[ Adeline ]"Does it hurt?" I asked the big man who winced when I pressed cotton pad with antiseptic liquid on his bruised knuckles."Do it fast."He said without sparing me a glance. He was acting stubbornly and didn't let me clean up his wounds until I forced him to sit and apply ointment on his bruises and scratches. He had been quiet since the encounter.I carefully cleaned his wounds and applied antiseptic cream on the open cut and also put bandage."Go and take a shower. You're looking like a hooligan in fish market, Xavier." I taunted him and he was indeed looking like one with messed up clothes with dirt and blood on his branded shirt and disheveled hair."Leave me alone, Adeline." He said in a cold voice. He was acting strange.Initially I thought he was angry but it was a couple of hours ago. He must act mature rather than throwing fits like a stubborn mule."What's wrong with you, Xavier?" I asked getting a little frustrated by his efforts to shut everyone out."I need some
[ Adeline ]My life has turned into a spiral, the more I try to detangle the twisted knots of the past which is affecting my present and might also eclipse my future, the more I find myself in the labyrinth of unsolved and soiled past.We haven’t heard from Arthur since last three days, he received a good thrashing from Xavier. Speaking of Xavier, he is the biggest mystery that I want to solve but he surprises me with a new shade of his personality every day. After our awkward moments in his home office, he had been ignoring me for most of the time. Honestly, his bipolar behaviour begun to grow into me. We only talk on the dining table.I decided to visit his office after my working hours to see what is actually going on with him. My work is getting improved day by day. I managed to secure two deals in two weeks which I see as an accomplishment since I am running a company as the boss who takes all decision without being influenced by anyone.Today, I have to meet Daniel Clark to disc
[ Adeline ]The gigantic hall fell silent, only the distant sound of music coming from ball room could be heard."Ask your wife, Xavier Linwood. She can tell you in a better way." Daniel said throwing daggers at me as I jerked his hand.I didn't dare to glance at my husband's direction but I could hear his low breathing. I heard his deep footsteps approaching me and next moment, he gripped my same hand to see the damage that douchebag left.My wrist had his finger prints and I knew what was coming for Daniel Clark."You have made the biggest mistake of your life, Clark. You just not lose a deal but your business in next six months. This is the price you're going to pay for hurting Xavier Linwood's wife." Xavier's icy cold voice came out in whisper while his fingers gently brushed my bruises."Are you threatening me, Linwood?" Daniel scoffed, the smug look was intact on his face."You were doing the same a while ago, so we're on same page." Xavier said and then turned to my team, "You
[ Adeline ]"I am not avoiding you, Ade." He looked away. One thing I observed about him that he couldn't lie and whenever he does, his ears turn red and eyes look everywhere but at the person right in front of him."I can buy it if you want but we both know, you have been ghosting me like I don't exist." I said while he cautiously applied ointment on the bruises, his jaws were clenched as his finger tips touched the red fingerprints."I'll kill him." He hissed."No, you won't do any stupidity." I glared him. I didn't want him to fall in any problem because a dickhead tried to hurt me.He shook his head, "Don't worry about me, Adeline. I have dealt with such dicks many times. I won't go to jail if you're worried about the legal complications nor I'm going to kill him." He mused and closed the first aid kit.Meanwhile, our beverages arrived. Xavier took it from the waitress and came back."Have this ginger tea, it will help with the headache." He handed me a cup."Thanks, you're being
[ Adeline ]"We're leaving in five minutes." Xavier's voice came followed by the soft knock on my room's door.I was struggling with my dress' zipper which caught stuck and the housestaff was already off from their work except the male guards."Do you need my help?" He asked. I groaned and slumped my shoulders. I had been struggling with the zipper for last ten minutes and I didn't have anything particular in my mind to change into."Yes, please." I gave him a thankful smile. He entered in my room, he was the second name to perfection. His black tailored suit complicated his complexion. He stood just behind me.I could smell his favourite perfume and his hot breath on my bare back."May I?" He asked for my permission like a gentleman. I gave him a wordless nod as our closeness disabled my ability to speak.I find myself completely under his spell whenever he's in my vicinity. He has a different effect on me.All my senses fused off when his finger tips brushed against my skin. I did
[ Adeline ]"Melissa Hart?" I gasped."Yes, you have a sharp memory, Ms. Adeline or I should correct myself, Mrs. Linwood. I am the bastard you just mentioned to Mr. Linwood." The woman, with her sharp wisdom and extraordinary beauty, replied.She dared to match my eyes without hesitation. She is the famous rising actress known for her prominent roles and being the brand ambassador of luxury brands."Ms. Hart, I didn't intend to downgrade you and I'm extremely sorry if my words hurt your sentiments." I apologized but I felt far from being guilty."You actually hurt me and you meant to call me a bastard which I am but you know what does it mean?" She took slow steps towards me, her striking black eyes challenging me to retreat but I stood on my ground."Melissa, sit down. My son and daughter-in-law are here because I called them to discuss a few important matters." Arnold’s guilt ridden interrupted us.Melissa tore her attention from me and shifted to her father who was looking down."
[ Adeline ]"May I kiss you, Adeline?" His hoarse yet seductive voice rang in my ears.For a moment, I thought I was actually dreaming. This man had kissed me twice and it was for the show but currently, we were alone under the sky, just two of us and he wants to kiss me, with my permission. "Never mind. I am sorry. I felt a little weak in the moment." I heard his disappointed words as he created a distance between us.I wish I could tell him how badly I want to taste those lips which touched mine for two times and they were unexplainable but the sad part is, I don't want to complicate anything between us and a kiss would definitely add more knots which may be hard to detanle in the future."Xavier..." I tried to speak but he laid on his back."You don't need to explain anything, Adeline. I understand. You want to keep it transparent between us. Don't worry, I won't pressurize you into anything, you have my words." He said in a calm and detatched tone but I could sense the yearning b
[ Xavier ]The cracking of bones followed by ear deafening screams of the man who was tied in ropes, covered in his own blood and sweat, gave me a different kind of satisfaction.“Xavier, please, forgive me. I will never speak a word against your wife. I’ll leave this city if you want but please, let me go. I have kids and a family.” He begged me in his hoarse voice. His eyes were black and swollen.“You dared to call her by inappropriate words, not once but twice. You disrespected the woman who is very special to me.” I said leaning forward on my chair.He has been locked in the basement of the club Inferno, my secret world that is a secret. I am a civil man who avoids violence as long as it’s not needed but Daniel is a vile creature who must be given a lesson for lifetime. I have his full history. He can’t keep his dick loyal to his wife and molested his female employees.“You’re involved with mafia, you’re a criminal, Xavier Linwood.” He yelled and received another punch from my ma
[ Adeline ]“Good morning, sleepy head. It’s nine in the morning and our little devils are waiting for their mom to wake up.” I heard my husband’s husky voice in my ear and lazily I opened my eyes. His beautiful eyes looked more intense in the bright sunlight which was peeking through the window.I cupped his face and brought him close to peck his forehead, “Good morning, love. It’s not my fault that I slept till this late.” I said and threw my arms around his torso.“Don’t blame me, you look ravishing in red and black and it’s been a week since I last had you.” He defended himself.“Now, it’s my fault?” I raised my brows while he took me to the bathroom and placed me on the countertop. He applied toothpaste on my brush and gave it to me.“Thanks, love. You can leave now. I’ll join you and our sons in fifteen minutes.” I said but he remained there.“What?” I gave him a confused look.“I won’t mind taking another shower with my sexy wife who’s looking more ravishing with my marks on he
[ Xavier ]The day of the judgement has finally come. I held my wife’s hand tightly, it was a silent promise that no matter what happens today, I’d stick by her side and we’ll start a new journey together today. The trial was in progress, my lawyers were doing their best to prove Emily and Linda guilty but I didn’t think Linda would get imprisonment, her mental health worsened after the death of her son. She couldn’t believe that he was actually gone.It was more severe punishment, she’d live the rest of her life in this pain and denial. Speaking of Emily, she remained silent throughout the hearing. Her family didn’t show up as they were hiding themselves from the law but her brother testified against her.We also brought the father of her ex-boyfriend in Cananda to solidify a murder case against her.“We’re going to win this case, Xav.” Adeline whispered to me.“I don’t doubt that. I am thinking where should we go to celebrate this day, just you and me.” I gave her a side glance.“Le
[ Adeline ]“Yes, Addison. You look pale, maybe sick. What’s the matter?” I asked my sister with a raised brow while Adam was busy playing with the house staff. I told Xavier not to come out because he and Addison still don’t look into eyes.She looked here and there, the coffee I served her was still untouched. She was tapping her foot on the floor, which does it whenever she’s nervous.“Look, we both aren’t very close, I get it but it has a brighter side. You don’t expect me to judge you or give you advise, you just want to talk, then talk. I am listening.” I said to ease her and she looked up.“But you must promise me that you won’t tell Mom or anyone else.” She said and I was shocked, she was requesting me.“If you have doubts on me then don’t tell me. I didn’t ask you to come to me.” I said in a little annoyed tone, blame my imbalanced hormones.“I didn’t mean in that way.” She tried to justify and a tensed silence sprawled between us.“Addison, if you are seeing yourself on a cr
[ Adeline ]“Hey, I told you not to move much. Your wound is healed but it doesn’t mean that you’d be walking and running here and there like this.” I reprimanded my husband who was watering the plants in our balcony.“Ade, don’t treat me like a patient anymore. It’s been four weeks and my wound is completely healed. In fact, you should take care of yourself now.” He said turning to face me.“Yes, you’re right but I am taking care of myself, Mr. Linwood. You should worry about yourself. The doctors advised you to avoid pressure on your muscles for next two months. Take it seriously, Xav. You’ll be a father very soon and this kind of behaviour isn’t appreciative from any angle.” I reminded him and on the mention of his baby, his eyes sparkled.He walked briskly towards me and caged me in between his arms, “I still can’t believe that we’re going to have a baby in next seven months. Our boy or girl will be with us to add more happiness in our world.” He said, his smile said a lot than he
[ Adeline ]“Linda, how are you?” I spoke over the microphone and her screaming stopped.“Emily, I hope your leg is healing now. It’s a long time since we met and I am feeling very elated to see you both. I hope you’re being treated well.” I said.“Adeline, you bitch! You coward whore, if you have guts, come in front of me.” Linda sneered and yelled at the cameras.For the first time, I witnessed her losing her temperament and it showed how vulnerable she was. Emily’s eyes moved on the camera as well but she didn’t express anything.“Linda, don’t shout, you’re making it hard for Emily to survive with you.” I said.“You’re enjoying this right? Just remember, if anything happens to me, my son will destroy you and that bastard.” Linda screamed.“I am sorry, Linda but your son can’t do anything now or ever.” I said and suddenly the two sided mirror became transparent and now, she could see me.Her eyes turned dark and she marched towards the glass.“I am going to kill you, Adeline Greyson
[ Adeline ]“What you both did inside? It was ridiculous.” I reprimanded Travis when doctors told us to leave his ward when they came to examine him and proceed with his shift to the hospital which was financed by the Linwood company.“It’s simple, we don’t trust the staff here because we don’t know them. What if his security is breached again by any insider? And what if this news leaks in the media, the damage will be beyond repair and all the suspicion will be pointed on Xavier. The investigation is on full swing and we need to keep low profile until the case is closed.” Travis explained and I thought he was right.“His wounds are fresh, I am afraid if he gets hurt while moving in an ambulance.” I expressed my concern.“Don’t worry, they are the latest technology, bumps on the roads can’t be felt and the best paramedic team will be with him and the route is only of twenty minutes at night time.” Travis assured me and I hoped everything happens smoothly.“Travis, can I ask you for a
[ Xaiver ]“I’m pregnant, Xavier.”These three words sent my mind into frenzy. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming after waking up and it could be the effect of medicines but when she kissed my forehead and placed my hand on her flat belly, my whole world stopped.I was numb to react and unable to process anything. She told me that we’re about to have a baby, our baby. I am going to be a father and when I just narrowly escaped death.The history might repeat itself once again. I could have lost my wife and another child if it wasn’t my fate and the God’s blessings.“Please, say something, Xavier. Your silence isn’t good.” I heard her wavered voice and when I met her eyes, I could see insecurities and many questions.“I can’t kiss you, how horrible a situation can be? I’m going to be a father and I am hearing this news on a hospital bed, with a hole in my stomach. I am overwhelmed, Ade.” I spoke the truth as I was still trying to wrap my mind around this news.“I can understand, Xav
[ Adeline ]“Hey, love. Wake up. See, I am here, your Adeline.” I whispered to the sleeping figure of my husband but he was in a deep sleep under the effect of the medicines. My hands ached to touch him but I was scared of hurting him. His abdomen was wrapped in bandages.I hadn’t left his side since I came back to the hospital with Grandma. Eventually, I had to tell her everything. Sooner or later, she’ll find out so hiding from her wasn’t an option. She took everything really patiently, even the death of her other grandson who wanted to kill her elder grandson. She expressed no remorse for his death.She wanted to come with me to the hospital but I insisted her to stay home and promised to bring her to the hospital once he gains his consciousness.“Xavier, I have to tell you something. I also got to know an hour ago but this is really an amazing news but you have to wake up first because I want to see your reaction when I tell you this.” I talked to him in a hope that he was listeni
[ Adeline ]Hours passed, perhaps the dawn rolled on but we didn’t hear anything from the doctors yet, they just kept rushing out and again going inside with medicines and other supplies, they refused to answer anything and it grew my fear even more. I couldn’t wrap my mind around this sudden halt in my life.“Here, have this or you’ll fall sick, Adeline.” Travis offered me coffee but I refused by shaking my head negatively.“No, I am fine but thanks, Travis.” I tried to smile but failed.He sighed and sat down on the vacant chair beside me.“I can’t feel the depth of your pain and fears, Adeline because I haven’t seen someone I love in this situation but I am here for you and Xavier, always and I know my friend, he won’t like if he learn that you tortured yourself. So, for Xavier, have some coffee. He is under the best care and we’d shift him to the best hospital in the city once his condition stabilizes and the doctors approve his shift.” He said and again tried to make me have the