ERIC’S POVFew hours earlier,Smoke curled around Cassie’s face as she exhaled. “That's pretty much it.”I thought over her plan in my head. It was crazy. “Are you sure it'll work?”“Undoubtedly.” She replied confidently, leaning against the hood of my car.“But staging an accident requires the services of a pro, and I am not starving for death.” I rolled my eyes.“It won't be a major accident, but it'll look like one. Trust me, I've been on too many movie sets to see how it's done.” She smiled.It was almost too good to be true. “If things go south...”“Don't be such a baby, Eric. You're only going to ram your car into the truck over there, and it'll get a little scratched, but you'll survive without one.” she interrupted.“Hmmm.” I was still contemplating this.“Look, buddy, the plan is to guilt-trip Amelia, isn't it?” Cassie smiled. “Once the accident is staged, I'll make sure word gets to the press. Just imagine the look on Amelia's face when she discovers the truth. She'll come c
LACHLAN’S POVAs I glanced at the Patek Philippe Nina that got me on my birthday last year, I knew my patience was wearing thin. This was the umpteenth time that I was checking the time. If anyone took the hint, they would know I wanted to leave. Badly.We were going over the quarterly sales forecast update, and each time a word leaves Jeremy's lips, I die. If there was an award to be given to the most boring business meeting, it would be the quarterly sales forecast because why would an entire team of over a hundred professionals loop me in their boring discussion about sales pipeline management and data? I'm the CEO. I should be doing nothing at all!“Now, we'll move onto the final agenda of the meeting.” Jeremy flipped his clipboard over.I let out a deep sigh. "Finally."I looked around the conference room. Everyone was trying so hard not to sleep; their eyes drooped and their faces grew fatigued. I suddenly felt pity for them and wanted to cancel the meeting, but if we don't go o
LACHLAN'S POVI looked between Amelia and Eric, not knowing what to say or do. Eric slowly turned to me and offered a small smile. "Oh, hello there, Lachlan.”There was a gash on his forehead and little bruises here and there. His left leg was even wrapped in a bandage. He looked like someone who had an accident. Amelia, who was sitting right beside him, rose to her feet. “Lachlan, what are you doing here?” Now, that question undid the frozen spell. “Same goes. What exactly are you doing here?” Lilian cut in. “Sir, we heard Sir Truman was in the hospital and...”“I don't pay you to put your nose in my business, so shut up!” I snapped.This infuriated Amelia. “What is wrong with you? Why are you yelling at her?”I pinched the skin between my brows. “Do you even know how scared I was when I heard you were in the hospital?” Her face pinched in puzzlement. “What? Hospital?”“You're in a goddamn hospital, are you not?” I raised my voice.“Don't you dare raise your voice at me?!” Ameli
CASSIE'S POVNina’s smile turned sour, and she crossed her arm over her chest. "You... what's the likes of you doing here?” Normally, I'd expect her to kiss and hug me like we used to, but now we just stared daggers at each other. Things haven't been the same since she stumbled upon me and Chris.I noticed Lachlan watching us with narrowed eyes as though calculating my very next move. The old Cassandra would've retorted sharply without delay, but if I had to prove that I've changed, I’d have to act like it. So instead of yelling back at Nina, I bowed my head and apologised.“I'm sorry if my presence upsets you." Then I lifted my head. “If there's nothing else, I'd best be on my way.”The room was left stunned. I could tell because they stared with wide eyes. Now, I have their attention. Bloody fools.I picked up my purse, ready to leave, but Lach’s mom stopped me. “Come on, Cassie. Don't do that. Don't leave because of us.” She gave me a warm smile.Ah, this one has always been my
AMELIA'S POV I haven't had a nightmare in a while, but last night, I had one. I knew I had a nightmare because I woke up screaming. The odd thing about it was that I did not remember what it was about. I remember Lachlan coddling me back to sleep after that and sleeping next to me. But as soon as I wake up, he's gone. This time he left a white rose and a note: “No matter what happens, I'll never stop giving you these flowers, even if my heart stops beating. Love, your stupid husband.” Normally, I would gush over this note and flower. Strangely, I don't feel anything of the sort. My hand flew to my chest as I contemplated what was happening to me. I was suddenly interrupted by the light ping of my phone. I reached for the bedside table and grabbed it. The screen powered on, and I found a message from the notification bar. I opened it and realised it was a message from Eric. As I read it, my eyes filled. “Hey, sunshine. I call you that because your sun
AMELIA'S POV In Lachlan's eyes, I probably come off as the villain. It was undeniable. I could see it. The hate, the disgust, how he was lost for words for how I've changed. I, too, am shocked at myself. Why am I behaving the way I am? Ah, it must be these pregnancy hormones. The chauffeur pulled up at the hospital. I shifted towards the door, wondering if this was the right decision at all. But when the chauffeur held the door open and extended his hand to help me out, I knew there was no going back. My sandals hit the soft pavement, and I clutched my purse tightly. The chauffeur took a step back and stared at me as though waiting for further instructions. His glassy blue eyes held no emotion, but his hands trembled as though there was something he wanted to say. Mark or Michael, was it? I couldn't remember his name. The company sends us different drivers every week. I could barely keep up with all their names. I sensed his worry and pulled up a bright smile. “I'm going t
LACHLAN'S POVAmelia's birthday gift was nestled in the breast pocket of my velvet blazer. I decided to give it to her when she returned from the hospital. She and Eric and I are having a good time huh. A bitter laugh escaped my lips and I leaned back in the back of the SUV. Why was she doing this to me? She knows I am irrevocably in love with her and I cannot think when she's distant. If this keeps up, I might need to implant a pacemaker because she was shattering my heart. I leaned forward and the tiny box moved. It was a reminder that Amelia and I were falling apart. Again. How could I fix this?My eyes met Mark's in the rearview mirror and he averted his gaze.I sat up with a heavy sigh. “It’s too late to play dumb. Spill it.”“There's nothing to spill, sir.” Mark chuckled nervously. “Nothing to spill huh? That's why you're sweating bullets and avoiding eye contact.” I replied.This time he looked at me. Gotcha.“I'm not hiding anything, sir.” Mark made a right, easing the car
LACHLAN'S POVThere was a brief knock on the door, and I told whoever it was to enter. “I apologise for intruding.” The female voice said, and I jolted from my seat. Cassie. The mere sight of her infuriated me. “What part of my ‘Back off'? I'm married!’ Did you not understand?”“I'm sorry.” She said in a trembling voice and turned to leave.A familiar scent hits my nose, and I froze. “Wait.”I didn't know if she was still there because she hadn't come into the office. She remained at the door. The scent of spiced chicken and flour tortillas. It couldn't be what I'm thinking about. I held the door ajar and found her standing in the threshold nestling a grilled pineapple bowl in kitchen gloves. I stepped back for her to enter. “One in.”“Thank you.” She muttered.When she entered, she set down the bowl on a napkin on the centre table. “Why did you make me chicken fajitas?” I crossed my arms over my chest.She twiddles her fingers. I could see the Band-Aids latched on each finger.
Cassandra's POVI had never seen Lachlan in such a sorry state before. Crap, he literally looked terrible—droopy eyes, dishevelled hair, reeking of alcohol and misery. He was a mess, but he was all mine for the taking. Thank you for acting so dumb, Amelia.He slumped into the couch and leaned his head back.“Are you okay?” I sat on the edge of the couch.He pinched the skin between his eyes. “No... I don't know, Cassie.”Cassie. I missed hearing that name from his lips.“You need a shower, big boy, or my couch will reek,” I gestured to him. “Get up.”“I just need a second.” He heaved a sigh, frustrated.Okay. Seriously, how bad was this argument? I wondered what Amelia said to him.“Lach?&
Chris’s POVDetective Matthew crushed the cigarette butt on the ashtray and rose to his feet. “Do you mind if you show us your garage?”Roland unfolded white paper. “We've got a permit from the judge.”I'm so screwed. “M—my garage?”Matthew stuffed both his hands in his pockets. “Yeah. Do you have any problem with that?”“N—No. Let's go.” I rubbed the back of my neck. God, please do something. They can't catch me with that GTO. I've already lied to them before.“Are you alright, Mr. Chris?” asked Roland. He was getting on my nerves.“Yeah. Why'd you ask?” I was trying not to get angry, but my tone got the best of me.“Gentlemen, shall we?” Matthew walked out the door a
Chris's POV Something common in Chicago city is that you never have enough peace of mind to finish a damn thing.The wine glass had barely made its way to my lips before I heard a pounding on the door.The time was just 11 am. Who the hell was that?I walked to the door, with my cigar dangling from my lips. “Yo, what's there?” “Police, open up!” came with a European accent.Police? Shit! I spat out the cigar and fanned the air with my hands. “Don't bother about the cigar. We smoke too.” Came the same voice.“Shit.” I picked up the cigar from the floor. “Fuck.”“It's getting cold. Do you mind letting us in for some questions?” The voice asked. He didn't sound hostile, so I guess it's good.I pushed the door back and found two gentlemen in brown and black suits, respectively.“Hello there, Mr. Mallory.” The one with dark hair extended his hand to me.I took it in a firm grip. “It's Chris.”“Ah, Mr. Chris.” The man said. “The name's Detective Matthew. This is my partner, Roland.” Hi
Amelia's POV It could only mean two things—Cassandra Hamm. Cassandra was here?Lachlan could invite her here of all places? But why? I thought he had broken things off with her. That lying …“Let's not jump to conclusions, Amelia. Cassandra was nice enough to give you this.” Lilian said, flipping the paper back and forth.“The only time Cassandra did something nice, she always had an ulterior motive for it.” I dragged my hand through my hair. “I have to find Lachlan.”“I think you should calm down,” Lilian caught my arm when I tried to leave the room. “I can have Mark deliver whatever message we have for Sir Lachlan.”I took back my arm. “No. I have to tell him this face to face.” “Amelia.” Lilian called behind me, but I ignored her.“Have Mark ready the car,” I clenched my fists. “I need to have a word with someone.” Mark was easy on the speed, but I told him to floor it. God was on my side today because there was no traffic today. The BMV arrived at the company, and I helped my
Amelia's POVLilian followed me as I paced the living room. “You have to calm down, Amelia. He'll be home soon.” I dragged my hand through my hair. “I—I… What do I do, Lilian? Do you think he's out there drinking?”Lilian knew the answer. It was clear with the sad look on her face—he was. “I don't know, ma'am.”She lied. Just as I had thought she would.“Have you tried calling him again?” I asked her.Lilian whipped out her phone from her dress pocket. “Yeah. He's not answering.”I squeezed my phone in my hand, upset that the screen had broken when I hurled it at the wall. It wasn't exactly a smart move. “I'm sure he'll call in the morning.” Lilian assured me with a small smile.“Okay.” I muttered under my breath.She linked arms with me. “Come on. Let's get you to bed.”As she helped me to my room, I couldn't help but miss Lachlan more. I hadn't realised how much I had hurt him. God, I'm such a monster.We arrived at my bedroom, and Lilian unhooked her arm from mine and took a step
Lachlan's POVThe BMW sliced through the lane, cutting off a black sedan. Tonight, I was going reckless and a full-on display. Amelia wasn't the only one who could be reckless. That was my nickname back in highschool. Her words flashed through my mind and I yelled. “So she cares only about Eric now huh?”“Easy there, fella!” The driver next to me yelled.I turned to him and yelled back. “Shut your mouth, asshole!”The man's face turned beet red and he cut me off.“Get out of the way!” I yelled on the top of my lungs, not caring if people saw my face or not. I was too mad to care about that. Too upset to even think about it and it was all Amelia's fault.Just then I heard a loud honking. A car was slowing down in front of me. “Shit! Shit! Shit!” I floored it, hoping to God I won't crash into the car. There was a child in the backseat. Well, God answered quickly because the car stopped just a few inches from the vehicle. The air bag inflated and slammed into my face. Thought this wa
Chapter 137Amelia's POVI slammed the door behind me, fuming furiously. I hurled my purse across the wall and screamed. This was making me almost go crazy. What was I thinking? Why was I fighting Lachlan? What was going on with me?I palmed my face and sat on the edge of the bed. “What am I doing?”Hot tears stung my eyes, and I wiped my eyes with the heel of my hands. I accused Lachlan of making me a prisoner. How could I say such a thing?A muffled buzz startled me, and I turned to look at my phone while lying face down on the marble floor. Who is it at this hour?I ignored the ringing and resumed sulking. The ringing was persistent. What the hell!I got off the bed and walked to where the phone was and picked it up. Lines like spider webs crawled across the screen. The crack was beyond what I had imagined it to be. Did I throw it that hard?The ringing stopped, and I heaved a sigh. Just as I was about to unlock the phone, it rang again. With a squint, I could make out the caller
Lachlan's POVLooking back on my life, I've had my fair share of challenges and anxiety. But if I'm being honest... I've never been this worried in my life before.I paced the floor of the living room tirelessly, dragging my hand through my hair. Lilian reached out and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You need to calm down, sir.”I shrugged off the contact. “No! Don't tell me that! Look at the clock! It's almost midnight, and Amelia is still out there. She isn't even taking her calls.”Now, I was getting pissed. If I see Eric again, I swear to God, I'm going to kill him.“Just take a deep breath,” Lilian said in a soothing voice. “Amelia will be here.”With a frustrated sigh, I collapsed on the plush red couch.“Do I even call the police?” I palmed my throbbing forehead.“I don't think it's necessary for now, sir. What if we contacted them and she comes home after?” Lilian said. Although it sounded risky, it did sound like a valid point.“But I've looked everywhere, Lilian.” An
AMELIA'S POVI felt like I achieved something today. Staying in the hospital and enduring the sterile smell of bleach and bandages, talking to Eric and feeding him hospital food, playing the game of Kahoot and having fun… Today was the best birthday I've ever had. While in the taxi, My fingers brushed the emerald necklace around my neck and I smiled. It was Mom's and now, mine. I don't know how Eric found it but I love him for giving it to me. Loved… that's such a strong word. I felt a buzz in my purse and realised my phone was ringing. I missed the call before I could answer.When I decided to check the caller my eyes widened in my head. I got 35 missed calls from Lachlan. Oh my God. “Um… driver , can you go a bit faster?” I told the middle aged man driving the Uber.“I'm sorry, ma'am, but I can't risk it. You're pregnant after all. Wouldn't want anything that'll harm the baby.” he looked at the rearview mirror as he replied to me.Ugh! I gave up. Lachlan would have to wait for me