As I stood before the grand entrance of the Donovan mansion, my heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and excitement. The imposing mansion loomed before me, exuding elegance and opulence through its architecture. Tall pillars flanked the entrance, and intricate carvings adorned the facade, hinting at the rich history contained within its walls. The mansion itself stood as a testament to the Donovan family's wealth and influence, a world unto itself.
As if sensing my unease, Chad spoke up, his voice filled with reassurance. "The boss is inside," he said gently, his words aimed at calming my nerves. I mustered a grateful smile in response to his considerate gesture. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Chad nodded politely, acknowledging my gratitude.
Swallowing my nerves, I approached the entrance, climbing the flight of stairs. A tall, masculine man dressed in all-black combat gear nodded at me and pulled the massive door open. "Thank you," I muttered and cleared my throat.
"There's someone waiting to take you to meet the boss inside," he informed me. I nodded, and the front door swung open, revealing a maid dressed in a crisp uniform. Vivian, as she introduced herself, greeted me with a warm smile and welcomed me inside. With my head held high, I followed her, stepping into the mansion's foyer.
The interior was a breathtaking display of luxury. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow upon the marble floors below. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of grandeur and beauty. The air carried a faint scent of fresh flowers, further adding to the aura of elegance that permeated the mansion.
I anticipated being led to Archer Donovan's home office, where I presumed the supposed interview would take place. However, as Vivian and I traversed through a pristine corridor, she guided me to a halt halfway down the hall. I glanced at the double doors at the end, curiosity piqued. Sensing my confusion, Vivian smiled politely and gestured for me to continue on my own.
"Thank you," I murmured appreciatively, my voice laced with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. I walked the remaining distance, my steps echoing softly on the polished floors. As I approached the double doors, my hand poised to knock, and faint voices reached my ears.
Curiosity overtook me, and I hesitated when I noticed that the door was ajar. Peering inside, careful not to intrude but unable to resist a glimpse into the room beyond, a frown furrows my eyebrows as I took in the scene before me.
"No, Jessica, no," Archer's deep voice carried from a lounging chair to the right of the room. He sat leaning over a breakfast spread, while a lady with her back to me crawled towards him, attempting to fit herself in between his legs. Her hands were on his muscled thighs.
"Come on, don't make me beg. You're acting strange, Arch," a soft sultry voice emitted from the figure.
"My nurse is here. Vivian is already bringing her up... You need to leave," Archer said firmly.
"Archie, you don't need a nurse. I can take care of you," she whined.
"And I already said no, Jessica. Do you mind?" Archer snapped, and the clattering of a spoon resounded in the room. He made to get up, and just then, I quickly knocked on the door.
"Damn it to hell!" Archer cursed loudly.
"I will send her away!"
"You will do no such thing!" Archer yelled. Then, the door was yanked open, revealing a tall, immaculate blonde. Her beautiful grey eyes threw daggers at me. If looks could kill, I was certain I would be dead.
"You don't look like a nurse," she gave me a suspicious glare. "What are your qualifications?" she demanded in a cold, chilling tone.
"Don't answer that, leave, Jess! Now!" Archer growled as he came to tower over the two of us. He wore a loose robe over equally loose pants, and I could see his torso was wrapped in bandages.
"I'm going to stay for the interview. After all, if you're going to hire a live-in nurse, I might as well be certain she can handle the heat. It's what Dad would want," she replied.
A sudden realization dawned on me, illuminating the confusing puzzle of the situation. 'Aha! This woman must be Archer's sister,' I thought, connecting the dots. Initially, I had mistaken her for another one of Archer's romantic interests due to their intense exchange. But now, observing her and Archer's reaction, it became clear that they shared a sibling bond. The peculiar scene I had witnessed earlier began to make sense. Although I couldn't fathom being so uninhibited with Mark even though he had practically raised me, I acknowledged that every family had its own dynamics, and some siblings could indeed be that open and playful with each other.
"Good morning, Mr. Donovan, and...," I started, trying to regain composure.
"Jessica Donovan," the lady supplied, her demeanor icy.
"Good morning, Miss Rutherford. Please come in," Archer's voice maintained a professional and distant tone. Jessica, however, stubbornly refused to budge from the entrance, forcing Archer to intervene and pull her away so that I could squeeze through. "Please take a seat and join me for breakfast," Archer extended an invitation, his gesture seemingly unaffected by the chaotic presence of his sister.
"Thanks," I replied, attempting to disregard Jessica's watchful gaze as she remained by the door, arms folded in a hawk-like vigilance.
In the midst of this scene, my attention was momentarily diverted to a maid who entered the room, delicately carrying a tray.
Suddenly, a loud crash reverberated through the air, followed by a piercing cry of pain.
"Son of a..." Archer's voice trailed off into a curse, and I jolted upright from my seat, aghast at the sight of blood splattered against the door.
"Help her, that's part of your interview," Jessica commanded, her words chilling as I gasped in horror, witnessing the aftermath of her assault on the unfortunate maid, who now knelt on the floor in excruciating agony.
"F-first aid, please!" I cried out urgently, my heart racing in my chest. Determination filled me as I pushed through the chaos, determined to help the injured maid. With steady hands, I tore off a piece of cloth from the maid's uniform, swiftly applying pressure to the wound to stem the bleeding. The gravity of the situation sank in, my mind reeling with the sudden violence and the alarming circumstances that had unfolded. 'What the hell have I gotten myself into?!' I thought, struggling to process the situation.Archer handed me a white box with red markings drawn on the lid. I quickly opened it, revealing first aid supplies. Amidst the chaos, his voice sliced through the tension like a knife. "Get the hell out of my room, now Jessica, or I swear I will make you!" His tone dripped with anger and authority, leaving no room for negotiation. Jessica scoffed and reluctantly strode out, her echoing heels reverberating on the marble flooring.Ignoring Archer's cold and leveled gaze, I foc
Lowering my eyes to the coffee table, I couldn't help but marvel at the extravagant spread of breakfast delicacies before me. Archer's opulent lifestyle was on full display, and his staff had gone above and beyond to create this sumptuous feast.The coffee table was elegantly draped with a crisp white tablecloth, enhancing the beauty of the fine porcelain plates and delicate silverware that sparkled under the morning light, exuding an air of sophistication.The array of freshly baked pastries immediately caught my attention. Flaky croissants with golden, buttery layers called out to me, accompanied by pillowy muffins bursting with juicy berries. The inviting aroma filled the room, making my taste buds dance with anticipation.Beside the pastries lay an assortment of artisanal jams and spreads. Vibrant jars of strawberry, blueberry, and apricot preserves lined up neatly, their jewel-like hues promising delightful bursts of flavor. I couldn't resist the temptation of the creamy jar of r
At the tender age of ten, I found myself perpetually in the shadows, following my mother's every step. I was exposed to a disturbing incident where I observed my mother engage in reprehensible acts. I saw her drug, sexually assault, and steal from one of the guests staying at the hotel where she was employed. From that point on, I became acutely aware of her manipulative tactics, witnessing how she utilized flirtation, manipulation, and exploitative relationships as a means to escape the perils of hunger and homelessness. My childhood was characterized by a lack of material possessions. I grew up without any knowledge or connection to my father, and the subject of his absence was a topic we intentionally avoided. Throughout my upbringing, it was just my mother and me, navigating life's challenges together. While some people may have labeled my mother as belonging to a socioeconomically disadvantaged group otherwise known as white trash, she had managed to secure a relationship with V
As I stepped into Archer's opulent bathroom, my eyes widened at the sight he posed in his spacious, swanky shower stall. The glass walls of the shower stall reached up to the high ceiling, providing a breathtaking view of the entire bathroom. The pristine tiles lining the walls and floor shimmered under the soft glow of the recessed lighting, creating an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication.At the side wall of the shower stall, Archer sat confidently on a sleek tiled seat, wearing nothing but his boxers and a first aid box was to his left. The seat was positioned strategically, evidently to fully enjoy the cascade of water without any inconvenience. Steam filled the enclosure and enveloped him, adding a touch of sensuality to the scene.Archer's sculpted physique glistened under the droplets of sweat that danced across his skin, accentuating his well-defined muscles inked beautifully with tattoos. The steam made his tanned skin appear even more radiant, and I couldn't help but fee
As I waited for Archer to get fully dressed, anticipation and nerves fluttered in my stomach. The events of the past hours had been nothing short of overwhelming, and being in his presence felt both exhilarating and intimidating. My eyes lingered on the closed door leading to the walk-in closet.Finally, the door creaked open, and my breath hitched as I caught sight of him. Archer stepped out, dressed in an impeccably tailored, expensive black suit that accentuated every sculpted inch of his six-foot-four frame. His hair was still wet, giving him an air of both elegance and a hint of casualness. The dark tendrils glistened under the soft glow of the room's lighting, accentuating his chiseled features and adding an irresistible allure. There was an undeniable magnetism about him, and I couldn't help but think that he was one of the most attractive men I had ever seen.He commanded attention with his presence alone. My eyes traced the contours of his perfectly tailored suit, admiring th
MarkThe night was cold, the chill of winter biting at my skin as I stood hidden amidst the dense woods, watching my childhood home engulfed in flames. The orange glow flickered against the pitch-black sky, casting eerie shadows that danced and swayed with the crackling fire. It was a sight both mesmerizing and haunting, a symbol of everything that had gone wrong in my life.This house, once filled with laughter and warmth, now stood as a charred reminder of the shattered pieces of my past. It was here that I grew up, surrounded by the love of a father who fought for his country and a mother who used to smile. But the war had changed my father, his return marked by the loss of his legs and the loss of his will to live. When he took his own life, the flames within our lives were ignited, consuming all that was left.My mother left to grapple with the aftermath and sought solace in the bottom of a bottle. Her once radiant smile faded, replaced by the anguish etched upon her face. Desper
"Hey!" I cried out, my voice echoing through the busy streets as I found myself violently shoved. I stumbled, struggling to regain my balance, and ended up falling hard on my ass on the unforgiving stone-paved sidewalk. "Watch where you're going, asshole!" I yelled, anger coursing through my veins.A cold, chilling voice growled from above me, sending a shiver down my spine. "Are you trying to steal from me, boy?" it questioned, dripping with disdain.I looked up from checking my bruised elbows, meeting the gaze of the coldest hazel eyes I had ever seen. "Steal from you?!" I replied, my voice laced with disbelief. The audacity of this jerk. "You ran into me and shoved me, you jerk!" I enunciated, emphasizing each word for the clueless imbecile."Hey, watch your mouth!" one of the men accompanying the jerk interjected, taking a menacing step toward me. He had an earpiece, the kind worn by security operatives, suggesting he was some sort of bodyguard."I am going to sue your asses!" I b
We sprinted towards the exit in a desperate frenzy, but before we could reach safety, my Bentley erupted in a massive fireball, sending debris flying in all directions. Chaos ensued as Ajax took a hit and fell to the ground. Sandra's scream pierced through the chaos, and Mark cursed in frustration.Realizing that I was the primary target, my heart raced as I scanned the area for an escape route, my mind racing to formulate a plan. And then my eyes met Mark’s, and I watched as he slowly looked at Sandra and then back at me and I knew what needed to be done."Get Sandra to safety," I commanded, my voice filled with urgency.Mark hesitated for a moment, holding my gaze before finally nodding. He reached for Sandra, who clung to me in fear and disbelief."Ken, Andrew, go with Mark. It's best if we separate," I instructed, addressing my remaining men.Ken voiced his concern, questioning my decision, while Andrew silently locked eyes with me, understanding the gravity of the situation."Hun
I groaned as I slowly regained consciousness, my body aching all over. As I blinked my eyes open, the dim light of the room revealed rough, uneven walls that indicated we were carved out inside a mountain. The air was heavy and damp, making me feel confined and disoriented.Before I could fully grasp my surroundings, the memory of the car explosion flooded my mind like a violent wave. I saw it again—the moment I intercepted Adele's getaway car, her tossing a makeshift explosive against our windscreen, and the ensuing chaos. The explosion had been so sudden, that fire and shards of glass blasted towards me. Instinctively, I raised my arms to shield my face, feeling the searing heat and pain on the back of my forearms.The side of my face and chest were also slightly burnt from the blast, and the pain lingered as I woke up panting. I could still feel the shock of the explosion reverberating through me, and my breaths came in ragged gasps.But my disorientation was short-lived as I notic
"Ask me whatever you want, and I will tell you my truth," he said, his voice steady but filled with an undertone of vulnerability."Are you a drug lord?" I asked, my heart pounding with hope that he would deny it."I am not a drug lord, Adele, but I am involved with organized crime in the sense of dealing with illegal merchandise," he replied."Organized crime? Like..." I hesitated, trying to comprehend his words."A mafia. Yes," he answered matter-of-factly, causing my heart to skip a beat. I swallowed hard, trying to process the reality of his admission."What kind?" I forced myself to ask, needing to know the extent of his involvement."Arms dealing is the major part of it, then cheap alcohol importation and distribution, money laundering..." he listed, causing my anxiety to heighten."Human trafficking. Organ harvesting and trafficking?" I asked, fearing the worst.“No, I'm sorry, we are not that morally corrupt,” he replied in a cold tone."Did Mark know?" I inquired, my mind rac
Emotions and uncertainty clouded my judgment when I decided to call Chad, but the safety of my child was paramount. My heart yearned for someone to confide in, and I hoped Chad's association with my brother might offer some understanding. I hadn't planned to reveal the pregnancy, but the words spilled out uncontrollably. Maybe I needed to share this burden with someone before it overwhelmed me completely. I knew I had to be responsible for my child's well-being and protect them from any harm, especially considering Archer's dangerous lifestyle.In the secluded woods, I waited anxiously, giving Chad time to approach before risking exposure out in the open. The stress and tension were taking a toll on me, and the exhaustion settled in despite not physically exerting myself. Seeking some solace, I reclined the car seat and closed my eyes, hoping to find a moment of rest.When I eventually stirred from my unintended slumber, the sun was setting on the horizon, painting the sky with a mesm
Watching Adele from my hidden position was torture. So many times, I considered abandoning my spot and revealing myself to her. She might unleash her anger and give me the silent treatment for a while, but I knew she'd eventually forgive me. No matter how grown-up Adele had become, she would always be my little sister.Eliza tried to distract me by engaging in conversation. I pretended I was meeting a new client who needed a bodyguard to deal with a stalker problem. She asked if I'd consider a less volatile career, and I assured her I would, but only after I finished this current job."Mark?" Eliza's voice called out through the phone."Yes, beautiful?" I replied."Are you still interested in marrying me? I know this started as a fake relationship, but now... it's been close to two years..." she said."I am sorry, Eliza. Can we discuss this when I get back?" I said, deflecting the conversation."Is something wrong?" she asked with concern."I will call you back," I said, ending the ca
Nestled in the driver's seat, concealed within the woods, I wrapped blankets tightly around my body, and beside me sat the gifts Mark had given me. The brand-new gun, fully loaded and primed for action, lay within reach, while the cash he provided, along with a carving knife, was securely strapped under the seat. The trunk of my car held a carefully packed collection of weapons, including grenades, rifles, shotguns, and tasers, items I had acquired and added over the course of several months.Knowing my attackers would anticipate my escape, fleeing as far away as possible, I recalled Mark's advice to be daring and unpredictable. Hunger gnawed at me, an aspect I hadn't prepared for. In the past, Mark had always taken charge in situations like this, knowing exactly what to do. Tears blurred my vision, and I wiped them away in frustration.'This too shall pass,' I repeated silently, trying to find strength amidst the turmoil. My thoughts drifted to my brother, and an ache of longing for
The truth about the Donovans and their dangerous connections had finally dawned on me. Mark had always known, but I had been blind to it, following his teaching to only focus on what concerned us directly.My emotions were in turmoil. Deceived? No, I couldn't say that. Archer had been upfront about being a bad man, but the extent of his dealings remained a mystery.Henry's knowledge of my place didn't surprise me; we had spent the day before searching for the perfect building for my pharmaceutical company. After settling on one, we bought office furniture and lab supplies. I was supposed to be preparing for a celebratory dinner with Archer, not caught up in this chaotic situation.Feeling cold and shaken, I hugged myself as Henry parked his car in front of my house and opened the door for me. With a whispered "Thanks," I headed to the back of the house, Amidst the chaos, I had left my bag, phone, and house key in Archer's car. However, I had already changed the locks after losing my k
"What the hell is wrong with you? Calling the cops to intercept the DEA?!" Victor Donovan growled at me as soon as he laid eyes on me."They are not real DEA, Mr. Donovan," the head of the precinct spoke up, and my father gave him a single glance, which silenced the older man. Paul Anderson was not a stranger to my father; he had been on his payroll since the day he joined the force. Many law enforcement officers were in his pocket, but my father preferred not to get caught, maintaining a squeaky-clean record for years."They are not real DEA, you say?" Victor Donovan repeated, seemingly unconvinced."They are, Dad. What Paul meant was that they weren't working for the government in this case. They came after Adele, and planted coke in the car, but it is my car. I am responsible," I explained, trying to clarify the situation."Who are they? Who are they working for?" He asked, his expression intense."They go by the name 'Agent X.' I will handle it, Dad," I said, holding his gaze."I'
As we made our way back to my place, I quickly sent Archer a text, updating him on my whereabouts."Go home to my place, Adele. Must I have that little house of yours bulldozed before you move in permanently, Honey?" Archer's playful response made me giggle."I will go there only if you are coming home," I teased in my text."I am, love, okay?" His reply warmed my heart."Okay. I miss you," I typed, expressing my longing for him."I miss you more," he sweetly responded. Leaning back in the comfortable back seat of the car, I let out a sigh, contemplating the idea of moving in with him.The thought of it made me want to discuss it with Jade and Tiffany. It had been quite some time since we had all gotten together for lunch; lately, our interactions were limited to chat messages.Excitement bubbled inside me as I hastily typed and sent the message to our group chat with Jade and Tiffany. "He asked me again to move in with him!!""Again?!" Tiffany's response was quick, followed by a shoc
The insistent ringing of my phone roused me from my sleep, and I tried not to disturb Adele as I reached over her to grab it from the nightstand. Slipping out of bed, naked, I walked into the hallway leading to the living room. "Dad?" I answered the call. "Patricia has been found. She is dead," Victor Donovan's voice came through. "Damn it!" I cursed, running my hand over my face and through my hair. "Jessica?" "She's on the run. I had hoped she wasn't that far gone. She's completely unstable. Where's your girl?" he inquired. "She's with me," I replied. "Good. Keep her close," he advised. "She wouldn't dare!" I growled. "That's what I thought until I saw her mother's body. She killed her and a taxi driver. Watch your back, son. Let your men know to shoot her on sight," he warned. "I'm sorry about Patricia, Dad," I said, knowing that my father may not have genuinely cared for his late wife, but she was still his companion, albeit a short-lived one. "Thanks, son. I'm having her