Chapter 9% “It’s not pity,” I said softly, leaning into Terrence’s shoulder. “I just don’t want to become like them.“2 Two months later, the peaceful afternoon air at the D’Angelo family’s summer estate was shattered by the sudden thunder of helicopter blades. The sound tore across the sky like a warning. Moments later, the chopper … Read more
“Desmond,” Terrence’s voice cut in low and sharp like a drawn blade. “Why are you harassing my wife?” Desmond just stood there, stunned.§ His mouth opened like he wanted to speak, but no words came out. “You… your legs…” Terrence didn’t bother answering. He walked over, calm and composed, and slid his arm around my … Read more
completely.“> Sunlight poured into the dining room, and the smile on Terrence’s face outshone the morning rays. Right then, I knew that he’d never need that mask again. After Terrence recovered, the whole D’Angelo family lit up with joy. But his change wasn’t just physical. It touched everything about him.” He treated me like … Read more
Desmond froze, like someone had just poured ice water down his spine. “What?” His voice cracked. “No. No, that’s not right. I’m supposed to be the groom!“} He turned to me, his voice softening into a pleading who like he thought charm could still work. “Cassie… Are you still mad? Stop making it hard for … Read more
I carefully set the lipstick down, letting my fingertips tap a soft rhythm along the edge of the vanity. On the other end of the line, Desmond spoke like he was offering me a favor, not a threat. “How about this?” he said. “Transfer fifty percent of your shares to Gwen as a gift for … Read more
“Dad, don’t work yourself up,” I said, wiping sweat from my brow. “I’ve got my way of handling them. But first, we need to deal with the snakes already inside our walls.”}} One week before the wedding, I went to the cemetery alone.}] The sky hung low, an overcast sheet of gray, and the air … Read more
A soft, rusty creak announced the wheelchair’s turn, the prelude to his leaving.” “Wait!” I rushed forward, stepping in front of him. He stopped short. His head turned sharply to the side, as if he didn’t want me to see his expression.” “I meant what I said,” I told him, steady. I met his eyes … Read more
I suddenly yanked my hand out of Desmond’s grip and let out a sharp, loud laugh. “God, Desmond. Do you really think that highly of yourself?” I looked him square in the eyes, not blinking. “The name I picked… wasn’t yours.” For a split second, something flickered in Gwen’s eyes–there and gone before she masked … Read more
In my family, there’s a tradition we have to follow. The next heir must have a child with the strongest and most attractive man available. Sounds noble, maybe even romantic, but it’s more like The Bachelor meets a corporate blood pact. In my last life, I pulled Desmond Caldwell’s name from the heirloom box of … Read more