Alexander's POV Gabrielle left, and I was still standing outside with a goofy smile. Millie had feelings for me, at least, her friend was thinking that. She could not be wrong, could she? The warm feeling spread inside my chest, but my happiness was short-lived. My phone buzzed, and I saw a notification. It was a text message from Brian. What the hell could he want at this time of day? ' Call me.' Those two words flashed on the screen, and my stomach twisted. I dialled his number. Hopefully, he did not engage himself in another fight in some random bar. " What is it?" I almost barked when he answered his phone. It was really not a good time. Millie was waiting upstairs. We had a serious talk to make. " Sorry, Alex, I did not mean to bother you in the evening." Brian's tone was apologetic, and I felt like a pri*k. He was my friend and could need my help, and I was taking frustration out on him. " It is okay, Brian. Is everything fine?" " Yeah... Well, not exactly. One
Third POV I could not believe my own eyes. I was standing hidden behind the tree, watching the construction site. My fists were balling; my nails left a painful mark on my skin. How was it even possible? The work was going at full speed and looked like it would be done any day now. Since I could not endure it anymore, I jumped into my car and drove off. The whole plan was falling into pieces. My entire plan that was supposed to be a masterpiece. I took all precautions to ensure Millicent would fail on this task. She was going to face an ultimate disaster. I made sure she would have no materials to start work. I have convinced her father to decline her request for workers. Millicent should be crawling back to ask, begging for help. Which we would gracefully offer her in exchange for her profit share. She would end up penniless and humiliated. And yet, there she was, handling it all perfectly. I could not imagine how she managed to get the material or the building crew. I
Millie's POV ***Warning***Sex scene.*** I stretched myself on the bed. Alex kept his word and left me exhausted. My body was sore, but it was all worth the pleasure I felt last night. I should be at work right now, but I could not find the strength to do it. Brian would have to take care of everything alone today. I closed my eyes, replaying the last events in my head. The night was more than passionate. It was wild. Alex carried me princess-style to our bedroom and placed me gently on the bed. His eyes were dark, almost scary, but that only made me want him more. I rubbed his neck while his fingers swiftly moved under my shirt. My skin burned from the contact, and I pulled him closer. Alex's fingers traced my bra, making my nippl*s hard instantly. He circled his thumb around them, teasing them through the thin fabric. A moan escaped my lips. It was filled with pleasure and annoyance at the same time. Alex chuckled, realising how impatient I was, and pulled off my sh
Alexander's POV " You can't be serious," John gave me a doubtful look. " No one is that dumb." " Are you sure about that?" I asked, raising my brow. Then I turned the screen of my laptop and showed him the video Brian sent me not long ago. John sat on the chair when he noticed Green's smiley face. " I take it back," my friend mumbled, and I could not help but giggle upon seeing his face. " Any idea why would he do this?" " I have been thinking about that for a while now," I shrugged my arms and leaned back in my seat. " I guess they want Millie to give up. They tried that from the beginning. That looks like a last, desperate attempt." " Are they aware that the project is almost over? Only the earthquake could destroy it now," John looked at me, trying to process what he had just seen. " I would like to find out what they know and how they will play that. Can you arrange the meeting with Green and Millie's father?" I looked at John and gave him a mischievous grin. My f
Millie's POV " Is this really for me?" I asked Alex in disbelief. It was a lazy Saturday morning, and we were still in bed when he placed a small box on the sheet. " Yea...," he replied absent-mindedly, too busy playing with my hair. " It is stunning," I squealed, opening the box and revealing the beautiful brooch. It had a deep red stone in the centre surrounded by a dozen smaller stones. Between them, delicate golden leaves were visible. " I can not accept it," I said, closing the box with a heavy heart. " Why?" Alex looked at me, shocked. " Because you should not spend money on such things." It was obvious that this piece of jewellery cost a fortune. Even with the money from the project, I would never allow myself to buy something so extravagant. " You should not bother yourself." Alex glanced at me, and I noticed a flash of embarrassment. " Those stones are not real. Maybe one day I will buy you the real one, but those are fake." " You know I don't need that," I said, openi
Third-party POVMy father and Mark closed themselves in the office an hour ago. I could feel something was wrong, but none of them was willing to share more details—not that I cared. It was my birthday, and I had to focus on the plan I had worked on for the last few days. Their problems were irrelevant to me right now. " Honey, you look stunning, " my mother said, entering the living room. " You too, Mom," I replied, glancing at her. My mother was always an attractive woman. Even her age did not ruin her figure, and her skin was still smooth like silk, with no trace of wrinkles. Of course, it was easy to take care of herself now when she had all my stepfather's money to use. " I can't believe you are already four months pregnant. Good genes run in our family."I smiled gently at those words and adjusted my tight silver dress, ensuring my little surprise remained well hidden and intact. If everything goes according to plan, this tiny thing will play a crucial role this evening. " W
Millie's POV I felt like I was in a dream, watching Sandra falling down the stairs, almost as if it was replayed in slow motion. My eyes were wide open in shock while my brain tried to process what happened a moment ago. Sandra was right; I should have stayed away from them. Coming here was a bad idea, but even in my worst nightmare, I could not expect such a turn of events. " Sandra!!!" Deborah's deafening scream brought me back to reality. She was running through the hall with her eyes fixed on her daughter. I still could not make a move, frozen in place. Everything seemed surreal. " Baby, wake up. Say something." Deborah fell to her knees next to unconscious Sandra. Mark and my father joined her seconds later. None of them looked in my direction, but I was sure that would change soon. " Sandra, my baby, please wake up," Deborah's voice reached my ears. It was filled with concern. My step-sister moved on the floor and let out a painful groan. I guessed she tried t
Aleksander's POVI was on cloud nine. I was in love, and the woman I chose loved me back. My body and mind were buzzing with excitement, and I could not find myself a place in the apartment that seemed so small right now. Since there was nothing better to do, I grabbed my back and headed to the gym. I had to release some steam as I felt my body could explode from the happiness. There was only one thing bothering me. I had to tell Millie the truth about who I was. If we were to build our future together, I could not keep her in the dark anymore. I hoped she would understand why I kept my identity secret. When she would come back from a party, I would take her for dinner at La Rosa, the restaurant my mother mentioned a while ago. Then, I would confess everything. My body was trembling from excitement and nervousness at the same time.I spent a few hours at the gym before heading home. There was no message from Millie, which was a good sign. Maybe her family understood their mistakes?
Millie's POV I stretched my arms, relaxing the muscles. The last two weeks were crazy, but it was fun craziness. I was initially reluctant when Alex offered me a position in his company, but now, I was slowly changing my mind. This place offered me more than I could expect. The projects were demanding, and I loved it. I was coming back home exhausted, but I could not be happier. Of course, at first, some of the workers were giving me side-eye, but it was nothing I hadn't experienced before. This field is male-dominated, and they often struggle with women's presence. It is even worse when the woman is in charge because what can she know. It took me a while to prove to them that I was something more than just a pretty face, and I knew my job. Since then, our work has gone smoothly. I was also glad that Brian kept his word, and most of my father's ex-employees found new jobs in his growing company. Some decided to try their luck in other fields, and I could not stop them fro
Alexander's POV " Well, that sounds promising," I smiled, listening to the report. One of the lawyers I hired told me about the progress of Millie's family case. Deborah and Sandra tried to make the judge believe they were innocent but failed after the record from Sandra's interrogation was presented. After presenting this proof, nothing they said mattered. Now, both women waited for the final verdict. I still tried to process how they could do all this because of a trust fund. It was beyond my imagination how someone could be so cruel. But, now, they would get what they deserved. I could not feel pity for them, not for what they did to my wife. " Thank you for the info. Keep me updated," I said before hanging up. My thoughts returned to my agreement with Millie. She agreed to a probation period in the company. For the next six months, she will take care of some of my projects to figure out how she feels about working together. I could not ask for more and was obliged to follo
Millie's POV I brushed my hand over Alex's bare chest. It was so lovely to be together again. We spent a lazy morning, leaving bed only to get snacks or drinks. I wished this day could last forever. " Gabrielle's physio is going great," I said, placing my head on Alex's chest and listening to his steady heartbeat. " Brian is helping her every day. They became inseparable," my husband replied, playing with my hair. He was right. Since Gabrielle was discharged from the hospital and returned to the lake house, Brian spent almost all his free time there. He enjoyed helping my friend with her therapy. Aside from that, they spent a lot of time talking, laughing, and watching movies. I could tell Gabrielle was getting attracted to Brian, even if she called it friendship. I knew she was careful after Michael's betrayal. When I cursed Gabrielle's ex-boyfriend, Alex only smiled mischievously and mumbled about karma. I only hoped that this karma would hit him hard. This man deserved not
Third-party POV **Warning-sex scene*** I thought about Gabrielle. And how lucky I was that it was over. This accident was a blessing. Now, I could focus on things that really mattered. My career was blooming. The cases I worked on made me more and more respected in our circle. Everyone knew I was fearless, always ready to fight until the blood was drawn, no matter whose blood it was. I turned around to look at the woman peacefully sleeping by my side. She was a stunning beauty and had a position that could help me a lot in the future. I moved my hand across her full breast and squeezed her nip*ple, which hardened under my touch. My di*k responded to that immediately. She was a great lover, always willing to fulfil my needs. No wonder when her husband was too busy to appreciate what he had. I could use that instead. " Hmm...," Monic mumbles softly. " Ready for more? " With you, I am always ready. How much time do we have left?" Monic glanced at the fancy clock hanging
Millie's POVI watched as Gabrielle sighed, preparing for another physio session. It had been two weeks since she started, but there had been no results. " Do I really have to go there? After each session, I feel exhausted but there is no improvement, " she whined as I helped her to dress. It became our daily routine, and I could only roll my eyes when she was not looking. We both knew how this conversation was going to end. " Yes, you have to go. The result won't happen by themselves. If you want to walk again, you must bite your teeth and let them do their job." Gabrielle's head lowered. " What if I never walk again? What is the point of all of that? We both know this may never happen." This was the part I hated the most. I was scared that one day, my friend would lose her whole hope and give up. " It will happen," I whispered, hoping my voice would not break. " How can you be so sure about that?" Gabrielle looked me straight in the eyes. " I do not know!" My voice betrayed me
Third-party POV" Is it all you got?" Deborah Brown leaned in her chair and smiled. " Is this not enough?" I replied, mimicking her movements. " You show me a video where I walk with my daughter. Since when has that been enough to keep me here? I thought you were a professional. I feel disappointed." My hands balled, but I confined my anger quickly. It was not my first rodeo, and I dealt with people like her all the time. " Do not spoil everything. I am just warming up." I pressed the button, and another video started. This time, it was a recording from the parking lot. "Does it look familiar?" Deborah Brown glanced at the screen, but her face remained emotionless. " Seriously? This one is even better than the last one. Some people in masks and a random car." I smiled gently. This was going to be interesting. " The car is not just a random car. It belongs to Millicent Brown. Isn't she, by any chance, your stepdaughter?" Mrs Brown shrugged her arms. " Maybe. What does that have
Alexander's POVI ran into Adam's office practically but couldn't care less. Nothing else mattered since he told me there was a chance to find out who had damaged my wife's car. " Someone is eager to discover the truth," Chief Cleaveland greeted me with a soft smile, utterly unfazed by my intrusion." Did you find anything?" I asked, shaking his hand. " Anything is not the word I would use. I think I know everything already," Adam replied, returning to his chair. I sat on mine, breathing deeply. " Out of form?" he joked, but I could only think about what he had discovered, so I raised my eyebrow. " Okay, okay, jokes aside," Adam said, fixing his glasses on his nose and turning his attention to the computer on his desk. " It took me a while to put my hands on the record from the carpark. The owner of the building was pretty adamant about keeping them secret." " Was he involved?" I asked, surprised. What could this person have against Millie? " No, I think he is just against police
Third-party POV" It is over. We ran out of money. Any day now, people will start banging at our doors, asking about their paychecks. I can pay them this month, but then nothing will be left for us."I looked at my husband. This man was supposed to be my ticket to a comfortable, luxurious life, but everything has gone downhill. It was not how I imagined my life after years of poverty. " Is there nothing you can do?" I asked, fixing my gold bracelet. I have always loved jewellery and promised myself that one day I would have tons of it. And I kept my promise. Brown has been spoiling me with it since we met, and I was not ready to give up on that. "There is nothing we can do. I do not have new projects, and without them, there will be no income. I am sure you understand that!" His voice rose, and my eyes darkened. I did not like how he said 'we'. There was no 'we' until he got back on his feet, but I was not going to tell him that now. For now, he had to believe I was still the same l
Millie's POVTwo weeks passed in a blur, but it was finally that day. Gabrielle would be discharged from the hospital. I could not hide my excitement, even if my friend were nothing like her old self. No matter how much I tried, Gabrielle seemed distant and quiet. The smile barely showed on her lips, and my heart was breaking seeing her like this. " Ladies, are you ready?" Alex came into the room after I helped Gabrielle dress up. I was happy that she had let me in this much. " I think we have everything sorted," I replied, smiling at my friend. She forced a smile, but it did not look sincere. " Where are we going?" Gabi asked in a quiet voice. " That is a surprise," Alex said with a mischievous smile. " I promise you will like it."I heard about this surprise for last week but had no idea what it was, as Alex said nothing to me. He has been very secretive, disappearing for long hours. He promised me it was nothing bad, and I decided to trust him. " Very well. Then we should mov