The rest of the ride was silent, the weight of their words settling between them. Yet Sarah felt a strange sense of exhilaration.She had seen a chink in Alexander’s armor, a glimpse into the truth he kept hidden.As the car pulled into the sprawling driveway of Blake Manor, the realization of her new life settled over her.This mansion, this marriage, this strange game of secrets, they were all hers now, for better or worse. Alexander’s family would be her family, his enemies her enemies.Stepping out of the car, she squared her shoulders, her gaze steady as she surveyed the grand manor before her.The sprawling estate was draped in the elegance of old money, its gardens sprawling into the horizon.Guests had already begun gathering for the reception, a sea of society’s finest dressed in glittering jewels and sharp suits.Alexander’s hand on her arm pulled her back to the present, guiding her toward the crowd.She took a steadying breath, allowing herself one last look at the ring on
The wedding reception was winding down, guests dispersing into the night with murmurs of congratulations and polite goodbyes.Sarah and Alexander had played their roles perfectly, their dynamic intriguing enough to keep the gossip swirling but dignified enough to avoid scandal.She could feel the weight of the night lifting, but only slightly, she knew there was still a gauntlet to face.As Sarah moved toward the hall leading to their private wing, the familiar sharp click of heels announced Victoria’s presence.Sarah didn’t turn around, but she didn’t need to. She could already picture her, all sharp angles and sharper words, dripping with venom disguised as concern.“Well, congratulations, sister,” Victoria drawled, her voice low and biting. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time.”Sarah paused, glancing over her shoulder.Victoria stood there, her designer gown catching the light, a perfect picture of bitterness wrapped in elegance.She took a step closer, her tone dropping to a
Alexander’s smirk broke through the tension like a sharp knife through silk.He tilted his head slightly, a glint of amusement in his eyes.“Well,” he said, leaning back in his chair with exaggerated nonchalance, “since you want to consummate our marriage. We should at least make an attempt at the… consummation part.”Sarah raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement. “Oh? And how exactly do you propose we do that, dear husband?”He gestured dramatically to his wheelchair, his tone light but laced with challenge. “Clearly, you’ll need to help me into bed. After all, it seems I’m destined to be a burden.” His grin widened as he added, “And since I’m completely at your mercy, you’ll have to do all the work tonight.”Sarah folded her arms, giving him a long, appraising look. “All the work, huh?” she echoed, her voice playful. “You sound awfully confident for someone so helpless.”Alexander chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Helpless is my brand, darling. But don’t worry, I’m sure
Sarah lay sprawled across the bed, her figure illuminated by the moonlight.Her long hair spilled over the pillow, curling like dark tendrils against the white linen.At some point, she had rolled closer to him, her arm now draped across his chest in a way that was both unexpected and… comforting.Alexander froze, unsure of what to do.The woman who had spent the day sparring with him, teasing him with her quick wit and sharp tongue, now looked impossibly serene.Her lips, which had delivered more barbed remarks than he could count, were slightly parted as she breathed in and out, soft and rhythmic.Her long lashes cast delicate shadows over her cheeks.For a moment, the sight of her distracted him from everything else, the investigation, the pretense, the world outside their bedroom.She sighed in her sleep, her brow twitching slightly as if she were reacting to some dream he couldn’t see.The sound was so soft, so unguarded, that it sent a pang through him.How is it that you’re alw
They lay there for a moment longer, the morning light wrapping them in a cocoon of warmth.“Alright,” Alexander finally said, his voice tinged with amusement. “Since you’re clearly so captivated by my presence, why don’t you help me up so we can start the day?”Sarah rolled her eyes but sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist as she reached out a hand to him. “Oh, please. I’m doing this out of kindness, not admiration.”“Of course you are,” he replied, smirking as he clasped her hand.As she helped him sit up, Alexander took a moment to study her.Her hair was slightly tousled, and her cheeks were still pink from their earlier exchange.She looked different from the composed, guarded woman he had married.She looked… real.“Alright, time to freshen up,” Sarah announced, breaking the moment as she slid out of bed.She stretched briefly before grabbing her robe and heading toward the en suite bathroom.Alexander leaned back against the headboard, watching her retreat with a faint sm
The morning air was crisp and refreshing, a stark contrast to the suffocating atmosphere of the dining room.They walked in silence for a while, the gravel crunching softly beneath their feet.“You don’t have to let her treat you like that,” Alexander said finally, breaking the silence.Sarah glanced at him, her expression conflicted. “She’s your mother,” she said quietly. “I don’t want to make things harder for you.”Alexander stopped and turned to face her, his gray eyes searching hers. “She’s my mother, yes. But you’re my wife. And I won’t stand by while she disrespects you. You shouldn’t either.”Sarah looked down, her fingers twisting nervously. “It’s not that simple,” she murmured.“It is,” Alexander insisted, his voice firm but not unkind. “You’ve stood up to me plenty of times. You can do the same with her.”She gave a small, humorless laugh. “You’re different,” she said, finally meeting his gaze. “With you, I feel like I can fight back. With her... I feel like I’m sixteen aga
Sarah returned to the study with a tray in her hands, balancing a steaming cup of coffee and a small plate of biscuits.She set it down on the edge of Alexander’s desk with exaggerated care, shooting him a smirk as she straightened.“Your coffee, sir,” she said, adopting a mockingly formal tone. “Three teaspoons of sugar, just as you requested. Though I think your dentist would have something to say about it.”Alexander grinned, taking the cup. “My dentist doesn’t know what he’s missing.” He took a sip, his eyes closing briefly as if savoring the taste. Then he opened one eye and looked at her. “You might survive this assistant thing after all.”Sarah leaned against the edge of the desk, her arms crossed. “Glad to hear it. So, boss, what’s next? More coffee? Should I shine your wheelchair? Maybe dust off your ego?”Alexander chuckled, setting the cup down. “Very funny. Actually, I thought it was time you learned about your new real job.”“Oh?” Sarah arched an eyebrow. “And what might
The atmosphere in the boardroom was electric with tension.The heavy oak doors creaked open, and Alexander entered, Sarah following close behind.She immediately felt the weight of the room’s scrutiny, powerful gazes appraising, dismissing, and judging her presence.At the head of the long table sat Lawrence Blake, Alexander’s father, his face a storm of barely contained fury. Beside him, a man who bore a striking resemblance to him, his younger brother, Gerald Blake, leaned back in his chair, exuding smug satisfaction.“Ah, Alexander,” Gerald drawled, his smile as sharp as a knife. “So good of you to join us.”Alexander’s jaw tightened. “I wasn’t aware I had a choice,” he said coolly, wheeling himself toward the table.Sarah kept her head down, trying to remain inconspicuous as she took a seat at the edge of the room.But her eyes never left Alexander, who radiated restrained anger as he parked his wheelchair at the table’s head, directly opposite his uncle.“I’m sure you’ve been inf
Sarah tilted her head, her smirk widening. “Are you afraid I’ll leave you in the dust, Mr. Blake?”Alexander let out a low chuckle. “Afraid? No.” His gaze flickered over her, amused and predatory. “But I do love watching you try.”Sarah threw the blankets off, standing up in one smooth motion. “Then let’s go,” she said, heading straight for the door.Alexander raised a brow. “Right now?”She glanced over her shoulder. “You backing out already?”His lips curled into a slow smirk. “Careful, Sparrow. You’re getting cocky.”Sarah shrugged, eyes gleaming with mischief. “You’d be too if you knew you were going to win.”Alexander huffed a quiet laugh and shook his head, pushing himself up from the bed. “Let’s see if you can back up that mouth of yours.”They made their way downstairs, the tension between them a mix of challenge and amusement.The moment they entered the garage, Sarah beelined for the sapphire blue McLaren she had driven earlier.Alexander watched her, amused. “Didn’t even he
Alexander shut his phone off and slipped it back into his pocket, exhaling slowly.His mind was still racing with everything he’d learned, but right now, there was something else he needed to handle, Sarah.She had conveniently feigned feeling under the weather earlier, right after spotting the police officer in the hall.She hadn’t been sick.She had been hiding.Suppressing a smirk, Alexander climbed the stairs, his steps steady and deliberate.He wasn’t angry, if anything, he was impressed.She had managed to outmaneuver him for years without him even realizing it. But that didn’t mean he’d let her off the hook so easily.Reaching their bedroom door, he pushed it open without knocking.Sarah was curled up in bed, the blankets pulled over her, the dim glow of a bedside lamp casting soft shadows across the room.She didn’t react immediately, but he knew she was awake.Alexander leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on her.“So,” he said casually, “you’re feeling
Earlier that day, Alexander’s mind was already abuzz with plans as he exited the underground base where Marcus was being held.His phone buzzed in his pocket just as he was sliding into the backseat of his car.Pulling it out, he noticed a message from his head of security.Security Alert: "Sir, we’ve identified something unusual about Mrs. Blake’s activity today. A fuller report is attached."Alexander frowned, quickly opening the attachment.The report detailed Sarah’s unusual behavior throughout the day, speeding through the city in his Sapphire blue McLaren, blowing past red lights, and the most surprising revelation of all: she had been at the underground racing scene years ago.The man had overheard Sarah and Seb's conversation.The next line of the report made his pulse quicken: "Based on her movements and the reactions of Seb, it appears that Mrs. Blake is none other than Sparrow, the underground street racer."For a moment, Alexander stared at his phone, utterly still.The wo
Meanwhile, Sarah, her adrenaline still pumping, smirked to herself as she sped through the city streets.She knew she’d made a statement, and the satisfaction of seeing them topple like dominoes was enough to lighten her mood, at least for the moment.“That’s for thinking you can mess with me,” she muttered under her breath, the wind whipping through her hair.As Sarah sped past yet another red light, she couldn’t help but feel a rebellious thrill coursing through her veins.The city blurred around her, the McLaren roaring like it owned the streets.By the time she reached the Blake residence, her heart was pounding, not from fear but from exhilaration.Pulling into the driveway, she stepped out, her heels clicking on the stone path as guards hurried to retrieve her bags from the car.But her confidence wavered the moment she stepped into the hall.Alexander was home. And not just home, he was seated on one of the couches, his sharp eyes focused on his phone, a stern faced traffic off
Darius tapped his fingers lightly against the leather steering wheel, his gaze momentarily drifting to the horizon before returning to the phone in his hand.The familiar voice on the other end of the line grounded him, carrying both the calm confidence and the gravity of their shared mission.“You’re sure about this approach?” Darius asked, his tone steady yet probing, a hint of concern underlying his words.“Gerald’s empire is a house of cards,” Alexander replied without hesitation. “All we need is Marcus to show us where the foundation lies. Once we hit that weak point, the whole thing will come crashing down. I need to be back in my position before that happens.”A heavy pause followed, one that seemed to speak volumes between them. It was the kind of silence born from years of working together, where words often felt unnecessary.“I trust your instincts, Blake,” Darius said finally, his voice carrying the weight of his faith in Alexander’s judgment. “Just make sure you watch your
He grabbed a nearby chair and sat down across from Marcus, leaning forward. "You're stalling. That's fine. Take your time, but know this, every second you waste, you're digging yourself a deeper grave. So start talking. What’s Gerald’s endgame? Why the sudden attack on me? What else is he planning? The Accident? Why?"Marcus hesitated, his eyes darting to Carter, who stood like a silent enforcer. Then back to Alexander, whose calm exterior only made him more intimidating.Finally, Marcus exhaled shakily. "Fine. You want the truth? Gerald has been running his own empire in the shadows, smuggling, blackmail, taking out anyone who gets in his way. You are the biggest person in his way."Alexander’s jaw clenched, fury simmering just beneath the surface. "And so he had to ambush me at the Millers?"Marcus nodded reluctantly. "He couldn’t risk it no more. And now... now he knows you’re coming after him. He’s already setting things in motion to take you down before you can touch him.""Like
Sarah’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as her thoughts spiraled.Her encounter with Seb had brought back memories she had locked away, memories of the life she lived before Alexander, before the Caldwells, before everything had changed.It was as if the sound of his voice had reignited a part of her she’d been desperately trying to forget.The McLaren roared through the city streets, its powerful engine echoing off the walls of skyscrapers.She was moving fast, too fast, zipping through intersections and leaving streaks of blue in her wake.Red lights flashed above her, but her mind was elsewhere, completely detached from the rules of the road.She hadn’t even realized she was running red lights until a jarring honk snapped her back to reality.Sarah glanced up just in time to see a taxi screeching to a halt inches from the McLaren’s rear bumper.Her heart raced, but she kept going, her thoughts louder than the warning blares of city traffic.The McLaren’s high tech dash flashed
As Seb watched the Sapphire Blue McLaren disappear down the bustling city street, the faint roar of its engine lingering in the air, a familiar mix of emotions surged within him.His jaw tightened, his hands slipping into his pockets as he leaned against a nearby lamppost.The memory of that night, the night Sarah, or rather, Sparrow, had humiliated him in front of the entire underground racing community, played in his mind like a relentless reel.He had been untouchable then, a trust fund heir with an ego as massive as his bank account.No one had dared to challenge him until she appeared, a dark horse with a car that seemed like an extension of her being.She hadn’t just won that race, she’d dismantled his pride, maneuvering through tight corners and dangerous straights with a precision that left him chasing shadows.Seb could still hear the taunts and cheers of the crowd, their disbelief at his defeat and their awe of the enigmatic Sparrow.That night had shaken his world, exposing
Sarah’s world shifted irreversibly when the truth emerged, she was not a Miller by blood but the biological daughter of Eleanor and Richard Caldwell, one of the wealthiest families in the region.Overnight, she went from the quiet comfort of life with the Millers to the suffocating expectations of high society.Eleanor made it clear that her new role as a Caldwell required grace, elegance, and obedience.For Sarah, stepping away from racing felt like giving up a piece of her soul. Under the alias “Sparrow,” she had found freedom and purpose in the underground world, where skill and daring defined her success. But with the Caldwells’ influence bearing down, she was forced to bury that part of herself.The Millers, devastated but understanding, promised to keep her secret. Their support gave Sarah some solace, but the loss of her connection to them and the racetrack weighed heavily on her.Though Sarah had to abandon Sparrow, she refused to let go of her creativity and ambition, Mountai