Lucian's POVI wasn’t sure how long I sat at Brenda's door, my back pressed against the door, my elbows resting on my knees. I had knocked on the door a few times but she would either not answer me at all or yell at me to go away. The weight of everything pressed down on me—regret, guilt, confusion.The realization that I loved Brenda had shaken me to my core, but now that I had acknowledged it, I didn’t know what to do with it.Love wasn’t supposed to be part of this.This marriage had been a strategic move, a well-crafted plan to get my parents off my back. And it had worked. But now… now things had spiraled into something I had never anticipated.I had hurt her. Over and over again.And now she was crying because of me.Her voice had been thick with emotion when she yelled at me to go away, and it tore through me like a blade. I had never been able to handle her tears, and knowing I was the reason behind them made it worse.I took a slow breath, steeling myself.Then, in a softer
Brenda's POVThe moment the words left Lucian’s lips, I froze.I love you, Brenda.For a second, my mind couldn’t even process it. Had I misheard him? Had he actually said that?But then I saw the way he looked at me—his eyes steady, unwavering. There was no mockery, no smirk playing on his lips. Just sincerity.And I laughed.It started as a small chuckle, an incredulous burst of disbelief, but it quickly grew into something almost hysterical. Laughter bubbled out of me, sharp and bitter, as I took a step back and shook my head."You love me?" I repeated, my voice dripping with sarcasm.Lucian didn’t flinch. He just stood there, watching me, as if bracing himself for the storm he knew was coming."You must be joking," I continued, crossing my arms over my chest. "Because I am not in the mood for jokes right now."Silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. I felt like I was standing in the middle of a battlefield, my anger crackling like flames while Lucian remained calm, composed
Brenda's POVLucian's question still hung in the air before me waiting for an answer, yet I didn't know what to say to him. I felt like a deer caught in the headlights, my mind racing through the memories I had buried so deep—the blood, the fear, the cold night when I ran for my life.I remembered that night at Lucian’s mansion, when the cops were after me, when I had been desperate for shelter. When he had asked me in that dark night how I ended up there, and I—shaking and breathless—told him about finding out my father was murdered and how, while trying to flee from the same assailant, I got entangled in another crime.Back then, he hadn’t seen my face clearly. The darkness had shrouded my identity. He never recognized me. Not then. Not now.And I needed to keep it that way.If I repeated the story now, if I gave even a shred of that truth, Lucian—intelligent, calculating Lucian—would piece it together.He would know.So I swallowed down the truth, ignoring the burn in my throat,
Brenda's POVA sharp gasp slipped past my lips as the towel pooled around my feet, leaving me completely bare before Lucian—for the second time. The air felt electric, the tension between us thick and undeniable. My skin burned under his intense gaze, his sharp breath the only sound between us.I should have reached for the towel, should have shielded myself, but I couldn’t move. His eyes—dark, filled with something primal and unrelenting—pinned me in place.Then, he shot up to his feet, taking one step toward me, then another. Like a predator closing in on its prey, his steps were slow and measured.A shiver ran down my spine, anticipation curling deep in my belly as Lucian stopped only inches away from me. His breath, warm and uneven, fanned against my cheek.“I—” My voice broke, but before I could think, his fingers skimmed over my bare shoulders, trailing down my arms with a touch so light, so reverent, that my entire body trembled.His eyes were fixated on my breasts as though h
Brenda’s POVA dull ache pulsed through my body the moment I stirred awake, stretching lazily against the soft sheets. At first, I frowned, wondering why every muscle in me felt so deliciously sore. Then, like a tap being switched on, memories of last night rushed in, flooding every corner of my mind.Lucian. His hands. His lips. His body moving in perfect rhythm with mine. And then, the sex!We freaking had sex!A deep blush crept up my cheeks as I bit my lip, warmth spreading through my chest. I had given myself to Lucian—fully, completely. It wasn’t just my first time; it was my first time with someone I loved. Someone who, for the first time, I believed loved me back.I was glad I gave away my virginity to someone like Lucian and not Ralph who chose to betray me instead.I let out a small, contented sigh, sinking deeper into the mattress. Last night had been intense, breathtaking, and unlike anything I had ever imagined. Every touch, every whisper while stroking deep inside me, ev
Brenda’s POVAs I sat across from Lucian at the breakfast table, stirring my coffee absentmindedly, the question that had been lingering in my mind since last night resurfaced.I had been moments away from asking it before he silenced me with a kiss, one so deep and consuming that all rational thoughts had evaporated. But now, with the glow of last night still lingering between us, I needed answers.I set my cup down, gathering the courage to voice my thoughts. "Lucian…"He looked up from his plate, his sharp blue eyes flickering with curiosity. "Hmm?"I hesitated for a second but then pressed on. "What happens now?"A small crease formed between his brows. "What do you mean?"I exhaled slowly, choosing my words carefully. "The contract, Lucian. We set rules—no intimacy, no sex. And we broke them. So… what happens with the contract now?"Recognition flashed in his eyes, followed by a slow exhale as he leaned back against his chair. "Ah, that.""Yes, that." I nodded, watching his expre
Brenda’s POVLucian’s fingers were warm as they curled around mine, his grip firm yet gentle, as if he never wanted to let go. We sat in the back seat of his sleek black car, the city lights casting a soft glow through the tinted glass. The hum of the engine and the distant chatter of pedestrians outside blended into a low, soothing murmur.I couldn’t stop smiling.Everything about this moment—about us—felt so surreal. Just weeks ago, my world had been nothing but uncertainty and struggle. And now? Now I was here, my fingers intertwined with Lucian’s, heading toward an evening gala as his wife.I turned slightly, my gaze trailing over his sharp, striking features. His jawline, defined and strong, his dark eyes focused ahead as he absentmindedly stroked my palm with his thumb. The smallest of gestures, but one that sent a warmth spiraling through my chest.As I looked back out the window, watching the city glide past us in a blur of neon and moonlight, my mind drifted back to the morni
Brenda’s POVThe gala night was in full swing.The grand ballroom buzzed with energy as elegantly dressed guests mingled, their glasses filled with the finest champagne. Soft orchestral music drifted through the air, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. From the stage, a compere welcomed notable guests while waiters moved gracefully through the crowd, serving hors d'oeuvres on silver trays.As much as I wanted to stay by Lucian’s side tonight, we both had responsibilities to ensure the success of the event. While he was handling crucial business matters, I was preoccupied with my charity team, making sure everything was in place for the charity segment of the gala.Supervising the team was no small feat. The donations had to be organized, the presentation had to be flawless, and every guest who had pledged funds for the cause had to be acknowledged. My team bustled around the side of the hall, setting up the donation booth while I double-checked our list.Vanessa was surprisingly di
Brenda's POV “I have evidence that could exonerate you, Brenda”I gasped, my heart pounding in my chest as Ralph's words sank in. Evidence that could exonerate me?I felt my breath hitch as a powerful wave of relief and disbelief washed over me. Could this be real? Could I finally clear my name?"Ralph," I whispered, my voice trembling, "what do you mean? What kind of evidence?"He exhaled, running a hand through his hair, his expression serious. "I found a private investigator," he said. "The same one Vivian hired."That caught me off guard. Vivian? My brows furrowed. "Vivian? What does she have to do with this?""She was already looking into Vanessa," Ralph explained. "I don't know all the details, but I know she had suspicions about her. The investigator had already started gathering proof, but I needed something solid, something undeniable. So I paid him—almost all the money Vanessa gave me—so he could finish the job and get the real evidence we needed. Evidence that proves you'r
Brenda’s POVMy entire body tensed as Ralph's words echoed in my mind."It might interest you to know that Vanessa was the one who tried to murder Inspector Smith's daughter and framed you for the attempted murder instead."I felt my breath hitch, my stomach knotting as if I'd been punched. My lips parted, but no words came out. My brain struggled to process what I'd just heard.Vanessa.She had been the one behind it all.I should have known. I should have realized that her cruelty had no limits. But this? This was beyond anything I could have imagined.Before I could fully grasp the weight of that revelation, Ralph delivered another blow."That same Inspector Smith… is my biological father. And the girl Vanessa put in a coma… she's my junior sister."I gawked at him, completely blindsided. A thousand questions stormed my mind, but none of them could take shape."Your—what?" My voice was barely above a whisper.Ralph exhaled heavily, rubbing his face as if bracing himself for somethi
Brenda’s POVThe moment my eyes locked onto Ralph’s, every muscle in my body tensed.I stood frozen, my breath coming in shallow bursts as a whirlwind of emotions crashed over me—anger, confusion, disbelief.He was the anonymous caller?The man who had warned me, saved me from being arrested?I wanted to turn around and walk away, but my feet refused to move.His expression was unreadable at first, but then his lips parted, and he took a cautious step forward."Brenda—""Stay the hell away from me," I spat, my hands clenching into fists at my sides.I couldn’t believe this.The man who had hurt me in more ways than I could count. The man who had shattered my trust, humiliated me, and set me up with that scandalous kiss—he was the one who had been watching over me?"Listen, I know you’re angry—""Angry?" A bitter laugh bubbled out of me. "I loathe you, Ralph. After everything you did, you still have the nerve to show up and act like some kind of savior?"He flinched, guilt flickering a
Brenda’s POVTwo days now.It had been two days since my life flipped completely upside down.Two days since I had run from my past—again.Two days of solitude, fear, and endless thoughts gnawing at my sanity.I sat on the edge of the hotel bed, my arms wrapped tightly around my knees, staring blankly at the beige-colored walls. The room was nothing special—just another generic hotel suite with an uncomfortable bed, dull wallpaper, and a television that I had barely glanced at.But it was safe.At least, for now.I exhaled shakily and rubbed my temples, my head throbbing from exhaustion. Sleep had been a stranger to me these past two nights. How could I sleep when my world was crumbling beneath my feet?I had some cash on me when I fled the company—enough to check into this hotel under a false name. But I knew it wouldn’t last forever.And I had nowhere else to go.Mrs. Elizabeth had always been my safe haven, but I couldn't risk going to her now. If the police were truly after me, th
Lucian’s POVI was still seething as I stared at Brenda Anger coursed through my veins like fire, burning hotter with every second.I had defended Brenda. Trusted her. Opened myself up to love her.And yet. The headlines. The pictures. The proximity and the kiss with that guy. Damn it!The betrayal hit harder than I ever could have imagined.I didn’t know if I was angrier at her or at myself for believing in her in the first place.But then, something changed.Right in front of me, Brenda’s entire demeanor shifted.She had been trying to plead her case—trying to get me to listen—but when her phone buzzed, she glanced at it, and suddenly…She wasn’t crying anymore.She wasn’t defensive anymore.She wasn’t saying anything anymore.Instead, her face drained of color, her fingers clutching her phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white.And then, she ran.Again.Just like she had the other day.She bolted past me so fast I barely had time to react.For a moment, I just stood there,
Brenda's POVThe entire house was silent, wrapped in a darkness so thick it felt suffocating. The only sound was the soft rhythm of Lucian’s steady breathing beside me.He was asleep. Peaceful. Unbothered.Unlike me.I lay there, staring into space, my body exhausted but my mind unwilling to rest.Sleep had abandoned me the moment I closed my eyes. Too much had happened today. Too much to process, too much to forget.Vanessa’s unexpected arrival.Chairman Kingsley’s blatant favoritism.The argument between father and son, a battle of power and authority that I found myself stuck in the middle of.The accountant.Mrs. Vivian.Their dirty hands siphoning the charity funds meant for the less privileged.And then—Ralph.The audacity of him. The way he had forced himself back into my life as if he had a right. The way he had—My fingers curled into the sheets at the memory of how he kissed me.It was overwhelming.This family was drowning in secrets.Dangerous, destructive secrets.And Luc
Brenda's POV By the time closing hour finally rolled around, I felt like I had been wrung dry.Chairman Kingsley hadn’t lingered long after his spat with Lucian that morning, but Vanessa had made it her mission to remind me exactly who held the power at work today.All. Damn. Day.She had me running back and forth, calling me into her office for the most trivial, pointless tasks—reviewing reports that had already been approved, fetching documents that weren’t even necessary, nitpicking over work I had already done perfectly. It was all a show. A game.And I let it slide.I answered her every time, didn’t argue, didn’t give her the satisfaction of a reaction.She wanted me to break. She wanted to see cracks.But I refused to let her win.Still, as I sat at my desk, gathering my things, I could feel the exhaustion pressing down on me, not just physically but mentally.It was almost exactly like before, back when I lived under her roof—back when she controlled every aspect of my life, t
Brenda's POV The moment I laid eyes on Vanessa standing in my office doorway, a surge of disbelief shot through me.Lucian had made it very clear that she was no longer welcome here, and yet, here she was, standing in front of me like she owned the place.She was smiling. Not a friendly smile, but one filled with arrogance, as if she wanted me to know she was untouchable, that she could do whatever she wanted, no matter what Lucian said.I felt my fingers curl into fists at my sides."You shouldn’t be here," I said, keeping my voice steady.Vanessa chuckled, tilting her head. "Oh, Brenda," she murmured. "You didn’t really think I’d just disappear, did you?"I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could, a deep, furious voice thundered from behind me."What the hell are you doing here?"Lucian.His voice was thick with rage, and my entire body tensed.I turned just in time to see him storming toward us, his movements sharp, his expression deadly. His icy blue eyes were locked onto Va
Lucian's POV The murmurs swelled, a storm of whispers and gasps rippling through the hall, but I had no patience for them."Enough," I said, my voice sharp, cutting through the noise like a whip. The room stilled instantly, every pair of eyes locking onto me with wary anticipation. "There's been a mix-up." I didn't elaborate, nor did I feel the need to explain myself to my employees. They worked for me—I didn’t owe them anything beyond their paychecks."Go back to your duties." My tone left no room for argument. "Now."The exodus began, people slowly dispersing, though their curious gazes lingered on Brenda and me longer than I liked. I was about to walk Brenda out, eager to remove her from their scrutiny, when a voice sliced through the thinning crowd."Excuse me!"My eyes snapped up, a sigh already building in my chest before I even saw her. Vanessa.She stepped forward, cutting through the dispersing employees with an air of authority that made it clear she wasn’t about to be ign