Logan's POV.As I slowly opened my eyes, the harsh, sterile lights of the hospital room greeted me. Disoriented and weak, I blinked several times until the blurry figures around me came into focus. There was Mia, her eyes filled with worry and relief, and my family standing by her side, their faces etched with concern."Mia..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.Her eyes lit up with tears of joy as she took my hand in hers. "Thank goodness you're awake," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.My family wore expressions of both happiness and concern. My mother's eyes were red from crying, while my father's stern facade tried to hide his fear. It was then that I knew I had to be honest with them about how I felt."I can't go through with the marriage," I admitted, my voice stronger now. "I love Mia, and I can't marry someone else."My father's face turned stern, and he scolded me, "You're being impractical! You have responsibilities, and this is no time for childish whims!"Befo
Ryder's POV.The club was alive with energy as the weekend reached its peak. The neon lights danced across the crowded dance floor, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the revelers. The pulsating music thumped in my chest, creating an electric atmosphere that fueled the excitement in the air. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat, mingling with the overpowering aroma of perfume and cologne.Sitting at a reserved booth in a dimly lit corner, I was joined by my close friend, Alex. He exuded impatience, his foot tapping restlessly against the floor as he scanned the entrance of the club. We were regulars at this place, but tonight, our excitement was tinged with a hint of unease. We were waiting for Logan, our once dependable comrade, who seemed to have changed since his marriage to Mia."Ryder, when is Logan coming?" Alex asked, his voice edged with irritation.I understood his frustration; Logan used to be the first one to arrive, always ready to embrace the nightlife.
*Bella*"No! Leave me!" I shouted, my voice trembling as the boys cornered me on the sofa, their hands all over me.I regretted coming to this house party. At first, it had seemed fun—a chance to loosen up. I’d had my first drink and danced like I didn’t have a care in the world. But then, everything went downhill. My head started spinning, and I felt myself losing control. Before I knew it, some boys dragged me upstairs, locking me in a room with them as they tried to force themselves on me.“No!” I yelled, shoving one of them as he leaned in, his face so close it made me panic. My vision blurred, a mix of alcohol, tears, and fear, making it hard to see their faces clearly.Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud crash. One by one, the boys were yanked away from me. Through my haze, I saw Ryder’s face, filled with worry, as he called my name in an anxious voice.Relief washed over me, and I let myself go, closing my eyes and collapsing into his arms, knowing I was safe now—safe with
*Ryder*I froze the moment her soft, pink lips brushed against mine, every fiber of my being screaming to take over and kiss her deeply. “Bella, what are you doing?” I gasped, still in shock. Her sweet, fruity breath mixed with hints of vodka and gin stirred my senses, leaving me intoxicated by her kiss alone.“I want you, Ryder,” she whispered, looking up at me through hooded eyes. It hit me then—she was still drunk, not in her right mind.“Baby girl, you’re not thinking clearly,” I said gently, forcing myself to stay calm. “Sleep for a while, and you’ll feel better.”Carefully, I peeled her arms from around my neck and straightened up, but before I could step away, she caught my hand.“It feels so hot everywhere. Please… touch me,” she pleaded, trying to pull me closer again.Confused, I glanced at her flushed face, noticing the way she writhed on my bed, her parted lips releasing soft, sensual moans. It sent a jolt through me—a potent mix of desire and alarm. My mind raced, trying
*Bella*The next morning, I stirred awake, a strange heaviness keeping me from moving. It took a moment to realize I was wrapped tightly in a pair of powerful, muscular arms. My heart skipped a beat as the events of last night came rushing back, painting my cheeks with a deep blush of embarrassment.Oh, God. I couldn’t believe it. How could I have been so desperate, practically begging Ryder Knight to take me in his bed? And the worst part? He had granted my wish, just like he always did—fulfilling every little thing I ever asked of him.But this wasn’t like before. This wasn’t some innocent request he could shrug off. The thought of what had happened—and how I had behaved—sent a wave of mortification crashing over me.How was I supposed to feel about him now? How could I face him? Most of all, what was he thinking about me? Did he see me as just another desperate girl throwing herself at him, like so many others had?The idea alone was unbearable, making me want to disappear. If only
*Bella*“Are you going to the Knights this weekend?” my mom asked over the phone.I bit my lip, still conflicted about whether or not to go. I couldn’t face Ryder after that night, and I had been avoiding him ever since. I hadn’t replied to his texts or calls. But then, last night, Mrs. Knight—Ryder’s mom—called and insisted I come, just like usual. I tried to dodge it and make an excuse, but she wasn’t having it.“Umm… yes, Mom. I’ll go to the Knights and spend the weekend with them,” I replied in a low voice, as if I was afraid to even hear myself say it. I was still unsure how I would behave around Ryder. What if his family sensed something unusual between us? Oh, God. That would be so embarrassing.“Bella, I’m warning you again to stay away from those rich people,” Mom said in a stern tone. I braced myself, knowing exactly what was coming. She never liked the Knights and always had something against them being so rich and powerful.“They’re not trustworthy,” she continued. “They’r
I bit my lip, my cheeks flushing an even deeper shade, as I heard the groans from my friends and caught the envious stares of the girls around us the moment Ryder pressed his lips to my cheek.I swear my jaw nearly hit the ground. Oh God. Ryder Knight—the Ryder Knight, the most eligible bachelor—was kissing me in front of the entire college.Fuck. My brain short-circuited as I realized what this meant. Now, I’d undoubtedly land on the envy list of every girl on campus.This had never happened before. Ryder never displayed PDA, not even with his girlfriends.“How was your day, kiddo?” he asked, pulling back slightly but keeping one arm draped casually over my shoulder.Kiddo?! Seriously?! “I’m eighteen now, Ryder. Not a kid anymore,” I replied, rolling my eyes in annoyance.“Who knows it better than me, baby girl?” he said, his teasing tone laced with mischief. He flicked my nose with his finger, his eyes gleaming with that familiar mischievous spark.I felt my cheeks flush as I unders
After a few minutes of driving, we arrived at the familiar sight of the Knight family mansion. The house was grand, with a stunning garden that contrasted against the sleek, modern interiors. As we pulled up to the entrance, I saw Ryder's parents waiting in the living area. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth and belonging every time I visited.When we stepped out of the car, Mrs. Savannah Knight—Ryder’s mother—was the first to approach me. Her smile was genuine, and she enveloped me in a tight hug. "Hey sweetheart, it's been a while since we last saw you," she said warmly.I grinned as I hugged her back, feeling a rush of comfort in her embrace. "Yeah, Mrs. Knight, I've been busy with my assignments. But I missed you all," I replied, my smile widening. It was true—I really had missed them. They were more like family to me than just friends of my parents. Ryder’s family had always made me feel welcome, and that meant a lot to me.After I pulled away from Mrs. Knight, I noticed
Ryder's POV.The club was alive with energy as the weekend reached its peak. The neon lights danced across the crowded dance floor, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the revelers. The pulsating music thumped in my chest, creating an electric atmosphere that fueled the excitement in the air. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat, mingling with the overpowering aroma of perfume and cologne.Sitting at a reserved booth in a dimly lit corner, I was joined by my close friend, Alex. He exuded impatience, his foot tapping restlessly against the floor as he scanned the entrance of the club. We were regulars at this place, but tonight, our excitement was tinged with a hint of unease. We were waiting for Logan, our once dependable comrade, who seemed to have changed since his marriage to Mia."Ryder, when is Logan coming?" Alex asked, his voice edged with irritation.I understood his frustration; Logan used to be the first one to arrive, always ready to embrace the nightlife.
Logan's POV.As I slowly opened my eyes, the harsh, sterile lights of the hospital room greeted me. Disoriented and weak, I blinked several times until the blurry figures around me came into focus. There was Mia, her eyes filled with worry and relief, and my family standing by her side, their faces etched with concern."Mia..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.Her eyes lit up with tears of joy as she took my hand in hers. "Thank goodness you're awake," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.My family wore expressions of both happiness and concern. My mother's eyes were red from crying, while my father's stern facade tried to hide his fear. It was then that I knew I had to be honest with them about how I felt."I can't go through with the marriage," I admitted, my voice stronger now. "I love Mia, and I can't marry someone else."My father's face turned stern, and he scolded me, "You're being impractical! You have responsibilities, and this is no time for childish whims!"Befo
Logan's POV.Amidst the busy preparations for my upcoming wedding, I couldn't shake off the lingering unease in my heart. Mia's sudden resignation from my company had left me bewildered and bruised my ego. I had made it clear to her that our relationship would remain strictly professional, yet she chose to leave."Why does it bother me so much?" I wondered aloud as I paced in my luxurious penthouse.Alex, who had been helping me with the wedding arrangements, noticed my distress."Hey, man, what's bothering you? You should be on cloud nine with your marriage just around the corner," Alex said, concern evident in his voice."I don't know, Alex. It's just that Mia's resignation hit me harder than I expected," I admitted with a sigh. "Even though I told myself I didn't care about her rejecting me, there's this nagging feeling inside me.""Why do you bother? It is not like you feel something for her, do you?" Alex inquired. "Remember, you have a stunning fiancée, a glamorous wedding ahead
Alex's POV.We all gathered at Ryder's wedding, witnessing the heartfelt exchange of vows between Ryder and Bella. Their hurried marriage brought back memories of my own wedding day, where I had first laid eyes on Sarah. But after she left, things took a painful turn. I tried countless times to meet her, to explain myself, but she refused to hear me out. Her parents, adamant in their disapproval, forbade me from entering their home. It was absurd - I was her husband, not some boyfriend they could simply cast aside. I pleaded with them, insisting that I had changed, that I wanted to be with her, but they turned a deaf ear.Unbeknownst to me, Ryder had invited Sarah to the wedding as well. My heart filled with both hope and trepidation, praying that she would show up so I could finally talk to her. And then, there she was, entering the venue in a stunning peach-colored gown. Something about her appearance was different, and it left me bewildered. Her face was radiant, and I couldn't hel
I gave myself a gentle slap on the head to snap back to reality as Ryder approached. My father released my hand as Ryder stepped forward, and he kindly helped me up onto the small platform where he stood. He leaned in to plant a sweet kiss on my cheek."You look absolutely stunning," he whispered in my ear, his eyes traversing down my form before locking onto mine once more, filled with adoration.The wedding officiant, a tall and amiable man, commenced the ceremony. As he gracefully greeted everyone and eloquently explained the significance of this union, I couldn't help but steal glances at Ryder, wanting to savor every detail of his appearance.He stood there, a picture of confidence and poise. His eyes gleamed with joy and adoration, reflecting the love that bound us together. Clad in an impeccably tailored black suit that hugged his form exquisitely, he looked every bit the dashing groom. His short, dark hair was slicked back to perfection, accentuating his handsome features. He
Bella's POV.The sound of my phone jolted me awake from my slumber, disturbing the peaceful moment I had been sharing with Ryder. Gently, I disentangled myself from his embrace, aware that I was still unclothed, and hurriedly pulled the sheet to cover myself before answering the call."Mum!" I greeted cheerfully, my heart still elated from Ryder's heartfelt confession of love."Bella, what is going on?" Her voice carried a tone of anger.Confused by her question, I asked, "What do you mean, mum?""You and Ryder are all over the news, and your father is furious," she complained.My mind raced, trying to comprehend the situation. "What? I don't understand, mum. What's happening?""Where are you right now, Bella?" Her concern was evident."I am... I am..." I hesitated, unable to come up with a lie."Are you with Ryder?" She guessed, and I fell silent, confirming her suspicion."Why did you do this, Bella?" Her disappointment in me was palpable.Suddenly, the phone was snatched from my ha
Ryder's POV.My futile attempts to incite jealousy in Bella by meeting other girls left me feeling disheartened. No matter who I interacted with, she remained composed and collected, as if her emotions were impervious to my antics. Undeterred, I had to switch to plan B.I smirked as I thought about it because it was foolproof, and Ryder never failed to get what he wanted."Bella, I have planned a vacation for us," I called her while she was in school.I smiled as I could imagine her eyes widened in surprise."What? No, Ryder, I can't go on vacation, and, most of all, I have some assignments to complete," she replied, her voice tinged with reluctance."Come on, Bella. Mum is persistent about my marriage, so it will be our last vacation together. I am sending my secretary. Give her your passport. We are going to Switzerland for a week. Just me and you. I want to spend some time with you alone," I insisted, hoping she would agree."Abroad trip? You will get clicked by the media, and I do
I could feel anger and frustration bubbling up inside me. "Do you really not care if my mother wants me to marry a girl of her choice? It doesn't bother you," I asked, my voice trembling with suppressed anger.Her response shocked me, as she remained calm and matter-of-fact. "Why should it bother me? We are not committed. We are not in a relationship. You should get married, and your family wants it too," she stated, causing my frustration to escalate.Feeling a mix of desperation and vulnerability, I couldn't hold back any longer. "Bella, I want to settle down with you," I confessed shamelessly, my heart laid bare before her. I knew she might not fully understand, given her age, but I had to take the chance. I was willing to set aside my pride and beg her to marry me.Her response was not what I had hoped for, and it hit me like a heavy blow. "Are you mad? Ryder, I am still in school. I want to complete my studies. I want to make my career first. I can't think about settling down in
Ryder's POV.At 9:00 a.m. on a lazy Sunday morning, my peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted by the incessant ringing of my phone. I groggily reached for it, wondering who could possibly be disturbing me at this ungodly hour. To my delight, Bella stirred in my arms, her tiny meows adding a touch of charm to the waking chaos.I carefully placed Bella on the pillow, ensuring her continued comfort, before reluctantly sitting up to answer the call. The screen displayed my mother's face, which meant it was likely to be something important. I swiped the answer button and, slipping my feet into slippers, made my way to the balcony, hoping to maintain some tranquility around Bella's sleeping form."Hey mum! What's up? Why did you have to call so early on a Sunday morning?" I questioned, attempting to sound both concerned and slightly annoyed."Ryder, I've sent some pictures of the daughters from reputable families to your number. Take a look and choose one of them. I'll set up a date for