Father, ple—please!” she whispers, audible enough to their hearing, but her Father remains unfazed by her cries. Adrianna gathers emotions like storm clouds in a brewing tempest and walks out of the room. She feels the weight of anger and betrayal settle heavily in her chest. As she steps out into the waiting area, Victoria and Wade stand expectantly, their expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Her once warm face now looks pale and a bit wrinkly due to stress. “Adrianna! Is everything okay?” Victoria calls, attempting to bridge the gap filled with unspoken words and emotions, but Adrianna instinctively pulls back, shunning her sister's touch. She knows her anger isn't meant to be directed to them but she cannot help it—mostly by the very people she loves. “I need some time alone,” she snaps, her voice cold and ice, and she brushes past them without a second glance. “Adrianna, please wait!” Victoria called after but her little sister was already pushing through the heavy doors
22“Adrianna!” comes his low, commanding voice, slicing through the darkness. “Do you think you can hide from me?” Her heart races as she steps back instinctively, disoriented by the storm of emotion crashing over her. The man she both desires and despises sits poised like a predator ready to strike, his intense gaze fixing upon her with unyielding intensity. “What are you doing here?” she demands, every ounce of her frustration pouring into her words, turning the air electric. “I'm here for you, Adrianna?” Lance replies languorously. He leans casually against the wall, his presence commanding and unyielding in the darkness of the room. He beckons Adrianna to him with a lazy smile, the corners of his lips curling up playfully. Yet, she hesitates, her heart pounding frantically in her chest. “No—and see yourself out, please.” Lance's smile widens and he walks toward her. Panic engulfs her as he approaches, triggering an instinctual need to flee. “Adrianna,” he purrs, stepping clos
Adrianna’s POVHis mouth drags its way up my neck and his lips part at a spot right underneath my ear, finding the birthmark that hid there. I broken sob escapes me and I sink my teeth into my lip to stifle it.I feel his smile against my neck. He likes to do that, to drag it on till I can’t take it anymore. To tease me to I think I am going to explode. His fingers grip my thighs tighter as he thrusts into me again, pressing my back against the sand of the beach.My eyes lose focus and tension coils deeper in my stomach. His thrusts continue, slowly, like we have all the time in the world. I feel my toes curl and my head falls back. The tension buildingup in me reaches a breaking point and a scream escapes me as I climax. His thrusts become wilder, deeper, riding out the last ofmy release before he stills above me and shudders, failing against my breasts. I feel his breath hot against my neck in the spot where he had kissed.“You're so beautiful.” I hear him mutter, his fingers strokin
Adrianna’s POVInstinctively, I pick my purse up and attempt to stand. His hand on my knee stops me cold.“Sit.” He commands curtly. “Don't cause a scene.”I shove his hand off my knee, ignoring the wave of dizziness that hits me. “What the hell are you doing here?”“Your assistant damn near stalked me to get my location.” He says conversationally. “You mean to tell me you didn't expect to see me?”No. Because you’re not a French Marquis.“So go on and tell me.” He says. “Why did you seek me out with…” I feel his gaze roam over me and my cheeks heat up. The dress was a mistake. “…all your most desirable assets on full display?”“You… you’re …” I stutter. I didn't know he was out of jail already. How has he managed to convince everyone that he's the heir to a Marquisat?Lance had had all his assets seized and his house sold off. Even if he got out of jail, he should be broke, not possessing an aristocratic title.“Out of jail, sweet? That's pretty obvious, isn't it?” He says, his face
Adrianna’s POV(Five years ago)“We’re having a group of entrepreneurs over at the office today at two.” Lance said one morning as we rode in the elevator together. There were about three other people in the elevator with us so we were forced to stay with our shoulders pressed together.“Entrepreneurs?” I echoed.“The founders of Canyon.” He said. “You know, the underwear brand?”I felt a blush heat my face. I wasn’t prudish or anything, it just felt a bit too Intimate talking about underwear with Lance.Lance had zeroed in on Canyon stock prices as having great potential to skyrocket in a year or two. It had taken less than a week to reel them in.“Sweetheart, I know this is too much to ask, given the amount of work I've piled up for you,” He said sheepishly. “but I’d really appreciate it if you could keep the minutes of the meeting for me.”With Lance, words like “sweetheart” or “darling” were not endearments but mere placeholders for names. Or being nice. Knowing that didn't stop my
Adrianna’s POVFive years agoI sat in the living room with the woman who introduced herself as Portia. She seemed to blend in with the silent sophistication of the living room. The interior of Lance's home was elegant in a soft way, with well matched nude couches and walls. The floors were panned with wood. There was an electronic fireplace below the television set.My eyes fell on Portia again, the lady who exuded so much sexuality and charm that even I was impressed. Was she Lance's girlfriend?I suddenly felt stupid, feeling the urge to do up my buttons. Why would he even look at me if he had such a sensual woman waiting in his home? Yes, she was a bit older, but I doubted Lance was the kind of man to let something so trivial as age get in the way of a relationship he wanted.She poured herself some wine, her eyes next straying from me.“You said you were Adrianna? His assistant?” she asked, settling down on a couch opposite me. I nodded.“And you came over tonight to give him…” h
Adrianna’s POVFive years agoI felt him freeze. He was like a statute, unmoving and unresponsive. I deepened the kiss, letting my tongue trace his, eager for a reaction.Nothing.I moved away, my face burning. “I… I think it was the wine.”He moved suddenly, his hand cupping my nape and pulling me to him. The kiss was fast and urgent, almost desperate. His fingers fisted in my hair and tilted my face backward so he could spread slow, drugging kisses along my jaw and my ear. I bit back a moan, scared that any sounds I made would ruin this moment.His hand pressed at the small of my back, bringing me even closer to him. The hand in my hair let go, brushing the buttons of my blouse and I felt his lips against my neck.“I’ve wanted this for a long time.” He whispers close to my ear, his voice low with desire. “Everyday since you became my assistant.”His low, deep words sent heat pooling in my belly. His fingers made short work of my buttons, easing me back so I lay on the carpet, bared
“How could you do this to me, Adrianna?? You should always watch your back because I will be back and I will stop at nothing but to hunt and perish your soul!!” That was Lance's final words to me as I dropped the receiver suspended from the opposite side of the glass that separates visitors and prisoners. Lance on the other side, looked at me with dead eyes. That was the scariest face he had ever worn. I can remember how loud and repeatedly my heart beat up until this day. Lance is back and he will surely get his revenge but when?? And how ?? The thought of it always gives me a panic attack. I sat back at my desk, sipping my coffee and staring out the window, trying to calm my nerves down. The sound of my office door caught my attention but I didn't bother to look back. I knew it was no other person but my father. I know him too well, his rigid footsteps always gave him away. “Why are you looking unprofessional this morning??. His gruffs. I turned to meet his stern face. It left
22“Adrianna!” comes his low, commanding voice, slicing through the darkness. “Do you think you can hide from me?” Her heart races as she steps back instinctively, disoriented by the storm of emotion crashing over her. The man she both desires and despises sits poised like a predator ready to strike, his intense gaze fixing upon her with unyielding intensity. “What are you doing here?” she demands, every ounce of her frustration pouring into her words, turning the air electric. “I'm here for you, Adrianna?” Lance replies languorously. He leans casually against the wall, his presence commanding and unyielding in the darkness of the room. He beckons Adrianna to him with a lazy smile, the corners of his lips curling up playfully. Yet, she hesitates, her heart pounding frantically in her chest. “No—and see yourself out, please.” Lance's smile widens and he walks toward her. Panic engulfs her as he approaches, triggering an instinctual need to flee. “Adrianna,” he purrs, stepping clos
Father, ple—please!” she whispers, audible enough to their hearing, but her Father remains unfazed by her cries. Adrianna gathers emotions like storm clouds in a brewing tempest and walks out of the room. She feels the weight of anger and betrayal settle heavily in her chest. As she steps out into the waiting area, Victoria and Wade stand expectantly, their expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Her once warm face now looks pale and a bit wrinkly due to stress. “Adrianna! Is everything okay?” Victoria calls, attempting to bridge the gap filled with unspoken words and emotions, but Adrianna instinctively pulls back, shunning her sister's touch. She knows her anger isn't meant to be directed to them but she cannot help it—mostly by the very people she loves. “I need some time alone,” she snaps, her voice cold and ice, and she brushes past them without a second glance. “Adrianna, please wait!” Victoria called after but her little sister was already pushing through the heavy doors
20The bathtub is filled up with warm water and rose petals float on the surface of the water. Twirling a rose petal, she watches the bathwater drip down her long fingers. She feels her body begin to relax from the soft touches of Martha. “That shameless scumbag! How dare he undress an unconscious lady.” “you've got it wrong Ma. I was the one that changed your clothes yesterday as instructed by Mr Lance.” Maria says, her voice barely above a whisper, yet there is a hint of mischief in her eyes. “You mean he had you change me? Adrianna’s indignation rises again, this time directed towards the maid beside her.“Yes, miss. But it was just for comfort. We have to ensure you are well taken care of. And Mr Lance had to leave to give you some privacy. “Oh really? She mutters, left with mixed emotions. A part of her is glad that Lance didn't touch her while the other part—the vulnerable and yearning part is a little bit disappointed. Did he mean it? That she is not his type? She thinks.
A smooth familiar voice greets her. Even if she reincarnates a thousand times, she will always recognize his smooth deep voice. As she turns her head, there is Lance. She blinks, chest tightening as she takes in Lance, who is impeccably dressed in a tailored emerald—colored suit that accentuates his broad shoulders and angular jawline, the soft light enhances the angle of his jaws and the rich color of his eyes. He is sitting casually on a couch across her bed, with his legs crossed over the other. His presence is infuriatingly disarming, and for a moment, she finds herself mesmerized by how effortlessly handsome Lance is. “Where am I? She croaks, her throat dry and scratchy as her heart races maybe from the sight of him or the crazy scene from last night. Lance smirks as if he enjoys the chaos swirling around her. “You are safe, for now. But,” he gestures to a file lying on the table, open and inviting. “Time to sign the contract,”’ he adds sardonically, letting the weight of those
Adrianna strides towards the waiting car, with each step she takes a thunderous echo of her internal rage. As she approaches the face of Lance blurs, shifting hauntingly to that of Robert, his right-hand man. Her imagination must be playing tricks on her. She shakes her head, trying to dispel the fleeting image as she reaches the car. “Good evening, Miss Houston,” Robert greets her with practiced politeness as he opens the back seat door. He stands there, composed and ready, but Adrianna barely registers his presence. “Just drive!” she mutters coldly, sliding into the leather seat, revengeful thoughts swirling in her head. Lance!” She imagines his face, contorted in fear, his eyes pleading for mercy just the way they were five years ago. She yearns to tear him apart, get back at him, to dismantle the carefully constructed facade of his charm. The drive is a silent, tense journey. Robert, sensing her volatile mood, keeps his eyes fixed on the road, his hands gripping the steering wh
The crisp, sterile air or aroma of the freshly brewed coffee mingling with the buttery croissants does little to soothe Adrianna’s frayed nerves. The sunlight pours in through the large glass windows, casting a warm glow over the polished marble tables. Her fingers tap nervously against her phone. She glances at the clock, she should have heard from Wade by now. With every passing minute, her mind drifts back to the events that unfolded yesterday, the memory that stings and she prefers not to remember. Flashback……Adrianna glares at Lance, trying to pull her hands free from his grasp. “Let me go!” she demands, her voice taunt with fury. Her smirks, leaning closer, his breath earl against her skin. A knock at the door interrupts the tension. Robert strides, followed closely by a draped gaudy, sequined dress that sparkles even in the muted office light. Her luscious hair flows down her shoulders, amplifying the theater of her presence. “Lance!” the woman exclaims and rushes towards
“Nobody touches my woman!” “M - M - Mr. Vallerand, did I offend you?” the man asks with a tremor in his voice. Lance, tall and commanding, stands with the gun firmly pointing at the man’s head, clenching his sharp jawline. His eyes glint with a dangerous mix of anger and control.Adrianna feels numb from her scalp to the sore of her feet. “Is he going to kill him?” she feels her face flush with panic, the thought alone brings her out of her state of shock. She steps forward, her heels clicking against the polished floor, her voice trembling but firm. “Lance, don't!” she pleads. “Please don't do this.”Lance's gaze flickers to hers, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, with a slow, deliberate movement he lowers his gun, not sparing him another glance. He signals two bodyguards, two hulking figures in a black suit steps forward immediately. “Take him to the hospital,” Lance commands. The bodyguards nod, dragging the man away as he whimpers in fear and pain.Lance turns his att
Adrianna arrives at the club. She steps out of the sleek black, her heels clicking softly against the pavement as she takes in the sight before her. The club’s exterior screams luxury with its imposing glass facade and luxurious gold trimmings. The bouncers, dressed impeccably in tailored suits that strain at the muscle underneath, recognized her instantly. Who wouldn't recognize her? She is among the American list of successful women. They nod respectfully, acknowledging her as someone who belongs in the opulent world within. Adrianna offers a small, courteous smile, grateful for the swift passage as they pull aside the velvet rope. Inside, the interior is every bit as magnificent as the rumors suggested. A crystal chandelier and expensive lighting, marble floors, and gold accents brush against polished mahogany surfaces. “Wow” Adrianna breathes, her eyes widen in awe and her gaze sweeps the room, seeking a familiar face of her sister among the sea of the city’s elite. Picking up h
“Good morning, Ms. Houston! You look stunning today,” Kat chirps, her voice so cherry that one can mistake them for that of a teenager. “Ready for another day of crushing it at the office? “Gosh, it's too early.” Adrianna chuckles slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Just trying to keep up with the high expectations, Kat. What's on the agenda today?” she asks, as her eyes glance at the clipboard on her secretary's hand. Kat flips through her papers, her expression shifting from one of mild concern. “You have a conference call with the New York office at noon, followed by a launch with Mr. Harrison at 2PM. He has some ideas he wants to discuss for the upcoming campaign.”“Got it,” she replies, her voice a bit low. The series of events yesterday pulled her down. “I hope it goes smoothly.”Just then, the door swings open, and Wade struts in, his presence immediately filling the room. He walks like he owns the room, his tailored suit fitting him like a glove. A practiced