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
"Now there's an idea!" His enthusiasm was almost infectious. "You know, it's pretty ridiculous that we're neighbors and barely see each other. What kind of friendship is this?" "The modern kind," I teased, feeling lighter than I had in days. "Where we live five minutes apart but need to schedule ti
AMELIA I stood there in my kitchen, Roman's words about Bertha echoing in my head like a twisted melody. The revelation sparked something deep within me—a realization that hit with the force of a tidal wave. For years, I'd been playing the part of the accommodating sister, the dutiful daughter, con
AMELIA The grand double doors of my father's house loomed before me, its familiar design now seemed more like a joke to me. How many times had I prayed to be out of these walls, no never have a reason to return here yet, herr I was, heat burning with fury. I wanted to burn the place down to the gro
"You have no idea what you're talking about," she snapped, her composure finally cracking. "You come in here, throwing around wild accusations—" "Wild?" I slammed my hands down on her desk, making her jump. "Is that what you call murder?" "Murder?" She tried to scoff, but I could hear the tremor i
As I pulled away from my father's house, a weight lifted from my shoulders. I knew I would have to face him sooner or later, tell him everything I needed to. Show him the results of his actions. I didn't destroy this family, he and his inability to stay faithful to a woman who stood by him throug
AMELIA My hands trembled violently against the leather steering wheel as I weaved through traffic, the car responding to my every desperate movement. The rearview mirror had become my lifeline—every few seconds, my eyes darted to it, watching the sleek black vehicles that seemed to materialize fro
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