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After giving countless apologies to Vincent and his family, I rushed out of their house, hoping they won't find my abrupt departure to be rude and probably see me as some sort of prude. Vincent had offered to drive me over to my family home but I had politely declined. Quite frankly, the last thing I wanted was for him to catch even a glimpse of what my family is like…compared to his. I would be so ashamed. After a few minutes of standing by the side of the road, I finally found a taxi. I gave him the address off the top of my head. Reciting it put loud stirred up feelings that I wanted to forget. It made me realize how much I preferred being under Roman's roof than that of my father's. But why…why do my options only ever have to be choosing the lesser evil. I was so lost in thought, I didn't realize when the car pulled to a stop right in front of our small gated estate. “Miss?” The driver's voice pulled me out from my spiraling thoughts, “We are here,” He informed. I m
As I approached my father's study, my heart raced. Each step felt heavier than the last, as if my body was fighting against my decision to come here. I paused at the door, taking a deep breath to steady myself before knocking. It took a few seconds. I'd even taken a step back in those short moments, I intended to leave. To gather myself properly before facing him. "Come in," my father's stern voice called out. My back went rigid when I heard that familiar voice. I felt a ghost of pain across my skin, almost like my body was reminding me what happened whenever I went against him. I'm a grown ass woman for crying out loud! Why should I be afraid of him? I pushed the door open, and immediately regretted my decision to come. There, behind his imposing desk, sat my father, his face set in its usual disapproving frown. But it wasn't just him. Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me. I saw Monica and Bertha seated in plush armchairs, their eyes fixed on me with unconceal
ROMAN“I will get it done as soon as possible,” Dimitri promised before the call was ended and i was left in the suffocating silence of my office, sinking into the leather seat, feeling a headache make it's presence known. Alexander was a slippery bastard, he was no where to be found, despite all of my connections…unfortunately the man knew me more than anyone else, he knew exactly who would come for him and what my next moves would be. At this point, it felt like a one sided fucking game. One I never had any intention of playing and now I was losing. I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling sick and tired of everything at that point. I knew he wouldn't try anything, not now that I was on high alert…that did not stop me from being worried. Last thing I wanted was to put my family at risk. The company especially, I had to be careful. With a heavy sigh, I rubbed my heavy, aching eyes, my eyes darting to the clock on the side. It was almost 12 am. And I was still at work.
AMELIAEverything else that came after meeting with Roman in front of the room was hazy. I knew he had led me to bed, my eyes heavy with as I kept telling him to promise. All I could think about was the fact that if he owned Grayson, I wouldn't have to give my shares to Bertha. It would be better if he owned everything…it would be so much better. Then I could buy my mother's gallery, before Hector Grayson would do anything foolish like stay true to his threats. My mind was a swirl of countless thoughts as I tried to convince myself that it would be okay. Roman had promised me. “Rome?” The memory pushed itself past whatever barrier my mind had held up, seeping through the cracks. I was in an apartment. Aching all over, I was recovering from an injury…a few. And…Roman was seated opposite me, hair blond, eyes bluer than ever, familiar and softer than I'd ever seen them. He looked younger but his eyes were strange, there was a certain edge to them. He screamed danger even fr
A FEW YEARS AGO… The final bell rang, its shrill tone echoing through the halls of the community high school. I let out a sigh of relief, grateful that another day of social navigation was finally over. As I made my way through the crowded corridors, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at the ease with which my classmates interacted. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but I felt like I was encased in a bubble, separated from it all. I've never been good at the whole "making friends" thing. It's not that I don't want to connect with people, it's just that I struggle with the unwritten rules of social interaction. Small talk feels pointless, and I can't bring myself to feign interest in topics I find mind-numbingly dull. My bluntness, which I consider honesty, often comes across as rudeness to others. It was easier to keep to myself than to constantly worry about saying the wrong thing. As I pushed open the heavy front doors of the school, I let out a sigh of relief,
BERTHAThere are two types of people in this world. There are the people who think there's a difference between good and bad and then those who know that there is no such thing. The world isn't black and white. It is a whole array of colors and even murder can be justified when the perpetrator is a sweet talker. When he tells you his reasons. My mother has raised me this way, these words have resounded in me my whole life. There is no good and there is no bad. Which is why one must always take what they want in this life because the only thing that's constant is change…and it isn't often pleasing. I looked down at the share-transfer document with a wide grin on my face. This is something I've wanted ever since I found out who my father was. I have wanted to be his heir, wanted to be the one in power but…Amelia had to come and take everything that belonged to me away. Except now, I was finally getting it all back. I would finally be able to sit with the shareholders. T
Sure, I had to find a way to have Roman wrapped around my fingers. No man could resist a woman who is always seemingly weak and had tears in her eyes. Roman ate that shit up just as I wanted him to. But something changed. Or maybe it has been there this entire time but I chose to ignore it…until Amelia reverted back to that noisy bitch who couldn't keep her mouth shut. And now…I stand at the brink of losing Roman. I watched in shock and slight panic as he refused to meet my eyes after that short, stiff greeting. I could feel my mother's questioning and no doubt satisfied stare on the side of my face and my cheeks heated up in embarrassment. I knew my mother better than anyone, she probably saw this as an opportunity. She never really cared if Roman stayed with me or not. She just wants a reason to keep him close. But Roman won't fall for a shriveled up bitch like her! Same way he simply cannot fall for that idiot, Amelia! My father opened the door, a look
“Roman!” I screeched, my voice nearing hysteria. I watched as his back stiffened up as he made his way to his car, he stopped in his tracks, turning around slowly to finally face me. His lips were pressed into a thin line, his eyes cold, almost empty as he met my eyes. “Roman…” I breathed, realizing I couldn't just yell at him with that expression on his face. He looked rather annoyed by my presence. It had never been like that. Never. Has he truly…moved on from me? “Is that really all you came here to say? To defend Amelia, to threaten my father because of her?!” He inhaled deeply, audibly and then ran his fingers through his soft brown hair. “Bertha…I have nothing else to say,” I gasped, “Not even to me?” His brows furrowed deeply, “No, I have nothing to say to you,” He stated firmly, a chill glazing over his features making me take a subconscious step back. I forced my tears to show as I looked up at him…I knew he couldn't resist that. “Is this truly how