Whew! Hope you enjoyed these four chapters! Off to bed now, lol. Thank you so much for reading! I hope you're still enjoying this story despite how these characters are frustrating you. It is not intentional at all. *wink wink*
It took Thalassa a couple of seconds to recover from the shock of Clark's unexpected kiss. When she finally did, she braced her palms against his chest and pushed him back as gently but firmly as she could.“Clark, what are you doing?”“I'm sorry, I just had to. I've been dying to do that since we met again." Clark said, but his expression was far from apologetic. “Isn't it obvious that I still have feelings for you? I'm sure it's written all over my face every time I'm with you because that's just how much you affect me."“Clark..." Thalassa tried to say, but he cut her off.“I wish I hadn't stepped away when you told me you wanted to be with Kris. I genuinely thought you were going to be happy with him. If I'd known he would only make you suffer, I would have never let him have you.”Thalassa pursed her lips into a grim line. “That wouldn't have been up to you to decide."“Yes," Clark nodded in agreement. “But I wouldn't have stopped fighting for your love. That's what I mean.”He s
The following morning, Thalassa was awakened by gentle knocks on her bedroom door. Since she had been drifting between consciousness and sleep, she easily woke up and called out, “Come in."The door opened, and Luisa stepped into the room. “I can't believe you're still asleep."She walked forward and sat on the bed beside Thalassa. “You and Clark sure took your time last night. I was Netflix-ing while waiting for you, but I got so exhausted that I don't even know when I climbed the stairs to my bedroom. I'm sorry. I should've called to check up on you."“It's okay," Thalassa assured her, forcing back a yawn.“What kept you two so long anyway?” Luisa asked, her eyes narrowing slightly with a mischievous smile. “Don't tell me you finally got laid after starving your pussy for more than three years.”Thalassa rolled her eyes. “No, I'm still quite celibate, I assure you. I was attacked outside the restaurant."The smile on Luisa's face vanished. “Wait! What? How can you just drop that on
There wasn’t just one article; there were several, along with videos spread across multiple news outlets, gossip magazines, and social media accounts.Clark was instantly apologetic. “Forgive me, Lassa. I should’ve listened to you when you stopped me the first time. I shouldn’t have tried to kiss you again, especially in such a public place. I promise to have all of this taken down as soon as possible. I’m going to pull every resource I can to—”“Clark... Clark... Clark!” Thalassa called out firmly to cut off his rambling. “It’s okay.”“What? I thought you would be upset with me.”Thalassa pursed her lips. “I’m not. And you don’t have to bother having anything taken down.”“But... you’re not upset that people are saying we have a relationship when it isn’t true?”“I knew the consequences that would come with finally revealing my identity to the world, Clark. I know that the paparazzi are always going to be in my space,” Thalassa said calmly.This wasn’t the first time she’d had pictur
The incessant ringing of his penthouse doorbell jolted Kris out of his sleep. He'd ignored it for a while, hoping it would stop, but the ringing only got worse until he couldn't ignore it anymore.“This building better fucking be on fire," he cursed under his breath as he shot out of bed and made his way out of the bedroom, down the stairs, and to the door.His annoyance grew when he yanked the door open and saw that it was Alden.“Wow, I still can't believe you moved out of your house."Kris gritted his teeth. “And you woke me up this early in the morning just to tell me that?"“Early?" Alden scoffed and pulled out his phone, turning the screen toward Kris.Kris mellowed a bit when he saw that it was already 8 in the morning. He'd spent the night tossing in bed and must've only drifted to sleep around 4 a.m. As such, he felt exhausted.“Come in," he said with a sigh as he stepped aside.“Who said I was asking for your permission?" Alden rolled his eyes as he walked inside, causing Kr
Zeke wasn’t in a very bright mood. No, that was an understatement; he was in a very shitty mood.How could he not be after seeing the trending news about Thalassa and Clark’s supposed relationship?With a grim expression, he made his way into the foyer of TT Fashion Company and headed to one of the elevators. Just as the door was about to close, a young man in a delivery uniform, holding a bouquet of white lilies, rushed in.Zeke didn’t think much of it until he realized the young man hadn’t punched in another floor. His suspicions were confirmed when after they reached the top floor and the elevator's door opened, the young man began stepping out.“Hey,” Zeke called out in a low voice but the guy heard and stopped.“Yes?” The young man replied, looking a bit impatient.“Who are you bringing those flowers to?”The delivery man checked the card tucked into the bouquet. “Thalassa Thompson. It’s from Clark Morgan. Am I on the right floor?”Zeke’s jaw clenched. How long had this been goin
Tempers flared. Tension thrummed through the air. The two men looked like they were ready to pounce on each other. Not wanting that to happen, Thalassa quickly inserted herself between them.“What is going on here?" she demanded, her questioning gaze on Kris.“Why don't you ask that guy?" Kris sneered, waving the bouquet of pink lilies in his hand. “He’s not satisfied with just controlling his sister's life. He also thinks he has the right to make decisions for you."Thalassa was confused. She turned to look at Zeke. “What is he talking about?"Guilt mixed with anger on Zeke's face, but he didn’t say anything.“What? Cat got your tongue?” Kris snickered. “Since you won't tell her, I will. Thalassa, I sent some flowers to be delivered to you, but this bastard sent away the delivery man and even threatened to call security on him, all while claiming that it was by your instructions.”He was so glad he had stayed in his car after sending the delivery man to deliver the flowers.Thalassa
The Fashion Awards show was fast approaching, and the fashion industry and the internet at large were abuzz with anticipation.It was an event that was organized by top fashion gurus every two years. Several designers would be invited to witness the event but only five were selected to be part of the exhibition and stand the chance of winning the ultimate title.Having lead the most successful fashion house in the last year, Thalassa Thompson’s name was easily among the top five along with other designers. This was the first time she was being nominated. Another name that also rang loudly was the name of Linda Miller.Despite the decline in her company’s sales, especially in the last year, Linda Miller had held the title of ‘Queen of Fashion’ four times, two of which were won consecutively. She was still the reigning Queen of Fashion, so it was no surprise that she was also nominated despite all the controversies.It was no secret that the Miller Fashion House had some of the best des
The excitement in the air was palpable as fans and aspiring designers who hadn't been invited lined up behind metal barriers overlooking the red carpet. Cameras flashed, and cheers erupted as luxury cars pulled up, each carrying a famous face from the fashion world. Celebrities stepped out, dressed in plush gowns that flowed with every step they took. Reporters hustled to get interviews.Linda Miller's arrival caused a similar uproar. As expected of the Miller family, almost all the members attended such events together: Kris, Susan, Tyler, and Cynthia. Karen Miller was nowhere in sight.Kris was driving, dressed in a sleek black suit as he got out to open his mother's door. Linda stepped out with her head held high, wearing a stunning emerald green gown. Her fans chanted, "Queen of Fashion!" as Linda and her family made their way down the red carpet.The reporters instantly had their mics ready. One asked, "How are you feeling tonight, Linda? Good, or nervous?"Linda forced a confi
Stiffening , Gendry let out a sigh. The last thing he wanted to do was to deal with this control freak.He turned his head to glance at Alex for a second before looking away again, keeping his gaze fixed on the sky. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets.Alex stepped closer, standing beside him, his posture rigid. “Whatever game you’re playing this time, it won’t work,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Stay away from my sister.”A mirthless chuckle escaped Gendry. He turned his head slightly, just enough to glance at Alex. “Isn’t Tessa old enough to decide the people she wants around her?”“Yes, she’s old enough,” Alex admitted. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll stop protecting her.”Gendry clenched his jaw, his temper flaring. Protect her? From who exactly?“From what, Alex?” he bit out, finally turning to face him fully. “From me? Because you still think I’m not good enough for her?”Alex met his glare without hesitation. “Yes,” he sai
The next day, Gendry adjusted the cuffs of his shirt as he stood at the edge of the altar behind Jace, watching the wedding rehearsal unfold. Maya and Jace were standing in front of the altar, holding hands while the priest explained how things would go tomorrow. Jace wore a simple button-down and slacks, while Maya was in a flowy sundress.Since this was just the rehearsal only family and those who had important roles to play in the ceremony were present. That included him and Tessa, Tessa's family, Jace's parents and aunt, and one of Maya's cousins.Gendry wasn't looking at any of them. His eyes were drawn to the maid of honor. Standing on Maya's side, Tessa was quite a sight. Her hair fell in soft waves, the light fabric of her dress clinging to her just enough to taunt him with the memory of last night. God, last night.He clenched his jaw, shifting his weight as flashes of her moans, the way her body had writhed against his, consumed him for the hundredth time that day. And y
Tessa was lying flat on her back, staring at the ceiling, her fingers clenched in the sheets. It had been two hours since she told Kevin she wanted to go to bed early, and yet here she was; wide awake, tossing and turning, unable to shut off her mind.She hated that her thoughts kept circling back to the conversation with Gendry in the car. His accusations about her thinking other people just weren’t good enough. His claim that he had firsthand experience of it years ago.What the hell had he meant by that?She should be angry. His words were baseless and unfair. And yet, instead of dwelling on that, all she could think about was everything he’d done to her body this time yesterday. And again this afternoon.A frustrated groan left her lips as a familiar ache coiled between her thighs. Damn him. Damn him and his expert tongue, his manipulative fingers, his very potent d–God, she couldn’t even finish the thought without feeling heat creep up her neck. How had she turned into this pers
The tension broke when Kevin suddenly appeared beside Tessa, a broad smile on his face as he looked at her parents. Gendry and Alex finally released their handshake, and Gendry stepped back, returning to his previous spot.After a few seconds, Kevin glanced at Tessa and arched a brow, silently prompting her for a formal introduction.Tessa cleared her throat. "Uh, Mum, Dad, this is Kevin Balthazar. Kevin is..."She trailed off, and Gendry unknowingly held his breath, waiting for what she was going to say."...a very good friend," she finally completed.Kevin beamed. "I'm very honored to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Tessa has told me a lot about you." He stretched out his hand eagerly.Both Kris and Thalassa shook his hand, looking slightly amused by his enthusiasm. Then Kevin turned his attention to Alexander."I'm a huge fan of yours, Alex." His eyes widened. "I can call you that, right?"Alex smiled and nodded. "Of course. My sister's friends are my friends."Gendry snorted. Why d
Tessa’s happiness at seeing her family was unmistakable. After hugging and rocking her little sister for a bit, she moved toward her parents, who both engulfed her in a warm embrace.Gendry’s breath hitched. He’d seen Tessa wear a lot of expressions; angry, frustrated, annoyed, flushed, and pleasured, but he’d never seen her look so at peace before.It was obvious she loved and adored her parents, and she felt safe with them. Gendry wondered if there was a story there he didn’t know.“Hey, I’m feeling incredibly left out right now,” Alex said in a mock-grouchy voice.Tessa’s parents released her from their hug. She shrugged, looking at her brother.“I’m only hugging those I missed the most. I didn’t miss you much, so—”“Stop being silly and come here.”Tessa shrieked with laughter as Alex pulled her into a hug. Their bond as siblings was undeniable, their closeness evident in the easy way they teased and held each other.
Tessa’s heart caught. What he'd just told her could mean two things: that he wanted her so much that he’d set his rule aside because of her, or that she was worthless to him, which was why he was willing to sleep with her with no intention of having a relationship with her. The possibility of it being the latter stung more than she could ever admit. But why? It wasn’t like she wanted a relationship with him either. With her mood suddenly soured for reasons she couldn’t understand, she looked out the window at the buildings whirling by. “What about you?” Gendry’s voice jolted her out of her thoughts. Tessa pulled away from the window and looked at him. “What about me?” she asked, confusion in her voice. “You already know I’d never been with any man... until yesterday” “Yes. I know.” Gendry nodded. “The question is why. You’re beautiful, and you know it. It couldn’t possibly be because no man has approached you before. I know you probably have a thousand flocking around you, so wh
On the way back to the villa, the car was filled with a comfortable silence, but Tessa's mind was stuck on something she couldn't stop thinking about. It had been on her mind since morning, and she needed an answer. Before she could change her mind, she spoke. “This morning… what Jace said… what did he mean?” She saw Gendry’s hands tense around the steering wheel. “Jace said a lot of things,” he pointed out. “Yes,” Tessa agreed. “But I meant… what he said about thinking you’d lost interest in women.” Gendry briefly took his eyes off the road. “I can stop the car and show you right now that he was talking nonsense—just like I showed you a few hours ago.” Tessa’s cheeks flushed, wild images flaring through her mind at his words. “You’re evading my question.” “And you seem to have forgotten your own rules,” Gendry mused wryly. “No talking about each other’s personal lives, remember?” His voice had an edge to it, and Tessa wondered if she should drop it, but the curiosity was eati
"Where have you been, Missy?" That was the first thing Maya asked as soon as Tessa walked into the villa's living area. Tessa had prepared for the question. "In my room," she answered casually. Since she'd gone straight to Gendry's room, her door had still been locked, so Maya wouldn't have been able to enter. Maya tilted her head. "And you didn't hear me when I came knocking?" Tessa shrugged. "I was taking a nap." "Must have been a very deep nap because I called your phone as well," Maya revealed, eyeing her suspiciously. "You didn't hear it either?" Bringing her phone up, Tessa turned on the screen and noticed two missed calls from Maya in her notifications. She thought she had vaguely heard a phone ringing, but it had seemed like a dream compared to the very real reality of Gendry doing things to her insides with his cock. "No, I didn't hear it." "Hmm." Maya hummed, studying her. "Why does your face look so red? And your lips look a bit swollen. Are you okay?" Tessa shif
When Tessa entered the house, only a few guests were lingering about. Gendry was nowhere in sight, so he had probably gone to his room-which was perfect. Making her way down the corridor that led to her and Gendry's room, she knocked on his door immediately, looking back to ensure that no one was watching her. The door opened after a few seconds. Gendry stared at her with an unreadable expression before stepping back to allow her entry. Entering, Tessa closed the door behind her and jammed her hand on her hip. "What was that outside, Gendry? Why did you react that way toward Kevin?" Gendry gave her a bored look. "I told you. I thought he was harassing you." "You had no reason to think that," Tessa pointed out. "He and I were just having a conversation." "Yes, a very intimate conversation, it seems," Gendry said, his tone edged with sarcasm. Tessa stared at him. "You do realize that there were people watching us, right? Everyone is probably suspecting it now. You acted like you