The morning sun filters through the lace curtains, casting a golden glow over the breakfast table where I sit with my parents. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of pancakes and bacon, hoping it could somewhat create a comforting atmosphere in the dining area, but it doesn’t. Mama places a plate of pancakes in front of me. Then she asks, "Darling, is everything okay?" I lift my gaze at her, her brow furrows with concern as she studies my face. Then, I force a smile."I'm fine, just not very hungry," I reply.“But you didn’t eat last night either,” mama counters."Hey, did you catch the game last night? The Bulls were on fire!" Papa chimes in, eager to lighten the mood. "Yeah, they played really well," I say even though I've not watched the game.My thoughts drift back to the emails I received from Author Agness. The feeling of unease that has settled in the pit of my stomach and the nagging fear in my heart are impossible to shake off.Papa launches into a
The air thickens around us, charged with tension as Hugh continues to speak."Anastasia," he begins, his voice gentle yet firm, "This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but I've been thinking a lot since last night about our future together."I blink, my mind racing to catch up with his words. "Hugh, I... I...that's..."Hugh’s hand tightens around mine, his warm palm brushing against my knuckles in a gesture that’s both intimate yet scary. "I understand if you're hesitant. Believe me, I am too. But I can't ignore this connection between us. I want to explore it, to see where it leads."I’ve never considered Hugh in this way before our kiss, never allowed myself to entertain the possibility of anything beyond being just his fan who wants his happy ending before that kiss! And yet, as I look into his eyes, there’s that same spark of curiosity and desire that threatens to make me wanna reconsider my plans."But Hugh," I murmur, my voice quavers, "You don’t know who I am. And You won’t believ
HUGH’S POV: The cool morning air pirouettes through the open balcony doors, carrying with it the earthy scent of nature and the distant murmur of the city below. I stand at the railing, my hands gripping the wrought iron as I gaze out into the clear sky. My mind is a vortex of frustration and confusion, my heart heavy with the weight of unanswered questions. Anastasia's defiance lingers in my thoughts like an unwelcome specter. I couldn't fathom why she continues to reject me, where she gets the audacity to tell a ridiculous lie to avoid my advances. If she doesn’t feel the pull between us, why not simply say so? Why concoct elaborate tales better suited to children's bedtime stories? She’s an enigma, a puzzle I couldn't solve easily. It’s obvious she’s facing some difficulties, I could see the strain in her eyes, the tension in the set of her shoulders. But what those difficulties are, I couldn't say. If only she can be honest with me and tell me the truth, the real truth, then I’
ANASTASIA’S POV: The midday sun emits a warm glow through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of Hugh's spacious office, illuminating the polished oak desk where I sit nervously. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this moment, the culmination of all the awkward and desperate negotiations, anticipation, and a fair amount of trepidation. Hugh sits across from me, a faint smile, that’s borderline a smirk, playing at the corners of his lips as he slides a sleek folder across the desk. My heart flutters in my chest as I reach out to take it, my fingers trembling slightly. With bated breath, I flip open the folder and scan the contents of the contract laid out before me. It’s simple, straightforward, yet its implications are profound. My mission is clear: reunite Hugh with his estranged love, Yvanna, and in return, I’d be generously compensated. Relief floods through me as I read the terms of the contract. This is it, my chance to set things right, to mend the broken pieces of Hugh and Yvan
The sky above the Ashfell Pack's subdivision hangs heavy with the promise of impending rain, casting a somber hue over the towering gates that mark the entrance to the domain of their wolves. I, with a pounding heart of anticipation and determination, approach the imposing structure, my steps faltering slightly as I near the two formidable figures standing guard. Clad in fitted black shirts, military-style trousers, and boots that reverberate the weight of their authority, the Gammas exude an aura of silent menace. Their eyes, sharp and keen like those of predators, bear into me as if they can see straight through to the very core of my being, assessing me with a scrutiny that makes my skin prickle with unease. Summoning every ounce of courage I possess, I meet their gaze head-on, refusing to cower beneath the weight of their scrutiny. I square my shoulders, chin lifted defiantly as I speak. "I'm here to see Yvanna Bautista. It's important." The shorter of the two Gammas, his ex
I have to craft my response with embellishment."Well, Yvanna," I begin, my tone laced with conviction, "You see, Hugh has always wanted you back."Yvanna's brow furrows as she gives thought on my answer. "But why does he only reaching out to me now?" I lean in closer, my mind ready with my mischief. "He thought he could just forget about you if he lets go." I say, a playful grin spreading across my lips. "He told me that he’s been on a journey of self-discovery these past two years. And in those years, he feels so empty and incomplete."Yvanna's eyes flinch with intrigue. She ventures, her voice coated with uncertainty, "So, you're saying he’s reaching out to me because he just realizes that I’m still the only one who can make him happy?" My confidence wavers a little, a sudden pain rushing through my heart at the last part of her question: 'I'm still the only one who can make him happy'. But I compose myself, and force myself to take back my enthusiasm. "Exactly!” I say.“Who kn
YVANNA’S POV: I sit perched on the plush seat before my vanity mirror, the soft glow of the vanity lights casting a flattering aura around me. My reflection stares back at me, my red locks hanging just above my shoulders. Christy, one of my Omegas, stands behind me, blow-drying my hair with deft movements. As I watch myself in the mirror, a smile plays at the corners of my lips, a secret, knowing smile that speaks of anticipation and excitement. Tonight is the night I’ve been waiting for, the night I was only imagining countless times in my mind's eye. Two years have passed since we had parted ways, two long years filled with longing and regret. I giggle softly to myself, a sound of pure joy bobs up from deep within me. Christy stares at me through my reflection in the mirror, a teasing smile stretching her lips.Oh, how I relish the thought of what’s to come! The romantic dinner, the intimate sidelong glances across the table, the whispered words of love that’ll surely follow. A
HUGH’S POV: Yvanna's confession lingers between us, throwing me off balance. This isn't part of the strategies I’ve prepared. I only agreed to this date to give Anastasia a job so I can keep her close to me, and also to make her realize that she likes me too by making her jealous. I look at Yvanna, searching her eyes for some sign of hesitation, of uncertainty, but find none. Her gaze is unwavering, filled with a depth of emotion that leaves me regretting ever meeting her again. My hand, clasped in hers, feels foreign, the warmth of her touch no longer familiar. In a desperate attempt to confirm my own suspicions, I tighten my grip, hoping to feel the bond that once connected us. But there’s no spark, there's nothing, only the coolness of her skin against my own. Yvanna is obviously waiting for my response, but I have none to give. I can’t tell her I still love her too because I don’t, but I also don’t wanna heartlessly reject her, especially since I'm the one who reached out to h