ChristopherOne week later,.I got out of my car, doing a quick once-over before heading into the restaurant. I was back at Palette Exclusive, and unlike the other day when I was here for official business, I made sure to dress as casually as possible while also looking good.Ding!!The doorway bell jingled, alerting the customers and waiters to the entry of a new person. I scanned the area quickly, but there was no sign of Thalia.I didn't mind, though. I walked towards a corner by the window; a seat was empty there.As I passed through the customers, a few of them gave me glances, something I wasn't unfamiliar with. I winked at a few of the ladies, and they blushed hard.I sat down, and a few minutes later, I saw the familiar waitress come over.She looked no different from the last time I saw her: amber eyes that looked almost golden under the 11 o'clock sun, brown hair that glistened like donuts glazed in honey, and a slender figure that had just the right amount of curves.She se
Eric“Mr. Trumann, these are the files from the Emerald cooperation on their best products; their CEO hopes to collaborate with you. Also, the files from Ruby Co. and Sapphire Enterprises are also in the mix, sir.”I strolled through the corridors as the young secretary spoke, occasionally taking a peek into an office or two to check on the overall working progress of my employees.Normally, there was an inspector who did this on a regular basis, but this past week, I've been feeling very pleasant, so I decided to do a surprise inspection of the empire.One could imagine the shock on the faces of the employees when they saw me peek my head into their respective offices. It was quite fun.I can't wait to see how those on the lower floors will react to me snooping around.Those on the higher floors could only react with shock because they recognised me, but half, if not more, if the employees on the lower floors had never seen me.Moreover, there was a strict no-snooping policy against
Cassie“Babe, you are the most beautiful lady I've ever met.”I stared at the old man on the bed as I walked out of the bathroom. Even after a long, hot bath, I still felt dirty all over.“You flatter me, Mr. Otto.”“I mean it. Why don't you marry me? Is it because I'm too old? Old men are the ones who can take care of you best. Also, call me George.”Ew, this guy just can't take a hint? I feel so disgusted.I looked at George and smiled, picking up my clothes. I began dressing up as I replied,“I've told you before, Mr. Otto, that this is just a business deal. Nothing more. I've satisfied you, and now it's time to satisfy me. Moreover, you have a wife.”Even though I suspect she's most definitely cheating on you,.“I can divorce her; it's no big deal!”I glanced at the man once more, and from his fawning brown eyes, I could tell that he was lovestruck. I love men like this, but I also hated them. They were easy to coerce, but once it got out of hand, you'd have yourself a stalker.I
AmeliaI stood at the front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My blond, wavy hair was now red and straight, glistening as it fell on my back.My eyes were brown due to the contact lens I used.I look pretty in red.I smiled at my reflection, turning about to check myself out even more. Most of the bruises I had incurred were now healed, leaving behind perfect, unblemished skin.My stomach has also developed into a small bulge. I placed my hand on my stomach, feeling the gentle warmth that came from my baby within.Sigh. Time for a bath, baby.I walked to the bathtub, where a warm bubble bath had been prepared for me. I placed my hand in; it was just the right temperature. I couldn't help but smile.I slowly got into the bathtub and sank in, sighing out loud and the warm water soothes my body. I felt tingling all over my body, and the gentle smell of flowers from the bubble made me relax.It's always a new smell. This one was lavender; yesterday's own was poppy; the day before,
Christopher“Mr. Mallory, this is the file you requested, and the contract also. The guests are also in meeting room 201.”I raised my head, my eyes locking with the secretary. He was a young man, probably my mate or a few years younger. He had white hair and grey eyes. I hate him.He stood out a lot, and he kissed my ass just a bit too much. He was also gay, and this wasn't just my speculation but my personal experience. He has made more than one advance on me.While I'm flattered by the fact that I'm just so good-looking and I attract both genders, I also feel belittled because the guy is not good-looking.Why can't my secretary be a hot female? Thankfully, I have my meeting with Cassie, and now I have my eyes on Thalia. If not, I would probably die from love deprivation, if that's even a thing.I nodded my head as he placed the files down. My face contorted a bit as I sniffed his deodorant; it had a condensed smell, and it made me nauseous.“Tell them I'll be with them in a few min
Chapter 27Eric“I'm telling you. Don't you know who my father is? Eric was pleading and begging that I come work for him. He's using my father's prestige to boost his image. How else did you think nobody like him could become so rich and famous?”Eh? What the hell is this? Who's this retard?“Also, you guys might not know, but Eric plays the male games. And he had a crush on me. But he doesn't want others to know; that's why he kept the distance between us at work.”At this point, I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted to turn around and leave, but I decided that there was no problem with humiliating him before sacking him.“You really think that if Eric likes guys, he'll go for someone as ugly as you?”All eyes fell on me, and I saw the flashes of shock and anger on their faces. Surprisingly, a few of them had satisfied expressions of their own.“Who the hell are you?” The guy who had just been narrating the story asked. His face was contorted, and he looked like he had stepped on sh*
LachlanI nodded at the bouncers as I walked into the Torquay Bar. My nose scrunched up a bit as the smell of various perfumes, probably with a bit of aphrodisiac mixed within, wafted into my nose.I looked around the red-hued space, and I could see a few groups already drinking. The bartender was very lively as he mixed various drinks for customers.At least someone is glad to be here so early in the morning. Sigh, why the hell did this detective want to see me so early? And why the hell are those fools drinking by this time?I walked to the counter and took an empty seat.“What can I get you, sir?” The man asked with a smile, and I had to control myself well not to frown. I hated his positive energy.“Water.”The bartender left, and just a moment later, he arrived just as another figure sat beside me.“You better have good news for me, detective.”“Good morning, Mr. Mallory. How was your night?”“Do I look like I'm in a good mood? Do I look like I enjoyed my night?”“Well, I'm sorry
Amelia “Amelia!” I felt a soft tap on my shoulder, I was startled. “Oh, Bailey”I guess she must have been calling my name but I was too deep in thought for me to even notice. “I'm so sorry I startled you…what is it that you're thinking that made you so lost? I've called you more than twice but you didn't hear me”I was embarrassed. I've promised her never to worry again but here I am, thinking through what is even irrelevant at the moment. “Uhmm, I'm sorry…I just suddenly remembered something that's why” I just hope this is strong enough for a defense. I know Bailey too well, she won't succumb to that. “You suddenly remembered something? C'mon dear, you don't have to put yourself through any stress at all. It's not good for your health and that of your baby, you really need to consider the child a great deal” Bailey hasn't just been a solid support whenever I needed her, she's been a mother and a sister, in fact…she's my entire family all in one person and I'm grateful I met
Amelia's POVThe house was too quiet for its size. The walls seemed to close in around me; it was no longer comforting but instead suffocating. Every turn I took, there was a guard stationed somewhere; their presence was a reminder of how much my life had just drastically changed. Rebecca wasn’t helping either. She was practically glued to my side, her sharp eyes watching my every move as if I were a fragile porcelain doll about to fall and break into pieces. It was very annoying.I moved to the massive windows in the living room, pulling back the heavy curtains to look outside. The gardens stretched out under the silver light of the moon. The world beyond seemed so beautiful, so pretty, yet I was stuck in here. In these walls, doing nothing. Fuck this shit!!I wasn’t even allowed to step out without someone guarding me. I tried to distract myself by reading, but the words were hardly visible to me, probably because of the amount of thoughts I was processing. I turned on the telev
Eric’ POVThe night breeze escaping through the floor to ceiling window in my office did absolutely nothing to reduce my frustration. I loosened my tie and relaxed into the leather chair behind my desk. The once organised table is now in a mess, scattered with paperwork and staples pins.A pile of neatly arranged files lay to my right, perfectly aligned, the only thing organised here. I looked up at the wall and onto the pictures, if only I could hang there with them.I finally pulled the tie out of my collar and tossed it onto the desk, running a hand through my hair. Cassandra. The thought of her name alone made my blood boil. She almost ruined everything. The plan had been careful in making but Cassandra, with her nature and jealousy, had nearly torn it all apart in one reckless act. Attacking Amelia? That wasn’t just stupidity; it was sabotage! What I honestly wanted to know was who in the world gave her that foolish idea to hire amateurs to try and harm my woman!Should I cut
Christopher.I immediately turned and was meant with nothing but barrels of oil on the floor. There was no sign of Lachlan. I sighed, slapping my forehead again before stepping into my car and driving off.Nina’s POVThe headline popped up on my phone while I was sipping my morning latte, and I nearly choked. Normally I ignore stuff like this and focus more on the fashion news, but this story was too hot not to catch my attention. “BREAKING NEWS: Attempted Home Invasion at Mallory Mansion!" My eyes widened as I scrolled through the article. Apparently, some idiots tried to break into Lachlan’s house last night. They were dead now, of course, because nothing ever happens to Golden Boy Lachlan without some cosmic justice raining down in his favor. Still, it was juicy. Men storming his house, Amelia being in the house, and now they’re six feet under? This was practically ripped from a soap opera. I could already hear my mother’s voice in my head: “Nina, stop meddling in your brothers’
LACHLANThe fluorescent lights of the police station buzzed faintly as I walked through the doors, my mind heavily held down by a mixture of dread and determination. Matthew trailed just behind me, his expression stoic but his eyes alert. The station gave a stench of stale coffee mixed with frustration, a combination I’d grown accustomed to during these past few chaotic days. The detective in charge of the case called in earlier today that there have been some findings about the whereabouts of the assailants. It was good news, yes, but there was more, and they couldn’t tell me over the phone, so I had to come down here myself. Detective Harper greeted me with a curt nod. “Mr. Mallory, thank you for coming in. Let’s talk in my office.”I followed her into a small, cluttered room. Matthew remained close. If anyone could recognise Amelia’s attackers, it was him. Which was why I had brought him along with me again. Harper motioned for us to sit, her lips pressed into a grim line.“We fou
Christopher I staggered into my apartment, half drunk, exhausted, and honestly just wanting to sleep off the buzz from the club. It was nearly 3 a.m., and I’d lost track of how many drinks I’d downed with all those hot women. All I could think about was removing these clothes, getting in a hot shower, and letting the water wash off the stench of alcohol on me. As I turned on the shower, droplets of water began to gently slide down my chest, and I closed my eyes, letting the water pour over my hair, but as soon as I stepped out and grabbed a towel, my phone vibrated on the counter, slightly lighting up the dim room. It was Cassie. “Why's she calling?” I groaned, but something in the back of my mind told me to pick up. She wouldn’t call at this hour without a reasonable excuse. With that, I quickly dried off my wet body, yanked on some pants, and slid the green icon. "Cassandra, I was wondering when I’d hear from you again.” I heard her take a deep breath. “Chris, I need your hel
AMELIA I woke up slowly, my mind drifting through a thick haze, like I was trying to wade through fog. For a moment, everything was blurry, and a tightness settled in my chest. Where was I? Was I still at the hospital?Then I felt the warmth of a hand over mine, firm but gentle, and everything came rushing back. Blinking, I looked up to see Lachlan sitting beside me, his face tense but softening as he noticed I was awake. The sight of him washed away the last traces of fear, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding.“Lachlan…” My voice was barely a whisper, but his expression shifted, relief flooding his eyes.“I’m right here, love,” he said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.I wanted to tell him everything I was feeling—how scared I’d been, how grateful I was that he was here now—but the words felt tangled in my throat. Before I could even try, the door opened, and a middle-aged man in a white coat stepped in. He had a kind face, with just a hint of greying at the
CASSANDRAHow could they fail? I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms as I paced the length of my bedroom, the sour taste of anger mixing with fear. They were supposed to be professionals, discreet. They were supposed to handle everything without it coming back to me. But those idiots let Amelia slip through their fingers. I should have known his chauffeur wasn't normal. Lachlan was onto us now. He was too smart; I’d known this. It was part of why I’d fallen for him in the first place.Well too late for regrets; thanks to their incompetence, I was backed into a corner, and the thought made my skin crawl. The image of him still being by that bitch’s side burnt in my mind, fuelling my jealousy. Why her? Why did he look at her the way he used to look at me? I could have given him so much more if he’d just let me back in.My phone buzzed, and I saw Eric’s name light up the screen. My pulse quickened, a mix of hope and apprehension, but before I could even speak, his voice thund
LACHLANI should have been there. The thought ran circles in my mind, looping through every possible scenario in which I had somehow kept her safe. I was supposed to protect Amelia. But I had left her alone, vulnerable, and now she was in the hospital, recovering from an attack that could’ve cost her life. Worse, our child’s life. I clenched my fists so tight that my knuckles cracked, trying to keep my anger in check. It was mostly anger at myself—a gnawing, bitter frustration that I hadn’t been there when she’d needed me.Matthew sat beside me at the police station, scrolling through images on the detective’s tablet, helping to sort through potential suspects. He was silent but tense, his face a mirror of my own worry. I could see in his eyes that he was as furious as I was about what had happened. If he’d been there earlier, maybe he would have stopped those men. But he wasn’t to blame, and deep down, I knew that. The responsibility fell on me alone.“You don’t have to stay, Matthew
The house felt unusually still as I put away the last of the dishes. Lachlan had left just after dinner, saying he’d be home soon. He was working late again and had just come home during lunch break to spend time with me before he took off again. Lately, “soon” had been stretching longer and longer, but tonight, with the baby restless, I missed his presence more than usual. I sighed, patting my belly gently. “He’ll be home any minute now, my miracle, don't you worry,” I whispered, hoping it would somehow make the time pass faster. Lillian wasn't in the house today. She had gone to her home for her usual medical checkup, so she was sending her daughter to her place. Her name is Rebecca, and she and I have spoken a few times on the phone. She is a really lovely person. So yes, I was all alone in this empty house with nothing else to do but sleep. Which was exactly what I did. Cooking dinner did a number on me. My whole back was aching. Maybe I could ask Lachlan to give me one of thos