In a state of bewilderment, I stepped into the house, only to find the living room transformed beyond recognition, save for the familiar presence of the chimney. The fireplace had undergone an extravagant makeover, adorned with ornate and intricately carved stones, imparting an air of opulence to the room. On either side of the entrance door, elegant tampered glass panels were now adorned with floor-to-ceiling damask drapes, exuding an aura of refined luxury.My gaze ascended to the center of the ceiling, where an exquisite chandelier now hung, casting a resplendent glow upon the space. Its shimmering crystals danced in the light, lending an ethereal touch to the room. On the opposite side of the expansive living area, a majestic staircase took center stage, its grandeur commanding attention and showcasing the artistry of the architecture.The interior exuded an air of richness and sophistication. The walls, now embellished with textured wallpaper featuring intricate patterns, imparte

‘I shouldn't be here.’ The thought echoed relentlessly in my head. But my brain seemed incapable of controlling the strong will that drew me back to Adele. I hadn't planned to come, but the memory of Chad's disapproving stare compelled me to make a last-minute change and accompany the guards to the airport. I needed time to adjust to seeing her again, so I vacated my car and joined the escort's vehicle, allowing her to take my ride. It gave me the advantage of watching her without her knowledge. Observing her tear-stained eyes and obvious anguish made me reveal myself. Offering her physical comfort was a mistake, but I couldn't bear to witness her pain, especially knowing it was caused by me.Lying on her bed now, the voices in my head grew louder, urging me to leave. Being able to wrap my arms around her again, feeling her warmth against my skin, was pure bliss. The months without her had been torture. For the first time in my life, I felt lost and out of control of my emotions. Noth

"You know you'll have to untie me at some point, and I'm going to kick your ass, Archer!" I exclaimed, feeling the Jeep in motion as I struggled to remove the hood covering my head."There won't be a need for that," he replied, his tone noticeably calmer."Is this really necessary? And where are you taking me?!" I demanded."As for where I am taking you, you will soon find out. And I tied you up to keep you still. I wouldn't want you doing something stupid now, I mean you're Mark's sister," he explained."I never do anything stupid!" I retorted."Really? What about that time you said you were going to blow up my car?" he reminded me.I couldn't help but giggle at the memory, but then I heard him chuckle, which only fueled my frustration. "I completely understand why people are always after you. You are infuriating! Right now, you're motivating me to make it a lifelong dream to get back at you!""Coming after me would be so much fun, Adele. The thing is, I wouldn't even run," he said,

His gaze locked with mine, a mixture of surprise, hurt, and something else I couldn't quite define flickering within his eyes. He spoke, his voice filled with a depth of emotion that sent shivers down my spine. "That's what you think? That our first time together was a game?"I whispered, my voice barely audible, "Wasn't it, Archer? It was so easy for you to walk away the following day without a kiss or an acknowledgment of what happened between us as if giving myself to you was nothing and what we shared meant nothing.""Adele..." he rasped, his voice heavy with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher. It was intense, causing my heart to quiver and tears to well in my eyes."Don't you dare lie to me," I pleaded, my voice quivering with pain. "You have a line of women waiting for you. Just leave me alone, please, Archer," I finished, my voice filled with a mixture of heartache and longing."Is that what you want? For me to leave you alone?" he asked. "Y-yes," I whispered, tears streamin

"I know it's none of my business, but... What's a professional and obviously smart woman like you doing with an idiot like that?" I asked, my voice gruff from lack of use, curiosity getting the better of me.She sighed, a sad smile tugging at her lips. "I've known Justin since I was little," she replied, her tone tinged with a mix of nostalgia and regret. "It's crazy how money can change people.""Money doesn't change people. People are just good at hiding who they truly are until they no longer need to," I stated firmly, my voice carrying a hint of conviction.She arched an eyebrow at my statement, amusement glinting in her eyes. "Hmm... a wise deduction. Not bad for a guy who can't remember his name," she responded teasingly, a playful smile dancing on her lips."Yeah..." I mumbled, feeling a frustrating blend of emotions, a mixture of annoyance and resignation settling within me. "How long do you think it might take before I start to remember?"Her expression softened, empathy radi