I was seated in my office most of the day, trying to avoid Adonis at all costs after what happened back home. It was safer to steer off his path because God knows what other fucked up thoughts he has in his mind. My phone beeped from a notification and I picked it off the table. I glanced at my screen to see Chloe had sent me a text. I tapped it open to a link. I opened it and was taken to a webpage. Written in bold large matters, the headlines read; Ericcorps guilty of committing financial felonies. Further investigation is being carried out. A wide grin spread across my face. Each line I read made my heart swell with joy. It won’t take long for Eric to realize this was my doing. For someone like him, he’d definitely have enemies and people set out to ruin his life, but I'm his greatest enemy. He played dirty when he tried to get me killed, and now I’ll play dirtier. My door suddenly barged open and a red-faced Barbara stormed into my office. Rolling my eyes, I leaned back in my
ADONIS’S POVWe arrived at the mall but unfortunately, the press got there before us. The moment I stepped out of the car, their cameras flashed in action. Ignoring them, I opened the door for Estelle as she walked out gracefully.She lowered her head as I took her hand in mine, clearly used to getting such attention from the press. When we finally made it into the mall, she released a sigh and hastily freed her hand from mine. Without saying a word or throwing a glance at me, she walked away briskly. She had that attitude since the day I spanked her. I chuckled to myself. Like ignoring me was going to keep me at bay. Whenever I glimpsed at her and our eyes met, her face would redden, and she’d quickly look away.I knew exactly how she felt because I couldn’t stop thinking about that day either.The image of her naked body spread across my lap was engraved into my brain, infiltrating my thoughts. I ached to feel my palm on her soft skin one more time, and do so much more. Followi
ESTELLE’S POVNighttime came quickly and we were soon headed to the venue. Thanks to Genna, my makeup and hair were flawless. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I understood why Adonis swooned over the dress. It was a masterpiece, perfectly crafted just for me.When we arrived, the car door opened and Adonis took my hand in his and pulled me out gracefully. As we walked side by side with his fingers intertwined with mine, I couldn’t stop thinking of what those hands had done to me back at the dresser. Desire rushed through me and my cheeks burned, but I was grateful he wasn't looking.I had enjoyed every moment of it, a pleasure I hadn't felt in ages. It was different with Eric would had always been so mechanical. Now that I think about it, he only cared about his own needs.But Adonis was different. There was a burning hunger in his eyes, a longing that I could feel with every touch. It was as if my pleasure was his own, like seeing me unravel beneath him was enough pleasure for
As he moved closer, his eyes darkened, taking in the sight of my shredded dress, and tear-streaked face.“Who did this to you?” he demanded again, his voice tinged with fury, as he looked around him, as if searching for the person.“My sweet cousin, Barbara,” I bit out, bitterness laced in every word.His eyes widened in shock, his silence fueling my anger even more.“You knew they'd be here, didn't you?” when he didn't answer, I snapped. “This is all your fucking fault! If I had known they’d be here, I would never have come. I wouldn’t be standing here, humiliated, with my beautiful dress in ruins.”“Why didn’t you tell me they’d be here?!” I screamed, my fists pounding against his chest, desperate to release all this pent-up anger. He caught my wrists, his grip firm as I burst into more angry tears.“Look at me.”“No! Why are you determined to force these horrible people into my life?” my voice trembled, “First you let Barbara work in your company, and then you invite me to a ball w
ADONIS’S POVMy mind kept going back to the conversation we had at the ballroom, and how things had escalated to her crying in the bathroom with her dress in shreds.So much happened in such short time.Though it was faint, her expression had changed when I told her how I felt about women.I wondered why.But I hadn't told her the whole truth. I couldn't. How could I possibly admit that I've been obsessed with her since the first day I saw her in college? Or how I’d been struck by how much she looked like my first-ever obsession?This twisted part of me had been born the first day I met that woman, and till today, I blamed her for it.The mansion was quiet, the chandelier lights casting a soft glow as we walked into the grand room. I couldn't help but stare at her, tracing every detail of her long legs as she walked—the way her hair sashayed down her back— the way she clutched my jacket to her body like it was some sort of shield.Following behind her, I remained silent as I admired
ESTELLE’S POVI felt like I was in a dream and a nightmare at the same time.Adonis was kissing me.His grip on my waist tightened as he grabbed my neck with his other hand. I melted to the bones as overwhelming desire suddenly rushed through me. I shut my eyes as I let myself enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment. I’d always imagined what kissing him would feel like, but this moment was like nothing I ever imagined.He devoured my lips with hunger, his body pressing into mine like we would become one at that moment. I wanted to touch him, to run my nails down his back, to tangle my fingers through his hair. But I was holding onto the sill of the window frame, so I wouldn’t fall through it.Sparks flew between us, every brush of his lips against mine sending a shiver down my spine.He shoved his tongue forcefully into my mouth, and I couldn’t help but moan. When his teeth bit my lip, I cried out more from the pleasure than the pain.I could feel his erection poking in between my legs
My eyes widened in shock. I never imagined this was what she was going to say but I understood why she felt that way.“It’s okay. I understand how you must feel,” I rubbed her shoulders as they shook with sobs.As we held each other's gaze, I saw myself in her. Memories of my pretend marriage with Eric flashed through my mind, down to the painful moment of his betrayal. My heart still bled like my life it had happened yesterday. Genna didn’t realize that her being here was a trigger for me.“Wasn't I good enough?” she cried out as she wiped off the tears rolling down her cheeks.“He was the one who wasn’t good enough. You’re perfection,” I said with a smile.She nodded, “Hopefully, I realize that soon enough. And you won’t believe who he cheated on me with.”“Tell me, I’m all ears,” I tried to act like it was gossip to loosen the tension in the air.“My fucking best friend.”My jaw literally dropped. “What a snake,” I uttered in disgust.“Tell me about it,” she released an exasperat
BARBARA’S POVBarbara’s gaze focused on Estelle’s assistant; Chloe watching her intently as she dropped a file on her desk. Whatever was in there seemed important.Chloe’s eyes met hers shortly before she left.Barbara desperately needed to know what was in there. If it was from Estelle, she knew it would be good.She hated to admit to herself that Estelle was way smarter than she could ever be… even smarter than Eric. That was part of the reason why they hated her. She was a walking spotlight and demanded attention wherever she went. You can't possibly tear your gaze away from her.But Barbara and Eric had something Estelle didn't… the most crucial trait ever. The ability to steal and destroy without giving a thought or two about the people’s lives they would ruin along the way.Deep down, Barbara knew she wasn’t a good person, but at least she wasn’t hiding and pretending to be one. Estelle, on the other hand, was a bitch and a snake, and yet she was still liked by people.How the h
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