Reunion "I heard you came over," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. I watched her in horror, knowing that she was pretending, but her acting skills were so good that it only fueled my hatred for her even more."You should stay for dinner, my love," she continued, her words laced with cruel intentions. "It looks like you haven't been eating well. You appear so pale.""Well, when you have a thief in your midst, it's bound to happen, I suppose," I replied, my voice filled with anger. "Stealing artifacts seems to be her expertise, along with stealing my happiness."Before I could deliver a final blow to her verbally, a familiar voice interrupted me. It was Gustavo, standing behind me now, his gaze fixed on me. I couldn't believe what he was doing. Who gave him the right to interrupt me? I forced a smile and walked away, heading towards the front door."Gemini!" Gustavo called after me, catching my hands to stop me. His eyes scanned the surroundings to ensure we were alone.
(Inheritance)Since the incident at the birthday party, things have taken a turn for the worse. The meeting seemed to drag on forever, and I could feel the piercing stares of my dad and Gustavo directed at me. Were they looking at me?"Has Simon reached out to you, Gustavo?" my dad inquired with curiosity evident in his tone. Gustavo, seemingly calm despite their previous altercation at Simon's father's birthday party, responded, "No, sir.""I'm not paying all of you to simply say no. Figure it out, we need Simon here. He's a valuable asset that we can't afford to lose," my dad sternly addressed the room. "We need him before the next scheduled meeting. This meeting is adjourned.""Mary, is he inside?" I asked, concerned."He is. Should I let him know you're here?" Mary offered, reaching for the intercom."No need. It's urgent. I'll go in myself," I swiftly responded, noticing Mary's anxious expression. "I promise I won't get you in trouble."With a soft knock, I pushed open the glass
(Desires)Once again, I found myself in that very place I had sworn never to return to."Whisky or wine?" Simon asked from behind the bar."Wine, please," I replied.He approached me with a glass of red wine, offering it to me as he raised his for a toast."Cheers to... Is there anything else you'd like to add?" he paused, his eyes locked onto mine."Cheers to not caring," I said.A smile formed on his lips as he took a sip from his glass, then sat down on the couch behind him, pulling me down onto his lap.I perched uncomfortably, his pristine white sleeve unbuttoned halfway, revealing a hint of his chest and his disheveled hair contributing to his bad boy image.He was undeniably attractive, but I felt uneasy being in such proximity to him. I attempted to get up, but he tightened his grip, his hand resting on my thigh.I could feel his warmth and the intensity of his touch sent shivers down my spine. As we sat there, surrounded by the lit ambiance, the soft music, became a distant b
(A romantic gesture) (Gustavo pov)**********"You should get dressed,” I said, my voice tinged with urgency.She turned towards me with a mischievous smile. "We still have time," she whispered, pressing her lips against my neck. "Let's go one more round."Annoyed, I tossed her clothes towards her. "We don't have time for this," I insisted.For the past two weeks, I had been tirelessly working to secure those funds, knowing that one wrong move could ruin everything. The thought of being arrested for embezzlement sent a shiver down my spine.Gemini was still essential to my plans, despite how aggravating she had become lately. I needed her, whether I liked it or not."So, what's the plan?" Mrs. Ciara's voice interrupted my thoughts."It's simple," I replied, turning to face her. "You continue playing the role of Saint's devoted wife, earning his complete trust. We need access to those assets."Mrs. Ciara's voice dripped with contempt. "Saint doesn't easily trust anyone, especially when
(Not a request) ~~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~~As I sat down to eat, the sound of my fork clicking against the plate ruined my appetite. I couldn't help but shoot a glance at Simon. How was it that he always seemed to be everywhere?"Mrs. Saint, I have to say, this meal is divine," Simon praised my stepmother, causing her cheeks to turn a faint shade of red.I watched, annoyed, as she basked in his compliment. What a cunning charmer he was. I couldn't keep quiet any longer. I had to put an end to this charade."Just so you know, Simon, she didn't prepare this meal. She simply enjoys putting on a show in the kitchen, pretending to be devoted to it," I interjected, cutting short their moment of happiness.The entire house fell into a tense silence. I could hear a faint chuckle from the maid standing behind us, her gasp barely audible. My father's eyes filled with rage, capable of knocking victims to the ground. And as for Simon, a mischievous
(Just Friends)Simon tidied his desk and gently placed me on top, his hand cradling my face as he kissed me passionately. Lost in the moment, I couldn't help but let out a pleasurable moan, my thoughts scattered."I want to fuck you so badly right now," he whispered in my ear.Eagerly, I unbuttoned his sleeve, my eyes admiring the captivating sight of his tattooed body.Our gazes locked, sending a surge of sensation through me. My desire grew, my body yearning for his touch, craving him inside me.Simon removed the top I was wearing, revealing my bare skin. His hands skillfully unclasped my bra, revealing my succulent breasts."You're stunning," he murmured.His touch caressed every inch of me, his fingers finding their way to my sensitive nipples, teasing and pleasuring them.Electricity coursed through my veins as I couldn't help but moan. His mouth explored my breasts, tantalizing, sucking, and lavishing attention on them. Overwhelmed, my fingers gr
(The Date)(Simon pov) I stood there, my blood boiling with rage as I witnessed him holding her and kissing her. Was I just a pawn in her game? Did she befriend me just to be able to have access to him and fancy places? Am I just a substitute to fulfill her sexual desires because she can't have him?These thoughts consumed me, and I desperately wanted answers. Her eyes were filled with shock, and I realized that maybe I had arrived at the wrong time."Simon," she called out, her voice barely audible."I guess we meet again," I said, trying to compose myself."Hmm," was all she could say. If only she knew how utterly messed up I felt because of her. Maybe then, she wouldn't have thoughtlessly kissed another man."Hello, Mr. Sinclair," Gustavo, the man standing beside her, greeted me, extending his hand for a shake. As I reluctantly took his hand, a surge of anger coursed through me.How long had they been involved? How intimately had he explored eve
(The devil and its minions)I continuously pressed the doorbell, aware that Gustavo must be inside. His car was parked in the lot, after all. Hoping for a response, I tried one last time, but still, there was no answer. Frustrated, I turned to leave and made my way towards the elevator.Confusion gnawed at me, wondering why Gustavo was avoiding me. He was inside, so why was he ignoring my attempts to reach him? I unlocked my car and sat inside, unable to move. Just then, the doors of the elevator opened, revealing a figure stepping out.My eyes widened in disbelief as I recognized my stepmother emerging from Gustavo's place. A wave of realization washed over me. Was there something I was missing? Had Gustavo been avoiding me because my stepmother was with him? The questions raced through my mind, leaving me stunned and lost for words.I sat there in disbelief as my stepmother walked out of Gustavo's place. Confusion and anger washed over me in waves as I tried to
~TAKING THE BAIT~Saint picked up his glass of whisky, taking a slow sip, his cold eyes fixed on Lilac as she sat across from him. He had called her here, requesting a meeting under the guise of business. If possible, he hoped to strike a deal—after all, she was the biggest art collector in town. And he needed her.“I didn’t expect this meeting, Mr. Saint,” Lilac said smoothly, her polite smile betraying none of the wariness she felt inside. She was surprised, to say the least, when the mighty George Saint himself had requested to see her.And now here she was, sitting face-to-face with the man who had once been Maya’s husband.“There’s a first time for everything, isn’t there?” he replied, matching her politeness with a thin, practiced smile of his own. He set his glass of whiskey down carefully on the polished table between them. “Business has a way of bringing people together.”“I see,” Lilac murmured, dragging the words out, clearly unconvinced. But she was here now, and curio
~A BREWING STORM~Gemini made her way toward her father’s study, her footsteps slow and measured. She hadn’t expected him to call her—it had only been a week since her grandmother was laid to rest, and she was still drowning in the weight of it all. Her days were consumed with managing the galleries her grandmother had left for her. It was Victoria Greyson’s final gift, her last will.Uncle Brandon had inherited the estate, along with most of her grandmother’s businesses—even the ones that had originally belonged to Gemini’s mother. It stung, but she knew her grandmother had done it to protect what was left of Maya’s legacy.Still, none of it felt real. A part of her refused to accept that Victoria Greyson was truly gone. She paused at the top of the stairs, her attention shifting to the sharp voice cutting through the silence. “That’s all you people are—useless, good-for-nothing leeches!” Tiara. Gemini frowned, her grip tightening on the railing as she turned toward the k
~SHADOWS AND SECRET ~Gustavo’s grip on Jerome’s collar tightened, his knuckles turning white. “I mean it, Jerome—stay the hell out of my business.”Jerome merely smirked, completely unfazed by Gustavo’s aggression. He was about to make a snide remark when a familiar voice interrupted them. “What the hell is going on here?”Both men turned to see Ciara standing at the entrance of the dimly lit hallway, her arms crossed over her chest. Jerome straightened his jacket and flashed her a sly smile. “Ah, Mrs. Saint, always a pleasure.” He dipped his head mockingly before brushing past Gustavo, leaving without another word. Ciara watched him go before turning her sharp glare to Gustavo. “What are you doing?” she hissed. “Do you have any idea how reckless you’re being? The last thing we need is unnecessary attention.”Gustavo exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “He’s a snake, Ciara. You shouldn’t trust him.”Ciara rolled her eyes. “And you think I don’t know that?” She ste
~AN ICON~The news of Victoria Greyson’s passing spread like wildfire through New York. It was a somber day for both the Saint and Greyson families. At her grandmother’s estate, Gemini sat motionless in the grand living room, her hands resting on her lap. People flowed in and out of the house, offering their condolences, but to her, their words felt hollow. "What did they really know about my grandmother?" she thought bitterly, her gaze distant. Her eyes followed her Uncle Brandon as he moved through the crowd, forcing himself to smile while shaking hands with guests. He was doing his best to be strong, but Gemini could see through it. His mother was gone. His sister—Gemini’s mother—had been taken from him years ago. And now, he was all alone. “Gemini, sweetheart,” Aunt Vivian spoke softly, placing a warm, concerned hand on Gemini’s back. “Why don’t you go upstairs and rest for a while?”Vivian watched her husband niece carefully. Gemini hadn’t spoken much since the guests s
~A HOUSE WITHOUT A SOUL~ The call came unexpectedly—just like the day my mother’s car crashed. "Gemini," my father had called. My eyes lifted from the strawberry cake I was holding. It was my mom’s favorite. "Your mother," he began, his voice cold as ever. The smile on my lips faded the moment he mentioned her name. "She isn’t coming home, sweetheart. She died in a car crash."He said it as if it were something an eighteen-year-old girl would want to hear. The cake slipped from my hands, crashing onto the floor. Tears streamed down my face. And just like that, my mother was taken from me. Now, here I was again, gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white, trying to stay calm. "Please, please, just hold on until I get there," I whispered, biting my lower lip nervously. I shook my head, trying to push back the tears burning behind my eyes. "Please… Damn it!" I yelled, slamming my horn repeatedly as the car in front of me refused to move fast enough.
~DEAD PEOPLE STAY DEAD~Gemini carefully placed her belongings into the boxes in front of her. She had gotten them from the staff earlier, determined to move her things as quickly as possible. Staying in this house, under the same roof as her father, was no longer an option. Her gaze fell on a framed photo of her and her mother. A sudden thunderclap filled the air. “It’s raining,” she whispered, brushing her fingers over the glass. “Mom always loved the rain.” She exhaled softly, placing a hand on her stomach. Rising from where she sat, Gemini walked toward the open balcony, lifting her head to the darkened sky. The sound of a car pulling into the driveway made her shift her focus. Peering down, she watched as a sleek black car came to a stop. The door unlocked, and two figures stepped out, black umbrellas obscuring her view. Her brows furrowed. They were here to see her father. Quickly, she stepped back from the balcony before they could spot her and made her way to th
~YOU ARE MINE STILL~Gustavo made his way out of the kitchen toward the living room exit, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he spotted Gemini approaching. “Hey,” he called out, a fake smile plastered across his lips. Gemini’s brows furrowed in annoyance, but she forced herself to stay calm. Now was not the time to get upset. “You have a little…” Gustavo said, reaching out to brush a smudge of lipstick from the corner of her lips. She recoiled instantly, slapping his hand away as she glared at him. *Shameless bastard,* she thought, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. “No ‘thank you’?” he mused, feigning disappointment. “You’re getting ruder by the day, Gemini, and I don’t like it.” His tone was teasing, but the threat beneath it was unmistakable. “I wouldn’t be if you learned to keep your hands to yourself—especially off someone else’s wife,” she shot back, disgust evident in her voice. Gustavo chuckled, shaking his head. *Someone else’s wife.* It was funny. No ma
~GREEDY AMBITION~There was nothing more they could do but wait for Nanny Lauren to call, as Simon had suggested. Gemini walked him to his car. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay and help you pack?” he asked, concern obvious in his eyes as they flickered from her to the house. Gemini smiled, her hand gently holding his. “As much as I love your company, I know you’re a busy man. Don’t let me keep you,” she said, hoping it would convince him to leave. This was her family’s problem, and she was going to solve it herself. She would get to the root of everything. “I’ll be visiting my grandma. I heard her health has gotten worse.” Simon’s expression softened. “How are you coping with that?” Gemini had always been close to her grandmother, staying by her side ever since she was diagnosed. Now, she was losing another family member, and the thought terrified her. “Well… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared as hell. But Uncle Brandon is still around—that’s a good sign.” She
~MINE ALONE~Gemini pulled away from Simon’s hold, her hands clenched into fists as she bit her lower lip until she tasted copper. “I won’t forgive any of you if anything happens to Nanny Lauren,” she said, her voice unwavering. “Especially you, Father.” She was done. Done with his tricks, his lies, his cruelty. She refused to break—especially not in front of them. “What a stupid brat,” Mr. Saint growled through gritted teeth. His cold eyes bore into his daughter. He should have disowned her long ago, but he couldn’t. Not now. Not when she was the key to everything Maya left behind. Those damn documents. He needed to get his hands on them—before Gemini did. “You never fail to disappoint me, Gemini,” he said, his tone dripping with hate. “It’s almost tragic that we’re related.” His gaze shifted toward the doorway. Gemini instinctively followed his eyes, and when they landed on him, her stomach twisted. Gustavo.That bastard.“I hope I’m not interrupting a family momen