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
Estelle’s POVThe contract with the drainage system was a success. In just a short time, we made a lot of profit. The board was thrilled and I got a lot of credit for recommending the company.Adonis kept true to his word and our contract agreement and ensured my company received a generous share of the profits.Ericorps, on the other hand, was spiraling downwards, its fortune going down the drain. My life was finally starting to make a lot of sense.It was coffee break and I was seated with Kayla, and Chloe as we sipped our coffee.“Having you here has been such a blessing,” Kayla said, her voice laced with genuine appreciation, “The profit margins are insane.”I laughed nervously, “I wouldn’t say that. This company has always done well, long before I got here.”“You’re right, but it's good to have you here regardless.” Her eyes sparkled with a playful glint as she leaned forward, “You and Adonis make the perfect power couple.”I felt heat creep up my cheeks just from hearing his nam
I glanced at the clock hanging above my bed--just past six. Since Adonis asked me out on a date, my nerves hadn’t relaxed since then.How did I get myself here?I couldn’t wrap my head around how Adonis, with the reputation of never showing mercy nor compassion, the control devil, had asked me on a date. It wasn’t like him--or at least, the version of him I thought I knew.Maybe I misjudged him.I shifted on my feet, running my hands along the fabric of my dress. It was a black, fitted dress that went slightly above my knees. I let my hair fall down my back and wore gold jewelry to illuminate my skin.I wanted to look powerful and beautiful, but most of all, I wanted Adonis’s eyes to be on me all night.There was a knock on the door.I answered it and Genna answered, gazing at me admiringly.“You look stunning, sis,” she chimed as I did a twirl for her, a smile spreading on my face.“I feel stunning.”“Adonis won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”My cheeks flushed.“He’s waiting do
ADONIS’S POVIt was the weekend and Estelle’s friends had already early, just after 9 am. They’d been together for hours, their laughter and playful bickering filling the mansion. It was clear they were having a great time together.I personally made sure of that.The night before, I’d called Damian for advice, asking him what women loved doing together. He sent me a list, which I reduced down to a garden picnic and Spa day.With the help of the butlers and the maids, I was able to get everything arranged on the night of our date. I wanted it perfect.I couldn't have imagined myself going through all the trouble in the place, but Estelle was the only reason. Since she’d been staying with me, I've grown fond of seeing her happy. Her smile was something I looked forward to, like my daily dose of sunlight.Taking a break from work in my study, I headed downstairs to check on Estelle. As I stepped into the grand room, all eyes were on me but mine was solely fixated on Estelle. Her smile w
ESTELLE’S POVI couldn't stop thinking about Adonis, and his explosion. One minute, I had been with Jade and Amelia, and the next minute, there was this pondering weight in my chest, as a bad feeling washed over me.My mind went to Adonis instantly.I already knew he had anger management issues. The first time I saw him lose control like that was the day Eric’s mother showed up. I remember being scared of seeing that side of him, terrified that one day, he would hurt me. The second time was back at the party when I was almost assaulted.But seeing him study was different. I wasn't scared of him. Maybe I was starting to get used to being around him. As I watched him, my heart ached for him. His eyes held so many emotions I’d never seen in them before— like he was tormented. All I wanted to do at that moment was to help him.The glass that punctured my foot didn't leave a wound. I hadn't even bled but it still hurt regardless. The cut on his cheek was all I think of.He needed a therap
ADONIS’S POVHow the hell had this happened?I paced relentlessly across the wardroom, my gaze locked onto Estelle’s unconscious form as she lay helplessly on the bed. The steady beating of the machines was the only sound breaking through the deafening silence as the same question replayed in my mind.How the hell had this happened?An oxygen mask covered her mouth and nose, her chest rising and falling rhythmically. Her lungs were filled with fresh oxygen, not a threatening injury in sight— yet she wasn't waking up.The door opened and the nurse who had been attending to her walked in, another oxygen bag strapped around her arm. I watched as the nurse took out the oxygen and at Estelle’s parted lips. My chest tightened.I stepped up to the nurse, “This is the fifth oxygen tann. Why the hell isn't she waking up?”The nurse barely flinched, answering me with a composure that pissed me off, like she this wasn't an issue worth stressing out over. “She’ll wake up soon. You just have to
ESTELLE’S POVThere was something strange about me, right from the beginning. My mind was divided into two distinct parts… darkness and light. All my life, that light took control over me, making sure I acted right at all times. That light overpowered me. But once in a while, there were circumstances when I let the darkness take over, seeking justice for the ones who intended to hurt me. While I was unconscious, I made a friend of the darkness. I made a vow that if I ever made it alive of this slumber, I’d let it overwhelm me. You can't blame me, because most humans are good until pushed to be bad, then the darkness slowly unravels in their hearts.I was pushed the night of that fire. I had no doubt this was Eric and Barbara’s doing. They’d cost me my life once, the life of my unborn child, and the life of my father. They took so much from me, but I still threaded gently and patiently, the good part of me still holding me back.Not anymore. I’d switched it off.I vowed to make sure
Adonis left for work later, while I stayed at home to rest. I wanted to go to the office so I could rub it in Barbara’s face that I was alive and well, but I guess the rest was needed.I was scrolling through my new phone--the old one had gotten burnt in the fire--when Chloe’s message flickered at the top of the screen. I opened it.‘I heard about the fire. Thank God you’re okay. We’re all hoping for a speedy recovery.’I replied, ‘Thanks. I'm completely fine.’‘Do you think Eric and your cousin had something to do with it?’‘Could have been an accident, but they're a suspect.’She was typing, then paused, and resumed typing again, like she was trying to be careful of what to say. Her text finally popped off.‘I think you should tell your husband, he needs to know if your life is in danger. Maybe he can protect you better than you’re doing on your own.’She had a point, but how could I tell him his brother tried to kill me, and I was skin-deep in a revenge scheme to ruin his life? I w
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