BERTHA I stared at my reflection in the large vanity mirror, my fingers trembling with barely contained rage as I adjusted the diamond pendant around my neck. The weight of it felt suffocating, much like everything else in this oppressive fucking mansion. The warm golden light from the lamps above
"What's wrong?" I pushed myself up from the vanity chair, turning to face him directly. My voice trembled with emotion as I continued, "How could you? How could you lie to me like this?" His face hardened, authority creeping into his tone. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but you will not spea
BERTHA I stood frozen in the doorway, my heart hammering against my ribs as I stared up at Roman. The corridor light cast shadows across his face, making his expression even more unreadable. My fingers gripped the doorframe for support, suddenly feeling like my legs might give out beneath me. “Rom
He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispered, "I know everything you did, Bertha." His breath was warm against my skin, making me shudder. "Every little scheme, every careful plan. But don't worry..." He paused, and I could hear the smile in his voice as he continued, "I won't
Yaakov’s grand ballroom glittered with enough crystal and gold to make my fucking eyes burn with irritation, or maybe that was just the tension headache building behind my temples. Yaakov's hand pressed firmly against my lower back as he guided me through the crowd, his touch both possessive and pro
"I'm afraid I'll have to counter that offer, Mr. Henderson." Roman's voice was smooth as silk, but there was steel underneath. "I'd like a word with my stepmother, if you don't mind." The way he said 'stepmother' made my skin crawl – it dripped with barely concealed contempt. Mr. Henderson's jovial
BERTHA I woke up feeling dizzy and confused. My head was pounding as I opened my eyes and tried to figure out where I was. The room slowly came into focus - it was nice, with light walls and dark furniture, but I didn't recognize it at all. There was a big red chair in the corner that caught my eye
AMELIA Days passed faster after that conversation with Roman, each hour weighted with unspoken words and promises hanging in the air. His vow to tell me everything in a week's time echoed in my thoughts, competing with the endless questions that plagued my mind. Jessica had been there to witness
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