ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV I arrive at the grand lobby of the prestigious central city hotel and head to checks in at the front desk."Excuse me, I'm here to meet Aubrey Ravens," I say to the neatly dressed bellhop behind the counter."Right this way, Ms. Ravens is expecting you," he replies, stepping out from behind the desk. I follow him down a wide hallway to an exclusive wing of the hotel.We take a beautiful spiral staircase up to an open dining area where several people are eating at tables. For a moment, I have never felt so grateful for the outfit Aubrey sent me. Its like she wanted to make sure I will blend in with the elite rich, which seem to be working as some of the well-heeled diners turns to glance at me.In fact I overhear a teenage girl at a nearby table tell her mom "That has to be the famous runway angel!”. I never thought that I would no longer be walking around earth in complete anonymity. The bellhop leads me down a short hallway and stops at an ornate golden door. "
“I liked you from the moment you walked into that audition room,” My boss states openly. "I thought it's just an ordinary crash and I hoped it would fade away with time. But it only grew stronger I realized being close to you was the thing I wanted the most. You are adorable and I want you to be part of my life, not just as a model of my brand and Agency."I sit quietly, stunned, unsure how to respond to her confession.“I know this is a surprise,” she says, reaching for my hand. Of course, it’s a surprise. I’ve always been the kind of person who needs a clear signal to realize someone is interested. I thought her gifts were just a friendly gesture.“Ms. Raven… we can’t,” I stammer, pulling my hand away. A relationship like this could ruin everything, my career, her reputation.She is startled, eyes wide in disappointment and confusion. "You don't want me?" She asks in a tone full of disappointment.I hesitate. It’s not that I don’t find her attractive, it’s just that I have no inter
VANESSA STERLING'S POV I sit back in my desk and flip through the stack of photographs my private investigators have gathered. It’s been hell waiting for the last couple of hours for them to bring me something that concerns my ex-husband. The first image shows Abel, entering the grand entrance of Central state hotel. The second is of him exiting through the back exit. “Did you find out what he was doing there?” I question.“He was there to meet someone, ma’am,” the woman detective replies."Who?” I press, turning to the third photograph. My heart scorches on seeing a smiling Aubrey Raven in the same picture, just two steps behind Abel.So, Aubrey was the one he met! I get that she is his boss, but bosses don’t take employees to fancy diners unless there’s something more."How long has this been going on?" I demand, my voice rising unintentionally."Our investigation suggests this is their first meeting outside of work,” the older detective says and the extent of the relief I feel is
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV Even in the public available data, Jonathan Luis Green background check reveals a ticket for possession of marijuana and other drugs. There is also two police records for sexual harassment. Does he always prey on women half his age?I click on the images portion next. I'm curious. I need to know if he and Ms. Raven are actually in a relationships or what she told me was acctually the truth. The images are mostly shots of him in political rallies but he also seems to have endless pictures posing with countless women, though there is none with Ms Ravens.Maybe they are keeping their relationship private.I type the name Aubrey Raven into the search engine. There are countless articles about her and her rich family and their numerous business ventures. And her family networth which is so high, I wonder why she would be going for senator Jonathan money when her father is this rich.She also seems to have had a long line of ex-lovers. I can even recognize some of famo
"Delivery." The short guy says holding out the box for me to take."You are Abel Blackwood, right?""Yah."I sign having received the delivery and the short guy walks away. Who would have bought me a gift? Probably Ms. Raven. But then I glance at the card attached. It reads From Vanessa Sterling. What the hell? I had made it clear I didn’t want to see or talk to her.I carry the heavy gift box back inside nevertheless and set it down on the table just as Wensley emerges from the bathroom.His gaze zeroes in on the box immediately. “What do you have there?""I'm not sure," I reply, carefully opening the lid half-dreading what I will find inside.I open to reveal a shimmering, golden hearts. It's looks like a lifelike heart but a lot more like an artifact.Light glints off its polished surface and it's intricately designed, with delicate engravings that swirl like vines around its edges."What's inside?" Wesley asks, bending down to look before I can answer. He gasps. “Who sent you that?
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV My eyes immediately notice the two enormous men in dark sunglasses and sharp black suits as soon as I enter the lobby of the grand restaurant. They are intimidatingly big not to notice. Who needs bodyguards the size of Goliath in a public place like this?I approach the counter, where a young woman in a black uniform stands behind the desk."I'm here to meet with Ms. Raven," I say and the woman's lips curls into a friendly smile as she quickly check the guest registry. "I'm afraid there is no reservation under that name, sir. However, we would be happy to seat you at one of our tables while you wait for her arrival."Before I can respond, one of the large man in dark suit and sunglasses steps forward, his deep voice rumbling, "Ms. Aubrey Raven?"I glance at the counter lady, who shrugs. "Yes, that's who I am here to meet," I reply, turning my attention to the imposing figure.The man nods curtly. "Please come with me."I hesitate for a moment, then follow the ma
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POVVanessa smiles and pours herself more coffee before speaking. "So tell me, are you in a sexual relationship with my friend Aubrey? Your boss?" I stare directly into her eyes. I can’t believe she has the nerve to ask me about my sexual relationships. I never agreed to be with Aubrey, I only said I’d think about it. But that’s no longer my ex-wife's business."Would it bother you if I were? Are you jealous?” I raise a brow at her and she looks at me disapprovingly."I know I fucked up big-time, but I still care and love you more than anything""Just stop, Vanessa. Save yourself the time and energy. You aren’t fooling me, not anymore. You got the Cyrus you wanted, so why not just stop?”"I can't stop when it's you I want.""Well, it’s a little too late for that!” I say.“I know, but let me prove to you that I love and care for you. I’ll do anything, Abel. Anything.”"You already proved enough to me, Vanessa. The only reason I’m even sitting here right now is because
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV I enter my car feeling awkward out of my depth. Surely Vanessa doesn't think that her pretense is bewitching enough to make me forget all the inhumane things she did and said to me in front Cyrus.I got nothing out of being a good man to her. Not even once.Her kiss still tasted as devine as I can remember despite the cruelty in her heart. Wait, why am I even thinking about it? I want to slap myself because my reaction is now bordering on ridiculous.I slam the door shut, start the engine and peel out of the hotel's driveway eager to put as much distance between me and my controlling ex-wife.About two miles before the traffic light where I would turn right to go to my apartment, I become aware of a sleek silver Land Rover car riding in the left lane next to me. I speed up, then slow down, the car match my speed. Is Vanessa having me followed?I turn left and the car swerves into the left lane and continue to follow me. What the fuck?!I pull my car to a stop saf
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV "Making obvious mistakes is so unlike you Miss sterling, I mean you're a business genius and world's richest woman. It's a shock to hear you dumped a diamond only to replace it with fake gold." Miss lane tells."That's true. None of us is devoid of mistakes apparently. But I believe in second chances, or at least in claiming them. I can assure you that my diamond will come back to me soon or later." Vanessa answers confidently.For some reason she sounds very certain that I will reconcile with her. But she is mistaken if she thinks I want to be treated like a doormat again."That's amazing to hear, because I literally cannot think of another man worthy of your precious attention. It's sad that you lost Abel Blackwood once, do you think getting him back now may be a little difficult since he has found a bit of success of his own?" Miss lane asks."If he knows what's good for him , I am certain he will come running." Vanessa states matter-of-factly. The audience la
ABEL'S POV Sasha is beautiful, not nearly as Vanessa, but she is pretty in a warm, inviting way that makes you feel at ease. Vanessa used to make my nerves go wild. A part of me liked that. I still do admire her wits, determination and sheer beauty. But she broke my heart in the worst way possible.“Want some more?” Sasha asks playfully after I finish my first mug. I shake my head as I have started to feel buzzed already. In the past few years I have discovered, my alcohol tolerance is virtually nonexistent. One drink is just about my limit.Just then, a group of her young female customers walk in, giggling and chatting excitedly. I take it as my cue to leave.“I should get going,” I say, and Sasha looks up, her brow furrowing slightly. “Not really in the mood to socialize more today.”She brightens a bit. “Would you mind stepping outside for a walk with me? I'm sure it’ll help with your moods.”I hesitate, glancing back at the giggling girls heading to the other side of the bar.“Do
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV I turn on the flat-screen television so there's noise to provide some semblance of distraction from my heated thoughts. I still feel hurt by Wensley's earlier accusations but I do feel guilty for not coming clean sooner. But how can I explain the truth when he is so quick to judge?I know I will have to deal with him sooner or later so I might as well take a drive by his place now and explain everything. The truth might hurt him more though.Twenty minutes later I am arriving at his place. There is limited parking space so I pack one block down by the side of the street and walk over to his apartment, glad to see the lights on.I go up the steps like I am going to jokingly bang inside the house, but something inside stops me. We freely walk into each others places and even as I am about to grab the door knob and let myself in, I think this time it would be prudent to knock, since I'm not sure we are still in good terms. Looking through the door window as I am abo
ABEL'S BLACKWOOD'S POV I have lost count of how many times I have attempted to talk myself out of calling Vanessa for help. I keep reminding myself Cyrus problem won't solve itself. The man wouldn't leave until I promised I'll will indeed quit my job. I only agreed to that to get him out of my apartment, but I can’t let him drag my name through the mud by going to the media about my marriage with Vanessa.With a deep breath, I dial Vanessa’s private number. Since she married Cyrus he is her problem as much as he is mine. She picks up almost immediately. This will be so fucking awkward.“Hey, Vanessa... it’s Abel.”"I know. Surprised to hear from you." Her tone is so warm and welcoming.“Yeah, it's definitely surprising. Cyrus was here. He was making demands.” I inform.“What? Why did you not call me right then?”"Maybe because he was holding a gun to my head. He wants me to quit my job or he’ll go public about our marriage," I answer.There’s a pause on other end. “And you think tha
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV I wake up to the persistent ringing of my phone. Groggy and unwilling to get up, I fumble around the table, but my hand brushes against nothing. Groaning, I push myself up from the couch to find Wensley looming over me, my phone in his hand.“Why is our boss texting you saying she’s sorry about what happened yesterday and wants to meet and explain?” he questions, brows furrowed. “She’s been calling you all night.”I sit up straight and snatch the phone from him. “Why the hell are you going through my personal texts?” I shoot back, glancing at Ms. Raven's messages flooding my screen.“What happened yesterday? Were you at that fundraiser with her?” Wensley asks just as my phone rings again, Ms. Raven's number flashing on the screen.“Why don’t you answer?” he presses. “Because it’s complicated, and you shouldn’t have picked up my phone in the first place,” I snap.He laughs sarcastically. “You almost had me fooled.”“What?”“You almost had me fooled that you’re cl
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POVWensley pulls up sooner than I expected, and I hop into the front seat, muttering a quick, “Thanks.”“How’d you get here so fast?” I ask, glancing out the window just in time to see Vanessa's bodyguards heading back inside.“I was nearby at a club. Surprised to hear from you at this hour. What are you doing at such a high-profile event?""It's just a fundraiser,” I reply, trying to keep it vague. I know he won’t want to hear that I was invited by Miss Raven.“A fundraiser? How did you get invited to a billionaire's fundraiser?” Wensley presses, clearly intrigued.Fuck, here we go. Damn Aubrey for leaving me at that party. And damn me for being an impulsive idiot that agreed to go with her.“Can we talk about it tomorrow?” I suggest, hoping he won't remember about it by tomorrow.“Sure, no problem,” he replies, driving out of the sprawling estate.“Before we head home, I need to pick this chick up at the club,” Wensley adds, shooting me a playful grin.I raise my e
ABEL'S BLACKWOOD'S POV "Where did I ever go wrong raising her?” Mrs. Raven groans burying her face in her trembling hands. Her husband pulls her close, his own expression a mix of anger and despair. “It’s not your fault. You raised her the best you could. She chose this herself.” Vanessa comforts as if she hadn’t been the one to stir the pot in the first place.Mrs. Raven lifts her head slightly, her eyes red and puffy. “But did she have to be with a criminal? Her father's age?” “I’m so sorry for inviting Senator Jonathan,” Vanessa says. “If I hadn’t .....”“No, thank you for inviting that idiot,” Mr. Raven interjects bitterly. “Otherwise, we would have never known our daughter is a. . . ” He pauses, his voice thick with disgust, “a disgrace.”He turns back to his wife, his tone softening as he whispers, “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” He stands and gently guides her to her feet.As she rises, Mrs. Raven grips Vanessa’s hand tightly. “You should have been the kind of daughter
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POV A few seconds later, the waiter leads in a man in a black suit, that man is none other than Senator Jonathan Luis Green. Things gonna get hot in here. I really wish I can just stand and leave right now.A sharp noise of a crack suddenly slices through the murmurs of the guests and we all look to see Aubrey's champagne glass has slipped from her fingers, shattering on the marble floor. Her expression shifts from shock to fury as she glares at Vanessa, who sits with self satisfied smirk plastered across her face. She did this on purpose. What's for? To cause a scene? Aubrey's parents would love Jonathan, it's even surprising they were acting nice to me after Aubrey introduced me as her boyfriend."Aubrey!” Jonathan calls out, striding confidently toward the table. "Why didn’t you invite me, my love? I’ve been waiting for you to introduce me to your family."Now it's my turn to be shocked. Does her parents not know Jonathan? She claimed her father was the one forcin
ABEL BLACKWOOD'S POVThe room goes quiet as Vanessa walks in, commanding all the guests attention. The black velvet gown she has on, clings perfectly to her curves, accentuating her figure like a work of art. Every man, including me, can't take his eyes off her as she walks down the stairs.Mr. Raven stands up, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Vanessa, so glad you could make it!" His voice is warm, laced with a genuine fondness that was noticeably absent when he spoke to Aubrey. Mrs. Raven rises too, her face lighting up with joy. "Oh, Vanessa, my dear!" she exclaims, leaning in to kiss both of Vanessa's cheeks.I see Aubrey’s knuckles whiten around her wine glass, as she watches her parents fawn over Vanessa. I can’t blame her, they’re treating Vanessa like royalty, but I'm sure they expect her to contribute so much to their charity.Mrs. Raven guides Vanessa to a seat at the table, unfortunately, one directly across from me. A waiter pulls out the chair for her with utmost