Amelie's heart raced as she heard Gerard's voice and recognized the familiar scent of the perfume she had once gifted him on his birthday. Her initial shock quickly turned into a tumultuous blend of anger, confusion, and resentment. What did he want from her now? She despised him for what he had done to her, for the pain he had caused. In her eyes, he had become nothing more than a wealthy Casanova, willing to pay for the pleasures of the flesh.But she had decided to go through with this meeting, not out of desire, but as a way to assert control over a man who had hurt her deeply. In an audacious move, Amelie turned around and maneuvered her hands from Gerard's hips, moving upward until she reached his groin. With an unwavering resolve, she squeezed, causing Gerard to gasp and moan in both surprise and desire.Caught off guard, Gerard grappled with his emotions, torn between stopping her and indulging in this forbidden moment with his long-lost Ivy. Conflicting thoughts raced through

Gerard's grip on Amelie's shoulder remained firm as he sought answers, his concern unwavering. His persistence made Ivy push him away, her voice laced with irritation, "Let go of me, what more do you want again?""I don't want anything, Mrs. Amelie," Gerard replied softly. "I just want to make sure you're fine before you leave for your home."Amelie's response dripped with sarcasm, "It's not as if you cared. Anyway, I'm fine. Just let me leave."Gerard was undeterred by her attitude and continued his inquiry, mentioning the maid's words about helping with her bruises. Amelie fell silent, unsure of how to explain.Gerard urged her to answer, holding her once more, and inadvertently touching a bruised spot on her body. Amelie winced in pain and cried out, "Ouch! You're hurting me!"He immediately released her, his remorse evident in his voice, "I was right after all. You're hurt. Did I hurt you last night? I'm really sorry if I did."Amelie remained silent, her thoughts clouded with the

Amelie lay on her bed, her voice trembling as she answered Ella's call."Hello," she said."Ella," she continued, "I'm not doing well. I need to talk."Ella, on the other end of the line, listened intently, offering her a shoulder to lean on."Amelie," Ella's voice was filled with concern. "What's going on? You sound so distressed. Are you okay?"Amelie hesitated for a moment. She wanted to tell Ella everything, to share her pain, but the fear of the Senator's wrath held her back. Instead, she decided to confide in her friend about something less revealing."I'm just going through a tough time," Amelie said, her voice quivering. "It's nothing major, really."Ella's voice was warm and reassuring. "You don't have to hide anything from me, Amelie. I'm here for you, no matter what. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be right by your side."Tears welled up in Amelie's eyes as she realized how lucky she was to have a friend like Ella. She knew she couldn't share the darkest aspects o

Under the dimly lit ambiance of the 5th Avenue restaurant and pub, a quiet tension filled the air. The clock struck twelve, marking the appointed hour for the rendezvous. Nathan Quinn, an imposing figure in a luxury suit, sat poised at a table, his unease thinly veiled beneath a mask of composure. He had chosen the finest suit for this particular meeting with Senator Morgan, well aware of the importance of first impressions. While he waited restlessly for the arrival of the Senator, a waiter approached, balancing a glass of wine on his tray with practiced precision. The waiter had heard stories about Nathan, known as the Cunning Fox of Esmea, and was determined not to make any errors that might risk his employment. The 5th Avenue restaurant and pub was owned by Nathan. One that he gained from a business partnership. He hardly visited the pub as it wasn't part of his priorities. But the little time he got to be there, he uses it to test his employees.The wine glass was placed in fro

The large, imposing man couldn't endure the woman's incessant talk any longer. His frustration reached a boiling point, and he strode purposefully toward her. As he drew nearer, the room seemed to tighten with tension, and the woman fell silent the moment she saw him. Her lips clamped shut, and her eyes widened in fear. She watched with a mix of dread and anxiety as the man approached. He gripped her chin with a vice-like hold, his fingers strong and unyielding. In his other hand, he brandished a menacing pistol, the cold barrel pressed against her trembling cheek."Enough, you old woman," he growled, annoyance lacing his voice, as the firearm bore down upon her.The woman, gripped by fear, ceased her struggles and her voice fell silent. Tears welled up in her eyes, her gaze locked onto the gun's cold metal. She dared not move, frozen by the impending doom."Consider yourself lucky that you still draw breath," he continued, his voice oozing intimidation. "Your daughter is safe as wel