Sweet Loving“Great! Just great! More work has been added to the pile of files I have to review and analyze.” Stephanie complained as she viewed mail from her department manager asking her to create a visual representation of the data she had to analyze using power BI.It was very late in the evening and most of the staff had gone home but Stephanie stayed late in the office most evenings as work was all she had to do.She didn’t have any friends or family members she could go home to or visit. She grew up in the orphanage and learned very early never to get too close or form any bond with any of the other kids because they could be separated in the blink of an eye.Stephanie sighed, remembering how she had to work hard, work extra time to get an education and work her way up to the position she was in now as a data analyst. The overtime spent in the office paid off.She was nowhere near where she wanted to be in her career but she believed that with time, her ambitious self would ach
BELLA’S POVSilence stretched between us, thick and unyielding. Carlos sat across from me, his fingers tapping lightly against the table, his dark eyes unreadable. He was waiting for me to say something, to explain why I suddenly looked like I had just pieced together a missing part of a puzzle.I took a slow breath, choosing my words carefully. “There’s someone… someone who could help us.”Carlos arched a brow, still unreadable. “Who?”I swallowed, my heart hammering as I said the name out loud. “Edward.”For the first time since I had met Carlos, his expression wavered. It wasn’t shock, but something sharper, something calculating. “Edward Leon, Ethan’s brother?”I nodded. “I’ve only ever had a proper conversation with him once, but that was enough to see it, he hates Ethan. I don’t just mean sibling rivalry or petty resentment. No, Edward loathes him. And I know he’d do anything to take him down.”Carlos leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching me close
AUDREY’S POV“This is a bad idea.”“Bad ideas always turn out to be good, Rey. It'll be fun!.”“Can I just stay at home?” I groaned, my voice filled with reluctance as I thought of possible ways to skip out on another of her numerous wild adventures.Claire was unaffected by my tone, her eyes fixed on the mirror as she applied her smoky make-up and damn, she always looked fantastic in that.I loved Claire, but whenever she said the word ‘fun’, I tried to run for my dear life. Her fun times were mostly suicidal for me, and while I was over-exaggerating it, ever since I had known Claire, we have always gotten into trouble.“Yes and if I remember correctly, Lucas Kent, your sweet boyfriend, is the host of the party,” Claire said, rolling her eyes at me through the mirror.I ground my teeth in frustration because she was right. It was almost the end of summer and Lucas had suggested we had one last bonfire party before college resumed. I was gonna be as dramatic as hell when I had him in
AUDREY’S POVLucas had become almost like a legend, a myth told to children, just like waiting for Santa. He was nowhere to be found. Almost like he never existed in this world.“Have you tried going to his house to check on him?” Claire asked, her voice dripping with concern and I let out a frustrated sigh.My hand shook slightly as I subconsciously rubbed my already protruding belly, a loud and painful reminder of the truth I wouldn’t be able to hide any further.“You know his mother isn’t exactly my biggest fan, I doubt she'd let me see him,” I muttered and I just knew that Claire was rolling her eyes at my words.“But Rey, you know this silence isn’t normal. It's been three months! March over to his house and demand his attention,” Claire growled and I sighed for the billionth time.“Uhm, Rey? I gotta go, the lecturer is in class now. I will call you immediately after I'm done, okay? Please don't cry anymore.” She whispered before hanging up and I released a silent sigh, taking th
AUDREY’S POVIt's been five years… Five years since I found out I was pregnant and that the father of my child was nowhere to be found. Five years since my parents disowned me and threw me out to the streets.What would I have done if Claire hadn't taken me in? Maybe I would have been dead by now-Stop thinking about the past, Rey. The past is in the past. Right now, I was worried about my present and future.“Claire, help me,” I whispered into the phone as I looked around to make sure no one saw me.“What's going on? Who's bullying you? Is Aiden alright?” She whispered and I let out a sigh as I sat on the restroom floor in the company I worked at.“What do we always say happens before nine in the morning at work?” I asked and I heard her yawn before she spoke up“Well, nothing but trouble comes before nine,” She replied and I almost burst into tears.“This definitely wouldn't be good. I have just been summoned by the scary boss.”“You exaggerate everything, Rey. What if he's calling
LUCAS' POVThe airplane ride was very uncomfortable and I was so happy I finally got out of the damn airplane. I glanced around with my sunshades on when I felt soft hands wrap around my arms and I glanced down to see Isabella smiling at me.“Welcome to Nashville, Sir.” I heard my driver say as a car came to a stop in front of us and I held the door open for Isabella to go in first before I got in beside her.“You're quiet, babe,” Isabella said and I turned to look at her as she took the glasses off and I let out a sigh as I took my hands in hers.“I just feel tired, that's all.” And burdened. But of course, I wouldn't tell her that.“You want a hug?” She quipped in her childlike voice and I immediately shook my head as I laid my head back and closed my eyes. I could feel her pouting but I didn't care. I hated physical contact, she just wouldn't understand that.After what felt like hours, the car came to a stop and I opened my eyes to see the driver already pulling the door open for
AUDREY'S POVMy heart was clenched tight inside my chest as I tried so desperately to breathe just like Claire told me to but it was almost impossible. My vision was getting blurry and even Claire's voice was fading away. There was a banging on the door but I couldn't reach for the lock to push it open.“AUDREY! Are you gonna leave Aiden here alone because of a dumb man!?” Claire's voice suddenly cut through my brain and I realized she was right. Was I just gonna let myself wallow away because of Lucas?“Breathe, darling. You can do this!” She said reassuringly and I clutched the phone tightly as I forced myself to breathe, thinking of nothing but Aiden.My son needs me. I can't give up now.“I'm okay… I'm okay Claire.” I said after multiple attempts of breathing in and out and I heard her let out a sigh of relief.“What are you going to do now? You know what, I'm coming over there. I'll give him a damn piece of my mind!” She said in anger and I let out a soft chuckle as I sat up.“Yo
AUDREY’S POV The rest of the day at work passed in a blur. I attended to meetings, worked on the files on my desk and responded to my emails, but my mind was else where. All i could think of is Lucas and his fiancee Isabella. As the day drew to a close, I rounded up with my work, cleared my table, packed up my things and was ready to head home. I couldn't just wait to see Claire and tell her about everything that happened at work, I need to talk to someone badly to get the feelings off my mind. As soon as I walked in the door, Claire pounced on me, “My dear, how was your day?, how was Lucas expression when he saw you?”. I shook my head feeling a bit hurt, “I don't think he recognized me, cause he behaved like today was the first time he's seeing me when we met at the office. But that's not even the case, can you believe his engaged?”. Claire couldn't believe it as her eye's widened in shock, “Engaged! to who?, I didn't expect Lucas to move on so quickly”. I sat onto the co
BELLA’S POVSilence stretched between us, thick and unyielding. Carlos sat across from me, his fingers tapping lightly against the table, his dark eyes unreadable. He was waiting for me to say something, to explain why I suddenly looked like I had just pieced together a missing part of a puzzle.I took a slow breath, choosing my words carefully. “There’s someone… someone who could help us.”Carlos arched a brow, still unreadable. “Who?”I swallowed, my heart hammering as I said the name out loud. “Edward.”For the first time since I had met Carlos, his expression wavered. It wasn’t shock, but something sharper, something calculating. “Edward Leon, Ethan’s brother?”I nodded. “I’ve only ever had a proper conversation with him once, but that was enough to see it, he hates Ethan. I don’t just mean sibling rivalry or petty resentment. No, Edward loathes him. And I know he’d do anything to take him down.”Carlos leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching me close
Sweet Loving“Great! Just great! More work has been added to the pile of files I have to review and analyze.” Stephanie complained as she viewed mail from her department manager asking her to create a visual representation of the data she had to analyze using power BI.It was very late in the evening and most of the staff had gone home but Stephanie stayed late in the office most evenings as work was all she had to do.She didn’t have any friends or family members she could go home to or visit. She grew up in the orphanage and learned very early never to get too close or form any bond with any of the other kids because they could be separated in the blink of an eye.Stephanie sighed, remembering how she had to work hard, work extra time to get an education and work her way up to the position she was in now as a data analyst. The overtime spent in the office paid off.She was nowhere near where she wanted to be in her career but she believed that with time, her ambitious self would ach
LUCAS' POVI hated the fact that Isabella was trying to force me to take pills that did nothing but mess with my head. It gave me a severe headache that sometimes I ended up forgetting everything that happened the previous day.“I won't take it and you won't force me to, Bella. It hurts my head, why don't you understand that? Do you like it when I'm in pain?” I asked in confusion and she immediately shook her head in response as she dropped the pills back into the drawer.“I thought it actually helped with headaches and stress since it works for me too. I was just worried about you, that's all.” She said with a nervous smile and my brows furrowed in confusion. Why was she trying to make sure I took the pills?She's been acting suspicious ever since she had me fire Kendall and I needed to get to the bottom of everything.“You sure that's all? You can tell me anything.” I said softly, trying to get her to say something but she remained and shook her head in denial.“My stomach suddenly
AUDREY'S POVI had my heart in my throat as I rushed over to the ward. Scott was right behind me and I could tell that he was nervous as well. The nurse ushered us in and my heart soared when I saw Claire lying on the bed as she stared at the ceiling.“Claire?” I called out but she didn't reply. Almost like she didn't hear me.“Claire,” I called out again but there was still no response. I walked up to her and gently tapped her shoulder, causing her to turn to look at me as I smiled at her.“How do you feel, Claire? Does it hurt anywhere?” I asked as I sat beside her and placed my hand on her forehead only for her to slap it off in an instant.“Who are you?” She asked in confusion and my heart sank into the lowest depths. The doctor was right… she had lost her memory.“My name is Audrey and I'm your best friend. You got into an accident that's why you don't remember anything now.” I explained as I took her hands in mine and she looked at me with a skeptical expression.“Why should I b
ISABELLA'S POVThe plan with Scott was going according to how we expected it to and it filled my heart with joy that we were getting rid of the pests in my way. I refused to tell him about Jason though… I liked it when he was caught off guard by the things I did.Audrey wasn't at the office yet and I knew that Jason was doing his job well. While she's distracted, I'll keep drifting them apart until she falls in love with Scott, then let Scott reveal his true colors to her.It'll be so much fun to see her cry after she loses everything and everyone she loves.I glanced down at the office from the top floor and my eyes caught sight of Kendall working behind her desk as usual. She looked like she wasn't going to try to implicate me but I knew better than to believe that. I had to get rid of her before she decided to get rid of me.I immediately took all the combined evidence to Lucas' office with a feigned expression of shock and betrayal. Lucas looked grieved as he asked me to send for
LUCAS' POVIt was already noon, and Audrey still hadn't come to the office. She didn't take a sick leave or a permit from me and it made me annoyed to the core. I thought we had finally bonded after last night's event but it seemed like I was the only one who thought that.Something in me felt uneasy, though, because I knew that she had never been absent from work before. Not even when she was sick. Could it be that her sickness got worse? Why didn't she inform me then?Or could she be in danger?“Lucas!” Isabella suddenly shouted my name as she rushed into the office and I glanced up at her with a frustrated expression.“What is it? Did you have to shout my name so loudly?” I asked in annoyance but she didn't seem to notice my mood as she approached me and handed me her phone.“Look what I found. I've got evidence to prove that Kendall has been stealing from the company. Not just once or twice but multiple times!” She said and I raised a brow in shock as I scrolled through the transa
AUDREY'S POV I rushed out of Aiden's ward after hearing Scott's words. He wouldn't tell me what had happened to Claire so I had to find out by myself. I rushed downstairs and he was right behind me as we both walked into the doctor's office. “Doctor, how's my friend?” I asked in worry as I sat down on the chair opposite him and he let out a sigh before taking off his glasses. Scott sat next to me and took my hand, almost like he was giving me the silent support that I needed. “Well, your friend was hit badly from behind at the back of her head. She's fine now but there's a little problem…” He said calmly and my heart pounded wildly in my chest as he placed his hands on the table. “Tell me what it is, doctor. As long as she's fine and she's not dying, I'm sure it's not that bad.” I said to him but I didn't know if I was reassuring myself or reassuringly him. “Your friend might end up losing her memory.” He said and it felt like a bomb had been dropped inside me. “With how badly sh
AUDREY'S POVMy heart sank into the depths of my stomach as I found Claire lying unconscious on the floor. I couldn't move; I was frozen as I stared at her unconscious body on the floor, and I couldn't bring myself to move closer to her.I didn't want to believe that something was wrong with her. I just wanted her to stand up and tell me that it was all a prank. But after calling her name multiple times with no answer, the tears flowed down my face freely as my entire body shook.“Hey, look at me, Audrey. I'm sure she's fine, let me check on her.” I heard Scott say as he held my shoulders and I glanced at his handsome face before nodding blankly.Scott stepped forward and placed his fingers on her neck to check her pulse and I placed a hand over my mouth to stop myself from sobbing loudly. He suddenly turned to look at me with a smile and a hopeful expression as he turned her around and picked her up.“She still has a pulse and she's still breathing. Let's get her to the hospital firs
AUDREY'S POVMy legs were bouncing nervously as I waited for Claire to pick up but when there was no answer, my fears skyrocketed. Scott had already made a U-turn as we headed to the police, and I knew this was gonna make me late for work, but I didn't care.This violation of my privacy has to stop.“You won't really tell me what's happening, Audrey?” Scott asked as he zoomed down the road and I took deep breaths to calm myself down before I could speak.“Look,” I said shortly and he slowed the car down as he took my phone from my hands. His eyes widened when he saw the pictures and he glanced up at me in shock.“Someone is stalking you? Since when?” He asked in shock and I let out a sigh as I tried to relax against the chair.“It's been days now. There were cameras inside my room, and I was being followed everywhere. It's driving me crazy!” I replied in despair as I held my hair in my hands and he let out a frustrated sigh.“Why didn't you tell me about this? Stalkers are dangerous a