The sudden darkness caught Lily off guard, and she paused, her heart skipping a beat as she wondered what Mark was up to. "Mark, why did you turn off the lights?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of amusement. But there was no response. The silence was thick, charged with anticipation. She could feel her pulse quicken as she slowly made her way toward the bedroom, guided by a mix of curiosity and excitement. The darkness heightened her senses, and she could hear her own breathing, quick and shallow, as she approached the door. As she reached for the doorknob, her fingers trembled slightly, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursing through her. She opened the door, her heart pounding in her chest. The moment she stepped into the room, she instinctively reached for the light switch, flipping it on. What she saw took her breath away. The room was a vision of romance, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight. Rose petals were scattered across the bed in a delicat
Amelia can’t just get away with everything, Chloe thought, pacing back and forth in her apartment. It’s not possible. She clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white as she replayed everything Amelia had done. The way she waltzed through life without a care, as if nothing could touch her. It was infuriating, and Chloe had had enough. Her thoughts spiraled, fueled by the anger that had been simmering beneath the surface for far too long. She shouted, **“I need to deal with her!”** The words echoed through her empty apartment, the only witness to her fury. Chloe’s heart pounded in her chest, her breathing erratic as she struggled to regain control. **“I need to deal with her,”** she repeated, this time in a whisper, the venom in her voice unmistakable. Chloe knew she couldn’t continue like this, living in the shadow of Amelia’s seemingly perfect life. Amelia, with her charm and grace, who always seemed to come out on top. It wasn’t fair. Chloe had tried to be patient, to let thin
Richard chuckled, clearly amused by her phrasing. “You’re not exactly what I expected when I opened the door this morning,” he admitted, his eyes twinkling with interest. “But I’ve got to say, I’m intrigued.” Chloe’s smile widened. **This is working,** she thought, feeling a surge of confidence. “So, are you in?” she asked, keeping her tone casual, as if this were just another everyday conversation. Richard hesitated for a moment, and Chloe could see the gears turning in his mind. He was weighing the risks, considering the possibilities. Then, finally, he nodded. “Yeah, I’m in,” he said, his voice firm. “What do you need me to do?” Chloe’s heart skipped a beat. **She had him.** “It’s simple,” she said, leaning in closer, as if sharing a secret. “There’s someone I need to keep an eye on. Someone who thinks they can get away with anything, just because they’re untouchable.” Richard raised an eyebrow, his curiosity clearly piqued. “And who might that be?” Chloe hesitated, prete
The next day, Amelia decided it was time for a bit of retail therapy. She had been working tirelessly and felt that a shopping spree was just what she needed to rejuvenate herself. She instructed her driver to take her to House of Bijan, a prestigious high-end boutique known for its luxury fashion. This wasn’t just any shopping trip; it was a special outing meant to lift her spirits and provide a much-needed break from her daily routine. With her trusted personal maid by her side, Amelia was set for a day of indulgence and relaxation. As she prepared for the day, Amelia carefully selected her outfit. She chose a chic, elegant ensemble that perfectly balanced sophistication with comfort. Her outfit was not only stylish but also practical for a day of shopping. Amelia wanted to ensure she looked her best, as she knew that shopping at such a renowned store would involve a lot of interaction with staff and other patrons. When her driver arrived, he greeted her warmly and opened the car
When Alexander came back from work, he was in no mood for any more surprises. The day had been long, filled with endless meetings and negotiations. All he wanted was to come home, relax, and enjoy a quiet evening with Amelia. But as soon as he stepped through the front door, he was met with an unexpected sight. Amelia was sitting in the living room, scrolling through her phone, her attention fixed on the screen. Her face was illuminated by the soft light of the device, but Alexander’s entrance disrupted her focus. She looked up, her expression shifting from casual to concerned as she noticed the tension in his posture. Alexander wasted no time. He threw his briefcase onto the sofa and crossed the room, his gaze locked on Amelia. **“Babe, what are all these pictures of you with a man on the internet?”** he demanded, his voice carrying a mix of confusion and frustration. Amelia looked up from her phone, startled by the intensity in his voice. She stood up, her demeanor a blend of
The bar was dimly lit, with a few groups of people scattered around, chatting and laughing. The atmosphere was laid-back, with soft music playing in the background. It was the kind of place where you could easily lose yourself in your thoughts, which was exactly what Amelia needed. She walked up to the bar and ordered a drink, something strong to help take the edge off her emotions. **Let him be in the house, worrying himself to death,** she thought as the bartender handed her the glass. **I’m not going back until I’ve had enough time to think.** She took a sip, savoring the burn as the alcohol went down her throat. Meanwhile, back at home, Alexander was pacing back and forth, worried about gnawing at him. **Where could she be?** he wondered, glancing at the clock for the umpteenth time. It was already 10:30 PM, and there was still no sign of Amelia. His anger from earlier had subsided, replaced by a growing sense of concern. **What if something happened to her?** He picked up h
Richard drove through the quiet streets, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he navigated the darkened roads. Amelia was slumped in the passenger seat, her head resting against the window as she drifted in and out of consciousness. The effects of the drug were still strong, and she was barely aware of her surroundings. Richard glanced over at her, his mind racing with a mixture of guilt and determination. He had crossed a line tonight, and he knew it. But there was no turning back now. **I just need to make sure everything goes according to plan,** he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. **No one can know about this.** Richard had already arranged for a hotel where he could take Amelia, one that was discreet and hard to find. It was a small, out-of-the-way place that didn’t ask too many questions. He had paid for the room in cash, ensuring there would be no paper trail leading back to him. As he pulled into the hotel parking lot, he took a deep breath, trying to
After a long and exhausting drive, Amelia's driver finally reached Alexander's estate. The tall iron gates, a symbol of both grandeur and security, creaked open as the gateman, ever vigilant, allowed them inside. The car rolled down the long driveway, past the manicured lawns and fountains, before coming to a smooth halt in front of the grand entrance.As soon as Amelia stepped out of the car, she noticed something was off. The air was thick with tension, and nearly all the household staff were gathered outside, their faces etched with expressions of shock, confusion, and something else she couldn’t quite place—was it pity? She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but her heart pounded in her chest. She could feel their eyes on her, scrutinizing her every move as if she were a ghost who had just materialized out of nowhere.The silence was deafening. Usually, the estate buzzed with activity, a reflection of the wealth and influence that Alexander wielded. But today, the only
One of them was Chloe’s—angry, sharp. The other, male, unfamiliar.Alexander’s stomach tightened. Who was with her? He quickened his steps but hesitated before reaching the door, his instincts urging caution. Instead of barging in, he moved quietly, staying hidden just out of sight. Peeking through the gap, he saw them—Chloe and a man he didn’t recognize, standing uncomfortably close to each other.The man’s voice was low but intense, carrying a weight that sent a shiver down Alexander’s spine. “You know why I’m here, Chloe,” George said, his eyes dark and full of intent. “I want my son. I want Jackson back.”Chloe’s reaction was immediate. Her laughter was harsh, sharp, and laced with disbelief. It was the kind of laugh that came not from humor, but from pure anger.“Your son?” she spat, stepping toward him with a fierceness Alexander had never seen in her before. “You mean the son I raised all by myself? The son you left behind the moment I told you I was pregnant?” Her voice rose w
Chloe was just about to step out of her house when she heard a knock at the door. Confused, she called out, "Who is it?"Silence. No response.Frowning, she cautiously approached the door, her heart beginning to race. When she opened it, her eyes widened in shock."George?" she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper.George stood there, a smirk playing on his lips. He looked the same but different—rougher around the edges, more intense. There was something dangerous in his gaze."Surprised to see me?" he asked with a cocky tilt to his head."What are you doing here?" Chloe’s voice was sharp, trying to mask the flutter of nerves building in her chest."Can't I come in?" he asked, his tone teasing.She hesitated, scanning his face for a sign of what he wanted. "Fine," she said stiffly, stepping aside. "Come in."George strolled into the living room, looking around as though he owned the place. Chloe closed the door and turned to face him, folding her arms defensively."What do you wan
Amelia barely heard her. All she could think about was the baby, the life growing inside her. She prayed silently that everything would be okay, that this wasn’t the end of her pregnancy, that her baby would be safe. As the hospital came into view, the driver honked the horn urgently, signaling the medical staff. By the time they pulled up to the emergency entrance, nurses and doctors were already rushing out with a stretcher. The maid quickly helped them lift Amelia out of the car and onto the stretcher. “Please… the baby…” Amelia murmured as the medical team hurried. “We’ve got you, one of the nurses said, her voice calm but firm. “We’re going to take care of you and your baby. The hospital doors swung shut behind them, leaving the maid and driver outside, watching with worried expressions as Amelia was whisked away. Alexander stormed into the hospital with a look of intense worry etched across his face. His usual calm, collected demeanor was replaced by a frantic urgency a
Amelia’s vision blurred with tears as she struggled to push herself up, but the pain in her stomach was too much. She shouted for help, her voice desperate as she lay on the floor, terrified for her unborn child. But Chloe didn’t care. She stood there, watching Amelia suffer with cold indifference. After a few moments, she turned on her heel and walked out of the house, her heels clicking against the floor as if nothing had happened. The front door slammed shut behind her, and the sound echoed in the now-empty hallway. Amelia’s cries for help echoed through the hallways. Her voice, weak but filled with desperation, finally reached the maid, who rushed into the living room. The sight of Amelia on the floor sent a chill down the maid’s spine. She dropped to her knees, her hands trembling as she gently shook Amelia. "Mrs. Amelia! Oh my God, what happened? Are you okay?" The maid’s voice was frantic as she tried to help Amelia sit up. Amelia winced as she held onto her belly, her brea
The house was quiet, a peaceful stillness that Amelia had grown to appreciate in the last few months. She sat in her bedroom, sorting through baby clothes, organizing the nursery for the little one growing inside her. Her hand rested on her round belly as she smiled softly, feeling the slight kicks of the baby. Things had been calm, and despite the tensions with Chloe still looming in the background, Amelia had felt a sense of peace in recent weeks. Suddenly, the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway snapped Amelia out of her reverie. She furrowed her brow, wondering who could be arriving at this time. Alexander was at work, and there were no deliveries scheduled for today. Curious, she pushed herself up from the bed, her movements slow and careful as her pregnancy had advanced significantly. Amelia made her way to the window and peered outside. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw an unfamiliar car parked in the driveway. The sleek, black vehicle gleamed in the sunlight, and
“Ms. Chloe,” Donovan said smoothly, his voice deep and authoritative as he gestured toward the chair in front of him. His dark eyes were locked onto hers, unwavering, assessing her from the moment she walked in. “Maya has told me about your situation. Please, have a seat.” Chloe sat down, her movements deliberate, her spine straight as if a rod was keeping her upright. “I’m glad Maya could make this happen on such short notice,” Chloe began, her voice steady. She wasn’t sure if Donovan was someone she could fully trust yet, but she knew Maya wouldn’t have connected her to anyone less than the best. Donovan waved a hand dismissively, leaning back slightly in his leather chair, exuding a calm confidence that seemed to fill the room. As if short notice and high-pressure situations were something he handled daily. “She’s a good friend,” he said, his tone even, “and she knows how to get things moving. Now, tell me exactly what you want.” Chloe took a deep breath, her mind laser-focus
Her friend had been equally shocked to learn that Amelia was pregnant. Chloe had tried to play it off like she already knew, but the truth was, she hadn’t. It stung, even if she didn’t want to admit it. The idea of Alexander starting a new family, having another child with Amelia, made her feel irrelevant, like a forgotten chapter in his life. But that was about to change. As Chloe continued to browse her phone, she wondered what Alexander would think when he found out about her plan. Would he fight back, or would he let her take Jackson without a struggle? No, she knew Alexander better than that. He would fight, but that didn’t scare her. She was ready for whatever was coming. Her hand hovered over a contact name—an old acquaintance who worked in law. She hesitated for a moment, then pressed the call button. The phone rang twice before a familiar voice answered. “Hello?” the voice said, sounding surprised to hear from her. “Hey, it’s Chloe,” she said, her voice calm and col
When they finally finished their meal, Sarah gave Chloe a quick hug before they parted ways. “Take care of yourself, Chloe,” she said before disappearing down the street. Chloe stood there for a moment, watching her friend walk away, before slowly heading back to her car. Her mind was buzzing with thoughts, plans, and questions. All this time, she had been thinking about how to get back into her son’s life, how to restore her place in Alexander’s world. And now she found out that Amelia was pregnant? It changed everything. Back at home, Chloe threw her shopping bags onto the couch and sank into a chair, her mind still reeling. She hadn’t expected this. The idea of Amelia carrying Alexander’s child gnawed at her, twisting something deep inside her chest. She could feel old feelings resurfacing—resentment, jealousy, anger. All the emotions she had tried to suppress were bubbling to the surface. She paced back and forth across the living room, trying to think of her next move. Alex
The next day, Chloe felt an unusual sense of freedom as she stepped out of her house and into the world that had continued without her for over four months. It was strange being out after so long, seeing the everyday bustle of people going about their lives, unaware of the turmoil that had been happening behind the scenes in hers. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool breeze brush against her skin, and smiled faintly. Today, she decided, she would reclaim a small piece of her old life. She went shopping first, driving through the city with a newfound purpose. Chloe had always had a taste for luxury, and although her current situation wasn’t ideal, she wasn’t about to give up on the things that had once made her feel powerful. Stopping by her favorite boutique, she spent hours perusing the racks of designer clothes, trying on outfit after outfit. It felt like a quiet rebellion against the world she had been trapped in for so long. As she walked down the busy streets with several s