Her eyes met with Nicholas’s ocean blue ones for a split second before she turned towards aunt Claudia and smiled, totally ignoring him. He deserved it since he had insulted her the same way last night. “Hello, Aunt Claudia!” she greeted, going forward and giving her a warm hug. “Do you always shop here?” asked a clueless aunt Claudia, releasing her and looking at her shopping trolley with interest. Although Alyssa was aware of Nicholas’s gaze upon her, she didn’t bother to acknowledge his existence or greet him. “No, no, I just came to spend the night with Hayley. Her mom needed some essentials, so I’ll just hand them over to her and leave.” Aunt Claudia seemed to appreciate it very much and smiled at her warmly. “Why don’t you come home to meet granny? She’ll be thrilled to see you, dear.” Alyssa wanted to decline as she was in a hurry to go home before Alexander started searching for her. However, she couldn’t and simply agreed to go. “Have you finished? I'll go to the bil
Alyssa fumed seeing the photographs of the gorgeous girls on aunt Claudia’s mobile phone. Each of them was accomplished and beautiful and would make a wonderful wife to Nicholas. It was very difficult to choose one of them. What irked Alyssa most was that they were all career-oriented and settled in their own fields. One of them was a jewelry designer while another was in her final year of engineering and so on. “Nicholas likes career-oriented girls and all of them are doing well. So, which one do you like the most?” his mom whispered while Alyssa’s face paled. She didn’t want any of them for Nicholas but she couldn’t tell them that. Could she? Aunt Claudia’s words rang in her ears like a broken record upsetting her further.Nicholas likes career-oriented girls! “Mom, shouldn’t you take my opinion first?” asked Nicholas, looking amused by their topic of discussion. He got up and sat down beside his mom and snatched the mobile phone from her hands. “Wow! They’re really good. It’s dif
Alyssa stared hard at her brother, her whole body stiff with anger hearing his insinuations. Was he stalking her? “I didn’t go to meet Nicholas and neither did I go to his mom’s house of my own free will. Aunt Claudia’s requested me to visit her and granny when I met her while returning home. What could I do? Could I tell her that my brother doesn’t want me to meet them? You should be minding your own business instead of wasting your time stalking me, Alex. It would have been different if I were underage but at twenty-two, I don’t think I’m answerable to you for every little thing I do.” Alexander looked furious at her speech but Alyssa was past caring and glared back at him, refusing to be intimidated by him. “I wasn’t stalking you for your information. Dave saw you and informed me. I always mind my business but I can’t see you wasting your life away. Why can’t you concentrate on a career and do something worthwhile with your life?” he scolded her. Alyssa knew Dave was his employee
Alyssa stared at the gigantic twin towers of the commercial complex in front of her with awe. How did she get an opportunity at such a place with no experience at all? She went straight up the elevator to the seventeenth floor where Cygnus Financial Services spanned the entire area. She loved the extensive and grand office where she would be working if selected. She just prayed that the CEO would choose her! The receptionist directed her towards the lobby in front of the CEO's office and she waited patiently noting that she was the only one there. Did he not summon anyone else for the interview? Alyssa felt nervous being the only one to be interviewed. Did Lucas give in a recommendation for her? The sound of heels clicking towards her made her look up to see a scowling middle-aged woman, elegantly dressed in a pantsuit walking towards her. “Ms. Alyssa Van Every?” she asked in a haughty tone making her cringe and wonder what the woman had against her!“Yes,” she answered, calming her
Alyssa blinked twice yet she found Nicholas still there, right in front of her nose. When did he creep up so close to her? Clarissa cleared her throat and looked from one to the other, clearly at a loss for words. “Umm, Alyssa, this is Nicholas Donnelly, sir’s best friend but I guess you know that already. Please wait here for sir. He’ll join you in a minute,” she mumbled uncomfortably and made a dash for the door, eager to escape the room. Despite her lengthy speech not once did their gazes waver as they stared at one another for what seemed like ages. “I know you’re indebted to me but staring isn’t a way of thanking me,” he pointed out with an amused grin on his face. Alyssa blinked and looked away, her cheeks flushed at being caught staring. Who wanted to stare at him anyway? He was the one who had the skills to hypnotize her. He seemed to have mastered the art to catch her red-handed every time.“Why should I thank you?” she shrugged impatiently, walking over to the door to get
“Are you planning to go out with me wearing this?” Nicholas asked, his voice heavy with lust. His nearness had a strange effect on her body and she felt aroused with a crazy wish to feel his touch. Remembering the two unfinished kisses they had shared, at that moment all she wanted was to pick up where they left off. “No, you arrived early. I was just getting ready,” she managed to say, finally finding her voice. Her common sense prodded her to push him away and escape to her bedroom to get ready yet she was unable to do so. Feeling his hot breath caress her face, she finally looked up into his eyes. Placing his arms on either side of her, he trapped her between his body and the door. “Damn.. you’re beautiful,” he whispered, lifting a finger to caress her cheek, trailing it down to her lips. His open compliment turned her insides to mush and at that moment, she just wanted to grab him and kiss him full on his lips. With the intoxicating scent of his cologne turning her on, she noted
Alyssa’s eyes widened seeing him park his car at Montgomery Street. So where exactly were they going to? The whole drive Nicholas had been beating around the bush about their destination and at last, Alyssa gave up and just waited for his surprise. What was with men and their date night surprises? He led her towards Pier 36 and Alyssa smiled knowing what they were about to do. “So dinner cruise it is!” she exclaimed, absolutely loving the idea. Nicholas smiled and led her towards a sleek blue streamlined three-deck vessel anchored there. The moment she saw it, her eyes widened and his words echoed in her head. Blue turns me on! She glanced at Nicholas to check if he was turned on when her eyes met his amused ones. “I only meant humans that too of the other se*!” He chuckled while Alyssa rolled her eyes. Humans of the other se* indeed! Wouldn’t it be easier to say women instead? However, the main concern here was that her enemy could easily read her mind and it was very creepy indee
Nicholas’s reply stunned Alyssa but before she could ask him anything further, their server brought them their dessert. Alyssa dug into her chocolate mousse dunked in raspberry coulis, forgetting about everything around her. With every bite, a moan of pure bliss escaped her mouth leaving Nicholas craving her more. The attraction he felt for her multiplied and he had no idea how to handle it anymore. Although he had his kiss, he now craved for a repeat. After three hours, they returned to pier 36 and to their car but Nicholas kept thinking of ways to ask her out again. “Did you enjoy your first day at work?” Alyssa nodded not complaining about her rude colleagues. That was her problem and she was mature enough to deal with it herself. “It was a great learning experience. Thanks for the opportunity.” Her acknowledgment meant a lot to him. “My pleasure but I don’t think Alexander will allow you to work for long.” Alyssa shrugged not bothering about it. “That’s his problem. I’m going
The rest of the group went towards the aisle to give them some privacy and sort matters out, while Alyssa’s mom and Sienna stayed back. “Bring her inside. She has a right to be here with me on my special day,” said Alyssa, surprised to find her best friend waiting outside. “I think it’s better you meet her once, Lisa,” insisted Alexander, hesitating a little, his eyes darting towards the main gates. Her dad scowled and fisted his hands with anger, glaring at the two of them. “Tell her to come inside the house and not create an unnecessary scene here today,” he said, his face flushed with hatred. This was always the scene at the mention of Eva’s name.“Please calm down, Daniel. I’m sure she’ll go away.” Alexander paled and turned to go away as well. If there was no place here for his wife, then he had no business staying at such a place. “I can see that my wife and I aren’t wanted here. Have a happy life, Lisa,” he said over his shoulders. “Wait, Alex. I want you to walk me down t
Alyssa swirled in front of the mirror, the sequins on her beautiful, sky blue, sleeveless dress catching the lights around the room. Nicholas bought it for her to wear to dinner at his granny’s house. “Beautiful! It looks as if it’s made for you,” said Nicholas, standing behind her and appreciating her through the glass. “Who else will be there tonight?” “No one. Only you and I with mom and granny. I specifically asked them not to go overboard.” “Yes, I need a quiet moment with them.” After a few minutes, they drove over to his house and, as always, aunt Claudia welcomed her in with open arms. “It’s been so long since you’ve been here, my dear,” she said, hugging her close. Alyssa too hugged her back, feeling guilty for not visiting them often as she had promised. Granny too came forward to give her a hug. “Sorry, aunt Claudia. I was so busy job hunting that it escaped my mind,” said Alyssa apologetically. “So, have you found your dream job yet?” asked his granny. “No, she’s t
“Tomorrow is the last day you'll be single. After that we’ll be bound to one another forever,” said Nicholas as he drove them home. “Who wants to be single?” she winked at him, making his heart skip a beat. “Is that so?” “Yes. As if you didn’t know.” “I do but do you know we have only a day to pack up for our honeymoon?” said Nicholas and Alyssa turned to him with surprise. “Are we going on a honeymoon?” she asked with disbelief, and he nodded with a silly grin on his face. “And you’re telling me now? So where are we going?”“The Bahamas for four days.”“Oh, my gosh! There’s so much to pack,” she gushed excitedly. The whole evening, they spent packing up for their upcoming trip. It was exciting, and Nicholas showed her where they were staying and planned a four-day itinerary together. There had been no contact with Alexander after that phone call, and they didn’t mention him either. They made dinner together and afterward sat on the enormous deck to sip wine and gaze at the sta
The next day was extremely hectic. They took her dad to the doctor for a second opinion and found out that the treatment going on was indeed the very best available so far. They returned home quite satisfied that he would get better after completing the treatment. After the visit, her dad gained more confidence and also actively took part in her wedding preparations. “I can also train you, Lisa, after Nicholas does." Alyssa hugged him at seeing his enthusiasm. “Yes, dad. I would love that,” she said eagerly. They were about to leave when her dad’s phone buzzed with an incoming call from Alexander. He looked alarmed and glanced at Alyssa. “Alex is calling me.” Alyssa and Nicholas stopped in their tracks and stood, waiting to hear what Alexander had to say. Her dad glanced at his wife and accepted the call with a sigh, putting it on speaker mode. “Yes, son. Have you returned?” asked her dad warily into the phone. “No, but how could you accept Nicholas into our family, dad?” demand
“I’ll pick you up at 4 o’clock,” said Nicholas, driving away after dropping her off at the hospital. They would first go to her parent's house and then off on a date. Alyssa was excited, as Nicholas still hadn’t told her what he had planned for them. Nicholas reached his office and wrapped up his work as fast as he could, looking forward to spending the evening with her. He tried calling Alexander to talk to him, but he still wasn’t available. Reluctantly, he left a message for him. He knew how upset Alexander would be if they married without informing him. Alexander,I tried to reach out to you many times, but I guess you are busy. I have an important announcement to make. Alyssa and I are getting married this Saturday at your parents' house. They have happily given their permission and I would be at peace if you too accepted our relationship. Your acceptance means the world to Alyssa, and she means the world to me. That’s the reason I’m trying to reach out to you.I have always l
Alyssa and Nicholas exchanged rings amidst cheers and congratulatory wishes. Aunt Claudia and granny blessed them abundantly as it was their dream to welcome her into the family. “Why are you rushing the wedding? I have a PTM at Alex's school tomorrow and a conference coming up on Friday,” protested Sienna. “Come over in your work clothes but I can’t postpone, Sien,” said Nicholas, making her roll her eyes at him. “No, it’s better we attend it at one go and then return home,” said Skylar, and even Hayley agreed. “Will Eva be able to attend my wedding?” asked Alyssa hopefully, but they were skeptical and couldn’t give any proper reply to that question.“No one knows where she is. I haven’t been able to contact them since yesterday,” said her mom while the others giggled, imagining what they would be up to. “I’m dying of curiosity. Where could Alexander have taken her?” asked Hayley, and they all discussed all possibilities, but Alyssa knew that none of those probabilities were tru
Within minutes, they stripped off their clothes, the urgency to continue where they left off driving them insane. Ever since they reconnected on the island and separated for a day, they had missed one another immensely. While Nicholas’s mouth drove her wild with pleasure, Alyssa stroked his powerfully ripped body, her touch so sensual that he groaned with a burning need. “Alyssa, stop. You’re driving me wild,” said Nicholas, his voice hoarse with desire. “I want you to make wild love to me, Nicholas,” she whispered, her voice hoarse with desire. After their confession, their need for one another had multiplied to a new level altogether. Alyssa’s entire body flashed hot, needing the release only he could give her. “You do? I can’t wait to embed my co*k deep inside you,” he whispered, grazing his teeth against her earlobe. His dirty words made her exhale a sensual groan as she parted her legs to welcome him. The love-making was out of the world this time, almost as if they surrendere
Nicholas drove towards his apartment, his heart thumping with excitement. At last, he was happy to have Alyssa all to himself. She was now his for life! Her confession stirred him deeply, and he wanted to confess his own feelings for her. With the engagement and wedding all planned out, he couldn’t ask for more. “Are you excited to get engaged to me?” asked Nicholas hopefully, but Alyssa shook her head. “No, I would have loved it if you had proposed on one knee. This looks a little forced and artificial. It feels as if you're marrying me because my parents want you to.” Nicholas sighed, knowing that he had messed up. He had planned to propose the way she wanted him to, but she escaped Oyster Island before that. He had to clear this misunderstanding before it worsened. He steered the car off the road and parked at the side. Alyssa looked at him curiously, not knowing what was happening. Nicholas turned to her, gazing deeply into her eyes. “That’s not true, Alyssa. I’m marrying you b
“Nicholas will train you at his office after marriage and then you will take over from me. I can’t pull any longer,” said her dad sternly. Alyssa gaped at all three of them. So they had planned and plotted against her back and decided her life for her without even consulting her. Blood boiled in her veins and she took a step backward, feeling like a piece of trash that could be easily trampled upon by all. “How is it I do not know about this? All three of you have already decided my life while I’m left in the dark. I really can’t believe this.” She whirled around and ran up to her bedroom, upset with all of them. Her parents had always been this way, but Nicholas could have told her about his plans before talking to her parents. She felt betrayed and dashed into her room, upset and close to tears. “You’re overreacting, Alyssa. I didn’t have a choice,” said Nicholas as he followed her inside. “Yeah, I understand, Nicholas. Go away and plot with my parents behind my back. What are yo