ESTELLE’S POVWe arrived at the mental facility in short time. As I stepped out, the cool wind grazed my skin. Shivers ran down my spine, but it wasn't because of the cold.Whenever I came here to visit my mother, I felt this constant bone-chilling sensation coursing through me. Series of images would glide through my mind.The blood, the gun, the fear, the pain; it was all I could from that night but it taunted me.My father didn't tell me what happened until three months after the incident. His words from the night after I woke up from a bloody nightmare echoed audibly like he was right here with me.“Your mother won’t be coming back. She’s not okay. You and Amelia will be safer that way with her far away. That way, she won't hurt you again.”That was all he told me, but I was smart enough to piece one and one together; he knew that. “But she’s still my mother,” I told him.After that night, I swore to always visit her… to try to help her get better. Now here I was standing in fro
ADONIS’S POVI stormed into the facility, my eardrums ringing as blood rushed through my heart. Prying Eyes from onlookers didn't bother me; it was something I’d gotten used to.At the reception, the woman standing behind the front desk gaped at me with widened eyes, clearly surprised to see me. An exaggerated smile stretched on her face.“How may I help you today sir?”“I’m here with my wife. She came to visit her mother.”A disappointed look appeared on her face, “Oh. And who is your wife?”“Estelle Sandoval. What room is she in?” I asked irritably, getting tired of the questions.“I’m sorry. unfortunately, I can’t disclose such information, but you can wait by the reception till she comes.”Anger rammed through me as the little patience I had began to wear off.“I can't wait,” I growled out.She flashed that smile again, like this was amusing to her, “I’m sorry.”I leaned in close, so only she could hear me, “I happen to know who owns this facility. If you don’t give me the room n
Estelle’s POVThroughout the night, I pondered on everything that had happened in the past few months. Now wasn't the time for games; it was about time I set my plan into motion.The moment I woke up, the first thing I did was send an email to Chloe; my corporation’s media personnel.Most of our personnel left after my father died and the company lost a lot of money, but Chloe stuck around. Now it was time to return the favor for her loyalty.Hello, Chloe, it’s been a while. I have an offer for you that I'm sure you won't refuse. You’re the only right person for this job, so meet me this morning at Adonix Corporation.After everything was done, I got ready for the day and headed downstairs for breakfast. Adonis was already at the table… he hadn’t touched his food yet.All that happened yesterday kept replaying itself my mind. Sure, it was traumatic hearing own my mother's wish for my death, but Adonis was the highlight of the day.I never did ask what he went back to get at the facili
My body temperature heated the moment my eyes landed on her, and suddenly I was a raging volcano, ready to erupt.Barbara— my dearest cousin who not only had an affair with my ex-husband but also played a part in his scheme to ruin my life— was standing right beside me.I sorted out the pieces together. Of course, Eric sent her here, and it wasn't coincidental. They both had a devious plan in mind.“Morning Mr Sandoval. I’m here from EricCorps,” she spoke in an overbearing tone to Adonis and ignored me like I wasn’t even there.All the while, my hands were balled into fists at my sides. Watching her, my thirst for revenge numbed my throat as I recalled the night my whole life went tumbling down the hill.“Welcome Barbara…” Adonis paused as if waiting for her to complete the sentence.“Barbara Curtis,” she added, pride evident in her tone. Her eyes moved to me as if to rub it in my face that she was married to Eric… I honestly couldn't even care less. An unpleasant grunt reverberated
ADONIS’S POVI woke up abruptly from my sleep, my sheets soaked with sweat. Standing up from the bed, I ran my fingers through my hair as I took a deep breath.I’d had the same nightmare again. I’d see my mother full of life, and the next thing, she’d be dead with her mangled body covered in blood. Though the nightmares were always the same, this one was different and eerie.One minute, I was looking at my mother’s dead body, and suddenly, it wasn’t her anymore. The dead figure’s green eyes were wide open as blood trickled down her face.It was Estelle.That was when I woke up.“fuck,” I muttered under my breath, as I leaned against the windowframe, staring outside.My eyes narrowed as something at a distance got my attention. A woman was walking through the field, her back turned towards me so I couldn’t see her face. When the moon illuminated her attire, I relaxed a bit, realizing she had on the same outfit Maria’s maids had. But what was she doing walking through the field by thi
ESTELLE’S POV Last night was a disaster but I shoved it at the back of my mind. I didn’t want to think about Adonis watching me go all crazy in my sleep. The fact that Adonis snuck into my room while I was asleep should creep me out, But the fact that he cared about me to check on me made my insides twirl. But maybe I was reading too much into something that meant nothing. After all, we were practically strangers. We didn’t talk to each other when we went down for breakfast, except the usual greetings. Genna on the other hand kept chattering which annoyed Adonis, but her talks were always interesting to me. When we got to the office, I tried to move ahead of him but he grabbed me by waist and yanked me to his side. His eyes narrowed and even though he didn't speak, I got the message… ‘Stick by my side.’ The moment we got to the top floor, I basically sprinted into my office. All settled in, Chloe arrived shortly. Not only did I make her my social media personnel, she was also m
I arrived at the party using Denis; Adonis’s second chauffeur, since the last one told him my whereabouts. Leaving the house hadn't been an easy task with Genna literally begging on her knees to let me take her along.“I’m sorry, Genna, Maybe some other time,” I dragged her off the ground and patted her hair, “It’s bad enough that I’m leaving without letting Adonis know. It’ll be worse if I take you with me.”Finally accepting, she wrapped her arms around me, “Well, have fun for the both of us.”I said with a smile, “I will.”Seated in the car, my phone vibrated and I peeked at the screen. It was a text from Chloe saying they were already there. A surge of excitement rushed through me, replacing every negative thought that had dwelled in my mind.Getting to the place, I was immediately starstruck by the exterior. Everything about it exuded luxury. My gaze focused on the bouncers at the entrance.No wonder they weren't just letting anyone in.They stopped me right before I got in as I
ADONIS’S POVOn the drive home, Estelle never shut up. As much as I wanted to stay angry at her for pulling such a reckless stunt, just looking at her flushed face and listening to her slurred tone was enough to calm me.The fact that she left the house to go clubbing wasn't something I could just lay off. When she’s sober, I’d make her regret it. I’d punish her, teach her a lesson that she won’t forget, so the memory of it would stay engraved in her mind.When we arrived home, she came out first, making a futile effort to walk on her own. Her legs moved like jelly with each step she took, while I watched her with amusement.“Come here,” I said, carrying her into my arms again, still surprised at how light she felt. She wrapped her arms around my shoulder, gazing at me with green eyes illuminated by the moon’s glow. “As much as I want to walk back on my own,” she said, batting her lashes as she trailed a finger along my exposed chest where I had opened a button, “I enjoy being this c
We cuddled in bed, my jaw still aching and my core throbbing in satisfaction.Waking up next to Adonis was what I didn’t know I needed. But something bothered me. I feared he would ask how I got to be alone with Eric. I could lie like I always did, but this time was different. The guilt was getting harder to bear.I was a terrible person… I know that. Maybe Adonis deserved better, but I wasn't ready to let him go yet. A notification popped up on my phone and I checked and saw it was a text from Cleo.She sent me numerous links to reports about Eric. The paparazzi video had gone viral. Now people were starting to see how terrible he was. I couldn’t help but grin.“You’re awfully smiley this morning.”My heart stopped. I didn’t realize Adonis was awake. I turned off my phone and smiled at him.“Saw a funny tweet on Twitter.”His eyes swept down my face, assessing every feature. His gaze was warm and made my heart swell.“Come,” he grabbed my arm and pulled me over him until I was str
We were back in our room soon after. Aurora had already left after she succeeded in kissing Adonis. I bet she was more than satisfied. Psycho. Adonis’s confession still hung heavy on my heart. I never thought of him being a victim of abuse.Eric’s blood on his coat had shocked me—Clearly, he had seen the video. I was scared about how the conversation would go, but deep down, I was glad to know he’d fight for me, even if it meant fighting his own brother.I sat at the edge of the bed, while he undressed, preparing to shower. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him as I watched him, admiring the way his muscles flexed as he pulled off his shirt.My throat tightened as naughty thoughts flooded my mind. His eyes met mine, and I quickly averted my gaze.“Estelle,” he said my name so softly, that it made my stomach churn with need. I looked into his brown eyes, and there was a reflection of how I felt. “Join me in the shower.”My cheeks burned.Why was I acting like a teenage virgin?I st
ESTELLE’S POVI ran, my mind reeling from the image burned into my brain… Adonis kissing Aurora. Adonis kissing Aurora.I had been right all along. He still had an attachment to her. I shouldn't have even thought of trusting him, because this is what men do—lie to your face, make promises they can't keep, and cheat on you like you've always meant nothing to them.I knew all along, but the truth still hurt.My chest tightened as I raced down the stairs to the grand room. I didn’t know where I was headed, but I needed to get out and get out of here, as far away from him as possible.I couldn't bear to see his face, couldn't stomach hearing him call my name with the same lips he used to kiss another woman. My brain decided to torture me as our first kiss replayed in my head, and how magical the moment had been.Just as I reached the bottom of the stairs, I heard him behind her, his footsteps pounding against the floor. Instinctively I turned, locking eyes with him, and instantly regret
On my drive back, I sent a text to Estelle, letting her know I was headed home. Her reply came almost immediately.“Almost home too.”I released a deep breath. Knowing she was safe eased the tension coiled tightly inside me. Pain shot through my jaw and I winced, the fight with Eric beginning to weigh heavy on me. The bastard had managed to land a punch… good for him.I’d let out all the rage contained in me onto him, and I had no single regret. He deserved it and so much more.As I arrived back home and walked through the doors, eyes were on me, probably wondering why I came with blood-stained clothes. As I shot back a glare at them, they would divert their gazes quickly.I needed a shower. Maybe a shower with Estelle if she’d take pity on me.The engraved image of her naked body resurfaced in my mind again, and I felt my cock harden.It was about time I fucked her. I was getting impatient to the point of losing my mind.Maria welcomed me at the entrance as I pulled off my jacket an
ADONIS’S POV Each time a woman with dark brown hair passed by, my mind spiraled. I kept expecting to see Estelle or… Aurora. I hoped it was the former. It had been almost a day since Estelle had dropped the bombshell in my study, exposing the darkest parts of who I truly was— an obsessive mess with anger issues. She wasn’t wrong. I had molted her into the shadow of the woman I was once obsessed with, without realizing I was. But Estelle was nothing Aurora. She wasn’t a psychotic bitch who took advantage of others for her own pleasure. No… she was entirely different. A sudden frantic knock jolted me from my thoughts. Amy, my assistant rushed in, her face twisted in concern. “What is it?” I asked sternly. “Sorry to bother you, sir, but have you seen the entertainment news?” A grunt rumbled in my chest. “Since when did I give a damn about that?” “This time…” she hesitated, sliding her phone on the desk, “I think it involves you, sir.” I raised a brow, grabbing the phone. A
I needed to get my mind off Adonis, and the best way to do so was plotting Eric’s downfall. Adonis didn’t returned to the room after our heated conversation, and I was relieved. It would be hard to breathe if he lied beside me, knowing Aurora lingered in his mind.He had loved her, even if he wouldn’t admit it. She still had a hold on him, and it bothered me so damn much.I sat at the back of the car, as Laurent; my personal chaffeur drove me to Dr Stuart’s office. Adonis hadnt come with me… he was clearly avoidong me.What a coward.I glanced at my phone resting on my thighs, rereading the text I’d sent Eric last night. Yes. I sent Eric a text.The text was more or less of a threat. I’d sent him my address so we could talk things out, or I would expose incriminating evidence that would destroy his life.My palms itched. This would be the first time we were meeting one- on -one since the divorce, and the thought of seeing him made my stomach churn. When I walked into Dr Stuart’s of
I wasn’t unconscious for too long.The second my eyes adjusted to the surroundings, the blinding lights above me were a sign that I was still in the hospital.Amelia was the first person I saw. She was by my side, her hands on mine as I regained consciousness. I didn’t realize she wasn’t the only one until her gaze shifted to my right side. I followed.My chest warmed immediately at the sight of him.Adonis sat straight on the chair by the side of my bed, his arms crossed as he leaned back. His head was slightly tilted upward, his eyes closed. From the faint movement of his chest, I could tell he was asleep, though his brows were knotted like he was having some kind of nightmare.“He never left your side,” Amelia said. His eyes opened slightly and met mine. He had the same expression he’d had while asleep, but his brows relaxed as warmth swirled in his eyes.“Hi,” I muttered with a small smile. He leaned in, his body brushing mine as he placed a kiss on my forehead. My skin tingled
ESTELLE’S POVIt felt like an eternity since we had been stuck in the elevator. The air around us thickened as beads of sweat trickled down my skin. I had peeled my jacket, trying to find some relief from the heat. Somehow, Hazel had managed to sleep off because my phone battery was low, so she couldn’t play games anymore. I had to end the call with Adonis a while ago, though he had been against it. While we had been on the call, it felt like he was here with me, holding my hand, trying to get me through it.But now, an emptiness hung in the air around me and Hazel, and we were all alone again in the cruel darkness.Just as I shut my eyes, a sharp screeching sound of the cables resounded through the elevator. The sound cut through the silence like a blade piercing flesh, causing my heart to lurch as terror ripped through me. Hazel suddenly jerked awake, as she trembled. Even with the darkness, I could tell the look of terror on her face.“It's going to be okay, honey,” I soothed her
How did we end up here— trapped in an elevator that could fall at any point? “I’m scared,” Hazel whimpered, her body trembling as she clung to my chest. I soothed her by rubbing her hair.Honestly, I was scared too— Terrified out of my mind. Every muscle in my body was taut with fear.The elevator shook, a loud creaking sound reverberating off the walls as if the cables holding onto it were roaring. The sound was eerie— reminding me of the approaching doom. We had to get out of here. If the cables snapped with us in it, we wouldn't stand a chance.My heart raced as I moved carefully, trying not to jostle the elevator. Slowly, I shifted, lowering myself to the ground until my back pressed against the cold wall. I pulled Hazel closer, placing her in between my legs and wrapping my arms around her small body.“We’re going to get out of here soon, okay?” I said, not sure how we were going to get the hell out of here. It wouldn’t be long before people noticed the elevator was faulty, th