Juliet Diaz:-Sunlight of pure gold warmed my body while I stood on the wooden villa deck, which offered an endless view of glistening turquoise ocean depths. The breeze played with the strands of my hair, salt and tropical flowers filling the air. This place was Paradise, a world far from the chaos of our past.Nick drew my body against his strong physique and placed his hands around my waist. “You’re daydreaming again, angel,” he murmured against my ear … his rough voice from embracing the waves. I smiled, leaning into him. “Can you blame me? This place is unreal.”His chuckle pierced as he pressed a lingering kiss on my shoulder. "An entire day filled with exploration awaits both of us. Let’s make it even better.”The jungle trek, which began in Ubud's verdant private lands, formed our first destination for the day. We walked down thick tropical forests with a local guide by our side, pointing the way, passing hidden waterfalls that sparkled in the sun's light. On another occas
Juliet Diaz:-"Are you, Miss Diaz, the architect who worked for Charles Whitmore?" a businessman in a three-piece suit asked when I was sitting in the cafe, having a cup of coffee, and designing a house for my client as I worked as a freelancer in my spare time."Ummm, yes, and you are?" I asked as politely as I could, but I couldn't help raising my brow. And how do you know my name?""Hello, It's nice to meet you. I am Jared Osborne from Osborne Architecture Firm, and I have a job position for you, " the handsome-looking tall man announced.I put my coffee cup down, flattening out my fingers a touch around my pen, and looked at the man in front of me. His eyes were on mine, expecting some sort of response from me, and his expression seemed composed."A job position?" I repeated, tilting my head. "I'm afraid I don't follow. How do you know about me?"Slinging his hands into his pockets, Jared gave a little smile. "I caught your work on Whitmore’s latest project. Several people in the
Juliet Diaz:-"Oh my God, Jules! What's all this mess, and what's with this burning smell?"Nicholas's worried voice came down the hallway as I tried to hide the evidence of the burnt chocolate cake I prepared for Nicholas out of jealousy when I found his female nurse feeding Nicholas her cake, and Nicholas liking and complimenting it, in a flirty tone so I wanted to show him that I could make a better one, and the only cake he is only allowed to eat is mine, but clearly the evidence is the proof that I suck at cooking and baking as not everyone can be a good cook like Nicholas.I picked up the burnt cake and tried to dump it into the trash yet Nicholas entered the kitchen before I completed the action. Nicholas gazed at the chaos in surprise with his sharp blue eyes as he saw the countertop covered with flour dust and cocoa powder spillage while burnt sugar left an intense scent in the air. I forced a nervous smile. "Surprise?" Nick raised his brow while crossing his arms. His wo
Juliet Diaz:-Jared approached my desk and handed me two cups of coffee; I had just finished organizing my files.He smiled and set one before me, saying, "For you."I went to look at it, then looked back at him. “What’s this for?”He replied, "You’ve been working nonstop. " This should help keep going. ” Picking it up, I hesitatingly did so. "Thanks, but you didn't need to."I stood from my desk, and Jared leaned against the edge of it, watching me as I took a sip.Since we finished the Harper project, we could go to a celebratory dinner. Just us.” I swallowed, lowering the cup.“Dinner?” He nodded. “No work talk. Just good food and conversation.”I paused, ready to respond with something, and then suddenly, a familiar presence opened my mouth. There was something unspoken in the air in the room, which shifted thick. My head turned, and I looked to see Nicholas at the entrance of my office.The icy, sharp eyes locked onto Jared were unreadable, but his expression was noncommittal.“
Juliet Diaz:-Before I could open my mouth and make an excuse, Nicholas interfered by announcing."Oh, you know how much your sister hates me but loves to always argue with me." Nicholas rolled his eyes as he spoke. "She is never going to grow up and stay a pain in the ass.""I don't argue, you do!" I spat in anger, glaring at him. Nicholas smirked and opened his mouth to say when Zacharias came in between and announced."Knock it off, both of you! Can you both get along for once in your life? I can't even imagine how you both will be living together for the past few months. I am surprised to see you both alive and in one piece." Zach spoke, chuckling and pulling me in for a brotherly hug as he kissed my forehead, "Now, let's go inside."The Penthouse door clicked shut behind us, and I kicked off my heels with a slight sigh. Zacharias shrugs off his jacket, puts it over the back of the couch, and walks in like he owns the place.He muttered, grabbing a glass, “This place hasn’t change
Juliet Diaz:-In the bath I took my time, letting the warm water shoot my frustration out of my head, but regardless of whatever scented bubble or steam I spent, I heard the argument rolling through my head again and again.Nicholas’s words keep on going through my mind. She's like a sister to me.It stung through me, and the only thing that could shut him up was to do the one thing that would sure as hell piss him off. Accept Jared’s date invitation.Wrapping myself in a towel, I stepped out of the tub and padded to my dresser. Jared’s text to confirm the reservation buzzed from my phone. Just as I got a chance to read it before, a sharp knock on the door made me jump.“Juliet.” I stiffened.Nicholas.I continued to ignore him while going through my closet, but the door opened anyway, clicking. Spinning around, I tightened my grip on the towel around me, and only had time to see his dark and unreadable eyes shut the door behind him.“What the hell, Nicholas?” I hissed in a hushed voi
Juliet Diaz:-Jared was the perfect gentleman. At least, I said that to myself.But I should have been having a nice meal at an upscale five-star restaurant seated across from him, next to the candle-lit ambiance, the soft music, and him leaning in every time I spoke as if I were the most interesting person in the room.But my mind was elsewhere.On Nicholas. My thighs grabbed on his hands. His mouth is against my skin as he murmurs that I'm his.Jared was telling a story about a business deal. I clenched my hands in my lap, forcing a polite smile. I barely heard a word.He tilted his head, smiled smoothly, and asked: “Are you having fun?”“Yes, of course,” I lied.He moved his hand, grazing his fingers over my hand. “I’m glad. “I wanted tonight to be special,” I nodded, pulling my hand away slightly to raise my finger to grab my wine glass. “It’s been lovely.”He chuckled only slightly as his gaze darkened. “There I have to admit I was surprised you agreed to this date.” I would hav
Nicholas Carrington:-The early morning sun barely peeked through the windows as I felt the weight of her still in my arms. Juliet. Her breath warm against my chest, her body still enveloped in the love of my arm, she was curled into me. I hadn’t moved all night. Not when my muscles cramped.Not when I was exhausted. I didn’t care. She needed me. I had to be here for her, and I needed to be.The memory of last night would never settle out in my veins. Fury was still boiling under my skin, and I thought I wanted to track Jared down and finish what I started. But for now, Juliet was safe. She was in my arms, where she was supposed to be. Just as I was beginning to wake up, some sharp voice broke the peace.“What the hell is this?” I shot my eyes open, and my body became rigid.My parents stood over me in matching looks of disgust and fury. Anica was crying, pretending to be innocent, beside them. I tightened my grip around her, framed in my arms instinctively to keep her safe from whate
Juliet Diaz:- I don't know when I cried myself to sleep on the bed all curled up, but when I woke up, I wasn't alone; I was wrapped up in Nicholas's arms, who held me securely to him as if he were scared of losing me. The events from last night came crashing down on me once again. I didn't want to bother Nicholas, as he was already hurting. He looked exhausted but peaceful as he slept, which is why I didn't want to disturb him.I was just about to pick up my phone to call Zacharias when I heard Nicholas murmur sleepily with his eyes still closed as he pulled me to him more tightly than he already was and kissed the side of my head."It's no use calling Zacharias right now because he won't pick up, baby." he murmurs, "He has already left for his mission, hence why he is going to be out of reach, and let's hope during his time away, he calms down.""What?!" I became attentive after hearing him say the word "mission." Zacharias, my brother, has left for his mission, all hurt and angry w
Nicholas Carrington:-I stood there, watching the woman I loved fall before me. The silence broke as her sobs tore, driven by a knife through the silence, and Juliet fell to her knees. She cried and covered her face with her hands, shoulders shaking violently as she gasped for air.This broke me; I had never been broken before like this, but seeing her like this broke me, and the fear of losing my only friend broke me. It gutted me.I ran a hand through my hair and exhaled sharply before kneeling in front of her. As I reached for her, I spoke to her and murmured, “Jules.” At first, she flinched, her body trembling, but when my arms came around her, and she did not struggle, she collapsed against me, her face buried in the hollow of my chest. Her whole body was shaking with uncontrollable sobs, and her fingers clutched at my shirt as if she thought I would disappear. And she choked, “I ruined everything. I lost him, Nick. I lost my brother and now....now...he—he hates me. My broth
Juliet Diaz:-"Oh my God, yes, just take me....can't hold on anymore, Nick. I want you right now." I moaned and spoke during the kiss as we kissed in the elevator."Gosh, baby! You make me lose control. I need to be inside of you right now!"The moment the elevator opened and we stepped out, Nick pinned me against the closest wall to him and lowered my neckline to kiss on my neck and collarbone. He was pulling the zipper of my dress down with his expert hands when we heard the voice of the one person we were scared to hurt.Zacharias. My brother. Nicholas's best friend."You might want to stop right there, you motherfucker."My entire body froze. My hands had left his dress instantly, as if ‘burned,’ and Nicholas went rigid against me. As I slowly turned my head toward the entrance of the penthouse my breath hitched. Fury seeping off of him from a few feet away. His characteristically calm and composed demeanor was nowhere to be seen. His jaw was so clenched that I thought his teet
Juliet Diaz:-I stood in front of the mirror, admiring the Dior dress Nicholas had gifted me yesterday, with a smile on my face. I was all dolled up and ready for our first date, just waiting for Nicholas to return from his shift. He would have been here, but an emergency surgery arrived at the last minute, which is why he was running a little late.Zach has already left for his mission. This morning's goodbye was too painful—it always is—because, as a soldier, I don't know if he will return alive or dead. The next time Zach returns, Nicholas and I will come clean and confess everything to him.I hate lying to him, just like Nicholas, but I am more scared of hurting him by breaking his heart and his trust. He is the only family I have, the brother who devoted all his life to raising me and making me the woman I am today. He is the best brother in the world, and Nicholas is the best man for me. "Damn, you look fucking hot. Like a bombshell." I heard Nicholas speak from the doorway and
Nicholas Carrington:-I sighed as I searched for the perfect flowers to apologize for this beautiful, annoying, and the best woman I have fallen in love with and wish to spend my whole life with. Yes, Juliet is the one I want as my life partner—no one else—just her."Can I help you with anything, young man?" a beautiful and cheerful-looking old woman asked as I was lost in finding the perfect bouquet for her.I turned towards the elderly woman, smiling small with my face away from her as I did. "Yeah, I need flowers. Something special." A smile appeared on her lips as she looked at the many things available to choose from in front of us. "Special for a girlfriend? Trying to confess you love or, you’re desperately trying to apologize to someone?" Shaking my head, I let out a short laugh. "Both, actually." She chuckled knowingly. "Ah, I see. What did you do?" Running a hand through my hair, I exhaled heavily. "Nothing too bad. Just… I might have angered her by bringing up a subj
Juliet Diaz:-"Nick, is everything alright? You look lost and worried," I asked Nicholas as I placed my hand on his at the dining table when we were having dinner. Zach was out to run some errands before he left for another mission. I was feeling sad that I got to spend very little time with my brother, but I knew how much his duty meant to him. Zach lives to protect the country."Jules, I don't think I can do this anymore," Nicholas murmurs, suddenly making me gasp and my heart sink."Wh...What do you mean by that, Nick? Is everything alright? Did I do something wrong?" I asked, worried. Tears are already forming in my eyes."No, I don't mean it in that way. I can't keep on lying to Zach. I can't keep our relationship hidden from him. He is my best friend, Jules, and your brother. He deserves to know the truth. I already feel guilty for lying to him the other day at the hospital." Nicholas groans, running his hand over his face. "Gosh, I feel like the worst friend over here.""Wh...W
Nicholas Carrington:-I went to check up on Zach in the middle of the night in his private hospital room when I found him awake and sitting, checking on his phone with a stiff expression. He must have felt my presence as he raised his eyes and looked at me, more like he glared at me and asked the question I dreaded the most."Are you fucking my sister, you asshole?" Zach's words were blunt as he spoke, and I gulped as I felt like sinking six feet under the ground. I wanted to tell Zach the truth, but not like this, not under these circumstances. I want to tell him the truth in the presence of Juliet."What the fuck?!" I pretended to be shocked and disgusted as I knew my best friend better than anyone, which is why I know he is good at reading facial expressions, so I have to maintain them."You heard me, Carrington, so answer me. Are you fucking my baby sister behind my back? Is there something going on between you two that I should know about?" he asked, getting furious."What?! No,
Juliet Diaz:-We remained tightly entwined after Nicholas's heat left my skin. Our breathing remained heavy, and our hearts beat at the same rhythm. My hand created slow circles on his exposed chest, and the heat in his skin felt through my fingers.A husky tone colored his voice as he pressed a gentle kissing motion onto my lips. “Come on a date with me.”I stared at him with an expression full of astonishment. “A date?”He smirked. “Yes, Juliet. A proper date. I wish to cherish you through an unforgettable date while introducing you to everyone as my ultimate love.My cheeks turned pink, but I expressed my agreement with a friendly expression. “I’d love that.”He kissed me again with increasing depth just as his phone started vibrating on the nightstand. His hands reached for the device when a call was displayed on the screen of his phone, and his expression instantly changed.His exhaustion caused him to sit up while he muttered, "I have to take this call."His facial expression sh
Nicholas Carrington:-The early morning sun barely peeked through the windows as I felt the weight of her still in my arms. Juliet. Her breath warm against my chest, her body still enveloped in the love of my arm, she was curled into me. I hadn’t moved all night. Not when my muscles cramped.Not when I was exhausted. I didn’t care. She needed me. I had to be here for her, and I needed to be.The memory of last night would never settle out in my veins. Fury was still boiling under my skin, and I thought I wanted to track Jared down and finish what I started. But for now, Juliet was safe. She was in my arms, where she was supposed to be. Just as I was beginning to wake up, some sharp voice broke the peace.“What the hell is this?” I shot my eyes open, and my body became rigid.My parents stood over me in matching looks of disgust and fury. Anica was crying, pretending to be innocent, beside them. I tightened my grip around her, framed in my arms instinctively to keep her safe from whate