[Arella]“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer,” a woman says as we step out of the courthouse. Her voice carries over the light chatter of the street, and I glance up at the towering columns behind us, the weight of what just happened sinking in.Mrs. Sawyer. The title feels foreign and unreal. I’ve really become Mrs. Sawyer. My heart flutters in disbelief as I tighten my grip on Lincoln’s hand.“Thank you, Janet,” Lincoln responds smoothly, his deep voice steady as he turns to me with a smile. The sunlight gleams off his dark hair, perfectly combed back, giving him a movie-star glow. “This is Janet, my personal assistant.”Nodding, I meet Janet’s kind eyes. She’s a petite woman with short auburn hair and a warm demeanor, dressed in a beige blazer that says professional yet approachable.“Nice to meet you, Janet,” I say, my voice soft.Janet’s gaze flickers between Lincoln and me before she smiles brightly. “You’re so beautiful. No wonder the boss couldn’t control himself.”Linco
It’s nighttime by the time the car rolls through the towering gates, and I can’t help but gasp at how huge the mansion is. The structure seems to stretch endlessly, illuminated by soft, golden lights that make its grandeur even more striking. Large windows reflect the night sky, and perfectly manicured gardens line the path leading to the entrance, their flowers still vibrant under the soft glow of garden lamps. Everything about it is breathtaking—like something out of a fairytale.As the car stops, Lincoln steps out, signaling me to stay inside. He strides confidently around to my side, his footsteps echoing lightly on the stone driveway. He opens my door with practiced ease, leaning slightly to offer me his hand.“Careful,” he says softly, his tone carrying a gentleness that’s hard to ignore.I step out cautiously, my shoes making the faintest sound against the smooth surface beneath. My eyes dart to a line of servants forming near the grand entrance. Their uniforms are immacul
[Arella] I wake up to a strong arm wrapped around my middle, warmth seeping through my back. Sighing and still sleep-laden, I curl deeper into the warm embrace. It’s so comforting, so safe, that I almost don’t want to leave the moment. The arm around me tightens, pulling me closer, and I feel a flutter in my chest. "Don't move around more, Arella. I'm having a hard time controlling myself." I stiffen immediately, and that's when I notice something hard pressed against my backside. My body warms immediately at the realization, a rush of heat flooding my face. "S-sorry," my breath comes out shaky, and Lincoln chuckles, the deep sound rumbling through his chest. "You need to stop apologizing for every little thing, Ella," he says in that deep, morning voice of his, making my heart race in response. My nod is immediate, but he groans, and the next second, I’m flipped onto my back, a startled gasp escaping me. His eyes are intense, hungry with something I can’t quite nam
[Lincoln] Her fear shifts into fierce anger as she stands, her movements sharp. Her fingers curl into fists, trembling slightly as though the anger is barely contained. “I need to go see Deric.” My stomach drops, the light mood from lunch vanishing like smoke. Her hands shake as she clutches her phone tight, but her face is blank—too blank. I catch the faint shimmer of unshed tears clinging to her lashes, but she blinks them away. “I’ll have the driver prepare the car,” I say, rising to my feet. My voice is steady, though tension coils tight in my chest. She shakes her head quickly. “No, no, I’ll handle it on my own.” Her rejection stings, a sharp jab to my pride. Without hesitation, I grab her hands, their chill against my skin startling. I lift one hand to my face, holding her gaze. “Who am I?” My voice is low, unyielding. Her breath catches, and her response is soft, barely a whisper. “My husband.” The words land like a balm on my soul, flooding me with glee. It’s
[Deric]Did Lincoln just say wife? He married Arella? He married that vile woman?!But how—and why? My head throbs as I wince, picking myself up from the cold, unforgiving floor. The faint scent of coffee lingers in the air, but it does nothing to soothe the sick feeling pooling in my chest. The thought of that wench married and happily pregnant is a bitter pill to swallow.Running a hand through my hair, I pick up my rumpled jacket. My face stings, each throb a sharp reminder of the punches I endured. The ride back to my place feels endless, the city flashing by like ghostly taunts. I'd driven alone, hoping to get rid of that wench and get back to my sweet Vivi on time, but it looks like fate has other plans.Dread claws up my spine. Nobody messes with Lincoln Sawyer and gets away scot-free. Behind his gentlemanly behavior lies a beast, just waiting for the right opportunity to shred his opponent to pieces.The familiar warmth of my apartment does little to comfort me when I st
[Arella]The dining area is bathed in soft sunlight pouring through tall glass windows, reflecting off the polished marble floors. I sit at the expansive wooden table, its surface gleaming under the light, with a small plate of sliced apples in front of me. I'm alone at the table, Lincoln had told me last night that he wouldn't make it for breakfast because of a board meeting.My stomach feels hollow after throwing up–yet again, and I bring a an apple slice to my mouth, hoping its sweetness will settle me.The butter–sweet, tangy taste soothes my taste buds, momentarily easing the nausea twisting in my gut. It’s still my first trimester, so tell me why the only thing I can enjoy in the morning without throwing up is mayo-covered apple slices. Heaven knows what my weird cravings will be like as the months come along. “Need more apples, my dear?” Rita’s warm, maternal voice floats over from the kitchen area. She moves toward me with a concerned smile.I shake my head, rubbing my tu
[Arella]“Oh please, you don’t have to call me that,” Bridget giggles, her voice light and melodic as she leads me to our favorite spot at the back. The warm, familiar ambiance of Morty’s wraps around me like a cozy blanket.I wonder if Morty, the owner, still works here. He was already quite old back in college, with a twinkle in his eye and stories that could fill a library.“But I do, Your Highness,” I tease, lips curving into a playful smirk, and Bridget just shakes her head, her cheeks flushing faintly.I’m not joking, though—Bridget is a real-life princess of a small Scandinavian country in Europe, though she’s always been more down-to-earth than royal.We sit, settling into the worn but inviting leather booth. Our orders are taken by a cute little girl on rollerblades. Cliché, I know, but it’s charming, like something out of an old movie.Feeling my hands being clasped by Bridget’s soft, slightly cool fingers, I look up. Her baby-blue eyes glisten with unshed tears, reflecti
[Lincoln]“Welcome home, Mrs. Sawyer,” I say, my voice calm yet firm, startling Arella as she turns to see me seated on the dark leather couch, illuminated only by the soft amber glow of the fireplace. The large living room seems even bigger in the dim light, with the fire casting moving shadows on the marble floor.The staff retired to their quarters early today because I wanted to spend some quality time with my wife.Imagine my shock when I didn’t see her home—no texts, no calls. I went a little paranoid—not that she needed to know that, though.“Heyy…Lincoln,” she replies in an awkward voice, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the strap of her handbag.My lips twitch, and I fight back a smile.I’m supposed to be angry, but I guess I can’t—not when she looks like an adorably stunned hamster, her wide eyes shimmering under the soft light.Keeping my voice flat, I continue with a practiced stoic face, “The driver tells me you declined his offer to take you out.” My tone is even,
[Lincoln]My drive to the hospital is a blur of passing speed limits and tightly coiled tension. Zach has been texting me updates every five minutes—says she's fine, says she's getting first aid, says she didn’t suffer any major injuries, says she’s okay. But I’ll believe that when I see it. When I see her.A photo of the explosion was forwarded to me, and I grit my teeth so hard I can almost feel them cracking. When I find out who did this... Dread fills me at the thought of what could’ve happened if I hadn’t reinforced all my vehicles with impact-resistant designs. The thought of losing her gnaws at my mind, sharp and unrelenting. She could’ve been gone. Just like that. The universe seems to enjoy tossing curveballs at me—like it lives to stir up trouble, to see how much more I can take before I snap.“Where’s she?” I ask immediately, stepping out of the car and tossing my keys to Zach.“At the highest floor, sir. Getting her treatment,” he says.I nod gravely, my footsteps carryi
[Arella]Twenty minutes earlier.Pushing open the car door, the acrid smell of smoke fills my nostrils. My legs tremble beneath me, shaky and unsteady, as I step out into the chaos. A dull ache pulses in my head like a relentless drumbeat. The driver exits too, a small gash on his forehead oozing blood. Relief floods me as I see he’s otherwise unharmed.“Madam, are you okay?” His voice is frantic, his eyes wide with panic.“Yes, yes, I’m fine. The car?” I mutter, brushing off his worry as I briskly approach our vehicle.Our car seems almost untouched, only minor scrapes visible. But the other car... it’s a crumpled wreck, metal twisted and mangled as if it were paper. The stark contrast makes my stomach churn.A cough breaks through the heavy silence, dragging my attention to the smashed vehicle. Then it hits me—there are people in there.“There are people inside!” I yell, panic lacing my voice as I race toward the wreckage. My driver hurries behind me, and together we struggle to pry
The whole feel of Sawyer estate changes as soon as my car pulls up to the curb. The air feels thicker here, a stale, heavy weight pressing down like it's been waiting for me. My long, heavy steps echo through the quiet, each one carrying me closer to what feels like an inevitable confrontation. I barely nod at the staff's greetings, too focused, too restless, as I make my way upstairs. My mind races, an angry storm brewing inside me.I turn quickly at the top of the stairs, pushing open the door with little care. The heavy wood groans in protest."S-sir," the Albert stutters, his voice high-pitched with anxiety. He’s startled, practically jumping out of his skin, when I push open the inner tea room. The sound of the tray he’s holding crashing to the floor."Where's she?" I growl at him and he looks back up at me, stunned."Don't act fucking dumb today, Albert. Open that door."My voice comes out cold, too calm for the anger that roils under the surface. I want to choke the life out o
[Arella]"What's wrong?" Lincoln pulls me closer, his strong arms encircling me like a fortress. My head finds solace against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat grounding me."She's getting better, Linc. She's actually getting better." My voice cracks with emotion, and my fingers clutch at his shirt as if holding onto this moment will make it last forever.I feel his smile, warm and reassuring, as his jaw rests gently on my forehead."Is that why you're crying?" he asks softly, his deep voice laced with curiosity and a hint of amusement.A small laugh escapes my lips, shaky and tear-streaked, as I lift my head. "It's the damn pregnancy hormones. I'm actually very happy. Too happy." I sniffle, swiping at my cheeks, embarrassed but too overcome to care."You're adorable," he says, his eyes glimmering with an emotion so intense it steals my breath.Heat floods my cheeks, and I look away, suddenly self-conscious under his gaze. Why does he always manage to look at me like I’m t
[Arella] "Ouch!" My yelp is instant as the burning sensation spreads through my finger, sharp and biting. The sting blooms, leaving a fiery trail across my skin. My thumb immediately finds my lips, and I nibble on it, desperate to soothe the hot pain. Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them back, annoyed at my clumsiness. "Ella, what's wrong?" Lincoln’s voice calls out. He’s by my side in an instant, his large hands gripping my shoulders and cradling my face. His sharp, honey brown eyes dart over me, searching worriedly. "Are you okay? Are you fine?" His concern is so raw, so palpable, that it cracks my heart a little. The kitchen, with its warm lighting and faint aroma of bacon, feels suddenly stifling under his intense worry. I turn off the stove with and face him, cupping his cheeks. A chuckle escapes me, soft but genuine. "I'm fine, Linc. Just a little scalding here and there." "Are you sure?" he presses, his brows knitting tightly. He takes my ha
"Yes, you did all that!" Vivian yells, her voice cracking, then clenches my shirt tightly, her knuckles turning white. There’s a slightly crazed look in her eyes, a mix of desperation and something darker that makes my stomach twist. "Remember what you t-told me. Remember what you promised, Deric! You can only be with me, okay? Please… please don't go back to her. I can't live without you. I won't!" Her chest heaves, rising and falling so fast it looks like she might collapse any second."It's okay, Vivi. Come here."I pull her against me, her trembling body fitting awkwardly against mine. My mind flashes back to the crazed look in her eyes, and a shiver skates down my spine. That look… it clings to me, like an unwanted ghost in the back of my head."Nothing of that sort will happen," I say, forcing my voice to stay even. "I'm all yours, okay? Just yours."She sniffles, her tears soaking into my chest like raindrops on parched earth. For the first time, irritation sparks somewhere
[Deric]“What do you mean by he’s having flashbacks?”“Yes, ma’am, that can be the only reason behind his violent behavior.”“What can I do to...you know, stop them?”Their words blur together, echoing like a distant hum in my ears. The pounding in my head grows unbearable, each throb feeling like a hammer against my skull. My chest feels heavy, like someone is sitting on it, as I fight to pull myself back to consciousness.A sliver of light seeps through my eyelids. I force them open, but the brightness sends sharp pain shooting through my temples.“Ow, fuck.” My voice comes out hoarse, barely above a whisper.“Deric!”Vivian’s voice rings out, sharp and frantic, cutting through the haze. I hear the rustle of hurried footsteps before her hands grip my arms, warm and trembling. She pulls me up gently, her scent, vanilla and cherries, wafting into my nose.“What happened to me?” I manage to rasp, blinking at her blurry figure. Her face freezes, the usual softness in her features replac
[Lincoln]“C'mon, Ella, open your eyes,” I plead, shaking her slightly. My voice cracks, betraying the panic clawing at my chest. Her face is so pale, so unnervingly still, I almost feel like I’m holding a lifeless doll.“Drive faster!” My voice thunders, raw with urgency, urging the driver on. The air in the car feels suffocating, thick with tension and the metallic scent of blood. My hands tremble as I cradle her closer.She’s bleeding. She’s fucking bleeding! What had they done to her?My mind is a whirlwind, flashing back to the vision of her in Deric’s arms. My blood boils in my veins, rage simmering just below the surface. What had they planned? What the hell kind of sick game were they playing?Gritting my teeth, I whisper more to myself than to her, “C'mon, Ella, stay with me.”Her head lolls against my chest, her warmth slipping away by the second. A small part of me is screaming that I’m losing her, and that terrifies me more than I’ll ever admit.“You’ll be fine, Ella. You’
[Arella]My blurry gaze shifts to the man storming toward us, his sharp footsteps echoing in the tense atmosphere. His expression is thunderous, a storm of rage written on his face. Not just any man, but… Deric Smith? You've got to be kidding me.For a second, I’m too stunned to move. The scent of spilled soup mingles with the faint aroma of soy sauce from nearby tables. My wet hair clings to my face, soup trickling down my neck, adding to my humiliation.His eyes don’t meet mine; they’re laser-focused on Lincoln’s grandmother, burning with fury."Why the fuck would you do that to her?" he yells, his voice slicing through the air like a blade. Heads turn at the commotion. I feel the weight of their stares, making the heat on my cheeks even worse.Lincoln’s grandmother freezes, her lips parting in surprise before she recovers with a smirk. She turns her sharp gaze back to me, her smile venomous."Is this one of your lackeys?" she sneers.I want to retort, but my throat tightens. Before