[Arella] He smirks, his gaze lingering on me far too long, making my skin crawl. Does he ever get tired of being creepy? “Come on now, I’m just being friendly. C’mon, hop in. I’ll drop you ladies off.” I feel the heat rising in my chest, the irritation boiling over. Friendly? More like persistent and unwanted. "You need to leave, Frank. Don’t think I don’t know you’ve been following me around—stalking me. Let me warn you now, lay off, or you won’t like the consequences." He freezes, then lets out a dark chuckle, his eyes flashing with a mix of amusement and arrogance. “Stalk you? Deric was right, you’re just a delusional fool,” he says, rolling up his window with a finality that makes my blood boil. Right. Blame me for noticing your obvious lurking. Classic. Without another word, he drives off, leaving us standing there. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, the tension in my shoulders slowly easing. Turning to Ava, I notice her eyes, dark and intense, staring at
[Arella]Touching up the last bits of makeup, I smooth a hand over my dress, the sapphire color catching the warm glow of the overhead lights. The fabric hugs my frame, and its rich color compliments my skin perfectly. My hand pauses at my tummy. A life is growing inside me. Pregnant.I'm really pregnant, and this isn't some kind of dream.The thought settles over me like a heavy blanket—both comforting and suffocating. Feeling my eyes sting, I blink rapidly, forcing down that strange mixture of joy and sadness. I can’t afford to mess this up, not with Deric and Vivian waiting for any excuse to trample on me.The quietness of the back room is broken by the creak of the door. Through the mirror, I catch Sasha’s reflection as she steps in, the gentle sway of her identical sapphire dress mirroring mine. We’re the planners, after all."When were you going to tell me that you're dating Lincoln Sawyer?"I freeze, my heart thudding loudly, as if the truth were pounding to escape. Turning t
[Lincoln] "Right this way, Mr. Sawyer. I'm glad you could make it," Deric says, gesturing toward the grand entrance of the venue. The air inside is warm, heavy with the mingling scents of cologne, champagne, and freshly polished wood. I nod and step in, frustration simmering beneath the surface. I wouldn’t have been here if it wasn’t for Mr. Thompson agreeing to meet on ‘fair grounds.’ Not exactly sure what that means, but here I am. "Hi, I’m Vivian, Deric’s girlfriend," a woman in a short black dress says, extending her hand with a practiced innocent looking smile. So, she’s the one Deric abandoned Arella for. Her eyes are too wide, her smile too bright and calculating. Her mask doesn’t fool me—I can see it all, every crack beneath her polished “pure” exterior, makes me wonder how full of a man Deric actually is to fall for this act. "Yes, she’s my loving girlfriend," Deric adds quickly when I don’t take her hand, his voice faltering just slightly. "You left Arella f
[Arella]Every thought evaporates from my mind as I take his hand. Lincoln leads me to the dance floor, the smooth, soft music wrapping around us like a velvet ribbon. The scent of fresh flowers and expensive cologne lingers in the air.Chandeliers above cast a golden glow over everything, but it all fades into the background as he looks at me."You’ve been avoiding me, Arella," he says, his voice low and probing. The words send a shiver down my spine. I feel myself freeze, the warmth of his hand on mine holding me in place."N-no, it’s not like that," I stammer, my voice barely audible over the hum of the music. "I’ve just been… busy.""If that’s the case, then why aren’t you looking at me?"His words pierce through me. My eyes snap to his, and the way he looks at me—it’s just so… intense, so searching, like he’s seeing every secret I’ve tried to hide. My breath catches. The soft light gleams off his sharp jawline, and his presence feels like a cocoon, shutting out everything else
[Arella]The stain is horrendous—huge, red, and blotchy. Knowing how Vivian is, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d mixed red paint together with the wine. It’s a ridiculous thought, I know, but it’s Vivian after all.I can’t go out in this anymore.Searching around for the sundress I wore before changing into this, I don’t find it. Frustration prickles at my skin as I grab my phone and dial Sasha, hoping she’ll come help.Before the call connects, the door swings open suddenly, and I’m startled.My blood freezes.It’s Frank."What are you doing here?" I demand, my voice trembling despite my attempt to sound firm.Frank smirks, his eyes hazy, and the stench of alcohol hits me like a wave. He’s drunk."I told you to watch your back," he slurs, stepping closer.My heart begins thumping loudly, a heavy drumbeat that drowns out everything else. I back away instinctively. "What are you trying to do? Don’t come closer, or I’ll scream!"He giggles—a high-pitched, unnerving sound, like a child
10 Minutes Earlier[Lincoln]I watch Arella walk away, her figure disappearing into the crowd. My jaw tightens as I turn my cold gaze back to Deric and Vivian, glaring particularly at her. She’d be stupid if she thinks we believed her excuse about the spill not being on purpose.Deric clears his throat, his expression carefully neutral, and gives me a smile. "Mr. Sawyer, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about the big oil merge coming up. You see, the last time we spoke abou—""Sir," Janet’s voice interrupts from beside me, cutting Deric off. Her tone is crisp, urgent. "Mr. Thompson is already here. I didn’t want to interrupt your dance, but he is getting crankier by the second."I stiffen, my frustration barely contained. The reminder of why I even attended this pointless gala claws at my mind. Business obligations always come first."Where is he now?""In one of the lounges, sir."I follow her lead, my steps brisk, past the clinking glasses and murmured conversations. We enter a q
[Arella]Lincoln lets me back down gently, and I can feel his anger bubbling as he stalks toward Deric, who's yelling at the top of his voice."Can someone tell me what's Omph!—"His words are cut short as Lincoln grips his collar tightly.""You! This is on you!" Lincoln's voice thunders, his fury palpable. "Is this how you organize a gala? Allowing any random degenerate to slip in unnoticed? Look at that drunkard over there!" He points sharply toward Frank, his tone seething with disdain. "He tried to assault Arella!"Gasps echo around us, and I realize they’re from Vivian, Kaitlin, and a few others from the party. Something feels off about they way they all piled in at once—very off—but I’m too stunned to speak, too scared to say anything. My hand instinctively goes to my stomach. Did I lose my baby? The thought creeps in, and my heart twists painfully. Surely that would be too much of a stretch… right?"That’s not a drunkard! He’s my friend!" Deric’s eyes turn to me, blazing with
[Arella] The steady beeping sound of a machine slowly lures me awake. My head feels heavy, like it’s stuffed with cotton. Where am I? My eyes flutter open to find walls that are sterile and white. The smell of antiseptic fills my nose as a lady in a white coat looms above me. “Good, you’re awake. How do you feel now, ma’am?” she asks, helping me sit up slowly. I blink, my mind clearing. Last night comes rushing back. I must have fainted. “I feel okay. Just a little groggy.” She nods and continues her checks. I wonder where Lincoln is, he probably left already. That thought makes me sad and I don't know why. “Do you know where the man—” “You mean your husband, right?” the doctor interrupts with a wide grin. “He just stepped out a few minutes ago. He watched you all night, you know. Such a loving man.” My ears perk up. My husband? Is she talking about Lincoln? He watched me all night? I feel my cheeks heat up, a pink flush spreading across my face. But thoughts of
[Arella]Vivian turns to face me, her eyes widening in shock. Her blood-red lipstick falters slightly, though she quickly schools her expression. She’s dressed to impress, wearing a fitted white blazer with gold accents and matching high-waisted trousers, her stilettos clicking nervously against the tiled floor. Her sleek, chestnut-brown hair falls perfectly over her shoulders—too perfect, too practiced.“A-Arella?” she says incredulously, her voice trembling just enough to seem genuine. “What are you doing here?”I arch a brow, my pulse quickening—not with fear, but with simmering resentment. Her audacity still manages to surprise me.“I should be asking you that, Vivian,” I snap, keeping my voice cold and steady. “Haven’t you already been informed that we do not wish to work with Ames Finances?”The flicker of embarrassment in her eyes is brief before she recovers, her expression hardening.“And what gave you the right to turn down Ames Finances?” she prods, her voice sharp. Gon
[Arella]"I'd gladly bring you to Nevada next time, even if you don't have a doctor's appointment. You really seemed to enjoy yourself," Lincoln says, his deep, smooth voice carrying a teasing undertone as he leads me out of his Bentley. The cool evening air brushes against my skin, a stark contrast to the cozy warmth inside the car. His hand rests on my lower back, steady and protective.We spent the weekend in Nevada, indulging in a world that felt distant from reality, only landing this evening. It's a weekday already. Bridget's gonna give me an earful for vanishing like that. "I'd like that," I say, meaning it more than I should. His lips curl into a slow, satisfied smile that makes my heart lurch, traitorous as ever."Or we could go somewhere more exotic for our honeymoon," he whispers that last part just for me, his breath grazing my ear like a forbidden secret.The mansion looms before us, grand and imposing, its towering pillars gleaming under the soft glow of garden lights
[Deric]"What do you mean you're canceling the deal? This is unacceptable, I–hello? Hello?!""Fuck!" I snap, slamming my fist against the polished oak conference table, the sharp sound reverberating across the room. The board of directors seated across from me flinch, their faces pale and tense."Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" My breathing quickens, chest tightening. "We're losing everything! How did this happen?" My voice cracks with desperation."W-we have no clue," one of the men stammers, beads of sweat gathering at his temple. "It's as if we're intentionally being blacklisted by some force."His words send a chill down my spine. Blacklisted? By who? Why now?"What does that even mean?" I respond sharply, my voice cutting through the stifling air. "This issue isn't confined to San Diego—our suppliers and recruits are terminating contracts across the entire state of California!"How is it possible that no one wants to work with Ames Finances? The company I built with blood, sweat, and ruthles
[Lincoln] "W-what?!" Arella lets out a startled gasp. "H-how did it happen?" "I don't know," I say, trying to keep my cool despite the storm brewing inside me. "I'm going to need you to calm down, baby. Can you do that for me?" "Lincoln…" she starts, fear widening her eyes, her breath coming in shallow pants. "Please, Ella," I plead, my eyes flicking back to the road as the car swerves dangerously. There's a large field coming up. It's fenced, but that isn't going to be a problem—not if I can help it. "Are your seat belts on?" I ask, my voice tight with controlled urgency. Her watery eyes meet mine. "Lincoln… I'm scared," she admits, trembling. The car jerks violently, nearly spinning out of control. Despite my calm façade, my head pounds with a thousand chaotic thoughts. Nothing must happen to them. Nothing. "Are your seat belts intact, Arella?" I ask again, firmer this time. She nods with a sob, clutching her seatbelt tightly as if it could anchor her to safet
[Lincoln] The ambiance of the 7-star Michelin restaurant is almost suffocatingly posh, reeking of old money and self-importance. Crystal chandeliers dangle from the high ceiling, their cold light shimmering off gold-accented walls. The faint hum of soft classical music seeps into the room, blending with the clink of fine cutlery and quiet murmurs of privileged patrons. Why Clement Thompson chose this particular restaurant for a simple lunch is beyond me. It feels like I’ve walked into a live-action display of "Who’s the Richest?" “Right this way, Mr. Sawyer.” A lady with a crisp British accent, dressed in an immaculately tailored suit, leads me through the maze of lavishly decorated tables to a private room. The air is thick with the scent of aged wine and freshly baked bread. Seating in front of Mr. Thompson, I relax my posture, though every instinct tells me to be on guard. His sharp, calculating eyes study me like I’m both a challenge and a prize he intends
[Arella]The hot summer sun beats down, its harsh rays bouncing off Mr. Malcolm's bald head. I sit up straighter, tilting my head to avoid the glare coming through the open window. The office feels warm, with the AC struggling to keep the heat at bay.“What is the matter, Mr. Malcolm?” I ask calmly, masking my irritation.“Oh, please, cut that bullshit, young lady!” he snaps, his voice sharp and abrasive, echoing through the quiet office.I arch a brow, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. Funny how bold he is now that Bridget is out on business. His audacity is as suffocating as the humid air hanging heavily in the office.“I'll ask again, Mr. Malcolm. What is the matter?”He storms forward and slams a crumpled piece of paper on my desk, his thick fingers trembling with barely restrained rage.“This! This is the matter! What do you think of yourself, eh? That you can just come here and change the order of things? My project with the Ames finances will not be cut off the vision board,
[Arella]Turning my worried eyes away from Ava, who looked like she'd seen a ghost, I turn to none other than Deric. The air feels thick, like something heavy is about to drop, and it settles in the pit of my stomach. I swear, it’s like fate is always playing a cruel joke on me, making me cross paths with this scumbag at the worst possible time.I scoff immediately, the sound sharp and biting, as I feel the blood rush to my face in anger. "Why can't I be here? Is the mall yours?" He smiles smugly, his lips curling into a mocking grin. "I should be asking you this same question. I'm here to get an engagement ring for my soon-to-be wife, Vivian."He emphasizes her name like it’s some kind of victory. Like I should care. “Not like you would know anything about that”, he adds, the jab aimed right at me…I don't even know if I should call this a jab though, seems pathetic.My smile turns brighter, forced but sharp. "Well, my husband closed down the mall for today. It'd be in your best in
[Arella]The weekend rolls by, and despite how drained I feel from my first week at Chanax, I’m excited to see my sister again.The car pulls up, its engine purring softly as it comes to a stop. Without waiting for Lincoln, I push the door open and step out, my shoes crunching against the gravel.“Careful,” he says behind me, his tone carrying a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation. I don’t even have to turn around to know he’s shaking his head at me.The camp air wraps around me, warm and inviting, with the faint scent of pine and freshly turned earth wafting through the breeze. The soft hum of nature fills my ears, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds. Beautiful birds flit between the trees, their bright colors streaking against the dense greenery.Tucked away in the busy city, this camp feels like a sanctuary—a place of hope for children with MDD. My heart swells at the thought of seeing Ava again, of being able to hold her.“Ava!” I squeal, excitement bubbling in
[Lincoln] "I wanted to see my wife," I reply, unashamed. Arella rolls her eyes. "You saw me this morning," she retorts, her tone clipped but playful. I shake my head slowly, holding her gaze. "Doesn't matter. Had lunch yet?" She flushes, her lips twitching with guilt. "Would you believe a yes?" "I wouldn't," I reply, my jaw tightening at her carelessness. "Get in," I command firmly, my voice leaving no room for argument. "What? Now? I’m at work, you know," she protests, exasperated but already moving toward the car. I give her a pointed look. With a resigned sigh, she slips into the passenger seat, smoothing her skirt with jittery fingers. Reaching into the back seat, I grab the small flask of food and place it in her hands. Her eyes brighten instantly, a spark of joy softening her tense features. "You got me food?" she asks, her voice rising with surprise. "Hmm." I hum, savoring her reaction. Before she can say more, I grab her chin with controlled intensity and press my li