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
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust..." A flicker of movement caught my attention. My father had arrived, slipping into place at the edge of the small gathering. He looked haggard, his suit rumpled, his hair disheveled. Our eyes met for a brief moment before he looked away, his jaw clenched tight. As
"I'm Bertha," she said, her tone friendly but with a hint of something I couldn't quite place. "And you must be Amelia. It's nice to finally meet you," She smiled, holding out a hand and further deepening my confused state. Before I could respond, heavy footsteps approached, and my father appeare
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.
Roman didn't come back to his house for three days, a decision I was grateful for because I wasn't sure how to face him now that he plagued my dreams like a fucking disease after that stupid kiss. I never should have let it happen, most especially before I made a bet that I wouldn't bail on this
My reply seemed to irk her, she was trying to spite me, clinging to Roman like fly to shit. How many times will I make it clear to this woman that seeing her with Roman grosses me out rather than make me jealous. “Trenton, it's been such a long time,” She faced Trenton instead, forcing the poo
Three whole days he didn't come home and the one time he did? He brought Bertha with him. From what Trenton said, it seemed like this wasn't the first time. If he knew I loved him so much that such a sight would bother me…why doesn't he have the common courtesy to keep his mistress out of w
I finally sat up, meeting her eyes with a glare, “You must mistaken, dear sister,” I shook my head, “I don't hate Roman, in fact…I find him quite attractive and lovable,” I saw the flames in her eyes burn, she looked like she would rip me apart. “The only reason I refused his offer was because
SIX 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
Roman chuckled, the rich sound sending heated shivers down my abdomen. His eyes crinkled at the corners, making him look more like the man I remembered. "So did you," he replied, nodding toward my pixie cut. I reached up self-consciously to touch the ends of my damp hair. "Maybe it should be called
Roman suddenly cleared his throat and dragged his gaze away. He ran a hand through his short blonde hair, sending droplets flying. "I'll get you something dry," he said, his voice rougher than before. He disappeared down a hallway without waiting for my response. Left alone, I took the opportunity
AMELIA My mouth opened, but no sound came out. Words, which had never failed me before, suddenly evaporated from my mind like morning dew under a harsh sun. I stood there, gun still stupidly hanging from my fingers, staring at the stranger-not-stranger before me. Roman Wellington. But not my Roman