Kaira exhaled deeply, her chest rising and falling as she tried to steady her breath, her gaze locked on the mirror for what felt like the hundredth time. Sebastian’s warm hands trailed over her bare skin, sending a shiver through her body. His lips pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her shoulder, making her inhale sharply. It had only been a week since she’d moved in with him, but Kaira was already familiar with how affectionate and touchy Sebastian could be. Not that she minded—she secretly loved it. She also adored the way he spoiled her with gifts and refreshed her wardrobe with elegant, more refined dresses. “You’re going to be just fine, princess,” Sebastian said, his voice a soothing rumble from behind her. “I’m sure my grandfather will love you.” Kaira bit her lip, her nerves still refusing to settle. Meeting the elder Mr. Ashford, along with Sebastian’s uncles and aunts, felt like stepping into a lion’s den. The Ashford family was known for their dignified, almost intimi
The door clicked shut, but Kaira barely had time to register it before Sebastian pinned her against it, his lips crashing into hers with a hunger that stole her breath. This kiss was nothing like before. It was rough, urgent, and intense. Kaira tried to keep up, but Sebastian dominated her, savoring her as if he couldn’t get enough. His lips left hers, trailing down to her neck where he grazed her skin with his teeth, teasing her, drawing out a soft moan from her lips. Her legs felt unsteady beneath her as he tried kisses to her collarbone, each touch igniting sparks that made it impossible to hold back the sounds escaping her lips. Her dress slipped from her shoulders, pooling at her feet, leaving in nothing but a pair of lacy red panties. Sebastian stepped back for a moment, his eyes roaming over her body with an intensity that made her shiver. Admiration and raw desire burned in his gaze. "You’re beautiful, princess," he murmured, his voice husky with need. Before she could
The Blackwoods were all gathered in the sitting room when Kaira walked in. The smug expression on Evelyn’s face told her immediately that whatever this was about, it involved her. “Good morning, Father. Mother,” she greeted, her tone polite but wary. Her father, however, was too furious to acknowledge her. “What is this family meeting about?” she asked, irritation creeping into her voice. “You think because you’ve got some rich man wrapped around your finger, you can talk to me however you please? Sit your ass down!” her father roared. The sheer force of his voice left no room for argument, and Kaira reluctantly lowered herself onto the couch. “I suppose they’re right when they say money changes people,” Claudia began, her eyes narrowing as she scanned Kaira’s figure. “Just look at how she’s dressed, like a cheap whore.” She gestured toward Kaira’s dress with a sneer. Kaira wore a short black dress with a low neckline and intricate patterns along the hem. While there was
The news of Evelyn mistreating employees in the company exploded across the internet the next day. Headlines featured images of her harassing an employee, and the story quickly became a viral scandal. Kaira couldn’t hide her satisfaction as she scrolled through article after article. With Sebastian’s help, she had been able to uncover dirts on her sister, and now her efforts had paid off. She knew her father would do everything in his power to protect Evelyn, his "precious daughter," but Kaira couldn’t wait to see the look on her sister’s face.Anticipating the chaos, Kaira wasted no time heading to her parents’ house, ready to feign concern and offer her unsolicited support. She wanted to stay close to the drama and enjoy every moment of Evelyn's downfall. She doubted anyone would bring up matters of her returning home, her family would be too preoccupied with damage control. “Good afternoon, Julian. Evelyn,” Kaira greeted with mock politeness as she stepped into the living room. He
The news that had set the internet ablaze the week before had now quietly faded, thanks to Kaira’s father’s efficiency in managing scandals. Evelyn was the face of the Blackwood Company so a public mishap involving her would have been disastrous for business, so her father ensured the story disappeared. While the company’s stocks took a minor hit, the damage was contained by a strategic cover-up. Mathias had bribed the employee involved in the incident to retract their claims, framing the situation as professional correction rather than bullying. Kaira couldn’t help but admire her father’s cunning ability to manage crisis.“Put your phone down, princess,” Sebastian’s voice broke her focus. He was sprawled on the sofa in their room, looking at her with mock exasperation. “You’ve been ignoring your husband,” he teased, drawing a chuckle from Kaira. She placed her phone on the down side table.“You’re such an attention seeker,” She said, walking into his open arms, an embrace that had be
Another scandal involving Evelyn had taken over the internet. This time, photos showed her walking into a hotel suite with several men. While her face wasn’t visible in any of the photos, the back of her head and her smile gave her away. It wasn’t just one photo—there were many, showing her meeting different business associates at the same hotel. The evidence was all over the media, and Kaira wondered how her family would handle this mess. She knew the company would take a big hit, but she didn’t care. Her father had taken what should have been hers, and if Evelyn’s actions ruined the company, it would only serve them right.The sound of her phone ringing pulled her from her thoughts. She was lounging on the couch, barely paying attention to the TV. She sighed when she saw the caller ID—her father. Letting it ring a few times, she finally picked up, already bracing herself for the conversation.“Hello?” she said calmly.“Kaira, where are you? Have you seen the news?” Mathias’s voice w
Everywhere buzzed with preparations for the elusive bachelor Sebastian’s upcoming party—though ‘bachelor’ no longer seemed an accurate title. Everyone wanted to be invited, with those left out deemed unworthy of such wealth and influence. Sebastian hosted a household party twice in a year to honor his business allies, yet securing an invitation grew more challenging each time. Invitations were not simply handed out, they were a sign of importance, a symbol of access to a network of power, money, and influence.“Have you sent out the invitation to my family?” Kaira asked, standing at the kitchen counter in an apron, chopping vegetables. She wanted to prepare a special meal for Sebastian to show her gratitude for his constant support.Sebastian slid his arms around her from behind, resting his head on her shoulder as he pressed a kiss to her neck. “Yes, princess,” he murmured against her skin, his voice low and warm, sending a shiver through her.Meanwhile, the Blackwoods were stunned t
“What took you so long? You know how important this event is!” Mathias snapped as Kaira joined her family in the driveway. What they didn’t know was that she had left an hour earlier, keeping an eye out for their departure while she waited in a small coffee shop nearby. She had called her father the moment she saw their car pass by.Kaira narrowed her eyes and replied coolly, “I’m sorry for being late.” Her gaze shifted to the rest of her family, who were too mesmerized by the grand mansion in front of them to even acknowledge her—not that they ever did.“You’re always complaining that we don’t love you, and now, when we go out of our way to include you, you’re still not satisfied,” Mathias said, his voice dripping with insincerity. The memory of his cruel words from just last week lingered in her mind, though his current performance suggested none of it had ever happened.Straightening his suit, Mathias adjusted his tie, determined to look his best. Claudia, Evelyn, and Julian follow
"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