The city lights shimmered through the window, casting a soft glow over Alessia’s hotel room.She sank into the plush armchair, exhaling a weariness that settled deep into her bones.The day had been a whirlwind of interviews and deadlines, leaving her both physically and mentally drained.With a flick of her wrist, she loosened the tight bun that held her long hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders in unruly waves.The laptop on the polished mahogany table beckoned, a testament to the professional demands that consumed her day.Alessia leaned forward, fingers dancing across the keys as she organized her interview notes, a meticulous symphony of clicks and clacks.She paused, her gaze shifting to the phone by her side.Two missed calls from an unknown number flashed on the screen, and her heart skipped a beat.For a moment, hope surged through her—perhaps it was Logan.But as she listened to the voicemail, disappointment settled in.It was merely a wrong number, a mundane interrup
“Ah...”Startled awake,Alessia cautiously got up, her head throbbing, and her body aching as if she had been in a wrestling match.Looking at the scattered underwear and pants, she couldn't help but recall the intense s*x last night.Last night, after the grand bonfire event organised by the charming hunk, Brayden Scott, Alessia had finally crossed the line into intimacy.Brayden had been planning to confess his feelings to her, and her older sister, Connie, had congratulated them both with a knowing grin.Alessia had downed a drink Connie handed her and then blissfully drifted into slumber.But in her dreams, she had taken the initiative with Brayden.The transformation from an innocent girl to a passionate woman had been a rollercoaster of sensations.He was an absolute beast in bed, in the best way possible.Suddeny, she heard Connie’s voice with panic outside—‘I don’t know—Brayden, I honestly didn’t mean for this to happen.’‘Shh! Lower your voice, Connie. We can’t let Alessia he
Five years later.The ballroom at The Grand Opulence Hotel buzzed with the sound of chatter and clinking glasses as guests mingled and enjoyed the lavish surroundings.After making the obligatory small talk, Logan Wilde excused himself and went upstairs to the lounge, seeking a moment of respite from the crowd.The lights were dim; the lounge was empty except for himself.Yet, he couldn’t shake off the feeling of being watched.He scanned the room, his jaw clenching slightly as he tried to pinpoint the source of his unease.Before his investigation was complete, however, someone else entered the lounge. ‘Hi, there.’Without turning around, Logan recognised the A-list actress by her famous sultry voice.Olivia Anderson struck a pose in the open doorway, her long, flowing brunette hair cascading down her back, complementing her form-fitting black cocktail dress dotted with sparkling sequins.Her captivating smile hinted at both confidence and mischief.With calculated steps, Olivia appr
Logan stood with his head slightly bowed, observing the woman whose eyes kept darting around, obviously plotting her escape.Standing this close, he could tell this woman wore no perfume or makeup.Bathed in soft moonlight streaming through the window, she wasn’t bad-looking.In fact, she could even be described as pretty—petite frame, fair skin, lovely oval-shaped face, dainty lips, and small nose.But her best features were her eyes—big, round, liquid eyes shielded under long, thick lashes that required no help from mascara.People often said that eyes are the window to the soul, and in this woman’s case, it was actually true.Just one glance at her, Logan could tell what she was thinking—make a run for it, or try to reason with him?Leaning forward slightly, he could smell her shampoo—something cheap and citrusy, unlike the thousand-dollar limited-edition Chanel No. 5 Eau de Toilette Olivia Anderson wore.But strangely, he didn’t feel the same nausea he experienced when Olivia got
‘Ahh!’ Alessia screamed, a high-pitched noise that jolted Logan’s mind back to the present.She swatted away his offending hand. ‘Pervert!’Logan shrank aback, flustered.He was about to apologise, but the young woman let out a string of words that were not exactly expletives, but came pretty close.‘It was an accident.’ He scowled. ‘And I don’t appreciate that kind of language.’‘And I don’t appreciate you putting your hands where they don’t belong!’ Alessia’s face was flushed crimson.‘Like I said, it was an accident.’‘You even squeezed it!’ Alessia folded her arms over her chest, eyes blazing.Logan cleared his throat. ‘I was just…checking something.’‘Checking what? Cup size?’ Alessia wanted to smack him. ‘Pervert!’‘I wasn’t…’ Logan struggled to put his thoughts into words, a rare occurrence for him.But then, what he experienced just now was also a rare occurrence.Not only was he not repulsed by this woman’s scent or physical proximity, he felt rather compelled to get closer t
D*mn it.WHAT A MESS.Alessia, sensing the weight of Olivia’s emotions, rushed to explain, desperation lacing her words. ‘No, Miss Anderson! It’s a misunderstanding. I am in no way involved with Mr Wilde. We were just—’But before Alessia could finish speaking, Logan’s restraining arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him.The sudden closeness sent a shiver down Alessia’s spine.A flush of embarrassment coloured her cheeks as she realised the physical evidence of Logan’s desire pressing against her backside.They stood together, facing Olivia, their bodies almost melding into one.Logan shot a cold look at Olivia. ‘Have you seen enough?’Olivia pursed her lips. ‘Well, aren’t you touchy? Fine, I won’t disturb you any longer. Carry on. Although, I suggest you take this party to a hotel room. Too many prying eyes here.’Olivia shot Alessia one last look of jealousy before she turned and walked away.The door closed once again.‘Ugh!’ Alessia fumed, her anger mounting.She e
Alessia stormed into Lara Morris’s office, her eyes burning with frustration.‘Why is the article under your name, Lara?’ Alessia questioned, her tone firm and accusatory. ‘I’m the one who took the photos and wrote the initial draft. We worked on the revisions together until late last night.’And then Lara sent her home, saying her son probably needed her.Alessia had been grateful.But now she realised her gratitude was misplaced.Lara leaned back in her chair, her expression cool and calculated.‘Alessia, you’re not officially on the staff yet,’ she replied, her voice tinged with condescension. ‘It’s only natural that my name was used.’Alessia’s eyes narrowed as she clenched her fists.She knew Lara was playing games, using her position to take credit for Alessia’s hard work.This wasn’t the first time Lara had taken advantage of their working relationship.Alessia refused to back down. ‘This isn’t fair, Lara. I deserve recognition for my efforts. I won’t let you diminish my contri
Alessia wanna cry. But she knew her urgent task was to find an excuse to stay away from the angry lion.She feigned ignorance, her voice dripping with innocence. ‘I’m sorry, but I think you have me confused with someone else. I didn’t write that article. Lara Morris did.’Logan’s jaw tightened, a flicker of frustration crossing his features.‘I was there,’ he retorted sharply. ‘I saw you taking those photos. Don’t play dumb with me.’Alessia’s eyes flashed with defiance as she shot back, ‘Yes, I took the photos, but I deleted them right in front of you. You saw it.’Logan’s gaze bore into hers, his steely resolve unyielding. ‘Someone clearly got their hands on those photos, and I have a feeling it’s not just a coincidence that they ended up in that article.’Alessia tried to find a way to divert suspicion. ‘Look, maybe someone else at the hotel took similar photos and used them for the article. It wasn’t me.’Logan’s frustration boiled over, his voice sharp with irritation. ‘Do you ho