AURELIAI checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, my anxiety spiking with each passing second. 8:47 AM. Thirteen minutes until my shift started, and I was still stuck at this wretched bus stop.The usually reliable cab service was nowhere to be found, courtesy of the morning traffic chaos. I paced back and forth, my heels clicking impatiently on the pavement."Come on, come on," I muttered to myself.With a huff, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I began walking, my heels clicking faster as I picked up pace. But my haste proved costly. One step and my heel snapped, sending me stumbling."No, no, no!" I exclaimed, frustration boiling over.I limped to the side of the road, assessing the damage. Broken heel, ruined shoe, and a rapidly approaching deadline.You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.Just as despair started to set in, a sleek black sedan glided to a stop beside me. The driver’s window rolled down, revealing a chiseled face with piercing brown eyes.I
THIRD PERSON POVAurelia tried her best to stay calm as they turned into a trendy shopping district, and Ezekiel parked in front of a chic boutique. "Ava's Haven" read the sign above the door.Ezekiel gracefully opened Aurelia's door, offering a gallant hand. "Shall we?"Aurelia’s gaze flickered from to building to his hand, uncertainty bubbling within her. But she took his hand, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip. Ezekiel helped her out of the car, holding a bright smile as she followed his lead. Inside, the boutique was a haven of style and elegance, with shoes with stunning designs.Aurelia’s lips parted in awe as she looked around, her gaze landing on a pair of low emerald green heels. It shimmered with velvety emerald green leather, featuring delicate silver filigree ankle straps, flower-shaped buckles, and a slender crystal-encircled toe, exuding understated elegance and sophistication. But when she caught sight of the price tag, it shook her to her bones.It was a whoppin
THIRD PERSON POV The casino was dimly lit, dark clouds of tobacco floating around the room, complimenting the ambiance better than the shitty jazz music. He stood there, back pressed against the brick walls, a glass of whiskey in one hand and the other tucked in his pocket. He waited, his heavily hooded eyes scanning through the vicinity. Luke silently eyed the men in the bar, but none of them were remarkable enough to keep his attention. All except one. Luke's grip on his cup tightens as he spots Ezekiel. The actor had just arrived, and he wasted no time in ordering a glass of champagne. It annoyed him. It made his blood boil and sizzle over, threatening to make him go mad. But even still, he appeared unaffected, because he would rather die than give Ezekiel the pleasure of a reaction. Ezekiel spots Luke while a waitress pours him a drink. Leaning back in his seat, he held the CEO’s gaze, a taunting smile playing on his lips. Both men faced off, a silent battle witho
“Wow, this is beautiful.” Aurelia gaped, her lips parted in awe as she admired the beautiful event hall. “Kendall really pulled through huh?” she turned to an excited Oliva, sporting an impressed smile.“Yes!” Olivia clapped in delight. “He's the absolute best!—but don't tell him I said that.”Aurelia chuckled lightly, giving Olivia a reassuring pat on the back. “Will do. I'm just glad you're getting the wedding of your dreams.” “And to the man of my dreams,” Olivia added, her gaze sweeping over the beautiful hall once more, warmth tickling her heart. “It all feels surreal.”“You can say that again.” Aurelia agreed, recalling the day she was welcomed to the team by the bumbling couple. They were always at each other's throats, so it was shocking to see that in between their heated arguments and childish taunts, they had built a strong connection that led to love. And now, they're getting married in a few days. “Who would've thought.”“Definitely not me.” Both women turned to see Ken
“Am I…. Interrupting something?”On impulse, Aurelia pushed off Ezekiel, dread settling within her. Why did the CEO have to catch her in the most compromising position?“Luke—” she began, her words died with the sharp glare he sent her way. Aurelia pressed her lips together, choosing silence, although it was her only option. Ezekiel rolled his eyes, rocking on the heels of his sneakers. He played it off with a grin, hiding the fact that he was offended by how Aurelia had shoved him away. “I see you both are already on a first-name basis.” Ezekiel drawled, sarcasm dripping in his tone. Luke's chest burned with rage, but instead of strangling Ezekiel like he’d envisioned a million times in his head, he opened the door wide, shifting his hard glare to the other male. “Get. Out.” Luke ordered, and Ezekiel scoffed. Luke’s gaze darkened dangerously, a silent warning and Ezekiel matched his glare, but instead of holding a deep frown, his lips spread into a toothy grin.Aurelia stood betw
The kiss soon became heated, warming the air between them. Aurelia stood on her toes, a needy moan rumbling in her chest as he grabbed a handful of her behind, effortlessly hoisting her up and setting her on the desk. His tongue danced with hers, taking the lead and letting her follow him into sweet oblivion. She instinctively spread her legs, goosebumps littering her skin as he grinds his hardness against her throbbing core. “Ah…” Aurelia moaned out loud, shivering in pleasure as his hand dug under her skirt his fingers teasing her bud through her thin underwear. His other hand roughly palmed her breast, kneading her like soft dough. As their lips parted, Aurelia's eyes fluttered open, locking onto Luke's intense gaze. The air thickened, heavy with unspoken promises. "Please," she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I need you.” His response was a low, husky murmur, sending shivers down her spine. His lips slithered to her neck, biting and sucking on the spots that m
Olivia sighed, her shoulders slumping in disappointment as her gaze swept through the crowd. She couldn't see Aurelia anywhere. “Maybe I shouldn't have told her not to come without a date,” she said to her husband, her chest tightening with guilt. The main ceremony had already concluded, and the reception party had just begun. Kendall reached for her hands, eyeing the diamond ring on her finger before giving it a comforting squeeze. “Don't worry my love, Aurelia wouldn't miss our wedding for any reason.”“But I think I went too far,” Olivia whined, causing Kendall’s brows to arch in question. “What did you do?”“Uhmm.” Olivia hesitated a bit before speaking, and Kendall narrowed his eyes at her in suspicion. “I may or may have not told security not to let her in without a date.”Contrary to what she thought, Kendall burst into laughter, leaning back in his seat as his shoulders quaked with amusement. “Hey!” Olivia slapped his shoulders, her cheeks puffing up in cute annoyance. “I
The night was in full bloom, bustling with new opportunities and hope. As Aurelia stepped into the sophisticated ambiance of Vintage Oasis, Ezekiel’s new wine bar, she felt the evening's magic envelop her. Soft golden lighting cast a warm glow on the polished mahogany walls, adorned with wine-inspired artwork. The air vibrated with refined chatter and the clinking of crystal glasses.Before her, a sea of dignitaries mingled, sipping on exquisite wines and savoring hors d'oeuvres crafted by the city's top chefs. Tuxedo-clad gentlemen and elegantly gowned ladies moved with poise, exchanging smiles and handshakes. The atmosphere pulsed with sophistication as if the very essence of luxury had been distilled into this singular event.Aurelia straightened her shoulders, refusing to be intimated. But she couldn’t deny that she felt out of place, like a goldfish among sharks. The air felt rich with personalities, suffocating her. A waitress offers a glass of wine off a silver tray and she
Aurelia coughed out, feeling a burning sensation on her wrists. Her eyes cracked open, gauging her surroundings. The last thing she remembered was getting a taxi and then….Aurelia gasped, her heart thundering against her chest. She was kidnapped. Dread filled her body, the revelation sending shivers down her spine.She tried to get up, but a rope bound her hand and legs. Her back was pressed against the cold floor, and she looked up at the ceiling that seemed too far, she wondered how she got into this situation.For what reason would anyone have to kidnap her? Aurelia felt tears sting her eyes, but instead of crying, she tried to sit up.The room was dark, the only source of light coming from the holes in the ceiling. It was still daytime, she noted, her gaze bouncing around the room.Old boxes littered the grounds, and huge machines gathered dust in the corner of the room. This was an old warehouse, an abandoned one, judging from its shabby state. This made it serve as the perfect
“P-pregnant?” Aurelia gaped, her jaw scraping the floor. Ezekiel nodded solemnly, shifting on the hospital bed so he could take her hand. “The doctor said you're two months gone.”Aurelia looked down at her stomach, unable to believe a baby was growing inside her. Her baby. Luke's baby.Her vision blurred, and she felt like she was floating outside her body. She heard Ezekiel's concerned voice, but it sounded distant, muffled. The hospital room spun around her, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds.Luke's baby.The words echoed in her mind, refusing to sink in. “This…” she suddenly felt dizzy again. “This can't be real.”She must be dreaming. It can't be possible.Because she can't……she can't get pregnant. A few years back, Aurelia had discovered she couldn't conceive during a mandatory check-up for college. Her ovarian reserve was low, so there was a 0.9% percent chance her eggs would fertilize to bear a child. It didn't mean much to her then, because she was devoted to her studie
Aurelia hunched over the sink, her throat dry from puking her breakfast. “Did you eat something bad?” Olivia's brows knitted in worry as she rubbed Aurelia’s back. “No.” Aurelia coughed out. She filled her hand with water and splashed it against her face. It helped calm the burning sensations on her skin. “It’s probably jet lag. The flight back to New York was long.”“Hmm. All the more reason why you shouldn’t have resumed work immediately after getting back.” Olivia scolded her. Aurelia straightened up, forcing a smile to persuade her friend. Oh if only Olivia knew why she couldn’t possibly sit idle in her apartment. Her brooding thoughts would not let her rest and she’d thought of reaching out to the CEO multiple times. It drove her crazy. Although she had gotten a two-week break off work, she returned three days after arriving in New York. Work helped get her mind off things—off him. And that was what she desperately needed at the moment. A distraction.Aurelia wanted to slowl
Aurelia huffed as she looked down at her watch. 6 am. The airport was filled even at such an early time, and as she made her way through the crowd, her mind drifted off to the night before.She had taken a bold step, confessing her feelings to get out of the contract with the CEO. It was out of impulse. His words stabbed her more than his reaction, and she wasn't strong enough to just sit and bear the pain. She was done feeding into his ego, dancing on his palm like a puppet. Luke had talked about owning her fully, and it was nothing but an insult. Maybe it was her mistake for falling for him, for setting herself up for heartbreak, but she had enough. Although she was somewhat satisfied, seeing the shocked expression on his face was like a soothing balm to her wound. She had completely caught him off guard, and among her bountiful losses, this was a fair win. She left the restaurant without looking back or waiting for a reply. Luke didn’t stop her, and she was grateful for that. If
“Do you have feelings for me?”The question cut deep, reopening the wound from last night. She had slapped a bandage on it to face him, and here was, mercilessly ripping off the fragile bandage. Luke wet his lips, his expression grace. Aurelia didn’t know which was worse, was it the expression on his face or the coldness in his tone? She didn’t want to remember that he despised the thought of her. She didn’t want him to say it openly, to reject her officially.But was she hoping for? Aurelia knew the complication of her feelings, she knew it would break the final thread that held them together. Yet her heart ached. Her despair was determined from the moment he came into her life, like a rippling tornado, fast and powerful, shattering the beliefs she’d believed in and leaving just as quickly as it came. She hasn’t forgotten how he’d acted throughout the week. While she yearned for him, even after their fallout, he ignored her like the plague. Aurelia wanted to laugh at her foolish,
Aurelia didn't sleep a wink. Dragging herself out of bed, she sat up and just stared. Her mind was blank, the events of the previous day dawning on her. Ezekiel’s confession. Luke’s rejection. And Veronica’s……Aurelia winced as she recalled the kiss, her fingers absentmindedly skimming over her lips.‘I prefer women.’Aurelia squeezed her eyes shut, then she opened them. She slapped herself out of her daze, hoping to dispel the warmth that tickled her cheeks. That damned Veronica, she thought, recalling the satisfied smirk on the model’s face. The boldness of that woman. Kissing her out of the blue like that. It was the biggest plot twist in her mangled story, one that she had never seen coming. A subtle knock on the door cut through Aurelia’s thoughts. Her brows furrowed. She didn’t order room service, so who could be knocking at her door at this time? Wait…she paused. What time was it? Aurelia’s lazy gaze searched the walls for the clock, and when she spotted it, a gasp esca
“Here.”Aurelia hesitated before taking the cup of water from Veronica, staring at it like it would come alive and bite her. “I didn't poison it if that's what you're thinking.” Veronica mused, sarcasm dripping in her tone. Giving the cup one last wary stare, Aurelia accepted it, and Veronica flopped on the sofa beside her. They were in Veronica's hotel room, and the supermodel had taken it upon herself to tend to Aurelia's wound, taking responsibility for her fall. Veronica observed Aurelia's scraped knee, then she moved to her closet, returning with a tube of ointment. Aurelia silently watched as she squeezed the open cut, her fingers spreading it against her skin. “That will do.” Veronica nodded as she sealed the cap on the ointment, letting out a small yawn as she straightened up. “Thank you.” Aurelia kept her head low, spacing out as she looked down at her feet. “Now that's out of the way, shall we begin?” Veronica suggested, leaning back in her seat as she crossed her legs
Ezekiel was in high spirits. The final event of the Fashion Week had ended at the crack of dawn but he wasn’t the least bit tired. After escorting Aurelia to her hotel room and bidding her goodbye, he skipped happily to the hotel bar to get himself a drink. Now that he knew he had genuine feelings for Aurelia, his constant struggle with denial was over, lifting a load off his chest. He was as chirpy as a schoolboy in love. “Oh?” On spotting a familiar face, Ezekiel stopped at the entrance of the bar, a mocking smirk playing on his lips as he leaned against the door frame. “Who do we have here?” Luke ignored him, pouring himself another glass of whiskey. They were the only ones in the bar. “Mind if I join you for a drink?” Ezekiel straightened up, and Luke side glanced at him, his gaze sharp. But he remained silent. Taking his silence as a go-ahead, Ezekiel sighed in contentment as he slipped onto a stool beside Luke, signaling for the bartender to serve him a drink.
THIRD PERSON POV Luke was tired. Tired of forcing smiles and empty pleasantries. The fashion week had worn him out and he couldn't wait to return to New York. “Your bitch face is showing.” Veronica teased him, noticing that he had already drained his social battery. “Wouldn’t be the worst thing.” He sighed, looking down at his watch. For how much longer did he have to be here? Luke looked over his shoulders, his eyes searching for Aurelia. His jaw clenched as Ezekiel came up beside her. He watches Aurelia’s face brighten up on his arrival, and Luke’s brows furrowed, his chest burning with jealousy. “You guys are so typical.” Veronica rolled her eyes, following his line of sight. “It’s boring to watch the same thing happen again.”Luke clicks his tongue in annoyance, facing forward. “Then why did you insist on coming along?”“Isn’t it obvious?” Veronica smirked as watched Ezekiel and Aurelia. “I also made a bet on who would win, and I’ll be damned not to see it for myself.”“Tch.”