The sun rose gently over the expansive estate, its golden rays beams through the wide windows and highlight the serene scene within. Naomi sat in the garden, her laughter blended with the soft chirping of birds. She held two small babies in her arms, their gentle coos bringing the distinct sound of fresh life into the room. Two years had flown by, a tapestry of hardships, victories, and emotional moments. The happiness and tranquility they had worked so hard to achieve suddenly eclipsed what had seemed like an endless struggle. Roman came out onto the terrace and looked at his wife and kids, his eyes warming. Naomi looked up, her eyes full of love, her smile radiant.With a hint of surprise and fatigue in her voice, she muttered, "They're already asleep." Roman approached and lowered himself next to her. With the same gentleness that one could reserve for the most delicate of treasures, he removed the small boy from her arms. “He’s going to be as strong as his mother,” Roman mu
A Contract with the Devil Naomi's POV "You are what?" The words tasted strange in my mouth, and my voice broke. I'm arranging your marriage to Roman Blackwood,” My father quietly repeated, as if he were announcing the weather or an impending business meeting. The steady murmur of the antique clock on the mantel grew louder as I stared at him, my breath catching. "Dad, you can't be serious." "I'm very serious." Unperturbed, he sipped from his whiskey glass while leaning back in his chair. The room smelled like leather and oak, a sharp contrast to the bitter, metallic taste rising in my throat. "Marry him?" I hardly raised my voice above a whisper. “You want me to marry a stranger? For what? Money?” My father put his glass down with a resounding thump, his face hardening and his jaw clenching. “Naomi, it's not just about the money. It's about survival.” "Survival?" I chuckled sourly, though it come out more like a sob. “You think it's survival to sell me to a billionair
The Ruthless Groom Naomi's POV "You're late." A cold clipped voice said as I stepped into the room. I froze, rooted to the spot by the nonchalant, dismissive tone. My gaze swept over the grand and imposing room before settling on the source of the voice. Roman Blackwood He sat at the far end of the dining table with a tumbler of dark liquid in his hand. At first, he seemed more interested in the amber liquid whirling in his glass than in me. Although his other hand rested comfortably on the chair's arm, his presence in the room was nothing casual. I didn’t know what I’d been expecting maybe someone polished, rehearsed, even a bit superficial. Instead, he had sharp edges and cold calculation. His posture was commanding and uncompromising, and his suit fit like armor. My breath caught when his black eyes finally came up to meet mine. As if they could see right into my soul, they were piercing. “Time, Miss Sinclair, is not a luxury you or your family can afford to waste,”
Contracted and Collared Naomi's POV "You're late." I was startled when Roman's voice broke the thick silence as I entered the room and said, it wasn't loud, his tone of authority demanded attention. My breath caught as I halted, gripping my handbag hard. Roman stood beside the massive floor-to-ceiling window with his big shoulders creating a black shadow against the pale light coming in. He didn’t turn to look at me right away, and for a fleeting moment, I thought of walking back out. "I... I thought I was on time." I stammered, hating how small and unsure I sounded. “Punctuality isn’t a virtue in my world, Naomi,” he said smoothly, finally turning to face me. His sharp blue eyes pinned me in place like I was prey caught in a trap. “It’s an expectation.” I found myself staring at the floor because the weight of his eyes was too much to bear. "I didn't mean to—" “I don’t care what you meant to do,” His voice was chilly as he interrupted. "Sit." I paused for just a
A Pawn in His Game Naomi's POV “You’re late again.” Like a whip, Roman's words pierced the empty foyer. He descended the grand staircase with deliberate, measured steps, and I froze, gasping for oxygen. Like a physical weight of intensity, his piercing, icy blue eyes stared at me. “I—I didn’t know I was supposed to…” His lips curled into a chilly smile, and I stopped talking. "Suppose to what, Naomi?" he asked, stopping a few feet away from me. His massive body appeared even more menacing in the low light. “Act like a wife? Understand the simplest rules without being told?” I gripped the strap of my bag, my knuckles whitening. “I didn’t know there was a timeline,” I managed, though my voice sounded small and weak, even to my ears. Roman took a stride toward me, his pricey cologne enticing and smothering me at the same time. "There's always a timeline," he said softly, his tone surprisedly calm. "And you are already behind." “I’m sorry,” I whispered, the words t
A Tyrant's Dinner Naomi's POV"Don't keep me waiting, Naomi." Roman's loud, irritated voice reverberated from downstairs.To stabilize my shaking hands, I held onto the edge of the table in my room. Dinner. It is just dinner. I remind myself, Nothing about Roman Blackwood ever felt so easy.I took a deep breath before entering the hallway and descending the grand staircase. The mansion's silence magnifies my heels clicking on the marble floor. Roman was already seated at the head of the long dining table, his gaze snapping to me as I entered. His tone was harsh as he remarked, "You're late." "I wasn't sure when—" "You weren't sure," he cut in, a sardonic smile curving his lips. “Let me clarify something for you, Naomi. In my house, you’ll always be sure. Understood?” I gave a brief nod, my cheeks flushed from his intense stare. "Yes." "Good." He said, pointing to the seat across from him. "Take a seat." The enormous chandelier in the dining room cast an almost unbearab
Camille’s Entrance Roman's POVI was studying and reviewing contracts that were as boring as they always are. I planned to enjoy the rare moment of peace that the house's peaceful hum provided. But, with most things in my life lately, that peace didn’t last long.The sound of heels clicking against the marble floors below reached me first, sharp and deliberate. Then came the voice silky, confident, and unmistakably hers."Roman!" Camille’s voice called, her voice as sweet-sounding as I remembered.Lately, it has been too quiet. In my world, peace was always calm before the impending storm. With a deep exhale, I closed the folder in front of me. “Of course,” I said to myself. “I should have expected this.”Without a knock, the door of my study flung open. She was all decked up in a crimson dress that clung to her like the epitome of ambition. You could have mistaken her smile for friendly if you didn’t know better. “Is this a bad time?” Camille asked, without waiting for a respo
The Fragile ArtistRoman's POV The hallway stretched in eerie silence, broken only by the faint whisper of Naomi's footsteps as they faded into the night. She hadn’t returned to her room, not that I expected her to. Her retreat was different tonight, more desperate. A dim light glowed through the crack of an open door as my hand touched the doorframe of one of the mansion's less-used wings. I heard a faint, hardly inaudible rustling. My heartbeat accelerated, but I couldn't explain why. What is she doing here?Slowly, I pushed the door open and entered the dark studio. I was struck by the smell of oil paints and turpentine, which blended with the subtle floral perfume that followed her around. She held a paintbrush, her shoulders shaking, and her back bent. Her brushstrokes on the canvas were erratic and frantic, as if the emotions she was experiencing were bursting forth in colors she could not control. Strands of her hair were falling over her face, somewhat untied. I was
The sun rose gently over the expansive estate, its golden rays beams through the wide windows and highlight the serene scene within. Naomi sat in the garden, her laughter blended with the soft chirping of birds. She held two small babies in her arms, their gentle coos bringing the distinct sound of fresh life into the room. Two years had flown by, a tapestry of hardships, victories, and emotional moments. The happiness and tranquility they had worked so hard to achieve suddenly eclipsed what had seemed like an endless struggle. Roman came out onto the terrace and looked at his wife and kids, his eyes warming. Naomi looked up, her eyes full of love, her smile radiant.With a hint of surprise and fatigue in her voice, she muttered, "They're already asleep." Roman approached and lowered himself next to her. With the same gentleness that one could reserve for the most delicate of treasures, he removed the small boy from her arms. “He’s going to be as strong as his mother,” Roman mu
A Wedding to Remember Roman's POVThe room was bathed in a warm glow as the morning sun came through the drapes. I awoke to the distant bustle of the city and the faint sound of birdsong, but nothing could compare to the woman who lay next to me. Naomi's chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, her face relaxed in the kind of peace that came only after storms.Today was the day. I didn't feel like I was being pulled down by the past. Instead there was an enormous sense of expectancy, as if I were on the brink of something significant, something that would change my life. I moved a little, brushing a stray strand of hair from Naomi's face. She stirred and opened her eyes meeting mine."Morning," she said in a sleep-smoggy voice. "Morning," I replied, my voice soft but tinged with excitement. I couldn’t help the smile that appeared on my face. "You ready to become official Mrs. Blackhood?" A smile twisted her lips, and she stretched languidly before supporting herself on on
A Safe HavenRoman's POV As I watched Naomi move gracefully across the room, I sipped my coffee while leaning on the kitchen counter. Her hair was in an untidy bun, and she was humming gently. Her appearance in one of my baggy shirts caused an inexplicable sensation in my chest. “Did I ever tell you how hit you look in that?” I asked, my voice low and teasing.A sneer tugged at Naomi's lips asshe looked over her shoulder. “Flattery this early in the morning, Roman? What do you want?” I put down my mug and laughed. “Nothing. Just stating the truth.” She rolled her eyes and returned to scrambling eggs on the stove, not bothering to cover her smile. The air was thick with the aroma of spices and butter, and it surrounded me like a cozy blanket. Simple, peaceful, and unguarded moments like these served as a reminder of our progress. But, the weight of something unsaid hung over me even as I took it all in. “Naomi,” I started, my tone more serious now. Her brow furrowed sli
The Wedding PreparationRoman's POV I stood in the doorway of our bedroom, watching Naomi sleep, her chest rising and falling in a regular beat. Her skin was glowing golden as the early morning sunshine crept through the curtains. In sharp contrast to the commotion we had experienced to get here, she appeared calm.I felt contentment for the first time in a long time, something I had not experienced in years. It wasn't the kind that accompanied short-lived triumphs or meaningless accomplishments. This was quieter, deeper, and completely connected to the woman in front of me.Now it was more than just contract or a deal, I want a formal wedding with her. She had brought light into my world of calculated risks and cold decisions. And for her, I wanted to be more than the man I’d been. more than the man I had been for her.But how could I make it special without complicating it? I didn’t want grandeur or anything that felt impersonal. Naomi deserved something that reflected her—simpl
Naomi’s Gallery ReopensNaomi's POVThe gallery was alive with conversation and excitement, and it was around me like a cozy hug. I was standing close to the door, my fingers shaking a little as I held a flute of sparkling cider. But it wasn't fear. It was a sense of expectation. With work of love, the new gallery rose from the ashes of the one Elijah had destroyed. I had designed every detail with Roman's assistance, making sure it reflected both my art and my journey. The space was warm and inviting, with exposed brick walls that gave it character and high ceilings that made the room feel spacious. Each sculpture was softly lit by track lighting, and the romance was enhanced by the gentle creaking of the natural wood floorboards beneath the feet. This gallery offered a more personal touch than the previous one's sleek and modern vibe. Roman had insisted on a handcrafted sign above the entrance, and I’d chosen the name carefully: “New Hope Studio.”Along with my work, local a
The Proposal Naomi's POVMy heart hammered in my chest as I was standing in the dark room. There was an oppressive, uneasy silence.a “Roman?” My voice shook a little as I called out again, but I made an effort to speak steadily.No response.I hesitantly stepped closer, letting my toes touch the cool ground. My heartbeat's faint sound, a constant reminder that I wasn't dreaming, filled the silence."Don’t overthink it," I whispered to myself, though my body refused to relax. Something about the sudden darkness felt calculated, deliberate. I inhaled deeply and moved toward the bedroom door, feeling my way through. My fingers touched the wall's edge as I went slowly and carefully. The silence was nearly deafening, and the air felt heavier with every stride.A loud click reverberated throughout the house as I entered the corridor that led to the sitting room, and the lights flickered back on. I froze, blinking to avoid the unexpected brightness.And then I saw it. The sitting room
A Fresh StartNaomi's POV It was a calm yet intense drive home. Roman's thumb caressed my knuckles absentmindedly, a small yet personal touch that warmed me. The commotion of the previous few days gave way to an odd sense of tranquility as the city skyline blurred past the window. “Naomi,” Roman said, breaking the silence. His voice drew me out of my reverie as I turned to face him. "Yes?" His angular features were softened by the afternoon light as he looked at me. "I've been considering what comes next. For us. My chest tightened in the greatest way as he uttered *us*. It was a declaration rather than a question, and I never imagined hearing such a resounding affirmation from someone like Roman. "And?" I asked, attempting to speak steadily despite my tummy flutter. "I wish to make a fresh start. Stay away from everything. He gestured vaguely toward the city. "Everything is poisoned: the syndicate, the businesses, the deals. I want something… real. Something we can bui
The ShowdownNaomi's POVAnticipation weighed heavily on the air inside the car. Roman's jaw was tense and his knuckles were white as he grabbed the steering wheel. As we raced in the direction of the syndicate's secret base, the city merged into the background. I sat next to him, silent but full of determination. I held the small gun Roman had given me earlier in my lap. Even though it felt heavy and cold in my hands, I knew it was necessary. “You don’t have to come with me,” Roman said, breaking the silence, his voice low but firm. I turned to him, meeting his intense gaze. “Yes, I do.” For a brief moment, the fear that lay beneath his stony exterior surfaced, softening his gaze. “Just stay close to me, Naomi. Whatever happens, don’t leave my side.” “I won’t,” I promised. The car screeched to a stop outside an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. With its broken windows and graffitied walls, it was the kind of place that screamed danger. As we got out of th
The Final Letter Naomi's POV Roman's forehead furrowed as he collected the envelope from me, his fingers briefly touching mine. Even though the contact was slight and insignificant it gave me a sense of comfort. I felt my stomach clench as he cocked his head and studied the unlabeled packet. “Where did you find this?” he asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity. "On the path outside," I answered, putting my arms over myself as a shiver went through my body. "Roman, it wasn't there last night. Someone left it for us.” His eyes briefly met mine, and I could see his mind working every scenario and potential risk that this could bring. Sharp and determined, he nodded then took a knife from the kitchen counter and gently cut open the envelope. As he unfolded the contents, I held my breath because the sound of the blade slicing through the thick paper seemed louder than it should have been. One sheet of parchment, yellowed and old was inside. Roman's jaw tensed with every se