The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I'd made a mistake. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as my father's expression hardened, his eyes that were similar to mine turning to steel."No?" he repeated, his voice dangerously soft. "I don't think you understand the situation, Jessica. This isn't a request." He sneered, eyeing me like I'd suddenly become his enemy just because I refuted him. I swallowed hard, fighting against the instinct to back down. "Dad, I-""Don't push me to do things I would regret, Jessica," he cut me off, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You're my daughter, and I love you, but family comes first. Always."My hands were shaking, but I clenched them into fists, drawing strength from the anger bubbling up inside me. "I have no intention of leaving my job or the life I've built here," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "This is who I am now, Dad. A doctor. Someone who helps people, not destroys them."Why can't they understand
The city streets felt different as I made my way home from my meeting with Uncle Sal. The familiar buildings and bustling sidewalks seemed charged with a new energy, or maybe that was just my frayed nerves. Uncle Sal had been... well, Uncle Sal. Cryptic, slightly menacing, but ultimately reassuring in his own twisted way. He'd promised to "take care of things" on the family front, at least for now. I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to know what that meant, but I hoped it would buy me some time to figure out my next move. As I walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that eyes were on me. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I found myself glancing over my shoulder more often than I'd like to admit. Was I being paranoid, or had my father's visit awakened some long-dormant instinct for danger? Oh for fucks sake! I quickened my pace, my apartment building finally coming into view. Just a few more blocks and I'd be safe behind my locked door. I could draw the curtains, turn off my
AMELIA I didn't hear from Roman for an entire day. It was the day before the shareholders meeting, my nerves were off the charts and I wanted to ask him for some pointers. At first I figured he'd left early to work, he was a busy man, I didn't blame him. Even I had a few things I had to catch up on when it came to the ongoing projects at Grayson Holdings. When he didn't answer my calls or text I figured he was extremely busy. But as I watched my reflection in the mirror, smoothing over the faint crinkles on my pants suit, I realized something was up. I was preparing for the shareholders meeting, heart racing like I ran a marathon. I tried to keep my head leveled, remind myself of everything I am and why I do not have to be afraid that my father would pull shit. As I grabbed my purse and walked out of the room, my gaze lingered on the bedroom of the guest room Roman slept in. I knocked a few times, hoping he might've come back home while I was asleep but I didn't get an answe
AMELIAAs I stepped into the conference room, the weight of every single gaze in the room pressed down on me like a bag of rocks on my sboulders. The air felt thick with tension, making it harder to breathe than it already was. My heart was hammering against my ribcage like a bell, threatening to burst right through, but I refused to let my nervousness show on my face. Instead, I schooled my features into what I hoped was a pleasant, confident expression and offered everyone a practiced smile.I'd been dreading this meeting for weeks. Because despite all of my research and catching up, I knew there would definitely be a slip up. I had to be cautious. My amnesia made being in there seem like my life long dream had come too early. The conference room was exactly as I remembered it - a large, oval mahogany table dominated the space, surrounded by plush leather chairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined one wall, offering a spectacular view of the city skyline. But right now, I couldn't a
Wellington corp for me has always been an unattainable height for me. From when my parents had been looking for a space for their company, I've always looked up at it and thought to myself, ‘Would we ever achieve something as powerful as this?’It's why I also developed a passion in business, I wanted to grow Grayson's Holdings to be that good. Because I wanted to be someone that could be associated with them, that wouldn't be looked down on when I mention their name and mine in the same sentence. Now I am that someone, but not in the way I expected. I barely remember it though. My memories were returning but not at the pace I wanted it to. Everyone seemed to recognize me the second I walked into the massive building and the reactions I got were a stark contrast to what Grayson had shown. There were looks of reverence and respect. The security up front recognized me immediately and gave me a warm greeting before I made my way to the counter at the lobby. Which led me to question a
ROMAN She looked like she'd walked straight out of the most beautiful painting I'd ever seen. The greens in her eyes seemed brighter and swirling with emotions I couldn't comprehend all at once. I wasn't sure when it had started or why it hasn't stopped, but everytime I see Amelia…I want to kiss her. Every single time the thought runs through my mind, heavy…honest. She was dressed in a pants suit and if I didn't know any better I would say she was back to who she used to be, but the blond hair, that twinkle in her eyes and the discomfort in her posture. She didn't love me anymore. Somehow…I wasn't okay with that. She was solely attracted to me now, she's admitted to it a few times. I shook my head. None of those thoughts mattered, not now…not until she wants what I want. “You should have called, I would've rounded up sooner,” I voiced, watching as her lips stretched into what seemed to be an uncomfortable smile. She was on edge, something was up with her. She shook her he
AMELIAHis question held a hint of something in it that I was too afraid to identify at that moment. The unmistakable feel of his strong fingers around my wrist was enough to make my emotions go haywire. I stood frozen on the spot, his words sinking in. The sheer honesty in them and how fast my heart was beating in that moment. I had to get it together…I had to… “Amy?” He asked, this time uncertainty seeped into his tone. I turned around slowly, meeting his eyes was one thing…keeping my gaze firm was another. “Is there…something you need me to do for you?” I questioned foolishly despite understanding his words quite well. He didn't want me to leave. Just as I was hesitant to leave. Roman shook his head and offered a small smile that made my stomach flip, “No, nothing,” He admitted with what I'd almost mistaken for a sheepish tone. “Just stay, for a bit. Have lunch with me,” He offered. I lifted a brow. As surprised as I was by his sudden request, I couldn't help but have coun
AMELIA Roman was…honestly not what I expected him to be. For some reason, after breaking up with Bertha he seemed like a completely different person. Sure, we were obviously avoiding the topic of…our kiss…the sex…and everything else in between, like the obvious fact that we both wanted to fuck each other again. I think Roman and I would've been really good friends in another time…probably. A man this good looking? “What's on your mind?” I smiled as I met his curious gaze. “I thought you were joking when you said burger,” I admitted, looking down at the shiny burger in front of me. Roman took a bite out of his and shook his head. Chewing like he was doing an ad for the restaurant. Holy shit his lips looked so…good. His pink tongue darted out, licking a stray sauce that lingered in the corner, then picked up the tissue in front of him for extra measure. I watched the man like I was being paid to do so, I couldn't take my eyes off him. He groaned as he swallowed, ey