The Business TrapRoman's POVMy muscles tensed as I stood up straight. “What about Elijah?” Daniel paused, looking briefly at Naomi before returning his attention to me. "He is going after your company. A major deal one we’ve been negotiating for months has been ruined. Camille’s fingerprints are all over it too.” As if to steady herself, Naomi's hand touched mine and she tensed up next to me. I looked at her, and her wide eyes reflected my mounting discomfort. “Ruined? How?” I asked, my voice sharp, cutting through the tension in the room. “They intercepted key documents, twisted the details, and leaked false information to our partners,” Daniel explained. “It’s a complete mess. The board is already panicking.” His words began to hang heavily in the air. Anger simmered beneath the surface of my tightened jaw. "Who leaked the information ?" I asked. “Elijah,” Daniel confirmed. “But Camille... she’s the one who planned it. She used her connections to make it stick. They
Naomi’s DiscoveryRoman's POVWith every second, my stomach grew more constricted as I unfolded the paper Naomi had given me. Every words felt like a kick to the gut as my eyes scanned the text, even though the words on the page were hardly lighted by the dull light from the city outside. My company's name was shown in the header. The rest……it was a legal agreement, a deal made years ago between my firm and a name I never expected to see: Victor Carter, Naomi’s father. "What the hell?" Before I could stop them, the words spilled out. Naomi spoke in a quiet, shaky voice. “What does it say?” My mind was racing, so I swallowed hard and tried to concentrate. “It’s a partnership agreement. Signed by your father and one of my predecessors.” I stopped and read a particularly damning paragraph again. It described significant payments made under the pretense of "consultation fees." payments with unclear intentions. Naomi took hold of my arm. “Consultation fees? For what?” My thro
An Unlikely AllianceRoman's PovAs the first rays of morning came through the blinds, Naomi stirred in my arms. I hadn't had much sleep since my thoughts were too focused on the flurry of feelings and the escalating dangers all around us. For a brief instant, everything felt perfectly normal as she moved slightly and pressed her face on my chest. But reality didn’t wait. The cloud of sleep softened her countenance as her eyelashes fluttered open and she stared up at me. Her voice was warm and raspy as she whispered, "Roman." “Morning,” I said quietly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. The blanket slipped off her shoulders as she slowly sat up. "Did you spend the entire night up?" I gave a shrug. "I couldn't sleep. I have too much on my mind.” I could sense the hesitancy and terror of what was ahead in her eyes as they searched mine. “We can’t keep pretending this will just go away,” she said softly. “I know,” I admitted, sitting up straighter. “That’s why I thin
The Private InvestigatorRoman's POVDaniel stepped into my office within minutes, his usual composed demeanor in place. “You needed me, sir?” I steepled my fingers, leaned back in my chair, and nodded. "Close the door." His expression fixed in silent resolve, he followed instructions. I trusted Daniel more than anybody else in my circle since he had been with me for years. If anyone could help me navigate this mess with Elijah, it was him. “Elijah,” I began, letting his name hang in the air for a moment. “I want every detail about his past. Connections, hidden dealings anything that could give me leverage.” Daniel didn't ask me any questions, although his brows did wrinkle a little. “Understood. Are we targeting any specific angle?” I tapped the desk while deciding what to do. "I'm curious about Camille's level of involvement with him. I need evidence that they are working together.” Daniel nodded slightly, his gaze alert. "I'll get in touch with some people. The process
Naomi’s Inner Strength Roman's POVWith my throat dry and my mind fumbling for the perfect words, I gazed at Naomi. Her question, which dared me to lie, hung in the air, thick and persistent. But I couldn’t. Not to her. Not now. "It was Elijah," I said in a steady but quiet voice. “And Camille. They worked together to create that document, to frame you.” Naomi's eyes widened, and she was momentarily mute due to the shock. Her jaw tensed as she took in what I had just disclosed, and her lips formed a thin line. “So, all this time…” she began, her voice shaking. “ You really thought betray you? Her words struck me hard. With regret pounding in my chest, I stepped toward her. “I didn’t know what to think, Naomi. I was blinded by my own fears, my own insecurities. But I was wrong. I was so wrong.”She folded her arms and looked directly into my eyes. “You didn’t even give me a chance to explain,” she said, her tone sharp but not rude. “You jumped to conclusions and pushed me
The Boardroom CoupElijah's POVI clenched my jaw and poured myself another drink, the amber liquid swirling in the glass. Roman had taken what was mine. Naomi should’ve been here, by my side, not at his mansion. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot. "Camille," I whispered, breaking the stillness with my voice. She had visited after hearing the news of Naomi going back to Roman's mansion.With deliberate and precise motions, she took a step forward, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "Yes?" “I need the reports you promised me. The ones with the insider details about Roman’s company.” With a sly smile, Camille took a small folder out of her purse. You’ll find everything you need in here. Financial gaps, questionable partnerships, even some skeletons in Roman’s closet. If you play this right, you could destabilize his entire empire.”I picked up the folder and leafed through the pages, looking at the well-structured evidence. A gradual, contented smile appeared on my f
Double-CrossRoman’s POVThe anxiety in the air was obvious, and the press conference was scheduled for midday. Throughout the night, my team put forth endless effort to gather all of the evidence we could against Elijah and Camille. Knowing that I would reveal everything in a few hours, I stood in my office in the morning and watched the city come to life. Daniel came in with a tablet. “The live stream is ready to go. We’ve secured every major media outlet.” "Good," I said, adjusting my necktie. "Ensure that the story is understandable. This is about revealing a danger to the business and everyone associated with it, not just about corporate disloyalty.” Daniel paused and nodded. “Are you sure about this, sir? Camille and Elijah won’t go down without a fight.” “That’s exactly why we need to strike first,” I said, my voice steely. “If we let them control the narrative, they’ll tear everything apart.” The conference hall was crowded with reporters, cameras, and board members b
A Hidden Ally Roman’s POVGazing at the chaos Camille had caused, I sat at my desk. Press clippings and reports were all over the place, serving as a constant reminder of her well-planned assault on Naomi. Even now, with the media still ablaze with rumors of the alleged "scandal," I felt like the entire world was bearing down on me. But if Camille thought she could break me, she was wrong. "Daniel!" My voice cut through the strained silence of the room as I yelled. With a tablet in hand and a calm smile, he went in right away. "Yes, sir?" “What’s the update on Camille and Elijah?” I demanded, my tone sharp. Daniel leaned forward and set the tablet down on the desk. "We have been keeping an eye on their movement. Since the press conference, Camille has not spoken in public, but Elijah His hesitancy was evident as his voice trailed off.”"And Elijah?" I pushed. “He has been meeting with a new group of people, including media professionals, lawyers, and some tech specialists
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