[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
[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] "Doctor, her vitals are coming around—come quick!" Everything around me feels hazy, like I’m trapped underwater. Urgh, why is there so much noise? My limbs are heavy and sore, my mouth unbearably dry. My mind feels foggy and I try to open my eyes, but my lids won’t obey—just like the rest of my body. What happened to me? The last thing I remember was…the truck slamming into our car! A gasp escapes my mouth, raw and faint, as my eyes peel open wide. “Deric!” My voice sounds bruised, almost alien, as if I haven't used it in years. “Calm down, Mrs. Smith. You’ll be fine,” a voice reassures me, calm and gentle, but my panic refuses to settle. A quick sting hits my arm, and a wave of sleepiness washes over me, pulling me back into darkness. •°•°•°•°•°•°•° “What do you mean I’ve been in a coma for two years?!” My voice is still hoarse, strange and rough to my own ears. Looking around, my head spins as I try to process his words. “This is the situation, Mrs Smi
[Arella]"Why don't you understand this simple thing? I don't care about who you are, or what you meant to me! Just leave this house now!”Deric thunders, his words cutting so deep that I feel my heart shatter.It’s as though each syllable hammers away at the love we once shared."Please..." I reach closer to him, my hands trembling as I clasp his in mine, trying to bridge this unbearable distance. "Please, Deric, look into my eyes and tell me you don't even feel anything—our connection, our bon–.""I don't." He bites out, cold and final as he pushes me away. "This woman right here is the one who has my heart." He pulls Vivian into his embrace, smirking down at me. "As far as I'm concerned, you're just a stranger claiming to be my wife.”Stranger.The word hits me like a punch to the gut, stealing my breath. I remember rushing to his ward this morning to check up on him, only to find out he'd checked out, leaving me all alone. I managed to trace him back to our home, finding him
[Arella] When my eyes finally flutter open, I find myself alone in the lounge. My skin feels prickly, my body hot and uncomfortable. What’s going on? My mind is sluggish as I rise, trying to leave, but I realize I don’t have my phone, no way to call anyone for help. I stagger out, the heat intensifying, a flush creeping over my cheeks as a tingling builds low in my stomach. A horrible thought crosses my mind—have I been… drugged? I might need to stay here; I can’t risk going out like this. As I stumble toward the receptionist’s desk, I collide with a solid wall of muscle, a small whimper escaping me. I look up and feel relief wash over me as I meet an unexpected familiar gaze. "Arella?" His deep voice washes over me, sending a shiver through my body. Clutching onto his suit for balance, my voice comes out barely more than a whisper. "Please… help me." He looks down at me, his brows drawing together in concern. “Arella… what happened?” His voice softens as he steadi
[Arella]"Please, don't sign it!" It’s Vivian’s voice, loud and clear. My blood boils with anger. What does she want now?Deric frowns and narrows his eyes at her. "Babe, what are you doing?""Just let me talk to her, okay?" She looks at me, her eyes wide and pleading. Her voice is soft and shaky."I should explain myself. I never intended to make him fall for me, I swear. It just happened, I was only trying to help him. Y-you can take him back. Please, don't fight because of m-me." She hiccups and tears fall from her eyes, looking fragile and helpless."Why can’t she just let them be happy? Such a crazy woman," I hear someone sneer from the crowd.That’s all it takes to make me snap. I lunge at her, grabbing her by the shoulders. Rage burns inside me, and my voice shakes as I speak. "What’s the use of all this? You’ve already ruined my life! Why didn’t you clarify right away? Why didn’t you try to stop him, to tell him about me? I treated you like a friend, Vivian—no, like a sist
[Arella]"Ava, please get down! Please listen to me, Ava. I'm sorry. It's all my fault! Please, you're all I have left. Don't do this to me! Take my hand, please!"My voice cracks with desperation, trembling with fear and guilt as I scream up at her.She doesn’t listen. She doesn’t even look in my direction. Her vacant stare sends a chill down my spine, and my heart feels like it’s breaking in two.The hot summer wind slaps against my face, drying the tears on my cheeks almost as quickly as they fall. My hair flutters wildly around me, mirroring the chaos in my heart."Please, don’t jump! Mom wouldn’t have wanted this!"That stops her. She turns to me slowly, her eyes hollow, her face streaked with tears that glisten under the harsh sunlight.She doesn’t say a word, and it breaks me even more. Her silence screams louder than any words ever could."Talk to me, Ava! Yell, scream, hit me! But please, don’t jump! I’ll avenge you. I won’t let them hurt you. Please, come down."My voice r
[Arella]"Give us an answer, Mrs. Smith! Did you cheat on your husband? Are the rumors true? Is your marriage in shambles? Mrs. Smith! Did he really divorce you? Mrs. Smith! Mrs. Smith!"The voices of the reporters cut through the air, sharp and unrelenting. Their cameras flash rapidly, blinding me as I try to shield Ava from the chaos.I grip her hand tightly, her fingers trembling in mine. Her fear is palpable, and it sends a wave of protectiveness surging through me. I push forward, but the reporters swarm us like vultures circling prey."Move! Get out of the way!" I yell, my voice breaking with desperation.Ava’s wide eyes dart around, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She’s shivering uncontrollably, her fragile form shaking against me. My heart twists painfully at the sight.I try again to push through, but their relentless questions cut deeper with every word. They’ve been hounding me ever since the news of our divorce broke out. For days, I managed to evade them, but today
[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