Adrian POVThe aroma of roasted meat and savory spices hung heavy in the air as I entered the kitchen. It was nearly seven, and the pangs of hunger were beginning to make themselves known. Sarah sat at the dining table, a half-eaten plate in front of her. Her brow was furrowed slightly, as if she were contemplating some complex equation. She looked up as I entered, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she quickly masked it with a neutral expression."Take a seat," she said, her voice even and polite. "I'll get your food." She rose and disappeared into the kitchen, returning moments later with a steaming plate of steak, mashed potatoes, and what looked to be perfectly roasted vegetables. She placed it in front of me, the clinking of the ceramic a stark contrast to the quiet hum of the refrigerator. Then, she resumed her own meal, her movements precise and economical.It had been almost a month since our…arrangement. Our forced marriage. And this was the first time we had
Sarah POVThe week leading up to the Annual Gala had been a whirlwind of deadlines, meetings, and overflowing inboxes. I barely had time to breathe, let alone think about the event itself. Thankfully, Ester, ever the organized whirlwind, had taken charge of the logistics. She had coordinated with Adrian’s assistant regarding our outfits, ensuring that we would arrive at the venue simultaneously, a strategic move to maintain the illusion of marital harmony. Since I was finishing work late, I would get ready at the office, a plan that saved precious time.My last meeting of the day finally wrapped up, leaving me exhausted but relieved. I dismissed my team, promising them a less hectic week ahead, and retreated to my cabin. The door clicked shut behind me, and I sank onto the plush cushion of my chair, kicking off my heels with a sigh of pure bliss. While they certainly added a touch of sophistication, heels were instruments of torture after a long day. I propped my tired feet up on the t
Sarah POVA tap on my shoulder pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Noah, smiling warmly at me. He took the empty seat beside me."Why are you sitting here all alone?" he asked."These parties aren't really my scene," I admitted. "But being married to Adrian, I guess I have to attend these things now.""Perhaps a dance will make the evening more bearable?" he suggested, extending his hand.I hesitated for a moment. A dance might be a welcome distraction. I placed my hand in his, and he led me to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and I placed mine on his shoulders as we swayed slowly to the music."I've heard a lot about you from Jessica and Adrian," Noah said, his voice casual."Oh, I'd love to hear those stories," I replied, a touch of irony in my voice. "It's always interesting to learn new things about oneself.""Haha, I can only imagine how challenging it must be to be with Adrian," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement."It's definitely a challenge
Adrian POVI was circulating among the various businessmen, engaging in polite conversation, when I heard Sarah’s voice. I turned and was momentarily speechless. Her dress…it was exquisite. It fit her perfectly, accentuating her curves in a way that was both elegant and provocative. Her hair, cascading down her shoulders, framed her face, making her look incredibly desirable. I noticed every male gaze in the room lingering on her, their eyes filled with admiration, and something possessive stirred within me. I pulled her closer, wrapping my arm around her waist, a silent declaration that she was mine.As I spoke with Mr. Groff, I saw Sarah excuse herself and head towards the bar. I watched her take a seat, a slight frown on her face. Just as I was about to make my way over to her, Jessica appeared at my side, her hand slipping possessively onto my arm."You look beautiful, love," I whispered to Jessica, offering her a small smile. She blushed, clearly pleased by the compliment.Jessic
Sarah POVThe car screeched to a halt in front of the imposing gates of the mansion. I flinched as Adrian’s hand, which had been gripping mine tightly throughout the ride, loosened. I quickly pulled my hand away, the lingering pressure a reminder of his barely controlled fury. I stepped out of the car, the cool night air a stark contrast to the simmering tension within me. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked towards my room, a sense of unease settling in my stomach. I was confused, troubled. Adrian’s outburst had been so sudden, so disproportionate to what I perceived as a harmless interaction with Justin. To me, the hug had been nothing more than a friendly farewell, a gesture of closure. But Adrian had twisted it into something ugly, something malicious. His unpredictable moods were a constant source of anxiety, and I knew that confronting him in his current state would be futile. It was best to avoid him, to give him time to cool down, before attempting to understand the root
Sarah POVWith a chilling finality, he threw me onto the bed, the impact jarring my already fragile state. He moved with a terrifying swiftness, stripping off his clothes, his eyes never leaving mine. Panic clawed at my throat. I knew what was coming, and I scrambled off the bed, desperate for escape. The bathroom, the nearest sanctuary, was my only option. I ran towards it, but he was faster. He grabbed me by the waist, his grip like iron, yanking me back towards him. The force of his pull sent me stumbling, and his hand connected with my cheek in another stinging slap. He had already shed all his clothes except for his boxers, his body radiating a menacing heat. His eyes, a mixture of lust and hatred, were fixed on me, sending shivers of fear down my spine.He forced me back onto the bed, his weight pinning me down, trapping me between his legs. No, this can’t be happening, I thought, my mind reeling. This can’t be real."Adrian, please," I begged, my voice trembling. "Don't do this.
Sarah POVThe assault continued, his movements brutal and relentless. He flipped me onto my hands and knees, his grip on my hair painfully tight. I braced myself, anticipating the next wave of his rage, but instead, he…he entered me. From behind. The pain was immediate, sharp, and excruciating. It felt as though my soul was being ripped from my body. I cried out, a strangled sob escaping my lips, but he paid no attention. His reflection in the mirror showed his enjoyment of my suffering, his face contorted in a mask of cruel satisfaction. He continued to thrust, his movements merciless, each one a fresh wave of agony. His nails dug into my lower back, leaving deep, red marks that burned like fire.When he finally reached his climax, a guttural groan escaping his lips, he pulled out, the sudden absence of his presence almost as painful as his intrusion. He flipped me back onto my back, his eyes cold and detached. He released his seed onto my neck and breasts, the warm, sticky fluid a f
Adrian POVThe aftermath was a blur of raw emotion. I lay there, on the bed, my body aching, my mind reeling. I didn't know what had come over me. The images of Sarah and Justin, the whispers of their past, had ignited a firestorm of rage within me. The thought of her with another man, of her giving him what I craved, drove me to madness. I heard her pleas, her cries, but they were muffled by the roaring in my ears. I was determined to punish her, to make her understand that she was mine, to control, to possess. She is mine to love, to hate, to torture. The thought echoed in my mind, a twisted justification for my actions.Seeing her smooth, white skin, and feeling her body beneath mine, ignited a desire within me, a perverse satisfaction that I hated myself for feeling. Despite my anger, despite the revulsion I felt for my actions, I couldn't deny the pleasure I derived from dominating her, from hearing her moans, even though they were cries of pain. After the brutal encounter, I lef
Sarah POVAlessandro’s gaze lingered on me, his deep brown eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation. I could feel the weight of his emotions pressing between us uncertainty, longing, fear. His jaw was tense, as if he was holding back words he wasn’t sure he was ready to say."Alessandro, you're right to ask," I said, my voice steady, though my heart was pounding. "I don't care about Adrian, I care about you. What happened to him... it was a moment of confusion, a mistake. I've realized that my heart has always been with you. That's why I told him we needed distance. I want you to know that you're the only one I want to be with."He exhaled slowly, crossing his arms over his chest, his posture still guarded. I could almost see the battle playing out in his mind—the part of him that wanted to believe me and the part that still held onto the pain of the past."And Adrian?" he asked finally, his voice softer now but firm. "What happens if he doesn't stay away?"I shook my head, step
Sarah POVA lump formed in my throat at the tenderness in his tone. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.“Me too,” I whispered back. “I’m so glad we’ve been able to work through everything. I’m committed to us, Alessandro. I want you to know that.”His hold on me tightened slightly, and he pressed a lingering kiss to the top of my head.“I know,” he said. “And I’m committed to us too. Whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together.”As exhaustion pulled me into sleep, I felt a rare sense of peace settle over me. The doubts that had once gnawed at the edges of my mind were beginning to fade, replaced by the quiet certainty that Alessandro and I were on the right path.But even as I embraced that sense of calm, a small part of me couldn’t ignore the lingering weight of Adrian’s last message. His words echoed in my thoughts more often than I wanted to admit. There was something unresolved there, something that refused to fade into the backg
Sarah POVHis words carried an unmistakable edge of jealousy, laced with something deeper frustration, maybe even desperation. I could hear it in the way Adrian spoke, the way he hesitated just a fraction of a second before choosing his words. He wasn’t ready to let go, that much was obvious. But I had already made my decision.I wasn’t going to let the past interfere with the fragile, beautiful thing Alessandro and I were rebuilding.Instead of answering Adrian right away, I chose to ignore the message, setting my phone aside with a steadying breath. The temptation to respond, to offer him some kind of closure, gnawed at me, but I resisted. The best thing I could do for myself for my relationship was to keep my distance. Even if it hurt.So I threw myself into work that day, immersing myself in tasks, focusing on anything that kept my mind from drifting back to Adrian’s lingering words. But even as I busied myself with emails and meetings, I felt the weight of the unresolved tension
Sarah POVHis words settled deep within me, reassuring me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. But there was still one more thing I had to say, a truth that needed to be voiced.“I wanted to let you know that I spoke to Adrian,” I admitted, watching his face carefully. “I told him we needed some space. I want you to know that you’re my priority, and I won’t let anything or anyone come between us.”For a moment, Alessandro didn’t say anything. His expression was unreadable, but then his shoulders dropped slightly, and he exhaled a breath he had probably been holding for too long. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, appreciative. “Thank you for that, Sarah. I appreciate it. I’ve been worried about how much he’s been around, but I didn’t want to pressure you.”I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I understand,” I murmured. “But you don’t need to worry. I’m committed to making this work. We’ve come too far to let anything get in the way now.”His thumb brushed over my knuckles,
Sarah POVSarah's POVAs the days passed after Adrian's unexpected visit, the tension between Alessandro and me began to ease. We had successfully navigated a difficult moment, but I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Adrian's presence was still a looming threat to our relationship. Even when things felt light and easy between Alessandro and me, a small, anxious voice in the back of my mind kept whispering reminders of the past—of Adrian’s influence, of the confusion he stirred within me. I knew I had to confront the situation head-on, not just for Alessandro's sake, but for my own peace of mind.It was a bright, clear afternoon when I finally decided to send a message to Adrian. The sun streamed in through the curtains, casting golden patterns on the floor, but despite the warmth of the day, I felt an unmistakable chill settle in my bones. The words didn’t come easily, but I knew they were necessary.Message to Adrian:Hi Adrian, I think we must maintain some distance for a whil
Sarah POVBeside me, Alessandro shifts. His voice is calm, firm, but there’s an unmistakable edge to it. “We’ve been trying to focus on our relationship and work through things together. I appreciate your concern, but I think it’s important for us to handle this on our own.”Adrian’s gaze flicks to Alessandro, and for a moment, the air crackles with unspoken tension. Then he looks back at me. “I get it. I just didn’t realize how deep things were between you two. I guess I’m still trying to understand where I fit into all of this.”A pang of something guilt, frustration, maybe both presses against my ribs. I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “Adrian, you have to understand that I’m trying to rebuild my relationship with Alessandro. I’ve made it clear that I need to focus on that, and your presence here complicates things.”For the first time since he arrived, something in Adrian’s expression shifts. His shoulders relax just slightly, and some of the steeliness in his eyes fades. Th
Sarah POVThe tension in the kitchen is thick enough to cut with a knife. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the rich aroma of butter sizzling in the pan, but none of it is enough to mask the growing unease settling over the room. Adrian takes a seat at the table without waiting for an invitation, his movements deliberate yet casual, as if trying to stake a claim on the moment. I sense Alessandro’s eyes on me, his concern pressing against my skin like a silent question. He doesn’t have to say anything—I already know he’s on high alert.I try to steady my nerves, pushing down the wave of anxiety clawing its way up my chest. This unexpected visit could be nothing more than an awkward inconvenience, a minor speed bump on the road Alessandro and I are rebuilding. Or it could be the kind of turning point that shifts the entire course of our relationship.I glance at Alessandro, searching for reassurance in the warm depths of his gaze. He gives me a small, firm nod—silent suppo
Sarah POVWe move in perfect harmony in the kitchen, our bodies falling into an effortless rhythm as we prepare breakfast together. The scent of sizzling butter and warm spices fills the air, mingling with the quiet hum of our laughter. It’s easy, natural like slipping into a well-worn routine.Alessandro reaches for the same cutting board as I do, his fingers grazing mine. The brief contact sends a spark through me, and I glance up at him, my breath hitching slightly. He notices. His lips curl into a knowing smile, and for a moment, the rest of the world fades away.“You’re distracted,” he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.I smirk, shaking my head. “You wish.”His laugh is low and warm, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace. As the food on the stove begins to sizzle, Alessandro gently nudges me with his hip, pulling me closer to him. His touch is light, almost teasing, but there’s something deeper in the way he looks at me.“Sarah,” he says, his voice dropping into a w
Sarah POVThe kitchen is bathed in warm morning light as I start gathering ingredients. I pull my hair up into a loose bun and tie Alessandro’s oversized hoodie around my waist, enjoying the familiar scent of him clinging to the fabric. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and I hum softly as I chop vegetables and whisk eggs. There’s something so soothing about the simplicity of this moment—about the act of creating something with my own hands for someone I care about.I heat up the pan and begin making the pancakes, savoring the familiar rhythm of cooking. The sizzle of batter hitting the hot skillet and the rich aroma of butter melting fill the room, making my stomach grumble in anticipation. I’m plating the first batch when I hear Alessandro’s footsteps approaching from down the hall.He walks into the kitchen, his hair tousled from sleep, the sleeves of his t-shirt pushed up haphazardly. A sleepy smile graces his lips as he rubs at his eyes. "Good morning," he says, h