Sebastian adjusted his cufflinks for the third time that evening, glancing at his reflection in the sleek glass of his car window. His tailored black suit and crisp white shirt exuded power and elegance, but none of it mattered. His mind was consumed with anticipation as he waited outside Olivia's house.When the door opened, and Olivia stepped outside, Sebastian’s breath hitched. She was stunning. The red silk gown hugged her figure perfectly, with a neckline that was bold but not overly revealing. Her hair was pinned up, allowing soft strands to frame her face, and her minimal jewelry only emphasized her natural beauty. The crimson hue of the dress seemed to set her aglow in the evening light.Sebastian quickly composed himself, stepping out of the car. "You look..." He trailed off, searching for words. Beautiful wasn’t enough. Neither was stunning. "Extraordinary," he finally said, his voice low.Olivia’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away shyly. "Thank you. You’re looking sharp y
The room buzzed with the mingling of laughter and the clink of champagne glasses. Olivia clutched the edge of her gown, her eyes darting uneasily around the opulent ballroom. Alexander’s piercing gaze was fixed on her from across the room, his smirk sending a chill down her spine.Sebastian, standing beside her, noticed her discomfort instantly. His sharp blue eyes followed her line of sight, landing on Alexander. His jaw tightened, the tension in his body palpable. He leaned closer to Olivia, his voice low but firm. “Don’t let him rattle you. He’s not worth it.”Olivia nodded faintly, but her hands trembled at her sides. The memory of Alexander’s cruel words earlier haunted her, and his presence seemed to suffocate her.Alexander, holding his wine glass with practiced arrogance, sauntered toward them. His tall date followed closely, though his attention was solely on Olivia.“Well, well,” Alexander drawled, stopping a few feet away. “Olivia. You look stunning tonight—though I must sa
The morning sunlight filtered through my curtains, but it didn’t bring the usual warmth. It felt sterile, cold even, as if the world had conspired to rob me of comfort. Sitting at the edge of my bed, I stared blankly at the floor, replaying last night’s events over and over in my head.Alexander’s words still stung, but it wasn’t his cruelty that lingered the most—it was Sebastian. The way he had intervened so seamlessly, as if he had rehearsed every line, every gesture. For a moment, I had felt safe in his presence, but now, in the harsh light of day, I couldn’t shake the strange unease that had settled over me.With a sigh, I forced myself out of bed. I had a job to do. Routine was my only solace.---The office was alive with its usual buzz of activity, but I felt like I was moving through a fog. I made my way to my desk, nodding absentmindedly at my colleagues’ greetings. The familiar surroundings brought a flicker of comfort, but it was fleeting.I tried to lose myself in work, c
I sat in the darkened study, my fingers steepled beneath my chin as the silence closed in around me. The dim glow of the city’s lights seeped through the cracks in the heavy drapes, but it was nothing compared to the storm raging within me. Olivia. Her name wasn’t just a sound; it was a tether, binding me to a reality I couldn’t bear to lose. Yet, something was wrong. I had felt it for days now, an unmistakable shift in her demeanor. She was pulling away, retreating behind a wall I hadn’t seen coming. Was it possible she knew? The thought twisted my stomach into knots. I had been meticulous, careful. Every message, every glance, every encounter was designed to seem accidental, harmless. I had built my presence in her life like a puzzle, each piece falling into place without her realizing. But Olivia was sharp. If anyone could figure it out, it was her. I clenched my fists against the armrests of my chair, the leather creaking beneath my grip. The idea of her knowing—of her seei
The airport was bustling with activity, the echoes of announcements mixing with the chatter of travelers. Olivia stood outside, clutching her suitcase as the cold night air bit at her skin. Her heart was pounding. She checked her phone for the umpteenth time, confirming her cab’s arrival time. The minutes dragged. Every second felt like an eternity as her mind raced with thoughts of the past few weeks—of the humiliation, the pain, the suffocating obsession that had clung to her life. She shook her head, forcing herself to focus. This was her chance to leave it all behind, to start over. The headlights of the cab finally pierced through the darkness. The driver rolled down his window, asking, “Ms. Brooks?” She nodded and climbed in, her suitcase placed neatly in the trunk. The driver adjusted the rearview mirror, giving her a quick look of reassurance, but Olivia remained silent, staring blankly at the passing streetlights. Her phone buzzed in her lap. She hesitated before flipping
Sebastian’s grip on Olivia tightened as she struggled against him, her body stiffening in his arms. Her breath came in shallow, panicked gasps as she instinctively pushed at his chest. She was disoriented, the weight of the world pressing down on her as she tried to make sense of what was happening. “No… please,” Olivia murmured weakly, her voice trembling. She wanted to fight, to break free, but the disorientation from fainting, combined with the heaviness in her chest, left her powerless. Her limbs felt like lead as she hung there in his arms, her head lolling to the side as she tried to gather enough strength to resist. Sebastian didn’t respond, his expression unreadable. His hands cradled her with a gentleness that contrasted with the force he used to hold her close. His eyes lingered on her face, tracing the lines of her features as if committing every detail to memory. His movements were deliberate, steady—almost tender, but there was an unmistakable hunger in the way he held
Olivia sat on the edge of the sofa, her posture tense, arms crossed tightly over her chest. The dim lighting of Sebastian’s spacious study cast long shadows across the room, amplifying the unease that hung in the air. She gazed at him, her brows furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line. The weight of unanswered questions had grown too heavy to bear. “I’ve had enough,” she said, her voice sharp but trembling. “Enough of your cryptic words, your vague gestures, and your riddles. If you’ve got something to say, Sebastian, then just say it. Get straight to the point.” Sebastian stood by the large window, his silhouette framed against the backdrop of the dark, sprawling cityscape. His shoulders stiffened at her words, and for a moment, he didn’t turn to face her. Instead, he gazed out into the night, his hands clasped behind his back, as though drawing strength from the world beyond the glass. Finally, he sighed—a long, slow exhale that seemed to carry a burden he had been holding
Olivia stepped back instinctively, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and disbelief. She clenched her hands tightly at her sides, her breathing shallow. “You don’t own me,” she said, her voice trembling but defiant. Sebastian’s expression darkened, his intense gaze pinning her in place. The air seemed to grow heavier as he took a deliberate step closer, the space between them shrinking. His presence was overpowering, the quiet menace in his demeanor sending a shiver down her spine. “You don’t understand, little bird,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. He leaned in slightly, his piercing eyes locking onto hers. “You don’t have any choice. You were mine the moment I saw you.” Olivia felt the walls close in around her, the room suffocating with his words. “You’re insane,” she whispered, her voice cracking as she stumbled back. Sebastian tilted his head, a ghost of a smirk curling his lips. “Call it what you will,” he said, his tone eerily calm, “but it won’t change anything.” His
The soft, golden glow of the morning sun filtered through the delicate sheer curtains, casting a warm, inviting light that danced across the spacious bedroom. Olivia sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers gently resting over her swollen belly, as if cradling the life within. A deep sigh escaped her lips, a small and somewhat defeated gesture, as she gazed blankly at the floor, lost in thought.Sebastian emerged from the walk-in closet, his crisp white shirt neatly pressed, sleeves rolled up to reveal his toned forearms. The sharpness of his deep brown eyes immediately honed in on her troubled expression. After years of being together, he could read her like an open book. He recognized that look all too well — it was the unmistakable sign of trouble brewing beneath the surface.“What’s wrong, little bird?” he asked softly, his voice a gentle caress aimed at breaking through the fog that surrounded her. There was a careful quality to his tone, a mix of concern and tenderness, as if he
Sebastian leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed tightly over his chest, watching Olivia as she tried to reach for a fallen book on the floor. Her pregnant belly, now prominent at six months, seemed to make even the simplest of tasks a formidable challenge. He could see the frustration etched on her face, a mix of determination and exasperation.“Olivia, please stop that,” he said firmly, pushing himself away from the door and stepping closer.She let out an annoyed huff, her fingers straining to grasp the book just out of reach. “Sebastian, it’s just a book. I can pick it up myself,” she insisted, her tone a blend of stubbornness and pride.Not willing to let her continue, he knelt down, his knee creaking slightly as he bent. He swiftly grabbed the book and set it on the table with a deliberate motion. “You’re not supposed to bend over like that, especially now,” he said, concern lacing his voice.Olivia looked at him, her brow furrowing slightly. Despite his protective instincts
Olivia sat cross-legged on the well-worn couch, the soft fabric of the cushions cradling her as she anxiously fidgeted with the edges of a small, white gift box that was delicately wrapped in a pale blue ribbon. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on her surroundings and illuminating her nervous fingers that kept tracing the ribbon’s neat bow. After hours of deliberation, she had finally settled on a way to share her exciting news with him. It was simple yet deeply meaningful—she wanted it to capture the essence of this new chapter in their lives. Inside the box lay a tiny onesie, perfectly soft to the touch, with the cheerful words “Daddy’s Little Sidekick” printed across the front in playful letters. The onesie was so small that it fit snugly in her hands, and even just the sight of it sent a wave of warmth and anticipation coursing through her. She closed her eyes for a moment, imagining their future baby adoringly dressed in it, giggling and reac
Sebastian’s arms were enveloped around Olivia as he slept soundly, his face nestled against the soft curve of her neck. There was a sense of safety in his embrace, an instinctual tightness that conveyed his fear of losing her, even in slumber. Olivia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him, her fingers gently trailing along his strong jawline. A year ago, she would never have envisioned this—living a life filled with genuine happiness alongside a man who had once instilled fear in her heart. The obsessive, possessive Sebastian she had initially known had transformed, evolving into someone she now couldn’t imagine living without.As if sensing her unyielding gaze, Sebastian stirred, instinctively tightening his embrace. His lips brushed lazily against her shoulder, and through the thick veil of sleep, he murmured in his deep, husky voice, “Watching me again, little bird?”Olivia stifled a soft laugh, feeling warmth spread through her chest. “Maybe.”His dark, expressive eyes flutt
The morning sun poured through the sheer curtains, casting a warm, golden glow that danced softly across the walls of the cozy bedroom. Olivia, still wrapped in the delightfully smooth silky sheets, stretched lazily, her limbs comfortably entangled with Sebastian’s. It had been a month since they exchanged their feelings, yet each morning felt like a new, exquisite page in a never-ending dream—one she never wanted to awaken from.A strong, familiar arm tightened around her waist, pulling her irresistibly closer to the comforting warmth of her husband’s body. She could feel his breath, warm and gentle, brushing against the nape of her neck as he buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of their shared intimacy.“You’re awake,” he murmured softly against her skin, his voice still thick with the remnants of sleep.She smiled, her heart lightening at the sound of his voice, and turned to face him, their bodies mirroring the curve of the morning light. “So are you,” she replied pla
The air between them hung thick with unspoken words and raw emotions, charged with a tension that had been simmering beneath the surface for far too long. It was as if the very atmosphere crackled with the weight of what they had both avoided acknowledging until this pivotal moment.Olivia’s vision blurred, tears welling up as she gazed at him, truly seeing him for the first time. Every line of his face, every subtle shift of his expression, resonated with the depth of his feelings. She had always sensed the intensity of his obsession, the relentless devotion that seemed to bind him to her. Yet, standing before him now, everything crystallized into sharp focus; she understood something profound and undeniable.A small part of her had been in denial, fiercely resisting the emotional pull he had on her heart. But as she observed his chest rising and falling unevenly, the sweat glistening on his brow, and the way his hands clenched tightly at his sides—straining against the urge to bridg
The car rolls to a stop, and an enveloping silence descends around them, punctuated only by the gentle rustling of leaves in the soft breeze. The hum of the engine dies away, leaving a tranquil stillness in its wake. He exits the vehicle first, the cool air brushing against his skin, and strides purposefully to her side.With a practiced elegance, he opens the door, his hand extending toward her like an unspoken promise. “Come,” he invites, his tone laced with a calm authority.For a brief moment, she hesitates, the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air between them. But then, drawn by an inexplicable trust, she places her hand into his, feeling the warmth of his grip as he gently guides her out. The world around them is alive with the sweet whispers of nature, the faint floral scent wrapping around her like a delicate shawl. Yet, before she can fully take in the vibrant hues of the blooming landscape, he produces a silky blindfold from his pocket.“Trust me?” His voice is smooth,
Olivia blinked awake, her senses gently stirred by the delicate touch of soft rose petals fluttering onto her skin, each one whispering a sweet allure of morning. As she sat up, her surprise turned to wonder, watching in awe as deep red petals cascaded gracefully from the ceiling fan above, twirling like dancers in slow motion. A small, delighted smile bloomed on her lips—this unexpected shower of roses felt ethereal, intimate, almost as if she had stumbled from the realm of dreams into a waking fantasy. Her gaze wandered to the bedside table, where a meticulously arranged tray awaited her. The warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked croissants wafted through the air, mingling harmoniously with the rich scent of her favorite coffee, still steaming in a beautifully crafted mug. A bowl of perfectly sliced fruits—vividly colored strawberries, succulent oranges, and plump blueberries—sat invitingly, a feast for both the eye and palate. Yet, what truly captivated her was the elegant note res
Her heart swelled with a surge of emotion that took her completely by surprise. In that moment, standing before him, she realized she’d never imagined he was capable of such profound thoughtfulness, doing something so special just for her. Overcome with gratitude and joy, she lunged forward and enveloped him in a tight hug, her arms wrapping around him as if to shield the moment forever. The force of her embrace caused him to shift the cake slightly to the side, but in that instant, he felt as if nothing else mattered. As she clung to him, he could feel the warmth and weight of her presence against his chest. It took him a beat to realize that her unspoken happiness had given way to tears, and they were now slowly soaking into the fabric of his shirt. The salty droplets mingled with the sweetness of the moment, a testament to the deep connection they shared. Gently, he set the cake aside, its rich frosting glistening under the soft glow of the overhead lights. With a tender touch, h