As the car rolled down the long, winding driveway, my grip on my bag tightened. My gaze darted out the window, taking in every detail of this place that felt both familiar and utterly foreign. I couldn't help but admire the grand estate, especially the mansion. The house stood tall with large windows. Its exterior was constructed from light-colored stone, giving it a stately and classic appearance. While the front yard was expansive, stretching out in a well-manicured lawn dotted with flower beds bursting with color. Majestic oak trees lined the driveway. The far end of the property revealed a glimpse of the family’s large land.I'd been here once before, last year, yet stepping out of the car today felt like a debut all over again. Butterflies danced in my stomach. Throughout the entire flight in Regan's private jet, his attention glued to his laptop screen. It was as if I were invisible, a mere passenger on a journey I wasn't a part of.The car finally came to a halt in front of

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains. A wave of disorientation washed over me as I blinked them open, the room unfamiliar for a moment. It took a sluggish mental count to register the time – 3 pm. “Had I really slept that late?” The exhaustion must have been deeper than I realized.Sitting up slowly, I scanned the room, my gaze landing on a tray perched on the bedside table. A steaming cup of tea sat beside a plate piled high with colorful pastries. A small, folded note beside the tray. Reaching for it, I unfolded the paper, my mother-in-law’s familiar handwriting filling the page.Eat this, honey. I didn’t wake you up because you looked so tired. - Love, Caroline.I picked up a pastry, the flaky crust giving way to a satisfying crunch. The filling, a sweet blend of fruit and spices, danced on my tongue. I took a sip of the tea, loosening the stiffness in my muscles. I made a quick trip to the bathroom for a splash of water and a swipe of lipstick. Deciding it's ti

I stood with my mother-in-law, Caroline, and other relatives as we watched the men gather around the stables, each stall housing magnificent horses with coats gleaming in the sunlight. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement, everyone chatting and laughing."Isn't this lovely?" Caroline said, her eyes sparkling with joy."It certainly is," I agreed, a smile gracing my lips as I watched Regan emerge from the stable, a vision of equestrian grace.He wore riding breeches that hugged his toned legs, a crisp white polo shirt with the collar popped, and a tweed hacking jacket. A pair of polished riding boots completed the picture. He moved with a quiet confidence, a natural at home in the saddle. As he mounted his horse, a powerful black stallion, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride."Who usually wins these races?" I asked, turning to Caroline."Oh, Regan often takes the prize," Caroline replied, beaming. "He's been riding sinc

Inside, the dining room buzzed with conversation. A long table stretched down the center of the room, groaning under the weight of a feast. Platters heaped with roasted meats, glistening vegetables, and golden-brown bread filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma. I found my seat amongst Regan's family on the right side of the table.As the clinking of silverware and polite chatter filled the room, the conversation inevitably shifted towards us. My mother-in-law, her face creased with a wide grin, leaned towards me."So, Anastasia, when are you two lovebirds going to give us a little grandchild to spoil?"A blush crept up my cheeks, warming my face like a summer sun. I stole a glance at Regan, but his attention remained fixed on his plate, his expression unreadable."We're working on it," I replied with a shy smile, "Hopefully it won't be too much longer."My words were met with a chorus of delighted gasps and excited chatter."Oh, that's wo

The cool evening air kissed our wet skin as we found ourselves emerging from the lake, our clothes clinging to us. The moonlight filtered through the trees as the sounds of the forest surrounded us. Suddenly, Regan caught my waist, and I squealed as he pushed me back against a tree. My hands landed on his shoulders as if I were going to push him off, but I didn't.“Regan,” I breathed, my heart pounding.“Hmm?” he murmured; his lips dangerously close to mine.Before I could say anything else, he leaned forward and kissed me. My heart leaped, my skin tingled, and my traitorous body gave in to his demand. I was supposed to be angry at him. I was supposed to be shoving him off and telling him to stay away from me. Telling him I hate him. But instead, I found myself pulling him closer, my hands fisting in the material of his shirt, my lips parting to admit his tongue.A groan of desire escaped him, the heat of his kiss lighting me up from within. I gave up any thoughts of pushing him away.