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CHAPTER 24
Last Updated:
2024-09-16 17:17:19Related chapters
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 25
ARIANA I stood frozen for what felt like hours, my mind spinning as I tried to process everything the old woman had just said. My cheek still stung from her slap, but the pain was drowned out by the flood of questions crashing through my thoughts. I straightened up, my fingers trembling as they brushed against my cheek one last time. Then I took a steadying breath, squared my shoulders, and made my way out. As I walked down the corridor towards the foyer, I stopped in my tracks, a sudden thought crashing into me like a wave. The cameras. Grayson had cameras in almost every corner of this house. Could he have seen or heard what just happened earlier? I looked up, scanning the ceiling for the usual glint of the small black cameras that dotted every corner of the mansion. My heart sank.There were none.Why are there no cameras here? I murmured under my breath. My eyes swept the hallway again. It didn’t make sense. Every hallway, every room seemed to have surveillance, yet this o
Last Updated : 2024-09-17UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 26
ARIANA As the car cruised down the city streets, my thoughts were still spinning from everything that had just happened with Florence and the cold indifference in Grayson's one-word response. I stared out the window, trying to shake off the lingering tension. Matt was rambling on about something—probably another joke about shopping—but I barely registered his words.When the car finally came to a stop, I glanced up, my heart skipping a beat. We had parked in front of a massive shopping mall. At first glance, it was just another sprawling complex of glass and steel, but as I looked closer, a strange sense of familiarity washed over me. The design, the layout, and even the tall glass windows shimmering under the morning sun—it all reminded me of a mall back in my hometown. The one I went to before everything changed.I blinked, trying to push the unsettling feeling aside. This was just a coincidence. There was no way it could be the same. Yet, the nagging thought refused to leave as I
Last Updated : 2024-09-20UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 27
ARIANA My body felt heavy, like lead, as I drifted back to consciousness. Darkness surrounded me, thick and suffocating. My head throbbed painfully, a dull ache spreading from the spot where I'd been struck. I fought to open my eyes, my lids feeling like they were weighed down with concrete, but after a few groggy blinks, I finally managed to pry them open.The first thing I noticed was the flickering light—dim and orange, dancing just beyond my line of sight. I squinted through the haze, my vision slowly adjusting to the low glow of flames crackling in the distance. Fire. The realisation hit me, and I froze, my heart pounding in my chest.I was lying on the cold, hard ground, the surface beneath me uneven and gritty. The sharp scent of smoke and burning wood filled my nose, mixing with something else—something metallic and acrid. Fear tightened its grip on my throat as I became more aware of my surroundings.I wasn't alone.Through the slits of my barely open eyelids, I saw them—fiv
Last Updated : 2024-09-25UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 28
GRAYSON My foot slammed down on the gas pedal, the car roaring as I sped down the street like a maniac. My mind was racing just as fast. The phone call still echoed in my head—the driver muttering something about Ariana being taken by men from the Genovese Circle. I gripped the steering wheel harder, my knuckles turning white.I swerved around a corner, barely registering the blaring horns of other cars I cut off in my haste. I had one goal: to get to her. To fix this. And to make those bastards pay.When I reached the location the driver had given me, I slammed the brakes, the car skidding to a halt. Without thinking, I jumped out, my boots hitting the ground hard. The driver stood by the car, but before he could even open his mouth, I was on him. My fist connected with his face in a brutal punch, sending him stumbling back."What did I tell you to do, you bastard?!" I growled, my voice a low, dangerous rumble.He barely managed to catch himself before he fell, his hands shooting up
Last Updated : 2024-09-26UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 29
GRAYSON I drove in silence, the weight of my thoughts suffocating me. The betrayal gnawed at the back of my mind, each second ticking by like a bomb ready to explode. Tony. My most trusted man. The thought alone sent my stomach into knots. But I couldn’t jump to conclusions. Not yet.When I reached the phone technician’s shop, I parked the car and grabbed all three phones that had been in the car with me. I strode inside, the bell over the door jingling as I entered. A young technician sat behind the counter, his head popping up from behind a laptop as he saw me walk in.“Check these,” I said, tossing the phones onto the counter with a deliberate thud, my tone clipped. “See if there’s anything on them—tracking devices, bugs, anything.”The guy blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden demand, but quickly nodded. "Sure, I’ll take a look."I leaned back against the counter, arms crossed, my jaw tight. As he got to work, my mind churned. Tony, wherever you are... I whispered to my
Last Updated : 2024-09-28UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 30
GRAYSON I slammed the laptop shut, the tension coiled tightly in my chest. Skyler. Her face alone was enough to ignite the fury simmering beneath my skin, but seeing her put her hands on Ariana’s brother—the audacity of it—was too much. My father had played his games long enough, pulling strings, keeping Skyler hidden like a weapon he knew would drive me mad. But now, she was back, and I wasn’t going to let her slip away this time.I grabbed my phone, quickly dialling the number of one of my men stationed at the house. He picked up on the second ring."Get Skyler," I ordered, my voice cold and sharp. "Bring her to the courthouse. Now."There was no hesitation. "Yes, boss."I hung up without another word and immediately dialled my lawyer. “I’m coming over,” I said the moment he answered, my voice clipped. “get the divorce papers ready.”I tossed the phone onto the passenger seat as I got in my car. The engine roared to life, and I drove with a single-minded focus, my grip tight on th
Last Updated : 2024-10-07UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 31
MATHEW As soon as I got into the car, I clutched my hands tightly, trying to stop them from trembling. My mind was a mess, but I kept repeating the same thing to myself, over and over again, like a mantra. Everything will be fine. Brother-in-law will bring her back safely. Ari is gonna be fine. But no matter how hard I tried to reassure myself, I couldn't ignore the gnawing fear that was eating away at me. I glanced at the driver, who sat still, his hands steady on the wheel. Something about his silence unnerved me, but I pushed it down, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Why did brother-in-law look so angry?" I asked, my voice trembling slightly. "Do you know why? Does he have enemies?" Silence. The driver didn't even flinch. I clenched my fists, my frustration bubbling over. "I’m talking to you!" I snapped, my voice louder than I intended. Still, the driver said nothing, eyes fixed ahead as if he hadn’t heard a thing. I turned to look at him, my anger melting into guilt
Last Updated : 2024-10-08UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 32
MATHEW I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I trailed the black SUV, keeping a safe distance so they wouldn’t notice me. The city lights flickered around us as the car swerved through the streets, heading toward the outskirts of the city. My heart pounded in my chest, each second stretching into what felt like an eternity.I couldn't let them take Ariana away again. Not without knowing why. I leaned forward, eyes locked on the taillights ahead, determined not to lose them.The SUV took a sharp turn, and I followed suit, my tires screeching against the asphalt. They couldn’t know I was behind them, not yet. I had to wait for the right moment, but the anxiety gnawed at my insides. What was happening? Where were they taking her? If this was all under brother in law's orders, why had Ari looked so terrified?After a while, the car made a turn, pulling into a gated area. I slowed down, scanning the building ahead. It was huge, with flags of different nations hanging along its walls. I
Last Updated : 2024-10-09
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UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 59
ARIANA Grayson’s steady presence over the past few days had been a balm to my frayed emotions. He wasn’t overly affectionate or smothering, but he stayed by my side in quiet solidarity, offering comfort in ways only he could. Whether it was the small gestures, like ensuring I ate or sitting with me during my sleepless nights, his presence had become a lifeline.It was after one of those long, quiet nights, with dawn breaking and spilling soft light into the room, that I realized I was ready to let go of the past—or at least try. Clinging to the pain wouldn’t change what had happened. And Grayson, in his own way, had shown me that moving forward was the only way to truly live.Grayson and I hadn’t spoken much about Florence or Skyler since that explosive confrontation. But I knew he’d made his decision, prompted, no doubt, by my brothers. Gabriel had insisted he let them go, arguing that the cycle of anger and vengeance had to end somewhere. To my surprise, Grayson agreed—not because
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 58
ARIANA The tension in the car was thick enough to cut with a knife. Grayson drove in silence, his grip on the steering wheel firm. Gabriel sat in the passenger seat, his usual stoic demeanour intact. In the back, Ethan on my left stared out the window, while Mathew on my right leaned back, his eyes darting between me and the others. I couldn’t sit still, my thoughts spinning wildly after everything Gabriel had told me.Florence, our aunt. Skyler, her daughter. And yet, I still had questions. Questions Gabriel hadn’t fully answered.Unable to stay silent any longer, I leaned forward, poking my head between the front seats. My eyes fixed on Gabriel. “Are you absolutely sure you had no clue that Skyler was her daughter?” Gabriel sighed, his expression as unreadable as ever. “No, Ariana,” he said firmly. “I didn’t.” I looked ahead at the road, my mind spinning. Then, almost involuntarily, my gaze flicked back to Gabriel. “But why does she look so much like…” My voice trailed off befo
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 57
ARIANA Gabriel's sharp gaze softened unexpectedly, catching me off guard. "As much as I want to break you two apart, I won't," he said, his voice calm, almost resigned. "I'm not here to do that. I just wanted to check on all of you, but it looks like you're much better than I thought." My mouth fell open. Had I heard him, right? Was this some sort of trick? My heart raced even faster than when he had first walked through the door. I tried to read his face, but his expression was maddeningly neutral. Gabriel wasn’t the kind of man to sugarcoat his words or play games. If he wanted to make his disapproval known, he would. But now...he was standing here, saying he wouldn’t tear me and Grayson apart. My chest tightened, confusion swirling with a strange relief. "Y-you’re serious?" I managed to say, my voice cracking slightly. Before Gabriel could respond, Mathew—never one to stay silent—opened his mouth. "She and I nearly—" Panic shot through me like lightning. Without thinking
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 56
GRAYSON I stood frozen, my mind reeling as I tried to process what he had just said. He was there? My father had done unspeakable things in his life, but the idea that Gabriel had witnessed one of those horrors firsthand made my stomach churn.“You were… there?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, struggling to keep my composure.Gabriel’s expression hardened, his jaw tightening as he nodded slowly. "I was there. I saw everything," he said, his voice low but steady. "I was in the car with my father that day. He took me with him but when we arrived at his destination he left me in the car and went inside the building. That's when I noticed another boy around my age. He was sitting in a nearby car, looking bored and tired. And recently I just found out that he was your brother." He paused, the memory sharpening in his eyes. "As kids do, we got caught up in our little world, talking and laughing like nothing else mattered. Then
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 55
GRAYSON I sat in the chair beside Ariana’s bed, watching her sleep, her face still pale, her breath shallow but steady. The quiet of the room wrapped around me like a shroud, the soft hum of the mansion's night air only adding to the stillness. I felt the weight of every hour that had passed, the clock ticking relentlessly toward dawn, and yet I couldn’t bring myself to move. It was as though time had slowed just for me, granting me a moment of respite to reflect on everything that had happened and the broken pieces of my life that seemed to be multiplying with each passing second.The doctor had come earlier, gave them both some medication, and thankfully, there were no major injuries or anything more serious. Florence... she had always been there for me. I had trusted her with everything. When I had lost my way, when I thought I needed guidance, she was the one I leaned on. She had become like a mother to me. But now, sitting here, with every
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 54
GRAYSON I pushed myself off the bed, the heaviness of the night and the weight of Ariana’s tense reaction pressing down on me like a suffocating smoke. The unease was unbearable, clawing at my insides. I couldn’t stay here any longer. Quietly, I grabbed my phone and left the room, making my way to my home office. The moment I stepped inside, I shut the door behind me, the silence of the space offering no solace. I reached for the whiskey bottle sitting on the corner of my desk, poured myself a shot, and downed it in one gulp. The burn seared down my throat, bringing a fleeting sense of relief—temporary, but it was something. I pulled out my phone and stared at it for a moment before scrolling to Lucian’s contact. It was late, but I knew my brother well enough—he would still be awake. I pressed the call button, bringing the phone to my ear. Lucian answered after the second ring, his voice low and indifferent. “Did you make up your mind already?” I ignored the question, my grip
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 53
GRAYSON The drive to Lord Andre’s estate felt endless, the weight of the envelope on the passenger seat an unbearable presence. My knuckles ached from gripping the steering wheel too tightly, my thoughts spinning in chaotic circles. Every photograph, every name, every signature—it all pointed to him. The man I’d spent my entire life trying to outshine, to escape from under his shadow. When I arrived, the towering gates loomed like the bars of a prison. I punched in the code, barely waiting for the gates to swing open before speeding through the driveway. The tires screeched as I parked haphazardly near the front steps. The house, always a symbol of his power, now felt like a fortress of secrets. I stormed through the entrance, my footsteps echoing against the marble floors. A few of his staff glanced my way but wisely stayed silent. My destination was clear—his office. I shoved the double doors open, expecting to find him beh
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 52
GRAYSON The car came to a halt in front of Lucian’s hotel, the sleek black facade gleaming under evening night lights. I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, jaw clenching as I stared at the building’s entrance. Lucian always had a way of orchestrating his theatrics, and the thought of dealing with him only made my patience wear thinner. I stepped out, the cool night air doing little to ease the heat simmering beneath my skin. With purposeful strides, I made my way to the entrance. The doorman nodded, opening the grand glass doors as I walked inside. A polished worker greeted me immediately, bowing slightly before speaking. "Mr. Anderson, Mr. Lucian is waiting for you in the VIP private lounge. Please, this way." I followed him silently, the muffled sounds of classical music and faint chatter growing distant as we ascended to the exclusive floor. The plush carpet absorbed the sound of my footsteps, the hallway eerily quiet until the worker stopped in front of an intricately
UNBIDDEN DESIRES CHAPTER 51
ARIANA I stormed out of the room, the sharp sound of the door closing behind me echoing through the hall. My mind raced as I leaned against the door, pressing my ear to the wooden surface. Whatever Ethan and Florence were discussing, it was intense enough for him to shut me out. My curiosity burned like a flame. Their voices were muffled, but I could catch faint snippets of words—nothing clear enough to make sense of, just tones of urgency and frustration. I pressed closer, determined to hear more, when suddenly, the door flew open. I stumbled back, nearly losing my footing as Ethan stood in the doorway, arms crossed, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. “I knew you’d be eavesdropping, Ariana,” he said, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement. “Do me a favour and head downstairs.” I crossed my arms over my chest, glaring at him. “What business do you have with that woman, Ethan? You barely know her, yet suddenly you’re h
