I woke up at home the next morning feeling surprisingly refreshed. Damon wasn't home, which was a relief. I had breakfast and took my time enjoying it, savoring each bite as I planned out my day.After breakfast, I decided to spend the morning ordering a few more things to add some final touches to my bedroom. I browsed through different online stores, scrolling through pages of curtains, throw pillows, and rugs, searching for the perfect pieces to complete the cozy atmosphere I had in my head.After much deliberation, I finally settled on a set of curtains in a soft, neutral color, a selection of throw pillows in coordinating patterns, and a plush rug to add warmth to the hardwood floors. With my shopping list complete, I proceeded to check out, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my new purchases.Since the items I ordered might take long and would possibly require pick-up, I decided to take a stroll downtown to the aesthetic store to get some room decor designs. .Upon arriving at
“Good afternoon, this is The Grand Platinum Hotel, how may I assist you?” came the voice of the receptionist from the other end of the line. Her voice tiny. “Hello, This is Zara Valentine, I'd like to make a reservation for tomorrow,” Zara replied politely, her grip on the phone tightening. “I'm sorry, but all of our suites have been booked for tomorrow,” The receptionist informed her. Zara's expression fell slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. “Okay, thank you for letting me know,” She said before ending the call. Without skipping a beat, she moved on to the next hotel on her list, dialing the number. They picked at the first ring. “Good afternoon, this is The Royal Hotel, how may I assist you?” The receptionist greeted. “Hi there, I'm Zara Valentine and I'd like to make a reservation for tomorrow,” Zara repeated her usual request. She sounded like a broken record. After a brief pause, the receptionist responded, “I'm sorry, but we're fully booked for tomorrow. But
As Victor and I chatted on the phone, he suddenly mentioned something about a red carpet party for CEOs and wealthy businessmen. He said it was going to be hosted outside the country, and he was planning to book a hotel to stay at before and after the occasion. At first, I hesitated. Going to a high-profile event like that wasn't exactly my cup of tea. But then, I thought about how much fun it could be to spend time with Victor in a new and exciting place. It was tempting. So, after a moment of consideration, I agreed to go with him. I mean I could also broaden my business. “Sounds like it could be interesting,” I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. “When is it happening?” “The night after Christmas,” Victor replied. “So, we'll be leaving tonight. We're taking the plane, as it's outside the country” I nodded, processing the information. “Okay, I'll start packing then. Am I also packing dress up for the occasion? Or not” I chuckled. “Not like staying and snacking all night in the h
As the car rolled to a stop at the airport, I glanced at the digital clock on the dashboard. It read a few minutes to nine. With a deep breath, I gathered my belongings and prepared to step out into the calm atmosphere of the terminal.Exiting the car proved to be a bit of a challenge, as it was a tall vehicle and I needed some assistance from the driver to help my way down. Once on solid ground, I thanked him and retrieved my bags, ready to begin the next leg of the journey.The airport didn't buzz with activity as it should, no sound of the usual chatter and the hum of engines that was supposed to fill the air. Neon signs illuminated the terminal, casting a colorful glow over the dark area. I made my way through the large wooden boxes that scattered around, didn't know the use or what was inside, but it was there. I followed the signs that pointed towards the departure gates.After a bit of searching, I spotted Victor and his assistant standing near the entrance to the lone open pla
I was tired, but he was more tempting and my ability to make a good decision was never good whenever he was around. So I gently grabbed his face pulled him back into an intense kiss.Hard, until I could taste blood, I didn't know whose, but it was satisfying. I put everything into it. Unconsciously drawing closer to him, I only realized when I'm kneeling at the edge of the bed and he traces his fingers over the swells of my breasts.He kissed my neck, and a tiny simper left my lips. I breathe in his rosy cologne and my head went woozy from the intoxicating scent.“You're so fucking responsive” He whispered. “And I love it”We pulled away, and I saw the his lips tinged with blood. He traced his thumb over it and then sucked on his blood-stained thumb.He chuckled. “Violent, Aren't you?” Before I could answer, the door bell rang and Victor went to answer it, I hear him thank someone as I relaxed on the bed. He then shut the door, locked it and walked up to me with the box of pizza in o
“Have it sent back before afternoon”As I stirred from sleep, I heard Victor's voice conversing with someone at the door. Rubbing my eyes, I realized I was on the bed despite dozing off in the armchair last night.With a groan, I pushed myself upright, feeling more exhausted than usual. Victor hurried over as he closed the door, concern etched on his face.“Are you okay? You look tired,” He asked, reaching out to help me up.“Yeah, I'm fine, I think,” I replied, stifling a sneeze. “Just a bit chilly, and maybe I overdid with the massage.”“The party still on for you?” He took a glass of water from the table and gave it to me.I took a large gulp and gave it back. “Yeah, don't worry” I sneezed again. And again.Oh, Goodness!After breakfast, Victor helped me arranged my dress and my heels and then we dressed up and stopped by at a salon to make my hair and then we came back.I'm tired.Seven pm drew nearer to the anticipated time of the red carpet party, Victor mentioned he needed to s
The part isn't going the way i liked it to be. Besides the red velvet cakes everything was meh!.I settled onto one of the comfortable couches tucked away in the corner of the hall, On my plate, there was just a single slice of red velvet cake and a glass of water. I decided to pass on the wine this time, because of the mass quantity I had last night at the hotel.As I sat there, I found myself observing the conversations happening around me. Women were engaged in discussions about business matters, and I couldn't help but notice a few faces that seemed vaguely familiar. Once I finished my cake, I picked the water and downed it one go, then picked another glass from the passing waiter and also downed it before getting up to find the bathroom to take a piss. When I couldn't find it, I asked on of the waitresses for help, She assisted me to the restroom and walked off. I went in, did my business and cake back out.Upon returning to the main area, I noticed the paparazzi and press has be
“I can fucking hear heartbeats from across the room” Was that five or thirty minutes ago when he said that? I don't remember. Or was it thirty seconds ago? I don't know, but the words kept replaying like a broken record in my head. It wouldn't stop. Which wasn't something I liked._“I can fucking hear heartbeats from across the room”__“I can fucking hear heartbeats from across the room”__“I can fucking hear heartbeats from across the room”_Too loud. Too much. Too frequent.As he opened the car door and gently helped me in, I clutched my bag tighter against my chest. The repetition of that sentence was driving me crazy. It felt too much, too persistent, invading my thoughts like an unwanted guest._“I can fucking hear heartbeats from across the room”_Again.I didn't know if he actually said that, because the way the sentence kept replaying it made me think I was just imagining it. Maybe he just got tired of the event and decided to leave.Maybe he noticed how bored I was
Leo’s POVShock couldn’t even describe how I felt when Michael and Greg were in the same room as us. It was hard not to show my displeasure as I watched them sit eagerly, rubbing their palms at the delicacy presented to them. While Michael was just interested in whatever this was, Greg cast furtive glances at me, but I paid him no attention.The least he could have done was to have informed me beforehand that my best friend had offered him an invitation to have dinner at the house. I could have told him to decline. If he had, Michael would have done the same, and I wouldn’t have had to watch Lila so uncomfortable.She squirmed in her seat, not looking up from the table. Her plate was empty, as she had yet to take what she wanted. But she had already been accosted, so I doubted she was interested in whatever was in those dishes.“This is amazing,” Michael gushed like a child who had just been handed his favorite candy. “I’m sitting in the same room as Leo and Armani. I can’t wait to te
Ana stepped into the pharmacy on her way to Victor's, with a sense of urgency. She made her way to the counter, her eyes scanning the shelves until she found what she was looking for. Birth control pills. She grabbed a pack, paid for it quickly, and left the store, her mind already focused on the night ahead. Hoping no one's attention was in her.Once outside, she took a deep breath and fished the packet out of her bag. She popped a pill into her mouth and swallowed it dry, anticipating her arrival at the mansion. She could feel the excitement building, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she imagined what was to come.Arriving at the house, she let herself in with the spare key he had given her. The house was quiet, save for the soft hum of voices coming from the dining room. She walked in and found him sitting at the dining table, engrossed in a live Zoom call. His laptop was open in front of him, and two businessmen were visible on the screen, discussing some important matte
After getting the things he needed at the store, Carlos' uncle, Frances decided not to drive straight home if maybe not. Instead, he took a detour to a dimly lit tea shop. He parked in front and walked on foot to a bar a bit farther away. It might be calculated move on his part, a way to throw off anyone who might be following him.Entering the bar, he found a secluded corner and settled in, ordering a few less alcoholic drinks. He knew he needed to stay awake, and nit get drunk. As he sipped his drink, he kept an eye on the door, waiting for his contact to show up. He was told this bar sold cookies, and despite the unusual setting, he couldn't resist ordering some.An hour passed, and there was still no sign of his contact. He ordered another drink, more out of a need to maintain his cover than a desire for alcohol. The bar was a typical dive, with dim lighting and the smell of stale beer hanging in the air. He tried to stay calm, but the wait was beginning to get to him.After wait
Ana spent the rest of her morning and early afternoon in blissful solitude. She played games on her phone, The hours slipped by unnoticed, and soon she felt the heavy pull of sleep. Without bothering to change, she curled up on her bed and napped.When she woke up, it was late afternoon. The house was quieter now, the bustle of the morning's chaos having subsided. She stretched and took a moment to reorient herself, then decided it was time to freshen up and shake off the remnants of sleep. She wanted to make the most of her remaining free time before the annual packs' meeting.She dressed up in a casual chiffon dress, applied a little makeup, grabbed her bag and left her room, moving quietly through the house. She tried her best to avoid any lingering annoying family members, not wanting to risk another confrontation or forced interaction, or even an insult regarding her choice not to get pregnant. As she stepped outside, the cool afternoon air greeted her. Smelt like summer was just
The girl jumped, her face paling as she stammered an apology and quickly scurried away. Ana watched her go, irritation still simmering. She put in her key, twisted until she heard a click and then shd pushed the door open, entering her sanctuary. She took a moment to breathe, willing herself to calm down. The last thing she needed was to let anyone down there see her rattled.She freshened up quickly, splashing cold water on her face and running a brush through her hair. She changed into something more presentable, even though the effort felt wasted. These breakfasts were always the same—forced smiles and shallow conversations, or just them plainly trying to piss her off Descending the stairs. Damon was seated at the head of the table, with Catherine by the left, there was someone else by the right and he gestured the lady to move when he saw me approaching.Well, let's just not start on the part where he just acted nice and weird, like he's been doing lately.Victor, predictably, wa
The next morning, Ana lounged in the living room, munching on popcorn while Zara massaged her feet. She watched as Catherine, always the attention-seeker, prepared an extravagant breakfast. As usual, Catherine had invited almost the entire Pierce family for a feast without bothering to inform anyone beforehand. It was such a Catherine thing to do—spontaneous, inconsiderate, and utterly exhausting for everyone else involved.The kitchen was a chaotic mess of clattering pots and pans, the smell of cooking food thick in the air. Selene and the other maids bustled around, trying to keep up with her relentless pace. Ana watched them with detached amusement, knowing full well that any call for help from Catherine would be met with thinly veiled disdain.Catherine, in her own world, directed the maids with sharp commands, her voice carrying over the noise. Ana knew better than to engage. She had learned long ago that nothing she did would ever be good enough for Catherine, and she had stoppe
In the dimly lit warehouse, the men lounged around, a sense of nonchalance hanging in the air. The men were taking a break from their gruesome duties, their faces reflecting a mix of boredom and tiredness and maybe a bit sleepines. The smell of sweat, smoke, and faint hints of blood filled the room."Hey, you got another one of those?" one of the men asked, nodding toward a cigarette as he sprawled on a worn-out couch."Sure," another replied, tossing him a pack. "We're gonna need something stronger if we have to go back to work soon.""Tell me about it," the first man muttered, lighting his cigarette and taking a deep drag. He exhaled slowly, the smoke curling up towards the ceiling. "I’m tired of babysitting that old woman. shouldn't we just clear her. I wonder why she's here.""Seriously man, but orders are orders," the second man shrugged, leaning back and closing his eyes. "Besides, we’ve got that other guy to keep things interesting."In the corner of the warehouse, their other
Ana woke up early the next morning, the soft morning light filtering through her bedroom window, she was driven home last night after dinner by Jules under Victor's order since he refused to let her hail a taxi. She stretched, shaking off the remnants of sleep. Today was the day she would prepare for the annual packs' meeting, an event that required her to be both presentable and versatile. The meeting was a significant occasion, filled with formal discussions and various activities, and she needed to look her best, but to beat the gossips and also build her confidence.As she dressed after freshening up, her thoughts turned to her wardrobe. Many of her clothes seemed dull and uninspired, and so was the ones she bought earlier for the meeting. She decided it was time to update her collection. Grabbing her phone, she made a quick list of the essentials she needed: a few new dresses, some casual outfits, and accessories to match. She also noted that she might need a couple of versatile
Lucas stood up, pondering her words. He exchanged a glance with the leader of the men, who gave a slight nod."You did the right thing by telling us, Maria," Lucas said. "We'll make sure your grandchildren are safe. But you need to understand that if I find out you lied, your grandkids wouldn't be safe in my hands either"She nodded vehemently, tears streaming down her face. "I swear, everything I just told you is the truth. Please, just protect them. They’re all I have left."He gave her a small, almost pitying smile, that to a normal eye would look a bit forced. "Very well then. We'll do our best. Remember, Maria, trust is a fragile thing. Don't give us a reason to break it.""I promise, I'm not lying"As they left her alone in the warehouse, her heart sank into a deep pit of despair, her mind racing with thoughts of her grandchildren. Outside, Lucas walked briskly to his car, which was parked just outside the warehouse. He climbed into the driver's seat, leaving the door open for a