"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."
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 the next bedroom. I have to focus on making this space my own. If I am going to stay here, then it has to be away from him.I needed to arrange my books on the nightstand, hang my clothes in the walk-in closet, and placed a few cherished mementos on the dresser. Which means I'l
MATT'S POVShe nodded, "Sure, we can, Matt. I'll see you around."I gave her one final hug, holding on a little tighter than necessary. "Take care of yourself, Quinn," I whispered.Quinn smiled and pulled back, her eyes sparkling. "I will, Matt. You too, okay?"I forced a smile, feeling a pang of guilt. "Yeah, I will."With one final glance, she turned and walked out of the club, leaving me to my thoughts.As I watched her, I felt this wave of sadness over me. It's been a while I've seen her lately, ever since that incident. Bryan was doing everything in his power to keep her safe, hidden away from prying eyes like Jasper's reach.I let out a deep sigh, the weight of my own secrets crushing down on me.How about me?I've been working for Jasper, but my interest in Quinn has never been about the job. It's always been about her. I took this job seriously after I got to know Quinn, and it's been her all along.If only she could see that I'm not like Jasper. If only she could learn to leav
QUINN'S POVI sat in the car, fiddling with my black glasses as I stared out at the sea of mourners gathered outside. Today is the day we say our final goodbyes to my father, the man who had once been the head of Sutherland Corporation.The company that Bryan now owned, and it is ironic that its investors had come crawling back after the ownership had been passed. The company was now one of the top three influential private businesses, and it seemed that his efforts would live on, even if he wasn't around to see it.I sat there, I couldn't help but think about mom. She is the reason I decided to attend this funeral, despite my reservations. She loved him, despite his flaws and all, and I knew that she would want me to be there for her today.I adjusted my scarf, making sure that it was securely in place. I managed to keep a low profile over the years, avoiding the blogs and the prying eyes of the public. Only a handful of people knew that I was my father's half-daughter, and I intended
Then, we both spoke at once."I think—" he started."You should—" I began.We both stopped, realizing we had spoken simultaneously. He smiled wryly. "You go first."I shook my head. "No, I think it's best I listen. Mine will come in later."His stares were becoming intense, so I lowered my gaze, unsure of what to say. He took a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt this pile up of emotions as he drew nearer.Without thinking, I reached out, taking his hand, feeling the spark of connection in my heart's pulse. Bryan managed to give my hand a gentle squeeze."My lawyer was able to recover my companies from Jasper," he announced. "Unfortunately, Jasper didn't put up a fight."I looked up at him. "That's good news, Bry."He nodded. "Yes, and I've also placed the companies in the hands of one of my trusted shareholders. He'll take care of them."I felt this sadness, knowing he wouldn't be there to oversee his business empire anymore. "How long will you be here?" I asked abruptly,
QUINN'S POVThe ride home was very quiet, the most reserved ride I’ve ever had. I couldn’t hear a dime. I might have been present, but everything about my spirit, soul and body was absent.It hurts so much that I blame myself for being so hard on him all this while. The times he’d drop gifts and letters at my doorstep consistently every day. It might not have been a great ride, but Bryan loved me more than anyone else in this world would have. No words, no whimpering, just my eyes flowing with unending tears. “Quinn, you need to stop crying,” Eva advised, breaking the silence.But I couldn't. "I will never get over this pain I’m feeling" I confessed. “He’s all that I have.”“Now I feel bad that you never acknowledged me. I’ve been with you through what? Thick and thin and Bryan’s all you have?” Her words struck me and I could feel the pain in her voice.“I’m sorry Eva, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that…." My tone turned apologetic but she quickly hushed me.“Shhh_ I’m here for
-----------------"Whose child?" Quinn pressed, her brow furrowed in confusion.Thornton hesitated before speaking. "Your father, Sutherland, had a romantic affair with his second cousin, which resulted in your birth."Quinn and I gasped in unison. "What?" we exclaimed, shock and disbelief laced on our faces.Thornton continued, his voice filled with sadness. "He did marry your mother, despite the families being against them. I suppose it's because he loved her. I found out about their relationship because my first wife was a friend of your mother's."Officer Maddie's eyes widened in surprise. "What in heaven's name is going on here?" she asked, her voice firm, but I could tell she was confused.Thornton's expression turned cold. "When I threatened to expose Sutherland's secret if he dared to speak a word about Braxton's murder, he was terrified. He feared for his reputation and kept quiet all these years."Quinn's face twisted in anger and hurt. "His reputation? That's all he cared ab
BRYAN'S POVWe walked into the police station, hand in hand, with Eva following close behind. "Excuse me," I said to one of the officers, "we'd like to speak with the officer in charge of Jasper Brown's investigation."The officer looked at us, obviously recognizing me, and asked us to wait. He stepped away for a minute before returning to escort us to a private room.Eva opted to wait outside, so we left her in the lobby. Inside the room, we met a lady who looked barely above middle age. "Hi, I'm Bryan Braxton, and this is _"Quinn Sutherland." She continued."We have information about Jasper Brown and his accomplice, Mr. Thornton that we would love to share with you."The officer, whose name tag read "Officer Maddie," looked at us with interest. "What kind of information?" she asked.We stared at each other and I spoke up. "We would like to be recorded."Officer Maddie nodded. "I see. Well, we've had Mr. Brown in custody, and we could use any additional information you can provide.
QUINN'S POVEva and I were still reeling from the shock of Matt's betrayal, lost in our own thoughts, when the doorbell rang again. I let out a frustrated sigh and made my way to the front door angrily."I thought I asked you to leave, Matt!" I yelled, but my voice trailed off as I took in the figure standing before me. It was Bryan."Matt?" he repeated, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Matt was here?"I nodded silently, still trying to process the sudden change in events. As I gazed at Bryan, I couldn't help but notice how worn out he looked. His eyes seemed sunken, and his face was laced with deep lines. This wasn't the stern, looking Bryan I had grown accustomed to; this was the Bryan I remembered from my childhood.I gulped down the huge form of saliva in my mouth. It took everything in me to not jump on him right now and hug him so tightly. I missed him so much. Bryan's eyes scanned me from head to toe, taking in my almost invisible baby bump. I felt a flutter in my chest as our
QUINN'S POVEva's voice broke the silence. "Did you know Jasper was involved in such terrible things?"I paused, thinking back to the times Jasper and I spent together. He had been so charming and perfect, leaving no hints about his dark secrets.I shook my head, "I had no idea," I replied. "He seemed like the perfect gentleman."Eva nodded in approval. "Exactly! That's what makes it so scary. He is so good at hiding his true nature. However, when he spiked your drink and food, that was a sign of a drug dealer. Trying to force himself on you was also a sign of a rapist. I'm glad you had nothing to do with him in the end. I can't imagine _"I felt a shiver run down my spine as I remembered that night. "I did sleep with him," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper cutting her short.Eva's eyes widened in shock. "Are you saying...," she gasped, "Is he the father of your baby?" she asked, her voice trembling.I quickly shook my head. "No, no, it's not that. It's just that... I don't r
BRYAN'S POVI lounged on my couch, crunching on a crispy snack, when my attention drifted to the TV screen that flickered with breaking news. The anchor's serious tone caught my eyes."Breaking news: A high-profile sting operation has led to the arrest of Jasper Brown, the newly appointed CEO of Aurora's conglomerate, on charges of sex trafficking and distribution of hard drugs. The investigation carried on by a journalist, spanning several months, has uncovered a complex web of illicit activities involving some of the city's most influential figures."The anchor's words hung in the air, as the screen behind her displayed a mugshot of Jasper, his usual smirk being replaced by a scowl followed by blurry footage and photos from the club, taken by the undercover photographer. "The evidence, obtained through a daring undercover operation, reveals shocking scenes of exploitation and abuse. Photos and videos, taken from within the club, show victims being coerced into sex work and patrons
JASPER'S POVI stepped into the dimly lit club, the pounding music and throbbing lights enveloping me like a warm embrace. This was my domain, my sanctuary. The place where I could let my guard down and be myself. Most especially, it maintained its aura of exclusivity.I made my way through the crowded room, nodding to familiar faces and exchanging brief hello's. The smell of smoke and sweat filled the atmosphere and I breathed it in deeply. I felt alive.I spotted one of my girls, a stunning blonde, dancing on stage. She caught my eye, winked and smiled, and I giggled. She was mine, one of my best earners, Stella.I continued to make my way towards the VIP section, where my partners and I conducted our... business. We deal with more than just drinks and music here. We dealt in secrets, in desires, and in the forbidden.I made it all happen.The Devil's Kiss was my pride and joy, a massive facility with over 80 rooms, each one designed to cater to a specific desire or fantasy. We had r
MATT'S POVIt's been two months since everything changed. Two months since the turn of events and Bryan has been all over the news, his saga with Eva at the hospital, news about his health and his resignation as CEO of Aurora corporation. It's not been easy for anyone seeing his constant appearance on the television.I myself have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, gathering evidence and building a case to ease his feelings. I've had a few close calls. Like the last time I was snooping around the warehouse, I almost got caught. But I didn't give up. I couldn't give up. Not after everything I've seen and everything I've learned.Jasper's treatment of those around him has been horrifying. He manipulated, used, and hurt people without a second thought. And Quinn...I knocked on the door, and she opened it, looking more beautiful than ever in this pregn glow. This newfound peace definitely agrees with her, and it's amazing to see. "Hey Matt! It's good to see you," she snapped, ope