ADONIS’S POVThe maid’s dead body had been taken away to the morgue. She had no family members to identify her body and give her a proper burial. Estelle on the other hand had some kind of panic attack when she saw the body, but I managed to calm her down. I gathered seeing the maid had triggered some of her trauma when her mother tried to kill her.She was back in the room, while I was in my study, with Damian, studying the letter the maid left behind. It was a suicide note.Estelle had been able to identify the maid as the one in her room the night of the fire.“In the letter, she says she has nothing to live for,” Damian said, as he swirled the wine in his glass. “Her guilt was eating her alive. So, it’s clear she started the fire.”“But we still don’t know why she did it, or who made her,” I growled out, feeling my frustration building as I rubbed my temples.“We’ll find out, soon,” Damian said calmly. “Has Estelle started talking?”“She’s still hiding things. I’ve tried not to p
ESTELLE’S POVArrangements for the therapy session were made in no time. I told Adonis I could be comfortable with our family therapist; the one who’d helped me get the trauma of almost being killed by my mother-- though I didn’t tell Adonis every part of the story.The building was still similar, just a few touch-ups had been made in the interior. The walls held memories, a reminder of the ones I relived every night in my dreams.I still wished I could remember everything that happened that night.We walked up to the receptionist, Adonis’s hand at my waist as we stood by the counter. He was close, his body warmth enveloping mine. It was nice having someone who would protect you at all costs.If only he realized how terrible of a person I was.“We have an appointment with Doctor Stuart Masson,” Adonis did the talking while I stood, adjusting my sunglasses.“Good day. I’ll give him a call to let him know,” the receptionist said, reaching behind her desk, and dialing a number. She rai
I’d just come right out of the shower, a towel wrapped around my body and another on my hair. Adonis had left for his study, so I had privacy, and breathing space because his looming presence would infiltrate every corner of the room.I was starting to get used to being here, since he spent most of his time at his study, working. I walked up to the door to make sure it was locked, but then I had other thoughts. The image of Adonis, cock in my hand and lips all over my neck flashed in my mind, and heat rushed in between my legs as I bit my lower lip.Vulnerable Adonis had to be the sexiest thing ever, and I wished I got to see him being that way more often.As I walked towards the wardrobe to grab my clothes, a pull tugged at me. I had never snooped through Adonis’s things before, respecting the non-existent boundaries we’d set, but today felt different. A restless curiosity gnawed at me, and I couldn't ignore it.I opened his drawers and rummaged through his clothes, my fingers brushi
It was coffee break and I was occupied by my usual group of ladies, but today, we had a new lady in our midst—Kayla brought along her daughter; Hazel. She was the sweetest, most adorable little girl I’d ever met. She was well-mannered and social for her age. She took a liking to me, clinging to my side.“Children like good people,” Kayla said, her eyes tingling as she watched Hazel sit in my lap. Her eyes held mine as she clutched her lunch bag, her innocence melting hearts.“Gosh, she’s so adorable. Can I keep her with me for the whole day?”“You might have to ask her permission.”I leaned in to close, my fingers brushing Hazel’s soft skin. “What do you say, Hazel? Want to ditch mommy and hang out with me?”She nodded without hesitation and I grinned at Kayla.“It seems she had made up her mind.”As break ended, Hazel’s tiny hand held mine as we headed back to the office. I was about to walk into my office but was stopped by a familiar figure from the corner of my eye.Even with his
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
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
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
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
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