Lachlan I stretched my arms, yawning as I opened my eyes. I ran my hands over my face before letting my eyes fall on her. Gosh, she was so cute. I could barely take my eyes off her. And then gradually, my mind slipped into the events that had transpired the previous day.I didn’t think I was going to get over what Chris had done to her. It was the highest form of irritation for me. I badly felt like beating him into a pulp if possible, rendering that thing between his legs that he seems unable to control, temporarily incapacitated. This wasn’t the first time I had seen him flirt with my girls. But going that far with Amelia, like actually touching her legs, I just couldn’t condone such audacity. The nerve he had to actually touch my wife. If only Amelia and Mom had let me, oh, what a mess I would have made of him.I got the more aggravated when Amelia began questioning my moves with him, asking me ridiculous questions. But she wasn’t the enemy, and so I decided to pay her less atten
Cassandra I sat in my car, tears streaming down my face, my head placed on the steering wheel, as I let my mind run through the events that had transpired. I needed help. I couldn’t win Lachlan on my own. I had tried everything possible, but he just wouldn’t bulge. These were one of the times I regretted dating a disciplined man. Lachlan was just too disciplined for my liking.So all along, he had known. I felt so ashamed of myself. It was going to be really tough getting him back. He definitely wasn't going to leave his proper wife for a cheat like me. Recalling the events that had transpired with his wife yesterday, I knew I stood no chance.I had just finished with that old man, and I needed to just feel good after that torture. So I decided to go see Chris. Then Nina called to tell me what had transpired and, of course, to stir me up. I had decided to treat Chris’s wounds when he returned. I didn't actually know why, but I did it anyway. And I was shocked that all along, Lachlan
EricI glanced at the clock as it ticked. I didn’t know why I was so anxious. This was the first time I would be making such a drastic decision, but I knew it was necessary if I wanted Amelia back in my life. Working with Cassandra might help, but this was a sure way. Though I was shocked that I would be working directly with his blood brother to bring him down, I didn’t let my mind ponder so much on that.The knock finally came on the door, and I exhaled. I had to face it. Esmeralda walked in with a smile, as always.“You have a visitor.” “Let him in,” I told her, and she nodded. A few seconds later, Chris walked into my office, wearing that smile on his face. The Mallory family were strange people, but this man was more strange.“Good morning, Eric. Glad you have finally realized the truth.” He said, and I sighed.“You do realize that Lachlan is your brother, right? Like you both are related by blood, or am I missing something?” I just had to ask because I couldn’t comprehend why h
Amelia I was setting the table for dinner, together with servants. They had earlier objected, but I insisted. I was just excited to have dinner with my husband, and so I decided to set the table for that, or at least join in the setting of the table.He never ceased to taunt me about what had happened in the car the previous night. It was crazy for me too. I blushed as the memories came running through my mind. Oh, how I loved my husband. How I loved the effects I had on him. How I loved watching him groan in pleasure because of what I did to him. How I loved the fact that I was carrying his baby. And more importantly, how I loved how much he cherished me.We were done setting the table, and I had gone upstairs to shower. I was leaving the bathroom when I heard his car drive in. I smiled to myself. After applying some lotion to my skin, I wore a short red spaghetti dress with a low v-neck, displaying my cleavage. I put on my flip-flop and walked down the stairs to welcome my husband
Eric“Come in,” I said as I heard the knock on the door. I kept my focus on my system, already aware of whoever Esmeralda wanted to inform me of. “There’s some…”“Let her in.” I interrupted her immediately, and I could sense her shock with the way she paused. “Alright sir.” She said and did as instructed.A few seconds later, the bitch walked in casually and took her seat. I sighed. I always had to be mentally prepared before holding a conversation with this lunatic. I wondered how Lachlan had struggled with that for years. Well, that wasn’t any of my concern."Hi,” she began, getting my attention as I paused what I was doing to look up at her. A smile was plastered on her face.“Hey” I reciprocated the greeting, wearing a smile too.“This seems to be taking its toll on you.” She said, and I squinted my eyes, wondering why she said that.“What do you mean?”“Look at you. Have you seen yourself in the mirror lately? You’re gradually becoming a shadow of yourself.” She said, and I sig
Amelia We had just returned from the antenatal session. My husband had gone to his study to do some work while I went to the fitness room to run a few exercises, as my condition permitted. After a few hours there, I picked up my bottle of water and finished its contents as I strolled out of the room, eager to have my shower. And just as I stepped out, Lillian walked up to me, handing me a package. I squinted my eyes, wondering what it was, as I collected it.“What’s this?” I said, collecting the package, and then peeped inside. Gradually, I took out the flower and the jewellery box that were inside, looking up at Lillian, who wore a huge smile.“Who’s this from?” I asked, and she giggled.“Ma’am, you should know by now how crazy the boss is over you.” She said, and I chuckled. This was really weird. Just a few hours ago, we had just walked in together from the hospital, and now he’s sending gifts? I blushed hard as I took the flowers up to my nostrils to perceive it. This man was too
Lachlan It took every fibre in my being to remain calm as I watched Amelia speak to the fool over the phone. But with how delicately she handled it, I knew the idiot needed to learn the hard way. So without thinking, I jacked the phone from her and let the nonentity know how much of a fool he was.“Hey Lachlan, I didn’t think you were there.” The idiot replied instead, and I scoffed.“Stay away from Amelia. I won’t be this nice next time.” I warned, but he laughed instead, fuelling my anger. “Was that supposed to scare me?” He asked, but I remained silent, still fuming.“Wait! You mean that was supposed to scare me? You of all people should know that of all those scared of your personality, I can never be among the number. Please tell me you’re aware.”“Then let it remain that way. For your sake, I pray it remains that way. Or else, Truman, I promise you, you go out of your lane and you’ll find reasons to count yourself a part of the number.” I threatened, and those weren’t empty th
Amelia “Do you appreciate his friendship?” Lachlan asked, looking hard at me, and I swallowed as I looked away. This was going to be harder than I thought. Then he chuckled after he had received no answer.“Amelia, do you remember your reaction when I told you Cassie came to visit me in my office?” He asked, and I looked up at him in shock.“This is different, Lach!”“Please explain how.”“She came to seduce you. You can’t even compare that bitch to Eric in any way.” I said. How dare he? Eric might be overdoing things, but he was nothing compared to that slut. But instead, Lachlan found my words funny because he began to laugh.“Please tell me you’re joking!” He said, and I looked at him with a serious face. “Do I look like a clown?” I had to ask.“There were other times, Amelia, that all she came to do was beg and poison my mind against you, but you frowned at it, and I understood. How would you have felt if I had said, “I appreciated her friendship”?” He asked, and somehow I began
Lachlan's POVI clenched my fists as I gazed at the detective. Would you just spill it already?“Get to the point, you manipulative don of a ….” I bit back the rest of my insult when he responded with 8 words. “Chris is the main suspect in this case.” Detective Matthew's smug expression needed a punch to it, and I was ready to volunteer for it.“Chris is an idiot, but he wouldn't hurt a lot of flies!” I yelled in my brother's defence. “Oh really? He wouldn't hurt a fly, but he'd fuck your own side chick and make moves on your own wife. Matthew curled an eyebrow. I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. “Can I fall for the same trick twice? Your bullshit reverse psychology won't work this time!”“I'm not using reverse psychology on you. You know the truth. We both do.” The calm expression on his face told me he was super serious about this. Matthew placed his hand over mine and peeled it off him. “Supporting your brother will only fuel my rage, Mallory…. My job is to find the culp
Lachlan's POVI felt a soft hand on my grip on my shoulder, and I looked up. Detective Matthew was standing in front of me with a cup of coffee and a smile on his face. Suddenly, I didn't know what came over me. My body responded to the gesture with hatred, and I slammed my fist into his face.“Karam hits like a bitch, and so do you.” Matthew held out the pack of ice from his eye, and I winced for his sake. The area around his eye was swollen and purple. Did I hit that hard? I just took a swing.“I didn't mean to hit that hard.” I said unapologetically.“Yeah, right.” Matthew said with a scoff and leaned back in his swivel chair. He swerved right and left, watching me with those curious green eyes. “You know I could have you arrested for hitting an officer of the law.”“I'm pretty sure you're aware that people like me own the law.” I rolled my eyes.“And I have people like you to thank for all the corruption going on around here. If it weren't for folks like you, I wouldn't have a jo
Lachlan’s POV“Amelia Mallory…. Time of death - 10:45 pm.” “No, Amelia!” Bailey's screams resounded in the room. “No,” the room seemed to cave in. “My Amelia can't be—”I jolted awake. It was a nightmare. Warm liquid trickled down my cheeks, and I realised I had been crying. I sat up, wondering what the heck that was. “Lachlan…” Cassie said groggily as she turned on her right side to sleep. I stared down at myself. I was half-naked in another woman's bed—a woman other than my wife. My eyes scanned the floor of the room. Clothing items littered the floor—Cassie's lingerie, her gown, my shirt, and shorts. A bitter taste rose to the back of my throat, and I tasted like the alcohol I had last night and the grief I was going to face. God, what on earth did I do?I threw my leg over the left side of the king-size bed, my heart racing in my chest and my mind reeling with one question: Is Amelia okay?“Lach?” I heard the rustle of the bedsheet. “I'm okay. Go back to sleep.” I told Cass
Lachlan’s POVI slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing through my soul. “How could she! How could she do this to me!” I fumed, dragging my hand through my already tousled hair. “What's going on?” Cassie raced into the room. I ignored her, still stewing in my rage. “Lachlan!” Cassie grabbed my shoulder and made me look at her. Her expression suddenly changed from one of concern to outright shock. “Lachlan,” she cupped my face. “What happened?”Seeing her sad and confused made my heart break, so I put my arms around her and held her tight. “Don't go anywhere.” I muttered, burying my face in her shoulder. “I won't.” She whispered.I don't know how it happened, but later, I found myself sitting by the kitchen island with a bottle in my left hand and a full glass in my right. “You have to calm down, Lach. Not everyone's who they say they are.” Cassie rubbed circles on my back.I took a swig from the bottle and nearly choked on the burning alcohol. “Shit! Amelia lied to me!
Amelia's POVI was crying, and it was all my fault. I hurt myself. I did this to myself.I sat quietly on the couch, flipping through the photo album.The smile on his face, the laughter in his eyes, his loving gaze on mine…. My husband, Lachlan, was happy. He really was.I traced the contours of the photographs, and my heart clenched. I hurt Lachlan. Bailey was right. I was running from my problems. I thought Eric could help with it, but I was wrong. It only made things worse. Everything about Lachlan and me—the picnic, the date at the park, our kiss, and nights together—was all becoming a distant memory because of me. The guilt was crushing me. I could've let Lachlan in when he was being more supportive. I should've loved him for it, told him what I was going through, and gone easy on him, but I didn't. I didn't care that he was more understanding; instead, I blamed him. Tears filled my eyes, and I succumbed to the torrents of tears in my eyes. “Amelia, please, stop crying.” Lili
Lachlan's POVA few hours earlier,Spending time in Cassie's made me realise how much I've missed doing my favourite things. Our long walks, baking together, watching our favourite movies; that was something I missed. Watching Cassie laugh at me while we played snooker in the game room made me realise how much I had missed this. Now, I begin to question if I was really happy with Amelia. After all, all I did was to make her happy. Everything I did was for her. I never did any of my hobbies but hers. Only hers. Do I even love Amelia?“Lach? You okay?” Cassie's face hovers over mine, and I’m startled.She placed her hand over my forehead. “You aren't running a fever. So what's wrong?”“Your eyes are blue.” She froze. “What?”I reached out my hand to cup her cheek. “Your eyes are blue.”Her cheeks pinked, and she put her hand over mine. “Yeah. Pretty, aren't they?”“Like the summer sky.” I flashed her a smile.She leaned her face closer. “Yeah.”“How could I not notice?” I tried to pul
Eric's povI was busy overthinking my ass off and didn't hear Aunt Bailey enter the room.“Eric?” Her hand was on my shoulder again. “Are you okay?”I blinked twice. “Oh yeah. Sorry, I zoned out for a bit.”“Don't worry about work. Your secretary is doing a fine job along with everyone else.” she smiled.I know that already. I don't hire incompetent people. “Yeah. They are.”“Good. Now, cheer up.” She smiled and passed me a bottle of water. “Thanks.” I uncapped the bottle and took a long sip. Damn, was I this thirsty?“Here.” She passed me the tray of food. Dinner was chicken and rice bowl with steamed vegetables. Lots of vegetables. I could get allergic just by looking at it. Yay.I dug in. The taste was top-notch. All thanks to Aunt Bailey. Sometimes, she’d refuse me to eat hospital food but other times, she'd let me eat it. I wonder what changed her mind today. Maybe, Amelia talked to her. Amelia hated the hospital and even cried when she saw me eating the food. I nearly laughed
Eric’s POVFuck!I messed up pretty badly, didn't I? Each time I close my eyes, my mind replays my conversations with Amelia. I had her. I had her in my grip, and I just blew it. I fucked up, and she knew it. She probably wants nothing to do with me anymore. My words fell flat, and she shut me down. Big time.I need a new approach desperately. I need something that will make her see me in a different light. Something that'll make her run back to me like she used to. Something... Aha! The Damascus Road method. It all goes down to manipulation. I'm sorry, Amelia, but I must do you his, or I'll never have you. I reached out for my iPad on the bedside table. I had a book that talked about this persuasion technique. If you want to make someone believe you have a sudden change of heart, then this book was the one for you. I saw it online, and now I'm glad I bought it. I will make Amelia believe I wasn't selfish or arrogant and that I have sent the light. I would make myself look so guilt
Matthew's POV. “So I'll ask you again, Mrs. Mallory, I leaned forward. “Do you and your husband have any enemies?” A shuddering breath escaped her lips, and she tumbled with the frills on her skirt. “We—we don't.” She was lying. “Think again.” “I don't have enemies, but I don't know about Lachlan…” She yelled. Not a clever way to respond to an arm twist. Then she looked at me, fear dilating in her brown eyes. “You said something about Chris trying to loop my husband in on something…” “Ah, yes,” I sat up. “My partner and I paid Chris Mallory a visit. We have reason to believe that he's a suspect.” Her eyes went round—a giveaway. She knows something. “Mrs. Mallory, how's your relationship with your brother-in-law?” “It’s just as you said. He’s my brother-in-law.” “Do you both get along?” I asked. “Yes.” She replied almost immediately. This interrogation is becoming a pain in my beautiful ass. “Mrs. Mallory, I am trying to help you here. You got attacked by some