LOGINSIX MONTHS LATER The annual Wellington Anniversary gala was in full swing, and we'd decided to host it in our home rather than the hotel it was in late year. The ballroom of our estate glittering with lights that illuminated the beauty of the hall’s interior, reflecting against the marble floors
Wolves. They were fucking wolves yet Roman acted like they simply dogs he'd raised. And in turn, they acted the same towards him. “Why wolves though?” I raised a questioning brow as I caressed Sage's soft fur and Juniper whining a few seconds after that. Roman shrugged, “Why not?” He replied w
"You should hate me," I whispered, my voice breaking. "After what I did, you should hate me." "I know," he agreed, the ghost of a smile touching his lips. "It would be so much easier if I did." A tear slipped down my cheek before I could stop it. Roman reached out, hesitated, then gently brushed i
"What happened?" he asked, his voice gentler than I deserved. I laughed bitterly. "Nothing dramatic. No great tragedy or betrayal. Just... emptiness. Day after day of emptiness. Making decisions that affect hundreds of people, never letting anyone close enough to see that I'm terrified of making th
I woke to unfamiliar shadows dancing across an unfamiliar ceiling. For a moment, panic seized me as I forgot where I was. Until it came rushing back and I found myself sinking deeper into the mattress Roman's bed was sinfully comfortable, the sheets soft against my skin. I stretched, my muscles p
The rain continued to lash against the windows, filling the silence between us. Outside, lightning flashed, illuminating Roman's face and his even darker expression. I wasn't getting through to him. And I didn't blame him. "Two years ago, you made it very clear that you didn't need me," he said
NINE YEARS AGO The day my world shattered wasn't marked by storm clouds or ominous signs. Instead, the sun shone with cruel indifference, its warmth a stark contrast to the cold emptiness gnawing at my chest at. I stood before the mirror in my bedroom, barely recognizing the girl staring back at m
AMELIAThe dress I picked was the royal blue dress Roman had gotten for me when we went shopping. Mainly because I bought him a suit with the same color. A deep royal blue that I knew for a fact would look fantastic on him. There was a look in his eyes when I wore that dress, one that gave me
Tears sprang to my eyes, hot and stinging. "Dad," I choked out, "how can you say that? Mom loved you. I love-" "Oh, spare me the dramatics," he cut me off with a dismissive wave. "Your mother's gone. It's time you grew up and stopped being such a leech," He spat with intense hatred in his tone.
I walked up the stairs, my mind filled with conflicting emotions. The shopping bags Amelia had given me felt heavier than they should, laden with a significance I wasn't ready to acknowledge. Reaching my room…which was once a guest room, I shut the door behind me and set the bags on the bed. For a







