"Let me get this straight," Dante snarled, taking a step forward, his hands gesturing wildly. "You're telling me that Abigail-Abigail of all people-came to your penthouse last night, and instead of throwing her out like any decent man with a shred of loyalty would, you-" He faltered, his voice cracking with disbelief. "You slept with her?! You're getting married today, Xavier! To Sky! How the hell could you do this?"Xavier's expression didn't flicker, not even for a second. He adjusted his cufflinks, the soft metallic click somehow louder than Dante's shouts. "She came to me," Xavier said flatly, his voice devoid of any emotion. "She wanted it. I didn't go looking for her. She asked, and I gave her what she wanted. Simple as that."For a moment, Dante just stared at him, his mouth slightly open, as if his brain was struggling to process what he had just heard. "She wanted it?" he repeated, his tone climbing an octave. "She wanted it, so you just-what? Thought it was your duty to obli
Abigail walked in with the kind of confidence that could silence a room, her heels clicking against the polished floor like a diva. She was stunning, dressed provocatively in a scarlet gown that clung to her every curve. . The neckline plunged daringly, revealing her ample chest, while the slit up the side of the dress showcased long, toned legs. Her lips, painted the same sultry shade as her dress, curled into a smirk that was equal parts alluring and menacing. And her eyes-sharp, piercing, and calculating-scanned the room before landing on Skye with laser precision."Well, well, well," Abigail drawled, her voice dripping with mockery as she sauntered further into the room. Her tone was sweet, but it carried an edge sharp enough to cut. "Isn't this just a lovely sight? The blushing bride, all dressed up and ready to walk down the aisle." She moved like a queen surveying her kingdom, each step deliberate and dripping with purpose.The words hung in the air like a slap, and Abigai
"Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid!" she muttered, the words escaping her lips in between gasps. Her voice cracked, raw and broken, as she pounded her fists against her forehead. "How could I be so blind? So fucking stupid?" Her fingers dug into her scalp, her perfectly styled hair now disheveled and wild as she rocked back and forth in her seat.She was spiraling, the weight of her emotions crushing her like a tidal wave. Images of Xavier and Abigail together flashed through her mind-his hands on her, his lips against hers-and she let out a choked sob. "For Christ's sake, Skye!" she cried out, her voice hoarse from the strain. "What the hell were you thinking? You knew this wasn't real. You knew better, and you still-" She broke off, shaking her head violently as though she could shake away the shame and self-loathing that threatened to consume her.Her phone buzzed, Skye froze, her red-rimmed eyes darting toward the glowing screen. For a moment, she considered ignoring it, letting it
"She's stunning," one woman admitted begrudgingly, but her compliment was overshadowed by venom. "But can you believe she's marrying Xavier Colleen? "What could she possibly see in him?""Oh, come on," another chimed in, leaning closer to her gossip partner. "You haven't heard the real story? She left her fiancé-someone just as rich, if not richer-for him. I mean, Xavier is a catch, sure, but everyone knows how he treats his women. Rumor has it, she couldn't resist his... well, you know." She giggled, her tone dripping with malice. "Bet she's addicted to him already."The words stabbed at Skye like needles, but she didn't falter. Her jaw clenched imperceptibly, and she kept her gaze locked forward, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing her react. Let them talk. Let them have their pathetic little gossip. She was no stranger to it-her life had been a spectacle ever since she agreed to this arrangement. But the raw, personal nature of their whispers still burned. How the he
Sky trudged home after her night shift, the ache in her feet a dull reminder of the day’s work. She was exhausted, her mind clouded by fatigue, yet there was a spark of anticipation flickering inside her. Tonight was supposed to be special—it was her birthday, and Valentine’s Day too. She’d spent all day entertaining fleeting fantasies, hoping Andrew might surprise her with something thoughtful. She pictured herself stepping inside to find rose petals scattered across the floor, maybe even a romantic candle or two lighting up their tiny apartment. Something, anything, to show he’d remembered her.But as she pushed open the door, the dream shattered almost immediately. Her eyes fell on the floor near the entrance, where a lacy bra lay, entwined with a pair of men’s boxers. Sky’s breath caught. Her fingers tightened around the doorknob as the air around her thickened, suffocating her in disbelief. A chill crept up her spine, numbing her thoughts as she tried to swallow down the mount
Sky had crammed the last of her clothes into her suitcase, zipping it up with a snap that echoed around the empty room. She couldn’t stand to be here another minute, not after what she’d seen. Every glance at the couch clawed at her heart, a taunting reminder of her boyfriend, Andrew, entangled with her own sister on that very cushion. The image haunted her like a relentless ghost, replaying itself every time she blinked. This wasn’t a home anymore—it was a trap. The only way to free herself was to leave, to let the walls that bore witness hold the memories she refused to carry.Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, vibrating with Andrew’s apologies. Each text dripped with regret and excuses: "It was a mistake, Sky. “It wasn’t me. It was...it was the devil’s work." She rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “Blame it on the devil, huh? Typical. Take some responsibility, you son of a...” Her lips twisted into a bitter smile as she wished him the worst—a one-way ticket to misery.
Skye’s world blurred, and her pulse thundered in her ears as she was slammed down to the cold, unforgiving floor. Her skull screamed with pain as the back of her head collided with the hard surface, sending sharp waves of dizziness through her body. Her hair—her long, thick hair—was being yanked so hard it felt like her scalp might tear off. She opened her mouth, a guttural scream of rage and fear escaping her lips, but it was cut short as her breath hitched.“Shut up,” a voice growled, deep and menacing. The sound of it made her blood run cold. Andrew.“Andrew, what the hell are you doing here? Let go of my hair, please!” Her voice was shaky, filled with terror and disbelief. She twisted under him, but his grip was unyielding, his fingers like iron around her hair, forcing her head back.He chuckled, the sound low and twisted, vibrating in the space around them. The laugh was like a slap to her face, mocking, full of cruelty. “You thought you could leave me, huh?” he said, his voic
Xavier Collen.His name carried a reputation that preceded him, leaving a trail of trembling whispers and smoldering gazes wherever he went. Women spoke of him in reverent tones, their voices laced with desire and envy. His presence alone could reduce even the most self-assured women to quivering puddles, eager to be consumed by the magnetic pull of his dominance. Xavier was unapologetically himself—a sex addict who thrived on indulgence, pleasure, and control. He knew exactly how to treat women, how to make them melt under his touch, and that made him irresistible. But he had rules, strict ones. Once a woman found her way to his bed, she never got a second invitation. He was possessive, yes, but never repetitive. His appetite demanded variety, and yet, they always came back, pleading for another taste of him. Pleading for him to fuck them badly, pleading for answers to why he doesn't fuck a woman twice. Why? Why did he never return to them? He never answered. He didn’t need to.
"She's stunning," one woman admitted begrudgingly, but her compliment was overshadowed by venom. "But can you believe she's marrying Xavier Colleen? "What could she possibly see in him?""Oh, come on," another chimed in, leaning closer to her gossip partner. "You haven't heard the real story? She left her fiancé-someone just as rich, if not richer-for him. I mean, Xavier is a catch, sure, but everyone knows how he treats his women. Rumor has it, she couldn't resist his... well, you know." She giggled, her tone dripping with malice. "Bet she's addicted to him already."The words stabbed at Skye like needles, but she didn't falter. Her jaw clenched imperceptibly, and she kept her gaze locked forward, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing her react. Let them talk. Let them have their pathetic little gossip. She was no stranger to it-her life had been a spectacle ever since she agreed to this arrangement. But the raw, personal nature of their whispers still burned. How the he
"Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid!" she muttered, the words escaping her lips in between gasps. Her voice cracked, raw and broken, as she pounded her fists against her forehead. "How could I be so blind? So fucking stupid?" Her fingers dug into her scalp, her perfectly styled hair now disheveled and wild as she rocked back and forth in her seat.She was spiraling, the weight of her emotions crushing her like a tidal wave. Images of Xavier and Abigail together flashed through her mind-his hands on her, his lips against hers-and she let out a choked sob. "For Christ's sake, Skye!" she cried out, her voice hoarse from the strain. "What the hell were you thinking? You knew this wasn't real. You knew better, and you still-" She broke off, shaking her head violently as though she could shake away the shame and self-loathing that threatened to consume her.Her phone buzzed, Skye froze, her red-rimmed eyes darting toward the glowing screen. For a moment, she considered ignoring it, letting it
Abigail walked in with the kind of confidence that could silence a room, her heels clicking against the polished floor like a diva. She was stunning, dressed provocatively in a scarlet gown that clung to her every curve. . The neckline plunged daringly, revealing her ample chest, while the slit up the side of the dress showcased long, toned legs. Her lips, painted the same sultry shade as her dress, curled into a smirk that was equal parts alluring and menacing. And her eyes-sharp, piercing, and calculating-scanned the room before landing on Skye with laser precision."Well, well, well," Abigail drawled, her voice dripping with mockery as she sauntered further into the room. Her tone was sweet, but it carried an edge sharp enough to cut. "Isn't this just a lovely sight? The blushing bride, all dressed up and ready to walk down the aisle." She moved like a queen surveying her kingdom, each step deliberate and dripping with purpose.The words hung in the air like a slap, and Abigai
"Let me get this straight," Dante snarled, taking a step forward, his hands gesturing wildly. "You're telling me that Abigail-Abigail of all people-came to your penthouse last night, and instead of throwing her out like any decent man with a shred of loyalty would, you-" He faltered, his voice cracking with disbelief. "You slept with her?! You're getting married today, Xavier! To Sky! How the hell could you do this?"Xavier's expression didn't flicker, not even for a second. He adjusted his cufflinks, the soft metallic click somehow louder than Dante's shouts. "She came to me," Xavier said flatly, his voice devoid of any emotion. "She wanted it. I didn't go looking for her. She asked, and I gave her what she wanted. Simple as that."For a moment, Dante just stared at him, his mouth slightly open, as if his brain was struggling to process what he had just heard. "She wanted it?" he repeated, his tone climbing an octave. "She wanted it, so you just-what? Thought it was your duty to obli
“So, girl, you’re trying to tell me Xavier almost chewed you to the bones and his ex girlfriend is back?” Gloria’s voice crackled through the phone, sharp and incredulous. “Sky, are you even hearing yourself right now? After everything that’s happened, you’re still going through with this?”Sky sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers fidgeting with the delicate hem of her silk robe. The room felt suffocating, the weight of Gloria’s words pressing down on her like a lead blanket. Her gaze drifted to the wedding dress hanging by the window. It swayed slightly in the evening breeze, its ivory fabric catching the last glimmers of sunlight.“I don’t have a choice,” she whispered, her voice so low she wasn’t sure Gloria had heard her.But Gloria had. She always did. “No choice?” Gloria scoffed, her voice rising in disbelief. “Don’t give me that crap, Sky. You always have a choice. And your choice is to walk straight into a marriage with a man who treats emotions like they’re beneath him an
The woman strutted into the store like a queen surveying her kingdom, her blood-red dress clinging to her hourglass figure and her long, dark hair cascading in perfect waves. Everything about her screamed power and seduction, from her towering designer heels to the piercing gaze she threw across the room. Abigail’s crimson-painted lips curled into a smirk when her eyes landed on Sky.“Fuck.” The word echoed in Sky's head, but she didn’t dare say it out loud. Of all people, of all times—why now?Abigail’s eyes swept over the scene with an air of superiority before she made her way over. Sky’s breath hitched. She could feel Xavier’s presence beside her, still focused on his laptop, seemingly oblivious to the brewing storm. But Sky wasn’t oblivious. She could feel Abigail’s energy, sharp and dangerous, slicing through the air as she approached.“Well, well,” Abigail purred, stopping in front of Sky. “Isn’t this a surprise.” Her eyes flicked to the jewelry box in Sky’s hand, then to the
After selecting the dress, Xavier handed over his sleek, black premium card to the boutique assistant, his movements fluid and authoritative, as if he owned not just the card but the entire boutique—and maybe the world. Sky watched the assistant scramble to process the payment, her hands trembling slightly as she avoided Xavier’s steely gaze. The sheer power radiating from him was both intoxicating and unnerving.As they prepared to leave, Xavier’s phone buzzed sharply, breaking the momentary silence. He pulled the device from his pocket with an annoyed grunt, his expression hardening. Without a word, he stepped to the side, rolling up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt. The veins on his forearms stood out starkly, a reminder of just how tightly coiled he was beneath his polished exterior.“What do you have for me, Dante?” Xavier spoke, his tone low and husky, yet so commanding that even Sky, several feet away, felt compelled to listen. She tried to keep her focus elsewhere, runni
The drive to the boutique was uncomfortably silent, and Sky’s eyes darted between the passing scenery and her trembling hands. The car windows were tinted, giving her a warped reflection of herself—a woman caught between disbelief and a whirlwind of emotions. Was she really doing this? Was she ready for it? The questions played over and over in her mind like a broken record. Her thoughts buzzed with anxieties she couldn’t shake.She was undeniably worried.How would Xavier’s family react to her? Would they judge her harshly? Oh, who was she kidding? Of course, they would. The idea of being scrutinized by cold, judgmental gazes made her stomach churn. Sky bit her lip, fighting the nervous pangs threatening to consume her. What if they don’t like me? What if they think I’m beneath them? She sighed heavily, running a hand through her wavy hair. It wasn’t like this was a real marriage anyway. They’d only be together for a year, just long enough for her to carry his child. This was all
Ding. Ding.The sharp chime of her phone shattered the quiet stillness of the early morning. Sky groaned, rolling over to grab the device from her nightstand. Her vision blurred as she squinted at the bright screen, two new notifications glowing in bold letters."Get ready. We are picking your wedding dress today.""My driver will be at your place by 11. Do not be late, Angel. You know how I despise lateness."She blinked at the messages, her heart lurching as the words sank in. Wedding dress. Today. Her stomach twisted into knots. How could this be happening so quickly? Yesterday, Abigail—Xavier’s ex—had shown up, bringing with her a whirlwind of chaos and unspoken tension. And now, just a few hours later, Sky was being dragged headfirst into wedding preparations.Her thumb hovered over the screen as if rereading the messages might make them disappear. But they didn’t. They stared back at her, mocking her uncertainty.Her thoughts raced. This is too fast. Too sudden. What is he tryi