"Promise me, no more lies," Kaira whispered, her arm gently wrapped around Sebastian's neck. "I promise, princess," he replied calmly, his hand tightening possessively around her waist. He was already dressed for work. Kaira hesitated, a shadow of doubt crossing her face. "Is there anything else you're hiding from me?" Her voice wavered slightly, driven by the nagging unease that had settled deep within her. Sebastian smiled, but the curve of his lips seemed too perfect, too practiced. "What more could I possibly hide from you, princess?" he asked lightly, bending down to press a fleeting kiss on her lips. "I’ve got nothing to hide from you, okay?" he assured her, his tone soft but steady. Kaira nodded with a small smile as she watched him leave. The door clicked shut behind him, but her unease lingered. For the first time, Sebastian's reassurances didn’t soothe her. The nerves behind his smile, faint but unmistakable, had betrayed him. She didn’t want to let one mist
"Promise me, no more lies," Kaira whispered, her arm gently wrapped around Sebastian's neck. "I promise, princess," he replied calmly, his hand tightening possessively around her waist. He was already dressed for work. Kaira hesitated, a shadow of doubt crossing her face. "Is there anything else you're hiding from me?" Her voice wavered slightly, driven by the nagging unease that had settled deep within her. Sebastian smiled, but the curve of his lips seemed too perfect, too practiced. "What more could I possibly hide from you, princess?" he asked lightly, bending down to press a fleeting kiss on her lips. "I’ve got nothing to hide from you, okay?" he assured her, his tone soft but steady. Kaira nodded with a small smile as she watched him leave. The door clicked shut behind him, but her unease lingered. For the first time, Sebastian's reassurances didn’t soothe her. The nerves behind his smile, faint but unmistakable, had betrayed him. She didn’t want to let one mist
Evelyn had returned to the cold, ambitious woman she had always been, thanks to her mother’s advice. She realized she’d been foolish, sacrificing her goals for a man. The thought of her love for Julian now felt hollow, as if it had never truly existed. She refused to let his so-called love derail her from what she really wanted—Blackwood Company. How could she have ever entertained the idea of her father handing it over to him? The thought alone disgusted her.“What’s going on, Evelyn?” Julian asked as she stepped into their shared bedroom, his tone uncertain yet laced with concern.She arched a brow. “What do you mean?”“You’ve been acting strange for the past two days. Did I do something wrong?” Julian’s voice softened, a sincere question hidden behind his suspicion. He had fallen for his wife, but that didn’t erase his ambition—his desire for the company burned brighter than any love he claimed to feel.“How exactly have I been acting strange?” Evelyn replied with feigned ignorance
“Father?” Evelyn called softly, her voice drawing Mathias’s attention as she sat close to him. He was seated in the living room, eyes fixed on the evening news.“Yes, darling?” he responded, turning to look at her.“How are you doing?” she asked, feigning concern. In truth, she was carefully preparing how to bring up the real reason she’d sought him out.Mathias arched an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. “What is it that you want, Evelyn? Money?” he asked bluntly, already accustomed to his daughter’s reluctance to engage in idle chatter.Evelyn sighed, deciding to drop the pretense. “Actually, Father, I was wondering when you plan to hand over the company to me.”Mathias’s lips pressed into a thin line. He turned back to the screen. “I’ve told you already, Evelyn. Give me a grandson, and the company will be yours—and your husband’s.”Evelyn’s jaw tightened at his dismissive tone, but she quickly composed herself. “But, Father,” she protested, her voice tinged with frustration. “Have
“You did what?” Kaira asked, her voice firm as her ears itched in disbelief from what she said.“Kaira...” Sebastian’s voice was hoarse, his face pale as he let go of Elijah and slowly rose to his feet.“What did you do, Sebastian?” Kaira asked walking closer to them. She wanted to confirm what she had heard, though she didn’t believe it but it raised suspicions in her heart.“Nothing, princess. I did nothing.” Sebastian responded with a nervous smile, closing the space between them as he held her face in between his hands to reassure her.Elijah laughed smugly, rising from the floor. “What are you scared of, Sebastian?” He mocked with smile, causing Kaira to draw her attention back to him, who stood right behind Sebastian.Kaira pushed Sebastian’s hands away from her face, moving to Elijah who still had a smug smile plastered on her face. “I know you hate Sebastian but continuously accusing him for murder is disgusting, Elijah. And you know what is more disgusting? Claiming he killed
“You must be happy now, Elijah,” Sebastian said bitterly, glaring at Elijah as Kaira walked out.Elijah stayed calm, though his eyes sparkled with quiet satisfaction. “Happy? Not exactly a word I use often. But yes, I suppose I am.” His tone was casual, almost playful.Sebastian’s jaw tightened as he stepped closer, his voice low and sharp. “Pray, Elijah. Pray that she forgives me and doesn’t cancel the wedding. If she does, I’ll forget we’re family—and you’ll regret it.”Before Elijah could reply, Caleb spoke up, his voice harsh. “Sebastian, stop threatening him. He’s right about you, you’re nothing but a murderer.”The tension in the room snapped as Older Mr. Ashford slapped Caleb hard across the face, making him stumble.“It was an accident, and we all know it!” Mr. Ashford yelled, his anger clear.Caleb let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “An accident? Is that what we’re pretending it is?” “Tell me Uncle, how did we go from being a family to this?” Sebastian’s voice cracke
Kaira’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze immediately locking onto Sebastian, who was lying beside her, his piercing eyes fixed on her. For a fleeting moment, the events of the previous night vanished from her mind. She allowed herself to bask in his soft smile, her heart betraying her as it skipped a beat.“Let’s go home, princess,” he murmured, his voice gentle as his hand caressed her face.Home? The word jolted her back to reality, and memories of the night before came crashing in. She bolted upright, putting as much distance between them as possible, as though his touch was toxic.“Kaira…” Sebastian started, his hand reaching for her. But she recoiled, the disgust in her eyes cutting him deeper than any blade.“What are you doing here, Sebastian?” she spat, her voice laced with venom. The sheer intensity of her hatred was palpable, and it crushed him.“Please, princess, just listen to me,” he pleaded, inching closer, but she moved away again, her anger unwavering.“I said, what are y
It had been a week since Kaira last stepped foot outside of the building, turning to Sebastian’s captive. The few times she had attempted leaving the house had proved futile, having being told that Sebastian had ordered that she doesn’t step foot out of the building. Keeping her against her wish was suffocating her enough when all she wanted to do was to get away from him as far as possible. He caged her in their room, making sure she doesn’t move to the guest room and when she did? It was useless after all. He would still pull her back to their bedroom and act as though everything was fine between them both when it was far from that.Kaira sighed in frustration , rubbing on her flat stomach, her stare hardened on the door as she heard the sound of Sebastian’s car driving in. “Hello, princess.” He beamed as he walked in with a wide smile on her face. She didn’t as much as react to him, rising abruptly from the sofa. “Kaira please…”He whispered, running his hand through his car in f
"Thank you." Nora smiled at the saleslady as she took back her card. She had stopped by the closest stores near Kaira’s place to pick up a few things."Do come again!" The saleslady beamed. Nora gave her a nod before turning to leave—only to bump into someone."Are you okay?" A man’s voice rang out in concern as she bent down to gather her fallen groceries."Yeah, I’m—“ She stopped mid-sentence, eyes locking onto the man in front of her. Cole. His initial look of worry quickly switched into a scowl the moment he recognized her."Miss Gray." He greeted her with a fake smile, eyes full of disdain. Even knowing it wasn’t real, her heart still fluttered."Cole." She responded evenly, meeting his gaze."Fancy running into you here. I don’t believe you live around this area." His voice carried a hint of sarcasm as his eyes flicked to the groceries in her arms."I don’t," she replied curtly, slightly taken aback by his sudden interest. He usually avoided her like she was the plague."Must be
Sebastian sighed, glancing at his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. His patience was wearing thin as he waited at the restaurant for Nora and Elijah.Just as he was about to get up and leave, they rushed in, both breathless, as if they had just sprinted the whole way."Nice of you both to finally show up," he remarked, his voice laced with irritation as they struggled to catch their breath."The traffic was insane," Nora explained, her voice raspy."We ran here because we know how much you hate waiting," Elijah added, sinking into the empty chair. Nora followed suit.Sebastian’s irritation eased as curiosity took over. "Why were you both late in the first place?""I stopped by Grandfather’s before coming here, and we used his car," Nora replied.Sebastian nodded—until realization hit him. His eyes widened. "Wait… where the hell is the car if you both ran here?""Still stuck in traffic," Nora said with a grin.Sebastian shook his head in amusement. "You two are absolutely cr
“Julian!” Evelyn screamed her lungs out as she stormed inside his room. He raised his eyes from his phone, glancing at her face filled with rage. “What do you want now, Evelyn?” He hissed in angrily. “How dare you?” She asked, stepping closer to him, lounging on the bed lazily. “How dare I do what?” He snapped, irritated by the annoying suspense. “I gave an order in the company as the new CEO for everyone to gather for a brief meeting today and you convinced them otherwise?” She asked rhetorically, her hands fisting on her hair in outrage. Julian paused, searching his memory for her accusation. “I simply told my team that we were having a meeting.” He said dismissively.She laughed bitterly, “Who do you think you are to challenge my orders, Julian?” She spat out, her eyes red from anger.“Your husband.” He retorted bitterly, the words repulsing him. “My husband?” She repeated with dark glint, “You’re nothing but a piece of trash, Julian.” His jaw tightened in anger, springing u
Sebastian sat on his office desk, his eyes glued to the paperwork on his desk. It was infuriating how little he had to do today. He wanted to bury himself with work, the need to escape the reality of returning back to an empty house each day. “Come in.” He commanded, hearing a knock on his door. His eyes flicked to Clara stepping into the office.“You have a visitor, sir.” She informed in a professional manner. “A visitor?” He echoed, wondering how it could be now. Nora just left his office a while ago so it couldn’t be her again.“Yes, the other Mr Ashford.” She clarified, referring to Elijah. Sebastian sighed in frustration, clenching the pen in his hand. Elijah was the reason Kaira wasn’t here now and he had the guts to show his face to him? “Let him in.” He commanded regardless, the curiosity of what had dragged him all the way to his office when he was still in suspension consuming him.“Yes, Sir.” She responded curtly, turning on her heels. Soon Elijah entered the office with
Sebastian stared at the picture of Kaira on his phone with a smile on his lips. It had only been days, since she left but he already felt as though he was loosing his mind. He hit the gym more often, burying himself with work each time just to stop the urge of reaching out to her. “Are you okay?” Nora asked loudly pulling him out of his trance. He glanced up at her and offered a small smile. “Sebastian.” She called out as though saying he could talk to her. She knew exactly what the problem was but she already made a promise to Kaira, though she was sure he knew her where about. “I’m fine, Nora.” Sebastian reassured sternly, dropping his phone down on the couch. It had now become a habit, always spacing out in the middle of a conversation. “We should go out on a date, tomorrow.” Nora offered with a smile, twirling the glass of wine in her hand. She made it a routine to visit him often either in his office or at home just like she did with Kaira. “Get a man to go on a date with.
Kaira left the next morning just as agreed, with the condition of returning when she felt sane. She traveled way out of the cities of New York where she believed Sebastian wouldn’t find her easily but she knew deep down he find her if he wished to. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Nora asked as she drove her out of town. Nora was the only person she could trust because just like her, she was equally kept in the dark about everything.“For the hundredth time, Yes, Nora.” She responded with a roll of eyes.“I know Sebastian was wrong but—“Enough about Sebastian, please. I never said I was getting a divorce now did I?” Kaira asked with a flicker of irritation in her eyes as she cut her off.“No you didn’t. But girls say something and do something else. I’m not saying this because his my cousin but I just don’t want the child to grow without a father.” She admitted in concern. Kaira sighed, “Even if I were to get a divorce, I’m sure my child would never grow without a father’s love.
“So tell me the lies you have to feed me now.” Kaira said sarcastically staring at them. They both shared a look between themselves almost as though asking who would speak. “Stop the hesitation and just talk okay?!” She snapped in frustration. “Kaira.” Sebastian whispered in warning as he walked over and sat close to her. She glared at him but didn’t protest.“First I would like to apologize for keeping the truth away from you.” Older Mr Ashford said in sincerity that almost touched her heart. Keywords, Almost.“You apology won’t bring back the dead would it?” She asked in mockery. “I understand how you feel but please understand that it was an accident.” He responded and she chuckled bitterly.“An accident you say? Your grandson happened to accidentally kill two of my family? Such a coincidence, don’t you think?” She asked in rage, sarcasm evident in voice.“Actually, Sebastian didn’t—“ Aunt Layla said but she cut her off. “Save it. Just say whatever you have to say and leave!” S
It had been a week since Kaira last stepped foot outside of the building, turning to Sebastian’s captive. The few times she had attempted leaving the house had proved futile, having being told that Sebastian had ordered that she doesn’t step foot out of the building. Keeping her against her wish was suffocating her enough when all she wanted to do was to get away from him as far as possible. He caged her in their room, making sure she doesn’t move to the guest room and when she did? It was useless after all. He would still pull her back to their bedroom and act as though everything was fine between them both when it was far from that.Kaira sighed in frustration , rubbing on her flat stomach, her stare hardened on the door as she heard the sound of Sebastian’s car driving in. “Hello, princess.” He beamed as he walked in with a wide smile on her face. She didn’t as much as react to him, rising abruptly from the sofa. “Kaira please…”He whispered, running his hand through his car in f
Kaira’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze immediately locking onto Sebastian, who was lying beside her, his piercing eyes fixed on her. For a fleeting moment, the events of the previous night vanished from her mind. She allowed herself to bask in his soft smile, her heart betraying her as it skipped a beat.“Let’s go home, princess,” he murmured, his voice gentle as his hand caressed her face.Home? The word jolted her back to reality, and memories of the night before came crashing in. She bolted upright, putting as much distance between them as possible, as though his touch was toxic.“Kaira…” Sebastian started, his hand reaching for her. But she recoiled, the disgust in her eyes cutting him deeper than any blade.“What are you doing here, Sebastian?” she spat, her voice laced with venom. The sheer intensity of her hatred was palpable, and it crushed him.“Please, princess, just listen to me,” he pleaded, inching closer, but she moved away again, her anger unwavering.“I said, what are y