Emelia’s mind spun as she stared at the intricately designed invitation. Ashton, the man she loved, was getting married. He had moved on. The reasonable part of her was happy for him; it was best that they stay apart after all, and having different partners was the best way to do this. Honestly, she didn't think it would hurt this much. She bit her lips unknowingly, looking aggrieved and uncomfortable. Winter, who had been watching her closely, couldn't help but laugh, but there was no joy in his eyes. So, it was like this; she still couldn't let go, even after so long. "What are you thinking about? It's just a wedding invitation. It's not like you are being forced to go." Although, it would be to his benefit if they went. He wanted her to see Ashton marrying someone else with her own eyes so that in the future, she wouldn't dare think of a life with him. Wasn't he good enough as a husband? Why was she still obsessed with the heir of an underground organization whose business was
Ashton could pretend to love her, but Lucille must have noticed that his affections weren't genuine. Yet, she clung to him with the hope of changing his feelings one day.She had come to the Barisova compound to see him a day before the wedding. Ashton was in the living room, nursing a glass of Scotch in his hand, looking deep in thought. These days, he seemed to enjoy getting drunk. Lucille went over and sat beside him, though she didn’t close the distance entirely because she knew Ashton valued his personal space above everything else."How are you feeling?" she asked, the concern in her voice drawing the attention of the man beside her."Why are you here? Isn't there a saying that the groom shouldn't see the bride days before the wedding?""Yeah, but I was worried about you." She smiled lovingly.Ashton reached out and placed a hand on her stomach. She was already six months along, and despite everything else, he was at least looking forward to the birth of his child. So, though h
Emelia’s eyes widened at his sudden accusation. She pulled her mouth off him, gasping for air.“What? No!” she exclaimed, shaking her head. “I wasn’t thinking about Ashton.” The name was heavy on her tongue.She wasn't lying, but she still felt guilty for even making Winter consider the possibility that she would think about another man while they were intimate. She had really left a dark shadow over their relationship, and she didn't think it would ever get better. All she could do was try to correct her mistakes and make it up to him."Really? Then what were you thinking about?""Why I haven’t done this much earlier. It feels so relaxing."Winter raised a brow at her words, then his lips stretched into an amused grin. "Only you, Emelia Carter, would think giving a blowjob was relaxing.""It’s true though." She leaned forward and placed a wet kiss on the head of his cock, which was slick with her saliva. "You smell amazing. I could get lost in your scent for a very long time."Winter
"I've heard a lot about you," Luciano says. "You are indeed very beautiful. I can see why my son was so infatuated with you."While Emelia blushed at his words, Winter only felt annoyance at the man's shamelessness. How could he talk about someone else's wife in that manner? It seemed he had made a mistake—maybe he shouldn't have come to this stupid wedding in the first place.Luciano and Emelia exchanged a few more words. "Why don't you join my family for dinner before you leave?""I...""We won't be able to dine with you," Winter cut her off abruptly. Emelia looked at him but didn’t say anything else. Luciano didn’t insist and bade them farewell before moving on to greet other guests."I wouldn’t recommend getting close to that man.""I wasn’t. I was simply being polite.""Polite, of course," Winter sneered.Emelia glared at him. "What’s the deal, Winter? I didn’t even do anything wrong. The man was just trying to be a good host, and I was trying to acknowledge his efforts.""Lucian
"I..." She was about to defend herself, but in the end, there was nothing she could say. "I thought you'd want to see her."Emelia didn’t know whether Ashton would insist on being part of Evelyn’s life, but what she did know was that he deserved to see his daughter, even if this was the last time.Ashton must have thought the same thing. He took the baby from her mother's arms, the slight jostling waking her up. Her ocean-blue eyes fluttered open and peered at him, and Ashton felt his heart melt. In his arms was his daughter. Despite how messed up his life was, he had managed to create something so beautiful.He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and held her close to his chest. Joy clashed with pain, leaving him feeling utterly overwhelmed. While he was happy to know of his daughter’s existence and felt blessed to hold her in his arms, the thought of parting from her weighed heavily. His beautiful baby girl might never know of his existence; she would grow up calling another man "f
Sixteen Years Later...Emelia doesn’t usually cook. Most of the time, her job keeps her busy, and she relies on the chefs to get things done. But even work is optional for her—she works for her husband, and Winter doesn’t mind if she doesn’t work at all.On the days she decides to go to the company late, she makes it her duty to prepare breakfast. This morning, she was in the middle of making pancakes, and the delicious smell of coffee and scrambled eggs filled the kitchen. Even the chef beside her, helping out where she could, was once again baffled by Emelia's talent.Before working for the Walkers, Lucy had heard rumors that the Madam was an arrogant woman, difficult to work with. Having climbed the social ladder, leaving her rolling in riches and mingling with the powerful, it was assumed that she would look down on others.However, those were just rumors. Within the first week of working in the household, Lucy realized that Emelia Walker was the kindest and most sincere employer
Principal Brandon's office wasn’t extravagant by any means, but it was cozy and comfortable. He even had a vending machine that students often used whenever they were sent to see him.He was a cool-headed guy. Evelyn had once heard that he was a genius in his childhood and had won multiple awards and recognitions for his state. Later, he settled into a teaching career, and within just a year, he became the head of the number one school in the state. Talk about an achievement.Evelyn usually liked him; he was cheerful and always knew how to make her laugh. But today, she found him rather biased. From the moment she walked into the room, he hadn’t once asked her what she had done wrong.Instead, he treated her like a colleague on a lunch break. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong with his behavior, but she was in a sour mood today and found herself faulting everyone.“Is there a reason you won’t punish me?” she asked.“Well, Ms. Dickens said you were littering, but a little secret a
“Maybe you had me with a mistress?”Evelyn instantly regrets her words. Even though Winter doesn’t seem too bothered, it’s likely heartbreaking to have your own daughter accuse you of cheating. She’s so frustrated and gloomy that she doesn’t think before she speaks anymore.Her dad is still busy typing away on his computer. She’s almost tempted to check if he’s using this as a way to avoid talking to her. Well, now’s as good a time as any to bring up her plans. She knows her mom won’t even consider the idea, but maybe Winter will understand.“Dad, I heard our school is hosting an exchange program this session. Is it okay if I participate?”“You want to move away that badly?” he asks in that voice that always makes her feel guilty.“It’s not about moving away! I’ve spent sixteen years of my life in this town. I want to experience something new. Besides, the exchange program is only for eight months. I’ll be back before you know it.”“Where?”“California, France, China, oh... and Italy.