DAMIENI wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, a rhythmic reminder of the paradise we’re supposed to enjoy. My eyes flutter open, and for a moment, I’m disoriented. The room is filled with light, the curtains billowing softly in the breeze. I sit up, feeling the weight of the previous night’s decisions settle heavily on my chest. The bed is empty beside me, as it has been for the past few nights.Anna is in another room, likely asleep or already out for a walk. She’s been doing that a lot—taking long walks alone, lost in her thoughts. I can’t say I blame her. This honeymoon has been anything but ideal, and it’s mostly my fault. But regret isn’t something I dwell on. It’s just not in my nature.I push the sheets aside and swing my legs over the edge of the bed, rubbing my hands over my face. My phone buzzes on the nightstand, and I pick it up, half expecting another message from Amanda. Amanda: Hey handsome, Awake? I can’t seem to forget how you fucked me. You’re r
ANNAThe flashes of the images of Damien and that beautiful lady keep popping up in my head. Damien is never going to change, I now fully believe that he agreed to my condition because he can’t afford to lose all that his father left for him. I don’t know why I am being affected by all his actions though, I guess it’s because I now feel like I have failed Mr.Williams Donovan because his son will not stop his promiscuous lifestyle. I should have listened to Lola and ended this whole marriage charade. I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the open suitcase on the floor. It’s half-packed as if I couldn’t decide whether to stay or leave. And honestly, I don’t know anymore.I reach for my phone on the nightstand, my fingers trembling slightly. I know I shouldn’t check it, not now, not after everything that’s happened. But I can’t help myself. I openMy eyes land on a message from Nicholas, “Hey Anna,” the message reads. “I know you’re on your honeymoon and don’t want to intrude, but I’v
DAMIENI slam the door shut behind me, the sound reverberating through the hotel room. My chest tightens as I pace back and forth, the image of Anna and that guy sitting together on the beach burned into my mind.What the hell is going on?I grip the dresser's edge, my knuckles turning white as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. My jaw is clenched so tightly it feels like it might snap, but I can’t stop thinking about how she had clenched onto the guy. The way they sat so close together. It’s not right. She’s annoyed at me because of what transpired between Amanda and me but she’s out there confiding in another man.I hear the door creak open behind me, and I know it’s her before she even speaks. My pulse quickens, and I feel a storm brewing inside me."Damien?" Her voice is soft, uncertain.I turn around to face her, my fists still clenched at my sides. She’s standing there, looking so innocent as always, but I know better. I saw the way she leaned into that strange guy. "Don’t
ANNAI stare at the closed door, my mind swirling with anger and exhaustion. Damien’s words keep replaying in my head, each one like a little dagger. He doesn’t trust me. After everything, after agreeing to marry him just for him to have access to his inheritance. It’s maddening, frustrating, and hurts more than I want to admit.I pull out my phone, my hands shaking slightly as I scroll through my contacts. I know who I need to talk to. I need Lola. She’s the only one who’ll understand this madness. I press her name and put the phone to my ear, biting my lip as it rings."Anna?" Lola’s voice is warm and familiar, and just hearing her brings a bit of calm to the storm inside me."Lola," I breathe out, trying to steady my voice. "I need to talk.""What’s wrong?" Her tone shifts immediately, concern lacing her words. "Is it Damien?"I nod, even though she can’t see me. "Yeah. It’s bad, Lola. Really bad.""Tell me everything." I can hear her moving around, probably getting comfortable on
ANNA“Nicholas,” I whisper, trying to keep my voice steady. “What are you doing here?”He looks at me for a moment, his expression softening slightly, but there’s still something unspoken in the air that feels heavy. “I couldn’t stop thinking of you,” he says quietly, moving closer. My throat tightens, and I step back, needing some space to breathe and think. “Nicholas, this isn’t right.”“What’s not right Anna?” he asks.“You say you can’t stop thinking about me. I am a married woman Nicholas if you have forgotten.”“Well, I remember perfectly that you’re married or should I say you’re married to yourself. Because which married man in his ane state of mind let his damn gorgeous wife all alone feeling very sad here in this romantic place.Huh?” Nicholas demands. Well, he is right but I am not in the position to tell him about the circumstances surrounding my marriage to Damien.“You know what Nicholas you’re right but you don’t understand so please go back to your room.”It then hit me
DAMIENI storm out of the room, slamming the door harder than I mean to. My heart’s racing, and every step I take feels heavy with anger. The ocean breeze hits me as I walk out onto the balcony, but it does nothing to cool the fire burning in my chest. How could she? How could she stand there, so calm, so innocent, with that guy, and act like I’m the one overreacting?I fish my phone out of my pocket, my hands shaking as I scroll through my contacts. I need to talk to someone. Someone who’ll understand. Evans. He’s always been my sounding board, the one person who’s seen me through everything. I dial his number, pacing the length of the balcony as it rings.“Damien, my man!” Evans’s voice comes through the phone, full of energy as usual. “How’s the Maldives treating you? Are you guys living it up in paradise or what?”I hesitate, staring out at the ocean. The view is breathtaking, the kind of postcard-perfect scene people dream about. But it feels like a lie. “It’s not exactly what I
ANNAI sit on the edge of the bed, staring at my hands, my mind spinning. The argument with Damien earlier today feels like a lifetime ago, but the anger still lingers, heavy and raw. I feel hurt and stupid not just because of what he said, but because of what it all means.The door creaks open, and I glance up to see Damien standing there, his shoulders slumped, his face a mix of exhaustion and something else. Something I haven’t seen in him before—vulnerability. He doesn’t look angry anymore. Just... lost.“Hey,” he says softly, closing the door behind him. His voice is tentative like he’s unsure if I’ll even respond.“Hey,” I reply, just as softly. There’s a long pause as we stare at each other, the silence heavy between us.He steps closer, running a hand through his hair, the familiar gesture calming me somehow. “Can we talk?”I nod, though my stomach knots up at the thought of what’s coming next. We’ve been arguing or fighting, for what feels like forever, but nothing seems to g
DAMIENThe way she kisses me is like nothing I’ve ever felt. It’s intense, desperate like we’re both trying to drown in each other. And I’m drowning. Completely. I pull her closer, my fingers tangled in her hair, and I can’t get enough. Every soft moan from her, every shift of her body against mine—it’s driving me insane. When we finally break apart, I’m panting, struggling to catch my breath, but I don’t let go. My forehead rests against hers, my eyes still half-closed as I try to steady myself. Her lips are swollen, her face flushed, and I can feel her heart racing against my chest. “Anna...” I breathe, my voice raw. “Is this your first kiss?.” She doesn’t say anything. Her fingers curl into my shirt, her grip tightening like she’s holding onto me for dear life. I feel it too—the fear that if we stop now, something will change and break. I tilt her chin up, forcing her to look at me, and the way her eyes meet mine—wide, vulnerable, full of something I don’t even know how to name