༺RAYNE༻ Lucas welcomed Oscar into the family, warmly and wholeheartedly. He pulled him into a tight embrace, apologized for never getting to know him and promised to make up for lost time. I could've sworn I saw a tear slide down Lucas' face that day, which was odd for a man who was always tough and mostly kept his feelings locked away. Him hugging Oscar like that was a beautiful, heartwarming sight. But I know three young men who'd blatantly disagree. When Lucas spoke to the family that Oscar was one of the Everharts now and that he ought to be treated as such, Liam, Daniel and Leo stared at the guy with pure hatred, like they wanted him to be dead for just existing. They all glared at Oscar like he was a disease infecting their family, their cold, hard stares boring holes into Oscar's soul. For the first time, the three of them have a common enemy. For the first time, the object of their hatred isn't each other but an outsider whose existence is threatening to reshape their fut
༺RAYNE༻ Days later... I just finished showering and I slip on the first nightie I can get my hands on, a short, soft, silky lavender dress. It's only after I've worn it, I realize how thin and transparent it is. My nipples are practically poking right through, very visible and my areolas are also noticeable too, dark rosy circles with a mild puffiness. My eyes bore into the mirror as I dry my hair with a towel and keep checking myself out. I've never worn this nightdress before. I think I bought it on impulse on one of my shopping sprees with Sabrina. She made me buy it. It's been sitting in the drawers ever since. A deep sigh leaves my lips as I think of Sabrina. It's been a while since we spent time together or even chatted. Ever since my memory loss, she's been keeping her distance. She came to visit me once though, when I was really suffering from amnesia but then I found her presence suffocating and overwhelming. We struggled to reconnect. She sensed my discomfort and detach
༺RAYNE༻ I laugh nervously, trying to cover my slip. “My instincts just kicked in. I think I must've learned it... somewhere.” I shrug casually. I have to think before I speak else Liam might figure out I've been pretending all along. I keep massaging him, applying gentle pressure on the soft spots in his temples. I feel him relax and flex his neck, his head lolling slightly as he lets out a soft sigh. His eyes drift closed, his breathing slowing. My lips curve into a smile. I'm glad I can help him relax even if it's just a little bit. As I'm working my magic on him, Liam nuzzles his face between my breasts and takes one of my nipples with his teeth. I shiver and giggle. “Liam!” He looks up at me, locking eyes with me but doesn't let go of my nipple. He takes his sweet time, sucking it and nipping at it with his teeth. I gasp and weave my fingers through his hair, pressing my chest to his face. The eye contact while he's swirling his wet tongue around my nipple and areola is insa
༺RAYNE༻ My gaze on Genevieve tightens, my eyes constricting. A fresh wave of anger sweeps through me, making my muscles tense, my fingers clench involuntarily and my chest heaves with agitation. What the hell is this woman saying? “Liam asked you to come?” My tone is ridden with scepticism. I scoff. “That's a lie. My husband would never ask you to come anywhere near me. He'd never ask you to set foot in our home.” “Oh, but he did.” She twirls her hair and smoothes it with her manicured fingers, leaning forward. My mind is spiralling with so many questions. Why did this woman show up out of nowhere after being out of our lives for a long time? Why is she here? Did Liam really ask her to come? Why would he ask her to come here without telling me? Why does he want to see her? It doesn't make any sense. I fold my arms and shake my head in disbelief. “I don't believe you.” “Believe what you want. I don't really care. Please let Liam know that I'm here. He's the one I have business w
༺RAYNE༻ I feel the living room spinning, my heart pounding a lot louder than the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner and my own ragged breathing. My palms get sweaty and I gulp, clutching the hem of my nightdress. This morning has turned into a surreal horror show and a reality check I wasn't prepared for. Liam's eyes are still locked on me, his jaw tightening as he buries his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants. I wonder what he must be thinking now, what he must think of me. Rather than thinking about how or when he began to suspect I was only acting, all I'm worrying about is if I've irreparably damaged our relationship. If he'll ever look at me the same way. If my foolish act was worth losing his trust. He must find me so pathetic now. Without taking his gaze off me, Liam says to Andrea, “The rest of your payment will be wired to your account by the end of the day.“ Andrea's eyes light up and she smoothes her hair yet again. She has a habit of frequently smooth
༺RAYNE༻ We're having another family dinner at Lucas' estate. The old man doesn't seem to get tired of trying to bring us all together. These dinners are the only time this dysfunctional family resembles a normal one. Picture three grandsons who are always at each other's throats and a latest addition whom neither of them acknowledges as their cousin, all sitting and eating together, civil and courteous. But why do I feel tonight won't end as smoothly as Lucas hopes? “Rayne, my dear,” Lucas says, with a mouthful of his favourite truffle spaghetti. I snap up my head to look at him, taking in a fork of the pasta. “Is there any chance you and my grandson will be giving me a new great-grandchild soon?” A piece of pasta suddenly goes down the wrong pipe and I start coughing immensely, trying to get it out of the airway. I didn't expect Lucas to bring that up. Liam quickly pours me a glass of cool water and offers it to me. I drink it all in one gulp while his hand soothes my frayed n
༺RAYNE༻ Liam and I are currently on our way to yet another family gathering. Except this time, it's not an ordinary family dinner at Lucas' estate. We're on our way to the Maldives. Lucas bought an entire private island for an ultimate Everhart family vacation. There's an insane villa that's literally on the water. I've seen the pics and it's jaw-dropping. Apparently, we'll be spending the week there. My only problem is how the four heir apparents will survive a whole week without killing each other. They can't even make it through a single dinner without taking shots at each other. And they seem to love pushing Liam's buttons mostly. Before, it was Daniel who did it always, now Oscar has surprisingly become the new master of getting under his skin. But I won't let him cross that line without facing me. “We're here,” Liam announces, gesturing out the window at the breathtaking villa below. We came in his private helicopter. I nearly jump out of my seat when it touches down on th
༺RAYNE༻ This is unbelievable! Genevieve and Daniel are getting married? Why? I doubt that crazy woman is marrying Daniel for love because it wasn't that long ago she was following my husband around like a dog and trying to cause a rift between us so she could have him back. And now, she's supposedly in love with Daniel? It's laughable. Genevieve's eyes were always set on Liam and the thought of her settling for his cousin is unimaginable. Unless... Unless she has an ulterior motive. That has to be it! This marriage thing doesn't add up. I bet she's only here with some hidden agenda. But what? Is this some sick ploy to get closer to Liam? Is she trying to worm her way back into Liam’s life somehow? It wouldn’t be the first time she’s tried to manipulate the situation to her advantage. And it isn't beyond Genevieve to scheme and plot to get Liam’s attention again. She'll even go as far as sleeping with his cousin and using him if it means getting closer to Liam again. And that Dan