So the machines and everything else we needed would start rolling in within a week. We even discussed renting out the other hall and offices adjoined with this one if Elizabeth and Jennie decided to jump on board with us.In a week or two possibly after everything is settled, Cecil will go to file a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for our brand and every. She suggested I went with her, saying I was reputable enough to handle it. But honestly, I wasn't too keen on the idea. I don't want news of me getting my way easy to be flying around, especially when it came to business matters.After finishing up some emails, I packed up my things and headed out of the store. Cecil, being the sweetheart she is, offered to give me a ride home and maybe even stop by for some hot tea.As Cecil locked up the shop, I waited in her car parked out front. The streetlights cast a faint, soft glow over the quiet sidewalk.I watched as Cecil hurried over, her b
Cecil's eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth hanging open in shock.“You can't be serious,” she exclaimed, dropping the picture she had been holding.“I am serious,” I insisted. “Damon will be back soon, and I don't want to drag you into my mess.”I reached for her bag, quickly to usher her out before Damon came back. “You've already seen enough of my ugly marriage,” I added.“Ana, wait!” She protested, her voice pleading.“I'm sorry I didn't offer you anything,” I apologized, feeling guilty already. “But I promise I'll make it up to you tomorrow or the next tomorrow—any day you want”Seconds of dragging and I managed to pull her to her feet, ready to escort her out before Damon returned.“You're taking me out the next we meet” She scoffed, probably in disbelief and then walked out of the room with me following closely behind. An hour after Cecil left, I was still sitting in the withdrawing room, lost in my own thoughts, when the sound of a car engine rumbled through the compoun
Cecil's eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth hanging open in shock.“You can't be serious,” she exclaimed, dropping the picture she had been holding.“I am serious,” I insisted. “Damon will be back soon, and I don't want to drag you into my mess.”I reached for her bag, quickly to usher her out before Damon came back. “You've already seen enough of my ugly marriage,” I added.“Ana, wait!” She protested, her voice pleading.“I'm sorry I didn't offer you anything,” I apologized, feeling guilty already. “But I promise I'll make it up to you tomorrow or the next tomorrow—any day you want”Seconds of dragging and I managed to pull her to her feet, ready to escort her out before Damon returned.“You're taking me out the next we meet” She scoffed, probably in disbelief and then walked out of the room with me following closely behind. An hour after Cecil left, I was still sitting in the withdrawing room, lost in my own thoughts, when the sound of a car engine rumbled through the compoun
Cold.Broken.Tired.These three words perfectly described how I felt, laying on the floor wishing I never jumped on the idea of getting married Damon when I found out he was my mate. My decision to marry Damon had been driven by desperation, by a longing for something better, I was tired of the physical abuse from my father and my stepmother that I eagerly agreed to marry him because I thought I was finally going to have a better life, a life where I don't get to sleep with one eye open, a life where every single thing I say or do won't be misunderstood, a life where my happiness, my health and my opinion actually mattered.But I got something else. Something perfectly similar to what I was running from. My wolf wasn't that strong to withstand the pain and heartbreak if I reject him so the thought actually crossed my mind but Ii never really dwelled on it. The walls were getting colder each passing minute so I knew the it was going to be night soon. This room had no window as it was
Cecil's expression was a mix of disbelief and sadness as she shook her head in frustration. “How could he do this to you?” she muttered, her voice tinged with anger. “All because of a woman.”I waved her concerns away, trying to reassure her. “I'm fine, really,” I insisted, though I could see the tears welling up in her eyes.She scoffed, clearly not convinced. “I can't believe I once had a crush on him,” she muttered bitterly, reaching for my cup of coffee and handing it to me.I accepted the cup with a short smile, taking a long sip to soothe my nerves. “You crush on everyone you see” I teased lightly, trying to lighten the mood.“How are you feeling?” Cecil asked again, for the sixteenth time.I couldn't help but laugh at her persistence. “You asked me that ten seconds ago,” I pointed out with a grin. “I'm fine, Cecil. Honestly. I've healed up, and I'm happy you're here”She suddenly went quiet, her sudden change in demeanor made me confused, and I watched in confusion as she jumpe
I paced back and forth in the store, my heart pounding with frustration as I listened to Victor's angry voice on the other end of the line. He sounded like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.“Calm the fuck down, Victor,” I snapped into the phone, trying to keep my own emotions in check. “Where are you?”There was a tense silence before Victor finally responded, his voice strained with anger. “Back in Gemini.”My stomach churned with dread at his words. “Back in Gemini? Please tell me you didn't go to the mansion,” I pleaded, feeling a surge of panic rising within me. “You know what? I'll be there in thirty.”I hung up the phone and quickly grabbed grab my bag, my mind racing with worry. I knew Victor was hot-headed and impulsive, and the thought of him confronting Damon alone sent a shiver down my spine. I had to get to him before things escalated any further.I hurried over to where Cecil was, my heart still racing.“Hey, I'm really sorry, but I have to go, somethin
It was hard to suppress a smile at Victor's protective stance. “Why?” I inquired.“Because, Damon has no right whatsoever to hit you,” He growled, his expression darkening. “He was lucky I didn't see him.”“You shouldn't fight him. You shouldn't,” I reasoned.“Well, you should,” “I'm trying to be the bigger person, Vee,” I replied, dropping my bag onto the black sofa. When I turned back to face him, he wore a peculiarly blank expression.“You can't, you're only 5'4” he retorted.Ha!“Funny, but I'm not going to bet on a losing fight. Damon is ten times stronger than I can ever be, and you know it.”“And I'm stronger than he can ever be,” Victor declared, rising from his seat and circling the table to approach me. “It would be fun if you sat and watched me tear him limb from limb.”I turned away, gazing out of the window. “Did anyone ever tell you that you have a very disturbingly weird choice of words?”“Uh... No,” He admitted."Well, now I'm telling you. You say disturbing, creepy t
Her words really caught me off guard, they pulled at my heartstrings. “I thought you were happy, that the Alpha is going to change and everything. But now, I'm rooting for someone else, someone who's going to take care of you and love you.”A tear unconsciously escaped my eye.Her unexpected sentiment touched me deeply. “That's so sweet,” I managed to murmur, my voice barely above a whisper.But then, as if to dispel the tender moment, she continued with her usual matter-of-fact tone. “So, Alpha Victor sent his secretary to get clothes for you for the day, and when your schedule is cleared up, the both of you are going on a shopping spree.”Her abrupt shift in tone brought a small smile to my face. Zara rummaged through the closet once more before triumphantly pulling out a sleek black tie shoulder ruched cami dress. From another bag, she retrieved a pair of white stiletto-heeled sandals adorned with charming bow decor. Lastly, she unwrapped a white retro-inspired underarm should