LOGINAs the private jet cut through the clouds, Roman sat quietly by the window.Several documents rested untouched on the table beside him. For once, he ignored them.The sun was beginning to set, casting warm orange light across the cabin. Normally, he appreciated moments like this. It gave him peace when he thinks about the choas in the Evercrest home. Today, he wanted the flight to end. Every hour felt longer than necessary. The sooner he got home, the better.A flight attendant approached. "Would you like anything, sir?"Roman looked up briefly. "No, thank you."She nodded and quietly stepped away.A few seconds later, his phone vibrated. It was a security update. His expression immediately sharpened as he opened the message.It was message from Roland. He had everything on sight and Celeste was having fun too with the ladies Fiona called friends. He thought that was good. His heart softened when he got a picture of them laughing and cooking. The other ones looked like they were try
RomanThe first thing I did after getting home was refuse to stay home.That probably sounded ridiculous.I had spent days wanting to come back, yet the moment I arrived, I arranged something else. I had to see Celeste first. And I arrived before they did. The restaurant overlooked the city through enormous glass windows. The lighting was soft, the atmosphere relaxed, and the food happened to be excellent.I checked my watch three times. n checked it again. Apparently, Germany hadn't fixed my patience problem.My phone buzzed. It was a text message from Roland. We're on our way now, boss. I narrowed my eyes and texted back. What's taking so long?He replied immediately. She had to say goodbye to her friends. I sent another text. She doesn't know you're bringing her to me, right?After a few minutes, his response came in: She doesn't. But she's asking a lot of questions. I smiled. Typical of Celeste. I could already imagine how curious she'd have been seeing Roland wasn't dri
The building looked ordinary from the outside. Nothing about it suggested that someone inside supposedly had information about Millie.I parked across the street and checked the address on my phone one last time. And it matched.After Roman left that morning, I had spent a few hours thinking about his note. The ridiculous man had actually hidden the cards beneath my pillow too. I had rolled my eyes when I found them. Then I had carefully put them into my purse.Just for emergencies.That didn't mean I was happy he didn't listen to me. With a sigh, I got out of the car and headed inside. The building was old but clean. A receptionist directed me toward the third floor.The woman I was meeting was already waiting. She looked to be in her late thirties and was seated near a window in a small office.Her sharp eyes immediately landed on me. "Celeste?""Yes." I nodded. She gestured toward the chair opposite her. "Sit."I sat.She leaned back, "I know why you're here.""Then save us both
Go to bed, Celeste. We'll talk tomorrow morning." I mumbled. Celeste looked at me from across the bed, her eyes still carrying a mixture of confusion, disbelief, and exhaustion.The words felt rushed even to my own ears.She opened her mouth as if she wanted to argue, but I stepped closer and brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Please."She studied my face for a moment before finally nodding. "Okay."I knew I was pulling the fast string. I knew I was forcing things forward before she had enough time to think about everything that had happened.But I also knew Viktor.The man was patient when it suited him, but when he wanted something, he moved quickly. If I gave him enough time, he would find another way to get close to her.I wasn't willing to take that chance.Not when Celeste was finally my wife.I watched her lay down and cover herself up on the bed. The silence that followed settled heavily around me.For a few moments, I simply stood there. Then I thought, I had so
A boy who sat two rows ahead of her in middle school. Apparently, she spent an entire year pretending she didn't like him while accidentally embarrassing herself every chance she got. I laughed until my sides hurt. Then came the high school story. That one was even worse. According to Fiona, she once wrote a love letter. Unfortunately, she accidentally dropped it in the wrong bag. I laughed so hard I nearly cried again. Then came her workplace romance story. Which somehow involved a broken coffee machine, three misunderstandings, and a fire alarm. By the time she finished, I was practically wheezing. I felt normal. The conversation continued for a while longer. Eventually, exhaustion returned and my eyelids became heavy. Fiona noticed immediately. "You should sleep now. I think we've been awake enough." “Right. I've got to work and check on my assistant too.” “Oh but you're not leaving this place.” Fiona said sternly. “I know. I know. I'm just saying.” We both laughed
Roman I had made up my mind that Millie was finished. Not just her, everyone involved. The moment I received confirmation that some men had attempted to burn my wife alive, whatever patience I had left disappeared. I sat at the conference table inside the penthouse meeting room, staring at a presentation on a large screen. One of our German partners was explaining projected figures. Another was discussing expansion opportunities. A third was talking about quarterly forecasts. I heard every word. Unfortunately, none of it stayed in my head. My thoughts were with Celeste. The image refused to leave me alone. Her terrified face. I wished I was there to save her from that trauma. She's had enough. "Mr. Evercrest?" I looked up. One of the executives was waiting for my response. Apparently, he had asked me a question. I had absolutely no idea what it was. I straightened slightly. "Continue." The man hesitated before nodding. The meeting resumed. Five minutes later, I checked m
Five minutes later… Giulia appeared beside me, her face pale, one hand on her stomach. “I’m heading back to the guest house. My stomach’s upset.” I looked at her more closely. She did look sick, worse than earlier. “You need the doctor?” “No, I just need to lie down. Too much food, probably
GIULIA’s POV The phone wouldn’t stop ringing. I stared at it from the bed in the guest house, watching Dimitri’s name flash across the screen for the third time this morning. My finger hovered over the answer button, then moved to decline. Again. I couldn’t talk to him. Not yet. The guest ho
NINA’s POV I stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the red dress one final time. It fit perfectly, hugging every curve, the color rich and bold against my skin. My makeup was light, natural, except for the red lipstick that matched the dress exactly. My hair was pulled up in an elega
The mention of my mother, of what Santoro had done, made rage burn in my chest. But underneath it was something else now, something complicated by three months of having Nina in my life, in my bed, in my heart. “I’ll handle it,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “How?” “I have sources. Connection







