense. Trouble followed her like a shadow. We sat down at the dining table in silence, the air between us thick and unspoken.“What’s with you?” Hazel finally asked, her voice clipped as she sipped her coffee.“Nothing. Just… work stress,” I lied, avoiding her gaze. I couldn’t bring myself to admit the nightmare I had. I didn’t want to relive it, let alone share it. “What about you?”Hazel scowled, her fingers tightening around the coffee mug. “I’m going to Paris. My mother and I had a massive fight,” she admitted, her words as sharp as broken glass. Just then, Nia brought breakfast to the table. Hazel didn’t even look at it. “She had the audacity to arrange my wedding. Some guy. Some stranger. She thought she could hide it from me.”“So… you figured it out?” I asked, trying to sound casual a
Soren – POVI couldn’t get enough of her. Her lips were soft, trembling slightly as if they carried the weight of the world. Raisel leaned into me, her body molding against mine as if she were trying to hide from her pain. When we finally pulled away, her forehead rested against mine, and our breaths mingled in the fragile space between us. Her eyes—deep pools of fear and longing—drew me in.“Distract me. Please,” she whispered, her voice a delicate thread, heavy with desperation. Her plea struck a chord so deep it ached.“Anything for you, Raisins,” I murmured, my lips curving into a soft smile. Without another word, I swept her into my arms and carried her to the bathroom.Steam rose around us as the shower came to life, but I was already burning. She helped me undress, her fingers brushing my skin in ways that left my heart hammering. When her clothes fell away, I couldn’t stop my eyes from wandering over her. She was stunning—every curve, every line, a masterpiece I felt unworthy
Soren - POVAlaric’s fists came flying at me. I dodged, narrowly avoiding the blows, and retaliated with a sharp kick to his gut. He staggered back, gasping for air, but recovered quickly. The exchange between us was savage—punch after punch thrown with reckless fury. A few of mine connected with his face, snapping his head back, and a few of his landed on me, stinging my ribs. I was done playing games.With a calculated strike, I swept his legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground. Before he could regain his footing, I lunged, wrapping my arm around his neck in a crushing chokehold. Alaric writhed beneath me, his breaths coming in sharp, desperate bursts. And yet, a part of me—a shadow lurking deep within—found satisfaction in his struggle.Something inside me twisted, dark and primal. I wanted to end him. My grip tightened, the thought whispering like a seductive promise: Kill him. With your hands. Make him disappear. But before I could succumb, Alaric slipped free
Soren – POVRaisel’s eyes burned with hatred as she glared at Alaric, the intensity of her rage like a firestorm.“You bastard,” Alaric hissed through gritted teeth, his voice sharp and venomous. “Let me go! You’re making a huge mistake, Soren.”His eyes darted to me, blazing with defiance.“You don’t even know who you’re messing with.”I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, and smirked, my voice calm but dismissive.“I couldn’t care less.”Alaric’s lips curled into a snarl, his fury practically radiating off him.“You bastard! Unhand me, and I’ll show you what I’m capable of.”Before I could even respond, Raisel stepped forward and slapped him. Hard.The sound of her palm meeting his cheek echoed in the room, cutting through the tension like a knife. Alaric’s head snapped to the side, and when he turned back, his glare could’ve killed.I didn’t give him a chance to act. My fist collided with his stomach, and he doubled over, coughing and groaning in pain.“You don’t ever get to loo
Raisel - POVI couldn’t focus on my work but managed to pull myself together and assign teams their tasks. I had to get a few signatures from Soren, so I knocked on his cabin door.“Come in.”I walked in. Soren looked at me with a blank stare.“I need your signatures on these papers,” I said, handing him the file. He read it, signed it, and gave it back to me.I stayed in his office, knowing full well that Soren had been stalking me. He claimed it was to protect me, but I hated his methods. We never talked about it, but I knew there was more to his story. I was aware of half the truth, but I felt Soren was hiding something deeper.“What?” he asked, noticing my stare.“You know, after tonight’s mission, we need to talk,” I said firmly.“About what?” he asked, still focused on his laptop.“You stalking me.”He looked up at me.“There’s nothing to say. I told you I did it to protect you,” he said flatly.“I’m not letting you off with that one-sentence explanation, Soren. You better talk
Soren - POVRaisel’s hesitation was almost imperceptible, but I saw it—how the room hit her like a storm she wasn’t ready for. “I told you to keep Raisins out of this,” I growled, my words razor-edged.“I wanted in.” Her response was quick, defiant.“Don’t you dare say another word, Raisins” My voice was low, threatening, but she didn’t flinch. Her stare was cold, unrelenting—a frigid standoff crackling between us. God, it was maddening how calm she stayed. Sexy as hell. No one else had ever looked me dead in the eye like that, not even the women I’d taken to bed.“Calm down.” Jace’s voice cut through the tension like a dull blade. I didn’t look away, but Raisel did, breaking the thread between us. She turned her eyes from mine, but I kept glaring—first at her, then at Jace. He averted his gaze, the coward.“What’s the plan?” Raisel asked, her voice sharp as a dagger. Her question was for Jace, but Grandpa’s eyes landed on me. I met his stare with a glare that screamed, Don’t even thi