Angela carefully set the last shard of the broken vase onto the coffee table, brushing off her hands as she settled back onto the couch. The hum of the city filtered in through the open windows, bringing an air of calm into the penthouse that neither woman seemed to feel. “Th-thanks for helping,” Aurora whispered, her voice unsteady. Angela gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. It’s just a vase.” Aurora’s eyes flickered nervously toward the closed door of Xavier’s office, her fingers toying with the hem of her shirt. “Um, should I l-let your b-brother know y-you’re h-here?” Angela nodded. “yeah, pl-.” Before Angela could complete her sentence, Alex’s voice rang out from the hallway, full of energy. “Xavier! Hey, Bro! Come out, come out, wherever you are!” Aurora flinched at the sound, her body stiffening immediately. Angela caught the subtle shift and shot her a glance but stayed quiet, knowing Alex’s boisterous personality often unnerved Aurora. "Xavier!
In the dark abyss of her nightmare, Aurora's body convulsed, trapped in the grip of a nightmare. Her head thrashed violently side to side, caught in a struggle between heavy eyelids and the merciless brightness beyond. The fog of unconsciousness clung stubbornly, as if reluctant to release her into the waking world.In the clutches of the frightening nightmare, Aurora fought desperately to break free. Gasping for air, she felt a chilling awareness that her breath had abandoned her. Panic surged with each painful throb, a harsh reminder of the nightmare's suffocating grip.A haunting flashback plunged her into the vortex of her past. A young Aurora, Teddy clutched tightly, sought solace as the nightmare reenacted the stormy chaos of the car ride. Rain relentlessly pounded the vehicle, as it pirouetted in a chaotic dance, swaying precariously from side to side. In the confined space, Aurora's ears caught fragments of her mother's worried whispers, a desperate plea intertwining with the
THREE DAYS LATERWilliam Knight sat behind his expansive mahogany desk, surrounded by an air of authority that matched the luxuriousness of his office. His piercing blue eyes scanned through the files before him, his mind engrossed in the intricate details of his business empire. The weight of responsibility pressed upon his shoulders, but he reveled in the power and control it afforded him.Just as he was about to delve deeper into the papers, his assistant's voice broke the silence, filtering through the intercom on his desk. "Mr. Knight, Dr. Ross is here to see you. Shall I send him in?"William paused for a moment, his mind racing to recall the name. Dr. Ross... Dr. Ross... Then, like a flicker of recognition, a memory surfaced. Marcus, his dear friend and mentor, had spoken of a young man whom he had taken under his wing, paying for his education and paving the way for his success. This must be the same person."Of course," William replied, his voice laced with curiosity. "Send h
As the evening sun dipped below the skyline, Xavier Knight strolled out of his opulent office, leaving behind the realm of high-powered meetings and multimillion-dollar deals. The grandeur of the building seemed to shrink in comparison to his larger-than-life presence. Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit that exuded authority, he moved with a confident stride, commanding the attention of everyone who crossed his path.Awaiting him at the curb was the valet, a deferential figure in a crisply pressed uniform. With precision, the valet handed Xavier the glistening keys to his Ferrari, a masterpiece of Italian engineering, its crimson finish reflecting the fading daylight.The night air was a symphony of sensations as Xavier slipped into the sleek sports car. The city buzzed with energy, and the warm, humid breeze carried a hint of intrigue. As he revved the engine, the thrum of power surged through the car, and the intoxicating scent of possibility enveloped him, promising an evening fi
"Where the hell are my work clothes? They should have been washed, ironed, and hanging in my wardrobe by now. You know that," Thomas bellowed at Aurora, his anger palpable as he closed in on her personal space. Before she could explain that she had already completed the task he demanded, he lashed out and delivered a stinging slap across her face. Aurora crumpled to the floor from the force of the blow, cradling her burning left cheek with her hand. She could already feel the telltale signs of the heat and tingling, warning her of the bruise that would inevitably follow."I d-did, Uncle T-Thomas. It is o-on the c-couch in y-your room," she stuttered out, trying to hold back tears."Are you calling me a liar?" he hissed, leaning down and invading her personal space. His breath reeked of strong coffee, making her flinch. Aurora looked up from the floor, her hand still pressed to her throbbing cheek, and saw his face twisted with anger. One raised eyebrow and crossed arms conveyed his di
Xavier was rudely awakened by the intrusive beep of his alarm, a cruel reminder of how little sleep he had received. With a groan, he reached out to silence the persistent noise.Xavier's eyes fluttered open, squinting against the invading rays of morning sunlight that pierced through the bedroom curtains. As consciousness slowly seeped in, his gaze darted around the room, landing on the sight before him that sent a jolt of confusion through his hazy mind. Two women lay entangled beside him, their forms partially covered by the tangled sheets.A whirlwind of fragmented memories tugged at the edges of Xavier's recollection, teasing him with glimpses of laughter and swirling drinks. There was a tantalizing sense of freedom lingering within the hazy recesses of his mind, yet the details remained frustratingly elusive, lost in the thick fog of intoxication. He groaned, a headache pounding in his temples, as he desperately attempted to piece together the puzzle of his blurred evening.His
JOHNSON'S HOMEIn the modest living room of the Johnson household, the air was heavy with an oppressive silence. Aurora cleaned the dining table, her heart racing with unknown anticipation and fear. The creaking of the front door signaled the arrival of her uncle, Thomas Johnson, a man driven by greed and a relentless hunger for wealth.With a sinister smile, Thomas glanced down at the documents in his hands. Finally, William had delivered on his promise, sealing the deal that Thomas had been relentlessly pursuing for the past six months. It was a win-win situation for him. He knew all too well that Aurora's marriage would be short-lived, as accidents could easily be arranged. Once she was out of the picture, her inheritance would fall into his grasp, along with the added bonus of a lucrative multimillion-dollar deal he had just secured with William Knight. Life couldn't have been any better for Thomas, as his devious plans fell perfectly into place.Thomas entered the room, his gaze
Xavier slammed his fist into the steering wheel, his knuckles white, and a barrage of profanities escaping his lips. His frustration was palpable, and his father was the epicenter of it all."Fuck!" he roared, raining blows upon the unyielding wheel, the remnants of his heated exchange with his father coursing through his veins. Finally, he halted, his labored breathing syncing with the rhythm of his racing thoughts. Through the windshield, the oncoming traffic appeared as a blurry tableau.His head shook, desperate to find an escape from this mess. "Relax, buddy, just breathe," Alex, offered with a concerned look."Relax! Seriously, Alex, you want me to relax? My life is spinning out of control. My dad has lost his mind. I can't believe he's forcing me into this," Xavier hissed, his frustration palpable as he struck the steering wheel again."I tried to forget everything for a couple of hours at the club, but it's not helping. This Aurora girl is driving me insane."Xavier's face dis
Angela carefully set the last shard of the broken vase onto the coffee table, brushing off her hands as she settled back onto the couch. The hum of the city filtered in through the open windows, bringing an air of calm into the penthouse that neither woman seemed to feel. “Th-thanks for helping,” Aurora whispered, her voice unsteady. Angela gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about it. It’s just a vase.” Aurora’s eyes flickered nervously toward the closed door of Xavier’s office, her fingers toying with the hem of her shirt. “Um, should I l-let your b-brother know y-you’re h-here?” Angela nodded. “yeah, pl-.” Before Angela could complete her sentence, Alex’s voice rang out from the hallway, full of energy. “Xavier! Hey, Bro! Come out, come out, wherever you are!” Aurora flinched at the sound, her body stiffening immediately. Angela caught the subtle shift and shot her a glance but stayed quiet, knowing Alex’s boisterous personality often unnerved Aurora. "Xavier!
Aurora's fingers glided gently over the scattered fragments, treating each shard with a sense of respect as if the remnants still whispered stories of the vase's lost elegance. The cool, polished edges shimmered softly in the ambient light, highlighting the peril they represented. She proceeded with care, her movements deliberate, completely absorbed in the pieces laid out before her. Everything outside her focused task faded into the background, and she remained unaware of the quiet sound of the penthouse door opening, a mere murmur against the city's distant buzz. On her knees, Aurora’s thoughts drifted as she reached for another shard, still surprised that Xavier hadn’t punished her for breaking the vase. She could tell he was angry—his eyes had darkened when he saw the damage—but the reaction she had braced for never came. It wasn’t like him to let something like this slide, and that unsettled her even more. She knew better than to relax. His silence might only be temporary,
Xavier, stepping out of his study, was abruptly halted by a captivating sound that reached his ears. He stood still, his heart pounding beneath his hand pressed against his chest, completely transfixed as the melodious voice washed over him. It carried with it a wealth of raw emotions and a fragile vulnerability that stirred something deep within him. Mesmerized, he felt a magnetic pull drawing him closer to the origin of the sound. Each note resonated with a poignant vulnerability, stirring a complex blend of fascination and caution within him. It was as if the voice possessed a mystical quality, effortlessly breaching his defenses and urging him towards its source. With hesitant fingers, he grasped the doorknob, the metal cool against his skin, and slowly turned it. The door creaked open just a crack, allowing a sliver of light to spill into the dim hallway. Xavier's eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity pulling him closer, yet his caution held him back. In this sweet mel
The scent of aged leather mingled with the rich aroma of whisky swirling in Xavier's glass, its golden hue reflecting the flickering flames in the hearth. Paperwork lay scattered on a nearby table, a reminder of tasks demanding his attention, but his eyes flickered over them without focus. Seated in his study's leather armchair, Xavier's gaze was drawn to the fire, lost in a labyrinth of thoughts and emotions. Frustrated, he took a huge gulp of whisky, hoping the warmth would drown out the chaos within. The image of Aurora, her delicate form wrapped in a towel, hair dripping with water, haunted him. Her presence had stirred something deep within, an unfamiliar yearning that both thrilled and frightened him. The way her wet locks cascaded over her shoulders, droplets glistening like liquid diamonds, captivated him. Even in such a simple moment, her natural allure was undeniable, tugging at emotions he struggled to comprehend. "No!" He slammed the whiskey hard onto his desk.
"You should have asked permission before entering my room," he said through gritted teeth. Aurora's head shook in a mix of fear and apology. "N-no... I-I'm sorry. It w-won't happen a-again," she stammered, her voice barely audible. "Too late for apologies now, wife." Xavier stepped back, trying to put as much distance between them as possible. Her intoxicating scent was driving him crazy. He glanced around the room. "Now, what punishment should I give you?" he mused aloud. Xavier's gaze wandered around the room until it landed on his cupboard. A glint of mischief appeared in his eyes. With swift, deliberate motions, he began pulling clothes from the shelves, tossing them onto the floor and creating a chaotic mess. Aurora's eyes widened, her hand instinctively moving to her heart. 'what was he going to do' she thought "So, wife, I bet you're wondering what I'm up to," he smirked, rubbing his hands together. "Your punishment is to neatly organize every piece of clothing back
Xavier's emotions churned as he looked at her standing there, wrapped in just a towel. Confusion and curiosity mingled inside him, but her big, beautiful blue eyes softened his initial anger. Entranced, he found himself lost in her gaze, momentarily forgetting everything else. His eyes drifted down to her lips, a flicker of desire breaking through his resolve. "Control," his mind screamed, urging composure. But as he met her gaze, seeing fear in her eyes, a protective instinct welled up inside him. He tightened his grip around her waist, mirroring the hold she had on him, drawing her closer. His firm touch sent shivers down her spine, amplifying her trembling as fear and regret surged through her. Why had she entered his room, knowing his temper? The question echoed in her mind. In that moment, a strong urge to flee overwhelmed her—to escape from the penetrating gaze of the man who was meant to be her husband. But first, she had to find her voice to explain. Summoning courage,
The following day dawned, casting a pale light into Aurora's room. She sat huddled on her bed, her body cocooned in a protective blanket. Her gaze drifted to the closed door. Since their return, Xavier had not made his presence known again, leaving her to wonder what mood he was in this morning. Aurora realized that staying in her room, cocooned in the safety of her cozy blanket, was no longer an option. She was well aware of the rules that she had to abide by. If she failed to follow those rules, who knows what kind of punishment Xavier would come up with. She quickly glanced at the clock on her bedside table, realizing that it was nearly time to prepare his breakfast. As per his strict instructions, it was her responsibility to do so. If she didn't, well, she dreaded to think about the consequences. With a deep breath, she peeled herself away from the warm embrace of her blanket, Her legs trembled with exhaustion as she rose to her feet, and quickly made her way to the bath
After arriving at the penthouse, Xavier headed straight for the bathroom. He shed his clothes and stepped under the cold shower, the water cascading over him. As the chill enveloped him, he couldn't help but reflect on the events at the pub. Why hadn't she seized the opportunity to marry another billionaire, one who actually wanted her? Why was she behaving as if he had wronged her? His mind drifted back to the image of her tear-streaked face, and his hand instinctively moved to his chest, where his heart pounded furiously. Why did her tears stir something within him, a pang of sadness that he couldn't quite shake off? No, no...no. They were just crocodile tears. She was a masterful actress, after all. "Relax, Xavier," he whispered to himself, attempting to push away the nagging doubts gnawing at his mind. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing thoughts. "It's just been too much drama for one day," he muttered, hoping to convince himself that it was all just an
Xavier's anger simmered beneath the surface. How dare she? He scanned the surroundings as they stepped outside. He couldn't fathom why she portrayed him as the villain. In his perspective, he was merely extending her the life she craved. Xavier's frustration boiled over as he watched her vanish around the corner. "Damn it!" he muttered under his breath, getting into his car and slamming the door shut. With a swift movement, he pressed his foot down on the accelerator, the engine roaring to life as he sped off after her. His eyes darted from street to street, irritation mounting with each unanswered call she ignored. Xavier's car screeched to a halt as he caught sight of her silhouette ahead, walking slowly, arms wrapped around herself as if seeking comfort. Xavier's car pulled up beside her, and the blare of the horn startled Aurora, causing her to jump. As she turned and saw Xavier behind the wheel, she hesitated for a moment before resuming her slow walk, deliberately