I stand at the top of the staircase, my heart pounding. The ball has been in full swing for an hour, but I've been too nervous to make my entrance. Taking a deep breath, I smooth down my dress and step into view.
The gown Adrian gave me is breathtaking - an off-the-shoulder shimmering red number that hugs my curves before flowing out gracefully. The fabric catches the light with every movement, creating a mesmerizing effect.
My hair is swept up in an elegant updo, with a few loose tendrils framing my face. The stylist Adrian sent did an amazing job with my makeup - smoky eyes that make my gaze smolder, a hint of blush on my cheeks, and deep red lips that match my dress perfectly.
I take my first step down the stairs; the room falls silent. I can feel every eye turn to st
When we finally part, both of us breathing heavily, I can see the mix of love and mischief in Adrian's eyes. "I've been wanting to do that all night," he murmurs, his forehead resting against mine.I can't help but laugh softly, a mix of exhilaration and nervousness. "Adrian, you're crazy. What if someone had seen?""Let them, the sight of how stunning you look could raise even the fucking dead," he says with a wicked grin.With this, Adrian lifts me, making my back hit a nearby tree as he hoists my dress up, peppering kisses on my neck that make me moan. His hands are firm and possessive, holding me close as he trails his lips down my throat, each kiss igniting a fire within me.My hands move quickly, unbuckling hi
I'm standing next to Adrian, who's sitting in his wheelchair. We're outside a hospital room. The doctor has just told us we can go in, and I'm nervous about what I'll see.I lift my dress a little so I don't trip and hurry into the room. What I see makes me stop in my tracks.There, lying in the hospital bed, is my best friend. She's so still, hooked up to all these machines. The doctor said she's in a coma, but seeing her like this makes it real.I feel tears start to run down my cheeks. I can't believe this is happening."Oh no," I whisper, moving closer to the bed. "What happened to you?"I reach out and take her hand. It's warm, but she doesn't squeeze back
I stand there, stunned, my hand on my cheek. The exhaustion, the emotional rollercoaster of the night, and now this - it's all too much. I feel tears welling up in my eyes again.Oh my god, did she see me having sex with Adrian?!My eyes widened as I hold onto my cheek.Adrian turns to me, his voice gentle but firm. "Stella, go to your room. I'll handle this."I nod, relieved to escape this tense situation. But as I turn to leave, Gabriella grabs my hand, yanking me back. Without thinking, I pull my hand away, flashing her off."You're a homewrecker!" Gabriella shrieks. "Staying out all night with my man, the father of my child after I offered you an olive branch and invited you to the ball and this is how you repay me?!"She turns to Adrian's parents, pointing an accusing finger at me. "See? She's showing her true colors now!""Enough," Adrian says, his voice sharp.I feel awful. This is the last thing I need right no
I step into the mansion, exhausted from another long day at the hospital. Lyra's still stable, but unconscious. The doctors say she might wake up soon, but the waiting is killing me. I can't help but think they were just saying this so I wouldn't cry my eyes out again.As I make my way through the foyer, I spot Adrian in his wheelchair near the dining room. My heart skips a beat at the sight of him, but before I can say anything, Daisy's voice catches me off guard."Stella, dear! Come join us for dinner," she calls out, her tone surprisingly warm.I freeze, shocked by the invitation. My eyes dart around the room, taking in the scene. Everyone's there - Adrian, his parents, Sebastian, and... Gabriella. I can see the tension in her posture, her eyes fixed on her plate.I hesitate, memories of that awful dinner when Gabriella announced her pregnancy flooding back. Since then, I've avoided these family dinners like the plague. Adrian joins them occasionally,
My mind is racing as I pace back and forth in my room, my hands shaking slightly. Pregnant? How could I be pregnant? But then again... how could I not have considered the possibility?The events of the dinner keep replaying in my head. Daisy's knowing smile, the shocked faces around the table, Gabriella's look of pure venom. And Adrian... the mixture of surprise and something else in his eyes haunts me.Suddenly, the hidden wall panel slides open, and my heart leaps into my throat. Adrian walks in, no longer in his wheelchair, his face unreadable. I freeze mid-step, my anxiety skyrocketing.What's going through his mind? Is he angry? Disappointed? Or maybe... excited? I can't tell, and it's driving me crazy."Adrian
I'm drifting in a peaceful sleep when I feel soft kisses trailing up from my neck to my jaw. A moan escapes my lips as I instinctively pull Adrian down on top of me, my body responding to his touch even before I'm fully awake.Slowly, I open my eyes to find Adrian's silver gaze fixed on me, full of love and desire. "This is a big surprise," I murmur, my voice still husky with sleep. "Usually when I wake up, you're already gone."Adrian's lips curve into a tender smile. "You won't have to complain about that anymore," he says softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.My heart swells at his words, filled with a warmth that spreads through my entire body. This feels like a new beginning for us, a shift in our relationship that goes beyond just the pregnancy.
Gabriella's povIt's after 1 AM, and the house is pitch dark. I'm in my room, quietly putting on clothes. My heart's racing, but I'm determined. Tonight's the night I deal with Stella once and for all.As I'm zipping up my jacket, I hear the door open. I don't need to turn around to know it's Sebastian. He is the only one coming inside my room, Adrian wouldn't step foot in here to see if his woman and child is alright!"Where are you going?" he asks, his voice low.I don't even look at him. "None of your business," I snap.I grab my bag and head for the door, but Sebastian grabs my arm, stopping me. I try to pull away, but his grip is strong.
Daisy's PovThe moment we stepped back onto the Lockwood estate, I felt it - a shift in the air, an undercurrent of tension that set my maternal instincts on high alert. As a mother, I've always put my boys first, but now I found myself worrying about someone else entirely: Gabriella.Adrian's love for her had always been obvious, which made his recent behavior all the more puzzling. The way he treated her... it was as if she'd become a stranger in his own home. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.As the days passed, I started noticing things. Little details that didn't quite add up. Adrian's attention seemed to gravitate more toward Stella than his own girlfriend. It was subtle, but to a watchful eye like mine, it spoke volumes.