Chapter 10 – Ashes In The Fire Noelle’s POV Curled up on the couch with a warm mug of tea in my hands, I listened as the TV news crackled through the quiet room. “Breaking news: Fashion designer Jocelyn Nichols faces intense scrutiny amid allegations of plagiarizing the work of an anonymous creator.” A smirk … Read more
Chapter 9 – A Name of Her Own Noelle’s POV By the time I stepped back into the house, the sun had long dipped below the horizon, painting the world in deep hues of night. Inside, the foyer glowed with soft amber light–warm, inviting. But it couldn’t melt the ice that had settled deep in … Read more
Chapter 8 – Return of the Enemy Noelle’s POV The next morning, I stood before a full–length mirror, smoothing the fabric of the soft gray dress the maid had laid out. I wasn’t entirely sure what image I wanted to present at Vernon’s company–but one thing was certain: I refused to look like a woman … Read more
Chapter 7 – Mrs. Walters + 5 Points Chapter 7 – Mrs. Walters Noelle’s POV A soft knock stirred me from sleep, followed by the muted shuffle of footsteps. Two maids entered with polite smiles and a practiced grace. “Good morning, ma’am,” one greeted, dipping into a small curtsey. “Sir Vernon asked us to help … Read more
Chapter 6 – His Uncle “Welcome to Washington, D.C., Mistress.” A faint smile curved my lips as the guard assisted me off the private jet. I inhaled deeply–the air here tasted like liberation. “Mon Amore, I’ve waited four years. Don’t tell me you’re here just to toy with me.” I couldn’t help the soft laugh … Read more
Chapter 5 Noelle’s POV “Noelle, it’s time!” Jocelyn’s voice rang from below. peeked down the stairs. “I don’t want to make you late. I’ll catch up.” They hesitated–reluctant to leave me unsupervised. “She’ll take a cab,” my father said sharply. Jocelyn smiled sweetly. “I’ll be waiting, Noelle.” Once they left, I exhaled. Then I gathered … Read more
Chapter 4 Noelle’s POV I dragged myself out of the bathroom, limbs trembling as I clawed across the frigid tiles, smearing blood behind me. My throat was scorched from screaming, yet I still cried out. “Please… someone–help…” My vision warped, the hallway spinning into a blur while searing pain clawed through my abdomen. Hot. Sticky. … Read more
Chapter 3 Noelle’s POV The sharp, sterile scent of antiseptic was the first thing that hit me when I came to. I groaned softly, blinking against the glaring white of the hospital ceiling. Pain flared as I sat up–my ribs throbbed, a cruel reminder of the cane that had cracked them. The door creaked open, … Read more
Chapter 2 Noelle’s POV “What exactly are you trying to get me to sign, Noelle?” Christopher’s voice sliced through the quiet like a blade. My fingers froze around the phone, still warm from the just–ended call. I hung up quickly. “I asked you a question,” he repeated, stepping forward, menace in his tone. Gripping the … Read more
Chapter 1 + 5 Points Not my father. Not my husband. And when I stumbled back home, bloodied and barely holding myself together, all they gave me was a cold, mocking laugh. But today… I found something worse. A photograph. Christopher and Jocelyn, hand in hand on the courthouse steps. Between them, an ultrasound in … Read more