POV: HENRYI walked into the kitchen, annoyed by James’s delay in returning with the drinks. The moment I entered, I found him standing by the counter, his hand midair as if he’d been caught red-handed. He ran his fingers through his hair, a gesture that seemed to mask something, and took a step back.James flashed me a cynical smile, clearly trying to maintain his composure.“Everything’s fine, buddy,” he said in that irritatingly casual tone of his. “I didn’t know Lauren Becker was your latest hire. Pleasant surprise. I thought I’d say hi, and we ended up chatting a bit, catching up.”My eyes narrowed as I listened. Crossing my arms, I studied his overly relaxed posture before shifting my gaze to Lauren. She was fidgeting with her pajamas, her trembling hands giving away her unease as she avoided looking at me. Something was off, and my patience was wearing t
POV: LAURENI ran to the bedroom as fast as I could, shutting the door behind me and trying to catch my breath. I leaned against the wood, feeling my heart pounding in my chest. Theo was sitting on the bed with the remote in his hand, a bright, excited smile lighting up his face.“Fairy! I picked out a bunch of movies,” he said eagerly, pointing proudly at the TV. “We’re going to watch all of them, right?”I forced a smile, trying to hide my frazzled state.“Of course, my little brave one. We’ll watch as many as you can handle before you fall asleep,” I said as I walked over to the bed and sat down beside him. But before I could fully settle in, Theo’s sharp eyes narrowed with concern.“Fairy, what happened to your arm?” he asked, pointing at the spot where James’s handprints were still visible, dark bruises stark against my skin.
POV: HENRYI hesitated in front of the door, my hand hovering midair, ready to knock. But something held me back. The muffled sound of her crying seeped through the wood, heavy with anguish. I clenched my fists, closed my eyes, and let out a long sigh. I knew that, even if I asked, she wouldn’t tell me what was going on.Turning away in frustration, I made my way to my office. Lauren’s perfume still clung to my clothes, a vivid reminder that unsettled me more than I wanted to admit. The trembling of her body in my arms and the fear evident in her every movement lingered fresh in my mind, leaving me restless.I turned on the computer, my patience already worn thin. I accessed the house’s security cameras, knowing there was one installed in the kitchen. As the image loaded, I ran a hand over my face, trying to keep control. When the footage finally played, my jaw tightened, and I slammed my fist onto the desk.&
POV: LAURENI didn’t know how long I had been sitting on the floor crying. My mind kept dragging me back to what James had done in the kitchen.“That disgusting bastard!” I murmured angrily, rubbing my arms as if I could erase his vile touch. “What would Mr. Carter do if he knew what his friend had done?”I closed my eyes, but instead of finding calm, I saw Henry. The warmth of his embrace, the unexpected gentleness as his fingers stroked my hair, and that woody scent that seemed to wrap around me completely. He looked at me like he truly cared. When I pulled away, there was a fleeting moment when I wished he had held me closer, stopped me from leaving, and... kissed me.“What am I thinking?” I whispered to myself, shaking my head as if I could dispel those thoughts. “I’m just his nanny. James is right—why would Henry care about what happens to me?”
POV: LAURENA burnt pancake, too much chocolate syrup, and contagious laughter. That morning carried something special light, carefree atmosphere that was rare to witness. Henry, usually so strict and serious, was genuinely trying to connect with Theo. And it was working. Sometimes, I caught Theodor sneaking fascinating glances at his uncle, as if he couldn’t believe this new dynamic.“How about we paint?” I suggested with an enthusiastic smile. The reaction was immediate: both of them turned to me with skeptical expressions, as though I’d proposed something utterly absurd.“Paint?” Henry arched an eyebrow, running a hand casually through his hair. “That doesn’t sound very productive,” he remarked, casting a quick glance at Theo before sighing. “But we can give it a shot. What do you think, kiddo?”“Really?” Theo’s eyes lit up for a brief moment, but hesitation quickly followed. “You’re not going to mind the mess?”“Messes are part of the process,” Henry replied, winking at his nephew
POV: HENRYI walked toward Theodor’s room, ready to give him a stern talking-to about the incident that morning. But as I got closer, I heard his soft voice speaking to Lauren.“I’m scared Uncle Henry will leave, like my parents did.” Theo’s voice was trembling, and it made something tighten in my chest.I stopped in the hallway, biting the inside of my cheek, my hands curling into fists. Damn me for always seeming distant when he needed me most. I relaxed my posture and, with a heavy sigh, knocked on the door.“Mr. Carter, were you able to finish your call?” Lauren asked politely, her voice calm yet firm. She then nudged Theo gently, tilting her head toward him in a subtle gesture of encouragement. “Theodor has something he’d like to say to you.”I raised an eyebrow, crossing my arms and tilting my head slightly as I looked at him expectantly.“Oh, really, little man?” My voice carried a teasing tone as I waited.“But, fairy…” Theo grumbled, casting a pleading look at Lauren. She, ho
POV: LAURENI was surprised when the housekeeper came to take my measurements, and even more so when I opened the box that arrived hours later. Inside was a stunning dress, as if it had come straight off the cover of a magazine. Since marrying Ethan, my style has become more subdued, because, according to him, there is no need to waste money on “frivolities.”“Tell that to your mistress,” I murmured sarcastically, staring at my reflection in the mirror as I finished getting ready.The dress fit my body perfectly, elegantly and discreetly accentuating my curves. Despite the pregnancy, my belly was still unnoticeable, and the fabric draped flawlessly. It was sophisticated, with just the right balance of class and sensuality—something I hadn’t worn in a long time.How long had it been since I last felt this beautiful? I gently touched the skin exposed by the subtle neckline, letting my thoughts drift for a moment, imagining what it would be like to wear dresses like this when my belly wa
POV: LAUREN“I don’t answer personal questions,” Henry declared, his voice calm yet sharp enough to cut through the air. His tone demanded respect. He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye, his piercing blue gaze assessing my reaction. “Let’s go inside.”Without another word, he guided me into the mansion, maintaining his imposing and steady presence. Even as the reporters continued shouting questions, his hand remained firmly at my waist, and Theodor, still nestled in my arms, seemed to find comfort in his uncle’s unwavering demeanor.Once the heavy doors closed behind us, I felt my knees almost give out. Henry stopped, turned toward me, and tilted his head slightly, studying my face.“Are you all right?” he asked, his voice noticeably softer this time.I swallowed hard, trying to gather my thoughts while my heart continued to race.
POV: LAURENMy hands worked in sync with my mouth, sliding up and down in the same rhythm as my suckers, while my tongue played with precise movements, stimulating every sensitive spot. His length throbbed against my tongue—hot, rigid, utterly delicious.Henry threw his head back, his breathing ragged. The pace quickened, and with my other hand, I cupped his balls, massaging them gently, feeling his body tremble under my touch.“Fuck, Lauren…” he growled, his voice thick with raw pleasure. “If you keep this up, I won’t last, and I want to feel you around me.”In one swift, determined motion, Henry yanked me up, his lips crashing against mine with desperate hunger. My body pressed against his, and I felt his erection pulsing between us. I kept my hand wrapped around him, continuing my movements as he devoured my mouth.He groaned against my lips, bitin
POV: LAURENA gasp escaped me. My entire body throbbed, my breathing became uneven, and the heat between my legs was unbearable.Henry knew exactly what he was doing to me. And I didn’t want him to stop.“So ready for me, my Becker.” Henry’s voice came out hoarse, thick with desire and possession. His dark gaze devoured me as his fingers slowly slid over the thin fabric of my pants, shifting them just enough to expose my intimacy to his touch.The mere brush of his fingertip against my skin made me gasp, and a shaky moan slipped past my lips. A low, satisfied chuckle rumbled in his chest as he registered my immediate reaction.“Easy, little one,” he murmured, his lips curling into a smirk dripping with mischief. “We’re just getting started. I want to taste every inch of you.”“Henry…” His name spilled
POV: LAURENThe air between us grew thick, charged with electricity and desire. My heart pounded against my ribs, and my breath turned ragged as the heat of his body fused with mine. The rich, masculine scent of Henry surrounded me, igniting an insatiable longing that made my skin burn.“Henry…” My voice came out in a shaky whisper, caught between hesitation and surrender.His gaze, intense and filled with raw lust, locked onto mine. It was like an inescapable fire, consuming any last shred of resistance I might have had. My body pulsed under his touch, every inch of my skin sensitized by the searing path of his fingers. His strong hands slid along the curve of my waist, pulling me even closer against him, and a delicious shiver ran down my spine.“Stop running from what you want, Lauren.” His voice was low, husky, and intoxicating. His mouth hovered dangerously close to mine, and the promise in his words made me hold my breath. “You want me just as much as I want you. Say yes… and be
POV: HENRYLauren was visibly better after a few weeks of rest. The test results showed that everything was within normal parameters, which brought us immense relief. Theodor had grown even closer to her, reading to her belly every night, telling stories filled with promises for the future sibling, describing the games and mischief they would share.Since Becker’s bleeding incident, I simply hadn’t allowed her to sleep alone anymore. This change in our routine brought us closer in an intense and unexpected way. Her mind was fascinating—brilliant, full of ideas and suggestions that made our business conversations not only productive but also enjoyable. Without realizing it, she lifted a great weight off my shoulders, and I found myself eager to share every detail with her.“It's official—I think I've found my replacement.” My voice carried a teasing, playful tone, just enough to make her lift her blue eyes from the report and stare at me, surprised.“What did you say?” Her expression s
POV: LAUREN“Mom, please! Henry is going to freak out when he finds out what you did!” I exclaimed, watching another batch of cupcakes come out of the oven while Theo, covered in frosting from head to toe, worked on his masterpiece with chocolate and colorful sprinkles. “He’s already had way too much sugar!”“Oh, Lauren, let the boy be a kid!” My mom huffed, rolling her eyes as she tidied up the counter. “I raised you the same way, spoiled you with love and sugar, and look at you now—a grown, healthy woman. So let me spoil this little angel my way.”Theo looked up at me, his eyes shining with happiness, the tip of his nose smudged with whipped cream.“Grandma is amazing, Fairy!” the little one chimed in.I sighed, already defeated.“See?” My mom smiled triumphantly, winking at me. “I&
POV: ETHANThat damn billionaire looked at me with an air of superiority, certain that he had already won this battle. His threatening tone left no doubt—he knew about the embezzlement, and those incompetent fools in my finance department had miserably failed to cover up the evidence. I’d have to deal with this mess later.I drummed my fingers against the desk, calculating my options. So this was what it was about? Henry Carter was here to reclaim what his dear wife had lost. Lauren always had a knack for attracting trouble. Even after the divorce, she was still a nuisance. If I had gotten rid of her at the right time—an accident carefully planned—no one would have suspected a thing.The thought amused me for a moment, but I had to regain control. Carter was still in front of me, impatient, waiting for my answer.“So, what will it be?” he asked, his jaw clenched, his eyes locked
POV: HENRYEthan leaned slightly over the desk, his eyes filled with provocation, as if savoring each word before letting them out.“Mr. Carter…” He spoke slowly, dragging out his tone, feeding off the tension. “Man to man… I know you married my ex-wife.”I kept my expression impassive, though hearing Lauren’s name from his mouth was enough to irritate me. He noticed—and continued.“I also heard she’s expecting your heir,” Ethan added.My jaw tightened, and my fingers flexed slightly against the fabric of my suit, but I remained still, staring at him.He paused dramatically, his eyes analyzing every minute reaction, as if searching for a weakness to exploit.“But there’s no need to come here and mark your territory,” he said, a malicious glint in his eyes. “I ha
POV: HENRY“Where to, sir?” the driver looked at me through the rearview mirror.“PharmaCare Industries.” I ran a hand over my neatly trimmed beard, casting one last glance at the mansion. The life I was building there needed to be protected.I grabbed my phone and sent a message to Lucian. I needed him to meet me at Lauren’s ex-husband’s company with the financial documents detailing the embezzlement. Furthermore, I never understood my brother’s interest in doing business with PharmaCare. There were more solid companies and hospitals we had strategic partnerships with, expanding branches and investing in medical technologies far more profitable than Ethan’s ventures.The car glided smoothly into the parking lot. Checking my watch as I stepped out, I scanned the surroundings. No sign of Lucian.“Always late…” I muttered, massag
POV: LAUREN“Daughter, is that how you greet your mother?” My mom frowned, placing her hands firmly on her hips as she stared at me with disapproval. “This handsome man called me, saying my little girl needed me. You're pregnant, you need rest, and maybe a little motherly love would help you feel better.”My eyes widened, and I immediately turned to Henry, glaring at him as if I could set him on fire with my stare.“You called my mother?” I asked through clenched teeth, feeling my body heat with indignation. “And you told her about the pregnancy?!”He remained calm, as imposing as ever.“Actually, your mother saw the news about your dramatic entrance to the hospital in the arms of CEO Henry Carter,” Kate interjected, holding my mom's purse and trying to ease the tension. “So, let’s just say she kind of threatened to storm