64. After the lunch, Aiden held Samantha’s hand as they walked out of the house together. When they had gotten to the car, he turned to face her. “I’m curious,” he spoke up, and she looked at him. “What made you change your mind? You wanted us to get married in private before now.” “Well… let’s just say, I had a sober reflection and realized what I was missing,” she answered and he raised an eyebrow. “Also, I think a real marriage is just what I need.” Aiden nodded. “How about your feelings for me?” he moved closer to her, and she quickly looked away from him, clearing her throat. Her phone rang immediately, and she thanked her lucky stars. She checked to see that it was Linda calling. “I have to take this,” she moved away from him and placed the phone on her ears, “Hello?” she placed the phone on loudspeaker. “Sam, Mrs. DuPont is here with her son to see you.” Samantha’s eyes widened. “Mrs. DuPont is there? What for?” she asked, knowing that the contract was still in preparat
65. Later that day… THE SALVADORS “This better be good, sister. I didn’t get forced to quit my nap to hear gibberish from you.” Estella rasped as she descended the stairs to the living room where their parents were seated with Aiden and Samantha. Samantha smiled as she looked at Estella. “Dear Sister, I’m certain this will be worth your while,” she said, but Estella only scoffed and took a seat. Left for her, she wouldn’t even be sited here, but her father had to come force her out of the room simply because Samantha had an important announcement to make. She had no fucking business with any announcement; not like the family needed her for anything anyway, so why were they bent on having her in every meeting? Ray looked at his daughter, his face a mixture of happiness and pride. Whenever Samantha called the family together like this, it was often for something big, and he couldn’t help but wonder what she wanted to tell them this time. Samantha stood to her feet and smiled at al
66. “Kiss me, Aiden,” Samantha repeated, and Aiden smirked. He was loving this new Samantha. He had no idea how it happened, but whatever it was that made her this way, he was forever grateful for that. “You’ve become daring, wifey,” he teased, his fingers finding their way to the back of her hair. “You want me to kiss you when your family is just downstairs? I just don’t kiss, Samantha. I do way more than that.” Samantha smirked. “I love intentional men,” he placed her index finger on his chest. “Show me what you’ve got.” she bit her lower lip again. Aiden wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer. He leaned in, and his lips brushed against Samantha’s, sending shivers down her spine. His kiss was soft and gentle, yet filled with a tender passion that made her heart skip a beat. As their lips touched, Samantha felt like the world had melted away, and it was her and this man who managed to make her fall madly in love with him when she thought she wouldn’t. Aiden’s
67. THE SULLIVANS Bianca was seated in her office working her butt off to correct the mistakes she had made in the records of the sales yet again. For the past three days, she has been working nonstop with little bathroom and food breaks all because she was hell-bent on bringing the best results to her father, but it seemed the harder she worked, the more difficult it became. She ruffled her hair and groaned inwardly. She was usually a social media freak, who couldn’t go a day without posting something online, or surfing the internet but for three days, she hadn’t even touched her phone. Her back was hurting badly and in addition to that, she was exhausted as hell. The door to her office flew open and her two best friends, Brenda and Ava rushed in with worried looks on their faces. “Girl, what happened to you? We’ve been calling and texting you for three days straight but no replies. You didn’t post any update on your social media account either. We were worried sick thinking some
68. Bianca was shocked. What the heck did Nathan mean? She dropped the bag she was holding on the desk and folded her arms, her expression hurt as she locked eyes with him. “What are you saying, Nathan? You should be happy she is getting married.” The hurt in her voice could be felt as she totally wasn’t expecting such a reaction from Nathan. She had thought he would dance and jubilate with her, but here he was, acting like he couldn’t bear to lose Samantha. Nathan ruffled his hair and looked at her, his expression gloomy. “I’m sorry, Bianca,” he said, trying his best to lie his way out. That slipped before he could get a hold on himself and the last thing he wanted was Bianca withdrawing from his company when he hadn’t even gotten Samantha to help him yet. Samantha getting married was the greatest shock of his life. He couldn’t believe it and he didn’t want it to happen. Bianca shook her head at him, clearly pissed. “Sorry?” she scoffed. “That’s all you have to say?” Nathan kn
69. DETROIT THE RUSSELLS COMPANY Russell paced back and forth in his office, waiting for Henry to arrive. He was tired and drained from all the corrections he had to make in the past few days. Henry walked in and as expected, Agatha was with him and Russell knew it wasn’t just going to a normal talk anymore. Whenever he scolded Henry about the company, Agatha was always there to defend him and picking up fights on his behalf, and he was literally pissed and tired at this rate. Since Darcel left and Henry took over the company, things literally turned upside down. The company’s sales plummeted, shareholders were losing patience, and the employees were on edge. Russell couldn't understand why Henry couldn't get it together. He had been trained alongside Darcel before Darcel took over, and yet, he seemed to be making one blunder after another. “Dad, what's going on?” Henry asked, his voice laced with a hint of defiance. “What's going on?” Russell repeated, his voice rising. “What's
70. Samantha and Linda walked into the boutique, the bell ringing merrily as they entered. Samantha's eyes widened with excitement as she scanned the elegant interior, filled with exquisite wedding gowns and accessories. “Linda, I'm so glad you're here with me,” Samantha said, beaming like a child who just got handed candy. “Of course, Sam,” Linda replied with a warm smile. “This is your special moment. Let's make it perfect.” The boutique's owner, Madame Le Roux, greeted them with a stylish curtsy. “Welcome, Samantha! Today's the day we make you shine like the bride you are.” As Madame Le Roux led them to the fitting area, Samantha's thoughts drifted to her big day. Not like she hadn’t wedded before, but this particular one gave her a different kind of feeling. It had a different atmosphere, and she was filled with so much excitement. “Let's get started, shall we?” Madame Le Roux said, carefully unwrapping the delicate gown from its covering. “Your wedding dress is going to be
71. THE SALVADORS “Sam, Seth just called to tell me Aiden’s parents won’t be able to make it to his wedding.” Linda delivered the message, and Samantha stopped what she was doing to look at her. Her expression held that of shock and wonder. She blinked at Linda. “Why? I mean, it’s his wedding after all. They should be in attendance.” Linda sighed and shook her head. “Seth truthfully told me that Aiden’s parents cared more about profit and reputation, and that’s the reason they can’t come just because they haven’t finished their business trip in Europe yet.” Samantha couldn’t believe this. What kind of parents were they? And why in heaven’s name were they acting this way? Who would miss their son’s wedding… no scratch that, who would trade their son’s happiness for temporary gain? Do they think their reputation wouldn’t be ruined if they missed the wedding? What would people say? She sighed and massaged her forehead as she thought of what to do. Their wedding day was supposed to b
20.Lucas walked into his Aunt Mary's hospital ward, his heart shattered into a million pieces. The beeping of the machines and the antiseptic smell filled the air, but his senses were numb. He stared at his aunt's unconscious body, her frail form a stark reminder of his own vulnerability.Tears rolled down his cheeks as he recalled Janette's words: "Leave, Lucas." The finality in her voice still echoed in his mind. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of regret."Oh, Aunt Mary," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I've messed up so badly. I've lost her. I've lost Janette."He pulled up a chair and sat beside his aunt's bed, taking her limp hand in his. The warmth of her skin was a faint comfort."Why did I do it, Aunt Mary?" he asked aloud, his eyes welling up with tears. "Why did I cheat on her? Why did I lie to her?"The memories flooded his mind: Janette's laughter, her smile, her tears. He remembered the way she used to look at him, with love and adoration. Now, that same look wa
19.Lucas turned to look at Janette, his eyes filled with hurt. When she told him she had a fiancé, she thought it was all a ploy to get him to leave her alone since she was angry with him. He couldn’t believe she really had a fiancé.Janette looked at him, her expression unreadable. Well… that served him right. He needed to know his place anyway.“Jane,” he called, his voice low and unsteady. “It’s really true? Tell me he is joking.” he looked at Liam, who had a smirk on his face.“Why do you need to know if it’s true or not? Isn’t it obvious,” he walked to where Janette stood and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “She is going to be my wife soon. We are planning our wedding soon.”Lucas ignored Liam and faced Janette. “Tell me, Janette, tell me it’s not true.” he tried to touch her but she moved away from him.She intertwined her fingers with that of Liam and looked at Lucas. “It’s true, Lucas. Liam and I will soon get married.”Lucas felt like a thousand needles had just been
Marilyn chuckled darkly as she continued to pull Chloe's hair. “What does it look like I'm doing, Chloe?” She asked, the bitterness in her voice evident. “Wouldn't it be cool for Mr. Ethan to know that you were spying on him?”“Spying?” Chloe's eyes widened. “I wasn't spying on him. What are you even saying? Let go of my hair right now!” Chloe snapped at her. Marilyn smirked, pulled the hair one more time before letting go of it. Chloe swiftly turned to face Marilyn, her face holding nothing but the anger she was feeling right now. “What did you do that for?” she snapped, and Marilyn chuckled with her arms folded.“You were eavesdropping, so I had to put you in your place. Now let's hear what Mr. Ethan will have to say about it!” she snapped and didn't give Chloe the chance to talk before dragging her into Ethan's office, interrupting him and Alexis.Ethan raised an eyebrow.“Mr. Ethan, it would interest you to know that Chloe here was spying on you and your visitor.” she reported w
Chloe couldn't believe it. Her eyes scanned the variety of food displayed beautifully on the dining table. There was pasta with sauce and meatballs; he even added chopsticks which was her favorite cutlery for when she eats pasta, there was her favorite dessert and cheesecake alongside her favorite drink, strawberry smoothie.A soft music began playing in the background and Chloe felt like she was home. She could feel different emotions all at once; Love, gratitude and happiness. She couldn't believe Ethan went out of his way to do all these for her."Ethan, this is... Wow." she stuttered, her eyes shining with tears.Ethan smiled and led her to the table and pulled out a chair for her. "Sit down, my love," he said, his voice low and husky. Chloe sat down, her heart racing with excitement. Ethan took his place across from her and poured her a glass of strawberry smoothie. "I know how much you love this," he said, his eyes sparkling with love. Chloe took a sip, her eyes never leaving
She doesn't look happy, Easton. She keeps screaming and saying she wants out of here,” He replied, and I sighed, running my hands through my hair. “Can you tell me how you got the famous Nicole Brennan to become your wife?” He asked.“Let's just say we met coincidentally. She was drunk, I was in search of a bride, she proposed to me, I accepted and… here we are.” I narrated to him, and he chuckled, causing me to smile.Apart from Maven, Steve was the only person I could really open up to. He took care of me right from when I was a teenager. He has been my butler from when I was a kid, and whenever I went through a lot and asked him to find his way out of my life, so he wouldn't get hurt, he would always choose to stick with me. We've been through a lot together, and he knew my pains and how to help me manage them. He was like a father figure to me because he did things which my father refused to do for me.I'm lucky to have him.“But why did you accept her proposal? I know you to be a
The drive to his house was taking too long, and it was becoming boring staying inside the car and doing nothing. I turned to look at Easton, but he had a straight expression as he looked ahead.I sighed and tucked a strand of hair behind my ears. This wasn't how I pictured my life to be at all. I was supposed to be on my own, planning my revenge against those dimwits, but here I am, going to live in someone else's house as his wife. No one needs to tell me what can happen if this goes into the news.They'd probably say I seduced him and wanted to use his money to make a comeback.“Aren't we there yet?” I asked him.All I wanted right now was a place to rest my head and get rid of all these thoughts twirling in my head.Easton turned to look at me, his gaze softening. “What? Are you that excited to see where I live, wifey?” He asked and I became annoyed.“Stop calling me your wife, Mr. Easton.” I replied formally, but he shrugged and looked away from me.“You're my wife now, Nicole. Le
~CASSIUS POV~I knew she was going to come to her senses eventually, but I had no idea the tables would turn like this, and she would end up shocking the fucking hell out of me.I stared at her and couldn’t help wondering what changed and why she would announce that I was the one she wanted to get married to out of the blue.I could literally feel the rage emanating from Roman, and it filled me with a certain kind of joy. He had always been irresponsible, prompting the family business to come into my hands after my brother’s tragic death. I practically restructured and reorganized everything, and the company became even better than before. This made Roman hate me, and he was ready to do anything to bring me down.I have no interest in staying there for long since I had my own company, and it is one of the best in the country. I do better on my own, but I won’t watch what my brother built fall to the ground in the hands of his irresponsible son.When I see that he has man up, I will le
~SOPHIA’S POV~I gasped, my lungs burning as if they were desperate to burst free from my chest. Breath filled them like a tidal wave, threatening to drown me from the inside out. My chest heaved, straining against the weight of an invisible force pressing down on me. Panic set in, my heart racing like a runaway train.Suddenly, my eyes snapped open.A blur of colors and shapes swirled above me, slowly taking form. The first thing I noticed was his face – chiseled features, sharp jawline, and piercing gray eyes that seemed to bore into my very soul. Worry etched deep lines into his forehead, and his brows were furrowed in concern.Cassius? Was Cassius dead too? What’s going on?My mind cleared slightly, and I felt a mix of confusion and shock. I tore my gaze from him and looked around. The scent of medicine and antiseptic slid into my nostrils, bringing me to the realization that I was in a hospital. But how? What was I doing in a hospital when I should be dead? I’m sure I’m dead. Ro
My lips curved upwards immediately those words left her. I knew she was not going to refuse the offer, but I was still relieved that she met my expectations.In her eyes, I could see nothing but pain, sorrow, resentment, anger, and a thirst for revenge. The worst thing a man can ever do to a woman is to break her trust and her heart when all she had ever done was love him with all her heart and soul. Once that trust is broken, a woman can go to any length to make that man suffer for every single pain she experienced.Do not underestimate the power of an angry woman, thirsty for revenge.“I’m glad you accepted my proposal, Ms. Zander. Have a seat so we can go over the terms of the contract I have prepared for us.” I gestured to the chair in front of my desk and she sat down.“You knew I was going to come back to you, right? That was why you prepared the contract even before I said yes.” She looked at me, waiting for my answer, while I just smiled at her.Chloe Zander, she was always th