Today's update. :)
The two simply stood there for several endless moments, trading secret smiles and losing themselves in the depths of each other's eyes. It was Zavian who finally broke the spell, giving a curt nod toward the half-finished snowman standing silent vigil nearby."You appear to have forgotten one rather crucial detail," he murmured with the barest hint of a smirk lurking at the corners of his mouth.Emmeline blinked, momentarily thrown by the abrupt shift in conversation before realization bloomed. Twisting in his embrace, she cast an appraising look over their snow creation and her eyes morphed comically when she registered the distinct lack of anything resembling a nose."Oh, you poor thing! How could I have overlooked something so vital?"Digging into the pocket of her heavy coat, she produced a plump, bright orange carrot with a triumphant flourish. Carefully, she maneuvered the makeshift nose into place right in the center of the snowman's face, smiling with immense satisfaction as sh
~Lunchtime rolled around~The lovers tried a different restaurant than the day before, savoring the chance to explore somewhere new together. All too soon, the day ended with their return to the hotel.A pang of dread struck Emmeline at the thought of seeing her husband in their suite. To her relief, she found the room empty upon her arrival.Richard didn't appear until much later. He found Emmeline lying on her bed, just as he'd left her earlier.With a dismissive wave of his hand, he instructed her to wake him before dinner time then promptly fell asleep without a word about how he'd spent his day. Not that Emmeline cared in the slightest.At eight o'clock sharp, they went down to the hotel restaurant.Emmeline had taken extra care with her appearance. She donned a short black dress that hugged her curves and flared out at the waist. The long sleeves left just a tantalizing hint of skin exposed.As they approached the table where the others were already gathered, Zavian was the first
Emmeline's heart raced, throwing a disapproving look at Zavian. His reckless request to spend the night at his suite left her flustered. Yet, she couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through her veins.With trembling fingers, she began to compose a response to his daring message. Her cheeks flushed with trepidation and desire."You are a demon, and you will be the cause of my death," Emmeline wrote. Her lips curved into a sly smile despite her dramatic words.The precarious circumstances surrounded them. Even so, she eagerly awaited his reply with a delicious sense of anticipation coiling low in her belly."This devil will drown you in pleasures, but he will not abandon you in the end.” Zavian's response came swiftly.His words ignited a blaze within Emmeline, barely able to stifle a laugh.She was torn between finding his words unbearably romantic or simply proof of her own psychopathic tendencies."We have to use these days to have fun, little girl," he added.Emmeline read his mess
Richard covered himself up and closed his eyes, ready to drift off to sleep.Emmeline finished packing everything she needed into her bag and getting ready without another word."I'm all packed and Richard is about to go to sleep. Should I head to the center now?" She messaged Zavian."I'll be waiting for you at the entrance." Zavian’s reply came quickly. He must have had his phone close by.Emmeline smiled at his message as if he could see her smile."I'll be out soon." She typed out a response, shrugged on her black coat and slung the bag over her shoulder.With that, she made her way to the private wellness center located in the next building. It was just a few minutes' walk away.Despite the late hour, Emmeline spotted Zavian's tall, imposing figure standing sentry at the entrance. A smile tugged at her lips as she approached him. "I'm not late, am I?"Her smile faltered when he fixed her with a stern look. "What did you talk about with Taehyung?"Zavian's features were outwardly c
They synchronized, lifting their shirts over their heads in one fluid motion.Emmeline couldn't help stealing glances at his bare torso when the fabric rose. A sight that still took her breath away no matter how many times she saw it. His toned muscles and lightly tanned skin were nicely framed by the open vee of his unzipped pants."I like when you’re obedient for once," Zavian purred in approval at her actions.Emmeline cheeks bright red."My eyes yearn to see your naked body again," Zavian said huskily, roaming his burning eyes over her. "It's been too long since the last time." He slowly licked his lower lip, openly staring at the swell of her breasts above her bra. "If you touched me now, you would feel my erect dick pulsing with excitement."Emmeline avoided meeting his heated gaze. She quickly unbuttoned and unzipped her pants with trembling hands.Her face was flushed an alarming shade. "Have mercy on my shyness, Mr. Blackthorn," she pleaded, unable to withstand his intense scr
Zavian led Emmeline to the side of the building designated for the sauna facilities.He randomly selected one of the private sauna rooms. Its walls were constructed of beautiful cedar wood panels. In front of the entrance were two tiers of wide wooden benches for reclining. The second row was elevated higher than the first."Don't tell me this is your first time in a steam room as well!" Zavian arched an eyebrow quizzically.Emmeline looked up at him with an arrogant expression. "Of course not. I used to frequent relaxation and skin care centers quite often before I was married," she stated matter-of-factly.The mention of her marriage caused Zavian's eyebrows to furrow slightly. However, he brushed off the comment and turned his attention to seriously studying the thermostat controls on the wall. "Can you handle intense heat well?" he asked with obvious concern.Emmeline stepped up directly behind him. Then she stood on her tiptoes to stare at the display screen over his slightly hunc
Emmeline placed her hands on Zavian's strong, muscular arms, deciding to make peace with him for the moment. "Okay, I'll believe you," she conceded, not wanting to argue further.Feeling flushed from the intense heat surrounding them, Emmeline quickly changed the subject. "The air is unbearably hot in here." Beads of sweat were already forming on her skin.Zavian reached out and slowly wiped the perspiration from her bare arms with his fingertips in such an intimate, sensual way that it made her melt a little inside."I've got plenty of oxygen. I can give you some if you want!" He said with a sly, mischievous grin.Emmeline glanced over her shoulder at him, taken aback by his suggestive words.His face was mere inches from hers, close enough for her to feel his hot breath on her neck. "How?" she asked curiously, her voice coming out slightly breathless.Zavian raised his hand to gently cup her cheek, turning her face toward his. Then his piercing gaze dropped to her parted lips. "Like
Draeven’s scathing words made Zavian's body go stiff with dread. He knew better than to take Draeven's threats lightly.The fact that the usually rational Aetherion remained unusually quiet instead of retorting Draeven’s taunts meant Zavian was pushing the limits of these powerful entities within him way too far past what was considered safe or rational.It was a miracle he still maintained tenuous control over his own body and mind in these heated moments. That they hadn't simply overpowered him completely to ravish Emmeline and forcibly complete the mate bond as was destined.A deep sense of foreboding washed over Zavian. Even more concerning was that he hadn't felt Zareth’s presence at all since that unsettling slip on Christmas Eve.Zavian quickly shoved those worrying thoughts aside for now and returned his full attention to Emmeline's luscious form stretched out temptingly before him."Do you know you're charming even in just a simple towel? With your heavy-lidded bedroom eyes re
Minnie grabbed the chance to pull Emmeline back, making sure there was enough space between them and the men for a private conversation."What's this about going to France?" Worry shadowed her expressive face. "When were you planning to tell me? Or was I supposed to get a postcard from Paris?"Regret washed over Emmeline's face. The truth was, she'd been putting off this conversation, dreading how Minnie would react."I never found the right time to tell you," she admitted, avoiding her friend's sharp gaze by staring at the fancy ceiling molding.Minnie's fingers tightened around Emmeline's arm and her eyes narrowed. "This wasn't your idea," she stated with certainty. "You have too much to lose if you leave Riverwalk. Maybe you could handle being without me—though I doubt it—but what about Judge Blackthorn? What happens to you two?"Emmeline put her hand over Minnie's. "Don't ever say that. I couldn't stand losing either of you."Satisfaction softened Minnie's expression, encouraging E
Taehyung’s eyes twinkled mischievously. "Something tells me you won't be single for long, though."Understanding his hint about Zavian, Emmeline ducked her head as heat flooded her cheeks. "Maybe."She turned toward her brother Emile, who waited with the patience of someone used to family obligations. His expression revealed nothing."Congratulations, Emmeline," he offered, his tone measured.Emmeline responded with a small smile.Emile placed his hands on her shoulders, his voice taking on that big-brother seriousness she'd known all her life."A dark chapter of your life is over. Every door is open to you now. Choose the right path. Our family made a terrible mistake pushing you toward Richard. I hope you'll be smarter going forward."His pointed reference to Zavian made Emmeline's jaw clench, but she forced herself to appear agreeable. This wasn't the time or place."I've had enough pain to last a lifetime, Emile. I won't walk into more."Her brother studied her face, clearly suspic
Emmeline closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the sweetness of liberation. When she opened them again, she found Zavian watching her with an expression that contained unmistakable tenderness.She sat motionless, letting the words wash over her like warm sunlight after an endless storm.Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat a celebration of newfound freedom.The courtroom around her blurred into insignificance. Only Zavian remained in sharp focus, whose distinguished features softened by something deeper than satisfaction.Their eyes remained locked across the formal expanse of the courtroom, defying the crowd of spectators, attorneys, and court officials surrounding them.Zavian gazed at her with such intensity that Emmeline felt heat rise to her cheeks. The subtle curve of his lips spoke of personal triumph, of a private victory shared between them alone.She finally snapped out of their spellbound when the courtroom erupted into a cacophony of reactions.The chaos provided Em
The courtroom hummed with tension as everyone returned to their seats.Emmeline’s hands clasped tightly in her lap to hide their trembling. However, felt a strange calm beneath her nervousness. Today might finally mark her freedom from Richard.Brody rose from his seat with confidence. His tailored suit and commanding presence gave Emmeline a small measure of reassurance as he buttoned his jacket and addressed the court."I am Attorney Brody Park, representing the plaintiff, Emmeline Lawson," he announced.While Brody spoke with unwavering authority, Emmeline found her attention drifting to Zavian.The man commanded respect without effort. With penetrating eyes that seemed to see through pretense and his expression remained neutral as he listened to the proceedings."My client has filed for divorce and is seeking damages against her husband, Richard Maine," Brody continued. "The grounds for this petition are irreconcilable differences and, more significantly, the pattern of physical vi
Emile released his grip on Emmeline's arms and exhaled deeply. "That's somewhat comforting."He took a seat in the front row while Emmeline proceeded to the plaintiff's table with Brody at her side.Brody’s expression shifted from contemplation to something sharper and more predatory. "I was looking forward to another round against Yuna," he admitted with a competitive gleam lighting his eyes. "I wanted to outmaneuver her in her own field and prove once and for all that I'm the superior divorce attorney. It's rather disappointing."Emmeline regarded him with barely concealed disapproval. "This divorce represents my entire future," she reminded him sharply. "Your attitude about it being some sort of professional competition is deeply troubling."They settled into their seats behind the prosecution table, and Emmeline added with admonishment, "I don't appreciate you viewing my personal trauma as just another notch in your professional belt."Brody placed his briefcase on the table and fo
The kitchen door slammed shut behind Yuna.The thick tension she'd brought with her lingered for a few seconds, then faded away, leaving Emmeline alone with her ragged breathing and wounded pride.Barely a moment passed before the door swung open again. Noel poked his head in, then stepped fully into the kitchen with worry plastered all over his usually chill face.His eyes darted around before landing on Emmeline."Thank God she's gone.” His shoulders dropped with obvious relief.He ran fingers through his hair and let out a huge breath. "Lucky she didn't show up during lunch rush. Can you imagine the drama with all those customers watching?"Then he really looked at Emmeline and his eyes widened.Her waist-length waves normally her best feature was in a tangled mess around her shoulders. Angry red prints marked her cheek, and her white blouse was rumpled."My God." The words came out barely above a whisper. He rushed over, stopping just short of touching her. "What the hell happened
Emmeline's mind raced back, trying to remember where Zavian had been, what he had told her about that night.Had he actually been with Yuna?"Why are you telling me this?" Emmeline’s voice sounded hollow. "Why not just tell him about the baby and let him make his choice?"Yuna's expression softened slightly. "Because I know my husband," she said quietly. "He has a strong sense of duty. If he knows I'm carrying his child, he'll feel obligated to stay with me, to give our baby a proper family. But if he's torn between that duty and his feelings for you..." She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air."You want me to make the choice for him," Emmeline realized aloud. "You want me to walk away so he never has to know."Yuna nodded slowly. "It would be better for everyone," she insisted. "He wouldn't have to choose between his child and his... infatuation. You wouldn't have to live with the guilt of separating a father from his child. And I wouldn't have to raise this baby alon
Emmeline blinked rapidly as her mind refused to process the devastating news.The world around her seemed to slow, sounds becoming muffled as though she were underwater. Her chest constricted painfully, making each breath a conscious effort."What?" The single word escaped her lips as a strangled whisper.Yuna's lips curved into a smile that never reached her eyes. With deliberate slowness, she placed her hand over her stomach in a protective, almost reverent gesture."I said I'm pregnant." Each syllable was delivered with precision. Her gaze remained fixed on Emmeline's face, drinking in every flicker of devastation with undisguised satisfaction.The room tilted precariously. Emmeline's hands fell limply to her sides, fingers suddenly numb and disconnected from her body. Blood drained from her face, leaving her skin ashen against the pristine white of her shirt. Her mind raced frantically, desperately searching for any explanation other than the one hammering at her consciousness."By
The morning brought a return to routine. Emmeline resumed her work at the restaurant after a two-week absence, grateful that her manager Noel had kept everything running smoothly in her absence.She dressed casually in a white T-shirt under a wheat-colored cardigan and comfortable jeans. A beige apron was tied around her waist, and she had pulled her hair back into a simple ponytail.The familiar motions of working in the kitchen: chopping vegetables, rolling dough, checking seasonings helped ground her after the emotional turbulence of the previous day.Emmeline was in the middle of preparing a vegetable pie when the kitchen door burst open with unexpected force."Let's talk," demanded a familiar voice, sharp and commanding.Emmeline's eyes widened when she turned to find Yuna standing in the doorway."Yuna?" Emmeline asked, genuinely surprised. "What brings you here?""I'm sorry, Mrs. Lawson. I tried to stop her from entering, but she insisted on seeing you." A flustered waitress app