Some weeks later.Keagan’s P.O.V“The fire was a setback, undoubtedly,” I began, my voice a low rumble that carried through the conference room. “But it was also a catalyst. We emerged from the ashes stronger and more focused. The renovations are complete and the machine is humming. Smoother than ever. We are operating at peak efficiency and the sky is not our limit at Halls enterprise.”Grunts and murmurs rippled through the board, press, and a few department heads, followed by wolf whistles and a thundering round of applause. Despite the drama of the past few weeks, no one blamed me. Not openly at least.“We will do whatever it takes to contain this,” One of the old dogs offered, rubbing a nervous hand over his balding head.I smirked internally. Containment.? As if. “Unnecessary,” I replied coldly, “the most critical fashion designs were salvaged and I am proud to announce we now have talented Victoria Hensfield working with our team.”Shock filled the faces of most of the people g
Jessica’s P.O.V“So what do you think happened?” the soft attentive voice floated into my ears but I closed my eyes even tighter, lying on the couch with my arms tucked in. “You have to talk to me, Miss Reynolds. If you want me to help you.”Her last sentence finally snapped the last ends of my nerves and I jumped up from the couch, eyes blazing with rage. “Help me? Help me with what exactly. You don’t fucking believe me. Nobody does.”“Maybe if you try to explain it to me again, using your own words, maybe I’ll understand you better. And don’t forget that whatever you say here, never leaves this room.” My new therapist I’d gone to after what happened two weeks ago gave me a hopeful smile, gesturing at me to take a seat.Sucking in a deep breath, I twisted my fingers into a knot and then lowered myself back on the couch. My lips trembled as I tried to formulate the words but just like before, I found myself stuck in the memory.My heart clenched with an intense pain that had my lips p
Jessica’s P.O.V“I am not kissing him.” I planted my hands on my hips, glaring at the director. “That’s not going to happen. Ever.”“And why exactly can’t you kiss me?” Ian Caldwell crossed his slim arms over his chest, a stupid smirk playing on his lips. “You’re scared you’re going to like it?”“No,” My eyes narrowed as I stepped closer to him. “I’m scared I’ll rip your tongue out of your mouth.”Everyone turned to look at me, surprise etched on their faces. Were my words too harsh? I didn't give a shit!Elsa tried to pull me to the side but I shrugged off her hand. It was time the director or Keagan fucking chose between the both of us. I am Sylvia fucking Reynolds dammit. Granted I was a bit distracted, getting sucked into the rabbit hole of my memories but added to his self-importance, Caldwell had become an absolute nuisance. He didn’t care that I’d just come out of a coma, nor did he give me well wishes like the others from the crew. Not that it mattered. I just wanted him off
Jessica's P.O.VI rolled my eyes as I settled in the seat across from him, crossing my legs. I wasn’t exactly avoiding him but after my mental breakdown where I’d accused Emma of hurting my kids, I was a little ashamed, I guess. It was because of that, I decided to get some help and well, a session of therapy every two weeks should fix me at some point.My eyes snapped up when Keagan slowly rose, his movements deliberate as he circled the desk. He hitched a part of his body on the edge of the desk, hovering over me. My breath caught as his large hands framed my face, thumbs caressing my jawline before brushing lightly over my lips. I couldn’t stop myself from puckering them, giving him a light kiss on the pad of his thumb.“I’ve missed you baby girl.” he rumbled at the back of his throat, closing the distance between our lips until our breaths mingled with each other’s. “You have no idea.”My eyes drifted closed as his mouth descended on mine, in a hungry, possessive kiss that ignite
Jessica’s P.O.VThe next day was a repeat of yesterday’s chaos except this time, the first half was worse than before. Ian Caldwell touched my butt three times on set, messing up the two dialogue lines he had like a fucking kindergarten kid. I literally couldn’t wait until noon.Finally, lunch arrived and Elsa and I exchanged knowing glances, but as I grabbed my plate, examining its content with a critical eye, searching for any sign of fish, I found nothing. Disappointment washed over me and I snuck a peek at the idiot model’s plate, only to find it identical to mine. Also, it is free.Anger bubbled up within me. Had Keagan forgotten his promise? Or worse, had he intentionally sabotaged me? I shoved the tasteless food into my mouth, frustration almost making me bite my own tongue. As I handed my empty plate to a passing assistant, a scream pierced the air, making everyone go quiet.My head snapped up in piqued curiosity and I gasped as I saw Ian clutching his neck, eyes wide with ter
Three days later.Jessica’s P.O.V “Bend a little more to the side, Sylvia! More curves, feel the music and let it sway you.”I grinned, relishing the adrenaline rush as I followed the photographer’s instructions. This was my element. The spotlight, the camera…it all melted away my memories even if it was just for a bit, leaving me suspended in a euphoric bubble. For these few hours, I was invincible, Sylvia, the model, not the unloved Luna.It was in these moments, bathed in the harsh and heated glow of the studio lights, that my problems seemed to evaporate. Then, he walked in.My breath caught, and a strange disconnect formed between my racing heart and the rest of me. It was like a record scratch in the middle of my favorite song. The studio seemed to dim into a solitary spotlight on him. He was tall, lithe with a casual elegance that screamed, ‘model’ even without the camera. Although I could only see the side of his face for now, I knew it was him. When he glanced in my direct
Jessica’s P.O.V“Okay, that’s a nice candid.” I smiled at the picture on Ryder’s phone as he saved it to his icloud. “Delete that other one please, the lighting is horrible.”“Nope, you are beautiful in every picture.” Ryder complimented and bumped shoulders with me, a bright smile dancing in his light blue eyes. It’s been a week since I started working with Ryder and maybe, Elsa’s words had a little bit of truth to them. Ryder was like magic behind the cameras and the way we fit in every picture or video taken of us was insane. In all the time I had begun modeling, I’d never felt that sense of rightness with any other person.“Alright kiddies! Break time is over.” Elsa clapped her hands, popping out from behind me with a knowing grin on her face. Her brown hair was pulled into a tight bun, every strand of hair severely pulled away from her face. She had a nice style I appreciated. Possibly, I was starting to see Elsa as a friend. I’ve never had a friend and have been scared to make
Jessica’s P.O.V“What’s your…who are you wearing?” Over the upbeat music spilling from the speakers, I almost knocked my drink to the ground as the tiny voice behind me startled me. “I don’t know who this is?”“Hi, birthday girl.” I smiled, ignoring the red stain on the gold color chlamys which was draped around my body and clipped on my shoulders. Beneath the chlamys was a pure white chiton that hugged my every curve. With the golden leaf tiara on my head and golden bracelets around my arms and ankles, it should be easy to realize who I was cosplaying but I guess Mina didn’t know.I began to lean to her height to touch her cat ears when she wrapped her hands around my wrists and started to drag me to the back of the house, away from the partying crowd. Shocked, I wanted to stop her, but seeing as she was enthusiastically tugging me away, I wordlessly went with her.When we got to the back, where the colorful lanterns weren’t hung, Mina stopped walking and slowly turned her face up to
Hi guys! I'm so sorry! I was checking the book file on G****e doc and realized I skipped a chapter between chapter ninety seven and ninety eight! ༼;´༎ຶ ༎ຶ༽ Because of how crazy the deletion would be, I decided to upload the missing chapter in this note (I.e for free.) It would mean the world if you could go back to read chapter ninety seven for a quick refresh and then read the original chapter ninety eight in this note so the progression of events won't be confusing. I'm so sorry!ಥ_ಥ MISSED CHAPTER Jessica’s P.O.V –I am leaving Rosario for a week. Sry for making you wait last night. I read that text for what seemed to be hundredth time, the familiar knot in my stomach tightening. That same one that had been there since he stood me up at dinner three nights ago. It made zero sense. How he just up and left. Ryder hadn’t even shown up for his shoots, according to his manager. But in the grand scheme of things, I probably shouldn’t be worried. Ryder was fine or he wou
Keagan’s P.O.VA mistake but a necessary one. I gave you want in return for you to find Ryder. So you will find him for me…The words would be stuck in my head for days and I really wasn’t concerned about it. What bugged me was how they coiled tight around my heart, choking me of my next breath until it hurt to take in oxygen. Of course, she thought I was a mistake. It was expected. I’ve only caused her hurt. I knew all of this yet those words rattled in my chest like poison. Fuck, today just like the night of my children’s party was one of the times I should have kept my mouth shut. But when she fucking taunted me like that…saying that I wasn’t a nice guy…and I never did anything nice for anyone except it benefitted me. She wasn’t wrong…nor was she fucking right. It’s just…I hated that tone…and it fed the dark monster in me until I gave in to that hunger that had been clawing under my skin since she parked in front of my gate. Besides, she’d smelt of that fucker. His fucking scent
Jessica’s P.O.VI whimpered at the implications of his words. “No,” I said, but my hands were pulling Keagan closer, tighter against my neck. He’d just asked to fuck me and then seal it with a mating mark. Even if we no longer had a bond… sex that ended with a mating mark was just as potent.The world was spinning, and my mind, and my inhibitions were quickly draining away. No. no. no. my body shivered with pleasure. Fuck, Keagan’s stubble felt heavenly against my neck.The alpha sucked hard on the mark on my neck, soaking me deep in his own scent so that not even a single whiff of Ryder was left on me. “Push me away.” Keagan gritted against me. “Push me away, damn you Jess. I want to be a better man. I promised. I wanna fucking stay away from you!”But I didn’t….couldn’t. My hands moved down to fumble with Keagan’s zipper and the next thing I knew, I had hard, hot flesh in my hand. Keagan’s cock. My husband’s cock. Fuck. a voice in my head screamed at me to stop, but I couldn’t.I st
Jessica’s P.O.VI stepped into the dark study, my eyes struggling to adjust to the odd dim light. I wanted to ask why it was so black in here but I was a stranger in Keagan’s space. After everything that had happened between us, I’d best not push it.As my vision adjusted to the darkness, I finally saw Keagan. He was sprawled in his chair behind the massive mahogany desk, a cigarette dangling from his lips as his eyes closed in concentration. Keagan looked absolutely delicious in his black shirt and tailored pants, his tanned throat bobbing sexily as he inhaled. But I couldn’t shake the feeling of irritation that he didn’t even stir when I entered the room. I knew he fucking knew I was here. After the way he’d shamelessly chased after me, well I didn’t expect to be on the receiving end of his icy attitude.I stopped in front of him and the asshole didn’t even move. He only continued smoking, his thick honey-blonde lashes slowly lifting and fixing stunning obsidian eyes on me. They we
Jessica’s P.O.VThere was only one explanation but I refused to believe it, to even consider it for a moment. Yet as another day went by with a few posts from Ryder, his signature mystery mask worn in a luxurious room, location undecipherable, I started to consider it.Ryder stole. Ryder was a thief. He absconded with the money from Elsa and her boyfriend John, whom I met this morning. John was…very plain-looking and pretty unremarkable. He had a face I could come across on a run and never remember. Not that it was bad…it was just my observation. Usually, I wouldn’t have given him a second glance, but for one, he was my boyfriend’s agent. Secondly, Elsa really seemed to love him. She kept clinging to him and bursting into tears until he left her alone with me in my hotel suite, saying he had a few errands to run.I felt awful and incredibly sorry for her. She didn’t deserve this.‘And neither do you.’ a voice whispered in my head, making me shiver. It was crazy how disconnected I felt
Jessica’s P.O.V I woke up to the warm rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains, stretching my arms above my head. A soft yawn escaped my lips as I arched my back, biting back a smile when I felt a slight soreness between my legs. Wow. I did it. I allowed Sylvia to consummate her mating bond with Ryder. It was like their bodies were made for each other…and last night I had felt like a third party, having an out-of-body experience as I watched Sylvia sleep with her mate. I really feel like I did the right thing so what is this odd feeling of wrongness that won’t stop clinging to me? As I sat up, the sheets slid off, and I felt a gentle breeze caress my bare skin. I shivered instantly, pulling the sheets back up. Where did I put my clothes? I wondered. Then realized that the space next to me was empty. Where was Ryder? Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I planted my feet firmly on the ground. Could he be in the kitchen? Well, there was only one way to find out. I stood
Keagan’s P.O.VMy blood ran cold and I gripped the steering wheel so tightly, my knuckles turning white. Shit. oh fuck. I almost swerved off the road, the car fishtailing dangerously as I fought to regain control.“Is…is she okay?” I demanded as my voice grew strained, cold sweat appearing on my brows.“She’s being treated by the school’s nurse, but we think she might need stitches. The bleeding just won’t stop. We’ve already called an ambulance and it’s best if you meet us at the hospital.”Then she hung up.I slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching against the pavement. My heart pounded in my ears as I turned the car around, ignoring the swears and curses from the drivers I almost collided head-on into. I had to get to her now. Jessica, my half-assed plan —all of it faded into insignificance, Mina was my fucking priority now.When I arrived at the hospital, I was met by Mina’s class teacher. She looked pale and fearful, making the knots in my stomach tighten even harder. I grabb
Keagan’s P.O.VThe sun cast long, dancing shadows across the manicured lawn as my children chased each other, their laughter echoing through the air. A pang of hurt shot through me, that familiar ache in my chest that I’d grown accustomed to over. I yearned to join my children, rebond with them after I’d abruptly yelled at them over dinner last night. But they might request me to shift so I could play chase with them where the beast in my wolf form would chase them around. They were very attached to my wolf and whilst most men shook in fear at its sight, Mina always giggled and poked at his fur, saying he looked like a big puppy. That was the only reason Mina and Liam didn’t ask for a pet while growing up. I, in my wolf form, was their pet.A sad smile curled my lips downward as I continued to watch them. This was all my fault.My gaze soon drifted to the sprawling gardens and the sparkling pool at the back that was currently covered with an automatic pool lid to make it kid-safe. I d
Jessica’s P.O.VThe knock on the door shattered the cozy atmosphere, making me pause my show with my brows pulling into a slight knot. Glancing up at the door, I tossed the remote in my hand away and called out, “Ryder, did you order something?”Ryder’s voice floated from the bathroom. “No, I didn’t?”A sigh rose to my lips and I stood up, wrapping myself in a robe to cover my thin nightgown. As I approached the door, the knock sounded again, more insistent this time. I peered through the keyhole, but the fish-eye lens revealed only an empty hallway. What the…?I turned to leave but the knock echoed again.My irritation grew and I yanked the door open, ready to rip into the pesky room service person.But it wasn’t a uniformed hotel attendant by my door.Keagan stood in the doorway, his ruggedly handsome face scowling at me, like it had since morning. I swallowed hard, my heart skipping a beat when our eyes locked.“What are you doing here?” I forced out through suddenly dried lips. I