The benefit cocktail would be served at the luxurious Bellagio hotel, located on the Strip, opposite the exquisite Paris Las Vegas. It was another one of those fancy parties that Arabella was supposed to attend, smile and shake some hands.The limousine parked in front of the building that looked like a palace, and Arabella got out when the driver opened her door.She was alone, without her husband, and that certainly created buzz.To say that everyone directed their eyes towards Arabella when she entered would be an understatement. The emerald green dress outlined each of her curves, as if she hugged her body with elegance. The straps of the dress were thin and silver, and they attracted attention in themselves.And as Arabella walked through the hotel lounge, she noticed the number of eyes turned towards her. Maybe they were in awe of the million-dollar purse in her hands, or the designer dress, or simply how beautiful the beautiful woman was.The Bellagio's decor was always more lu
But beyond that, he was intelligent, and knew exactly what to say, when to say it. He was a cunning man. Nothing Arabella said would convince him, only the truth."I…" she stuttered.She could tell the whole truth, that Mason forced her to get close to and get pregnant with Damon; that Mason was blackmailing her with threats about Eleonor's death; that Damon was an asshole who only wanted her for sex.But she said none of that."I fell in love!"Hearing those words was like a slap, followed by a punch.Damon feared his legs would give out at that moment.He looked at Arabella, at the most beautiful eyes that had ever crossed her path. Banks was afraid to ask any more questions, as he knew everything would depend on the end of this conversation. He did not want to be an asshole, but he knew he needed to be."I fell in love with Mason. We live together, we are married and we share a life. It would be ridiculous not to assume that would happen" Arabella tried to add. “And your request fo
"What difference does?" she grumbled, already getting up and walking to the other side of the room. At that moment, proximity would not do him any good. “I am still married.”"Between being with me and thinking about myself, and being with me thinking about another, there is an abyss""Do not you do the same thing?" Arabella crossed her arms over her breasts, indignant at the man's positioning."What?""She was with me, but she was in a hurry to be in New York. Did the model have a good trip, by the way?"At that moment, it became clear that Arabella knew about the dinner with Sabrina. And worse, she was convinced that it wasn't a dinner between friends.Damon ran his hands through the black strands of her hair. The man was exasperated!"It was a random dinner. It wasn't a date, much less romantic""Was the kiss random too?" the tone of voice the beautiful woman used sounded sarcastic."There was no kiss, princess. It's just an angle. If you'd spent a few years outside the bubble, you
Damon could not hide a smile, and he did not even try. He unbuttoned his pants and opened the zipper, before Arabella could realize what was happening. Damon used a little more force to press the woman against the glass because he felt the closeness was still not enough."I want to feel you, princess. I do not want to have to use a condom today" Damon said, looking straight into Arabella's eyes.At that moment, Arabella realized that they were not talking about contraceptives, or the ability to have children. It was as if they were strangers. But still, she was unable to ignore the voice in her head asking her to agree to the idea without thinking about it."I am clean, and I know you are too. I need to feel you, I really do," he continued."Okay," she agreed.It did not take a second longer for his hips to force her legs further apart. She felt a sudden heat wash over her as Damon forced his way into her body.Arabella could not deny that the feeling the man's body gave her was divin
Damon rolled his eyes at his friend, who looked more like an alcoholic in withdrawal than a lawyer.Arabella, in turn, smiled. She looked at Damon, still with that smile on her lips, and let her date know that she thought Joseph was funny."I am fine, thank you" Arabella told the blonde."Some juice to mix with the alcohol this inconsequential person asked for" Damon said, making Joseph smile.When the blonde walked away, Joseph gave Arabella a not-so-subtle look. The truth was that he was evaluating the beautiful woman, analyzing every single attribute she had. And how she had. Carter did not need long to realize that this was the most beautiful woman his eyes had ever seen."I do not think I've had the pleasure of introducing myself. I am Joseph Carter" he extended his hand to the beautiful woman."I am Arabella Collins" she accepted the outstretched hand.Arabella wasn't expecting it, but Carter held her hand for a few seconds longer. He was struck by how soft it felt, and imagined
It shouldn't, it really shouldn't, but Damon hated every letter of that statement. It was a threat.When would someone have the courage to threaten him?Who would be brave enough to intimidate him?The answers were: never and no one."Are you threatening me?"He let go of the woman's wrist, but only to hold her chin between his fingers. The truth was that the softness of that skin was a surprise to the man, and he wished not to confront her anymore, but to try a less decent approach."Believe me, Damon, I am not willing to be a feast for your friends.""I believe it, principessa" he whispered, bringing his face closer.Arabella did not back down. She remained watching the man's gaze descend to his lips. The beautiful woman knew the seduction game he played, and she was very tempted to give in.Banks slid his index finger along her lower lip, which was close enough to feel his refreshing breath."I want you to take me back home" she said, all at once, so as not to lose the remnants of
“Busy days here” Ana commented."Do not even tell me” Arabella replied.Claire and Anastasia got into a conversation about work. So, the elevator stopped at the ground floor and the small group got out.The beautiful woman was lost in her own thoughts when a car parked in front of the group.It was impossible not to look curiously at the machine.In fact, everyone walking along the sidewalk was forced to look at the Lamborghini. The car was like a black serpent; something beautiful to the eyes, admirable to the wallet and fantastic to the mind.Arabella did not need much effort to identify the car's owner. It matched the machine perfectly.Banks got out of the vehicle with an air of superiority, then walked towards the beautiful woman. It looked nothing less than imposing. The truth was that, in front of that man, people did not even consider themselves worthy of sharing the same air."Hello, princess" he greeted. The presence of any other people at that moment was indifferent."Good
She stood in front of the elevator, waiting for it, when her phone vibrated. Arabella quickly reached for it, thinking it might be a call from Mason. She certainly did not want to talk to her husband, but she knew that ignoring Mason's calls had disastrous consequences.However, upon looking at the caller ID photo, she saw that the person calling her was Banks.For a moment, she thought about not answering. It would be better for her disturbed mind. Because after hearing his husky voice, the part of her that was attracted to that man would not let her think clearly."Hi," she suddenly found herself answering.She could not not answer!"Are you busy?" the man's voice had exactly the effect Arabella feared.It was as if her senses were trained to identify the sounds that Damon's mouth uttered. Arabella breathed in and out before responding because she knew the chances of stuttering were high."Not anymore.""Then tell me. How about dinner tonight?" he pressed."It would be nice to get o
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