"What? You did?" I asked as my eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"He nodded and averted his eyes away from me. His expression turned thoughtful. "I decided to eavesdrop since it was obvious there was more going on than met the eye."I let out a sigh of relief; it felt like a heavy load had lifted off my head. He saved me the long explanation; I wouldn't have to convince him anymore."But wait, you heard our conversation and you didn't barge in to confront her? Why?" I asked, curious as I stared at him intently.He remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared into nothing in particular. "Well..." he began, his voice hesitant. "I knew Erin for years. I mean, I thought I knew her, but I guess she is not the same girl who worked for me for three years," he replied, his voice dripping with disappointment."I thought I knew her too," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. Still, inside, I was beaming with relief. Now that Mr. Clinton knows, she will be too afraid to continue p
XAVIER'S POVI stood outside Erin's door, my fist clenched and ready to knock. The morning sunlight streaming through the hallway windows did little to ease my tension. Yesterday's revelations still simmered in my mind—Erin's calculated games, Sarah's unwitting vulnerability. I wouldn't let it continue.My knock was firm, a declaration of intent. Erin's door creaked open, and she gazed up at me with feigned innocence. And I saw right through it."Can I come in?" I asked, keeping my voice as calm as possible, but my intention was very clear. My gaze was burning with intensity.Erin nodded with a wry smile and allowed me in; her fingers were clinging together, her lips pressed into a thin line.I also saw right through that; she was feigning nervousness.I took a deep breath to control my emotions; my gaze returned to her, my expression calm and collected, but I was inwardly brewing with anger."Erin... what did Sarah do to you? Why do you want to hurt her?" I locked eyes with her, and
XAVIER'S POV I gave my last warning and turned to leave. Erin stood in defeat, her gaze fixed and piercing at my back as I walked away. I climbed upstairs, my mind still reeling from the confrontation with her. The tension in my body began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of relief. I had protected Sarah, and that's all that mattered. What I said to her was overly harsh, but I couldn't help it. She didn't deserve a second chance after all that she spilled out last night. As I reached the top, I saw Sarah standing in the corridor, her hair tied up in a ponytail, revealing the delicate curve of her neck and her flawless skin that seemed to glow in the morning light as it danced before my eyes. The allure was irresistible, stirring desires I'd long suppressed. My pulse quickened, and I looked away, fighting the urge to touch her, revealing my infatuation, and the familiar struggle resurfaced: duty versus desire. The moment she noticed me, a warm smile spread across her face. "G
**SARAH'S POV** I led Miss Ross to the dining room, breathing a sigh of relief as it seemed my playful distraction had worked. Soft morning light streamed through the window, brightening the room. With my arms still wrapped around her shoulders, I gently guided her into a chair. She settled into the seat, crossing her arms, her eyes losing their tense edges. "Let me go make you some steeped tea first," I said with a wide smile, turning towards the kitchen. "Make it two cups," Miss Ross added, her voice softer now. "At your service, madam." With a smile, I flashed a jaunty salute and whisked into the kitchen. As I prepared the tea, I heard faint footsteps approaching, mingling with the sound of clinking dishes. I tilted my head to the doorway, and my gaze met Erin's as she sauntered into the kitchen. A suitcase rolled beside her, accompanied by a small purse clutched in her hand. Her face was a mask of neutrality, eyes fixed ahead, and lips pressed into a thin line. The only
Mr. Clinton approached us, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Is there a party going on?" He raised one eyebrow, his voice laced with amusement. Miss Ross dropped her mug in the sink after gulping down the whole cup of tea in one go. "Yeah, tea party. Too bad you came late." She rolled her eyes, brushing past him as she gently slapped his shoulder. The moment she walked out of the kitchen, my eyes locked on him, a sly smile spreading on my lips. "Would you like some tea?" I purred softly, biting my lips, my shoulders raising seductively. "Or perhaps you would like to continue with what we were doing earlier before...your mother interrupted." His eyes never left mine as his expression remained unreadable, but it did well to conceal the effect I had on him. His gaze was drawn to my face, precisely my lips, as I spoke. And for a moment, I felt his desire burning in his gaze, but it disappeared the next second he looked away. "I don't want my mother to..."
A wide grin spread across my face as I heard him; my eyes sparkled with giddy excitement. Even though he hadn't admitted to his feelings, he still gave me a chance to make do it, and I was ready to go all out—not relenting. With one stride, I closed the small distance between us; my fingers traced the curve of his collar, and I gripped him possessively and drew him closer. He gave in to my abrupt pull, his eyes fixed on my face as his expression contained a mix of amusement and irritation. He let out a disgruntled sigh, his lips pressed into a thin line as our faces were mere inches apart. My grin grew wider as my face desperately hovered over his, our lips almost touching. All I wanted to do was kiss those rosy lips over and over again, just as I had always imagined in my wet dreams, and finally, it had become a reality. I heaved a soft, satisfied sigh, ready to crash my lips onto his, but without warning, he gently gripped a fistful of my hair, tilting his head away from my f
Our eyes snapped towards the living room as we instantly turned alert. "What was that?" I asked, immediately dropping the knife on the counter and turning to him. He frowned, concern etching his face. "Sounds like something broke." He replied and strode towards the living room, his long strides eating up the distance. I followed closely behind, darting my eyes across the whole place. There was no sight of Miss Ross anywhere, so who would have broken something? "Miss Ross..." I hollered, and my voice echoed, shattering the silence. As we entered the living room, I gasped at the sight before us. The vase that had sat on the coffee table lay shattered on the floor, its fragments scattered everywhere. "Who could have...?" I trailed off, my eyes scanning the room. Then I noticed that even the table linen was rumpled, the edges almost falling off the table. "How did this fall on its own?" I mused, returning my gaze to the shattered fragments beneath me. Without a word, Mr.
I returned to the kitchen, my finger still throbbing slightly, but my mood remained buoyant. A small cut couldn't ruin my blissful morning, especially when things had fallen into place for me. Mr. Clinton's subtle acceptance of our relationship and teasing remarks had really lightened my day, and also Erin's disappearance felt as if the heavens were on my side today. I felt truly grateful for this peaceful morning, free from the tension and drama that had once plagued me. As I continued cooking, my eyes strayed to the peanut jar, now sitting at the far edge of the counter. I halted, my forehead creasing in thought. Wasn't that jar an arm's length away earlier? Or did I shift it over there a while ago? No, I was sure I didn't. I pursed my lips, staring at the peanut jar, trying to remember, but I had no memory of taking it to that position. "Whatever," I mumbled, averting my eyes and returning my gaze back to the almost ready meal before me. The sizzling vegetables and simme
A month had passed since we left Paris. Our little family had settled into a cozy villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Well, we moved in for the wedding, actually. Now, standing in front of the mirror, I smoothed out my lace wedding gown. My heart fluttered as I thought of Xavier waiting for me at the altar. "Sarah, you look stunning," my maid of honor said, adjusting my veil. Who else would it be? It's my best friend, Helen. I smiled, feeling like a princess. The ceremony was intimate, with only close friends and family attending. "Hey, kiddo." A voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing a smile to my face. "The guests are waiting. Are you just gonna sit there and admire yourself?" Juniper appeared at the door, crossing her arms and wearing a feigned frown on her face. Juniper had helped out with the wedding planning; she even brought her kids along. Although I was grateful for her expertise, her planning ways exceeded Xavier's budget, but he didn't complain. "Juniper, you'
SARAH'S POV "About what!" I snapped, my eyes blazing. Xavier held my shoulders to placate me, but I was beyond reasoning. My baby was at risk because of him, and he was lucky nothing happened to him or her. If something had happened, I would have... I stopped and forced myself to stay calm when I noticed my father's soft gaze.He leaned against the wall without speaking, letting me pour out my anger. Only when I was done did he finally speak. "I meant to say..." He hesitated, glancing at Xavier. "I'm... sorry."It was as if he forced those words right out of his mouth.I looked away, breaking eye contact, and Xavier gently stroked my shoulder again."Sarah, calm down. Don't stress yourself out, okay?"Yeah, I'm pregnant. I shouldn't stress myself out.I flashed him a soft smile and leaned on his shoulders, making sure to avoid eye contact with my father."Sarah, I'm happy for you," my father continued, despite my bad attitude. "Now that there's nothing else I can do, you're free to l
My eyes widened in shock as I found Sarah lying on the bed, pale and motionless. In an instant, my heart sank, and my world crumbled around me."Sarah?" I whispered, approaching her cautiously.My legs felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot, but I forced myself to move closer. William's presence faded into the background, irrelevant to the only thing that mattered – Sarah.I gently sat beside her, my hand reaching out to brush away the strands of hair clinging to her forehead. Her skin felt cold and clammy."Sarah," I whispered, my voice trembling.Her eyelids fluttered open, and our gazes met. For a moment, I saw a glimmer of recognition, a spark of life.But it was fleeting.Her eyes, once bright and full of laughter, now seemed dull and lifeless."Sarah, please," I begged, my voice cracking. "Talk to me.""Sarah!" William, who had finally broken out of his stupor, rushed over to her side, shaking her gently, completely disregarding my presence.Then he froze, staring at Sarah, as the
XAVIER'S POV"Daddy, when is Sarah coming back?" Elizabeth had asked after I had watched as William's car disappeared, taking Sarah away from me. My heart felt like it had been ripped out. I couldn't believe I had to let her go.But I knew it was necessary. William's anger and determination to keep us apart were palpable.I crouched down to meet Elizabeth's height, her big brown eyes filled with concern. "Soon, sweetie. Sarah needs to go for now." I offered a reassuring smile."Where's William, her dad?" Harper chimed in, her brow furrowing. "Did the two of them leave?"I glanced up at Harper, who stood beside Hayden, his expression serious as if they were interrogating me.I let out a sigh and tried to simplify the truth. "Like I said, they're gone, but—" I was interrupted by Elizabeth whining. Her face scrunched up. "Why did Sarah leave without telling us? This is so unlike her."I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Sometimes, grown-ups need to figure things out. She
With my curiosity piqued, I got off the bed and made my way to the door. Walking down the hallway, the sound of heels clinking on the floor grew louder, making me even more curious about who had come to visit. Ever since I moved in, we’ve never had visitors, and that thought only fueled my curiosity.I entered the living room only to find a woman and my father walking from the door. My father’s gentle smile was a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the air moments before.Seriously? So I am the only downer here who won't get what she wants. I scoffed and quietly strode towards them.My eyes remained fixed on the lady, and I couldn’t help but keep my mouth wide open as I saw her intimate with my father. Her lips were pressed against my father's, and he responded with equal fervor, completely oblivious to my presence.So he has a girlfriend in Paris, huh?Way to go, Father; only you deserve happiness.I felt a mix of disgust and betrayal surging through me. I’ve learned to use
"Welcome to my humble abode. Don't you like the view?" My father's cheerful voice cut through my thoughts. Again. He kept interrupting my moping with his unnecessary small talk and fake enthusiasm. Can't he see I'm still reeling from the pain he's caused?I forced a glance around the luxurious penthouse apartment, trying to appear unimpressed. To be honest, it was quite breathtaking, but I wouldn't say it."It's nice, Father," I said flatly, my voice devoid of enthusiasm.My father's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered."I'm glad you like it. You'll be comfortable—""Cut the small talk,I wasn't done talking." I spat, cutting him off. I chuckled, still glancing around. "It's just that it's missing something."My father, sensing my fake enthusiasm, leaned close with a smile. "What do you think is missing?"A mischievous grin spread across my face as I replied, "My happiness."My father's smile froze, his eyes widening, caught off guard by my true intention."Sarah, co
I turned and walked away, leaving Xavier behind. My father's suffocating grip on my arm guided me toward the car. I felt numb, my heart heavy. As we drove away, I glanced back at the duplex, the building fading away. There wasn't any sight of Xavier, and it hurt to sense he was giving up. Or isn't he? I really don’t know. I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye to the girls; they would be devastated when they wake up without me beside them. This can't be happening. "We're going to Paris, Sarah. You'll be safe there. We're better off without him." My father's voice cut through my thoughts. His words felt like acid in my throat. I turned to him, my face twisted in a mix of anger and desperation. "Safe from what, Father?" I demanded. My father's expression remained unyielding. "From Xavier. From his influence on you." I felt a surge of indignation. "You don't even know him," I spat. "And you claim he is your best friend." My father's grip on the steering wheel tighte
SARAH'S POV"Father, what are you doing!" I rushed over to Xavier's side and cupped his cheek, blood trickling out of his nose. My eyes locked onto my father's scrunched-up face, his eyes blazing with fury."Get away from him, Sarah!" he growled.But I stood firm, my heart racing. "You're hurting him!" I pleaded, my eyes welling up. "How could you do this, Father?"Xavier's eyes fluttered open, and he winced."Sarah, I'm fine," he whispered.My father's face twisted in disgust."Don't talk to her, Xavier. You've done enough damage."I felt a surge of anger. I never expected this kind of reaction from him."That's not true! I did the damage!" I said, my voice firm as I walked towards him. "It was me who fell for him first, so if you're angry, then pour it on me."My father's gaze snapped back to me, and I could see the disappointment and hurt in his eyes."Sarah, I didn't expect this from... both of you," he said, his voice soft with a layer of pain and betrayal. "I trusted him."I sto
WILLIAM'S POVI didn't know what was taking Xavier so long to open the door after telling me he would open it in a minute. A minute had turned into an eternity."Xavier!" I called again, attempting to knock on the door again, but it opened, revealing Xavier's wry smile."Hey," he said, scratching the back of his head. "Why are you here?"My brow furrowed. "Didn't you hear what I said? I said I need help. That's why I came. Now will you let me come in?" I said and gently pushed him out of the way, letting myself in.I tossed the towel I was holding onto his bed and turned to meet his surprised, perhaps shocked, expression."Why are you here with the towel?" he asked, chuckling."Sorry for disturbing you. I wanted to take a late-night bath, but my water system isn't working," I explained, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible, despite the curiosity brewing inside me."Water system's out? Figured I'd use yours. Hope that's okay."Xavier's raised eyebrow and amused smile hinted that h