I was startled by the sudden burst of light that flooded the space. I squinted as my eyes adjusted, trying to make sense of the scene in front of me. And then, the crowd erupted into cheers and shouted, "Surprise! Happy Birthday!'I stood frozen, unable to comprehend what was happening. It took me a moment to realize that this surprise party was for me. Me, whose birthday had always been just another ordinary day. Me, who had never had a reason to celebrate or expect anything special on this day ever since the death of my parents. In the past years, I'd know it's my birthday if either I get a birthday message from Ava or she'd wake me up early in the morning with a birthday song, and a birthday cake in her hands. I didn't receive a message from her today, or any other thing that could serve as a reminder that today was my birthday.Somehow I managed to pull out an awkward smile – although it never reached my eyes. Anybody else would have marched in cheerfully, clasping their hands in
I moved further into the room, I noticed a beautifully decorated cake at the center of the room. It was a work of art, covered in intricate designs and adorned with candles that flickered in the dim light. The cake was a stunning centerpiece, a symbol of celebration and unity. Instantly, I knew it was Ava's handwork.People approached me with smiles and well wishes, handing me gifts and sharing kind words. They congratulated me, hugged me, and showered me with love and affection. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of warmth and camaraderie, the sense of belonging and community that enveloped me.Alexander stood by my side, his hand in mine, a silent pillar of strength and support. He guided me through the party, introducing me to guests, making sure I felt included and appreciated. His presence was a reassuring presence in the midst of the bustling crowd, a reminder that I was not alone in this moment of celebration.As the night unfolded, I let go of my inhibitions and allowed mysel
"Hello beautiful, we meet again." I swiftly turned to look at the familiar stranger who had a smug smile on his face. I've seen him somewhere, but I just can't remember where.I tilted my head a little to the side. "You look quite familiar, but I don't remember where I met you," I stated calmly."It's me, Damien...from the clubhouse.," he said, flashing me a smile. "Fancy meeting you here." Recognition immediately flashed on my face, and I let out a small laugh. He's the handsome guy that introduced me to shots at the clubhouse. I knew it, those striking blue eyes looked incredibly familiar.I tried to play it cool as he approached the sink next to mine, but my heart was racing. What is he doing here? Was he invited to the party?"Yeah, small world, huh?" He simply nodded and slightly rubbed his nose.We stood there in front of the mirror, awkwardly avoiding each other's gaze. But something in me wanted to break the silence. "So, what brings you to the restroom? Or were you stalking
I stared in utter shock and disbelief at the sight in front of me. I had to rub my eyes repetitively to make sure I wasn't dreaming. My heart was pounding terribly and I can feel my insides shaking. This is totally unbelievable!After Alexander had pulled me out of the restroom, he told me he wanted to show me my birthday gift. I willingly allowed him to bring me to the hotel's rooftop. He had shut my eyes with his hand, saying that he didn't want me to see it beforehand. When he removed his hands from my eyes, there sitting in all its glory, was a sleek, black private jet adorned with a giant red ribbon. To say I was flabbergasted is an understatement, I'm really shocked to my bones."And that car too." I gasped out when Alexander pointed to a pink, luxurious Bugatti that was decorated with black and pink balloons. "Happy birthday, Angel. Just accept this little gift..." I immediately cut him off when I plunged myself at him, kissing him with so much intensity. This whole thing is j
WARNING>>>THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SOME EXPLICIT SEX SCENES. READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED!Alexander leaned down and licked my ear lobe which had me clenching my thighs tightly. He leaned away and kissed my forehead, my eyes and my nose. It felt like he was worshipping every inch of my face.The moment his lips captured mine again, a fierce hunger ignited within me. A hunger I've never felt for anyone, ever. But now, I feel that hunger for Alexander. The longing for his touch and kisses, that makes my mind go frenzy. I've always wanted to give my body to my one true love. I've always been heavy on giving my virginity to that one person I love , and I know loves me in return. But, does it matter now?? I am married to Alexander, he's my husband. Giving myself to him doesn't change anything, does it? We might not be in love, but my body wants him in so many ways that I cannot explain. This whole thing will soon end in some months time, so while not make the most out of it. I want him. No,
WARNING>>>THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SOME EXPLICIT SEX SCENES. READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED!Alexander leaned down and licked my ear lobe which had me clenching my thighs tightly. He leaned away and kissed my forehead, my eyes and my nose. It felt like he was worshipping every inch of my face.The moment his lips captured mine again, a fierce hunger ignited within me. A hunger I've never felt for anyone, ever. But now, I feel that hunger for Alexander. The longing for his touch and kisses, that makes my mind go frenzy. I've always wanted to give my body to my one true love. I've always been heavy on giving my virginity to that one person I love , and I know loves me in return. But, does it matter now?? I am married to Alexander, he's my husband. Giving myself to him doesn't change anything, does it? We might not be in love, but my body wants him in so many ways that I cannot explain. This whole thing will soon end in some months time, so while not make the most out of it. I want him. No,
You know that feeling you get when you think or know someone is watching you. Whether it's in your sleep or when you're fully conscious, weird much right? I was having a blissful sleep when I felt I was being watched by someone. I slowly opened my eyes to see bright grey ones that was staring intently at me.Alexander was sitting on the edge of my bed, his eyes focused on me and they looked a bit lost, like as though he was thinking about something. I bet he doesn't even know that I'm awake yet. I gave him a light pinch on his abdomen, and that seemed to do the trick, because he blinked and furrowed his brows. "You're finally awake? I thought you were going to sleep forever."There was a ghost of a smile on his lips. "Are you going to the office today?" I asked, noticing the black suit he was wearing."I've gone to the office and I'm back. Do you even know what the time is, sleeping beauty?" I gave him a confused stare and slightly shook my head. I believe it should be around eight o
I stood staring up at the skyscraper in front of me. It really stood tall and magnificent, just like the man who owned it. I meant it when I said he wouldn't like my next course of action. I've had enough of him not allowing me to get a job and I've decided to take matters into my hands.I quickly looked around, to make sure that none of my bodyguards followed me here. I managed to stall them at Ava's bakery where I left through the back door without their notice. I didn't want any of them informing Alexander that I was coming to his office. I'm gonna take him by total surprise. A sinister smile appeared on my lips as I looked up at the tall building again before walking inside. I have never been here before, but I did my research and knew exactly where to find his office. I guess this is the company he chose to settle with, of all his companies, hotels and clubs.As I entered the sleek modern building, I felt a mixture of excitement and nerves. I don't know if Alexander will be mad i
FIVE MONTHS LATER I clutched Alexander's hand, my nails digging deep into his skin as a contraction ripped through my body like a wave crashing on the shore. "It's time," I panted, my eyes locked onto his, my voice barely above a whisper. Alexander's face was etched with concern, but he smiled reassuringly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're almost there, my love. Just a few more minutes." He stroked my hair, his touch gentle and soothing. But I knew it was more than that. The pain was intensifying, like a fire burning brighter with each passing moment. I could feel the baby's head crowning, the pressure building. Suddenly, Theresa burst into the room, her face set with urgency. "It's time to go! We need to get her to the hospital, now!" she exclaimed, her voice firm but laced with worry. The next few minutes were a blur as Alexander scooped me up and rushed me to the car, Clark and Mr. Sebastian following close behind, their faces set with concern. Samantha and Mr. Marco b
As the black SUV came to a stop in front of Alexander's mansion, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Alexander got down and rounded the car to open the door for me, his eyes locked onto mine with a warm smile. I took his hand, and he helped me out of the car, his touch sending shivers down my spine.As I stepped out, I saw Theresa standing outside the patio with Mr. Sebastian, her tears-filled eyes fixed on me with a mixture of happiness and sadness. Samantha stood by the side with Mr. Marco, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Alexander's grandfather, stood with them, his eyes piercing as he gazed at me with a small smile on his lips.Alexander's hand tightened around mine as he led me towards them. Theresa immediately rushed towards me and engulfed me in a tight hug. Sobs racking through her body. My own eyes immediately clouded with tears as I hugged her back, feeling a deep sense of connection and love. I could feel her heart racing with excitement, her breath coming in s
IVORY'S POV It's been two days since I saw Ezekiel at the diner. And surprisingly, I haven't seen anything unusual. I had thought that they would've stormed here already, and I've been holding on to that small hope that Ezekiel was considerate enough not to tell Alexander my location. I've been living in this small, shabby apartment for months now, trying to lay low and avoid detection. It's been a lonely existence, but a necessary one. I've missed Alexander, missed him more than I thought possible. I never stopped loving him, but I couldn't go back to him, not to his world. It was too dangerous, too suffocating. As I looked around my apartment, I felt a pang of sadness. It was small and empty, except for the bed, a table, and a few other sparse furnishings. Joe had given it to me, and I was grateful for his kindness. At least I had a roof over my head, a place to call my own. But it was a far cry from the life I had left behind. I missed the luxury, the comfort, the sense of secur
ALEXANDER'S POVI sat in my dimly lit study, gazing out the window, surrounded by the shadows of my own despair. It had been four months since Ivory left, and I was no closer to finding her. Every lead, every hint, every rumor had turned out to be a dead end. I was starting to lose my grip on reality, my mind consumed by thoughts of her, of where she might be, of whether she was safe.I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus on anything except finding her. My business was suffering, my relationships were suffering, my very sanity was suffering. And yet, I couldn't stop. I couldn't rest until I found her.Because I loved her. I loved her more than life itself. I loved her more than I ever thought possible. She was my everything, my reason for being. And without her, I was nothing.And then, the news had come. She was pregnant. My baby was growing inside her, and I wasn't there to see it, to feel it, to be a part of it. The thought was almost too much to bear.I remembered the d
FOUR MONTHS LATER...I stood at the edge of the small town, my eyes fixed on the horizon. I had been on the move for months, never staying in one place for too long. I had to keep running, had to keep hiding. I couldn't let them find me.I had been living off the grid, using cash and fake IDs to survive. I had cut my hair short and dyed it brown, trying to blend in with the crowd. I had lost weight, my eyes sunken from lack of sleep.But despite the hardships, I felt free. I felt alive.I thought back to the night I escaped, the rain pounding against my face as I ran. I had never felt so alive, so exhilarated.I had made my way to Ravenwood, a small, quaint town nestled in the heart of Oregon, where I had managed to find a work as a waitress at a local diner. I kept to myself, never making friends or connections. I couldn't afford to get close to anyone.But as the months passed, I started to feel a sense of belonging. I started to feel like I could finally start over.I walked into t
As I watched Alexander leave my room, I roughly brushed away the tears that were streaming down my face, my hands shaking with anger and hurt. Damn him for reducing me to this state, for making me feel so vulnerable and weak. Damn him for making me love him so deeply, so completely, only to shatter my heart into a million pieces. Damn my body for always reacting to every of his touch. And, damn my heart for still loving him after his lies and betrayal. I slowly walked to the door and slammed it shut, hardly. But, just as I was about to turn, another knock sounded on the door. Angrily I opened it, ready to bark at Alexander for not wanting to leave me alone. "What part of get out don't you under..." My words hung in my throat, when my eyes met with Theresa's. Her face was glistening with tears, her eyes swollen and puffy. A look of hurt, guilt and sadness was etched on her beautiful face. My heart almost almost melted at her pitiful sight and I wanted nothing more than to go int
Laughter echoed in my mind, a cold, mirthless sound. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand, used by everyone around me. My legs trembled beneath me as I reached the top of the stairs, my hand grasping for the door handle to my room.I flung the door open and stumbled inside, slamming it shut behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart racing, my mind spinning. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape.I slid down the door, my legs giving out beneath me. I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down my face. I felt so alone, so lost. My hands wrapped around my stomach protectively, as if to protect the life growing inside me from the unknown danger surrounding me. A soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Angel, please let me in," Alexander's voice whispered through the door.I shook my head, even though he couldn't see me. "Go away," I whispered back.The knocking stopped, but I knew he wouldn't give up. He would keep trying to reach me, to expla
IVORY'S POVI stood frozen at the foot of the stairs, my eyes fixed on the scene before me as five pairs of eyes locked onto me, their gazes piercing and intense. Alexander's words hung in the air, a confession of secrets and lies that threatened to upend my entire world. My mind reeled, struggling to process the words he had just dropped, as if trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.My head spun, a dizzying sensation washing over me like a wave, leaving me breathless and disoriented. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the wind knocked out of me, leaving me gasping for air. My legs trembled beneath me, and I reached out for the stair railings, grasping for support as the room seemed to tilt around me.Alexander immediately took a step towards me, his eyes filled with concern, but I stopped him with a raised finger, my hand shaking with a mix of anger and fear. I shook my head at him, a silent warning to stay back, to give me space to process the chaos that was erupting in
ALEXANDER'S POVI paced back and forth in my dimly lit study, my mind consumed by the events of the past few days. If only I had arrived sooner, maybe Ava would still be alive. Maybe Ivory wouldn't be lying on a bed, her heart broken and her spirit shattered.Three days ago, our mission to rescue Ivory and Ava from the clutches of Russo and his brother had gone catastrophically wrong. We were racing against time to reach the docks where they were being held hostage, but fate had other plans. Russo's men ambushed us, and we found ourselves entangled in a fierce battle that seemed to have no end. Wave after wave of his henchmen attacked us, each one more relentless than the last. We fought valiantly, but the sheer number of opponents slowed us down, and precious minutes ticked by.As the fight dragged on for over two hours, my anxiety grew. Every second counted, and I knew that Ivory and Ava were running out of time. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we emerged victorious, bu