I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. My head was pounding with a terrible headache, and I could feel the pain beating against my skull. As I looked around, I saw the empty bottle on the floor, a reminder of the previous night's events. I must have drunk too much, because I couldn't remember much of what had happened.I tried to sit up, but my body ached all over. My muscles felt stiff and sore, and I could feel the weight of my exhaustion bearing down on me. I looked around the room, taking in the mess that I had made. My shirt was stained and wrinkled, and my hair was a tangled mess. I looked like I had been through a war.I slowly got to my feet, using the wall to support myself. I felt dizzy, and I had to close my eyes for a moment to steady myself. When I opened them again, I made my way to the mirror to assess the damage. What I saw wasn't pretty. My eyes were still red and bloodshot, and my skin was pale. It looked like I had been up all night, which I pro
Another 24 hours had passed, and I still hadn't seen Quinn. I was really worried about her. I couldn't focus on anything, and all I could think of was her. I was scared that something bad might happen to her.I had promised myself that I would never hurt her again. I felt terrible about what I had done, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. Everyone around me was worried about Quinn too. I could see the look on their faces.This wasn't how I had planned things. I had wanted us to spend some quality time together, but now everything seemed to be falling apart. I made a big mistake, and I needed to fix it.With this incident, she might just go back to Jasper in any slightest chance she gets. I needed to do something to stop that from happening. But the problem was, she had locked herself in her room, and I didn't know how to get to her.I paced back and forth in the hallway, trying to think of a solution. Then, I got an idea - maybe I should get rid of the door that was keeping us apar
QUINN'S POVI've been locked in this room for what feels like an eternity. The discomfort is suffocating me. I'm tired, hungry, and thirsty, but I refuse to give in. I'd rather die here than face the monster Bryan has become.I remember the Bryan I fell in love with as a kid-kind, gentle, and caring. But over time, he's changed. He's become harder, colder, and more controlling. With each passing day, he became more and more unbearable.I heard his plea outside the door, begging me to come out. For a moment, I almost succumbed. I wanted to believe that he truly cared, that he was sorry for what he'd done. But I know better. I know I shouldn't have crossed the boundaries I did. I know his mother is a sensitive topic, one that he never likes to talk about. But I was angry, and I wanted to hurt him. I wanted to make him feel something, anything, because it always seemed like he was devoid of emotions. Like he never cared.But he does care. He cares only about his family, and he's willing
"I'm sorry, Eva," I said, feeling a pang of guilt. "I was going to tell you about the proposal, but I felt like I could handle it alone. And you were so busy with work at the time, I didn't want to bother you."Eva's expression became stern, and she shook her head. "Girl, this is too serious to keep to yourself. This is a photocopy!" she exclaimed, waving the paper in the air. "Where's the original? And please tell me you didn't actually sign this."I furrowed my brows, feeling a bit confused. "I don't understand, Eva. Isn't this why I'm staying at Bryan's place?" I asked, trying to clarify things.Her eyes widened in surprise. "You mean you're actually considering this proposal?" she asked, her voice incredulous.I nodded, feeling a bit defensive. "Well, Bryan asked me to spend a week with him, and then I get to decide if I wanted to be with him or Jasper."Those eyes sparkled with surprise again. "Jasper? Bryan's aware of Jasper?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity.I nodded. "Y
JASPER'S POV Earlier today, I got a call that she was finally awake. But Bryan was always hovering around, so I had no time to make a quick stop. He looked really restless when I saw him step out. Like he's not slept for days.He put her in this state and dare act remorseful? Did he forget who he was?"Bryan Braxton" I chuckled.As I walked into the hospital room, I was taken aback by Quinn's fragile appearance. She looked like she'd been through a war. I felt guilty and concerned, knowing that I had a role to play in her current situation. If he wasn't trying to hide her from me, we wouldn't have been there."Hey", I called, walking towards her bed-stand."I heard you were in admitted," I said, trying to sound casual as I handed her a bouquet of flowers.Her eyes widened in surprise, I bet she wasn't expecting to see me here. "Hey" She replied, taking the flowers and sniffing them. She let out a relaxing moan. "How did you know I was here?" she asked, her voice guarded.I smiled and
BRYAN'S POVI stood outside the hospital room, taking a deep breath before going in. I had just canceled a meeting with Jasper and Victor, we can always reschedule. None of that mattered to me right now. My queen, Quinn, was awake, and I needed to see her.I had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity. I had to apologize, to make things right between us. I couldn't bear the thought of her being angry with me.I took another deep breath, smoothing out my suit. I was ready to face whatever lay ahead. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my eyes scanning the room for Quinn.I stood beside her bed, gazing at her peaceful face. She looked like she was asleep, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. I reached out, my fingers brushing against her soft hair. I stroked it gently, removing the strands from her face.But in an instant, her eyes snapped open. I jerked back, startled. She definitely wasn't sleeping.She sat up quickly, her eyes locked on mine
QUINN'S POVAs we drove, I looked out the window, my mind lost in thoughts about the events of the past few days. I assumed Bryan was taking me home, but as we turned onto a familiar street, I realized where we were headed."Where are we going?" I asked, in a firm voice.Bryan's eyes never left his screen. "You signed those papers, remember? You're my wife now. You should be close to me.""The week is over, Bryan! Two weeks of putting my entire life on hold. What more do you want?" I spat angrily.His voice took on a stern tone. "I'm not keeping you hostage, Quinn. This time it's different. I'm only taking care of you. And as my wife, you'll do what I say." He reached out to my thighs, rubbing them gently."Welcome home, Love," he said, as soon as the car came to a halt. I silently got down, heading towards the entrance.As we stepped into the foyer, I was taken aback by the sudden eruption of cheers and applause. His staff shouted in unison, "Surprise! Welcome home, Ms. Quinn!"I look
I gasped, my eyes snapping open in surprise. "Bryan, what are you doing?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.He looked up at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just relax yourself, my love," he urged.I felt a shiver run down my spine as he continued to suck on my toes. It was a strange sensation, but it was also strangely erotic.As he moved his mouth up my legs, I felt my desire growing. I reached out and grabbed his hair, pulling him closer to me."Bryan, please," I whispered, my voice urgent with need.He looked up at me, his eyes burning with desire. "Please what, my love?" he asked, his voice low and husky.I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I looked at him. "I need you," I whispered, my voice barely audible."No! I need you to be my bride." He spat, and I wondered if we weren't already together. Is he requesting my approval right now ?--------------Bryan's eyes grew aggressive as he pulled me closer. His mouth went straight to my neck. I shivered from the effect."
lSoon the driver arrived, and I got in, my mind still reeling from the event that had just happened.I pulled out my phone and started to dial Bryan's number. I was going to confront him but hung up on second thought.Maybe I should go to Eva, except that I didn't want to disturb her either. Besides, I'm not sure if she's ready to talk to me yet.I needed a distraction, something to channel this anger and frustration into. I spotted a small art studio nearby and quickly asked the driver to stop. I made my way inside. The smell of paint enveloping me, and calming my racing thoughts. It looked like a paint and sip recreational center, but it seemed quiet today.I settled in at a stand, picking up a brush and dipping it into a bright shade of blue. As I began to paint, I felt my tension slowly began to ease, replaced by a sense of calmness and focus.Just as I was getting lost in the creative process, my phone buzzed again. I hesitated, wondering if it was worth it. But as I looked ove
As I spotted her, I caught her eyes and nodded subtly towards the backyard. She nodded back in understanding as we both slipped away from the crowd.Once we were outside, Eva turned to me, her expression serious. "I've been waiting for you to resume work for the longest," she said as her eyes scanned me with a mixture of concern and curiosity.I let out a small laugh, trying to downplay the severity of my injuries. "I'm better, Eva. Just a few bruises here and scratches."But she wasn't buying it. She rolled her eyes, and took a step closer to me. "Are you ready then to tell me what's happening? Who did this to you?" she demanded, her voice firm.I tried to brush it off, resorting to the same excuse I had given them earlier. "I had already told you guys, I got into a fight..." But Eva wasn't having it.She cut me off mid-sentence. "Na-uh. You can tell that crap to Quinn, not me, Matt. I'm not daft!" She crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with annoyance.I raised my right hand in t
"Sir?" she called, poking her head into the room.I turned my attention towards her. "Yes? You can come in."She stepped inside, with a discreet envelope in her hand. "A courier just dropped this off, sir. It's marked 'urgent' and 'personal'."My eyes narrowed slightly as I took the envelope from her hand. It had my name typed on the front, but there was no indication of who had sent it or what it might contain."Thank you. That's all for now." I announced, dismissing her. She nodded and backed out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.I scanned the contents of the envelope, my expression darkened. "This is highly unacceptable. No, I wouldn't let her walk away from the agreement so easily."I picked up my phone and dialed my lawyer. "I need you to come to my office, right now.""Is everything okay, Mr Braxton?" His calm tone replied along the line."Well, if you get here now, you'll figure that out." I dropped the call.-----------------I spent the remaining few minutes pa
I finished gathering my belongings, rolling my box out of the house. Eva had the most pitiful face on. She wrapped me in a tight hug. "Promise me you'll often call and stay safe," she whispered, her voice trembling.I nodded, trying to reassure her. "I will, Eva. Don't worry."It's another morning, except that this is a not so bright one. I looked around Bryan's bedroom, my temporary prison.As I began to pack the few belongings I'd be taking with me. I was doing this. I was staying there, in this gilded cage, until I figured out my next move."I can do this," I said to myself, trying to sound convincing. "Maybe, I can stay here, play the part, and bide my time. It's not going to be forever. Just until I figure out what to do"But the truth was, I had no idea how to escape Bryan's grasp. He had eyes and ears everywhere, and if I tried to run, he'd find me. Underneath the moon and the stars, he'd find me.I shuddered at the thought, pushing it aside as I lifted the carton, moving it to
MATT'S POVI navigated through the crowded hallway of Eclipse, scanning the area for Eva. We needed to talk, and I'd been waiting for a chance to grab her attention.As I spotted her, I caught her eyes and nodded subtly towards the backyard. She nodded back in understanding as we both slipped away from the crowd.Once we were outside, Eva turned to me, her expression serious. "I've been waiting for you to resume work for the longest," she said as her eyes scanned me with a mixture of concern and curiosity.I let out a small laugh, trying to downplay the severity of my injuries. "I'm better, Eva. Just a few bruises here and scratches."But she wasn't buying it. She rolled her eyes, and took a step closer to me. "Are you ready then to tell me what's happening? Who did this to you?" she demanded, her voice firm.I tried to brush it off, resorting to the same excuse I had given them earlier. "I had already told you guys, I got into a fight..." But Eva wasn't having it.She cut me off m
I stood outside the sleek, modern building, checking the address on the piece of paper for what felt like the hundredth time. This was it – the office of Mrs. Stone, Jasper's lawyer.I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress and mentally preparing myself for the meeting.As I pushed open the door, I stepped into an elegant lobby. The receptionist looked up from behind the desk, smiling politely."Can I help you?" she asked."I'm here to see Mrs. Stone," I replied, trying to sound confident. "I have an appointment."The receptionist nodded, typing something into her computer. "Of course, Mrs. Stone is expecting you. Please, take a seat, and I'll let her know you're here."I sat down in one of the plush chairs, flipping through a magazine I saw on the desk to distract myself. I came for something important – something that could change my entire life.After a few minutes, the receptionist called out to me. "Mrs. Stone will see you now."I stood up, taking a deep breath as I followed
QUINN'S POVI watched Matt.A million questions flowed through my mind. He was lying. I didn't know how, but my instinct told me he was hiding something.Seeing his battered body made me want to puke. Who could have possibly done this to him? I thought back to our previous discussion.Could it be Jasper... or Bryan?Just because his story wasn't adding up, it seemed too convenient and too rehearsed.He tried to speak, his voice low, almost coming off as a whisper "Concerning our previous discussion, Quinn... permit me to take that back?"I narrowed my eyes, my grip on the ice pack tightening. "What are you talking about, Matt?" Matt's gaze fixed on mine, his eyes pleading. "About... what I said. I was mistaken. I didn't mean to—"My anger boiled over. "Mistaken?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You showed me a picture, Matt. You told me things. What are you trying to take back?""I…I just didn’t want you to end up with him." He stammered, his eyes darting between Eva and I. "Yes, I got
MATT'S POVI slowly opened my eyes. Everything hurt. My body felt broken. I tried to move, but the pain shooting through me was unbearable.I remembered the beatings. I also remembered the sound of my bones cracking, the feel of my skin tearing. I was lying in a dark room, chained to the wall. I struggled to sit up, but it hurt too much."Jasper..." I whispered. I was angry, but I couldn't do anything.I waited, hoping someone would come and help me. But I knew I couldn't trust anyone. Not even myself.I slowly sat up, wincing in pain. One of the men soon stepped in, bringing me a bottle of water. "Hey, Man, you're finally awake? you've been out for days," he announced.I took the water, my hands shaking as I unscrewed the cap. I took a sip, feeling the cool liquid soothe my dehydrated throat.Just as I was starting to feel a bit better, another guard, Jake, spoke up. "I'll go tell the boss that he's awake," he said, as he made his way to exit the room.I shot them both a cold stare.
QUINN'S POVI slowly opened my eyes, grogginess clouding my mind. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was...was Jasper's face. And then everything went black.A gentle voice spoke beside me. "Quinn, can you hear me?"I turned my head, wincing at the pain that shot through my temples. Eva's face came into focus, her eyes filled with concern."Wh-what happened?" I stuttered, trying to sit up.Her hands gently pressed me back onto the bed. "Don't try to move, Quinn. You're in the hospital. You were hurt pretty badly."Hurt? Hospital? Memories began to flood back – the house, the fight, Jasper's desperate eyes...Eva narrowed her eyes slightly. "If you weren't still recovering, I'd be tempted to slap some sense into you," she snapped, her voice firm but laced with worry. "What were you thinking, pulling a stunt like that? You scared me half to death."I looked down, feeling a sting of guilt. "I'm sorry, Eva," I mumbled.Her expression softened a little bit, but her tone remained stern