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BRANDONThe girls and Alayna’s mother are already outside when I arrive at the spa. I’m just in time. We will meet a fashion designer for the ball on Sunday, and we basically have two days left. The preparation time is brief, but it’s much better than waiting for days. I can’t wait to be officially engaged to the love of my life.However, to my confusion, as I look from a distance, Alayna’s sister’s eyes and cheek are burning red. Cassius’s Aston Martin is parked in front of the building as well. My cousin gets off his and approaches Casey first. It’s as though she is explaining something to him, and Cassius seems furious by the look on his face.Suddenly, Cassius catches Alayna’s sister in his arms, cradling her as she cries. He then speaks to Alayna and Elizabeth and takes Arianna to his car. I cross the road, and my fiancée’s face meets my gaze.She just looks fucking incredible.“Hey,” she greets me with an affectionate embrace and kisses my cheek.I gaze at her gorgeous face. Her
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I step out of the car first and open her door. She takes my hand, but she can’t take her eyes off the storefront.“That’s a beautiful black dress,” she says, referring to the glittering piece of display. I instantly imagined her in that dress, and I’m sure she’d look stunning. I’m certainly not letting her wear black at the engagement.I grin. “Yes, and I can’t wait to see you in one of those. Come on. This is Oliver’s friend’s shop. Omar designs wedding dresses too, and if you like his work, he’ll design your dress.” Omar Taylor is also recognized as an official fashion designer for beauty queens. He made the dress of the crowned Miss World two years ago.She looks at me in awe. “I get to wear a custom-made dress for our wedding?”“Yes, darling. You can tell the designer whichever style you like.”“That’s wonderful!” she says breathlessly. Her reactions are going to be the death of me. I like how relaxed she is about showing her feelings.That’s it, love. You can tell me whatever you
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“Monsieur Lucien!” Omar Taylor welcomes in slightly accented English. “I was expecting you.” The couturier leans forward, dabs his cheek with mine, and then extends his greetings to my fiancée. “And Mademoiselle.”“Merci, Omar. Comment allez-vous?”“Je vais bien. Merci.”“Ah, this is my fiancée, Alayna Hart.”He looks fondly at Alayna and smiles. “What a lovely bride! You‘re gorgeous.”Alayna smiles back. “Thank you, Mr. Taylor.”He lightly touches the tip of her hair. “Just call me Omar. Come, come. Monsieur Katrakis called me this morning. Luckily, I am here in town. When he told me you are coming today, I cleared my schedule to show you my newest design.” He takes us further inside as he talks, walking past the showroom and his employees. He snaps his finger in the air, and two attendants swiftly shadow him.After that, we head to another door leading to a spacious room that houses his designs and office.“I could’ve made something else for you, but I’m afraid a designer needs more
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Guests fill the event hall tonight. Ecstatic classical music is being played by a live quartette, and I see many unknown faces. Some of those who have attended are our friends and even acquaintances of friends. I recognize a few even with masquerade masks on their faces. Family members I know back in Athens, Alayna’s siblings in Arianna’s care, her family, but I mainly observe the media. The press, journalists, and reporters are all jammed in one place.Alayna’s still in the dressing room with Casey, preparing for the night’s program. I am wearing the matching suit for her evening gown tonight—a custom-made black and white suit with fabric that feels light as a feather.“Brandon,” Oliver greets me with a shoulder pat. He wears a gold mask covering his eyes and an Armani blue tux.“Thanks, man.”“Hey, I missed that mask.” He grins. I am wearing the same one.Daphne stands next to him, holding a black sequined mask attached to a stick.She extends a brief hug in a gesture of politeness
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ALAYNAIn the last hour, we answered the press’s questions and interviews. We are live online, hosted by the Gardenia Event Hall. We spoke about our wedding date, introduced our families and friends to the people, and how grateful we were for their attendance and acceptance. Mostly, acceptance. I’m not a woman from any of the prominent families of Greece—but a chef with a compassionate mother and twelve siblings. We made sure they didn’t miss anything else about my family. However, Brandon is also right. They’ve asked me about my restaurant and about my plans as the wife of Grethe and Elga Enterprises’ chairman. It’s nerve-racking. I didn’t expect they would ask me on the spot about it. The engagement party turns out to be a press con too.The next hour, Brandon introduces me to his family. We sit now at a huge round table with our closest relatives, where we are now facing none other than Petros Katrakis. Brandon’s grandfather. He’s late, but he still came. It’s like answering anothe
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BRANDON“Brandon invited me. Of course, I’ll come. Isn’t that right, Brandon?” Pauline says, and her fucking remark added to my exasperation.“Is that right, my boy?” my grandfather asks as if amused.His endearment always gives a sour taste to my tongue.“Petros.” Sebastianos acknowledges my grandfather’s presence with a handshake. The family tree is vast, but everyone in the family circle is his friend. Sebastianos Leandros’ great-grandmother is a Dragoumis.“Ah! Sebastianos, come, come.”I roll my eyes. I glance in the direction Alayna went earlier, but I still don’t see her.What are you doing there, love?She’s been in the restroom for over fifteen minutes now. I am beginning to worry. After everything my grandfather had said, of course, she’d feel unwelcomed. It’s not a good sight. I regret ever inviting him here. I’m entirely mortified in front of her mother, and I know I have to apologize to her family later.“Elizabeth,” I call Alayna’s mother’s attention because I can’t prol
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ALAYNA“You did good back there. Like always,” Drake says calmly, breaking the silence I try to keep for the last few minutes. We’re now traveling to an airport while a piece of pop music is playing on the stereo. “That’s what I love about you. You’re always following directions.”“Fuck you.”His finger touches my cheek, and I instantly cringe. “You are breaking my heart, Laynie.”I shove his hand away. “You threatened to kill my family and fiancé, and you expect me to submit to you? You can do whatever you want with me, but my heart will never be yours.” I tighten my arms around my body and sink deep into the seat.He sighs. “Enough of your nonsense, and stop crying. In the future, you’ll forget all about him.”I finally look at him. “Why are you taking me to Kansas? You are a mayor here. So you’re just going to leave everything behind?”He clicks his tongue. He pulls out a napkin from the backseat and tosses it into my lap. “Wipe your face.”I draw out a wad of tissue and wipe my fa
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I’ve been planning many ways to escape in my head, but it seems impossible. I don’t have my wallet or my phone. Drake threw them all away back at the event hall. He has men watching me.“How can I go with you? I don’t have my things with me,” I say, trying to reason.“You don’t need those. Come, we’re taking off for a few minutes.” He grabs my wrist and pulls me to him, but I struggle.“No!” I yank my hand away, crying again. “I can’t go with you.”He grunts under his breath and reaches for my wrist again. “I have men outside your mother’s house. I can order them to blow up your house.”“No, you said you didn’t lie.” I sniffle. “But you are lying now. You’re maybe a narcissist and a sadist asshole, but you’re not a murderer.”A muscle in his jaw ticks. “Not yet, I’m not. But I will be if you challenge me. Your family’s blood will be in your hands. Amir?” He cocks his head to the side, and Amir, one of his bodyguards, steps forward and hands him a phone.Draken then shows me a picture
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BRANDON They said nothing lasts forever, but that phrase might not be entirely true. Yes, I’ve lived a wretched life in the past. I was driven by guilt, anger, and revenge for as long as I could remember. I couldn’t do anything because I thought I was weak. I thought it was how I was going to die. Hopeless and a failure. Until she came into my life and changed everything. Alayna turned my world upside down and showed me a different side of reality I hadn’t yet seen. She made me realize it wasn’t too late to hope or win—the exact opposite of what I had lived for all along. For when I was hopeless, she showed me hope. I felt despair; she granted me peace. I thought I had more guilt than anyone else in the world, but she gave me her love. With her, my journey truly begins. Our marriage. My forever. We should enjoy every second of it now in a summer townhouse resort in Varkiza, one of the estates we owned in Athens. I am now tangling my wife’s hair as she devours my shaft by the
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I walk them to the end of the venue, greeting the guests as we pass. Then I meet up with Cary and Stan by the garden’s exit. The twins step aside to introduce me to a man of nearly sixty—who did his best to appear formal with the suit I sent him. I immediately recognize the features of his face.The man opens his arms. “Brandon, my favorite boy…”I approach him immediately and briefly drape my arm around his shoulder. “Uncle Basil, you came.”“Of course. I won’t miss your special day.”“Um, hello?” Casey steps forward and joins in.“Ah, it must be you now. You’re Elysia,” Uncle Basil says. I step back, giving them space.Casey blushes. “I go with a different name now, um… but…”“No, you are Elysia. Elga’s younger sister. I held you as a baby.” He smiles in awe. “You look so much like your brother and your father—Oh!”Casey instantly embraces him. “Brandon said you look like him too.”Our uncle nods, stroking her back. “I’m sorry for what happened to you, child.”She snivels. “I alread
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BRANDON“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride…”My wife selected a garden house by the beach in East Hampton for our wedding. Her dream wedding. She looked exceptionally royal in her white long trail wedding dress today. Omar did a remarkable job, as usual. I honestly can’t wait for this celebration to end, so I can finally have my wife for myself.Alayna wanted an intimate celebration with our families, but some press always finds a way to invite themselves. At least a hundred people are present today to witness our most awaited union compared to the five hundred who attended our engagement party.My beautiful wife is now in my arms, having our first dance as a married couple.“Hello, husband. You look very handsome.” She traces the line of my suit with her fingertips, and the diamond wrap around her finger flickers.“You look like I’m ready to eat you.”She giggles, and I always love the sound of it. “Behave,” she says, but her smile says otherwise.I raise a
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ALAYNAOne week later“Senator Donovan Mallory is arrested for child trafficking, distributing child pornography, and the murder of Dr. Richard Hart, the former chair of Lifeline Foundation. The trial for his case will begin in two weeks…”The report switches the frame over to a desperate old man being hauled by the cops.“Let me go! This is not over yet! The mayor of Seattle is mentally sick! Do you hear me? I cannot accept this! He is lying!” he yells over the reporters surrounding him in front of the courthouse.“This is Luis Crawford from AAC News, reporting.”Cassius shuts off the news. We are now gathered in the living room, silently waiting for someone to speak.Last week, Cassius and Carmelo visited the senator to let him know Drake abducted me, but he only chased them away and denied his son. He told them he had no business in Drake’s escapades. However, during Drake’s interview, he disclosed everything he knew about his father and apologized to me in public.“Drake didn’t me
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Brandon returns with a bare torso, flaunting his delicious abs and toned muscles. He’s changed into gray sweatpants. I watch him turn off some lights, raise the thermostat, and turn the stereo on.“Get onto the bed and lie down,” he says while heading toward me.We now have pleasant room temperature, dim, romantic lights, and a mellow piece of music.Okay. I’m not getting dressed then.I slide my buttocks along the bed’s cushion and move over the middle. I swallow dryly.Brandon crawls on the bed. Gradually, he positions himself on top of me and snatches off my robe.“Let me just remind you…” he whispers. “You asked for this. You’re too persistent that I have to do something about it.” He pushes himself up then yanks down his pants and boxers without breaking eye contact. His erect shaft swells up.No matter how many times I see him in this state, I just can’t get enough. Everything about him is just too beautiful. At times, I find him hard to handle.He lowers himself again. “Spread
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ALAYNAMy body aches everywhere, but I stiffen. It hurts too much to move.I’m still alive.Right, yes. I remembered being saved, and I saw Oliver’s face. He told me Brandon came.Around me, I smell antiseptic and undertones of the artificial fragrance. Judging by the scent of my surroundings, I’m aware of where I am. Bit by bit, I blink my eyes and try to open them.My beautiful man’s face is the first thing I see.“Hi…”He kisses my knuckles and brings my palm to his face. “Hey.”I force a smile. “I love you.”His eyes redden and start to swell. “I love you too.”“Oh, don’t cry. I can still feel my limbs—no broken bones. No sign of permanent damage,” I manage a joke, chuckling.“Don’t,” he says gruffly. “You scared me back there.”I grunt, adjusting my back. “But you saved me. Like always. What is it about restrooms? Dangerous place.”“Very.” He frowns hard, remembering the past. “Back then, it was different. Next time, you don’t leave alone, okay?”I nod. “Next time.” I brush away
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BRANDONReporters disperse in front of the hospital when I arrive after a call from Oliver, but I’m more anxious about Alayna’s state. What did this son of a bitch do to her? I still have no idea what happened because Ollie and Stan don’t have time to explain everything.I break through the crowd that won’t let us pass. Some reporters ask about me, that fucker Drake, and his crime, but most are random; I can’t understand them. My mind is somewhere else to even try to fucking understand, so I couldn’t care less. I need to see my fiancée right away.“Just keep going. I’m right behind you,” Jason instructs, then he and some security block the reporters and let me through.“We are not answering questions for now, please. Give my family some privacy!” he yells, and his voice trails off as I go further.Oliver is impatiently treading back and forth in front of the emergency room while on the phone. Stan, on the other hand, is sitting quietly on the bench as if in deep thought.“Oliver. Stan
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ALAYNAI have fallen asleep on the couch. It’s already morning. I’m not in my bed, nor Brandon’s penthouse, but in an unfamiliar room somewhere in Wichita. It turns out I’m not dreaming. The devil who’s asleep on the bed right now really kidnapped me.He’s sleeping! Maybe I can get away…I cover my mouth from squealing at the possible opportunity to get away from Drake.I take light steps toward the bed to make sure he’s unconscious. Drake’s forehead is wrinkled, and exhaustion is marked on the lines of his face. He must be unsettled with all this bullshit he got himself into, but he’s clearly tired because no matter how difficult the nightmares are, he doesn’t wake. I know because I’ve seen him in this state in the past. Whenever he was anxious, he’d just sleep it out.I instantly think of making a call, so I need a phone. Brandon has to know where I am. So bravely, I sneak back to the living room and open Drake’s stuff. I dig inside his suitcase to look for his phone and money. I ne
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I knock on the door of an old townhouse, then a dark-blonde-haired woman appears at the door. She smiles when she sees us, but the bliss on her face quickly fades and turns into confusion.“Jason?” she says.Jason frowns. “Mariel?”“You know her?” I ask him.“Yes, she’s in the gang with me. I mean, was. Mariel Miller. What are you doing here?”The woman’s face turns red. “I don’t know why you’re here, but you need to leave.” She glances at me but then attempts to shut the door. However, Jason is swift. He shoves himself to the door and steps inside.“Mariel. I am asking you a question. Why are you here?” Jason questions as he steps further. I follow him.“She’s his sister. The twins found out in the family records,” I say. I see quite a resemblance.Jason nods, then shifts his attention back to the woman. “Where is Drake, Mariel?”She steps back. “He’s not here.”“But you’re expecting him.”She doesn’t answer.“You vanished, and now you’re here? You’re Drake’s sister?”She nods.Jason
