Aurora's POVHis promise hit me like a thunderbolt. *He will marry me.* It felt surreal, like a dream I’d clung to for so many years finally taking shape. My heart swelled, and I couldn’t help the smile that stretched across my face as I squatted down in front of him, clasping his hands as if to keep the moment from slipping away."You… you’ll marry me?" My voice trembled, excitement and uncertainty mingling in every word.Lucas’s gaze softened, yet there was a new hardness there I hadn’t seen before. "Yes, Aurora, I’ll marry you. But only if you’re honest with me. Completely honest." His words were firm, each syllable slicing through the air, and my heart fluttered at the weight behind them.A nervous laugh escaped me as I squeezed his hands, my smile wide. "Of course, Lucas! I want nothing more than to be with you," I whispered, my voice soft, almost pleading. His expression was still, unreadable, and it made me nervous."Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes scanning my face, as if he
Elena's POV I had barely slept, my thoughts tangled in an endless web of dread, relief, and… something else I couldn’t name. As I walked down the sterile hospital corridors, Jason’s hand was a firm, comforting weight on my back. I knew Aurora’s plans had finally crumbled, that she was being taken away in handcuffs. Justice, at last. It should have felt like a victory, yet the hollow ache in my chest grew with each step. There was no joy here—only a lingering sadness and the faintest trace of regret.I could still feel Lucas’s pain, his every grimace, every stifled sigh of discomfort as if they were my own. I had known him long enough to know how much he must be hurting, even if he’d never admit it.The door to his hospital room was slightly ajar, and I peeked inside. Lucas sat in his wheelchair, his face a mask of stoic resolve. His jaw was set, eyes fixed on some distant point outside the window, lost in his thoughts. Jason’s hand tightened around mine as if sensing my hesitation. H
Elena's POV I watched as Jason left the hospital room, his expression a mixture of shock and hurt. I turned back to Lucas, my heart racing. The weight of my decision hung heavy in the air, but as I looked into his eyes, I felt a warmth spread through me—a mix of relief and joy. The corners of my mouth turned up into a smile, one that mirrored the happiness I could see reflected in his gaze.“Are you okay?” Lucas asked, his voice low and gentle. I could hear the underlying concern mixed with a hint of vulnerability. I nodded, feeling a wave of guilt wash over me for the pain I had caused Jason, but deep down, I knew I had to follow my heart.“I know that I did so much damage to Jason, but…” I trailed off, the uncertainty swirling in my mind. Could I truly abandon the path I’d just chosen? I looked into Lucas’s eyes, searching for answers.“Elena, you know I wouldn’t be able to walk again, right?” His question cut through my thoughts, grounding me.I flashed him a reassuring smile and
Elena's POVI couldn’t help but be swept up in the warmth of Jason’s lips against mine. Every tender kiss made my heart flutter, as if each touch was melting away years of sorrow and regret. We were so close, I could feel his heartbeat in time with mine, a steady rhythm that gave me hope, that maybe this time I had chosen right.But then, suddenly, he paused. I felt his hands tense around my waist as he drew back, looking at me with those dark eyes, serious, almost pained. My heart skipped a beat. "Elena," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. He helped me gently off his lap and made me kneel beside him, his gaze piercing and tender at once.“Elena, I don’t want us to get lost in love’s illusions,” he said, his hand softly caressing my cheek. His words were gentle but firm, like he was breaking a delicate truth to me.“Lucas, what do you mean?” I asked, my voice trembling as I tried to read the sadness on his face.He took a deep breath, his jaw tightening as he struggled to fin
Elena's POVI couldn’t believe it was really happening—I was getting married to Jason Campbell, the man who had shown me that love was still possible, even after everything I had endured. As we walked down the aisle, hand in hand, I felt my heart racing. The grand doors swung open, and I caught my breath, my eyes misting over as the soft murmur of the crowd washed over me. This was real. This was my life now.Jason looked over at me, his eyes gleaming with so much warmth that my heart skipped a beat. I bit my lip, trying to contain the swell of emotions within me. I had promised myself, after the trials in the Brown mansion, that I’d find happiness again. And now, here I was, stepping into a future I had only dared to dream about.As we approached the altar, I spotted Samantha, my best friend, standing beside me as my bridesmaid. She was practically beaming, holding the delicate trail of my gown, and I could feel her joy radiating as if it were her own wedding day. Behind Jason was Vi
Elena's POVThis chapter is strictly Rated 18+! “Mmhmm.” Jason sits back in his chair and looks at me. “And you're wearing a lingerie.” He bit his lower lips. I glance down at my clothes. “It’s meant nothing, just an underwear.” “Is it?” He moves, fast as a snake, and grabs the bottom of the bed, dragging me to the corner of the table, until my knees bump into his legs under the table and our chairs almost touch. He casually shifts to flip up my gown, displaying my white panties. “Doesn’t look like you’re wearing a lingerie right now.” My skin heats and I nibble my bottom lip. “That’s because I’m not.” “Spread your legs.” I force myself to hesitate even though I want to do exactly as he commands. “Jason,” I murmur. He looks over my shoulder in the direction of my phone and switched it off, understanding flashing across his handsome features. “I just want to look, Elena that's all.” I move haltingly, bracing my hands on the chair behind me and slowly spreading my thighs. It takes
Elena's POV “I’m not the one who’s going to have to be quiet.” He presses me flat on the table and covers my mouth with a big hand. The pressure against my lips makes me moan as much as him forcing his cock the rest of the way into me. He felt impossibly big in the truck with the addition of the plug, but somehow it’s even more intense in this position. “You can tell yourself that you don’t want this, that it doesn’t count, but we both know the truth.” He leans down and his lips brush my ear. “You’ve been looking for an excuse to climb on my cock since the day we met.”I make a sound that might be protest, but it doesn’t matter because he’s fucking me in long strokes. He barely pauses to guide my hands to my thighs, forcing me to hold them wide and even closer to my chest. I try to keep the waves of pleasure at bay. I really do. I pull his palm off my mouth enough to say, “Hurry. We have to be quick.” Then I go back to holding myself open for him.Jason clamps his hand around my jaw a
Nina's POVThe phone call ended, and I sat in silence, the words *"I won’t be coming home tonigh, suit yourself. Buy anything for yourself. Just surprise yourself!"* replaying in my mind. My heart clenched, and tears blurred my vision, but I willed myself to stay calm. Today was supposed to be special—our second anniversary. I’d spent the morning filling the house with fresh flowers, sprinkling rose petals on our bed, and lighting candles that filled the room with a soft, sweet fragrance. I’d saved for weeks to make this day memorable for us.My name is Nina. I’m just a cleaner at a small restaurant in New York City. And yes, I’m married to Jordan, CEO of Elite Groups. He was once the only light in my life, the one person who made me feel complete. I’d fled a past filled with cruelty from my stepmother and stepsister, who blamed me for my mother’s death and never let me forget it. Jordan saved me from that nightmare, and for two years, I clung to the belief that he’d always love me.B
Laila’s POV As I sat on the soft sand beside Nolan, the cool ocean breeze brushed against my skin, its salty scent filling my lungs with a sense of calm. The sun, now dipping below the horizon, bathed everything in a soft, golden hue. I leaned against him, feeling his warmth seep into my bones. For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. The chaos, the threats, and the betrayals that had once consumed my life seemed like a distant memory, fading with the setting sun. But despite the serenity, the thoughts still raced in my mind. I was torn between two lives—Lila and Miranda—and it was hard to reconcile them. One life, full of memories I had no control over, and another that had become my reality, shaped by my choices and the people I met along the way. Nolan, though, had always been a constant. He was the thread tying everything together, even when I couldn’t see it. I turned to him, meeting his deep, sincere gaze, and
Laila’s POV I continued to run through the dark, damp basement, my heart hammering in my chest as the man pursued me relentlessly. Each of my footsteps echoed in the vast, empty space, and I couldn’t believe I had come here alone. What was I thinking? What had possessed me to ignore Lance’s warnings? I should’ve listened to him. Now, here I was, running for my life, the walls closing in around me as I realized I had made a grave mistake. I stumbled, my foot catching on something hidden in the shadows, and fell to the ground. Pain shot through my knees, but I didn’t have the luxury to stop and nurse the wound. The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, and my pulse quickened. “Hamilton,” I gasped, my voice trembling with fear, “Please… you don’t have to kill me.” I wasn’t sure if I was pleading for my life or bargaining for a way out, but I had to try something. “I’ll give you money! I’ll give you anything you want! I’ll give you back the company!
Laila’s POV Mr. Williams slowly looked at Hamilton, a bitter smile curling at the edges of his lips as he braced himself for what was coming. His eyes, once warm and inviting, now glinted with the realization that he had outlived his usefulness. The situation had shifted drastically, and the cold air seemed to settle heavier with each passing second. "You really thought you could just use me, didn’t you?" Mr. Williams’ voice was raspy but laced with a cold edge of sarcasm. He turned his gaze to Hamilton, his old ally, but now she was nothing more than an enemy. "I was your friend once, Hamilton. A loyal one. And this is how you repay me?" Hamilton stood motionless, her expression frozen in a mask of rage and contempt. "You were never a friend, Mr. Williams," she snapped, her voice sharp and filled with venom. "You were always a means to an end. Nothing more." He raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a grimace. "A means to an end...?” he repeated, his voice betraying a tr
Laila’s POV I couldn't believe it. Everything that had happened up until this point felt like it was straight out of a nightmare—only, this was my reality. I was standing in the middle of a dark, damp basement, the air thick with tension and the smell of mildew, and yet, it felt like I was suffocating from the weight of betrayal. Mr. Williams’ words echoed in my mind: "You have one task—get out of this basement alive, and you’ll get the proof." The audacity. I had come here trusting him, believing his promises. He seemed genuine, his voice calm and reassuring when he spoke to me on the phone. But now, standing here, staring at him with a twisted smile on his face, I realized how wrong I had been. How could I have been so naive? I had ignored Nolan’s warning. I should have listened to him. Nolan had always been there for me, offering his wisdom and caution when I needed it most. But instead, I had decided to trust Mr. Williams, thinking that he was the key to uncovering the tru
**Hamilton's POV** I was in my office when the call came in. It was a frantic voice on the other end, trembling with fear and urgency. “Mrs. Hamilton, it’s about your daughter... Mara.” My heart dropped before I even heard the rest of the sentence. “She was pushed... we don’t know who did it, but she was found lying in the kitchen of the Mountain’s Group of Companies... and she’s been... hurt.” My mind couldn’t make sense of the words, but the panic in the voice was clear. They told me Mara was still breathing, just barely. Without wasting a second, I ordered the ambulance to be sent immediately. My hands were shaking as I hung up, feeling like the world was collapsing around me. What happened? Who would do this to my little girl? The journey to the company felt like an eternity. Every second, every heartbeat, was filled with dread. I couldn’t imagine her in that condition. It felt like the air itself had thickened, and the suffocating fear clung to me. When we arrived, I saw her,
Hamilton’s POV We had just been celebrating our latest triumph. The business was thriving, and every new plan we executed was a success. We were stealing Lila’s clients, breaking down her network one piece at a time. The feeling of victory was sweet, and I couldn’t help but smile as Mr. Williams and I sat together, discussing how far we’d come. “I’ll take you out for coffee,” I told Mr. Williams. “Let’s celebrate. We’ve earned it.” He smiled, clearly as pleased with our success as I was. Just as we were settling into the idea of a relaxing break, a sudden, sharp realization hit me. The Redwood Furniture Company, one of our major suppliers, hadn’t responded to our latest inquiry about stock mandates. My stomach turned. We had been relying on them for a crucial shipment, and without it, everything could come crashing down. I glanced at Mr. Williams. “Did they respond to your call?” I asked. He picked up his phone again, dialing the number. But his expression shifted almost immed
**Laila’s POV** I was determined to get to the root of this. I couldn’t let Michael’s lies go unpunished, especially after everything he had done. The moment I heard they had apprehended the criminal, I knew I couldn’t waste time. Without hesitation, I decided to follow Nolan to meet him. As we arrived, I could see the fear in Michael's eyes. He refused to speak unless I gave him something in return. The arrogance in his voice grated on my nerves. "I'll only tell you the truth when you sleep with me," he said, his voice dripping with smugness. I clenched my fists, fighting the surge of anger coursing through me. My company, my reputation, everything I had worked for was hanging by a thread. I was not the type to trust easily, but I had no other choice but to take this step. My heart was pounding, but my face remained steely, betraying no emotion. The knife in my hand gleamed under the dim light, and I stepped closer to him, my eyes narrowing. "Tell me what happened. Why did you d
Laila’s POV I’m so thankful for Nolan. He’s been my anchor, the only person I can trust, especially when everything else around me felt like it was closing in. Every time I thought I couldn’t face the overwhelming pressure of these accusations, he would be there, showing up with that reassuring calm in his eyes. I had no idea what this woman and the man with her were planning. I didn’t understand why they had come to my hotel, why they were accusing my security team of something so vile. But Nolan always seemed to have a way of cutting through the noise. "I’m not making any payments until I’m sure,” I had said to them, trying to stand my ground despite the anger and frustration burning in my chest. “We need an investigation. It’s not right to just pay without proof.” But before I could say more, Nolan had pulled me aside, his voice low and urgent. “It’s a setup, Laila. They’re trying to ruin us, trying to tarnish the reputation of this hotel. Someone has been targeting us from
**Laila's POV:** Every single day, I walk into the office with the heavy weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. It’s as if the universe conspires to test me, one problem at a time, with no relief in sight. And yet, I have no choice but to face it. Someone, somewhere, is working against me. There’s no other explanation. I can feel their eyes on me, their whispers in the shadows. My rivals, my enemies—they are always lurking, waiting for an opening to devour me and, more importantly, my father’s company. I’ve spent my entire life building this empire, and now, with the way things are going, it feels like I’m standing on the edge, waiting to be pushed off. They don’t want me here. They don’t want me to have this second chance that fate has granted me, but I won’t let them take it away. This is my opportunity to prove myself, to show them all that I’m not just some helpless pawn. I’ll fight with everything I have. This morning, as I sat in my office, trying to focus on the endle