The sharp clatter of drawers and the shuffle of fabric pulled me from sleep. My eyelids fluttered open, and for a moment, I was disoriented, unsure if I was still dreaming. But the sound of hushed voices and the unmistakable sensation of someone rifling through my things jolted me awake.“What the hell?” I sat up abruptly, my voice groggy but firm.The sight that greeted me was surreal. Two maids were rummaging through my dresser, tossing garments and accessories onto the floor as if they were searching for something. Another maid was bent over my bedside table, going through my jewelry box.“Excuse me! What do you think you’re doing?” I snapped, throwing off the covers and scrambling out of bed.The maids didn’t even look at me. They continued their frantic search, their faces blank and determined, as though I wasn’t even there.“Hey!” I shouted, stepping closer and pulling one of them away from my dresser. “I’m talking to you! What is going on here?”Still, none of them answered. Pa
“Bridgette,” he said, striding toward me. “I just ran into my mother in the hall. What the hell happened?”I took a shaky breath, gesturing to the mess around us. “Your mother decided to accuse me of stealing her emerald necklace. She and her maids tore my room apart and, conveniently, found it in my wardrobe.”Sevi’s jaw tightened, his usually soft brown eyes hardening. “She what?”I nodded, crossing my arms. “She’s trying to frame me, Sevi. I don’t know why, but she clearly wants me out of this house—and out of your life.”Sevi ran a hand through his hair, muttering a curse under his breath. “I’ll talk to her. This is ridiculous.”“Don’t bother,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. “She’s not going to listen to you. She’s made up her mind about me, and nothing you say will change that.”“Then I’ll make her listen,” Sevi said firmly. He reached for my hand, his touch grounding me in a way I hadn’t expected. “You’re not going through this alone, Bridgette. I’m on your side.”I l
The world always had its cruel sense of timing.I sat on the bench at the park, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the scene. The air was fresh, the sound of distant birds chirping, and the serenity of it all contrasted sharply with the storm raging in my mind.How did Thiago always seem to find us? No matter where Sevi and I went, no matter how careful we tried to be, Thiago always appeared, as though he had some sixth sense that told him exactly where to intrude. It wasn’t just unsettling—it was maddening.“Are you okay?” Sevi asked, breaking my train of thought.I looked over at him, his concerned expression softening the sharp edges of my frustration. “I’m fine,” I lied.He didn’t look convinced, but he let it go.We sat in companionable silence for a moment, the park bustling quietly around us. But that peace was shattered when I spotted a figure approaching in the distance, his tall frame and determined stride unmistakable.Thiago.“Oh, great,” I muttered under my breath.
The silence in Sevi’s car was deafening as we drove back to the condo unit. The argument at the park lingered like smoke in the air—thick, clinging, and suffocating. Sevi gripped the wheel tightly, his knuckles white against the leather, while I stared out the window, my mind racing with a storm of emotions I couldn’t quite name.Thiago’s words echoed in my head: “Do you still love me?”It wasn’t supposed to be this complicated. Sevi and I had agreed to this arrangement to protect him from his father’s meddling, but now? Now, everything felt tangled. Thiago’s presence, his relentless persistence, had shaken whatever fragile balance I thought I had.“We need to talk,” Sevi said, breaking the silence.I turned to look at him, his profile taut with tension. “About what?”“About him.” Sevi’s voice was sharp, almost accusatory.I sighed. “Sevi, I—”“Don’t,” he interrupted, glancing at me briefly before focusing back on the road. “Don’t defend him. Not after what he pulled today.”“I’m not
The weight of the anonymous message lingered with me the entire day. My mind kept cycling through the possibilities: Who would want to warn me, and why? Was it connected to Thiago, Sevi, or someone else entirely?Sevi was equally unsettled, though he tried to mask it. After our exchange about the message, he stayed unusually close, almost as if he feared leaving me alone would invite disaster. It was sweet, but it also heightened my anxiety. I needed to think clearly, and his protectiveness, while appreciated, was starting to feel suffocating.By mid-afternoon, I excused myself to the bedroom under the pretense of needing rest. As soon as I closed the door, I pulled out my phone and stared at the anonymous message again.“Be careful who you trust.”It felt like a riddle with no answer. If this was about the rumors of the fake engagement, it was already too late for caution. That cat was out of the bag. If it was about Thiago… well, that only made things more complicated.My finger hov
The next morning came too quickly. Sleep had been elusive, leaving me staring at the cracks of dawn through the window. Thiago’s words replayed endlessly in my mind. I hated how easily he could plant doubt, how even now, his voice lingered like a shadow.Sevi was already up, sitting at the kitchen island with a cup of coffee and his laptop. His hair was slightly disheveled, and he wore a focused expression as he scrolled through something on the screen.“Morning,” I said, my voice raspier than I expected.He glanced up and immediately softened. “Morning. You look like you didn’t sleep.”“Because I didn’t.” I poured myself a mug of coffee, letting the warmth soothe my nerves.“Anything on your mind, or should I guess?” he asked, closing his laptop.I hesitated. “Do you think my father would go to such lengths just to get me back under his control?”Sevi exhaled sharply. “I don’t know your father like Thiago does, but if what Thiago said is true, then yes. It sounds like something he’d
I clutched the note tighter, its cryptic message echoing in my thoughts."You’re not safe with them. Watch your back."The words were scrawled in hurried, jagged handwriting, almost as though the author had been trembling while writing.Who could have left it? And why?Sevi’s lighthearted voice floated in from the kitchen, humming a melody as he prepared breakfast. Thiago’s deep timbre echoed from the hallway as he finished a phone call, his tone sharp and commanding. The tension between the two men had escalated so much that I felt like I was walking on eggshells around them.And now this?The note had thrown me into a new spiral of doubt.I stuffed it into the pocket of my cardigan and headed toward the kitchen. I needed answers, but more than that, I needed to stay calm.“Morning,” Sevi greeted me with a warm smile. His carefree demeanor was in stark contrast to the chaos unraveling in my mind. “Hungry? I made pancakes.”“Thanks,” I muttered, forcing a smile.Thiago appeared moment
The house was eerily quiet when we returned. The confrontation in the park left a lingering tension that none of us could shake off. Sevi stormed to his room without a word, and Thiago, who looked more somber than usual, stayed behind in the living room, his jaw tight as if suppressing a storm of emotions.I stood at the base of the stairs, my heart thudding in my chest. That note. Those men. Thiago’s cryptic warnings. It all felt like a puzzle with missing pieces, and I was desperate to figure out what it all meant.But right now, I was stuck in this suffocating mansion, surrounded by tension and unanswered questions.I climbed the stairs to my room, my thoughts spiraling. Once inside, I locked the door behind me. I needed time to think, to process everything.Slipping my hand into my pocket, I pulled out the note again, my fingers trembling. The words seemed darker now, more menacing in the dim light of my room."You’re not safe with them. Watch your back."Who had written it? And h
(Thiago’s pov)It started as an ordinary day in the Monaco mansion. I had just finished preparing Bridgette’s morning smoothie—strawberries, bananas, and a hint of almond milk, exactly how she liked it. As I handed her the glass, the doorbell rang.I frowned. “Expecting someone?”Bridgette shook her head, taking a sip of her smoothie.I opened the door and was greeted by my new secretary, Ava. She held a wicker basket overflowing with fresh fruits. “Good morning, Mr. Bermudez,” she said with a polite smile. “I brought these for Mrs. Bermudez. I thought they might help with her cravings.”Her gesture was thoughtful, and I appreciated the effort. Ava had been efficient and professional since she started, but I hadn’t expected her to take an interest in Bridgette’s wellbeing.“Thank you, Ava. That’s very kind of you,” I replied, taking the basket.Bridgette, who had moved closer to the door, peeked over my shoulder. The moment she laid eyes on Ava, I saw her expression shift. Her brows f
Bridgette’s request wasn’t just a craving—it was a quest. And if my wife wanted dumplings from Hong Kong, then by God, she’d get them.I wasted no time. Within the hour, I’d arranged for a chartered plane and coordinated with my team overseas. The chef at the restaurant Bridgette loved was more than happy to whip up a fresh batch of her favorite dumplings.As the jet roared through the night sky, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Bridgette didn’t realize the lengths I’d go to for her. For most people, this might seem excessive, but to me, it was just another way to show her how much she meant to me.By the time I returned to Monaco, the city was still asleep, the first light of dawn just beginning to creep over the horizon. I stepped into our home, carrying the carefully packed dumplings like they were treasure.I expected to find Bridgette asleep, but instead, I was greeted by the faint sound of sniffles.“Bridgette?” I called, my voice gentle as I followed the sound.I found her
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of our bedroom, casting a soft, warm glow over everything. I stirred slightly, feeling the comforting weight of Thiago’s arm around me. My hand instinctively rested on my stomach, the thought of the tiny life growing inside filling me with a mix of awe and happiness.Thiago was already awake, his fingers idly tracing circles on my belly. He looked at me with a boyish grin, the kind that made me fall in love with him all over again.“Good morning, Mama,” he said teasingly, leaning in to kiss my forehead.“Good morning,” I replied, laughing softly. “Someone’s in a good mood.”“Why wouldn’t I be?” he said, his eyes lighting up. “I’m about to become a dad. I already feel like the luckiest man alive.”I shook my head fondly, sitting up. “You’re going to spoil this baby before they’re even born.”Thiago’s grin widened, and I noticed a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Speaking of spoiling…” he began, standing up and walking toward the closet.
The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of our bedroom, casting a soft, golden glow on everything it touched. I stirred, feeling the warmth of Thiago’s body pressed against mine. His arm was draped possessively over my waist, and even in sleep, he seemed reluctant to let go.I turned to face him, marveling at the peaceful expression on his face. It was a rare sight—Thiago without his usual commanding aura, just a man completely at ease. I reached up to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, and his eyes fluttered open, the dark brown depths locking onto mine.“Good morning, Mrs. Bermudez,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep but filled with affection.I smiled. “Good morning, Mr. Bermudez.”He shifted, propping himself up on one elbow as his other hand trailed lazily down my arm. “I could get used to waking up like this.”“You should,” I teased, leaning in to press a kiss to his lips. “You’re stuck with me now.”His lips curved into a grin against mine. “That’
I woke up the next morning with my phone in hand, the screen still lit up with our chat from last night. Licht’s name stared back at me, his last message lingering in my mind:"Sleep well, Cassie. Sweet dreams. Maybe dream of me?"A small smile tugged at my lips despite myself. I hated how easily he could make me feel this way, but there it was—that stupid fluttering in my chest that I couldn’t seem to shake. Before I could second-guess myself, I opened the Finder app and shot him a reply."Don’t flatter yourself. I’m not that easy."Not a minute later, a reply came in."Oh, really? You’re chatting with me first thing in the morning. Seems like I’m on your mind, Cassie."I rolled my eyes, but a chuckle escaped my lips."You’re unbelievable."His response came almost instantly."And yet, you’re still talking to me. Admit it—you’d miss me if I stopped."I didn’t bother denying it, even to myself. Instead, I leaned back against my pillow, a blush creeping across my cheeks as I typed back
One evening, thiago suddenly asked me to join him for dinner on the terrace. The table was set with candles and flowers, the soft sound of waves in the distance creating a romantic ambiance.“You went all out,” I teased, taking in the sight.“Only the best for my wife,” he said with a smile, pulling out my chair.The dinner was perfect—delicious food, easy conversation, and the glow of the setting sun painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. But as dessert was served, Thiago grew quiet.“Bridgette,” he began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. “There’s something I need to say.”I looked at him, my heart skipping a beat.“When we first met, everything between us was... complicated. Contracts, deals, and obligations clouded what should have been simple. But through it all, you showed me something I didn’t know I needed. You showed me love—real, unconditional love.”Tears filled my eyes as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box.“I don’t want contracts or co
The days of chaos felt like years, but it all came down to this—a final showdown with the Syndicate that had haunted our lives. The safe house was silent as we prepared, each of us locked in our own thoughts. Thiago stood at the window, his gaze hard as steel, while Raven briefed the team on the plan.“We’ve isolated the Syndicate’s main server,” Raven said, her voice steady. “It’s housed in an underground facility beneath their headquarters. We take it down, and their entire operation collapses.”“And the leadership?” Thiago asked without turning.Raven hesitated. “They’ll be there. If we’re lucky, we can take them alive.”“No,” Thiago said firmly, his eyes finally meeting hers. “We’re ending this for good. No loose ends.”The room fell silent. No one dared to challenge him.I stepped forward, my voice cutting through the tension. “What’s my role?”Thiago turned to me, his expression softening slightly. “You’re staying back. This is too dangerous.”“No,” I said, my resolve unwavering
The ride was silent, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional crackle of the radio. I kept my gaze fixed out the window, watching the city blur past us like a living, breathing entity. But even as the streets unraveled, my thoughts remained tethered to Thiago.His hand rested on mine, grounding me, yet his tension was palpable. He was deep in thought, his jaw clenched and his eyes fixed ahead as though he could see past the horizon and into the Syndicate’s next move.“Thiago,” I murmured, breaking the quiet.He turned his head slightly, his attention snapping to me. “What is it?”“I just...” I hesitated, unsure how to voice the maelstrom of emotions swirling inside me. “I don’t know how you do this—carry the weight of everything and still keep going. It feels... impossible.”His lips twitched into a faint smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s not about feeling ready or capable. It’s about knowing there’s no other choice.” He paused, his gaze softening. “And now, it’s
Thiago didn’t let go of my hand as we ascended the stairs. His grip was firm, grounding me, even as my thoughts spiraled with fear and adrenaline. The Syndicate was no longer just a distant, malevolent force—it was here, closing in on us. Yet, with Thiago at my side, I felt an unshakable determination building within me.When we reached the roof, the cool night air hit me like a wave. The city stretched out below, glittering and oblivious to the danger lurking in its shadows. Thiago scanned the area quickly, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.“Over here,” he said, guiding me toward a corner where a makeshift ladder had been propped against the edge. It led to the adjacent building, lower and less exposed.“Is this part of the plan?” I asked, my voice tinged with sarcasm as I eyed the rickety ladder.His lips twitched. “Improvisation. You’ll love it.”I shot him a look but didn’t argue. Thiago went first, his movements swift and practiced, as if danger was his second nature. Once h