"Oh, Bridgette, you always were the slow one, weren’t you?” Agatha sounded viscous and sarcastic particularly when she adde, “Well, to put it simply, I wanted to kill you that is why I took this all in violence to completely get rid of you, my dearest stepsister."Her words stung, but not as much as the implications of what was happening. I was tied to a chair in what appeared to be a remote cabin—judging by the faint chirping of crickets outside and the musty smell of old wood. My wrists burned against the rope, but the physical pain was nothing compared to the betrayal cutting through me. "You want to kill me." The statement came out flat, emotionless, but inside, my heart was racing like a drumbeat of panic. Agatha's smile widened. "Finally, you’re catching on. Yes, Bridgette. I want you dead. You see, dear sister, you’ve always been in my way. Ever since Daddy married your mother and you came into our lives, you were the golden child, the favorite. Romeo’s precious little prin
My wrists throbbed against the tight ropes binding them, but the ache was nothing compared to the storm raging in my mind. Agatha paced before me, her sharp heels clicking against the cold concrete floor of the warehouse. Her face was a picture of calm malice, as if orchestrating my abduction was just another task on her to-do list.I couldn’t believe it. My own step-sister.“Agatha…” My voice came out shaky, but I forced steel into it. “This is insane. Let me go, and we can pretend this never happened. I’ll forget all of it—this whole ridiculous plan.”She stopped abruptly, turning to me with a sneer. “Oh, you’d forget it, don’t you? How noble. But you see, Bridgette, I don’t want you to forget. I want you to comply.”My pulse spiked. “Comply with what?”Her eyes gleamed with a twisted delight as she stepped closer, crouching so that her face was level with mine. “I want you to sign over everything to me. The properties, the shares, the company, all of it. Once Daddy dearest kicks t
Agatha sat across from me in the dimly lit van, her face cold and unyielding. My heart was racing, but I forced myself to stay calm. I had one shot at this, and I needed to execute it perfectly.“Let me call Dad,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “You can watch me the whole time. If I’m going to sign my life away, I deserve at least one chance to hear his side of things.”Agatha’s suspicious glare remained fixed on me for several tense seconds. Then, with a sharp sigh, she pulled her phone from her pocket and handed it over. “Fine, but no funny business. You’ve got two minutes.”I took the phone, my bound hands fumbling slightly as I dialed the number I knew by heart. As the line connected, I took a deep breath and launched into my performance.“Hello, daddy. It’s Bridgette,” I said, my voice steady despite the thrum of adrenaline coursing through me. “There’s something I’d like to clarify about my inheritance.”I heard Agatha shift in her seat, but I kept my focus on the phone.“I kn
Thiago’s words hung in the air like a challenge, his steady gaze fixed on me as if daring me to contradict him. My fingers curled tighter against my lap, my stubbornness flaring despite the sincerity in his tone.“I’m not some damsel in distress that needs constant saving,” I snapped, glancing out of the car window at the blur of the city lights. “And you can’t just swoop in and expect me to owe you everything.”His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his knuckles whitening. “You can call it whatever you want, Bridgette, but the facts speak for themselves. You were in trouble, and I got you out.”I turned to face him, heat rising to my cheeks. “And I appreciate that, Thiago. But this doesn’t change the fact that I can take care of myself.”He let out a low chuckle, the sound laced with frustration. “Oh, really? Was signing away your inheritance part of your grand plan to take care of yourself?”The jab stung, and I scowled. “That was a distraction, Thiago. It was to buy time.”“You
Thiago’s car glided through the streets behind the police convoy, the tension in the air between us thick enough to cut with a knife. I glanced out the window, trying to distract myself from his earlier question. “Will you already believe me when I say that the only safest place you’ll ever be is by my side?”” His words echoed in my mind, stirring a mix of emotions I wasn’t ready to face.“Are you going to answer me, Wifey?” Thiago’s voice broke through my thoughts, smooth but edged with the insistence that always made my temper flare.I turned to him sharply. “First of all, stop calling me that. Second, just because you played hero today doesn’t mean I’m moving back to Sevi with you.”Thiago’s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his jaw clenching. “You’re being reckless again. Agatha is behind bars, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe. You need protection.”“I can protect myself,” I snapped, crossing my arms. “I’ve been doing it my whole life.”He scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping h
I tightened my grip on my bag as I followed Thiago into the police station, the sharp scent of disinfectant mingling with the hum of activity around us. My heels clicked against the tiled floor, each step feeling heavier than the last. This was the last place I wanted to be, but Thiago had insisted—no, demanded—that I file my statement against Agatha. He didn’t care that I felt exposed, or that every moment spent here reminded me of the tangled web of family betrayals I’d tried so hard to escape.“It won’t take long,” Thiago said as he opened the door to the interview room for me. His tone was firm but not unkind. “Just tell them exactly what happened. The more solid your statement, the stronger the case against her.”“I know how this works,” I muttered, stepping inside. “But don’t think for a second that this is me giving in to your demands.”He didn’t respond, only giving me one of his unreadable looks before gesturing for me to sit. The officer assigned to take my statement—a ster
As I walked into the museum where Sevi and I last went, the museum was already close and I had to resort to looking for a nearby cafe. The familiar scent of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked pastries wrapped around me like a warm hug. My eyes scanned the room, landing on him instantly. Sevi sat at our usual table near the window, his brows furrowed as he stared intently at his phone. He looked up just as I approached, and the tension in his face melted into a relieved smile."Bridgette!" he exclaimed, standing so quickly his chair scraped against the floor. "Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick! Do you even know how many times I called you?"I forced a smile, feeling a pang of guilt at the concern etched on his face. “I’m sorry, Sevi. I should’ve called you back earlier. Things got... complicated.”“Complicated?” he repeated, his voice rising slightly. “That’s all you’re going to say? You disappear, don’t answer your phone, and now you just show up like it’s nothing?”I s
The weight of Thiago’s confession followed me like a shadow, clinging to me even as I tried to leave it behind. The tears I’d been holding back since I walked out of his apartment stung my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I didn’t want to cry over him anymore. I didn’t want to feel anymore.But when I reached the solitude of my apartment, the dam broke. The tears came, hot and relentless, as I sank onto the edge of my bed. The memory of Thiago’s words played on an endless loop in my mind."I want everything with you. And I’ll wait as long as it takes."How could he say those things now? When I had finally gathered the strength to move on, when I had convinced myself that whatever we had was over—he came back with those words, cutting through my resolve like a knife.The knock on my door startled me. For a brief moment, I thought about ignoring it, but then the knocking grew more insistent. Wiping my tears hastily, I stood and opened the door, fully expecting it to be Sevi.It was
The silence between Victor and me stretched, taut and suffocating. He watched me like I was a puzzle he had almost solved but was too frustrated to finish.“Bridge,” he finally said, his voice softer now. “You don’t have to do this alone. You know that, right?”I swallowed against the lump in my throat. Victor had always been my safety net, the one person who saw the mess I was and still chose to stand by me. But even he couldn’t save me from myself.I turned away, rubbing my arms as though that could shake off the cold creeping into my bones. “I’m tired, Vic. Can we just—can we not do this tonight?”His eyes darkened, but he nodded once, reluctant. “Fine. But this isn’t over.”With that, he left, the door clicking shut behind him. I waited, standing frozen in place until I heard his footsteps fade down the hallway. Then, with a shaky breath, I turned and pressed my forehead against the door, letting my eyes close.Not five minutes later, my phone vibrated on the counter.I didn’t wan
The weight of Lucia’s words lingered long after she was gone, settling over me like an unwelcome shroud. The air in my apartment felt heavier, thick with the ghost of Thiago’s presence.I set the wine glass down with a soft clink, pressing my fingers against my temples. My head throbbed, not from the alcohol but from the war waging inside me. Thiago was a storm—unrelenting, consuming, and I was the fool who kept stepping into the rain without an umbrella.I forced myself to move, needing to shake off the static thrumming in my veins. One step, then another, until I was standing before my bedroom mirror. The woman staring back at me looked like a stranger. There was defiance in her eyes, yes, but beneath it, something else lurked—uncertainty.My gaze dropped to the ring, still snug on my finger. I could almost feel the phantom trace of Thiago’s touch lingering there. My hands curled into fists. I should take it off. I should have done it the second he walked out that door.With a sharp
The elevator ride to my apartment was silent except for the dull hum of the machinery. My fingers hovered over the ring on my hand, debating whether to rip it off before I stepped through the door. But I didn’t. I couldn’t. I stepped out into the hallway, my heels clicking against the polished floor, my pulse a steady drumbeat in my ears. As I neared my door, a whisper of hesitation curled in my chest, but I ignored it. My fingers trembled only slightly as I unlocked the door and stepped inside.The lights were already on.I froze.And then…“I was beginning to think you’d changed your mind.”Thiago’s voice curled through the space, rich and smooth, wrapping around me like a silk noose. He was there, lounging in my living room like he belonged. A bottle of wine sat open on the table, two glasses half-poured. Like he’d planned for this. Like he knew I’d come.My breath stuttered. “You broke into my apartment.”Thiago smirked, tilting his head. “Now, now, wifey. You gave me a key, reme
The night air was thick with the scent of the ocean, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore a stark contrast to the storm still raging inside me. Lucia’s grip on my wrist didn’t loosen until we were a good distance away from the bar, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement as she all but dragged me down the sidewalk.I let her.Because if I didn’t, I wasn’t sure if I’d turn back.Lucia finally stopped near the edge of the boardwalk, whirling around to face me. “What the hell was that?”I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples. “Lucia—”“No.” She held up a finger, her eyes blazing. “No, don’t you Lucia me. You just stood there and let him put that ring back on your finger. Do you want to keep playing his little games?”I didn’t answer.Because I didn’t know.Lucia groaned, running a hand through her hair. “I swear to God, Bridge, I love you, but you’re killing me.”I let out a humorless laugh. “You think I don’t know that?”She narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms.
I should have walked away.Should have left him standing there in the dim glow of the city lights, his arrogance hanging in the air like the scent of his cologne—rich, dark, and impossible to ignore.But my feet wouldn’t move.Thiago was waiting. Watching. That infuriating smirk still curled at the corner of his lips, like he had already won.Like he knew I wouldn’t leave.I lifted my hand again, staring at the ring on my finger. It looked the same as before, but now it felt… different. He had put it back on me. Not a question. Not an offer. A statement.I clenched my fist. “I should take this off.”His smirk didn’t waver. “But you won’t.”I exhaled sharply. “You’re so sure of yourself.”Thiago stepped closer, and just like that, the space between us disappeared. His fingers brushed against my wrist, featherlight but firm enough to make my pulse jump.“I don’t need to be sure of myself, Wifey.” His voice was low, dark, coaxing. “I just need to be sure of you.”I hated the way my body
I should have looked away. Should have turned my back on him, pretended he wasn’t there.But that was the thing about Thiago. He didn’t just take up space—he consumed it.And right now, he was consuming me.Lucia muttered a curse under her breath, shooting me a knowing look. “Seriously? Does he have some kind of tracking device on you?”I swallowed, forcing my shoulders to stay squared even as my pulse quickened. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”Thiago didn’t move right away. He just stood there, watching me, his gaze dark and unreadable. It was infuriating how effortless it was for him. How he could make an entire room feel smaller just by existing in it.Then, finally, he walked forward.And just like that, the air shifted.My grip tightened around my glass. Every part of me screamed to act unaffected—to act like he didn’t get to me. But then he was standing beside our table, his presence like a brand against my skin.Marcus, still chatting up some poor woman, glanced up and let out a
The moment the door shut behind him, I let out a shaky breath, my knees threatening to give out beneath me.Thiago was gone—for now.But I knew better than to believe he would stay away.I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the frantic beat of my heart beneath my fingertips. He had gotten too close again. Worn me down with his words, with the weight of his presence. And damn it, he knew it.I crossed the room in quick strides, locking the door as if that would somehow keep him out. Keep him from creeping into my thoughts, my skin, my resolve.I needed air.Without a second thought, I stepped onto the balcony, the cool night breeze wrapping around me like a much-needed embrace. The ocean stretched before me, waves crashing against the shore in rhythmic defiance.I wished I could be like the tide. Constant. Unwavering. Unaffected.Instead, I was a mess.My fingers curled around the railing as I stared at the dark horizon.How had I let this happen?How had I let him slip back in, take
The moment the door shut behind him, the tension in the room thickened.Thiago didn’t move right away. He simply stood there, watching me, his gaze dark and knowing. He had won this round, and he knew it.I turned away, walking toward the minibar just to put some distance between us. My fingers curled around an empty glass, gripping it as if it could anchor me."You enjoy this, don’t you?" I muttered, not looking at him. "Back and forth, push and pull. You like knowing that no matter how much I fight you, I’ll still let you in."Thiago’s slow footsteps echoed in the room as he approached. "I don’t enjoy it, Wifey," he murmured, his voice low, dangerous. "I need it."My breath caught.Before I could turn, his hands were on my hips, his chest pressing against my back. I felt the heat of him, the possessiveness in his touch."You say you want to be free," he murmured against my ear, his lips barely brushing my skin. "But we both know you never will be. Not from me."I squeezed my eyes sh
I sat on the edge of the bed, my heart still hammering against my ribs long after Thiago had left. My body felt taut, wound up like a spring that had been stretched too far. I ran a hand through my hair, inhaling sharply, willing my thoughts to clear.But how could I, when his presence still clung to the air like a lingering storm?I needed to focus.I grabbed my phone and re-read Marcus’s message. The launch. My project. The moment I had been building toward for months. The reason I had tolerated sleepless nights, constant battles in boardrooms, and a relentless war against my father’s company.I couldn’t afford to let Thiago distract me. Not tonight. Not ever.With renewed determination, I typed out a response to Marcus, confirming that I’d review the final details in the morning. Then, I placed my phone on the nightstand, staring at it for a long moment.Would Thiago leave me alone for the rest of the night?Or had he only retreated to strike again when I was vulnerable?The though