Arabella was in front of the mirror, staring at her own green eyes with boredom and discomfort. She patted her face with a napkin, feeling physically and mentally exhausted. Mason had always been a calculative person - he had always brought her along whenever he needed to attend such important events.
Honestly if the Collins family did not need Mason and his financial support, she would not give a piece of mind to those men who had always given her dirty looks. But for now, she must bear it all.
After taking a moment to freshen up, Arabella emerged from the bathroom, feeling a renewed sense of composure. As she stepped into the corridor, her eyes fell upon a man standing with his back against the wall.
She froze in place. He wasn't like the other men in the hall (vultures and repulsive, leering at her shamelessly). He was naturally sexy and attractive.
His posture, though relaxed, held a certain disarming quality that intrigued Arabella. His mere presence exuded a captivating aura, drawing her attention like a magnet. For a brief moment, time seemed to pause as she took in his features, her curiosity piqued.
With cautious steps, she approached him, her eyes fixed upon his form. The corridor seemed to narrow, the rest of the world fading into insignificance as their paths converged.
There was a spark of recognition in Arabella's eyes, a glimmer of familiarity that she could not quite place. As she drew nearer, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension danced within her heart.
Arabella's thoughts raced, her mind searching for answers to the questions swirling within her.
Who was this man?
Why did he look more familiar than he should?
Step by step, she closed the distance between them, her curiosity overshadowing any hesitation. Arabella's heart thudded in her chest.
When she passed by the man, he grabbed her arm.
"Do not you recognize me?" the man's voice oozed with a hint of intrigue, his words laced with a magnetic allure that sent a shiver down Arabella's spine.
Her eyes locked onto his captivating gaze, drawn deeper into his presence.
As Arabella allowed her gaze to sweep over the man's figure, a surge of desire coursed through her veins. Every feature of his face exuded a sensual magnetism, from his chiseled jawline to his piercing eyes.
If she had encountered him before, she knew without a doubt that his stunning visage would have been etched into her memory.
"I am sorry, sir," she finally responded, "I am afraid you've mistaken me for someone else."
The man's own smile deepened, his eyes shimmering with a mixture of intrigue and amusement. His charm seemed to radiate from every pore.
"Oh... is that so?" he murmured, his voice a velvet caress that sent a shiver down her spine. With a firm grip, he pulled Arabella closer and pressed her against the wall, their bodies igniting with a magnetic intensity. "What about this? Do you remember me now?"
The man was emitting a dangerous aura, sending shivers through Arabella Collins's body. His presence commanded attention, exuding an irresistible blend of mystery and allure.
Every fiber of Arabella's being recognized the danger that emanated from this enigmatic stranger. His mere presence sent tremors of both fear and excitement coursing through her veins. It was as if his very essence carried a warning, a silent reminder of the unpredictable path that lay ahead.
The intensity of his gaze, piercing and filled with untamed desire, stirred a potent mixture of apprehension and longing within Arabella. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, drawing her in like a moth to a flame.
As his eyes locked onto hers, Arabella found herself transfixed, unable to tear her gaze away. The weight of his dangerous aura sent shivers down her spine, awakening a dormant hunger within her.
"Let go of me!"
"You are asking me to let go of you? Were not you the one who took the initiative that night?" Damon Banks's words struck her like a bolt of lightning.
That night?
She took another good look. The man standing in front of her looked like a model - stunningly handsome features with a strong. muscular build and an innate noble temperament. He looked completely different from the man who was covered in blood that night.
"What are you talking about? I do not know what you are talking about."
"Woman..." Damon gently pinched Arabella's chin. "There is not a woman in this world who dares to defy me." As the words left Damon's lips, a charged silence hung in the air, heavy with anticipation.
Time seemed to slow down as he delicately lowered his head, his eyes locked with Arabella's, and their breaths intermingled in the space between them.
With a feather-light touch, Damon's lips met Arabella's in a possessive kiss. It was a collision of desire and longing, a dance of fire and silk that set their senses ablaze. In that wild moment, the world around them faded into insignificance as they succumbed to the raw intensity of their connection.
Arabella's body responded instinctively to the sensuous touch of Damon's lips, the warmth of his kiss awakening a cascade of sensations within her. Every nerve ending tingled with a mix of pleasure and vulnerability.
Their lips danced together, exploring and surrendering to the intoxicating rhythm of their shared passion. The kiss carried a blend of fervor and tenderness, an intimate connection that transcended words.
Damon took control, his kiss carrying an undercurrent of dominance. It was a testament to the fierce attraction between them, a fusion of power and surrender. Just like that night, he was in control and his kiss carried a certain tinge of vengeance.
Arabella's heart trembled.
'Is this man really him?'
'But I thought he was just a delinquent roaming in that part of town? How could he be this man standing in front of me now?’
Their lips clashed against each other's, one fighting the other for dominance.
The woman's sweet breath made Damon recall the night they spent together. He felt a tightness in his lower body and he subconsciously leaned closer to her.
Damon, consumed by a magnetic force, led Arabella with a sense of urgency, their lips remaining locked in a fiery embrace.
As they stepped into the bathroom, the door closed behind them, sealing them away from the outside world. The click of the latch echoed the intensity of their connection, amplifying the electrifying tension that charged the air.
Damon, unable to resist the temptation that engulfed them, continued to explore Arabella's lips with an unrestrained fervor. The passionate exchange of their kisses spoke volumes, conveying a depth of longing and a hunger that could no longer be contained.
Arabella was shocked by his gesture and tried to push him away, "What are you trying to do?"
The warm, steam-filled atmosphere heightened their senses, intensifying the sensations that coursed through their bodies.
"You took advantage of me that night... And now it is my turn."
In the private confines of the bathroom, their passion grew, their bodies pressed against each other as they explored the depths of their desire.
"Wait... No!" Arabella cried out in shock. "I..."
Before she could finish her sentence, Damon crashed his lips against hers again.
Unlike before, Damon was even more enthusiastic this time. Arabella was helpless against his firm grasp and soon she felt her butt pressing against the sink in the bathroom as she staggered backwards. He lifted her dress as he leaned his hip forward.
As she trembled next to him, he whispered into her ear aggressively, "Remember my name. I am Damon Banks!"
"Damon Banks?"
The man in front of her turned out to be Damon Banks, one of the most successful businessmen in Rosaville City.
Rumor has it that he was a ruthless and decisive man. The companies competing against him in the business world would never survive for more than a year.
Same goes for his women. Just short of two years after returning to Rosaville City, there were already at least two women rumored to be involved with him.
How on earth did she come across such a player?
Damon, on the other hand, were not the slightest perturbed by the thoughts running through the woman's mind. He was in a good mood today as he stroked Arabella's stray bangs away from her beautiful face.
Slap!
Arabella slapped his hand away. "There is no need to trouble yourself, Mr. Banks. I will do it myself."
'Feisty, just like a wild kitty...'
Damon glanced at her playfully, his arms folded in front of his chest, "You haven't told me your name yet!"
Arabella's hand trembled, clenching her teeth she answered, "I do not think there is any need to know my name. That is all for today. I am no longer in your debt!"
Before Damon could react further, Arabella quickly rushed out. Damon Banks narrowed his eyes as he looked at the woman's figure scurrying away.
Arabella's heart raced as she hastily made her way towards the bathroom door, her fingers fumbling to unlock it. The intensity of the moment still lingered within her, leaving her breathless and shaken. With a swift motion, she stepped out into the dimly lit room, her senses reeling.Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions as she tried to compose herself. The encounter with the man had left her stunned, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through her veins. As she straightened her dress and ran her fingers through her hair, she sought to regain her composure, each action a deliberate attempt to reclaim her sense of self.She took a deep breath, steadying herself as she let the intensity of the moment wash over her.There was an undeniable magnetism that had drawn her towards the mysterious man, but now, as she stood alone in the aftermath, she realized the need to gather her thoughts and regain control.She walked back into the world, ready to face whatever lay ahead.Arab
His voice, filled with a bitter edge, pierced the air. "I haven't even asked you yet! Why did Damon ask for you specifically to go to his office? What's the relationship between the two of you?"Arabella Collins pursed her lips and did not say anything. She was still thinking about the way Damon Banks looked her just now.His gaze was so piercing that it sent shivers down her whole body. 'What does he want?''Why did he ask her to go his office?' She could not figure out what he was thinking. "I am asking you a question, did you hear me?" Mason Donovan grabbed Arabella's collar.When he saw the hickeys on Arabella's neck, he could feel his blood boil."Well well, Arabella Collins, it seems that I had underestimated you. Why did you take so long at the bathroom earlier? You are still my woman, and yet you still dare to cheat in front of me? I ought to teach you a lesson today!"Arabella sneered, "Your woman? Aren't the women of the Donovan family just objects to be exchanged for fav
Taking a deep breath, Arabella pushed open the door, entering the office with a poised grace. The space exuded an air of authority, its decor reflecting the high standards and professionalism expected within. As she crossed the threshold, she felt a surge of anticipation, knowing that the meeting ahead would present both challenges.As she stepped inside, the air crackled with tension, charged with anticipation. Her eyes immediately locked onto the sight of a large, extravagant desk dominating the center of the room. There, in the dimly lit space, stood the man she had been longing to see, his silhouette outlined against the soft glow of the room's ambient lighting. With a commanding presence, he leaned casually against the desk."Mr. Banks!" Arabella spoke.Armed with her experience, knowledge, and determination, she stepped further into the office, ready to make her mark."You are here," Banks's voice cut through the silence like a velvet blade, smooth and commanding. His calm demea
Mason Donovan tapped his feet impatiently, the seconds ticking by like eternity as he waited downstairs. When he finally caught sight of his wife rushing down the staircase, his heart clenched with anticipation.He wasted no time in swinging the door open. "How did it go?" he demanded.Arabella Collins pushed past him, her movements frantic and her expression wrought with distress. "Mason, I can't do it," she spat out, her words sharp and cutting. "Go and find someone else!"Mason's features contorted with anger, his jaw clenched so tightly it felt like it might snap. "Arabella, are you f*cking joking with me?" he seethed, his voice rising to a dangerous pitch. "You were up there for so long, and now you are telling me that you can't do it? Can't you do one simple thing right?" The air crackled with tension as his words hung heavy between them, the weight of disappointment and frustration threatening to suffocate them both."Oh... Did you think it is as simple as just negotiating for
Meanwhile, inside the room, Arabella was forcing the door handle. "Do not you dare leave me here, Mason!" she shouted. Despite her boldness, the beautiful woman was afraid of her husband's actions. Mason could very well be a psychopath and leave her locked in the room for days. "Let me out, Mason! You can't fucking lock me inside!"Outside, a smile formed on Eleonor's lips. Finally, Arabella was getting the treatment that the mother-in-law deemed appropriate. She scoffed, "You are the daughter-in-law of the Donovan family. Even if the king comes knocking on our door, we are not afraid!"**Following dayDamon stepped out of his luxurious car as the chauffeur opened the door. He stood before the Donovan mansion, ready for the dinner. When Clint called Mason last minute, requesting a dinner, Mason accepted without hesitation. All Mason wanted was for his project to be accepted.Damon was greeted at the door by Eleonor, who was impeccably dressed, wearing a fur coat over her dress. She k
"No need to trouble your daughter-in-law, ma'am. I've received an urgent call and must depart," Damon announced, his eyes never leaving Arabella's form.Arabella halted a few paces from Damon, her pulse quickening as the tension in the room thickened."What a pity," Eleonor lamented, her disappointment palpable. "But I trust you've discussed the project with Mason.""We will have other chances," Damon assured Eleonor, his words directed at her but his gaze locked onto Arabella. "Will you see me to the door, Arabella?"Arabella's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding in her chest as she grappled with the sudden request. "Ah... yes," she stammered, a rush of heat flooding her cheeks as she hurried past Damon, her steps quickening as she made her way to the door."See you soon," Eleonor murmured, already rushing to the dining room to gossip with her son.Meanwhile, Damon passed through the doorway. Arabella watched as Damon vanished through the doorway, her heart pounding with
The priest continued walking towards the sacristy, and he returned to the place of the faithful, the hall where masses are held. Although he had spent years away from any piece of Catholicism, Damon remembered all the details. The problem with photographic memory is that you can't choose what gets engraved in the brain.The confessional was located in another corridor, in the farthest and less illuminated area of the church. Rumor had it that it was secluded because it was the place where priests chose to seduce parishioners. The confessional was closed, having only one door for the priest to enter. It was a kind of old wooden box. The side windows were covered with screens, so the priest could see the parishioner, but the parishioner could not see the priest. There was a step outside, so the penitent could kneel while confessing.That was his favorite part. To kneel and wait for the priest to tell him how far he was from holiness, knowing that he was getting worse every day and tha
"So, how was the confession?" Eleonor asked, breaking the silence that hung in the vehicle. "You took quite a while in there.""It was a relief. I really needed to get things off my chest," Arabella replied, her tone tinged with gratitude."I am glad you are feeling more at ease. we will have lunch with your family, as they requested, and then we will head to the office. Mason wants you to add a special touch to the project," Eleonor informed, keeping her eyes fixed on the road ahead.Arabella rolled her eyes with a disdainful expression. "Of course. After all, Mason can't improve his own business project," she muttered, her voice dripping with sarcasm.Eleonor chose to remain silent. She was in a good mood that day, and not even Arabella's insolence could spoil her state of mind.When they arrived in front of the Collins house, Arabella jumped out of the car as soon as she couldAs Arabella entered the familiar warmth of her childhood home, the tension that had plagued her in Eleonor
The cold rain outside seemed to intensify the warmth emanating from the crackling fireplace. Arabella nestled herself closer to the flickering flames, her mind consumed by the storm of thoughts swirling within her."Here," Damon's voice, soft and soothing, broke through her reverie. He offered her a steaming cup, his eyes reflecting a silent understanding."Thank you," Arabella murmured, accepting the cup with a small, grateful smile. Though she held it in her hands, she seemed more drawn to the comfort of Damon's presence than to the warmth of the drink.As Damon settled beside her, Arabella felt a hesitant longing stirring within her. She turned towards him, their eyes meeting in the flickering firelight, and in that moment, words seemed unnecessary. There was a silent communion between them, an unspoken understanding of shared pain and solace.Without a word, Arabella leaned into Damon's embrace, seeking refuge from the tempest of emotions raging within her. His arms enveloped
ONE YEAR LATERThe atmosphere was as funereal as the situation itself. The sun hadn't visited that part of the city since the previous day, as if it were also in mourning. Heavy clouds and timid splashes of rain were present, which only made the day seem less happy.A white tent chapel had been placed in the mansion's garden. It was a large space, enough to accommodate the thirty people present. The dark wooden coffin was centered in the chapel, open so everyone could see Victor's limp, pale body.White chrysanthemums decorated the coffin. Those were traditional flowers at wakes, and they meant "Golden flower”, from the Greek.Three of Victor's friends were next to the coffin, crying softly and drying their tears with a tissue as they recalled their journey. They were long-time friends. Their suits were as dark as the sky, representing perhaps eternal mourning.That was the garden of the mansion that Arabella had bought months before. She barely had time to get used to the place.Anas
HOURS LATERAs Damon stepped into his city apartment, a heavy silence greeted him, amplified by the absence of any illumination. The darkness enveloped him like a heavy cloak, its weight pressing down on his shoulders as he traversed the familiar space. He made no move to flick on a light switch, preferring instead to let the shadows consume him, mirroring the desolation that gnawed at his insides.Approaching the drinks table, he reached for a decanter, his hand moving with practiced precision as he poured himself a potent measure of whiskey. The liquid glimmered faintly in the dimness, casting fleeting reflections against the polished surface of the glass. With a solemn sigh, he lifted the drink to his lips, the fiery liquid igniting a dull ache in his chest as it slid down his throat.Leaning against the window, he gazed out at the city sprawled before him, its towering buildings reaching up towards the inky sky like silent sentinels. The nocturnal metropolis seemed to pulse w
The interior of the vehicle was permeated with Banks's scent. He wore an excessively good perfume, not exactly strong, but rather striking. It was the kind of smell that only a person with a lot of money would have.The door was closed, and because she was in a complete trance, Arabella was scared. Christopher wisely remained outside so that he would not hear the conversation.Banks, with her naturally dark charm, twirled the ring on her middle finger while pretentiously ignoring Arabella. His gaze was directed forward, but so far away that it did not even seem like he was in that country.The woman moved closer to the door, as if it were possible to merge with the car. Damon noticed the movement, but did not bother to assure her that she did not need to be afraid. Because maybe she needed it."Everything is fine with you?" Arabella whispered so quietly that she wasn't sure she was heard, even with all the silence that surrounded them.Damon remained silent, and then he sank deeper in
And with that, everyone burst into prolonged applause. Some even stood up, but no one really knew the intention behind the speech. All that was left was for him to say Arabella's name, with each letter."Thank you all for coming. And if it's not too much to ask, be loyal. do not love me, but be loyal" Damon walked away from the pulpit and went down the stairs as he had gone up; ignoring all the eyes on you.In turn, the master of ceremonies returned to say a few words. "I am flattered by the opportunity to hear you, Mr. Banks. Now, for the entertainment of our audience, I would like to call to the stage Mr. Landwy, the evening's violinist."Arabella waited until the first chords of the violin sounded before muttering something to her father and standing up. People did not notice when she walked in long strides to the bathroom, as at this moment wine glasses began to be served throughout the room.Arabella thought that she could take refuge in that luxurious environment for the rest of
TWO DAYS LATER. NEW YORK.The dress shone when the few lights that filtered through the window touched it. The fabric was thin, sliding across the white skin with each subtle movement. The blue silk was a pure, almost innocent tone.Arabella was sitting in the backseat of the Bentley, and, next to her, Victor was also watching the view of the New York streets as the car passed through them. They were silent, as on many other occasions, but they were not uncomfortable. At least not with each other.Victor's treatment was having some effect. The best doctors in the city were taking care of him, at Damon's request, paid for by Damon.The father wore a tuxedo, the daughter wore a beautiful sky blue dress, along with long gloves in the same color. Her brown strands were tied into a high bun, with a few curls perfectly curled and loose.And when the car stopped in front of the Banks Nouveau building, the lady felt her hands sweat inside her gloves. There were countless photographers outside
Banks took a deep breath. Their brief moment of silence was enough to make Colton and Spencer's hearts race."You are up to your neck in this story, but she's not. Arabella's the only good part of this whole shit. Think about that before you backtrack," Spencer muttered, just in case.And to say those words did not reach Banks would be a lie. He felt them as if they were punches to his face, but he knew how to pretend to be careless. Because, deep down, maybe he agreed."I do not usually go back"Damon, seeing that the conversation had come to an end, turned his back to the inspector. He even glanced at Colton. Banks made a subtle sign with her index finger and the security guards returned to the car."But in any case, when you decide to join people in destroying me, find stronger allies" he muttered before entering the door that his driver kept open.The first car made a subtle maneuver inside the warehouse and slid out, followed by the second.And then, just then, Colton approached
TWO DAYS LATERThe lights of New York were known throughout the world. The city awakens, with people bustling around and never, ever stopping. It was a place famous for everything it showed, but few people knew what New York was hiding. Few knew the shadows of the most illuminated city in the world.The shadows were in the suburbs, in isolated areas that not even the sun could reach. Where the streets were muddy, buildings were abandoned and people cried without hope.In a less busy area, where the asphalt ended and the dirt streets began, there was an abandoned warehouse. It was an unfinished building, with exposed bricks and half-shattered pillars.The smell from the warehouse was unsanitary.Dust had dominated the four corners of the room, and everything that was there was abandoned. There were crates at the ends of the warehouse, covered with a dark, dirty tarpaulin.Spencer Davis was in the warehouse, sitting in a chair almost as old as the one he had in his office. Behind the ma
SOME HOURS LATERWith a graceful stride, Arabella entered the conference room, commanding attention in her ensemble — an elegant green dress complemented by sleek heels. Her hair, neatly pinned back, accentuated her sharp features, and as she walked, there was an air of confidence about her."Good afternoon, gentlemen," she greeted, her voice carrying a polite tone subtly infused with determination."Miss Collins," Louis Tompson, the lawyer, rose from his seat upon her arrival, extending his hand in a gesture of sympathy. "My condolences for the divorce?"Arabella's response was swift and resolute. "Not at all," she declared, dismissing any notion of condolence.Seating herself across from Mason, with Tompson positioned at the head of the table, Arabella's eyes met Mason's with a mixture of disdain and relief. Gone was the power he once held over her — she was free now, and she made sure he knew it."Now, the purpose of this meeting is to align the restructuring of the companies," th