A tense silence fell over the conference room, broken only by the occasional rustle of papers and notebooks as people shifted nervously in their seats. No one seemed eager to be the first to offer up a proposed solution for dealing with this catastrophic situation...until a familiar voice suddenly rang out, shattering the uneasy quiet."Why don't we simply compensate the families of the deceased victims?" Mrs. Dami suggested, rising to her feet with her shoulders squared.If I remember correctly from the company directory, she was one of the real estate subsidiary's senior executives. "And Woodsford Holdings can cover all medical costs for those injured as well. That should be enough to settle the potential lawsuits and keep this from getting even uglier in the courts and media."I tilted my head slightly to get a better look at the older woman as she made her case. She had an air of no-nonsense pragmatism about her, her graying hair pulled back in a tight bun.A smattering of murmurs
"When I told you how I felt, I wasn't asking you out on a date," Klay stated bluntly, holding my gaze captive with those stupidly beautiful whiskey-colored eyes. "I was asking for your hand - as in, to be mine. Permanently."The sheer audacity of his words left me gaping at him with flushed cheeks. This couldn't actually be happening, could it? He couldn't seriously be proposing...what, marriage?"I'm growing quite tired of this little boyfriend of yours," Klay continued in a low rumble, taking another deliberate step forward. "You've been together for years, and he still hasn't put a ring on it? Tsk tsk - that boy's just stringing you along for fun, darling. Clearly he doesn't appreciate the rare prize he's got."His lips were a hairsbreadth from mine when he murmured, "I, on the other hand, would cherish you like the rare gem you are. I don't care if you're divorced, if you've got a kid or two already in the picture - all I want is you, Maisie. And what I want, I get...by any means
I rolled onto my back and stared sightlessly up at the ceiling fan whirring in lazy circles above me. The deep, resonant timbre of Jason's voice replayed in a loop in my mind. It was impossible to ignore now that I was fully awake and alert.Eventually, my growling stomach drove me from the warm cocoon of blankets, forcing me to drag my butt into the kitchen to scrounge up something edible. I hadn't bothered changing out of my work clothes earlier, so the rumpled and disheveled vibe was strong as I padded around in my wrinkled blouse and slacks.I quickly tugged on a pair of loose black lounge pants and an oversized blue t-shirt before setting about gathering ingredients. Just some packaged ramen to quiet the monster growling in my belly, and the fixings for banana bread to thank the new neighbor for his thoughtfulness regarding Donovan.Just as I was tying back my unruly mess of hair, ready to get cooking, a new text message notification from Philip flashed across my phone screen."J
Karina simply arched a perfectly groomed brow at me, managing to radiate an impressive amount of disdain without uttering a single word. Clearly this was going to be a...fun...neighborly relationship.Still, I refused to let her haughty, condescending attitude get under my skin as we began the tedious process of hauling her numerous belongings inside. I'd dealt with far worse than a spoiled, entitled brat with an overinflated sense of self-importance in my life."So, you're Jason's fiancée, right?" I ventured out of a desire to fill the tense, awkward silence more than anything.She sniffed indelicately, somehow making the simple act of breathing through her nose seem snobbish and disdainful. "Jason's soon-to-be wife," she corrected with the barest hint of a smug smirk. "Though I suppose even that will be a step down for a woman of my pedigree to be marrying a poor orphan boy from Lucland."The words were delivered with such sugary sweetness that the venom and disdain behind them didn'
My heart kicked up when Jason brushed past me, our bodies grazing for the briefest of electrifying moments.He was so close that the soft fabric of his shirt grazed my bare arm, sending an electric tingle skittering across my hyper-aware skin.The scent of his cologne - warm and woodsy with hints of crisp citrus - enveloped me in an intoxicating cloud that made my head swim.I was unable to resist breathing in deeply through my nose, causing an involuntary shiver to trickle down my spine at the heady, masculine aroma.I remained rooted in place just inside the entryway, watching with rapt attention as Jason crossed the room to the sitting area with the plate of banana bread still in his hand. All the while I struggled to get my raging hormones back under control before they completely overwhelmed my senses.He didn't seem to notice my internal plight as he simply plucked one of the mini loaves off the plate and took a casual bite, those unfathomable eyes remaining locked on me in a sm
KARINAI adjusted the snug crimson silk dress I'd carefully picked out for the evening, tugging at the fabric to ensure it clung perfectly to every curve while emphasizing the slender line of my waist. The deep V-neckline dipped just low enough to provide a tantalizing tease of cleavage, while the daring slit up the side revealed a generous expanse of toned leg with every other step - just enough to make Jason's mouth water and eyes smolder with undisguised want.My fiery red hair had been expertly styled into soft, tousled waves that spilled over one shoulder in a vibrant cascade, the rich color perfectly complemented by the glittering ruby earrings I'd chosen.I took one last critical look in the full-length mirror, turning this way and that to admire the overall effect. Tonight, there was no way Jason Harding would be able to keep his hands off me, not with the way this dress showcased my assets.A slow, satisfied smile curved my lips as I gave my reflection an approving once-over.
KARINA I didn't hesitate before dialing the contact number displayed on my phone's screen. This needed to be handled swiftly and decisively before things spiraled any further out of my control."Hello, this is Dr. Mitchell," a crisp, professional voice answered after a couple rings."Hello Dr. Mitchell, this is Karina Stone," I said smoothly, keeping my tone even and confident. "Jason Harding's fiancée.""Ah, yes, Ms. Stone. How can I help you?" A hint of confusion tinged his words, no doubt wondering why I would be calling him directly."I understand Jason just called you about a DNA test," I stated, cutting right to the chase. No point in beating around the bush.There was a telling pause before he responded, his voice taking on a slightly more guarded edge. "I'm afraid I can't discuss any details regarding my clients or their personal matters. Doctor-patient confidentiality, you understand."I scoffed audibly at his feeble attempt to hide behind protocol. "Save the professionalism
KARINAMy mind was an absolute whirlwind, thoughts swirling and crashing together like stormy waves.Why the hell had Jason really decided to buy this house in this neighborhood? Was it truly just a coincidence, or did it have something to do with Maisie Smith? Did he already know the single mom lived right across the damn street?Of course, I'd noticed the way his eyes had lingered a little too long on her at that event night. And the subtle but unmistakable glances she kept shooting his way whenever she thought he wasn't looking.My finely-tuned womanly intuition had picked up on the chemistry, the spark of...something more than just supposed strangers meeting for the first time. But never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the shocking revelation that was about to blow my world apart.My original plan tonight had been so simple - to utterly seduce Jason with my feminine wiles, to make him mine completely before finally agreeing to set a date and tie the knot.Now, those car
MAISIEI wiped away the tear that had rolled down my cheek and turned off the microphone. Looking up, I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself.Being an emotional person with so many feelings can be absolute torture sometimes.I gasped when the door suddenly opened only to sigh with relief upon seeing Jason standing there.My coat hung casually over one shoulder, my bag dangling from his hand."Are you done?" I asked, walking toward him."I finished seconds before you spoke on the microphone," he admitted. "I was listening to your words while I was in the corridor."Mentally reviewing everything I'd just said, I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. Damn the alcohol for loosening my tongue!"Did I say too much?" I asked, my cheeks warming.Jason lifted my coat, holding it open for me to slip my arms through."No," he said softly. "And you know what? I won't hate him even if he despises me to my core. I'll protect him and always stand by his side, even against his will. I'll
MAISIE"I’ve learned to control myself even more when you're with me," Jason murmured, turning his chair to face the computer.His fingers resumed their effortless dance across the keyboard, yet his thoughts were nowhere near the screen. "It feels like my soul is constantly on the verge of escaping, rushing toward you. No matter how much I look at you, it never feels like enough. I memorize the way you move, the way you sit in stillness. Every little detail of you pulls me in, and my heart beats in sync with your smile."He exhaled softly. "I love you so deeply, so fiercely, that I have to hold myself back. Because if I don’t… I might lose myself entirely."If I had to name what we shared, I'd call it a safe relationship. I'd found myself in the hands of a man who saw beyond my physical form, who cherished the essence of who I was.In this era dominated by cravings and instant gratification, the worst thing that could happen would be surrendering to those shallow expectations and beco
MAISIEJason propped his chin in one hand while his fingers danced across the keyboard."Outrageously beautiful!" He glanced at me from the corner of his eye.I placed my foot on one arm of his chair and pulled my hair back with deliberate slowness. The silky strands slipped through my fingers as I held his gaze."Doesn't my outrageous beauty make you feel anything?" My voice came out huskier than intended, betraying my nervousness."Something like what?" He threw his weight on the back of his chair and placed his warm hand on my leg.His touch sent electricity through my skin, making it difficult to maintain my composure.I bit my lower lip, hesitating for several seconds while gathering my courage. The office suddenly felt too warm, too intimate."Jason... do I not excite you?" The words tumbled out before I could reconsider.His eyebrows rose slightly as he began stroking my leg with gentle, circular motions.My heart hammered against my ribs, and confusion clouded my thoughts."Do
MAISIE"What about Don?" Jason quirked an eyebrow, sliding his hands into his pockets elegantly.The realization hit me. Don! How could I forget?I slumped back into my seat dramatically, resting my forehead on the cool surface of the table."I really wanted to go with you," I mumbled, frustration evident in my voice. Something inside me yearned to be near him, like a magnetic pull I couldn't explain or resist.Miriam's gentle hand patted my head. "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help you get what you want?"I lifted my head, confusion written across my face. "What do you mean?""The audio equipment is rented for today only," Miriam explained, leaning closer with a conspiratorial gleam. "I need to return everything before ten tonight. I'll tell Don he needs to help me because Nathan has a headache. We'll take our time, maybe drive around a bit before I drop him off. You just need to be back before we return.""I don't have a headache!" Nathan protested.Miriam shot him a wa
MAISIEThe atmosphere between the two tables instantly chilled.Klay stood up, his posture rigid with barely contained anger."Follow me!" he commanded Dame:But Dame merely smiled provocatively. "Why?"Her defiance visibly increased his anger. He fixed her with a penetrating stare and said through clenched teeth, "Why?...""Should I care about your anger?" she challenged, lifting her chin.I swallowed nervously, watching the tension escalate between them. I'd never seen this side of their relationship before."Shut your fucking mouth and stand up fast!" Klay growled. His usual composure was completely shattered.Dame matched his intensity with a withering glare. "Stop cursing! You're not the only one who can do that, you ugly motherfucker!"Professor Hunt placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "Wait, Dame... calm down."Klay's gaze zeroed in on the professor's hand like a laser sight. "Get your hand off her!"I looked at Miriam nervously, and she returned the same anxious glance.The
MAISIEI stopped at the door of Nathan's office when I got there. I peered in and saw Jason deeply absorbed in going over some papers, his face furrowed.I knocked softly on the doorframe and adopted a playfully formal tone. "Will you let me in, Principal Harding?" I teased, referencing his serious demeanor.He looked up with his expression immediately softening into a smile. "Come in."I stepped inside before closing the door behind me with a gentle click.Making my way across the room, I settled into the chair across from him while he returned his attention to the papers in his hands."I got you a surprise!" I announced, holding up the plate with a flourish."Surprise, is it a piece of cake?" he replied without looking up, though I could detect a hint of amusement in his voice.I raised my index finger dramatically as if making an important point. "Wrong, it's not just any cake... it's chocolate cake!"His eyes remained fixed on the documents before him. "No, thank you."Disappointm
MAISIEJason stopped briefly to get a bottle of wine on the way to Nathan's place. I was astonished by the label when he came back to the car and gave it to me."You didn't have to!" I exclaimed, examining the expensive bottle."It's not in my nature to arrive empty-handed, butterfly."When we arrived at Nathan's place, I carefully balanced both gifts in my arms as we got out of the car. Even from outside, I could hear Miriam's voice through speakers singing the birthday song.She had mentioned planning something special, but knowing Miriam, I expected something much wilder than whatever was happening here.We made our way directly to the back garden, where the celebration was taking place. As soon as Miriam spotted us, she set down her microphone on the table where Nathan sat and jogged over to greet us.She looked stunning in a modern black dress that showed off her legs with her hair pulled back in a ponytail.The garden around us was beautifully decorated in white, creating an atm
MAISIEJason didn't follow—perhaps he knew better than to try.I tried to concentrate on wrapping Nathan's present that had finally arrived, but my hands were shaking too much to fold neatly or tie the right ribbons.The sound of an ambulance arriving next door kept drawing my attention away from my task. The sirens wailed, cutting through the evening quiet like a harsh reminder of what had just transpired.I'm not saying Jared didn't deserve consequences for his actions. He had caused immeasurable pain with his interference in our lives yet did he deserve to be injured badly enough to need emergency medical attention?The question troubled me, even as I struggled with ribbon and tape that refused to cooperate with my shaking fingers."Stop giving people second chances they don't deserve, Maisie. It's maturity to accept that no good can come from some people!" Jason's words echoed in my mind.Perhaps he was right. Perhaps no good could ever come from Jared. However, the violence I'd w
MAISIEMy heart pounded against my ribs as I followed them. I knew what was coming: violence, pain, and more fuel for the cycle of hatred that seemed inescapable between these brothers.I hurried down the path to Jason's house, my footsteps quick but hesitant. The front door stood open, swinging slightly in the evening breeze, and I could hear crashes coming from inside. Furniture being overturned, glass breaking.I paused at the threshold with my hand gripping the doorframe. Did I really want to witness this?A particularly loud shatter from the living room made my decision for me. I stepped inside, drawn by concern despite my better judgment.The scene that greeted me was chaos. Jason stood in the center of his once-pristine living room, unwinding his silk tie from around his bloodied knuckles. His breathing was measured but heavy, like a predator conserving energy between attacks.The white shirt beneath his suit jacket was now spattered with crimson droplets."All my troubles bega