I stood frozen, my eyes locked on Brad's face, as if I was staring at a ghost. It had been a year since he walked out of my life, leaving me shattered and heartbroken. He had chosen wealth and status over our love, opting to marry his rich boss's daughter instead. Why was he here now? What did he expect to achieve by coming back into my life? I couldn't help but wonder as I stood there, my mind reeling with questions. Brad's words cut through my thoughts, his voice low and husky as he whispered, "My love." Before I could react, he pulled me into a kiss, his lips crashing down on mine with a fierce intensity. I tried to pull away, but Brad's hold on me was too strong. He deepened the kiss, his tongue probing my lips, sending shivers down my spine. I felt a spark of emotion ignite within me, but I quickly extinguished it, reminding myself of the pain he had caused me. Brad's grip on my hands was warm and familiar, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. "I have missed you,
"Legalize those documents," Cade instructed, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "I want to have them with me, so that I can remind Emily here that she is now in this with me." Mr. James nodded and scurried out of the room, leaving me alone with Cade. The silence between us was oppressive, weighing heavily on my shoulders. I was quiet for a while, my mind racing with thoughts of the impending deal and its potential consequences. What would happen during the deal, and after it was all over? I wondered. Would I be able to escape Cade's clutches, or would I be trapped in this fake marriage forever? Cade's voice cut into my thoughts, his words sending a shiver down my spine. "Stop thinking about that, Emily. It's for your own good." I spun around, my eyes flashing with anger. "I've told you, I don't have anything going on with Brad!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in indignation. "Why do you keep bringing him up?" Cade's smile was cold and calculating. "Oh, I'm just making sure you understa
CADE’S POV I sat in silence, collecting my thoughts as I gazed out the plane window. The endless expanse of clouds and sky stretched out before me, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside. I didn't know where to begin explaining the island I grew up on, a place that held so many painful memories. "I hardly ever go back to the island," I said finally, my voice low and introspective. "Mainly because of my mom, who's always pushing me to marry Isabel. She's been obsessed with the idea of our families merging, and she won't take no for an answer." I paused, my eyes clouding over as the memories threatened to surface. "But it's not just that," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. "There are things I did, and had to go through, on that island. Things that I've tried to keep hidden, even from myself." I felt a shiver run down my spine as the memories began to resurface. "Things that, if they got out, would ruin me for good," I added, my voice laced with a hint of desperat
"What are you talking about?" Cade's mother demanded, her voice rising in indignation. "It's not nonsense, Mother," Cade replied firmly. "I've told you before - I'm in love with someone else. And I've married her, just last week." He glanced at me, his eyes warm with affection. "She's my wife, not my mistress." Cade's mother looked like she'd been slapped. "But...but Isabel has been waiting for you her whole life," she stammered. "She loves you, Cade. She'll cherish you until her dying breath. Why would you throw that away for...for someone else?" Cade's jaw clenched in frustration. "I've told you before, Mother - I don't love Isabel. I never have. And I won't marry someone I don't love, no matter how much you want me to." The air was thick with tension as Cade's mother and son locked eyes, their anger and frustration palpable. Then, without another word, Cade took my hand and led me into the house, leaving his mother's indignation and Isabel's shocked face behind. Cade's mother w
EMILY’S POV I stood by the window, gazing out at the breathtaking beauty of Cain Island. The lush greenery, the crystal-clear waters, and the warm sunlight all combined to create a sense of tranquility that I desperately needed. As I lost myself in the view, I tried to push aside the painful memories of the argument I had just witnessed. But as I stood there, something strange began to stir within me. I felt an inexplicable sense of connection to this place, as if I had been here before. It was a feeling that went beyond mere familiarity; it was as if Cain Island was a part of me, a part of my soul. I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling a shiver run down my spine. "Why do I feel this way?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Why do I feel like I've known this place my whole life, when I've only just seen it for the first time?" I shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs. It didn't make sense. I had never been to Cain Island before, never even heard of it until Cade brought
“I woke up to find myself in a beautiful garden, the garden was full of white roses, and I was even putting on a white gown. Barefooted, I began to walk around, feeling happy and free in the garden.” “Just then I heard someone's voice. I turned only to see a little child, She was pretty and very lovely, her beauty will outshine all if she will just smile a bit.” "What's your name?" I found myself asking, but she didn't reply. Instead, she took my hand and pulled me towards a little grave. "What's this?" I asked again, but she didn't reply instead she kept on staring at the grave. “It was then I realized, the grave belonged to her.” "Did you die?"I asked softly, and she debarred. "If it’s not yours, then why is it there, and why won't you say something?" The only answer she could give me was to point towards a house. “It was the same house, the one I had gotten to, I turned only to see the child running off.” I wanted to run after her, but I stopped when I saw a
"Cade's lips devoured mine, ignoring my struggles. I pushed against his chest, but he wouldn't budge. Yet, despite my resistance, his kiss sparked a forbidden desire within me. My fingers, once pressing against his chest, now curled into his shirt, drawing him closer.I couldn't explain why, but my body betrayed me, craving more of his touch. His tongue danced with mine, sending shivers down my spine. I kissed him back, our lips moving in perfect sync.The world around us melted away, leaving only the thrumming pulse of attraction. Cade's hands roamed my body, tracing the curves of my waist, hips, and shoulders. I felt alive, my senses heightened.But amidst the passion, a nagging voice whispered: 'This is wrong. You can't trust him.' I tried to silence it, lost in the intoxicating rush of Cade's kiss.""Cade's hand closed around my breast, the warmth of his palm seeping through the thin fabric of my nightgown. A jolt of electricity ran through me, and I couldn't help but moan, the so
EMILY’S POV As I stepped out of the car and onto the winding driveway, the grandeur of the mansion took my breath away. The maids, dressed in crisp uniforms, were busy preparing for some sort of event. Cade's mom, elegant as always, greeted me warmly, while Isabel looked on with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Her gaze was like a dagger, piercing and cold. Ever since last night's incident, Isabel had been nowhere to be found. But the venomous stare she gave me earlier still lingered. She glared at Cade, then at me, her eyes brimming with hatred. I had to look away; it was too much to bear. I'd never been on the receiving end of such animosity before. My family and I had always been easygoing and made friends easily, but being here had changed everything. Cade's mother broke the awkward silence. "So, you found her," she said as we reached the entrance. I would have stepped down, but Cade still held me tightly in his arms. Cade smiled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "As you
I stood at the balcony, lost in thought, as the memories of Emily's reaction flooded my mind. She had always looked at me with love and adoration, but when she remembered the truth, her expression transformed into one of hatred and disgust.That was why I had kept the secret hidden for so long. I had been terrified that if she found out, she would hate me, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing her. But now that she knew, I was consumed by the fear that she would never forgive me.If she wakes up, she'll hate me, I thought, my mind racing with dread. She might even ask for a divorce. The thought sent a chill down my spine.Just then, David's voice cut through my thoughts, his tone dripping with malice. "Thinking about Emily, or are you thinking about what you did to her?" he taunted, his eyes glinting with amusement as he walked towards me."Don't start with me, I'm not in the mood for your nonsense," I warned, my patience wearing thin.But David just smirked, his eyes glinting wit
EMILY’S POV (TEN YEARS AGO)I walked back into the kitchen, my heart still racing from what I had just overheard. My mom was finishing her food, a forced smile on her face as she caught my eye. I returned the smile, trying to reassure her, but I knew she was scared. We both were.My uncle and his family owned the island, and everyone here seemed to be under their control. It was as if they were above the law. I knew that no one would dare to cross them, especially not the police.My mom's voice broke the silence. "Should we just go back to the States?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for answers.I hesitated, knowing that we had nowhere to go. My mom had always said that we couldn't go back, that we had to make a new life for ourselves here.But now, she was willing to risk everything to get us out of this place. "But we have nowhere to go, you always said that to me," I reminded her.My mom's expression turned determined. "I'll figure something out, let's just
EMILY’S POV (TEN YEARS AGO) ( The night of the festival)I lay on the bed, feeling defiled and dirty. The night that was supposed to be special had turned into a nightmare. I couldn't believe what had just happened.Cade's voice cut through my thoughts, making me feel even more wretched. "I hope you're using protection, cause I never used one," he said, his tone casual as he got dressed.I felt a wave of shame wash over me. How could he be so nonchalant about what we had just done? "Hey, it's not something you should get worked up over," he said, his eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and malice. "You wanted it just as much as I did."His words were like a slap in the face, making me hate myself even more. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of shame and regret.But then Cade's expression turned ugly, his eyes flashing with anger. "Fine, then, since you've decided to act immature about it, I'll also do the same," he spat. "Don't get it wrong, this is for get
I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on Emily as she crouched on the floor, her body shaking with sobs. "You rapist, stay away from me!" she yelled, her voice hoarse from crying.I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. How did she find out? How did she know what happened? I thought, my mind reeling with questions.I took a step forward, my hands outstretched. "Emily, I can explain," I said, desperate to justify myself somehow.But Emily's words cut through my defenses like a knife. "I had begged you to stop, I had asked you to stop, but you didn't listen," she said, her voice cracking with emotion.I felt a wave of shame wash over me. I had never meant to hurt her, but I had. And now, I had to face the consequences."Emily, please listen to me, I beg you," I said, my voice shaking with regret.But Emily just shook her head, her eyes streaming with tears. "Don't come near me, please," she begged, her voice barely above a whisper.I knew that she needed time to cool off, to process her emotio
EMILY’S POV I tried to pull out of David's arms, but he held me back, his grip tight. "I thought you had left for good," he said, his voice filled with emotion as he held me tight.I tried to explain, but David cut me off. "Why did you leave without saying a thing?" he asked, his eyes searching mine as he let go of me to stare at me.I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I had to be..." I started to say, but David didn't let me finish."Oh my!" I exclaimed, startled, as he pulled me into his arms again."I don't want to know your reason," David said, his voice filled with relief. "I'm just glad that you're back."I pushed him away, feeling a sense of unease. Why was David so glad that I was back? What did he know that I didn't?"I'll head to my room now?" I said, trying to sound casual.But David's response was unexpected. "Can't you see it?" he said suddenly, his eyes wide with excitement.I felt a surge of confusion. "See what?" I asked, my heart pounding with anticipation.David
EMILY’S POV I sat in stunned silence, my mind reeling with the weight of my discovery. I had always sensed that something was off, a nagging feeling that had haunted me for as long as I could remember. And now, I had finally uncovered the truth.But as I gazed blankly into space, I couldn't help but wonder if I had made a terrible mistake. Would it have been better to remain in the dark, to never have sought out the truth? I thought about how blissfully ignorant I had been just days before, and a pang of regret shot through me."If only I could go back," I whispered to myself, my voice barely audible. "If only I could erase the memories of the past three days." But it was too late now. The truth was out, and I was left to grapple with the devastating consequences. (FLASH BACK ) THREE DAYS AGOAs I sipped the welcome champagne, its sweet, fizzy taste danced on my tongue. But it wasn't long before the exhaustion of the previous day's events caught up wi
CADE’S POV "This is my picture from when I was graduating college," Emily said, a nostalgic smile on her face as she flipped through the pages of the family album.As we continued to browse through the album, a particular photo caught my eye. "And what about this?" I asked, pointing to a picture of Emily surrounded by a group of guys at the beach.Emily's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, this was my first project after finishing my advertising course," she explained.My curiosity was piqued. "What? Your first project? What sort of project would a girl be doing amongst all these guys?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.Emily chuckled. "I had to help them advertise their beach. This is a photo taken when we were making the advert," she said, her eyes shining with memories of the experience."I don't like this at all," I said, my eyes narrowing as I gazed at the photo. "They're all male. Which one of them hit on you?" I asked, feeling a pang of jealousy.Emily burst out laughing, her eyes
"Please, I don't want her finding out like this," I begged softly, my voice cracking with desperation. "I want her to know the truth from me. Please, don't tell her the truth yet."Mrs. Wilburn's expression was incredulous, her eyes blazing with anger. "Isn't this being more shameless?" she spat. "You don't want her to know the sort of bastard you are? You want her to keep on loving the bastard who raped her?"Her husband placed a calming hand on her arm. "Honey, take it easy," he said, his voice soothing.But Mrs. Wilburn shook him off, her anger and pain boiling over. "For years, I had to see that struggle to be back to normal," she said, her voice trembling. "The nightmares, the flashbacks, the fear... and now you're asking me to keep the truth from her again?""Racheal was just a happy girl, remember?" Mrs. Wilburn's voice trembled with emotion, her eyes welling up with tears. "She and her mom would light up any room they entered, their smiles infectious and bright. But after she
CADE’S POV As the air hostess's voice came over the speakers, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. "Okay, sir, enjoy your flight," she said, her tone cheerful and upbeat. But I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been building up inside me since we left the mansion.The routine checks and procedures before boarding the plane had been exhausting, but it was Emily's silence that was really worrying me. She hadn't spoken to me since we left the mansion, and every time I tried to talk to her, she would only respond with a monosyllabic "yes" or "no".I couldn't help but think that something was wrong. Ever since her parents' call, Emily had been acting strange. She seemed distant, preoccupied, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in her mind.As I pondered the reason behind Emily's silence, I couldn't shake off the feeling that it was my fault. Had I been too abrupt in asking her to leave the resort and come with me to the city? The resort held a special place in