AlannaThe walk back to my office felt like I was walking on glass.Each step was a heavy effort, the weight of the ruined meeting clinging to me like a damp shroud. I hate him!I hate her!I hate my life!I hate myself for feeling so much for him! I cursed out loud. Tears welled up in my eyes again, blurring the already hazy cityscape. How could I have been so stupid? So naive? Nolan having sex with Chloe shouldn't have hurt this much. Logically, I knew it shouldn't. He was married to her, for crying out loud! Married people have sex, that's a fact of life. But logic wasn't winning this battle. My heart felt like a shattered glass, sharp shards of pain piercing me with every ragged breath. Reaching my office door, I fumbled for my key, my vision obscured by the traitorous tears. Finally, the door clicked open, and I practically stumbled inside, collapsing into the plush embrace of my armchair. Angela, bless her ever-observant heart, appeared at my desk in a flash. "Alanna?
ALANNAThis was the day, the day I had prepared for, for months. I felt a flood of emotions flood through me. I was both happy, anxious, nervous, sad and grateful all at once. The ballroom buzzed like a beehive, there was this certain elegance and refinement that could be felt in the air. A dazzling display of wealth and importance. Crystal clinked against crystal as champagne flutes collided in celebratory toasts.Excited chatter against the backdrop of the smooth jazz band. Tonight was the completion of months of tireless work, my fashion show – a vibrant display of my creativity – finally gracing the grand stage.“Congratulations Ms. Alanna,” a woman with a black dress greeted me, I didn't recognize her, so instead I responded to her with a smile. Despite the outward glamor, a knot of apprehension tightened in my stomach as I scanned the crowd. A sea of well-dressed bodies and expectant faces swirled before me. The city's elite were all here, of course: business moguls with
CHLOEI hate my life and all that it had turned into. The stupid scent of cheap beer hit me the moment I pushed open the creaking metal door of the bar. My eyes scanned the dimly lit interior, finally landing on a hunched figure slumped over a chipped plastic table in the corner. Dad. Even from a distance, I could tell he was several sheets to the wind."Dad?" I called hesitantly, my voice barely a whisper over the din of drunken chatter and thumping music.His head snapped up, revealing bloodshot eyes and a face creased with worry lines that seemed to have deepened considerably since the last time I'd seen him, a few months ago. A flicker of recognition crossed his features, followed by a weak attempt at a smile. He had asked me to meet him here after Alanna’s show. "Chloe! My little angel," he slurred, gesturing unsteadily for the empty seat opposite him. "Come, come, have a seat with your old man."My stomach clenched. The last thing I wanted to do was sit down at a grimy bar t
Here I was, a married woman, about to cheat on my husband with a man I had just met. But something about Lucas was irresistible. I had felt a spark between us as soon as we met, and I knew I had to have him.We walked into his house, and he pulled me close, kissing me deeply. I could feel the heat building between us as his tongue explored my mouth. I ran my hands through his hair, pulling him closer, not wanting to break the kiss.But eventually, he pulled away, taking my hand and leading me to his bedroom. I followed, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew what was about to happen, and I couldn't wait.As soon as we were in the room, Lucas pulled me to him again, kissing me with even more passion than before. I could feel his hard cock pressing against me, and I knew I had to have it. I reached down, rubbing it through his pants, feeling it grow even harder under my touch.Lucas broke the kiss, looking into my eyes. "Do you want this, Chloe?" he asked, his voice low and husky."Y
CHAPTER 79BRADI walked into the fashion event, I was on high alert. I had been told that Mrs. Raina, a member of the board, wanted to speak with me. I had no idea what she wanted, but I hoped it was good news."Brad, there you are," Mrs. Raina said as she approached me. "I'd like you to meet Mr. Collins, another board member."I shook Mr. Collins' hand and exchanged pleasantries. That's when Mrs. Raina dropped the bomb."Brad, Mr. Collins has asked what he can do to help you get the position of CEO. And I told him that you would be happy to show him a good time."I was shocked. Me, show a man a good time? I'm not even gay. But I needed that CEO position, so I reluctantly agreed.Mr. Collins led me to a private room, and I immediately felt uncomfortable. But I pushed my doubts aside and began to flirt with him."So, Mr. Collins, what is it that you like?" I asked, my voice dripping with suggestion."I like to be fucked," he replied, his eyes dark with desire.I was ashamed of myself,
ALANNA. “I want a divorce, Nolan,” I finally uttered the words in my mind and his expression shifted from dark to perplexity in a few seconds. There was silence for a few seconds as he stared at me, trying to figure out if I was lying or playing around. I am not the girl who gets picked up in the club and ends up having a one-night stand with a random stranger. I don't find it appalling, I think of it as romantic, falling in love with a stranger with just a glance. I love the idea of love at first sight but I guess the jokes were on me since I'd never gotten to experience that. Well, I fell in love with my husband at first glance but he didn't with me. That is why when I glanced at Nolan, the man I call my husband, his dark gaze piercing through mine, I didn't see love in his eyes, instead, it was disgust and irritation. And I didn't want that anymore. I didn't want any of that again. Gathering all the courage I could muster, I sucked in a breath as I peered at him. “Are you cra
NOLAN. The car pulled to a stop in front of the luxurious hotel and suites where my fiancee was hosting her birthday party. Chloe, my fiance, loved to go all out for events and I was all for it. Although, I had disappointed her and told her that I wouldn't make it back in time for her birthday since I'd been out of town for a few days. “Welcome, sir.” The receptionist behind the counter got on her feet to bow to me and I rolled my eyes. Taking a glance at my phone, I exhaled. Time passed quickly and I was in a terrible mood. “I’m sure my assistant already made my reservation so skip the formalities and get to the point. I want the best room in this place with a magnificent view.” I told her and she started to type something into her laptop. She looked up and glanced at me, a frightened look on her face. “I’m sorry, sir but the best room with the beautiful view is booked already. Do you…” she tried to say before I interrupted her. “Are you denying my request?” I narrowed my eyes a
ALANNA.I stared at the two pink lines on the pregnancy test strip I had and purchased from the store myself. This was the fifth one I was trying on myself and the results were the same thing.I was pregnant.As in, I was going to be a mother.My back hit the wall as I struggled to hold back my sob. I couldn't be pregnant. I couldn't have a child in this condition. I was practically living like a slave in this house, married to this man I was secretly in love with and hoping that he would at least love me back. Even if it was for a day.Yes, I was that desperate to make him love me. To love me the way I loved him because all I'd ever gotten from him back in return for my love toward him was nothing but attitude and hatred. My husband hates me.I stared at the pink lines again and started crying even more. Abortion shouldn't even cross my mind. I could lose my life in the process and I wasn't about to put myself through that. But at the same time, having a baby in a house where no one