ANASTASIA’S POV: It has been a week since I’ve made the daring escape from my unwanted wedding to Dwight, and my life has taken on a new rhythm—one of clandestine planning and quiet determination. Each day brings new challenges and revelations, but none quite as impactful as the constant stream of information flowing in from Hugh about his own wedding with Yvanna. Hugh has promised to keep me informed of every detail of his upcoming wedding to Yvanna, and true to his word, he delivers. My week begins much like any other. I spend my days meticulously piecing together my plan, drawing on every resource at my disposal to ensure its success. But as the days pass and Hugh's updates roll in, my focus shifts, seeing the perfect opportunity to strike back. Gallery by Chele: Yvanna has contracted the owner of the prestigious restaurant to cater the food and drinks for her wedding—an extravagant affair befitting of her extravagant tastes. And as I pour over the details of the arrangement,
I sit on the edge of the mattress, my n.aked body wrapped in a thin blanket, my eyes fixed on Hugh as he dresses himself in silence. The room is filled with a heavy, palpable sadness, a weight that presses down on us both. Hugh's movements are deliberate but tinged with an undeniable sense of urgency. His shirt slips over his broad shoulders, his trousers pulled up over his toned legs. Each motion seems to push him further away from me, widening the chasm between us. I can't tear my gaze away from him, can't help but feel the sting of tears threatening to spill over. This clandestine love we share, it’s a flame that burns bright but is always on the verge of being extinguished. As Hugh fastens the buttons of his shirt, he finally glances down, his eyes meeting mine. There’s a flicker of regret there. He crosses the room and kneels before me, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. I flinch at his touch, my heart aching but grateful for the effort and time he’s given me today. “We’
Armed with a stack of books on hospitality, customer service, and etiquette that I bought in a book’s store, I delve into my studies with fervor. I pore over each page, absorbing the intricacies of table setting, the art of suggestive selling, and the importance of a genuine smile. But it isn't just books that fuels my education; YouTube grants me a wealth of resources at my fingertips. The video tutorials become my nighttime companions, guiding me through the finer points of wine service and the graceful ballet of tray carrying. As the days pass, I apply myself tirelessly to my newfound knowledge. I greet each customer with warmth, navigate the bustling restaurant floor with poise, and execute orders with precision. I watch as my confidence grows, mirrored in the approving nods of my coworkers and the satisfied smiles of the patrons I serve. A week has slipped by in a blur of activity when Marcus, the restaurant supervisor, summons me to his office. My heart flutters nervously as
I struggle to form a coherent response, my mind racing with a million unspeakable truths I dare not utter here. Panic claws at me, threatening to expose the delicate facade I’ve meticulously crafted. Before I can gather myself, Hugh speaks again. "Can I have a glass of the wine you're holding instead?" he pauses, his gaze fixed on my trembling hands. "That's one of my favorites."I nod, still anxious though. The cork protests softly as I twist it free, the sound echoing. Pouring the wine into a glass, I dare not meet Hugh's gaze, my eyes fixed on the crimson liquid as it cascades into the crystal vessel. As I extend the glass to him, my hand brushes against his, and in that fleeting moment, he slips a note into my trembling palm. Startled, my gaze flickers to his, finding a smirk dancing upon his lips before he winks and turns away, disappearing into the crowd.My heart races as I scan my surroundings, my senses on high alert for any prying eyes. Relief floods through me when I re
HUGH’S POV: The vineyard lies bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the rows of grapevines. I stand at the makeshift altar, my hands clasped tightly together, my gaze on the distant horizon, flickering sometimes at the window of the room where Anastasia and Zachary are hiding. Behind my calm composure, anticipation and dread swirling within me. Before me stretches a red-carpeted aisle, flanked by rows of chairs filled with expectant guests. Their murmurs and whispers form a distant hum in my ears, drowned out by the pounding of my heart. My gaze scans the horizon once again, searching for any sign of movement. The vineyard offers ample cover for potential assailants, its twisting rows of vines providing perfect camouflage for those who seek to disrupt the proceedings. My body twitch with the urge to transform now, but I force myself to remain still, to project an image of calm in the face of impending peril. Yvanna glides down the aisle, a visi
ANASTASIA’S POV: I clutch Zachary tighter to my chest, his tiny form trembling against me. He may not fully understand what’s happening, but the noises from everywhere are enough to make him sense that something isn’t right. I peer out the window. Through its glass, I see them – the werewolves. Their massive forms clash in a frenzy of blood and fur, canines bared in primal rage. It’s a scene straight out of the books I’ve read, the movies I’ve watched, but to witness it in real life is something altogether different. The sounds of snarls and growls echo through the night, sending shivers down my spine.I scan the massive vineyard, but I don’t see Hugh’s gray wolf. And not seeing him makes me really anxious. I tear my gaze away from the window, unable to bear the sight any longer. Then I sink back into the couch, pulling Zachary even tighter to me, as if my embrace alone can shield him from the horrors outside. I squeeze my eyes close, trying to block out the sounds of violence that
I slowly drift back to consciousness, my mind swimming through a haze of pain. It feels as though every inch of my body is on fire, agony that throbs in time with my heartbeat. I groan softly, trying to piece together what has happened, but the memories are distant and fragmented, like shards of glass scattered across my mind. Then, like a bolt of lightning, it hits me - Zachary is in danger! The realization jolts me awake, and I struggle to push myself up, my muscles protesting with every movement. But my determination outweighs the pain, and I grit my teeth, forcing myself to sit upright. A sharp cry escapes my lips as I collapse back, the pain too intense to bear. I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the throbbing to subside, but it persists, a relentless vibration through my body.Slowly, my surroundings come into focus. The first thing I notice is the crack on my eyeglasses, then... “Oh shi.t!” I hiss.I’m not in Bonded’s world anymore! I’m back in my own world, in my own bedroom
The morning sun streams through the lace curtains, casting delicate patterns on the wooden floor. I trudge back on my bed, my forehead creases with worry, as I hold my phone in a trembling hand. "Mama," I say, my voice weak and raspy. "I... I can't go meet the supervisor. I'm not feeling well, plus I’m not interested in publishing my book." "Alright, darling," mama says gently. Though I’m not looking at her face, the excitement in her voice is gone, and its worry returns. "I'll take care of it. You just focus on resting. I’ll call for a doctor now." As the door creaks close and mama’s footsteps fade, I let out a shaky breath, sinking back onto my pillows. I close my eyes, trying to block out the swirling thoughts in my mind. If only my book is just a book—a simple collection of words on a page. But it isn't. It’s so much more complicated than that. Plus, publishing a book isn’t even something I should even think about or give the slightest attention to at this moment. The minute