Margaret’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, clearly delighted by the idea of Rachel and James getting away from all the recent stress. “Oh, that sounds lovely, dear! Where were you thinking of going?”
Rachel began to rattle off the names of expensive vacation destinations as though they were groceries on a shopping list. “Maybe Santorini or the Amalfi Coast,” she said, her eyes bright with excitement. “I’ve heard such wonderful things about both. Or perhaps the Maldives—those water villas look divine!”Annabelle, sitting quietly, looked from Rachel to James, waiting to see how he would react to the idea. Sure enough, he took the bait, his posture relaxing slightly as he finally seemed to engage with the conversation. “We’ll go wherever you want, Rach,” James said, smiling at her. His voice was more animated now, more like his usual self. “You deserve it.”At that moment, David barked out a laugh—loud and derisive, filled with more disdain than humor. The sudden sound echoeMargaret’s lips parted, but no words came out. The accusation struck her like a blow, and she visibly recoiled from the intensity of his words. Her eyes darted toward James, who was fidgeting in his seat, clearly caught between embarrassment and fear.David’s anger surged again, his voice rising as he slammed his fist on the table, rattling the plates and cutlery. “No son of mine,” he thundered, “could have lost the Winters contract! No son of mine would be this much of a goddamn failure!”The heat in his words, the sheer disgust in his tone, seemed to burn the air around them. The Winters contract was everything to their family’s business—an anchor, a lifeline. And now, thanks to James’s incompetence, it was slipping through their fingers.James, affronted by the attack, sat up straighter in his chair. His face flushed with a mixture of humiliation and frustration. He opened his mouth, and when he spoke, his voice came out in a whiny, defensive tone that only made thing
Annabelle pressed on. “Winters might not take James’s calls, but he’ll take mine. And if he won’t, I’ll ambush him at his country club. I’m not going to let this contract slip away without a fight.”The room was deadly quiet again as her words settled over the table. David stood there, his chest still heaving, but the sheer force of his anger seemed to have lessened, if only marginally. His fists, which had been clenched at his sides, slowly unfurled, though the tension in his shoulders remained.For a long moment, no one spoke. David glared at Annabelle, his face still stormy, but the fire in his eyes was slowly dying down, replaced by something closer to resignation. He knew Annabelle meant business. She was the only one in the room who had both the composure and the will to fix what James had broken.Finally, with a rough, dismissive sound, David threw his napkin onto the table and turned away, stalking out of the dining room without another word. The sound of his foo
Lila stood frozen in front of her closet, eyes darting from one dress to another, her pulse racing faster than she liked. Today was the day. Lunch with Dominic and his kids. It wasn’t as if this was a date. It wasn’t. Just lunch. Her fingers traced the hem of her dress, smoothing out invisible wrinkles.Still, her heart wasn’t getting the message. She had agreed to it so casually when he first asked, thinking it would be a nice afternoon to spend with Aaron and Winnie, but now that the moment was here, her heart hammered against her chest.She couldn’t ignore the warm feeling that had bloomed inside her when Dominic sheepishly admitted that Aaron and Winnie had been asking after her. Especially Winnie, with her sweet, cherub-like face. Lila smiled to herself, her fingers lingering over a soft, pale blue dress she hadn’t worn in a while.She snapped her hand back. What was she doing? It wasn’t a date. She didn’t need to impress anyone. And yet, the thought of sitting acro
As she came closer, Dominic glanced up and smiled, his face lighting up in a way that made her pulse quicken. He stood, pulling out a chair for her, and Lila couldn’t help but notice how close he stood to her, the heat of his body just inches away.“You’re right on time,” Dominic said, his voice gentle. “Winnie’s been asking about you all morning.”Lila smiled, her gaze flickering over to the little girl, who looked up from her coloring and beamed. “Hi, Lila!” Winnie chirped, her excitement contagious.“Hi, sweetheart,” Lila replied, leaning down to give the girl a soft hug. Aaron, less vocal but still smiling shyly, waved at her, and Lila waved back.She settled into her seat, trying to shake off the growing nervousness that was bubbling in her chest. It was just lunch, after all. Nothing more.But the way Dominic’s knee brushed hers under the table, the way his fingers briefly grazed her hand as he passed her the menu, reminded her that there was something more
But before he could continue, Winnie tugged on his hand. “Daddy, can we go see the beach now? Please?”Dominic hesitated, his eyes meeting Lila’s for a fleeting moment. Then, with a sigh and a smile, he turned to his daughter. “Sure, sweetheart.”Lila let out a small breath, relieved and disappointed in equal measure. Whatever he had been about to say, she wasn’t ready to hear it. Not yet.As they headed towards the beach, the laughter of the children echoing around them, Lila felt the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. She was walking a dangerous line, one where her heart was already far too involved.But as Dominic’s arm brushed against hers once more, she couldn’t help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, that wasn’t such a bad thing after all.And then, just as they reached the dunes, her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her abruptly back to reality. She glanced at the screen and froze.It was another unknown number.Lila’s breath caught as s
The way he looked at her, the way his presence grounded her in a way she hadn’t felt in years—it was impossible to ignore. She could feel the pull between them growing stronger with each passing moment.She glanced out at the water, trying to distract herself. “They really adore you, you know,” she said, gesturing towards Aaron and Winnie.Dominic chuckled again, though this time there was a hint of something bittersweet in it. “I try my best. It hasn’t been easy... after their mother left.”Lila’s heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. She knew what it felt like to be abandoned by someone who was supposed to care for you.“You’re doing a great job,” Lila said softly. “They’re lucky to have you.”Dominic smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I don’t always feel that way, but... thank you.”They stood in silence for a moment, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore filling the space between them. Lila could feel the air thickening with
True to her word, Annabelle refused to be discouraged by the unyielding secretary’s frosty demeanor. For the past several days, she had bombarded Andre Winters' office with calls, her heart sinking a little each time the reply came back the same: “Mr. Winters is too busy to speak with you.” The sixth time she heard that clipped tone, her patience wore thin, and she threw her phone onto the couch in frustration.With determination etched across her features, Annabelle stood up and smoothed the fabric of her skirt. No way was she letting James’s blunder slip away so easily. If she needed to track down Andre Winters, then she would go to him herself. It was time to shift tactics.After a quick shower, she dressed in her most expensive activewear—a sleek black sports bra and matching leggings that hugged her figure perfectly. The material felt soft against her skin, the brand name printed across her chest a symbol of exclusivity that might help
Andre turned, his gaze flickering from surprise to recognition. “Annabelle,” he said, his voice deep and smooth. “Annabelle Robinson. What a surprise to see you here.”“I had to see what all the fuss was about this place,” she replied, deliberately making her tone casual. “And I thought it was the perfect time to catch up.” The two men beside him exchanged glances, and Annabelle felt a rush of adrenaline; she was standing before one of the most influential men in the city, and she needed to make her pitch.“Busy, as always,” Andre said, glancing at his watch. “But I could spare a few minutes. Care for a quick game?”“Actually, I’d love to talk business.” Annabelle cut in, her heart pounding. “It’s about your contract with my brother. I think there’s a way we can work this out without you taking your business elsewhere.”Andre raised an eyebrow
Annabelle stepped out of Lila’s hotel room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. The hallway was dimly lit, the patterned carpet muffling the sound of her footsteps as she made her way toward the elevator. She let out a deep breath, pressing the button and watching the numbers descend. It was only after ten o’clock but it already felt like she had had a long morning, partially because her mind was beginning to think out all the ways Lila’s sudden reappearance could change the ways things were not. Not only with Andre, but also with the family.At least Lila seemed certain about her decision. Annabelle could respect that, even if she wasn’t entirely sure how things would play out. Just before stepping into the elevator, she heard Lila’s voice call after her. “Annabelle!”She turned back, raising an eyebrow as Lila peeked out from the door frame, looking slightly sheepish.“Can you bring me something from Quick Bites when you come back?” Lila asked, naming a fast-food chain t
Annabelle drove through the noisy streets of the city, her hands gripping the wheel a little too tightly. The shock of Lila’s sudden return hadn’t left her system yet. She stole a glance at said woman, who sat in the passenger seat, gazing out of the window with an unreadable expression."You sure about this place?" Annabelle asked, slowing as they neared the discreet hotel Lila had given her directions to.Lila nodded, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. "Yeah. I don’t need anything fancy. Just a place to stay for the night."Annabelle didn’t love the idea of Lila staying in a hotel alone, but she also understood why Lila wouldn’t want to stay at her place. Annabelle herself didn’t want her anywhere near the Robinson mansion, not with James so suddenly interested in wanting to know where Lila was after all this time just because Rachel was no longer an option.Still, Annabelle wasn’t about to let her hand
"I'm in the city," Lila repeated, her voice slightly breathless. "I just got off the train. I—" She paused, then let out a small, self-conscious laugh. "I know it's sudden. But I wanted to let you know before I get to a hotel."Annabelle sat back on the closed toilet lid, pressing her free hand against her forehead. Lila had been in Sea’s Edge just last night. The last time they spoke, she said nothing of wanting to leave and now she was here?"You’re looking for a hotel?" she asked, catching on to that last part."Yeah. I… I didn’t really think this far ahead. I just knew I needed to come back," Lila said. "I’m trying to find a taxi now.""Don’t," Annabelle said immediately. "Don’t get into any taxis. I’ll come pick you up.""You don’t have to—""I will," Annabelle interrupted firmly. "Just wait for me at the station. I’ll start coming now."Lila sighed teasingly but didn&rsq
Annabelle slowly stirred, her body warm despite the cool morning air. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt this deeply satisfied, with contentment wrapping around her like a second skin. As she shifted, a slow ache bloomed through her body; a delicious reminder of the night before.She was sore everywhere – her arms, her thighs, her shoulders. For Pete’s sake, she was sore in places she didn’t even know one could get sore in. And it made her want to do it all over again. Her lashes fluttered open, and for a moment, she simply lay there, absorbing the quiet intimacy of the moment. The room was dimly lit with the heavy hotel curtains keeping the morning light at bay even though the sun was already risen. The sheets were tangled around her legs, cool against her skin, but it was the solid weight of the arm slung over her waist that held her still. Andre.The realization sent a ripple of surprise through her. She had expected to wake up al
Lila’s fingers trembled as she scribbled a quick note to Marcus, her vision blurred by unshed tears.“I’m sorry, but I need to step out for a break.”She hesitated for a brief second before placing the note where she knew he would see it. As she gathered her things and slipped out of the bookstore, a cool gust of wind brushed against her damp cheeks. The streets of Sea’s Edge were quiet this afternoon, with most of its population at work. She should feel relieved that today was a slow day. Marcus wouldn’t struggle to handle the few customers that trickled in. But relief never came. Only a hollow ache in her chest as her feet carried her down the familiar path back to the cottage.Every step, her mind replayed her conversation with Dominic in excruciating detail.The moment he had asked her if they weren’t enough of a reason for her to fight. The way his expression had hardened. The hurt in his eyes when he realized she was choosing to leave rather than stay and fight for them.She pus
The scent of fresh paper filled the bookstore as Lila carefully unboxed the latest shipment of books. She placed each book into its designated pile, her movements methodical.A few feet away, Marcus was busy unboxing their new supply of office essentials—staples, pins, and other mundane necessities. Unlike her, he wasn’t as precise in his sorting, carelessly tearing through the tape and letting packing peanuts scatter onto the floor.Lila barely paid him any mind as she reached for another box. It was slightly heavier than the others, and as she peeled away the layers of tape and folded back the cardboard, her eyes landed on something that made her lips curve into a smile.A Canine Musketeers book. Its cover gleamed with an emerald sheen, the illustration playful and inviting. A cartoonish German shepherd stood poised with a sword in its mouth, facing off against a husky, their blades exaggeratedly long and dramatic.Lila swallowed hard. Aaron loved this series. It was the very first
Annabelle’s brows lifted, unimpressed. She folded her arms and leaned back against her chair. “Wow,” she drawled. “That’s a very serious accusation, James. Do you have any proof, or are we just throwing wild theories around now?”His jaw twitched. “Don’t play games with me. You’re the only one who cared enough about her to help her disappear. You must know something.”Annabelle exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. “You sound paranoid.”James took a step closer. “Don’t do that. Don’t act like I’m crazy.”“You are, though.” She tilted her head, a sharp glint in her eyes. “Because yesterday, you weren’t even asking about Lila. You didn’t care where she was. You weren’t checking in on the so-called search effort. But now, all of a sudden, you’re this devoted ex-husband who’s desperate to find her?”
After a cold shower in the gym’s locker room, Annabelle towel-dried her hair, taking her time as the icy water’s effect dulled the fire simmering in her belly. She knew it wouldn’t last. Even as she dressed in a fresh set of clothes, her mind wandered. She could have sworn her body was humming. She wasn’t naive to let herself think this was about emotions or romance. No, this was about doing something for Annabelle for once, and not for the company and certainly not for the family.With her hair satisfactorily dry, she left the building, her gym bag hung on her shoulder. Sliding into her car, she pulled out her phone and quickly booked a suite at an upscale hotel. With a few taps and a confirmation email, a suite at the prestigious Meridian was booked.She deliberately chose a neutral setting, somewhere neither nor Andre could claim dominance. If she was going to have this night with him, she wanted it to be free from the weight of their family names, their business interests, their t
Annabelle was the first to pull away, though it took every ounce of willpower she possessed to do so. Her breath came in short, uneven pants, and she could still taste Andre on her lips, still feel the firm press of his body against hers. His hands still rested on her waist, his grip firm, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go. Maybe that was a hint he thought that she might take back what she'd just done. But Annabelle had no intention of second-guessing herself. Not this time.She placed a hand against his chest, creating a sliver of space between them, but it did nothing to cool the heat simmering in her veins.She swallowed, taking a moment to calm herself before she spoke. “We need to set some ground rules.”Andre’s fingers flexed against her waist, his thumb grazing over the damp fabric of her workout top. “Rules?” he asked. His voice was rougher than usual, less composed. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t secretly delighted in the fact that she had shaken that assured composu