[Deric]Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.Anger rolls off me in violent waves as I hurl my phone to the ground, watching it smash into pieces. The screen cracks, the battery pops out, but the fury in my chest doesn’t settle. Three times. I tried three more damn times after she cut the call, and the number wouldn’t go through.Did she block me?How fucking dare she?But the even bigger problem, the one clawing at my sanity, is—why did I even want to call her in the first place? Why did I want to speak to her, to know how she was doing? I know it’s wrong. I know. But I couldn’t help myself.I saw her on the news yesterday.Calm demeanor. Porcelain skin. Eyes so fucking clear I felt my heart skip a beat. What is wrong with me?!I stopped taking those stupid tablets Vivi got for me. Something about them felt off. Sure, they helped with my raging migraines, but they also made me forget things—important things. Family stuff. Memories that felt like they were slipping through my fingers like sand.Ever sin
[Deric]“Thank you so much for agreeing to see me, Mr. Martinez.”I eye the bald Italian sitting across from me, clad in a ridiculous blue jersey with the words “Go Strike Force” stretched across his broad chest. A flag flutters in his hand, and in the other, a pom-pom cheerleader prop waves like he’s ready to march into battle. A football stadium? Really? This is where I’m supposed to seal a deal?The Saturday big game—packed with a rowdy crowd and blaring music—was never where I imagined myself trying to convince a high-profile client to sign a contract with Ames Finances. But here I am, desperate to make this deal before the news about our newly acquired reputation reaches his ears. And when it does, who knows if Mr. Martinez will even entertain the idea of doing business with me. I can’t afford to wait around.Something tells me I’ll have a much better chance of securing this contract if the team Martinez is rooting for actually wins the game.“So, you support the Strike Force, hu
I’m frozen, my heart hammering in my chest, the pulse throbbing painfully in my neck as Deric drags me into the dimly lit hallway. His grip on my wrist is so tight, I can almost feel the blood cutting off circulation. He’s pulling me away, like he owns me, like I’m some possession that he can just take. I can’t breathe. What the hell is he doing here? Why the hell is he touching me like this?"Let me go," I hiss through clenched teeth, the anger rising up like a storm in my chest. I try to yank my arm out of his grasp, but he holds on, forcing me to walk faster, farther from the noise and chaos of the party. My stomach churns, the air feeling heavier with each step. His scent, a mix of expensive cologne and that familiar, irritating arrogance, surrounds me. It makes me want to gag.“What the hell is wrong with you? Are you out of your goddamn mind?!” I demand, my voice shaky but laced with venom. The words are like acid in my mouth, but it’s nothing compared to the boiling rage I’m fe
[Arella]I slip back into the private booth with a practiced smile on my face, one that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. The hum of the crowd and the blow of cheer trumpets in the background should be soothing, but all I feel is that knot in my stomach, tight and suffocating.Lincoln and my mother-in-law, who had been chatting quietly animatedly with grins on their when I left, both look up at me the moment I walk in. I can feel their eyes on me, sharp, concerned, knowing something’s wrong even though I’ve been doing my best to hide it.My mother-in-law, the ever-gracious woman she is, gives me a gentle smile. "Are you okay, sweetheart? You don’t look too well. Did something happen?"I force another smile, this one even more practiced than the last. It feels like I’m wearing a mask now, and with every second it feels heavier, more suffocating. "I’m fine, really," I say, my voice smooth, but there’s an edge to it. I know she can tell something’s off, but I’m not ready to let this spill ove
[Lincoln]Anger was hot. Jealousy was hotter. But the surge of protectiveness that bubbled in my chest was hotter than anything else I'd ever felt. It was a living, breathing thing, pulsing like an instinct, a primal urge that demanded action.The drive back isn’t as gloomy as my mood, though. Mom and Ava are chatting incessantly, their voices filling the car like an soft melody. It’s honestly the most I’ve ever heard Ava speak, and despite the tense silence between me and Arella, a warm feeling of hope and pride blooms in my chest. Maybe she really was leaving her MDD behind.“...Right, Ella?” Mom suddenly asks.“Huh?” Arella responds absentmindedly, snapping out of her reverie.What was she thinking about?No doubt the loving conversation she’d just had with her ex-husband. Her first love.That tiny, poisonous voice in my head whispers, and my hands on the wheel tighten.Like I said, this possessiveness wasn’t just a feeling—it was alive."Is everything okay?" Mom asks, her eyes
[Lincoln]The urge to follow them is intense, clawing at my insides like an itch I can’t scratch. But I steel myself, forcing my feet to carry me upstairs instead.I barely make it a few steps before I stop again—Grandma stands just a few inches away, her eyes gleaming with something far too smug for my liking.“Glad you didn’t follow them,” she muses, voice sickly sweet, laced with something unreadable.That has me stiffening instantly. My gaze locks onto hers, scanning her face—soft white hair neatly pinned back, dark calculating eyes, wrinkles that deepen as she grins.Only… it isn’t a warm, comforting grin.It’s the kind that puts me on edge, a silent, uncomfortable edge.I narrow my eyes. “I don’t know what kind of game you and Dad are playing, Grandma, but I won’t stand for it.” My voice is low, edged with warning. “There’s only so much I can handle. Just because you’re family doesn’t mean I’ll keep letting your schemes slide.”Her smile doesn’t waver, but something sharp flicke
[Arella]“You’ve proved to be a worthy asset to my family and my son, Arella.”The words came the moment I stepped into his office, my father-in-law wasting no time, his tone sharp and deliberate. His eyes, always cold and unreadable, held something different this time—a glint of something almost resembling approval.My lips pressed together, barely resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Oh, finally. The great William Sawyer acknowledging me for more than just my name. What an honor.I cleared my throat, a weight settling on my chest. Was this how Lincoln grew up? With a father who measured every relationship based on its benefits, who saw people not as individuals but as assets? The thought made my stomach tighten. Did Lincoln ever feel truly loved?His gaze on me was calculating, measuring. It wasn’t affection—it was recognition. I was no longer just Arella. I was Arella, the granddaughter of the great Harold Walcott. And somehow, that made the weight of being a Walcott feel even heav
[Deric]"You know I've always wanted to date you. I can't hide my feelings for you anymore, babygirl. Please… say yes."I urge, my voice filled with raw emotion as I kneel on one knee in the middle of the cafeteria floor. The chatter around us fades into a low hum, the world narrowing down to just the two of us. I'm dressed sharply, a crisp navy-blue suit hugging my frame, polished shoes gleaming under the bright fluorescent lights. In my hands, I hold out a beautifully crafted velvet case, and inside it, nestled like a secret, lies a sapphire-blue diamond necklace. The gemstone catches the light, sending brilliant shards of blue scattering across her skin.My heart pounds against my ribs, anticipation tightening in my chest. My fingers tremble slightly as I stare at the woman before me, but her face… I can’t see it. It’s blurred, like a memory slipping through my fingers, just out of reach."Oh, Deric…" she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.She sniffles softly, wiping away the
Wow. What a journey it’s been, right? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me through this wild, emotional journey. Arella and Lincoln's story has been so close to my heart, and I hope it’s touched yours too. Your support means more than words can say, and I’m so grateful for every single one of you, you guys are the real MVPs. ❤️ P.S. If you loved this story, I’d be over the moon if you gave my future books a read. Trust me, more heart-tugging, exciting stories are coming your way!Until next time, Tarina (◠‿◠)—☆
[Arella]I whip around, eyes widening as I practically leap off Lincoln's lap in surprise."You're here!" I blurt, caught off guard but grinning. "I thought you said you couldn’t make it."Standing there, looking sheepish and a little road-worn, is Deric. He scratches the back of his head, wearing that same awkward, harmless smile he has these days."I wouldn’t have made it," he admits, voice a little raspy from travel, "but my flight was delayed... so I thought, what the hell, why not crash the party anyway?""Deric," Lincoln says, stepping up beside me, his hand still resting easy at my waist."Lincoln," Deric replies with a short nod, his voice even.There's a brief pause—more out of old habits than real tension—before Deric extends his hand. Lincoln studies him for a beat, then accepts the handshake without hesitation, the corners of his mouth lifting in a faint, civil smile.The tightness I hadn't even realized was clenching my chest slowly eases."This is, uh, for your son," Der
3 MONTHS LATER[Arella]"Grandpa really outdid himself this time, Mila," I laugh under my breath, wide-eyed as I take in the mansion decked out like something straight out of a storybook. I should’ve known better when he said he’d ‘take care of everything.’ With Grandpa, that’s just secret code for ‘go big enough to make even fairy tales jealous.’Mila giggles, but then her face goes pale. "Well, we all know how–"She cuts herself off, rushing to her son, who’s happily stuffing his face with edible flowers."Oh my God, Wayne! Spit that out!" she yells, running after him."No no! Cakeee!" he laughs, trying to run away.I roll my eyes and snatch the small board of tasks from her hands. "Looks like you’ve got your hands full already with this little turd," I mutter, pinching Wayne’s chubby cheeks. He sticks his tongue out at me, playful as ever. I shake my head and take the board from her, walking around the room, coordinating with the staff to make sure everything’s perfect.****"Why a
[Arella]TWO MONTHS LATERThe courtroom is cold, Not physically—but emotionally. It's almost too quiet.My hands sit frozen in my lap, unmoving for the past five minutes. A dull, anxious ache hums beneath my skin, but I can’t bring myself to shift. Lincoln sits beside me, our fingers tightly laced, grounding me. His other hand works swiftly over his phone, typing out what I’m sure are urgent work emails.Work had only gotten busier since he resumed.You’d think having two CEOs would make things easier. It only doubled our workload.I had tried to argue my way into stepping down, maybe becoming his VP or something less suffocating—but Lincoln wasn’t having any of it.Apex Conglomerate was clawing its way into the world’s elite, growing bigger, louder, more powerful by the day—and Lincoln made it crystal clear he wouldn’t let me miss a second of it.I blink myself back to the present as the judge adjusts his glasses, his stern gaze dropping down to the man standing trial.The man who a
[Lincoln]The car pulls up to Witmoore Gardens, a private area owned by the Sawyers for intimate family events, tucked away from the noisy chaos of the outside world. The afternoon sun kisses the neatly trimmed hedges and the white blossoms that line the entrance sway gently in the breeze.I can't help the heavy thump of my heart at the thought of seeing my family again. A real, physical ache throbs inside my chest as the driver cuts the engine and we step out.We exist the car and take a slow walk down the stone-cobbled path, the soft crunch of gravel beneath our shoes filling the warm, floral-scented air. Arella’s hand is securely locked in mine, her presence grounding me even as my nerves threaten to tangle my steps."Your palms are sweaty, Linc. Are you nervous?" she teases softly, giving me a look so warm and tender it makes my heart trip in my chest like a reckless drum."Maybe," I reply, my voice coming out lower and raspier than intended.Her grin only grows. "Aww, they don't
[Lincoln]I mean, sure, Arella and I appeared on TV a few days ago when the Mayor of Chicago wanted to publicly appreciate our efforts, and I knew—rationally—that everyone must know I'm alive now. But I didn't expect this.I didn't expect the entire airport to already be flooded like a damn concert just to catch a glimpse of us. The jet had barely touched the runway, the tires still hissing from contact, and yet-it’s like the whole damn city of San Diego decided to show up for a party.From the distance, the sharp staccato of camera shutters echoes through the thick, humid air, flashes popping like fireworks across the runway. The chaotic chorus of reporters shouting questions and calling our names roars louder with every step we descend.A cheeky, loopsided grin spreads across Arella’s face as we start down the stairs of the jet, her hand still tightly locked with mine, her spirit practically buzzing with unbothered amusement. Her entire energy screams: I own this moment."You're lov
[Lincoln]I never thought I’d be lucky enough to marry a superheroine, but here I am, with the most incredible woman by my side.The night wraps around us like a soft, comforting robe. The jet hums beneath us, its quiet rhythm like a lullaby carrying us away from the chaos. We’d spent another three, exhausting days in Chicago, collaborating with the police and drug enforcement agencies to dismantle one of the city’s most dangerous syndicates, ensuring every production of that deadly injection was stopped in its tracks. But now, as I watch my wife sleeping peacefully-her face bathed in the gentle glow of the cabin lights—a rush of emotions fills me. It’s more than warmth. It's something deeper, something that settles in my soul and touches every fractured part of me. It feels like a healing, like a light that’s always been missing inside me, now shining so brightly it threatens to overflow. Heaven knows, if the roles were reversed, if I’d been the one forced to raise a child alone f
[Arella]“Fuck you, Lincoln Sawyer!” Thompson’s voice tears through the air, cracked and furious, soaked in desperation as he launches backwards with one final burst of rage. His boot slams into Lincoln, sending him staggering back a few steps and before I can even think, he’s charging at me—wild-eyed, unhinged, like something that’s crawled straight out of hell and decided it wants to drag me back with it.But Lincoln doesn’t go down easy.He moves like something deep inside him just snapped back into place. One moment he’s stumbling, breathless, the next he’s lunging like a damn freight train, grabbing Thompson mid-sprint and twisting with enough force to rattle the concrete under our feet. Thompson’s body slams into the ground with a sickening thud, the gun flying from his hand and skittering across the floor with a metallic scream as the punches from Lincoln connects with his face.“Arella!” Lincoln’s voice cuts through the chaos, raw and real.With thinking anymore I run to him,
[Arella]“No no no!” Lisa screeches, stumbling back like the floor beneath her just cracked open. “H-how did you find us?!”Her voice pierces the air like shattered glass, high-pitched and filled with the kind of desperation only obsession can birth. She's shaking now, her wild eyes darting from me to the little vial still pinched between my fingers.“You conniving bitch!!” Thompson barks, his neck veins bulging as his gaze swings to Vivian.His hand trembles violently as he points between us, rage bleeding into fear. Then he sees Deric. And he pales.“It was only a matter of time before I found you, Thompson,” I say, calm, steady, like the reaper arriving with a smirk. “I’m sure you knew that too.”He begins to back away, every inch of arrogance fleeing his body like air from a punctured balloon. He stumbles until his back hits Lincoln’s bed—and that’s when everything freezes. My blood stops in my veins as he suddenly swings a gun out of his pocket, his hand shaking but deadly, and p